WEBVTT 00:00:00.780 --> 00:00:04.980 Children, you are now dismissed to your Sunday school class. 00:00:05.040 --> 00:00:10.080 You're going to be learning about your promise-making and promise-keeping God. 00:00:16.440 --> 00:00:19.359 This November, last week, we started a series, 00:00:20.600 --> 00:00:23.140 Hardship, Holiness, and Our Loving Heavenly Father. 00:00:23.379 --> 00:00:25.940 And last week, we looked at the book of Lamentations, 00:00:25.940 --> 00:00:32.539 and specifically Lamentations 3, where Jeremiah was in the midst of some severe hardship, 00:00:32.880 --> 00:00:34.120 and yet he says this, 00:00:35.560 --> 00:00:38.079 But this I call to mind, and therefore have hope. 00:00:39.200 --> 00:00:42.219 The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases. 00:00:43.299 --> 00:00:45.299 His mercies never come to an end. 00:00:48.380 --> 00:00:49.780 They're new every morning. 00:00:50.880 --> 00:00:52.340 Great is your faithfulness. 00:00:52.340 --> 00:00:56.200 The Lord is my portion, I said, therefore I will have hope. 00:01:00.880 --> 00:01:05.760 Jeremiah had hope in the hardship, because he believed his God was for him. 00:01:06.680 --> 00:01:10.760 And this morning, we're going to be looking at another passage about hardship. 00:01:11.320 --> 00:01:14.620 James 1, verses 2-4. 00:01:14.800 --> 00:01:18.280 So if you want to open up your Bibles to the book of James, 00:01:18.280 --> 00:01:20.359 it's towards the end of your New Testament. 00:01:21.820 --> 00:01:23.960 Chapter 1, verses 2-4. 00:01:25.519 --> 00:01:29.040 Where Jeremiah 3 is about hope in hardship, 00:01:29.359 --> 00:01:32.640 James 1, verses 2-4 is about joy in hardship. 00:01:34.240 --> 00:01:39.020 Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds. 00:01:39.019 --> 00:01:45.219 Now, this, what I'm about to say, may be a gross oversimplification. 00:01:45.959 --> 00:01:49.299 But typically, when a human being encounters difficulty, 00:01:50.699 --> 00:01:55.579 hardship, when they are drawn out of their comfort zone, 00:01:55.859 --> 00:01:59.719 typically a human being will respond in one of two ways, fight or flight. 00:02:00.879 --> 00:02:03.539 Fighters put up their dukes, and they say, 00:02:03.620 --> 00:02:04.340 Okay, who's to blame? 00:02:04.340 --> 00:02:10.680 Flighters look for cover and wait until the all-clear is sounded. 00:02:11.980 --> 00:02:14.140 But a Christian has a third option. 00:02:15.140 --> 00:02:15.840 It's not fight. 00:02:16.520 --> 00:02:17.599 It's not flight. 00:02:18.439 --> 00:02:19.560 It's faith. 00:02:21.680 --> 00:02:24.180 Faith in our God. 00:02:25.620 --> 00:02:28.680 A Christian, one confronted with difficulty, 00:02:28.680 --> 00:02:32.240 must resist the natural instinct to fight or flight 00:02:32.240 --> 00:02:35.379 and choose to trust in God. 00:02:35.560 --> 00:02:39.080 And Lamentations 3, trusting God in hardship, shows up as hope. 00:02:40.120 --> 00:02:43.219 And James 1, trusting God in hardship, shows up as joy. 00:02:43.400 --> 00:02:44.480 Count it all joy. 00:02:46.939 --> 00:02:50.939 So here's what I believe God is telling us this morning from James 1, 2-4. 00:02:51.540 --> 00:02:53.280 Here's what I want you to see. 00:02:53.280 --> 00:02:55.500 When trials come knocking, 00:02:55.819 --> 00:03:03.080 we welcome them with joy because we trust in our God. 00:03:04.759 --> 00:03:06.319 When trials come knocking, 00:03:06.879 --> 00:03:10.340 we welcome them with joy because we trust in our God. 00:03:11.240 --> 00:03:13.000 It sounds crazy, doesn't it? 00:03:15.819 --> 00:03:20.180 We must be believing truth about God when we encounter trials. 00:03:20.300 --> 00:03:21.460 Let me just read this passage. 00:03:21.460 --> 00:03:24.540 Count it all joy, my brothers, 00:03:24.659 --> 00:03:26.719 when you meet trials of various kinds, 00:03:26.840 --> 00:03:29.460 for you know that this testing of your faith produces steadfastness, 00:03:30.200 --> 00:03:32.319 and let steadfastness have its full effect, 00:03:32.960 --> 00:03:35.780 that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing. 00:03:37.640 --> 00:03:39.439 This morning we're going to look at three things. 00:03:40.140 --> 00:03:41.640 First is the command. 00:03:41.840 --> 00:03:44.819 There is a command here in James 1, 2. 00:03:45.120 --> 00:03:46.500 Count it all joy. 00:03:46.500 --> 00:03:48.379 We're going to look at the command, 00:03:48.659 --> 00:03:51.879 and then we're going to look at the rationale for the command. 00:03:52.139 --> 00:03:54.599 This command begs the question, why? 00:03:55.659 --> 00:03:57.860 And James answers that in verses 3 and 4. 00:03:58.000 --> 00:03:59.039 So we're going to look at the command, 00:03:59.240 --> 00:04:00.599 and then we're going to look at the rationale. 00:04:01.180 --> 00:04:02.400 And our last move together, 00:04:02.900 --> 00:04:06.340 I want to gird up your mind 00:04:06.340 --> 00:04:09.680 for the trials that are coming this week. 00:04:09.680 --> 00:04:11.379 You're going to be facing them. 00:04:11.900 --> 00:04:12.560 We all are. 00:04:13.640 --> 00:04:14.580 And so three moves, 00:04:14.860 --> 00:04:16.340 command, the rationale, 00:04:16.959 --> 00:04:18.620 and then by way of application, 00:04:18.879 --> 00:04:21.819 girding up your mind for the trials to come this week. 00:04:23.720 --> 00:04:26.160 So first, let's look at this command in 1, 2. 00:04:26.360 --> 00:04:28.000 Count it all joy, my brothers, 00:04:28.079 --> 00:04:29.980 when you meet trials of various kinds. 00:04:29.980 --> 00:04:32.280 I mean, we are being commanded 00:04:32.280 --> 00:04:35.800 to be joyful in the midst of trials, 00:04:35.920 --> 00:04:37.240 to have joy in suffering, 00:04:37.439 --> 00:04:38.220 joy in hardship, 00:04:38.439 --> 00:04:39.360 joy in confusion. 00:04:40.600 --> 00:04:42.540 Does that sound crazy to you? 00:04:45.840 --> 00:04:47.340 Well, there's a context 00:04:47.340 --> 00:04:49.180 in which this command is coming. 00:04:51.900 --> 00:04:52.620 Trials. 00:04:53.259 --> 00:04:57.180 What does James mean by trials? 00:04:57.180 --> 00:05:00.900 Well, the word that is used here 00:05:00.900 --> 00:05:04.660 is translated one of two ways 00:05:04.660 --> 00:05:05.600 in the New Testament. 00:05:06.459 --> 00:05:09.540 The first way that this word is translated 00:05:09.540 --> 00:05:11.759 is it means an outward trial, 00:05:12.319 --> 00:05:13.720 a process of testing 00:05:13.720 --> 00:05:16.780 that comes upon us from the outside. 00:05:17.040 --> 00:05:18.319 God brings the trial. 00:05:19.560 --> 00:05:23.199 The second way that this word is translated 00:05:23.199 --> 00:05:25.660 is an inner temptation, 00:05:25.660 --> 00:05:27.760 an enticement to sin 00:05:27.760 --> 00:05:28.939 that doesn't come from without, 00:05:29.060 --> 00:05:30.439 but it comes from within, 00:05:30.860 --> 00:05:31.820 out of my own heart, 00:05:31.880 --> 00:05:32.680 out of your heart. 00:05:35.560 --> 00:05:38.260 This leads us to a very important distinction to make. 00:05:39.940 --> 00:05:42.180 God tests us, 00:05:42.180 --> 00:05:45.360 but He doesn't tempt us. 00:05:46.200 --> 00:05:48.120 God brings trials, 00:05:48.540 --> 00:05:50.360 but He doesn't make us sin. 00:05:51.580 --> 00:05:54.620 Our own desires are what tempt us, 00:05:54.620 --> 00:05:56.319 and we see that played out 00:05:56.319 --> 00:05:58.259 in verses 1 through 13, 00:05:58.340 --> 00:05:59.660 excuse me, 13 and 14 00:05:59.660 --> 00:06:02.340 in chapter 1 of James. 00:06:04.740 --> 00:06:06.060 So in verse 2 here, 00:06:06.160 --> 00:06:07.280 what is very clear 00:06:07.280 --> 00:06:10.800 is that this is a trial 00:06:10.800 --> 00:06:14.600 that God is bringing to test us, 00:06:14.780 --> 00:06:15.399 the trials. 00:06:16.840 --> 00:06:18.860 And verse 3 confirms that. 00:06:18.860 --> 00:06:21.420 So verse 2, 00:06:21.500 --> 00:06:23.220 when you meet trials of various kinds, 00:06:23.319 --> 00:06:23.879 and verse 3, 00:06:23.980 --> 00:06:27.180 for you know that the testing of your faith 00:06:27.180 --> 00:06:30.460 produces steadfastness. 