UPSIDE DOWN THINKING

James 1:1-4

Acts 8:1
And on that day a great persecution began against the church in Jerusalem, and they were all scattered throughout the regions of Judea and Samaria.

James 1:2-4
2 Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, 3 knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. 4 And let endurance have its perfect result, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.

WHAT’S THE POINT OF TRIALS?

I. TRIALS BRING US CLOSER TO ONE ANOTHER

James 1:2
2 Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials,

Romans 12:10
Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honour.

James 5:13-20
13 Is anyone among you suffering? Then he must pray. Is anyone cheerful? He is to sing praises. 14Is anyone among you sick? Then he must call for the elders of the church and they are to pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord; 15 and the prayer offered in faith will restore the one who is sick, and the Lord will raise him up, and if he has committed sins, they will be forgiven him. 16 Therefore, confess your sins to one another, and pray for one another so that you may be healed. The effective prayer of a righteous man can accomplish much. 17 Elijah was a man with a nature like ours, and he prayed earnestly that it would not rain, and it did not rain on the earth for three years and six months. 18 Then he prayed again, and the sky poured rain and the earth produced its fruit. 19 My brethren, if any among you strays from the truth and one turns him back, 20 let him know that he who turns a sinner from the error of his way will save his soul from death and will cover a multitude of sins.

1. Are you suffering?
describe a hard time you’re going through

2. Are you celebrating?
Share something good that has happened to you

3. Are you sinning?
Have you violated God’s commands

4. Are you Sick or in Need?
Share A physical need you have

Matthew 12:49-50
And stretching out his hand toward his disciples, he said, “Here are my mother and my brothers! For whoever does the will of my Father in heaven is my brother and sister and mother."

II. TRIALS COME TO ACCOMPLISH GOD’S PLAN FOR OUR LIVES

James 1:3
3 knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance.

Romans 5:3-4
3 And not only this, but we also exult in our tribulations, knowing that tribulation brings about perseverance; 4 and perseverance, proven character; and proven character, hope;

James 1:4
4 And let endurance have its perfect result, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.

Genesis 50:19-20
Don’t be afraid. Am I in the place of God? You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now
being done, the saving of many lives"

James 1:2
2 Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials,