Steadfast Under Trial

Jeremy Bell
James 1:9-18
January 22, 2023
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I. Joy is not found in your economic position, but in Christ  (verses 9-11)

“For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though He was rich, yet for your sake He became poor, so that you by His poverty might become rich.” — 2 Corinthians 8:9

“You cannot serve God and money.” — Matthew 6:24

“The one, against whom life’s tides seem to be running, and who is lowly as this world reckons things, seeks to live in a sustained awareness of the heights to which he has been lifted in Christ. The other, with his rich supply of this world’s goods, looks rather to the depths from which Christ has rescued him, where, but for the grace of God, he would still languish, and to which, in his own heart, he is still prone.” — JA Motyer

II. The Lord rewards those who keep on loving Him, and always gives what is good  (verses 12-17)

“The goodness of God is infinitely more wonderful than we will ever be able to comprehend.” — AW Tozer

“If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask Him!” — Matthew 7:11

“God is light and in Him is no darkness at all.” — 1 John 1:5

“Be killing sin or sin will be killing you!” — John Owen

“For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” — Romans 6:23

III. God’s gospel continues to expand His glorious kingdom (verse 18)!

Questions for Discussion/Application

• Re-read the text, James 1:9-18. What initial insights and observations do you have from reading this passage?
• In what ways can we be tempted to find our joy and security in money and the things money can buy?
• What are some ways we can intentionally seek to grow in our joy in Christ?
• What does it look like practically for us to “remain steadfast under trial (verse 12)”?
• What trials might you be going through right now where you realize you need to “remain steadfast”? How can we as a group pray for you?
• Re-read verses 14-15. In these verses James describes how we move from temptation to sin. How can this knowledge and awareness help us in our battle with the flesh/remaining sin?
• Re-read verses 16. What is this verse saying? How does the unchanging character of God encourage you?
• Consider taking time to pray that God would help us all to remain steadfast under trial and find our joy in Him in the midst of difficulties we may be facing. Perhaps take time to pray specifically for anyone who is feeling their need in a particular way for God’s help to remain steadfast in the trials they are facing.