00:06:31.120 --> 00:06:33.280 When God tests us through trials, 00:06:33.379 --> 00:06:34.639 He's not trying to make us sin. 00:06:34.680 --> 00:06:37.080 He's seeking to make us more holy. 00:06:38.400 --> 00:06:39.879 God's responsible for the trial, 00:06:40.020 --> 00:06:41.580 but He's not responsible for 00:06:41.580 --> 00:06:44.240 how we respond to it. 00:06:44.240 --> 00:06:46.519 He doesn't take responsibility 00:06:46.519 --> 00:06:48.579 for our desires in that. 00:06:49.900 --> 00:06:51.300 So what I want you to see 00:06:51.300 --> 00:06:53.019 coming out of this little piece here 00:06:53.019 --> 00:06:54.300 is that all trials 00:06:54.300 --> 00:06:56.360 are challenging opportunities 00:06:56.360 --> 00:06:59.180 God sends to mature us. 00:07:00.060 --> 00:07:01.579 They're redemptive in nature. 00:07:02.319 --> 00:07:03.360 They're purposed. 00:07:05.160 --> 00:07:06.639 And what we learn here from James 00:07:06.639 --> 00:07:08.980 is that they vary in form and intensity. 00:07:09.780 --> 00:07:12.019 You see the words in verse 2, 00:07:12.019 --> 00:07:15.719 when you meet trials of various kinds? 00:07:18.039 --> 00:07:19.759 Various kinds of trials. 00:07:21.240 --> 00:07:22.699 Some trials are simple. 00:07:24.240 --> 00:07:25.759 Some trials are complex. 00:07:26.839 --> 00:07:28.479 Some trials are mild. 00:07:29.379 --> 00:07:31.359 Some trials are intense. 00:07:32.359 --> 00:07:33.680 Some trials are brief. 00:07:34.740 --> 00:07:36.479 Some trials are extended. 00:07:37.459 --> 00:07:39.379 Some trials are unique to Christians. 00:07:39.379 --> 00:07:42.680 We suffer for Jesus' name. 00:07:44.159 --> 00:07:45.899 Some trials are common to all. 00:07:46.019 --> 00:07:47.180 Living in a fallen world. 00:07:47.459 --> 00:07:49.420 We all deal with loneliness, 00:07:49.740 --> 00:07:50.899 sickness, disappointment, 00:07:51.439 --> 00:07:53.379 broken cars, unexpected bills 00:07:54.060 --> 00:07:56.759 when a loved one dies. 00:07:57.920 --> 00:07:59.800 Some trials are very personal. 00:08:01.060 --> 00:08:04.079 Other trials are communal. 00:08:04.600 --> 00:08:05.079 Are corporate. 00:08:06.379 --> 00:08:07.839 We've been going through some trials 00:08:07.839 --> 00:08:08.500 as a church. 00:08:11.379 --> 00:08:13.179 When trials are complex, 00:08:13.399 --> 00:08:15.339 intense, extended trials, 00:08:15.539 --> 00:08:18.139 these are the very most difficult kind. 00:08:19.179 --> 00:08:20.359 They can be unsettling, 00:08:20.519 --> 00:08:21.079 uncomfortable, 00:08:21.459 --> 00:08:23.219 and unpredictable. 00:08:24.579 --> 00:08:25.939 But one thing we know 00:08:25.939 --> 00:08:28.139 is that these various trials 00:08:28.139 --> 00:08:29.319 are coming. 00:08:29.319 --> 00:08:34.139 Now, if this is true, 00:08:35.139 --> 00:08:38.120 if God sends trials for our good, 00:08:39.120 --> 00:08:41.679 and there are a variety of kinds of trials, 00:08:42.679 --> 00:08:45.899 we're dealing with trials 00:08:45.899 --> 00:08:47.639 on a frequent basis. 00:08:49.700 --> 00:08:52.299 God is challenging us 00:08:52.299 --> 00:08:54.799 on a regular basis to grow us. 00:08:55.799 --> 00:08:58.039 He's not waiting for us to ask Him. 00:08:58.039 --> 00:09:00.279 He brings them for our good. 00:09:02.399 --> 00:09:05.799 Life is one trial after the next, 00:09:05.879 --> 00:09:06.199 isn't it? 00:09:07.279 --> 00:09:08.519 And sometimes, 00:09:09.519 --> 00:09:11.980 trials come in clusters. 00:09:11.980 --> 00:09:16.740 But what we see here 00:09:16.740 --> 00:09:17.779 is that trials 00:09:17.779 --> 00:09:19.200 are normal. 00:09:22.840 --> 00:09:24.320 I'm so grateful for 00:09:24.320 --> 00:09:25.600 John Bunyan's book, 00:09:25.720 --> 00:09:26.620 Pilgrim's Progress. 00:09:26.840 --> 00:09:27.500 It's a classic. 00:09:28.200 --> 00:09:29.779 It's one of the most published books 00:09:29.779 --> 00:09:31.360 in all of history. 00:09:33.100 --> 00:09:35.779 There's also a children's version 00:09:35.779 --> 00:09:37.120 called Dangerous Journey. 00:09:37.240 --> 00:09:39.000 And if you're a parent with young ones, 00:09:39.000 --> 00:09:41.419 it is a great book. 00:09:41.940 --> 00:09:43.360 We have so benefited 00:09:43.360 --> 00:09:45.259 from that book. 00:09:46.179 --> 00:09:47.220 If you're not familiar 00:09:47.220 --> 00:09:47.960 with the story, 00:09:48.600 --> 00:09:50.759 John Bunyan has written a tale, 00:09:51.240 --> 00:09:53.080 a depiction of the Christian life. 00:09:53.259 --> 00:09:54.659 And it is encouraging 00:09:54.659 --> 00:09:55.779 and very helpful. 00:09:56.840 --> 00:09:57.759 The story is about 00:09:57.759 --> 00:09:58.919 the main character, Christian, 00:09:59.059 --> 00:09:59.919 and his journey 00:09:59.919 --> 00:10:01.919 from the city of destruction 00:10:01.919 --> 00:10:03.279 to the celestial city, 00:10:04.000 --> 00:10:04.240 heaven. 00:10:04.240 --> 00:10:07.200 And very wisely, 00:10:07.360 --> 00:10:08.379 Bunyan shows that 00:10:08.379 --> 00:10:10.519 through this story 00:10:10.519 --> 00:10:12.000 that the Christian life 00:10:12.000 --> 00:10:14.180 is marked by regular trials 00:10:14.180 --> 00:10:15.519 of various kinds. 00:10:17.379 --> 00:10:17.680 I mean, 00:10:18.399 --> 00:10:19.440 Christian goes through 00:10:19.440 --> 00:10:20.680 the slew of despond. 00:10:21.840 --> 00:10:23.100 Christian has to navigate 00:10:23.100 --> 00:10:24.019 Vanity Fair. 00:10:25.000 --> 00:10:25.960 Christian has to 00:10:25.960 --> 00:10:27.700 climb the hill difficulty. 00:10:28.259 --> 00:10:29.759 Christian has to square off 00:10:29.759 --> 00:10:30.680 on Apollyon 00:10:30.680 --> 00:10:31.919 and slog it out 00:10:31.919 --> 00:10:32.860 for a full day. 00:10:32.860 --> 00:10:34.500 And of course, 00:10:34.600 --> 00:10:35.960 Christian has to encounter, 00:10:36.139 --> 00:10:36.980 come face to face 00:10:36.980 --> 00:10:38.259 with the final trial, 00:10:38.580 --> 00:10:38.879 death. 00:10:41.879 --> 00:10:43.220 The Christian life 00:10:43.220 --> 00:10:44.899 is filled with trials. 00:10:47.320 --> 00:10:48.519 But you know what? 00:10:50.279 --> 00:10:52.220 It's not only about trials. 00:10:53.940 --> 00:10:54.680 Pilgrim's Progress 00:10:54.680 --> 00:10:55.659 is about joy 00:10:55.659 --> 00:10:56.720 in the midst of trials. 00:10:56.920 --> 00:10:58.680 And that's what 00:10:58.680 --> 00:10:59.960 the Christian life is too. 00:10:59.960 --> 00:11:01.639 Joy 00:11:01.639 --> 00:11:03.680 in the midst of trials. 00:11:04.660 --> 00:11:05.900 Trusting God 00:11:05.900 --> 00:11:07.500 through hard times. 00:11:10.420 --> 00:11:12.120 When trials come knocking 00:11:12.120 --> 00:11:13.480 at your door, 00:11:14.040 --> 00:11:16.660 how do you typically respond? 00:11:21.980 --> 00:11:23.160 No one's home. 00:11:24.060 --> 00:11:25.139 Go away. 00:11:26.100 --> 00:11:27.180 Not interested. 00:11:27.179 --> 00:11:29.239 Because we know 00:11:29.239 --> 00:11:30.439 that trials bring pain, 00:11:30.659 --> 00:11:30.939 right? 00:11:35.000 --> 00:11:36.559 When trials come knocking 00:11:36.559 --> 00:11:37.439 on your door, 00:11:38.399 --> 00:11:39.399 how do you respond? 00:11:41.719 --> 00:11:43.519 James is very clear 00:11:43.519 --> 00:11:45.579 in how we are to respond. 00:11:47.779 --> 00:11:48.899 Count it all joy, 00:11:49.239 --> 00:11:49.739 my brothers, 00:11:50.379 --> 00:11:52.179 when you meet trials 00:11:52.819 --> 00:11:54.179 of various kinds. 00:11:54.179 --> 00:11:54.859 various kinds. 00:11:55.159 --> 00:11:56.399 So let's look at this command. 