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Practical Faith - Trials

Sermon by Ps Daniel Khong at the Faith Community Baptist Church on 19 Sep 2026.

The general epistle of James was likely written by the brother of Jesus, and is a broad letter to the 12 tribes of Israel which are scattered abroad. This means it is not specific, but covers many topics/lessons that he has learnt in life. Because it covers many things, the book of James is recommended to new believers.



In the first verse after the initial greeting, James says that we will all have trials and a testing of our faith. But if we go thru this, we will become perfect (mature) and complete in our faith. GV Wigram wrote that "Sorrow and trials are like the sand and grit that polish a stone".

What must we hold on in order to be mature in trials?


1. Reliance on God

It does not matter what the problem is, we need wisdom to go through it. If we lack wisdom, we should ask God and he will give to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given. God is interested in us and will give us wisdom.

The problem? We did not call or truly rely on God. We should ask in faith, with no doubting. One aspect of doubting is "divided loyalty", between God and the world.  Instead of seeking God first, we try all other things first. On the contrary, we should come to God first. Christian maturity is total dependance on God.


2. Remembrance of God

To ask God first, we need to keep the remembrance of God on a constant basis. Corrie ten Boom asks, "Is prayer your steering wheel or spare tire?" God must be our steering wheel. That is the reason why the church advocates early morning prayer, quiet time, saying grace before food and bedtime prayer...so we remember God at all times. 

Trials and tribulations do not discriminate. It happens to the lowly and the rich. We need to set our minds on things above and not earthly things. Flowers and grass, like people, will fade away. James tells us to seek the forever things, that is, the word of our God endures for ever. 

The ultimate goal: if we endure the trials and temptation - we will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to all. 

Maturity in Christ = respond in a godly manner, and make decisions in view of God.



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