An old English children’s game followed the poem “Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Sailor, Rich Man, Poor Man, Beggar Man, Thief.” In the game, kids would try to determine what they would become later in life. Whether we become rich or poor, one thing is common to all—hardship. Trials are the great equalizer, bringing all of God’s children to depend on Him. James, with barefaced practicality, looked at the advantages of suffering for both the poor man and the rich man.

I. Our World Is Divided (vv. 9-12)

II. Our Outlook Is Delightful (vv. 9-10)

III. Our Materialism Is Doomed (vv. 10-11)

IV. Our Future Is Dependent (v. 12)

Talk with God: Reflect on your typical reaction to trials. Ask the Lord to change your perspective so depending on Him becomes your instinctual reaction.

Talk with others: Ask an unbelieving friend or family member how you can help them through a tough situation in their life.

Talk with kids: How do we make disciples? Why is it important to make disciples?

Growing up has its advantages. Adults face life’s struggles differently than children do. Both children and adults feel strong emotions about the trials they face, but they display their emotions differently. A mature Christian can even dare to experience joy during such times. Whatever you may be facing in life, there are four realities about hardship you should know.

I. Trials Are Normal (v. 2)

II. Trials Can Be Joyful (v. 2)

III. Trials Could Be Transformational (vv. 3-4)

IV. Trials Should Be Educational (vv. 5-8)

Talk with God: Ask the Lord to show you how you can prepare your heart for the struggles ahead.

Talk with others: Ask someone close to you how you can help them walk through a current struggle.

Talk with kids: How does God forgive our sins?

You’ve probably been in a situation where there was confusion, even pandemonium, and most people were acting like immature children. What was needed was just one person to act like an adult and bring decorum and civility back. In such situations, one might say, “Where is the adult in the room?” It refers to someone who will behave responsibly in a mature manner. The book of James is about spiritual maturity. It is a call to grow up and not just grow old. James was the adult in the room.

I. The Author “James”

II. The Autobiography “a bondservant of God and of…Jesus Christ”

III. The Audience “To the twelve tribes…scattered abroad”

IV. The Address “Greetings”

Talk with God: Reflect on your spiritual growth journey and ask the Lord to show you where He wants to grow you.

Talk with others: Ask a trusted believer or mentor to hold you accountable in working toward growth in a specific area of your walk.

Talk with kids: What do you believe to be true about God, even though you haven’t seen Him?

People either misunderstand the cross or they don't know its purpose and significance. Some think it's a tragic mistake or just a trivial symbol. When it came to the Messiah, the Jews anticipated a conqueror—instead, they got a sin bearer. Through the cross, Jesus glorified the Father and paid the price for our sins. Instead of shying away from it, we choose to celebrate the cross.

Today we are entering into Passion Week—commemorating Jesus’ final days leading up to the cross, His burial, and His resurrection. We are all familiar with these events. As Jesus came into the city of Jerusalem, the crowd placed palm branches on the ground. In a few days, Jesus would be crucified, and they would place His body in the ground. But three days later, He would rise from the ground. Let’s note three comparisons of things that may be good versus something that’s best.