00:11:57.599 --> 00:11:58.419 Here's what James 00:11:58.419 --> 00:11:58.979 is telling us. 00:11:59.039 --> 00:12:00.239 When trials come knocking, 00:12:00.459 --> 00:12:01.819 welcome them with joy. 00:12:03.819 --> 00:12:05.079 That word count 00:12:05.079 --> 00:12:05.919 in the ESV 00:12:05.919 --> 00:12:06.759 or consider 00:12:06.759 --> 00:12:07.679 in the NIV, 00:12:08.519 --> 00:12:09.599 it's a command 00:12:09.599 --> 00:12:11.379 not to feel. 00:12:12.279 --> 00:12:13.239 It's a command 00:12:13.239 --> 00:12:14.399 to think. 00:12:16.039 --> 00:12:17.379 Count it joy. 00:12:18.259 --> 00:12:19.620 Consider it joy. 00:12:19.620 --> 00:12:22.539 It's not about 00:12:22.539 --> 00:12:23.580 how you're to feel. 00:12:23.700 --> 00:12:24.759 It's about what you're to think. 00:12:24.820 --> 00:12:26.279 It's a call to think 00:12:26.279 --> 00:12:27.940 God's thoughts. 00:12:30.120 --> 00:12:31.639 Close to this word count 00:12:31.639 --> 00:12:32.279 and consider 00:12:32.279 --> 00:12:33.879 is the word appraise. 00:12:34.919 --> 00:12:35.720 Have you ever had 00:12:35.720 --> 00:12:36.519 an appraisal done 00:12:36.519 --> 00:12:38.060 on your car? 00:12:38.220 --> 00:12:39.000 See how much it's worth. 00:12:39.220 --> 00:12:39.679 Your house, 00:12:39.759 --> 00:12:40.580 see what it's worth. 00:12:40.740 --> 00:12:41.100 Jewelry, 00:12:41.220 --> 00:12:42.240 see what it's worth. 00:12:44.299 --> 00:12:46.080 What we are to appraise, 00:12:46.220 --> 00:12:47.220 what we're to count, 00:12:47.220 --> 00:12:49.300 is the word it. 00:12:50.160 --> 00:12:51.360 And what it refers to 00:12:51.360 --> 00:12:52.720 is hardship, 00:12:53.399 --> 00:12:53.920 trials, 00:12:54.340 --> 00:12:54.820 difficulty 00:12:54.820 --> 00:12:56.340 of various kinds. 00:12:56.460 --> 00:12:57.879 We're to appraise 00:12:57.879 --> 00:12:58.879 these things 00:12:58.879 --> 00:12:59.980 a certain way. 00:13:02.720 --> 00:13:03.680 All joy. 00:13:05.620 --> 00:13:06.620 What is joy? 00:13:07.960 --> 00:13:08.840 What is it? 00:13:11.000 --> 00:13:12.300 I want to help you with that. 00:13:13.680 --> 00:13:15.080 This is a little arbitrary, 00:13:15.379 --> 00:13:16.320 but I think it will help you. 00:13:17.220 --> 00:13:18.379 I want to make a distinction 00:13:18.379 --> 00:13:19.740 between what joy is 00:13:19.740 --> 00:13:20.920 and happiness is 00:13:20.920 --> 00:13:21.899 in order for you 00:13:21.899 --> 00:13:22.940 to get a sense 00:13:22.940 --> 00:13:24.660 of Christian joy. 00:13:27.300 --> 00:13:27.879 Joy 00:13:27.879 --> 00:13:31.259 is a settled contentment 00:13:31.259 --> 00:13:33.600 in the unchanging character 00:13:33.600 --> 00:13:34.540 of God. 00:13:36.060 --> 00:13:36.660 Joy 00:13:36.660 --> 00:13:39.040 is a settled contentment, 00:13:39.180 --> 00:13:40.200 a satisfaction 00:13:40.200 --> 00:13:42.560 in the unchanging character 00:13:42.560 --> 00:13:43.300 of God. 00:13:44.500 --> 00:13:45.840 It is not dependent 00:13:45.840 --> 00:13:46.720 on circumstances. 00:13:46.720 --> 00:13:49.800 Joy rests squarely 00:13:49.800 --> 00:13:50.440 on God. 00:13:52.860 --> 00:13:53.660 Happiness 00:13:53.660 --> 00:13:56.920 is finding contentment, 00:13:57.540 --> 00:13:58.320 satisfaction 00:13:58.320 --> 00:14:00.420 in circumstances. 00:14:00.419 --> 00:14:03.439 and we all know 00:14:03.439 --> 00:14:04.299 that circumstances 00:14:04.299 --> 00:14:05.620 change with a win. 00:14:06.979 --> 00:14:07.459 So, 00:14:07.639 --> 00:14:08.799 what's the difference 00:14:08.799 --> 00:14:09.599 between joy 00:14:09.599 --> 00:14:10.240 and happiness? 00:14:11.439 --> 00:14:13.099 The object of faith. 00:14:14.379 --> 00:14:16.199 What one is depending upon. 00:14:16.699 --> 00:14:18.439 Joy depends on God's 00:14:18.439 --> 00:14:19.099 constant, 00:14:19.259 --> 00:14:20.439 unchanging character. 00:14:20.939 --> 00:14:21.799 Happiness depends 00:14:21.799 --> 00:14:22.939 on constantly 00:14:22.939 --> 00:14:24.539 changing circumstances. 00:14:25.059 --> 00:14:25.360 And so, 00:14:25.459 --> 00:14:26.439 if you're to graph them, 00:14:27.120 --> 00:14:28.639 if you're to graph happiness, 00:14:28.639 --> 00:14:30.860 happiness would be up and down 00:14:30.860 --> 00:14:32.340 following circumstances. 00:14:32.539 --> 00:14:33.379 Anybody relate with that? 00:14:34.720 --> 00:14:35.360 Joy 00:14:35.360 --> 00:14:36.919 would be constant 00:14:36.919 --> 00:14:39.039 as God's character 00:14:39.039 --> 00:14:39.960 is constant. 00:14:40.199 --> 00:14:41.399 As you learn Him 00:14:41.399 --> 00:14:42.600 and understand Him 00:14:42.600 --> 00:14:43.919 and know how wonderful 00:14:43.919 --> 00:14:44.600 He is, 00:14:44.600 --> 00:14:45.919 it's constant 00:14:45.919 --> 00:14:47.299 even in the midst 00:14:47.299 --> 00:14:48.740 of difficult circumstances. 00:14:48.740 --> 00:14:52.639 So, 00:14:52.720 --> 00:14:53.279 this is what God 00:14:53.279 --> 00:14:54.060 is commanding us. 00:14:55.279 --> 00:14:56.840 When trials come knocking, 00:14:57.779 --> 00:14:59.220 welcome them 00:14:59.220 --> 00:15:00.480 with a joy 00:15:00.480 --> 00:15:01.460 grounded 00:15:01.460 --> 00:15:02.360 in 00:15:02.360 --> 00:15:03.259 God. 00:15:09.899 --> 00:15:11.440 James is not saying 00:15:11.440 --> 00:15:12.720 take joy 00:15:12.720 --> 00:15:13.700 in the hardship 00:15:13.700 --> 00:15:15.139 for the hardship's sake. 00:15:15.139 --> 00:15:18.460 What James is saying 00:15:18.460 --> 00:15:19.699 is take joy 00:15:19.699 --> 00:15:20.500 in the hardship 00:15:20.500 --> 00:15:21.720 because God 00:15:21.720 --> 00:15:22.779 is going to do something 00:15:22.779 --> 00:15:23.319 through it 00:15:23.319 --> 00:15:24.059 for your good. 00:15:27.059 --> 00:15:27.659 So, 00:15:27.799 --> 00:15:28.519 we welcome 00:15:28.519 --> 00:15:29.740 trials with joy 00:15:29.740 --> 00:15:30.879 because our trust 00:15:30.879 --> 00:15:31.740 is in 00:15:31.740 --> 00:15:32.759 God. 00:15:33.019 --> 00:15:33.980 We appraise 00:15:33.980 --> 00:15:35.439 trials with joy 00:15:35.439 --> 00:15:36.620 in God. 00:15:37.580 --> 00:15:38.539 That's the command. 00:15:41.419 --> 00:15:41.980 Now, 00:15:42.120 --> 00:15:42.559 we've got to look 00:15:42.559 --> 00:15:43.159 at the rationale 00:15:43.159 --> 00:15:44.519 because it leaves us 00:15:44.519 --> 00:15:45.559 asking the question, 00:15:46.419 --> 00:15:46.959 why? 00:15:48.100 --> 00:15:48.819 Why are we 00:15:48.819 --> 00:15:49.399 to take joy 00:15:49.399 --> 00:15:50.019 in trials? 00:15:50.360 --> 00:15:50.799 Why? 00:15:51.740 --> 00:15:52.199 Why? 00:15:52.919 --> 00:15:53.759 And James 00:15:53.759 --> 00:15:55.360 provides the rationale 00:15:55.360 --> 00:15:56.579 in verses 3 and 4. 00:15:58.019 --> 00:15:58.659 He says, 00:15:58.759 --> 00:15:59.519 this is why 00:15:59.519 --> 00:16:00.059 we welcome 00:16:00.059 --> 00:16:01.139 trials with joy. 00:16:03.100 --> 00:16:03.579 Now, 00:16:03.759 --> 00:16:04.620 I know that 00:16:04.620 --> 00:16:05.339 it kind of sounds 00:16:05.339 --> 00:16:06.959 crazy to take joy 00:16:06.959 --> 00:16:07.759 in trials, 00:16:08.059 --> 00:16:09.000 but when you 00:16:09.000 --> 00:16:10.100 walk through 00:16:10.100 --> 00:16:11.059 and understand 00:16:11.059 --> 00:16:12.179 James' rationale, 00:16:12.179 --> 00:16:13.279 it actually 00:16:13.279 --> 00:16:14.199 makes sense. 00:16:16.959 --> 00:16:17.439 So, 00:16:17.559 --> 00:16:17.879 we've looked 00:16:17.879 --> 00:16:18.500 at the command. 00:16:18.699 --> 00:16:19.099 Let's look 00:16:19.099 --> 00:16:19.719 at the rationale 00:16:19.719 --> 00:16:20.939 why we welcome 00:16:20.939 --> 00:16:21.779 trials with joy. 00:16:21.899 --> 00:16:22.479 And the first thing 00:16:22.479 --> 00:16:23.079 I want to draw 00:16:23.079 --> 00:16:23.620 to your attention 00:16:23.620 --> 00:16:25.459 is the first word 00:16:25.459 --> 00:16:26.339 of verse 3. 00:16:26.879 --> 00:16:27.620 It's the word 00:16:27.620 --> 00:16:29.319 for in the ESV 00:16:29.319 --> 00:16:30.799 or in the NIV 00:16:30.799 --> 00:16:31.679 it's the word 00:16:31.679 --> 00:16:32.239 because. 