What To Do With Trouble!

James 1:1-8

Theme: God counsels and calls us to an insightful and faith-filled response to the trials and adversities of life.

Introduction:

It would likely be shocking to note how we react when various forms of testing come into our lives.  At times we complain bitterly against the misfortunes of life, but on a few occasions we rejoiced and thanked the Lord for them.  Perhaps we have advertised our trials before we thought to bear them quietly. On yet other occasions we attempt to live in the future, waiting for our circumstances to improve, and yet we should live in the present, seeking the face of God in all that comes to us.  We may even be able to recall indulging in self-pity seeking sympathy when we should have submerged ourselves in service for others. Yes, it is difficult to know what to do with trouble! 

James informs us that our trials can help us mature if we handle them God’s way.  There are two things God provides in this passage to help us cope with the various temptations we face: His counsel and wisdom. Both are found in His Word! So what should we do with trouble?

Lesson:

I.                  Rejoice Because Trials Help us Grow (Js. 1:2-4).

A.     Rejoice in the Opportunity to Grow (1:2).

                                                1.      Refuse to Complain.  All too often trials prompt groaning and complaints. This kind of response does not contribute to Christian maturity. It only makes matters worse by stunting our growth.

a.      Trials are not to be seen as tribulations but testings. A test is given to see if a student can pass, not pass out.

b.      James gave sound advice on how to score high on every test. One who brings the right attitude to the trial, who understands the advantage of the trial, and who knows where to obtain assistance in the trial will certainly end up on God’s honor roll.—The Bible Knowledge Commentary

                                                2.      Remember the usefulness of trials.  “Count it all joy” (James 1:2): “Count” means to “consider, deem, reckon, evaluate, or judge.”

a.      Therefore, the phrase does not describe a forced or flippant emotional reaction to trials (see 1 Pet. 1:3–6).

b.      But a seasoned judgment of the will and mind based on an understanding of the purpose of trials—spiritual enlargement. Out of this base of knowledge comes true rejoicing in anticipation of the glorious maturity the trial will produce.

                                                3.      Rejoice in the trials.

a.       Trials should be faced with an attitude of joy. Trials should not be seen as a punishment, a curse, or a calamity but something that must prompt rejoicing. Furthermore they should produce “pure joy” (lit., “all joy”; ie., joy that is full or unmixed), not just “some joy” coupled with much grief. —Walvoord, John

b.      When surrounded by these trials, one should respond with joy. Most people count it all joy when they escape trials. James said to count it all joy in the midst of trials (see 1 Peter 1:6, 8).

                                                4.      Rejoice for the trials. 

a.       Such trials clearly refer to external trials, or tests of stamina whereas later in this same chapter (James 1:13) the verb “tempted” is used to speak of inner temptations, or solicitations to sin.

b.      It is important to note that James does impress us to be joyous for the trials as well as in the trials. When we understand God will use even bad experiences to make us more mature, we can rejoice for the trials.

c.       James’ argument may seem logical, but it is still difficult to see how trials can be welcomed with an attitude of joy. Where does one turn for help to understand this paradox? Obviously we need divine wisdom and perspective.

B.     Respond to Trials with Insight (1:2).

                                                1.      Consider the various facets of temptation (2).

i.        The word “temptation” has a twofold meaning.

ii.      First it means to test in a good sense with the goal of confirming the believer in matters of righteousness (See Gen. 22:1; Deut. 8:2-3; Exod. 20:20).  This is God’s purpose in temptations.

a.      Second it means to test in a bad sense with the goal of corrupting one in matters of righteousness (See Gen. 3:1-6; Matt. 4:1).  This is Satan’s purpose in temptations.

b.      Consider these related passages on trials: 2 Corinthians 4:16–18; 2 Thessalonians 1:3, 4; Hebrews 12:2–13; 1 Peter 4:12–19; Revelation 2:3.

                                                2.      Consider the various facts about temptation (2).

i.        They are often sudden—“ye fall into”

a.      To “fall into” trials is much like the poor man “fell among thieves” (Luke 10:30).

b.      The phrase “fall into” does not suggest a stupid accident. It means to “encounter, come across.” A Christian certainly should not manufacture trials.

ii.      They are certain—James says when ye fall, not, if ye fall

a.      The Christian life is filled with problems. They come uninvited and unexpected. Sometimes they come singularly and sometimes in droves. They are inevitable. James reminds us that we can never get away from them.

b.      The question is, “What are we going to do about them?” There are several possible attitudes we can take toward these challenges and adversities of life.

