Learning to persevere through suffering is a defining feature of a rich and meaningful life.

Digging Deeper

1. What stood out to you most in this message?

Read James 1:2-4 and Romans 5:1-5.

2. Compare James’ use of great joy in the face of trials and Paul’s use of boasting in response to suffering. What do these two passages tell us about the value of maturity and proven character in the life of a follower of Jesus Christ?

3. How do we assess the maturity of our brothers and sisters in Christ? Especially when we are selecting people for positions of responsibility and leadership within our congregations.

4. What is faith?

5. Testing is the english translation of the greek word, dokimazo – to learn the genuineness of something through actual use. to make a critical examination of something to determine genuineness.  Why does God test our faith?

6. Read James 1:5-8. What is the relationship between doubt and instability? What is a mature and faithful response to our doubts, sins, and failures?