00:16:32.959 --> 00:16:33.899 This clues us 00:16:33.899 --> 00:16:34.979 into the fact 00:16:34.979 --> 00:16:35.799 that James 00:16:35.799 --> 00:16:36.459 is going to give us 00:16:36.459 --> 00:16:37.759 reasons for welcoming 00:16:37.759 --> 00:16:38.719 trials with joy. 00:16:38.720 --> 00:16:41.480 And he says this, 00:16:42.040 --> 00:16:42.860 for you know, 00:16:43.320 --> 00:16:44.320 because you know. 00:16:47.519 --> 00:16:48.040 Again, 00:16:48.860 --> 00:16:49.660 James is appealing 00:16:49.660 --> 00:16:50.480 to our minds, 00:16:50.980 --> 00:16:52.340 not our emotions. 00:16:53.580 --> 00:16:54.200 What he started 00:16:54.200 --> 00:16:55.060 in verse 2, 00:16:55.300 --> 00:16:56.100 count it all joy, 00:16:56.240 --> 00:16:56.720 appraise it, 00:16:56.840 --> 00:16:57.940 think about it this way. 00:16:58.300 --> 00:16:58.820 He continues 00:16:58.820 --> 00:16:59.600 in verse 3. 00:17:01.040 --> 00:17:02.000 He's not appealing 00:17:02.000 --> 00:17:02.639 to our emotions. 00:17:02.759 --> 00:17:03.300 He's appealing 00:17:03.300 --> 00:17:04.600 to our minds. 00:17:05.399 --> 00:17:06.099 He wants us 00:17:06.099 --> 00:17:07.179 to think rightly 00:17:07.179 --> 00:17:08.599 about trials 00:17:08.599 --> 00:17:09.480 in relationship 00:17:09.480 --> 00:17:10.619 to who God is. 00:17:12.259 --> 00:17:13.000 And so, 00:17:13.139 --> 00:17:14.240 let me help you 00:17:14.240 --> 00:17:15.099 see the rationale. 00:17:15.399 --> 00:17:16.419 Three things here. 00:17:17.500 --> 00:17:18.939 The purpose of trials, 00:17:19.779 --> 00:17:20.959 the immediate result 00:17:20.959 --> 00:17:21.639 of trials, 00:17:21.919 --> 00:17:23.079 and the long-term 00:17:23.079 --> 00:17:23.959 goal of trials. 00:17:24.059 --> 00:17:25.480 We see that laid out 00:17:25.480 --> 00:17:26.659 in verses 3 and 4. 00:17:26.759 --> 00:17:27.299 So let me just 00:17:27.299 --> 00:17:28.859 draw it out for you. 00:17:30.379 --> 00:17:31.839 The purpose of trials. 00:17:32.679 --> 00:17:33.480 Verse 3. 00:17:33.480 --> 00:17:35.140 For you know 00:17:35.140 --> 00:17:36.720 that the testing 00:17:36.720 --> 00:17:38.640 of your faith. 00:17:39.940 --> 00:17:42.680 Trials are not random. 00:17:44.779 --> 00:17:46.660 It may feel that way 00:17:46.660 --> 00:17:47.519 to us, 00:17:48.019 --> 00:17:49.940 but they're not. 00:17:51.059 --> 00:17:52.960 God is sovereign over it. 00:17:54.019 --> 00:17:55.460 He is bringing them 00:17:55.460 --> 00:17:56.279 for our good. 00:17:56.839 --> 00:17:58.220 God sends trials 00:17:58.220 --> 00:17:59.400 of various kinds 00:17:59.400 --> 00:18:00.640 to strengthen 00:18:00.640 --> 00:18:02.000 and refine 00:18:02.000 --> 00:18:03.620 our faith. 00:18:03.740 --> 00:18:04.940 It is a testing 00:18:04.940 --> 00:18:05.960 of faith. 00:18:06.300 --> 00:18:07.360 He wants to strengthen 00:18:07.360 --> 00:18:08.120 our faith. 00:18:10.800 --> 00:18:11.580 Do you know how 00:18:11.580 --> 00:18:12.560 to grow muscle mass? 00:18:14.800 --> 00:18:15.920 You go to the gym 00:18:15.920 --> 00:18:16.440 and you start 00:18:16.440 --> 00:18:17.480 lifting weights. 00:18:18.060 --> 00:18:19.140 And when you stretch 00:18:19.140 --> 00:18:19.860 your muscle 00:18:19.860 --> 00:18:20.780 a certain way, 00:18:20.980 --> 00:18:22.759 it starts to tear 00:18:22.759 --> 00:18:23.580 just a little bit. 00:18:24.400 --> 00:18:25.380 And you give it 00:18:25.380 --> 00:18:26.180 time to 00:18:26.180 --> 00:18:26.780 kind of 00:18:26.780 --> 00:18:27.800 respond 00:18:27.799 --> 00:18:28.879 and the actual 00:18:28.879 --> 00:18:30.240 muscle comes back 00:18:30.240 --> 00:18:31.740 with a greater mass. 00:18:32.200 --> 00:18:32.879 You're actually able 00:18:32.879 --> 00:18:33.960 to move more weight. 00:18:34.419 --> 00:18:35.220 It's strengthened, 00:18:35.419 --> 00:18:36.159 but there's pain 00:18:36.159 --> 00:18:36.940 in the stretch. 00:18:39.079 --> 00:18:39.759 No pain, 00:18:39.839 --> 00:18:40.200 no gain. 00:18:40.200 --> 00:18:45.340 But what we're talking 00:18:45.340 --> 00:18:45.680 about here 00:18:45.680 --> 00:18:46.500 is not just 00:18:46.500 --> 00:18:49.740 strengthening faith. 00:18:49.980 --> 00:18:51.279 It's refining faith. 00:18:52.920 --> 00:18:53.480 Heat 00:18:53.480 --> 00:18:55.259 refines things. 00:18:55.480 --> 00:18:56.220 Burns off 00:18:56.220 --> 00:18:56.980 dross. 00:18:57.519 --> 00:18:58.220 And what God 00:18:58.220 --> 00:18:58.759 is doing 00:18:58.759 --> 00:18:59.660 through trials 00:18:59.660 --> 00:19:00.279 is not only 00:19:00.279 --> 00:19:01.680 strengthening our faith, 00:19:02.019 --> 00:19:03.019 He's burning off 00:19:03.019 --> 00:19:04.220 impurities of our faith. 00:19:05.100 --> 00:19:05.860 Turning to different 00:19:05.860 --> 00:19:06.640 things that are not 00:19:06.640 --> 00:19:07.019 God 00:19:07.019 --> 00:19:07.920 when things get hard. 00:19:07.920 --> 00:19:11.279 God sends trials 00:19:11.279 --> 00:19:12.200 of various kinds 00:19:12.200 --> 00:19:12.820 to strengthen 00:19:12.820 --> 00:19:13.740 and refine our faith. 00:19:14.539 --> 00:19:15.200 And mind you, 00:19:15.480 --> 00:19:16.560 this is not a faith 00:19:16.560 --> 00:19:17.519 in faith. 00:19:18.700 --> 00:19:19.620 This is not just 00:19:19.620 --> 00:19:20.560 to strengthen our faith 00:19:20.560 --> 00:19:21.420 so that we can have 00:19:21.420 --> 00:19:22.259 a strength in faith. 00:19:22.700 --> 00:19:24.580 It's faith in God. 00:19:25.860 --> 00:19:27.120 God sends trials 00:19:27.120 --> 00:19:28.279 to strengthen our faith 00:19:28.279 --> 00:19:29.019 in Him. 00:19:31.300 --> 00:19:32.560 To grow our trust 00:19:32.560 --> 00:19:32.960 in Him. 00:19:33.700 --> 00:19:33.940 Now, 00:19:34.039 --> 00:19:35.080 when we are confronted 00:19:35.080 --> 00:19:35.840 with a trial, 00:19:35.980 --> 00:19:37.259 when trials come knocking, 00:19:37.920 --> 00:19:39.300 we tend to focus 00:19:39.300 --> 00:19:40.160 on the trial. 00:19:41.960 --> 00:19:43.220 To feel the heat. 00:19:43.380 --> 00:19:44.279 To feel the pain. 00:19:45.380 --> 00:19:46.259 And what God does 00:19:46.259 --> 00:19:47.039 through a trial 00:19:47.039 --> 00:19:48.720 is to refocus 00:19:48.720 --> 00:19:49.700 our gaze 00:19:49.700 --> 00:19:50.779 on Him. 00:19:51.700 --> 00:19:52.820 Truth about Him. 00:19:53.480 --> 00:19:54.400 Glorious truth 00:19:54.400 --> 00:19:55.000 about Him. 00:19:56.480 --> 00:19:57.840 We see that played out 00:19:57.840 --> 00:19:58.460 in the Psalms 00:19:58.460 --> 00:19:59.100 over and over 00:19:59.100 --> 00:19:59.700 and over again. 00:20:00.160 --> 00:20:00.940 David encounters 00:20:00.940 --> 00:20:02.080 some kind of difficulty 00:20:02.080 --> 00:20:02.940 and he cries out 00:20:02.940 --> 00:20:03.420 to God. 00:20:03.420 --> 00:20:03.440 God, 00:20:04.000 --> 00:20:05.160 rock, 00:20:05.400 --> 00:20:06.600 my fortress, 00:20:06.820 --> 00:20:07.620 my shelter, 00:20:07.920 --> 00:20:09.200 I got people 00:20:09.200 --> 00:20:09.800 doing this, 00:20:09.860 --> 00:20:10.240 I got people 00:20:10.240 --> 00:20:10.800 doing that, 00:20:10.880 --> 00:20:11.120 I don't know 00:20:11.120 --> 00:20:11.759 what's going to happen, 00:20:11.840 --> 00:20:12.660 I'm poor and needy, 00:20:12.720 --> 00:20:13.440 I need help. 00:20:14.500 --> 00:20:15.360 Again and again 00:20:15.360 --> 00:20:15.840 we see 00:20:15.840 --> 00:20:18.360 David encountering 00:20:18.360 --> 00:20:18.960 difficulties 00:20:18.960 --> 00:20:20.220 and turning to his God. 00:20:20.340 --> 00:20:21.259 God's purpose 00:20:21.259 --> 00:20:22.220 for trials 00:20:22.220 --> 00:20:23.340 is to grow 00:20:23.340 --> 00:20:24.840 our faith 00:20:24.840 --> 00:20:25.860 in Him. 00:20:26.360 --> 00:20:27.720 They're not random, 00:20:28.019 --> 00:20:28.820 they're purposed. 00:20:30.160 --> 00:20:31.380 They're for our good. 00:20:31.380 --> 00:20:32.060 They're various 00:20:32.060 --> 00:20:32.880 and they're frequent. 00:20:32.880 --> 00:20:36.280 that's the first thing 00:20:36.280 --> 00:20:38.220 that James wants us 00:20:38.220 --> 00:20:39.100 to understand. 