                                                                                                                          i.      We can rebel against them (Heb. 12:5) by adopting a spirit of defiance, boasting that we will battle through to victory by our own power.

                                                                                                                        ii.      On the other hand, we can lose heart or give up under pressure (Heb. 12:5). This is nothing but fatalism. It leads to questioning even the Lord’s care for us.

                                                                                                                      iii.      Again, we can grumble and complain about our troubles. This is what Paul warns us against in 1 Corinthians 10:10.

                                                                                                                      iv.      Another option—we can indulge in self-pity, thinking of no one but ourselves, and trying to get sympathy from others.

                                                                                                                        v.      Or better, we can be disciplined and trained by the difficulties and perplexities of life (Heb. 12:11). We can say, in effect, “God has allowed this trial to come to me. He has some good purpose in it for me. I do not know what that purpose is, but I will try to find out. I want His purposes to be worked out in my life.”

c.       This is what James advocates: “My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into divers temptations.” Do not rebel! Do not faint! Rejoice! These problems are not enemies, bent on destroying you. They are friends which have come to aid you in the development of Christian character.

d.      God is trying to produce Christ-likeness in each of His children. This process necessarily involves suffering, frustration, and perplexity. The fruit of the Spirit cannot be produced when all is sunshine; there must be rain and dark clouds. Trials never seem pleasant; they seem very difficult and disagreeable. But afterwards they yield the peaceable fruit of righteousness to those who are trained by them (Heb. 12:11). How often we hear a Christian say, after passing through some great crisis, “It wasn’t easy to take, but I wouldn’t give up the experience for anything.” –MacDonald, William

iii.    They are sorted—“into divers [various] temptations.”

a.      “Divers” means “various, varicolored.” These may be financial, physical, spiritual, mental, and social trials.

b.      Troubles of many kinds were also referred to by Peter (1 Peter 1:6). “Ye are in heaviness through manifold temptations.”

c.       The adversities of life differ greatly; they are like variegated yarn that the weaver uses to make a beautiful rug. God arranges and mixes the colors and experiences of life. The final product is a beautiful thing for His glory.

d.      Years ago, my wife and I were active duty Air Force when we went on a temporary assignment to Turkey.  While there we visited a Turkish rug factor and watched the weavers as these women work on the looms. I noticed that the undersides of the rugs were not very beautiful: the patterns were obscure and the loose ends of yarn dangled. This reminded me of a statement from my pastor at that time, “Don’t judge the worker or the work by looking at the wrong side.” In the same way, we often look at the wrong side of life; only the Lord sees the finished pattern. Let’s not judge Him or His work from what we see today. His work is not finished yet!

iv.    Immature Christians want the “easy side” of God’s love which asks little of them and doesn’t test their faith. But James shows that it is the adversities of life which prove our faith. And it is our response to the enticements of the enemies of the soul which reveal the true foundation and integrity of our love for God. In chapter 1, James teaches that we can joyfully grow in the midst of trials and temptations if we understand the purpose, provisions, and potential of trials (1:1–12); refuse to fall prey to temptations (1:13–18); and listen and do the word of God (1:19–27).

C.     Recognize the Fruits of Trials (1:3-4).

Does persecution brings perfection? Writing to Jewish Christians who had fled persecution, James urged them to take a positive view of their trials, focusing on the character development those trials can produce—the various fruits of temptation (3). “Temptations” or trouble and trials (1:2) come to test our faith (1:3; see Gen 22:1; Ex 20:20; Deut 8:2-3). 

