Count It All Joy – James Chapter 1

Key Scriptures Cited

1. James 1:1–14:

• James 1:1–3: James introduces himself as a servant of God and the Lord Jesus Christ, exhorting believers to *”count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience”*^[1][2].
• James 1:4–5: Calls believers to let patience have her “perfect work” to reach spiritual maturity, and instructs anyone lacking wisdom to ask God, who gives to all liberally^[4][6].
• James 1:6–8: Warns that prayers must be offered in unwavering faith, stating that a double-minded man is “unstable in all his ways” and will not receive from the Lord^[5][9].
• James 1:9–11: Explains that earthly status and wealth fade away like grass withered by the sun, urging believers to value enduring spiritual riches^[19].
• James 1:12–14: Promises the “crown of life” to those who endure trials, while clarifying that God tempts no man with evil; rather, individuals are tempted when drawn away by their own lusts^[12].

2. Psalm 1:1–2:

• *”Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful. But his delight is in the law of the Lord…”*^[16]. The speaker uses this passage to show how individuals gradually slide into temptation by first walking near ungodly counsel, then standing in worldly paths, and finally taking a seat in scornful living^[16][23].

3. Romans 7:14–25:

• The Apostle Paul’s reflection on the internal conflict of the carnal nature: *”For that which I do I allow not: for what I would, that do I not; but what I hate, that do I”*^[17]. The speaker references Paul’s war between the law of his mind and the law of sin in his flesh to illustrate that spiritual warfare is a common human experience^[18][24].

4. Romans 8:1–2:

• *”There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit”*^[18]. The speaker emphasizes that through the law of the Spirit of life in Christ, believers are set free from the law of sin and death^[18].

Key Takeaways

1. Trials serve as spiritual conditioning to build patience. Falling into temptation or facing hardships should not be met with shame or religious condemnation^[3]. Instead, believers ought to recognize trials as a spiritual workout—akin to tearing muscle fibers in the gym so they can grow back stronger^[4]. Allowing patience to have her “perfect work” gives birth to spiritual strength and helps believers reflect on why they slipped so they can correct their path^[4].
2. Temptation originates from internal desires, not from God. James 1:13 explicitly asserts that God tempts no one with evil^[12][13]. Temptation occurs when individuals are lured by their own lusts—which the speaker clarifies encompasses any desire unaligned with God, including greed, gluttony, or hatred^[13]. Furthermore, falling into sin is a three-step progression (walking, standing, sitting) that can be stopped early if one chooses to delight in God’s word instead^[16].
3. Unwavering “Now Faith” secures wisdom and deliverance. When believers face confusion during trials, they are invited to ask God for wisdom^[6]. However, prayers must be grounded in an ever-present, targeted faith at the moment of asking, rather than leaning on past memories or future assumptions^[5][8]. Double-mindedness creates spiritual instability that blocks answers to prayer^[9][26]. The speaker’s personal experience of overcoming addiction under a bridge demonstrates that standing firm in present faith leads to real deliverance^[10][11].
4. Spiritual instability stems from lack of focus on God, not sin itself. The speaker notes that sin alone is not what prevents a prayer from being heard; rather, it is an unstable, unfocused mind that fails to fixate on the Creator^[8][26]. When believers eliminate distractions (such as phones or self-absorption) and direct their complete attention and worship to God during prayer, God provides the wisdom and path needed to step out of the trap^[6].
5. Christ offers freedom from condemnation for those who keep standing. While all human beings wrestle with the carnal impulses of the flesh—as described by Paul in Romans 7—believers are not left hopeless^[17]. By enduring trials, getting back up after falling, and walking according to the Spirit, believers prove their love for God and can rest in the promise of eternal life without condemnation^[18][22].