JAMESChapter 01:01-08

PATIENCE IN TRIALS

I. INTRODUCTION

A. This morning the book of James.

1. In the Gospels we hear of Peter, James and John.

2. Matthew 4:21a) James, the son of Zebedee.

3. Matthew 10:2-4 Mark 2:14

a) Second James - son of Alphaeus!

4. Matthew 13:54-56 a) The brother of Jesus.

(1) Which one wrote the book of James?

B. Commonly accepted that the writer is brother of Jesus!

1. Makes his introduction rich and meaningful.

II. JAMES 1:1

A. Introduces himself as a “bondservant”!

1. If you were kin to the president how would you introduce yourself? 2. They “knew” a friend, of a friend, of a friend of some rock star!

a) To James no greater honor than to be a “bondservant” of

God! (1) Wish that were

true for most Christians?

B. Letter written to the twelve tribes.

1. Not necessarily restricted to believers only. 2. Many of the 12 tribes were “scattered abroad”.

a) Many scattered because of persecution. (1) James directing this at his brethren.

III. JAMES 1:2

A. Easier said than done?

1. Joy is not my first emotional response.

a) James said “various trail(S)!

b) Gives reasons why the Lord allows those trials.

IV. JAMES 1:3

A. Patience a good thing.

1. Patience one of your strong suits?

2. Galatians 5:22-23a) Patience - bi-products

of the spirit-controlled life

b) We should be growing in the area of

patience.

V. JAMES 1:4

A. “Perfect” a difficult word for us?

1. NO ONE perfect except for the Lord! 2. Here it = completeness

a) Be complete lacking nothing in this area.

b) Ask the Lord for a stronger back! (1) James anticipated

our next question, “How do I do that?”

VI. JAMES 1:5-8

A. Answer in verse 8?

1. The Lord will give us what we need if we

ask.a) James 4:2-3 b) Encouraging us to

ask for patience to endure? The right motive.

2. Do not mistake verses 6 and 7 as “mind power”.

a) Back to verse 4.

(1) “Perfect work” of patience =

believing in our Perfect Savior!

VII. CONCLUSION

A. James has a lot more to say, to much in this

teaching.

1. Let’s summarize:a) Many trials in life.b) Count them ALL – as

joy.c) Trials “test our faith”. (1) Get use to this word “test”!d) “Testing of our faith” –

produce patience!

e) Ask the Lord to give us wisdom we need.f) STAND IN FAITH BELIEVING the Lord will

do as He has promised!

g) We will become “stable” Christians!