James 1:1–4 (NIV) James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, To the twelve tribes scattered among the nations: Greetings. 2 Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, 3 because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. 4 Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. Who was James? James was Jesus' half- Galatians 1:19 I saw none of the other apostles—only James, the Lord’s brother. James didn’t always believe in Jesus. John 7:5“For even his own brothers did not believe in him.” Jesus appeared to James after His resurrection 1 Corinthians 15:7 Then he appeared to James, then to all the apostles. James went from doubting Jesus to devoting his entire life to Jesus and giving His life for the brother who died to save him. James 1:1 James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ… Question: How can seeing James's life change strengthen your faith? Who was James writing to? “To the twelve tribes scattered among the nations…” James 1:2 Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds… Question: What is hard in your life in the past or right now? How difficult is it to think of those things as pure joy? Truths about trials: Trials will happen in our lives. …whenever you face trials of many kinds… Trials our faith. James 1:3 because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. God uses hard things to us. James 1:3-4 because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. 4 Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. Instead of only asking, “God, when are you going to make this stop?” What if we also learned to ask, “God, what are you doing in me through this? What can I learn from this? God, please give me wisdom.” Question: Can you think of examples of difficult times or situations in your life that God has used to make you wiser, stronger, and/or more dependent on Him?