Sermon Recap — January 8, 2023

Count It All Joy

Jeremy Bell
James 1:1-4
January 8, 2023
Sermon Recap PDF

James 1:1–4 [1] James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, To the twelve tribes in the Dispersion: Greetings. [2] Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, [3] for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. [4] And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing. (ESV)

I. Trials test the genuineness of our faith

“Trials come to prove us and improve us.” — Augustine

In this you rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials, so that the tested genuineness of your faith—more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire—may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ. — 1 Peter 1:6-7

“Let no one say when he is tempted, ‘I am being tempted by God,’ for God cannot be tempted with evil, and He Himself tempts no one.” — James 1:13

II. Trials produce steadfastness, which matures and grows our faith

“In seasons of severe trial, the Christian has nothing on earth that he can trust to, and is therefore compelled to cast himself on God alone. When no human deliverance can avail, he must simply and entirely trust himself to the providence and care of God. Happy [is the] storm that wrecks a man on such a Rock as this.” — CH Spurgeon

III. Count it all joy

When peace like a river attendeth my way
When sorrows like sea billows roll
Whatever my lot, Thou hast taught me to say
It is well, it is well with my soul

Though Satan should buffet, though trials should come
Let this blest assurance control
That Christ has regarded my helpless estate
And has shed His own blood for my soul

My sin, oh the bliss of this glorious thought
My sin, not in part, but the whole
Is nailed to the cross, and I bear it no more
Praise the Lord, praise the Lord, O my soul!

Horatio Spafford

Questions for Discussion/Application

• Re-read the text, James 1:1-4. What initial insights and observations do you have from reading this passage?
• What does it mean to “Count it all joy, when you meet trials of various kinds (verse 2)”? Practically, when painful trials befall us, how do we “count it all joy”?
• James says, “the testing of your faith produces steadfastness”? How can this truth help us to “consider it joy” when we encounter trials?
• While final perfection awaits eternity, verse 4 teaches that maturity is the result of steadfastness/endurance (NAS) under trial. What is the connection between growing in endurance as a believer and becoming more mature ?
• How does this passage encourage you in trials you are currently facing?
• Consider taking time to pray, asking God to help us to “count it all joy” when we “meet trials of various kinds.”