Faith Talk - December 29, 2024
Sunday: December 22, 2024
Sermon: The Glory in Trials
Sermon: The Glory in Trials
Scripture
James 1:1-8 – James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ: To the twelve tribes dispersed abroad. Greetings. Consider it a great joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you experience various trials, because you know that the testing of your faith produces endurance. And let endurance have its full effect, so that you may be mature and complete, lacking nothing. Now if any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God—who gives to all generously and ungrudgingly—and it will be given to him. But let him ask in faith without doubting. For the doubter is like the surging sea, driven and tossed by the wind. That person should not expect to receive anything from the Lord, being double-minded and unstable in all his ways.
Summary
The Epistle of James teaches us that we are to consider it great joy whenever we face various trials. We learn from scripture that trials are a necessary part of the Christian walk. James 1:1-8 instructs us how to respond appropriately to trials. If followers of Jesus Christ are going to have the proper response to the trials of life, we must:
Understand the purpose of trials
We must understand that the purpose of trials for believers is to prove or test our faith and ultimately bring glory to God.
Patiently endure trials
Throughout scripture, we see God at work in the life of His servants, refining their character and preparing them for use for His glory. This often takes place as God’s people wait during trials.
Ask for wisdom in the trial
James indicates that believers need wisdom to walk through trials. Wisdom is an essential part of maturing in the faith.
Have faith when asking for wisdom
We’re to ask for wisdom with faith, not as those who are double-minded, wavering back and forth from trusting God and doubting. We are to be single-minded in our devotion to God.
Understand the purpose of trials
We must understand that the purpose of trials for believers is to prove or test our faith and ultimately bring glory to God.
Patiently endure trials
Throughout scripture, we see God at work in the life of His servants, refining their character and preparing them for use for His glory. This often takes place as God’s people wait during trials.
Ask for wisdom in the trial
James indicates that believers need wisdom to walk through trials. Wisdom is an essential part of maturing in the faith.
Have faith when asking for wisdom
We’re to ask for wisdom with faith, not as those who are double-minded, wavering back and forth from trusting God and doubting. We are to be single-minded in our devotion to God.
Age-Appropriate Discussions
Homes with Adults
Homes with High School Students
Homes with Middle School Students
Homes with Elementary Kids
- Share how you normally respond to trials.
- Discuss how seeing trials as a testing of your faith changes your response to difficulty.
Homes with High School Students
- Discuss why it’s difficult to wait when you are facing a trial.
- Share how your view of trials can change when you know that God is at work in you as you wait.
Homes with Middle School Students
- Discuss why we sometimes doubt when we face challenging times.
- Share what helps you to have more faith in God instead of doubting.
Homes with Elementary Kids
- Share about a time you saw God help you through a hard time.
- Talk about what you learned about God during that hard time.
Pray Together
Father, thank You for Your care for us as your people. You have granted us eternal life through faith in Jesus Christ, and now You are working all things together for our good, including the trials we face. Please help us to face our trials with faith and give us the wisdom we need to navigate our trials in ways that glorify You now and in eternity. Amen.
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