00:20:39.200 --> 00:20:39.880 His rationale. 00:20:40.900 --> 00:20:42.280 Trials are testings. 00:20:42.820 --> 00:20:44.280 God wanting to grow us. 00:20:47.160 --> 00:20:48.940 But it moves from testing 00:20:48.940 --> 00:20:50.140 to an immediate result. 00:20:50.320 --> 00:20:51.260 God tests us 00:20:51.260 --> 00:20:52.260 to bring about 00:20:52.260 --> 00:20:53.480 an immediate result. 00:20:53.660 --> 00:20:54.440 We see that 00:20:54.440 --> 00:20:55.240 in verse 3. 00:20:55.700 --> 00:20:56.220 For you know 00:20:56.220 --> 00:20:56.780 that the testing 00:20:56.780 --> 00:20:57.400 of your faith 00:20:57.400 --> 00:20:58.160 produces 00:20:58.160 --> 00:21:00.700 steadfastness. 00:21:00.700 --> 00:21:03.799 Think of steadfastness 00:21:03.799 --> 00:21:07.140 as a kind of faith. 00:21:08.080 --> 00:21:09.720 How faith shows up 00:21:09.720 --> 00:21:10.900 in a particular way. 00:21:12.059 --> 00:21:13.980 It's faith showing up 00:21:13.980 --> 00:21:14.819 in the midst 00:21:14.819 --> 00:21:17.000 of hard circumstances. 00:21:17.779 --> 00:21:18.819 It's the ability 00:21:18.819 --> 00:21:19.840 to endure 00:21:19.840 --> 00:21:22.580 when you are under pressure. 00:21:23.580 --> 00:21:24.940 To trust God 00:21:24.940 --> 00:21:26.580 when things get hot. 00:21:26.960 --> 00:21:28.019 To trust God 00:21:28.019 --> 00:21:29.660 when you get stretched. 00:21:30.700 --> 00:21:33.059 Trusting God 00:21:33.059 --> 00:21:33.559 in the midst 00:21:33.559 --> 00:21:34.220 of crisis. 00:21:35.039 --> 00:21:35.240 Okay, 00:21:35.299 --> 00:21:35.700 we're entering 00:21:35.700 --> 00:21:36.720 basketball season. 00:21:37.500 --> 00:21:37.940 Has any, 00:21:38.120 --> 00:21:39.019 who has seen 00:21:39.019 --> 00:21:39.880 a basketball game? 00:21:39.940 --> 00:21:40.559 Raise your hand. 00:21:41.600 --> 00:21:42.080 Just want to know 00:21:42.080 --> 00:21:42.840 what I'm working with here. 00:21:43.120 --> 00:21:43.340 Alright. 00:21:44.940 --> 00:21:45.980 There is this 00:21:45.980 --> 00:21:47.720 defensive play 00:21:47.720 --> 00:21:49.759 called a full court press. 00:21:50.019 --> 00:21:50.940 And what it is 00:21:50.940 --> 00:21:51.900 is the offense 00:21:51.900 --> 00:21:52.640 gets the ball 00:21:52.640 --> 00:21:54.220 underneath their basketball hoop 00:21:54.220 --> 00:21:55.279 and they need to get it 00:21:55.279 --> 00:21:55.940 down to the other 00:21:55.940 --> 00:21:56.580 basketball hoop. 00:21:56.880 --> 00:21:58.080 And so what the defense does 00:21:58.079 --> 00:21:59.699 is they come on 00:21:59.699 --> 00:22:00.819 strong and furious. 00:22:01.819 --> 00:22:03.199 They apply a lot 00:22:03.199 --> 00:22:03.740 of pressure. 00:22:04.299 --> 00:22:04.919 And the purpose 00:22:04.919 --> 00:22:06.039 of a full court press 00:22:06.039 --> 00:22:08.279 is to test the offense 00:22:08.279 --> 00:22:09.799 to see how they can handle it. 00:22:11.179 --> 00:22:12.299 And if you're watching 00:22:12.299 --> 00:22:13.159 this on TV 00:22:13.159 --> 00:22:14.460 and you see a full court press 00:22:14.460 --> 00:22:15.059 going on 00:22:15.059 --> 00:22:17.259 and you kind of focus in 00:22:17.259 --> 00:22:18.439 on the offensive player 00:22:18.439 --> 00:22:19.259 with the ball, 00:22:19.359 --> 00:22:19.759 what you'll see 00:22:19.759 --> 00:22:20.559 is one of two things. 00:22:21.099 --> 00:22:22.059 That offensive player 00:22:22.059 --> 00:22:23.019 is either going to panic 00:22:23.019 --> 00:22:25.779 or he's going to call to mind 00:22:25.779 --> 00:22:26.440 what his coach 00:22:26.440 --> 00:22:27.160 has told him 00:22:27.160 --> 00:22:28.759 and he's going to 00:22:28.759 --> 00:22:30.500 persevere through the press. 00:22:30.980 --> 00:22:31.980 He's going to break 00:22:31.980 --> 00:22:32.859 the press. 00:22:32.960 --> 00:22:34.139 He's going to be steadfast 00:22:34.139 --> 00:22:35.099 under trial. 00:22:35.460 --> 00:22:36.299 He's going to walk 00:22:36.299 --> 00:22:37.019 through it 00:22:37.019 --> 00:22:38.900 all the way through. 00:22:41.319 --> 00:22:43.200 When God brings trials, 00:22:44.160 --> 00:22:45.200 He's going to grow 00:22:45.200 --> 00:22:47.339 our steadfastness in Him. 00:22:47.339 --> 00:22:50.859 God delights 00:22:50.859 --> 00:22:53.179 in a steadfast faith. 00:22:54.419 --> 00:22:55.879 Steadfastness literally means 00:22:55.879 --> 00:22:57.839 to bear up under weight. 00:22:59.759 --> 00:23:00.779 Now the question 00:23:00.779 --> 00:23:01.839 we can ask is this, 00:23:01.959 --> 00:23:03.939 why does God like steadfastness? 00:23:05.659 --> 00:23:07.819 What does He like about it? 00:23:09.519 --> 00:23:10.839 Well, God is steadfast. 00:23:11.779 --> 00:23:13.859 He Himself is steadfast. 00:23:14.599 --> 00:23:15.959 The steadfast love of the Lord. 00:23:15.960 --> 00:23:17.660 He's an ever-present 00:23:17.660 --> 00:23:18.440 help in trouble. 00:23:19.240 --> 00:23:20.360 He is our rock. 00:23:20.680 --> 00:23:21.600 He is our fortress. 00:23:24.180 --> 00:23:25.640 But what I want you to see 00:23:25.640 --> 00:23:27.019 is if you turn your Bibles 00:23:27.019 --> 00:23:28.259 over maybe a page 00:23:28.259 --> 00:23:28.920 to the left 00:23:28.920 --> 00:23:30.640 to Hebrews 12 00:23:30.640 --> 00:23:32.559 verses 1-3, 00:23:33.200 --> 00:23:34.160 we're going to see 00:23:34.160 --> 00:23:35.700 that steadfastness 00:23:35.700 --> 00:23:38.319 is Christ-like. 00:23:39.640 --> 00:23:41.440 So turn to Hebrews 12 00:23:41.440 --> 00:23:43.460 verses 1-3. 00:23:44.200 --> 00:23:45.380 We read this, 00:23:45.960 --> 00:23:46.480 Therefore, 00:23:46.680 --> 00:23:47.559 since we are surrounded 00:23:47.559 --> 00:23:48.579 by so great a cloud 00:23:48.579 --> 00:23:49.059 of witnesses, 00:23:49.279 --> 00:23:50.660 pointing back to chapter 11, 00:23:51.440 --> 00:23:52.100 since we are surrounded 00:23:52.100 --> 00:23:53.019 by so great a cloud 00:23:53.019 --> 00:23:53.480 of witnesses, 00:23:54.079 --> 00:23:55.240 let us also 00:23:55.240 --> 00:23:56.660 lay aside every weight 00:23:56.660 --> 00:23:57.220 and sin 00:23:57.220 --> 00:23:59.460 which clings so closely 00:23:59.460 --> 00:24:00.720 and let us run 00:24:00.720 --> 00:24:01.779 with endurance. 00:24:02.920 --> 00:24:04.319 That is the same word 00:24:04.319 --> 00:24:06.279 translated steadfastness 00:24:06.279 --> 00:24:07.420 or perseverance 00:24:07.420 --> 00:24:08.700 in James 1. 00:24:09.480 --> 00:24:10.880 So let us run 00:24:10.880 --> 00:24:12.400 with steadfastness, 00:24:12.480 --> 00:24:13.420 the race that is set 00:24:13.420 --> 00:24:14.079 before us, 00:24:14.079 --> 00:24:15.379 looking to Jesus, 00:24:15.500 --> 00:24:16.480 the founder and perfecter 00:24:16.480 --> 00:24:17.019 of our faith, 00:24:17.099 --> 00:24:17.939 who for the joy 00:24:17.939 --> 00:24:19.480 that was set before Him 00:24:19.480 --> 00:24:21.859 endured the cross. 00:24:22.179 --> 00:24:22.579 Again, 00:24:23.139 --> 00:24:23.899 that's the word 00:24:23.899 --> 00:24:25.460 for steadfastness, 00:24:25.980 --> 00:24:26.500 perseverance, 00:24:27.779 --> 00:24:28.859 despising the shame 00:24:28.859 --> 00:24:30.199 and seated at the right hand 00:24:30.199 --> 00:24:30.740 of God. 00:24:32.079 --> 00:24:33.159 Jesus Christ 00:24:33.159 --> 00:24:35.899 endured the cross 00:24:35.900 --> 00:24:38.300 in order to save us. 00:24:38.300 --> 00:24:42.500 The joy of our salvation. 00:24:45.000 --> 00:24:45.680 Steadfastness, 00:24:47.880 --> 00:24:49.200 a steadfast faith 00:24:49.200 --> 00:24:51.680 is a Christ-like faith. 00:24:52.900 --> 00:24:53.660 In fact, 00:24:53.759 --> 00:24:55.400 He endured the cross 00:24:55.400 --> 00:24:58.140 so that we can be like Him 00:24:58.140 --> 00:25:00.300 when hardships come. 00:25:00.299 --> 00:25:04.819 The deal is 00:25:04.819 --> 00:25:06.200 the only way 00:25:06.200 --> 00:25:07.299 to grow 00:25:07.299 --> 00:25:09.720 in steadfastness 00:25:09.720 --> 00:25:11.599 is to go 00:25:11.599 --> 00:25:13.460 through trials. 