Count It All Joy

This first paragraph in James (1:2-4) forms the foundation and premise of the whole book.

The issue: trials, the testing of faith which the saints encounter or fall into.

The expected response: all-joy, not groans or complaints, but understanding what God is doing in the trial to bring the believer to His planned goal of transformation. The joy we experience is Christ's joy in us (John 15:11).

The purpose of trials: steadfastness in staying and waiting upon God's purposed work in the trial to produce the perfect man, lacking nothing.