James starts his letter assuming the truth of what Jesus promised: "In the world you will have tribulation" (John 16:33). You will "meet trials of various kinds" (James 1:2). He's writing to "the twelve tribes in the Dispersion." This term is used three times in the New Testament to describe God's people scattered in the world. Surely the Lord is saving a great remnant. But at any given time, the church is a little flock in a dangerous world (). God's people have no lasting place on earth. We are seeking a homeland, desiring a better country (Heb. 11:14, 16). One question that people converting to Christianity should be asked is, Are you sure? Do you understand what you are committing to? Have you counted the cost? James helps us by beginning with the sobering reality: Christianity brings with it a host of trials. There is no use sugar-coating this truth.
But James is far from hopeless about this reality. In fact, he's so optimistic that, if he hadn't explained himself, you would dismiss him as deluded. "Consider it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds" (2). Devotion to Jesus requires enduring trials and temptations. But doing so comes with a great reward. How does that happen?
Featuring a sermon puts it on the front page of the site and is the most effective way to bring this sermon to the attention of thousands including all mobile platforms + newsletter.
Text-Featuring a sermon is a less expensive way to bring this sermon to the attention of thousands on the right bar with optional newsletter inclusion. As low as $30/day.