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Christian Joy in Chaotic Times
James 1:2-4
Sunday, June 7, 2020
Pastor Justin Chan
Sermon Notes
For a PDF of the notes for today’s sermon, please follow this link.
Christian Joy in Chaotic Times
James 1:2-4
Scripture: James 1:2-4
“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.”
Outline: I. Realize the Trial; II. Consider the Joy; III. Endure the Test; IV. Grow in Maturity
I. Realize the Trial
Verse 1- “when you meet trials of various kinds”
Trials are inevitable
Trials are varied
Trials are unexpected
II. Consider the Joy
Verse 1- “Count it all joy”
MacArthur: “Have a settled definitive decisive conviction to face trials as a source of pure joy, of unmixed joy, of complete joy, of transcendent joy, comprehensive joy, total joy, sheer joy”
Philippians 4:8- "Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things."
When upon life’s billows you are tempest-tossed,
When you are discouraged, thinking all is lost,
Count your many blessings; name them one by one,
And it will surprise you what the Lord has done.
III. Endure the Test
Verses 3-4- “for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness.”
James 1:12- “Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial.”
James 5:11- “Behold, we consider those blessed who remained steadfast. You have heard of the steadfastness of Job, and you have seen the purpose of the Lord, how the Lord is compassionate and merciful.”
JC Ryle: “Trials are intended to make us think—to wean us from the world—to send us to the Bible—to drive us to our knees.”
IV. Grow in Maturity
Verse 4- “And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.”
Romans 8:28-29- “And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose. For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn among many brothers.
John MacArthur: “What God wants to do in your life is produce righteousness and righteousness is the most glorious thing that you can ever possess and it is the highest and most wondrous thing to enjoy.”
Thomas Watson: “A man may be humbled and not humble. A sinner may be humbled by affliction. His condition is low but not his disposition. A godly man is not only humbled but humble. His heart is as low as his condition.”