Joy Amidst Trials

Scripture: James 1:1-4

Complementary Reading: Psalm 31:9-20

Download the Study Guide to focus more closely on this week’s sermon with sermon questions, discussion points for each day, application suggestions, and prayer points: [Sermon Devotional Handout 4 May 2025]

Sermon Outline

• A Christian View of Suffering Is Very Different from the World’s View (verse 2)
  • Trials and suffering are an inevitable part of life in a fallen world
  • The world’s wisdom teaches many unwise ways to cope with suffering
  • Real wisdom is to count it ALL joy!
• In Christ, Trials Produce Strength You Can Rely On (verse 3)
  • Because trials are inevitable, we need resiliency, endurance, and strength in our character
  • Walking through trials with Jesus tests and strengthens our faith and character
• Steadfastness in Christ Transforms Your Character to Be Like His (verse 4)
  • Steadfastness takes us deeper in Christ and the Spirit makes us more like Christ
  • How do YOU look at your own past and present trials?