00:25:15.980 --> 00:25:17.740 It's the immediate result. 00:25:17.960 --> 00:25:19.539 It's what God wants 00:25:19.539 --> 00:25:21.119 to get done in us 00:25:21.119 --> 00:25:22.740 when we encounter a trial. 00:25:24.159 --> 00:25:25.200 So we've looked at 00:25:25.200 --> 00:25:26.240 the purpose of trials. 00:25:26.460 --> 00:25:27.779 They test us 00:25:27.779 --> 00:25:28.680 to grow us. 00:25:28.680 --> 00:25:29.980 The immediate result 00:25:29.980 --> 00:25:31.779 is steadfastness, 00:25:32.120 --> 00:25:33.580 faith under pressure. 00:25:34.460 --> 00:25:35.920 The long-term goal 00:25:35.920 --> 00:25:37.440 comes in verse 4. 00:25:37.539 --> 00:25:38.240 If you look at it, 00:25:38.860 --> 00:25:39.360 verse 4, 00:25:39.460 --> 00:25:40.220 we see this. 00:25:42.000 --> 00:25:42.680 And let steadfastness 00:25:43.420 --> 00:25:44.960 have its full effect. 00:25:45.900 --> 00:25:46.820 That word full effect 00:25:46.820 --> 00:25:47.560 is getting at 00:25:47.560 --> 00:25:49.600 the long-term goal 00:25:49.600 --> 00:25:50.740 of trials. 00:25:51.539 --> 00:25:52.380 What God is seeking 00:25:52.380 --> 00:25:53.200 to get done 00:25:53.200 --> 00:25:54.640 in the long haul. 00:25:54.799 --> 00:25:55.019 You see, 00:25:55.160 --> 00:25:55.960 steadfastness 00:25:55.960 --> 00:25:57.200 is not an end 00:25:57.200 --> 00:25:58.120 unto itself. 00:25:58.119 --> 00:25:59.739 God brings trials, 00:25:59.959 --> 00:26:01.139 grows steadfastness 00:26:01.139 --> 00:26:02.259 over and over 00:26:02.259 --> 00:26:03.099 and over again 00:26:03.099 --> 00:26:03.979 in order to get 00:26:03.979 --> 00:26:05.139 something greater done 00:26:05.139 --> 00:26:06.639 in a long-term goal. 00:26:06.759 --> 00:26:06.979 And you know 00:26:06.979 --> 00:26:07.639 what that's called? 00:26:08.099 --> 00:26:08.699 Maturity. 00:26:10.559 --> 00:26:11.859 The way that James 00:26:11.859 --> 00:26:12.659 talks about it 00:26:12.659 --> 00:26:14.459 is like this. 00:26:14.879 --> 00:26:15.839 And let steadfastness 00:26:15.839 --> 00:26:16.779 have its full effect 00:26:16.779 --> 00:26:17.459 that you may be 00:26:17.459 --> 00:26:18.439 perfect and complete, 00:26:19.439 --> 00:26:21.239 lacking in nothing. 00:26:21.439 --> 00:26:22.779 Perfect and complete, 00:26:23.379 --> 00:26:24.179 lacking in nothing. 00:26:24.259 --> 00:26:24.899 And we all know 00:26:24.899 --> 00:26:26.059 that the day we see Jesus, 00:26:26.059 --> 00:26:27.339 it's all perfect. 00:26:28.539 --> 00:26:29.500 Sin is gone. 00:26:30.359 --> 00:26:31.399 No more trials. 00:26:32.639 --> 00:26:34.159 What James is getting 00:26:34.159 --> 00:26:35.220 at specifically here 00:26:35.220 --> 00:26:36.319 is the maturity 00:26:36.319 --> 00:26:37.960 that comes over time. 00:26:38.679 --> 00:26:40.240 As we experience trials, 00:26:40.399 --> 00:26:41.339 as we respond 00:26:41.339 --> 00:26:42.539 with a steadfast faith 00:26:42.539 --> 00:26:43.679 over and over, 00:26:43.940 --> 00:26:45.700 that produces maturity. 00:26:46.500 --> 00:26:47.599 And he describes it 00:26:47.599 --> 00:26:50.220 positively and negatively. 00:26:50.220 --> 00:26:50.380 Positively, 00:26:51.019 --> 00:26:53.140 he describes it as 00:26:53.140 --> 00:26:54.980 perfect and complete. 00:26:55.779 --> 00:26:56.539 That word perfect 00:26:56.539 --> 00:26:57.920 can also be understood 00:26:57.920 --> 00:26:58.819 as mature 00:26:58.819 --> 00:27:01.579 and complete. 00:27:02.539 --> 00:27:03.579 That word means 00:27:03.579 --> 00:27:05.100 well-rounded. 00:27:06.380 --> 00:27:07.059 You know what the fruit 00:27:07.059 --> 00:27:07.680 of the Spirit is? 00:27:08.299 --> 00:27:09.460 Love, joy, peace, 00:27:09.600 --> 00:27:10.240 patience, kindness, 00:27:10.440 --> 00:27:11.140 goodness, gentleness, 00:27:11.339 --> 00:27:11.819 faithfulness, 00:27:11.880 --> 00:27:12.680 and self-control. 00:27:13.799 --> 00:27:15.000 Just imagine 00:27:15.000 --> 00:27:16.539 all this fruit 00:27:16.539 --> 00:27:17.400 of the Spirit 00:27:17.400 --> 00:27:18.780 showing up 00:27:18.780 --> 00:27:20.160 in fuller and fuller 00:27:20.160 --> 00:27:20.580 measure 00:27:20.580 --> 00:27:22.640 in every area 00:27:22.640 --> 00:27:23.759 of your life. 00:27:23.920 --> 00:27:24.860 Every relationship. 00:27:25.759 --> 00:27:26.759 Every situation. 00:27:27.340 --> 00:27:28.660 Growing in greater 00:27:28.660 --> 00:27:29.820 and greater measure. 00:27:30.180 --> 00:27:32.820 He's going to round you out 00:27:32.820 --> 00:27:34.400 and make you complete. 00:27:36.620 --> 00:27:37.700 Negatively, he says, 00:27:38.000 --> 00:27:38.980 lacking in nothing. 00:27:42.560 --> 00:27:45.160 Not having a distracted focus. 00:27:45.259 --> 00:27:46.759 Your undistracted focus 00:27:46.759 --> 00:27:47.339 on Jesus. 00:27:47.539 --> 00:27:49.099 An unblemished character. 00:27:50.559 --> 00:27:52.220 When we put this stuff together, 00:27:52.720 --> 00:27:53.440 perfect, complete, 00:27:53.579 --> 00:27:54.200 lacking in nothing, 00:27:54.299 --> 00:27:54.799 and you know what? 00:27:55.019 --> 00:27:55.900 It starts kind of 00:27:55.900 --> 00:27:56.799 sounding like Jesus. 00:28:01.619 --> 00:28:03.099 The long-term goal 00:28:03.099 --> 00:28:04.740 our Father has 00:28:04.740 --> 00:28:05.619 for trials 00:28:05.619 --> 00:28:07.819 is to make us like Jesus. 00:28:10.220 --> 00:28:10.700 Mature. 00:28:13.700 --> 00:28:15.160 The rationale James 00:28:15.160 --> 00:28:16.220 is laying out here 00:28:16.220 --> 00:28:17.259 is a process 00:28:17.259 --> 00:28:18.340 in which God 00:28:18.340 --> 00:28:19.279 uses trials 00:28:19.279 --> 00:28:20.420 to stretch 00:28:20.420 --> 00:28:21.300 and refine 00:28:21.300 --> 00:28:22.140 our faith 00:28:22.140 --> 00:28:23.300 to grow us 00:28:23.300 --> 00:28:24.200 over time 00:28:24.200 --> 00:28:24.940 to be more 00:28:24.940 --> 00:28:25.480 and more 00:28:25.480 --> 00:28:26.620 like Jesus. 00:28:30.620 --> 00:28:31.100 Progressively 00:28:31.100 --> 00:28:32.779 making His children 00:28:32.779 --> 00:28:34.700 holy. 00:28:36.860 --> 00:28:38.759 Trials are an essential tool. 00:28:39.840 --> 00:28:41.100 Trials are necessary 00:28:41.100 --> 00:28:42.060 to that end. 00:28:42.059 --> 00:28:45.639 Our Heavenly Father 00:28:45.639 --> 00:28:46.759 wants us to 00:28:46.759 --> 00:28:48.940 share in His holiness. 00:28:49.139 --> 00:28:50.339 We'll see that next week 00:28:50.339 --> 00:28:51.399 out of Hebrews 12. 00:28:52.399 --> 00:28:53.740 He wants us to share 00:28:53.740 --> 00:28:55.079 in His holiness 00:28:55.079 --> 00:28:56.799 so much 00:28:56.799 --> 00:28:58.359 that He employs 00:28:58.359 --> 00:28:59.399 various kinds 00:28:59.960 --> 00:29:00.839 of trials 00:29:00.839 --> 00:29:02.539 to refine us. 00:29:03.399 --> 00:29:04.899 He values our holiness 00:29:04.899 --> 00:29:06.819 more than our comfort. 