                                                1.      Proving—Trials prove our faith is genuine—“trying of your faith” (1:3). There is the aspect of proving. James speaks of the testing of our faith (1:3).

i.         He pictures faith as a precious metal which is being tried by the Assayer (God) to see if it is genuine. The metal is subjected to the fires of persecution, sickness, suffering, or sorrow. Without problems, we would never develop endurance.

ii.       Even men of the world realize that problems strengthen character. Charles Kettering, noted industrialist, once said, “Problems are the price of progress. Don’t bring me anything but problems. Good news weakens me.”—MacDonald, William

iii.      When God called Abraham to live by faith, He tested him in order to increase his faith. God always tests us to bring out the best; Satan tempts us to bring out the worst. The testing of our faith proves that we are truly born again. —Wiersbe, Warren

                                                2.      There is the aspect of approving—“trying of your faith.”

i.         It is the true part or approved portion of faith that produces perseverance. The testing refers more to “approval” than to “proving.” Faith is like gold; it stands in the test of fire. Without this approved standard of faith, trials would not yield perseverance. There would only be ashes. True faith, like pure gold, endures, no matter how hot the fire. —Walvoord, John

ii.       The word trying can be translated “approval.” Again, Peter helps us understand it better: “That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth” (1 Peter 1:7). A gold prospector brings his ore sample into the assayer’s office to be tested. The sample itself may not be worth more than a few dollars, but the approval—the official statement about the ore—is worth millions! It assures the prospector that he has a gold mine. God’s approval of our faith is precious, because it assures us that our faith is genuine. —The Bible Exposition Commentary

iii.    Trials work for the believer, not against us. Paul said, “And we know that all things work together for good” (Rom. 8:28); and, “For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory” (2 Cor. 4:17).

                                                3.      Patience—a tried faith produces perseverance.

i.         The meaning of patience transcends the idea of bearing affliction; it includes the idea of standing fast under pressure, with a staying power that turns adversities into opportunities.—Nelson Study Bible

ii.       What does God want to produce in our lives?

a.       True faith “worketh” or develops persevering patience or staying power (see Js. 1:12). Patience means steadfastness or endurance in the face of difficulties (Js. 5:11). In the Bible, patience is not a passive acceptance of circumstances. It is a courageous perseverance in the face of suffering and difficulty.

b.      Patience, endurance, and the ability to keep going when things are tough. “We glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience; and patience, experience; and experience, hope” (Rom. 5:3–4).

iii.      Immature people are characterized by impatient; mature people are patient and persistent. Impatience and unbelief usually go together, just as faith and patience do. “Be... followers of them who through faith and patience inherit the promises” (Heb. 6:12). “For ye have need of patience, that, after ye have done the will of God, ye might receive the promise” (Heb. 10:36). “He that believeth shall not make haste” (Isa. 28:16).

iv.     God wants to make us patient because that is the key to many other blessing. The little child who does not learn patience will not learn much of anything else.

a.       When the believer learns to wait on the Lord, then God can do great things for him. Abraham ran ahead of the Lord, married Hagar, and brought great sorrow into his home (Gen. 16). Moses ran ahead of God, murdered a man, and had to spend forty years with the sheep to learn patience (Ex. 2:11). Peter almost killed a man in his impatience (John 18:10–11).

b.      The only way the Lord can develop patience and character in our lives is through heavy weather experiences. Staying power cannot be attained by reading a book, listening to a sermon, or even praying a prayer. We must go through the difficulties of life, trust God, and obey Him. The result will be patience and character. Knowing this, we can face trials joyfully. We know what trials will do in us and for us, and we know that the end result will bring glory to God.

c.       This fact explains why studying the Bible helps us grow in patience (Rom. 15:4). As we read about Abraham, Joseph, Moses, David, and even our Lord, we realize that God has a purpose in trials. God fulfills His purposes as we trust Him. There is no substitute for an understanding mind. Satan can defeat the ignorant believer, but he cannot overcome the Christian who knows his Bible and understands the purposes of God. –Wiersbe, Warren

                                                4.      “But let patience have its perfect work,” says James (1:4).

i.        Perseverance is only the beginning of benefits. There are more advantages to adversities. Perseverance must finish its work. Just as tested and true faith works to produce perseverance, so perseverance must be allowed to continue its perfect or finished work to produce the ultimate by-products of maturity and spiritual fulfillment. This, of course, is the lofty goal that serves as this epistle’s unifying theme. James’ main point was to show how to achieve spiritual maturity.—The Bible Knowledge Commentary

ii.      Sometimes when problems come we become desperate and use frantic means to cut short the trial. Without consulting the Lord as to His purposes in the matter, we rush to the doctor, for instance, and gulp down large doses of medicine in order to shorten the trial. By doing this, we actually may be thwarting God’s program in our lives. And it is just possible that we may have to undergo a longer trial in the future before His particular purpose is realized in us. We should not short-circuit the development of endurance in our lives.--MacDonald 

