James 1:2-4: Count it All Joy
Sermon Overview:
Main Idea: Count it all joy.
Count it all joy (v. 2)
Suffering is sanctifying (v. 3-4)
Definition of joy: “Christian joy is a good feeling in the soul, produced by the Holy Spirit, as he causes us to see the beauty of Christ in the word and in the world” (John Piper, found here.)
Reflection:
How is the way James talks about suffering different from what we hear from the culture and from the world?
Why can we count our trials as joy?
What are some ways you might respond negatively to trials?
What do you want most in life? What is your greatest goal? How do our goals and priorities shape the way we view trials?
Think about specific trials you have faced in your life— how has the Lord sanctified you through these? What has he taught you? Thank him for this!
Ultimately, what is the good news and the greatest source of joy in trials and in our failures? (see Heb. 12:2)