00:29:06.819 --> 00:29:09.079 In other words, 00:29:09.879 --> 00:29:11.000 God considers 00:29:11.000 --> 00:29:11.639 trials 00:29:11.639 --> 00:29:12.659 good for us. 00:29:17.200 --> 00:29:17.799 So, 00:29:18.000 --> 00:29:18.599 having seen 00:29:18.599 --> 00:29:19.220 the rationale 00:29:19.220 --> 00:29:21.700 that we are to 00:29:21.700 --> 00:29:22.659 consider 00:29:22.659 --> 00:29:24.980 trials 00:29:24.980 --> 00:29:25.740 joy 00:29:25.740 --> 00:29:27.099 because 00:29:27.099 --> 00:29:28.539 God's testing us, 00:29:28.559 --> 00:29:28.859 He's seeking 00:29:28.859 --> 00:29:29.159 to produce 00:29:29.159 --> 00:29:30.079 steadfastness, 00:29:30.379 --> 00:29:31.779 and the long-term goal 00:29:31.779 --> 00:29:33.139 is Christ-like maturity, 00:29:33.140 --> 00:29:35.500 because of that, 00:29:35.580 --> 00:29:36.600 because we see that, 00:29:36.680 --> 00:29:37.560 we know that, 00:29:38.440 --> 00:29:39.820 we can have joy. 00:29:41.520 --> 00:29:42.600 That when trials 00:29:42.600 --> 00:29:43.259 come knocking, 00:29:43.420 --> 00:29:44.200 we can welcome them 00:29:44.200 --> 00:29:44.680 with joy 00:29:44.680 --> 00:29:45.480 because God 00:29:45.480 --> 00:29:46.280 is using them 00:29:46.280 --> 00:29:47.160 for our good 00:29:47.160 --> 00:29:49.020 even when they 00:29:49.020 --> 00:29:49.940 involve a lot of pain. 00:29:54.300 --> 00:29:54.860 When 00:29:54.860 --> 00:29:55.780 hardship, 00:29:56.200 --> 00:29:56.540 trials 00:29:56.540 --> 00:29:57.220 come knocking, 00:29:57.460 --> 00:29:58.540 we welcome them 00:29:58.540 --> 00:29:59.200 with joy 00:29:59.200 --> 00:30:00.380 because we trust 00:30:00.380 --> 00:30:01.180 in our God. 00:30:01.180 --> 00:30:01.759 so we've looked 00:30:01.759 --> 00:30:02.420 at the command, 00:30:03.560 --> 00:30:04.220 we've looked 00:30:04.220 --> 00:30:04.900 at the rationale, 00:30:05.900 --> 00:30:06.920 now I want 00:30:06.920 --> 00:30:08.180 to gird your mind 00:30:08.180 --> 00:30:09.100 up for this week. 00:30:09.920 --> 00:30:10.759 I want 00:30:10.759 --> 00:30:11.779 to help you 00:30:11.779 --> 00:30:13.539 think a certain way 00:30:13.539 --> 00:30:14.420 because you're 00:30:14.420 --> 00:30:15.100 going to encounter 00:30:15.100 --> 00:30:15.840 trials 00:30:15.840 --> 00:30:17.320 of various kinds 00:30:17.320 --> 00:30:18.279 this week. 00:30:22.680 --> 00:30:23.539 When you 00:30:23.539 --> 00:30:24.180 encounter 00:30:24.180 --> 00:30:24.860 a trial, 00:30:25.860 --> 00:30:27.400 when the heat 00:30:27.400 --> 00:30:27.960 goes up, 00:30:28.060 --> 00:30:28.480 when you feel 00:30:28.480 --> 00:30:29.080 the stretch, 00:30:29.220 --> 00:30:29.720 when you start 00:30:29.720 --> 00:30:30.580 sensing pain, 00:30:31.180 --> 00:30:32.960 when you 00:30:32.960 --> 00:30:33.680 encounter 00:30:33.680 --> 00:30:34.400 a trial, 00:30:35.060 --> 00:30:36.220 you need 00:30:36.220 --> 00:30:36.759 to fight 00:30:36.759 --> 00:30:37.519 for joy. 00:30:38.400 --> 00:30:39.000 And the way 00:30:39.000 --> 00:30:39.580 you fight 00:30:39.580 --> 00:30:40.279 for joy 00:30:40.279 --> 00:30:41.519 is by calling 00:30:41.519 --> 00:30:42.400 to mind 00:30:42.400 --> 00:30:43.140 to consider 00:30:43.140 --> 00:30:44.799 for we know 00:30:44.799 --> 00:30:46.039 we call 00:30:46.039 --> 00:30:47.039 to mind 00:30:47.039 --> 00:30:48.100 truth 00:30:48.100 --> 00:30:49.200 about our 00:30:49.200 --> 00:30:49.799 God 00:30:49.799 --> 00:30:50.799 in relationship 00:30:50.799 --> 00:30:52.060 to the trial. 00:30:53.340 --> 00:30:54.279 You fight 00:30:54.279 --> 00:30:54.799 for joy 00:30:54.799 --> 00:30:55.400 by calling 00:30:55.400 --> 00:30:55.980 to mind 00:30:55.980 --> 00:30:57.400 three truths 00:30:57.400 --> 00:30:58.160 about God. 00:30:58.740 --> 00:30:59.120 You ready? 00:30:59.119 --> 00:31:01.659 God is 00:31:01.659 --> 00:31:02.099 over it. 00:31:02.939 --> 00:31:03.619 God is 00:31:03.619 --> 00:31:04.039 in it. 00:31:04.719 --> 00:31:05.559 And God 00:31:05.559 --> 00:31:06.479 is using 00:31:06.479 --> 00:31:07.479 it for our 00:31:07.479 --> 00:31:07.719 good. 00:31:08.619 --> 00:31:09.299 Will you say 00:31:09.299 --> 00:31:09.719 it with me? 00:31:10.079 --> 00:31:10.639 God is 00:31:10.639 --> 00:31:11.299 over it. 00:31:12.019 --> 00:31:12.579 God is 00:31:12.579 --> 00:31:13.139 in it. 00:31:13.699 --> 00:31:14.239 God is 00:31:14.239 --> 00:31:15.019 using it 00:31:15.019 --> 00:31:15.639 for our 00:31:15.639 --> 00:31:15.939 good. 00:31:16.339 --> 00:31:16.919 Over it, 00:31:17.019 --> 00:31:17.319 in it, 00:31:17.500 --> 00:31:17.859 through it. 00:31:18.219 --> 00:31:18.779 Over it, 00:31:18.879 --> 00:31:19.159 in it, 00:31:19.279 --> 00:31:19.599 through it. 00:31:19.639 --> 00:31:19.919 When you 00:31:19.919 --> 00:31:20.539 encounter a 00:31:20.539 --> 00:31:20.879 trial, 00:31:21.339 --> 00:31:21.899 what comes 00:31:21.899 --> 00:31:22.299 to mind? 00:31:22.539 --> 00:31:22.959 God is 00:31:22.959 --> 00:31:23.479 over it, 00:31:23.500 --> 00:31:24.179 this trial, 00:31:24.339 --> 00:31:24.879 He's in 00:31:24.879 --> 00:31:25.500 this trial, 00:31:25.500 --> 00:31:25.819 and He's 00:31:25.819 --> 00:31:26.319 using this 00:31:26.319 --> 00:31:26.900 trial for 00:31:26.900 --> 00:31:27.440 my good. 00:31:29.539 --> 00:31:30.099 He's 00:31:30.099 --> 00:31:30.619 over it. 00:31:31.839 --> 00:31:32.559 This is 00:31:32.559 --> 00:31:33.099 not random. 00:31:34.019 --> 00:31:34.539 This is 00:31:34.539 --> 00:31:35.140 not some 00:31:35.140 --> 00:31:35.900 freakish 00:31:35.900 --> 00:31:36.339 random 00:31:36.339 --> 00:31:36.940 event. 00:31:37.940 --> 00:31:38.339 But God 00:31:38.339 --> 00:31:38.819 is sovereign 00:31:38.819 --> 00:31:39.500 over it. 00:31:40.279 --> 00:31:40.660 Ephesians 00:31:40.660 --> 00:31:41.380 1.22 00:31:41.380 --> 00:31:42.559 God has 00:31:42.559 --> 00:31:43.660 placed all 00:31:43.660 --> 00:31:44.779 things under 00:31:44.779 --> 00:31:45.440 the feet 00:31:45.440 --> 00:31:46.079 of Jesus. 00:31:46.980 --> 00:31:47.240 All 00:31:47.240 --> 00:31:47.680 things. 00:31:49.039 --> 00:31:50.180 He reigns 00:31:50.180 --> 00:31:50.940 over it. 00:31:52.359 --> 00:31:53.200 God is 00:31:53.200 --> 00:31:53.839 sovereign. 00:31:53.839 --> 00:31:54.000 sovereign. 00:31:54.480 --> 00:31:54.959 It may 00:31:54.959 --> 00:31:55.480 not feel 00:31:55.480 --> 00:31:55.939 that way 00:31:55.939 --> 00:31:56.240 when you 00:31:56.240 --> 00:31:56.980 first encounter 00:31:56.980 --> 00:31:57.480 a trial, 00:31:58.039 --> 00:31:58.899 but that's 00:31:58.899 --> 00:31:59.159 why we 00:31:59.159 --> 00:31:59.519 call this 00:31:59.519 --> 00:32:00.079 to mind. 00:32:01.339 --> 00:32:01.779 Our God 00:32:01.779 --> 00:32:02.099 is a 00:32:02.099 --> 00:32:02.399 sovereign 00:32:02.399 --> 00:32:02.720 God. 00:32:03.679 --> 00:32:03.919 Our 00:32:03.919 --> 00:32:04.419 trials 00:32:04.419 --> 00:32:04.819 don't 00:32:04.819 --> 00:32:05.379 reign over 00:32:05.379 --> 00:32:05.659 our 00:32:05.659 --> 00:32:06.000 God. 00:32:06.099 --> 00:32:06.279 Our 00:32:06.279 --> 00:32:06.559 God 00:32:06.559 --> 00:32:06.899 reigns 00:32:06.899 --> 00:32:07.119 over 00:32:07.119 --> 00:32:07.339 our 00:32:07.339 --> 00:32:07.819 trials. 00:32:10.039 --> 00:32:10.559 He's 00:32:10.559 --> 00:32:11.220 over it, 00:32:11.720 --> 00:32:12.220 and God 00:32:12.220 --> 00:32:12.919 is in 00:32:12.919 --> 00:32:13.159 it. 00:32:13.679 --> 00:32:13.980 God 00:32:13.980 --> 00:32:14.519 is in 00:32:14.519 --> 00:32:14.740 it 00:32:14.740 --> 00:32:15.539 with 00:32:15.539 --> 00:32:16.000 me. 00:32:16.199 --> 00:32:16.379 God 00:32:16.379 --> 00:32:16.679 is in 00:32:16.679 --> 00:32:16.799 it 00:32:16.799 --> 00:32:17.059 with 00:32:17.059 --> 00:32:17.439 you. 00:32:17.559 --> 00:32:17.720 He's 00:32:17.720 --> 00:32:17.959 in it 00:32:17.959 --> 00:32:18.199 with 00:32:18.199 --> 00:32:18.639 us. 00:32:18.799 --> 00:32:18.899 He 00:32:18.899 --> 00:32:19.139 hasn't 00:32:19.139 --> 00:32:19.459 left 00:32:19.459 --> 00:32:19.819 us. 00:32:20.179 --> 00:32:20.359 He'll 00:32:20.359 --> 00:32:20.559 never 00:32:20.559 --> 00:32:20.799 leave 00:32:20.799 --> 00:32:20.899 us 00:32:20.899 --> 00:32:21.059 nor 00:32:21.059 --> 00:32:21.500 forsake 00:32:21.500 --> 00:32:21.859 us. 00:32:23.839 --> 00:32:25.000 God 00:32:25.000 --> 00:32:25.339 is 00:32:25.339 --> 00:32:25.659 right 00:32:25.659 --> 00:32:26.019 here, 00:32:26.459 --> 00:32:26.859 right 00:32:26.859 --> 00:32:27.259 now, 00:32:27.539 --> 00:32:28.059 and is 00:32:28.059 --> 00:32:28.500 committed 00:32:28.500 --> 00:32:29.059 to us 00:32:29.059 --> 00:32:29.699 as ever. 00:32:30.199 --> 00:32:30.619 He has 00:32:30.619 --> 00:32:31.199 given us 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00:34:23.500 this. 00:34:24.500 --> 00:34:24.819 God, 00:34:24.899 --> 00:34:25.179 how are 00:34:25.179 --> 00:34:25.319 you 00:34:25.319 --> 00:34:25.659 using 00:34:25.659 --> 00:34:25.899 this 00:34:25.899 --> 00:34:26.079 to 00:34:26.079 --> 00:34:26.539 refine 00:34:26.539 --> 00:34:26.859 me? 00:34:28.459 --> 00:34:29.000 How 00:34:29.000 --> 00:34:29.239 are 00:34:29.239 --> 00:34:29.399 you 00:34:29.399 --> 00:34:29.719 using 00:34:29.719 --> 00:34:29.959 this 00:34:29.959 --> 00:34:30.159 to 00:34:30.159 --> 00:34:30.679 round 00:34:30.679 --> 00:34:31.159 me 00:34:31.159 --> 00:34:31.659 out 00:34:31.659 --> 00:34:31.899 to 00:34:31.899 --> 00:34:32.059 be 00:34:32.059 --> 00:34:32.319 like 00:34:32.319 --> 00:34:32.759 Jesus? 