                                                5.      Perfection—a persevering saint will mature (4).

i.        Perseverance must be allowed to continue its perfect and ultimate work—maturity and spiritual fulfillment. This is James’ target throughout this letter—to show how to mature spiritually.

a.      Two words describe the goal: “perfect” or mature and “entire” or complete. God wants us to become “finished,” “complete,” and “whole.” That is perfected all over or fully developed in every part.

b.      Trials can be faced with joy because, infused with faith, perseverance goes full-term it will develop a thoroughly mature Christian who lacks nothing. He will indeed be all God wants him to be.

c.       By cooperating with God we will become mature, well-rounded Christians, lacking in none of the graces of the Spirit.

d.      We should never become despondent or discouraged when passing through trials. No problem is too great for our Father. Some problems in life are never removed. We must learn to accept them and to prove His grace sufficient. Paul asked the Lord three times to remove a physical infirmity. The Lord did not remove it, but gave Paul the grace to bear it (2 Cor. 12:8–10).

ii.      When we face problems in life that God obviously is not going to remove, we should be submissive to His will. The gifted blind hymn-writer wrote these lines as a girl of eight:

a.      O what a happy soul am I

Although I cannot see;

I am resolved that in this world

Contented I will be.

How many blessings I enjoy

That other people don’t.

To weep and sigh because I’m blind

I cannot and I won’t. —Fanny Crosby

b.      Peace comes through submission to the will of God.

iii.      Some problems in life are removed when we have learned our lessons from them. As soon as the Refiner sees His reflection in the molten metal, He turns off the heat. Most of us lack wisdom to view the pressures of life from God’s standpoint. We adopt a short-range view, occupying ourselves with the immediate discomfort. We forget that God’s unhurried purpose is to enlarge us through pressure (see Ps. 4:1).—MacDonald, William

II.               Request Wisdom from God with Confidence (Js. 1:5-8). God does avail to His people the needed wisdom to view troubles from His perspective and to learn as much as possible through these challenging experiences.

A.     The Encouragement to Ask for Wisdom (1:5).

                                                1.      Ask God for wisdom (5).

i.         “Wisdom” (James 1:5), is a practical wisdom which works with knowledge but goes beyond it. It is a comprehensive insight into the true nature of a particular situation which leads to a correct and skillful application of knowledge (Acts 6:10, “wisdom.”).

ii.      In short, this wisdom reveals what to do. On one hand, it helps one to avoid a wrong, sinful response. On the other hand, it directs one toward the way of righteousness.

iii.    Without this kind of wisdom, we may waste the opportunity God has given for growth in spiritual maturity. For this reason, we should keep asking for and applying wisdom throughout the trial. (See: Rom. 8:25–27, which shows that the Holy Spirit joins in the agonizing prayer offered during adversity and makes it effective.)

                                                2.      The wisdom God gives is not necessarily information on how to get out of trouble but rather insight on how to learn from one’s difficulties (see also Prov. 29:15). It is not more information about how to avoid times of testing but instead a new perspective on trials. The wisdom of God begins with a genuine reverence for the Almighty (see “the fear of the LORD” in Ps. 111:10; Prov. 9:10) and a steadfast confidence that God controls all circumstances, guiding them to His good purposes (Rom. 8:28).—Nelson Study Bible

B.     The Explanations for Asking for Wisdom (1:5).

                                                1.      Because we need God’s wisdom in trials (5).

i.        When we feel confused and frustrated by the high goal of becoming “perfect and entire, wanting nothing,” James wrote, If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God.

ii.       We don’t have to face the problems of life in our own wisdom. If, in the time of trial, we feel our need for spiritual insight to take the appropriate steps, we should turn to God and tell Him all about our perplexity and ignorance.

iii.      Spiritual wisdom is the practical application of Bible teachings to everyday situations and challenges.

iv.     Why do we need wisdom when we are going through trials? Why not ask for strength, or grace, or even deliverance? For this reason: we need wisdom so we will not waste the opportunities God is giving us to mature. Wisdom helps us understand how to use these circumstances for our good and God’s glory.

