1. James is a practical letter that deals with some important matters relating to Christianity.
2. The main subject discussed in 1:2-18 is "facing temptations."
a. (vs.2-4) James began by establishing an important principle: Christians can profit from trials
in that they produce patience and completeness.
b. (vs.5-8) James continued by showing us how to face trials properly so we may profit from them.
3. (vs.9-12) James made an application based on the information presented in vs.2-8.
a. (vs.9-11) The trials of poor and rich Christians are contrasted.
b. (vs.12) A great reward will be given to all who endure their trials.
I. (vs.9) THE TRIALS OF THE POOR
A. Poor Christians face certain trials, including:
1. financial concerns
2. unfair treatment (2:6a).
B. Perhaps the greatest trial for a poor Christian is being exalted to a higher position in
life [becoming wealthy].
1. This would be a great trial because of a temptation to trust in the new found wealth rather than
in the Lord who provided it.
2. A poor Christian must react wisely to such a trial to receive a reward from the Lord.
II. (vs.10-11) THE TRIALS OF THE RICH
A. Rich Christians face certain trials, including:
1. laying up treasures in the wrong place (Matthew 6:19-21)
2. allowing the deceitfulness of riches to make them unfruitful (Matthew 13:22)
3. greed (Luke 12:15-21)
4. being tempted with all kinds of evil (1 Timothy 6:9-10).
B. Perhaps the greatest trial for a rich Christian is being made low [losing his possessions].
1. Many people tend to forget God when riches are lost.
2. Riches are here today and gone tomorrow like the grass and flowers that wither when the heat
of the sun scorches them.
3. A rich Christian must react wisely to such a trial to receive a reward from the Lord.
III. JOB AND PAUL ILLUSTRATE THE PRINCIPLES TAUGHT BY JAMES
1. He was richly blessed (Job 1:1-3).
2. However, Job lost everything (Job 1:13-19).
3. This was a great trial for Job (Job 3:25).
4. Job remained faithful to God and received a great blessing (Job 42:10-16).
1. (Philippians 3:8) Paul lost all things that had at one time been important to him.
2. However, he had learned contentment (Philippians 4:11-12).
3. The source of Paul's strength was Christ (Philippians 4:13).
4. Paul was confident of his reward (2 Timothy 4:8).
1. (James 1:12) The Lord has promised a crown of life to those who endure their trials and
who love Him.
2. Would you love God if you lost everything you have?