FIRST GOOD SAMARITAN BAPTIST CHURCH
The Caring Church, Preparing the World by Sharing the Word

WEEKLY WORD

THIS JOY!
[Part I]

2 My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, 3 knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. 4 But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.

James 1:2-4
New King James Version

James, the writer of this epistle, defines for us JOY from a faith perspective. This joy that James speaks of is a joy that does not come from happiness but hurt. This joy is not initiated by good times but instead bad times. This joy is not fueled by triumphs of life but the trials and troubles of life. In other words, THIS JOY is a result of various trials that is responsible for maturing our faith.

In our introduction to THIS JOY series, we began with an observation of the marvel comics Justice League. When looking at the Justice League, all of them had great power that began in great pain.
Superman’s beginning began with his planet being destroyed by an explosion [pain].
Batman’s beginning began with his parents being robbed and murdered after leaving the theater [pain].
Incredible Hulk’s beginning began with a chemical experiment gone bad regarding gamma rays [pain].

There is a pattern that established that began with pain that led to their power. James shares with us as believers that when it comes to THIS JOY, we must consider pain as the initial move of God to bring out of us His power. Sometimes there is a message in our messes that bring us to a maturity that takes patience.

The next time you face trials in your life, James reminds us that they are to be expected. Why? Because James says, “when” and not “if.” When suggests to the believer that trials will come but they have a purpose. The seasons of pain in our lives is the preparation for walking in God’s purpose that leads to power!

It was in part I of this message that we expose the pattern of THIS JOY but part II we will examine the purpose which speaks to the why. It will show us the necessity of patience that has a purpose that brings out perfection when it comes to spiritual maturity.

Dr. James A. Simmons, Senior Pastor