A pastor told the story of a gifted secretary who was going through great trials. She had had a stroke, her husband had gone blind, and then he had to be taken to the hospital where (they were sure) he would die. The pastor saw her in church one Sunday and assured her that he was praying for her.

“What are you asking God to do?” she asked, and her question startled him.

“I’m asking God to help you and strengthen you,” I replied.

“I appreciate that,” she said, “but pray about one more thing. Pray that I’ll have the wisdom not to waste all of this!”

She knew the meaning of James 1:5. –Wiersbe

                                                2.      Because God gives wisdom generously (5).

i.         Assistance is readily available from our generous God. When we need wisdom, this valuable resource is available for the asking. At times we all feel the need for wisdom, not just knowledge. God will not only provide wisdom, but will do so generously, not grudgingly.

ii.       All who seek God’s purposes in the trials will be liberally rewarded.

                                                3.      Because God will not rebuke you for needing wisdom (5).

i.         We need not worry that God will scold us; He is pleased when we are teachable and obedient. We all require more of His wisdom.

ii.       The Bible does not give specific answers to the innumerable problems that arise in life. It does not solve problems in so many words, but God’s word does give us general principles. We must apply these principles to problems as they arise day by day. That is why we need wisdom. Spiritual wisdom is the practical application of our Lord’s teachings to everyday situations.

                                                4.      Because God promises to supply wisdom (5).

i.         “And it shall be given him,” This blessed promise reminds us of the words of the Lord Jesus (Matt. 7:7, 11; Luke 11:13).

ii.       This promise regarding wisdom is absolute; and we may be sure that if asked properly, it will be granted us. There can be no doubt about God’s ability and readiness to deliver!

iii.      God's reply is sure. God promises is to supply the wisdom for what must be done. Decisions still will have to be made, and actions will have to be taken. The wisdom is God's guidance, not his removal of our participation.

iv.     We must remember that God’s promises do not submit to our plans. This verse is not permitting us to ask God for wisdom to bring about our will. Instead, we should humbly ask him for wisdom to remain in his will.

C.     The Essential is Asking in Faith (1:6-8)

                                                1.      Ask God in faith (6).

i.         God will respond to our faith.

ii.       God’s provision has some prerequisites. To receive God’s wisdom in trials, the believer must be wise in asking. First, he must ask in faith. We must believe and not doubt, or vacillate.

iii.      We must approach God in faith, free of any doubting. We must believe He loves and cares, and that nothing is impossible with Him.

iv.     God will honor our resolve to follow His wisdom.

                                                2.      Do Not Waver in Faith (1:6-7).

i.         Do not waver when you ask for wisdom.

ii.       We dare not come to God like a wave of the sea, blown horizontally and tossed vertically by the wind.

iii.      If we doubt His goodness and His power, we will have no stability in time of trouble. One minute we might be resting calmly on His promises, but the next we will feel that God has forgotten to be kind. We will be like the surge of the sea, rising to great heights, then falling back into valleys—troubled and tossed. God is not honored by the kind of faith that alternates between optimism and pessimism.

                                                3.      Do not become emotionally unstable while enduring trials (8).

i.         God is not pleased with a double-minded man who is unstable in all he does, like an unsteady, staggering drunk. The answer from God depends on assurance in God.

ii.       He does not give divine insight to such vacillating, unstable people (Js. 1:7, 8).

iii.      In verses 5–8, the source of wisdom is God; it is obtained by prayer; it is available to everybody; it is given liberally and without reproach; the crucial condition is that we ask in faith, without doubting.

Conclusion:

1.       Many Christians live like corks on the waves: up one minute, down the next; tossed back and forth. This kind of experience is evidence of immaturity. Paul used a similar idea in Ephesians 4:14—“That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive.” If we have believing and united hearts, we can ask in faith and God will give the wisdom we need. Instability and immaturity go together. –Wiersbe

2.      If you are facing difficult problems, I encourage you to ask God for wisdom. Remember what the Lord Jesus’ promised in Matthew 21:22. Now that you know what to do with trouble...do it.