Testing and Persevering (James 1:2-12, 2 Timothy 3:12)

Sermon on 9 March 2025 by Pastor Justin

Faith & Works series

The book of James :

- Test of Faith

- Characteristic of Faith

- Triumph of Faith

Part 1 : Testing and Persevering

James 1:2-12 ( NKJV )

[2] My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, [3] knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. [4] But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing. [5] If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him. [6] But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for he who doubts is like a wave of the sea driven and tossed by the wind. [7] For let not that man suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord; [8] he  is  a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways.  [9] Let the lowly brother glory in his exaltation, [10] but the rich in his humiliation, because as a flower of the field he will pass away. [11] For no sooner has the sun risen with a burning heat than it withers the grass; its flower falls, and its beautiful appearance perishes. So the rich man also will fade away in his pursuits.  [12] Blessed is the man who endures temptation; for when he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him.

#1 - Count it all joy

1 Peter 1:6-7 ( NKJV )

[6] In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be, you have been grieved by various trials, [7] that the genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ,

I Peter 4:12-13;15 ( NKJV )

[12] Beloved, do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to you; [13] but rejoice to the extent that you partake of Christ’s sufferings, that when His glory is revealed, you may also be glad with exceeding joy.

[15] But let none of you suffer as a murderer, a thief, an evildoer, or as a busybody in other people’s matters.

- Find triumph in tribulation

- Find testimony in testing

- Find worship in every worry

( 1 Corinthians 15:57 & isaiah 26:4 )

When you fall into various trials you count it all joy, this bings much praise and honour to GOD.

2 Timothy 3:12 ( NKJV )

[12] Yes, and all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution.

Learn to put the trials of all kinds into perspective. ( Purpose )

1 Peter 4:12 ( NKJV )

[12] Beloved, do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to you;

Joy is knowing GOD is in control, even when my circumstances seem out of control.

( Romans 8:28;31 & Luke 10:19 )

#2 - The testing of our faith

James 1:3 ( NKJV )

[3] knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience.

1 Peter 1:6-7 ( NKJV )

[6] In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be, you have been grieved by various trials, [7] that the genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ,

Standing fast under pressure, staying power that turns advertises into opportunities.

Proverbs 3:5-8 ( NKJV )

[5] Trust in the Lord with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding; [6] In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths. [7] Do not be wise in your own eyes; Fear the Lord and depart from evil. [8] It will be health to your flesh, And strength to your bones.

Refine and strengthen our faith, cultivating patience and resilience.

James 1:4 ( NKJV )

[4] But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.

Remain under but not going UNDER.

( Deuteronomy 28:13 )

Mature our faith, produce divine character

Romans 5:3-5 ( NKJV )

[3] And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; [4] and perseverance, character; and character, hope. [5] Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us.

Adversity urges us to trust more deeply. Suffering deepens our faith.

#3 - Seek wisdom during the trials

James 1:5-8 ( NKJV )

[5] If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him. [6] But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for he who doubts is like a wave of the sea driven and tossed by the wind. [7] For let not that man suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord; [8] he  is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways.

Doubt and faith cannot coexist, stay humble.

( James 1:9-11 )

Conclusion :

. Testing & persevering is to develop genuine faith

( 2 Corinthians 13:5 )

. Trust more deeply. Deepen our faith

( 1 Peter 1:6-7 )

. Challenges & temptations will not bring us under

Trust more deeply, deepen our faith and expand our capacity to hope

James 1:12 ( NKJV )

[12] Blessed is the man who endures temptation; for when he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him.