Chad Coley
Series in James/ Faith That Works
A Wise Perspective in Trials
James 1:9-12
01 March 2020
When trials come, what do you turn to, and hope in? Trials lay bare our hearts' discontent with God. It is God's purpose to bring them as a way of recovering our hope in Him.
We can have wisdom in poverty (v. 9a). The man who is pressed low in this world with little wealth and standing can rejoice because God is sovereign, and ordains trial. He is working for our benefit to produce steadfastness and maturity. When trials come, know that God is working. God gives us a better perspective through trials.
We can have wisdom is riches (v. 9b - 11); and we need wisdom, because riches are a trial. Riches incur greater accountability, and can be a temptation to trust in them instead of trust in God. The reason we can boast is because we know Christ who is the true source of riches. Wisdom helps the rich man to see his wealth as worthless compared to the future life.
We are all equal at the foot of the cross.