The Book of James: Handling Life’s Problems
James 1:2-6 Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, 3 because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. 4 Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. 5 If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you. 6 But when you ask, you must believe and not doubt, because the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. (NIV)
FOUR REALITIES OF LIFE YOU NEED TO UNDERSTAND
1. You will face problems.
James 1:2b “…whenever you face trials of many kinds.” (NIV)
John 16:33 “In this world you will have trouble.” (NIV)
1 Peter 4:12 Dear friends, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal that has come on you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. (NIV)
2. Problems show up unexpectedly.
James 1:2b “…whenever you face trials of many kinds.” (NIV)
3. Problems come in all shapes and sizes.
James 1:2b “…whenever you face trials of many kinds.” (NIV)
4. God uses problems for a purpose.
James 1:3-4 …because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. 4 Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. (NIV)
THREE PURPOSES OF PROBLEMS
1. Problems grow my faith.
James 1:3 “because you know that the testing of your faith…” (NIV)
Job 23:10b And when he tests me, I will come out as pure as gold. (NLT)
2. Problems build my endurance.
James 1:3 …the testing of your faith produces perseverance. (NIV)
3. Problems shape my character.
James 1:3-4 “…the testing of your faith produces perseverance. 4 Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.” (NIV)
- God is working to develop the character of Jesus in you.
John 17:17 “Sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth.” (NIV)
Romans 8:28-29 And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them. 29 For God knew his people in advance, and he chose them to become like his Son. (NLT)
HOW DO I HANDLE MY PROBLEMS?
1. Choose joy
James 1:2 Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds. (NIV)
1 Thessalonians 5:18 Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus. (NLT)
Psalm 34:1 I will praise the Lord at all times. I will constantly speak his praises. (NLT)
2. Ask God for wisdom
James 1:5 If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you. (NIV)
3. Trust God completely
James 1:6 But when you ask, you must believe and not doubt, because the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. (NIV)
James 1:12 Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him. (NIV)