00:34:34.399 --> 00:34:34.939 What 00:34:34.939 --> 00:34:35.079 are you 00:34:35.079 --> 00:34:35.259 doing, 00:34:35.419 --> 00:34:35.619 God? 00:34:36.799 --> 00:34:37.339 Help 00:34:37.339 --> 00:34:37.439 me 00:34:37.439 --> 00:34:37.599 to 00:34:37.599 --> 00:34:37.819 see 00:34:37.819 --> 00:34:37.959 it. 00:34:38.219 --> 00:34:39.859 So 00:34:39.859 --> 00:34:40.059 this 00:34:40.059 --> 00:34:40.359 week, 00:34:40.439 --> 00:34:40.639 maybe 00:34:40.639 --> 00:34:40.799 you're 00:34:40.799 --> 00:34:40.939 a 00:34:40.939 --> 00:34:41.139 mom 00:34:41.139 --> 00:34:41.259 of 00:34:41.259 --> 00:34:41.339 a 00:34:41.339 --> 00:34:41.500 two 00:34:41.500 --> 00:34:41.679 year 00:34:41.679 --> 00:34:41.899 old. 00:34:43.619 --> 00:34:44.000 You're 00:34:44.000 --> 00:34:44.059 going 00:34:44.059 --> 00:34:44.099 to 00:34:44.099 --> 00:34:44.219 have 00:34:44.219 --> 00:34:44.339 some 00:34:44.339 --> 00:34:44.679 trials. 00:34:47.139 --> 00:34:47.539 God's 00:34:47.539 --> 00:34:47.879 over it, 00:34:47.919 --> 00:34:48.079 He's 00:34:48.079 --> 00:34:48.339 in it, 00:34:48.399 --> 00:34:48.599 and He's 00:34:48.599 --> 00:34:48.759 through 00:34:48.759 --> 00:34:48.919 it. 00:34:51.359 --> 00:34:51.759 All 00:34:51.759 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00:35:13.120 and 00:35:13.120 --> 00:35:13.400 then 00:35:13.400 --> 00:35:13.660 we 00:35:13.660 --> 00:35:13.900 get 00:35:13.900 --> 00:35:14.120 to 00:35:14.120 --> 00:35:14.540 enjoy 00:35:14.540 --> 00:35:14.800 it. 00:35:15.920 --> 00:35:16.560 We 00:35:16.560 --> 00:35:17.000 count it 00:35:17.000 --> 00:35:17.300 all 00:35:17.300 --> 00:35:17.700 joy, 00:35:18.280 --> 00:35:18.420 my 00:35:18.420 --> 00:35:18.700 brothers 00:35:18.700 --> 00:35:18.940 and 00:35:18.940 --> 00:35:19.260 sisters, 00:35:19.860 --> 00:35:20.900 when 00:35:20.900 --> 00:35:21.180 we 00:35:21.180 --> 00:35:21.500 meet 00:35:21.500 --> 00:35:21.980 trials 00:35:21.980 --> 00:35:22.260 of 00:35:22.260 --> 00:35:22.620 various 00:35:22.620 --> 00:35:23.160 kinds, 00:35:23.760 --> 00:35:24.680 because 00:35:24.680 --> 00:35:25.140 we are 00:35:25.140 --> 00:35:25.600 confident 00:35:25.600 --> 00:35:26.240 in our 00:35:26.240 --> 00:35:26.580 God 00:35:26.580 --> 00:35:27.440 who 00:35:27.440 --> 00:35:27.720 has 00:35:27.720 --> 00:35:27.960 our 00:35:27.960 --> 00:35:28.240 good 00:35:28.240 --> 00:35:29.180 in 00:35:29.180 --> 00:35:29.580 mind. 00:35:30.780 --> 00:35:31.120 Let 00:35:31.120 --> 00:35:31.220 me 00:35:31.220 --> 00:35:31.440 pray. 00:35:35.660 --> 00:35:36.260 God, 00:35:36.260 --> 00:35:36.400 we 00:35:36.400 --> 00:35:36.520 are 00:35:36.520 --> 00:35:36.680 so 00:35:36.680 --> 00:35:37.020 grateful 00:35:37.020 --> 00:35:37.280 that 00:35:37.280 --> 00:35:37.440 you 00:35:37.440 --> 00:35:37.580 are 00:35:37.580 --> 00:35:37.740 a 00:35:37.740 --> 00:35:38.060 God 00:35:38.060 --> 00:35:38.280 who 00:35:38.280 --> 00:35:38.640 is 00:35:38.640 --> 00:35:39.060 over 00:35:39.060 --> 00:35:39.320 it 00:35:39.320 --> 00:35:39.500 and 00:35:39.500 --> 00:35:39.740 in 00:35:39.740 --> 00:35:39.980 it 00:35:39.980 --> 00:35:40.320 and 00:35:40.320 --> 00:35:40.600 working 00:35:40.600 --> 00:35:40.960 through 00:35:40.960 --> 00:35:41.260 it. 00:35:42.760 --> 00:35:43.340 God, 00:35:43.400 --> 00:35:43.500 we 00:35:43.500 --> 00:35:43.780 thank 00:35:43.780 --> 00:35:43.900 you 00:35:43.900 --> 00:35:44.180 so 00:35:44.180 --> 00:35:44.580 much 00:35:44.580 --> 00:35:44.860 that 00:35:44.860 --> 00:35:45.040 you 00:35:45.040 --> 00:35:45.520 bring 00:35:45.520 --> 00:35:46.180 trials. 00:35:46.480 --> 00:35:46.560 We 00:35:46.560 --> 00:35:46.720 are 00:35:46.720 --> 00:35:47.060 able 00:35:47.060 --> 00:35:47.360 to 00:35:47.360 --> 00:35:47.880 rejoice 00:35:47.880 --> 00:35:48.400 in 00:35:48.400 --> 00:35:48.780 that 00:35:48.780 --> 00:35:49.120 because 00:35:49.120 --> 00:35:49.480 we 00:35:49.480 --> 00:35:49.660 are 00:35:49.660 --> 00:35:50.180 confident 00:35:50.180 --> 00:35:50.520 that 00:35:50.520 --> 00:35:51.100 you 00:35:51.100 --> 00:35:51.320 are 00:35:51.320 --> 00:35:51.960 sovereign, 00:35:52.400 --> 00:35:52.660 that 00:35:52.660 --> 00:35:52.860 you're 00:35:52.860 --> 00:35:53.260 with 00:35:53.260 --> 00:35:53.760 us, 00:35:53.900 --> 00:35:54.180 and 00:35:54.180 --> 00:35:54.360 that 00:35:54.360 --> 00:35:54.500 you 00:35:54.500 --> 00:35:54.720 have 00:35:54.720 --> 00:35:55.100 good 00:35:55.100 --> 00:35:55.720 purposes 00:35:55.720 --> 00:35:56.140 for 00:35:56.140 --> 00:35:56.460 us 00:35:56.460 --> 00:35:56.700 through 00:35:56.700 --> 00:35:56.860 the 00:35:56.860 --> 00:35:57.280 trial. 00:35:58.280 --> 00:35:58.820 God, 00:35:59.560 --> 00:35:59.800 would 00:35:59.800 --> 00:35:59.920 you 00:35:59.920 --> 00:36:00.240 use 00:36:00.240 --> 00:36:00.360 it 00:36:00.360 --> 00:36:00.600 for 00:36:00.600 --> 00:36:00.780 our 00:36:00.780 --> 00:36:01.020 good? 00:36:01.120 --> 00:36:01.320 Would 00:36:01.320 --> 00:36:01.500 you 00:36:01.500 --> 00:36:02.140 teach 00:36:06.260 --> 00:36:06.340 us 00:36:06.340 --> 00:36:06.540 and 00:36:06.540 --> 00:36:07.060 strengthen 00:36:07.060 --> 00:36:07.560 us? 00:36:07.660 --> 00:36:07.820 Would 00:36:07.820 --> 00:36:08.000 you 00:36:08.000 --> 00:36:08.720 bring 00:36:08.720 --> 00:36:08.980 to 00:36:08.980 --> 00:36:09.340 our 00:36:09.340 --> 00:36:09.800 attention 00:36:09.800 --> 00:36:10.500 areas 00:36:10.500 --> 00:36:10.780 that 00:36:10.780 --> 00:36:11.040 must 00:36:11.040 --> 00:36:11.680 change 00:36:11.680 --> 00:36:11.960 in order 00:36:11.960 --> 00:36:12.180 to be 00:36:12.180 --> 00:36:12.420 like 00:36:12.420 --> 00:36:12.860 Jesus? 00:36:13.820 --> 00:36:14.280 God, 00:36:14.340 --> 00:36:14.440 we 00:36:14.440 --> 00:36:14.780 trust 00:36:14.780 --> 00:36:14.960 you. 00:36:15.060 --> 00:36:15.160 We 00:36:15.160 --> 00:36:15.420 love 00:36:15.420 --> 00:36:15.580 you. 00:36:15.660 --> 00:36:15.760 We 00:36:15.760 --> 00:36:15.940 know 00:36:15.940 --> 00:36:16.100 that 00:36:16.100 --> 00:36:16.200 you 00:36:16.200 --> 00:36:16.360 don't 00:36:16.360 --> 00:36:16.600 bring 00:36:16.600 --> 00:36:16.840 these 00:36:16.840 --> 00:36:17.120 things 00:36:17.120 --> 00:36:17.460 upon 00:36:17.460 --> 00:36:17.820 us 00:36:17.820 --> 00:36:18.780 for 00:36:18.780 --> 00:36:19.060 our 00:36:19.060 --> 00:36:19.460 ill, 00:36:19.580 --> 00:36:19.700 but 00:36:19.700 --> 00:36:19.940 for 00:36:19.940 --> 00:36:20.160 our 00:36:20.160 --> 00:36:20.600 good. 00:36:23.180 --> 00:36:23.660 So 00:36:23.660 --> 00:36:23.880 God, 00:36:23.940 --> 00:36:24.020 we 00:36:24.020 --> 00:36:24.360 look to 00:36:24.360 --> 00:36:24.580 you, 00:36:25.400 --> 00:36:25.900 and we 00:36:25.900 --> 00:36:26.060 say, 00:36:26.160 --> 00:36:26.300 have 00:36:26.300 --> 00:36:26.440 your 00:36:26.440 --> 00:36:26.760 way. 00:36:27.920 --> 00:36:28.400 We 00:36:28.400 --> 00:36:28.780 trust 00:36:28.780 --> 00:36:29.020 you. 00:36:29.280 --> 00:36:29.440 Our 00:36:29.440 --> 00:36:29.900 joy 00:36:29.900 --> 00:36:30.220 is 00:36:30.220 --> 00:36:30.500 in 00:36:30.500 --> 00:36:30.800 you. 00:36:31.080 --> 00:36:31.160 And 00:36:31.160 --> 00:36:31.320 it's 00:36:31.320 --> 00:36:31.440 the 00:36:31.440 --> 00:36:31.600 name 00:36:31.600 --> 00:36:31.780 of 00:36:31.780 --> 00:36:32.200 Jesus 00:36:32.200 --> 00:36:32.800 that 00:36:32.800 --> 00:36:32.960 we 00:36:32.960 --> 00:36:33.260 pray. 00:36:34.000 --> 00:36:34.340 Amen.