JOY OF SUFFERING FOR RIGHTEOUSNESS New

MONDAY, JULY 28, 2025

KEY VERSE: “My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations.” (James 1:2)

TEXT: JAMES 1:1-4 (KJV)

1 James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, to the twelve tribes which are scattered abroad, greeting.

2 My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations;

3 Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience.

4 But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.

MESSAGE:The Paradox of Joy and Pain: A Kingdom Perspective

Beloved, the very idea of “joy in suffering” often strikes us as counterintuitive, even contradictory. Our natural inclination is to avoid pain, to escape hardship, and to seek comfort. Yet, the Word of God consistently presents a different perspective, a Kingdom perspective, where trials are not merely endured but are to be embraced with an attitude of profound joy. Our key verse today from James 1:2 throws down a challenging gauntlet: “My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations.”

This command is not a call to masochism or to deny the real pain of trials. Rather, it’s an invitation to a deeper understanding of God’s sovereign hand, His ultimate purposes, and the incredible spiritual alchemy that suffering can produce in the life of a believer. The Greek word translated “temptations” here is peirasmos, which can mean both temptation (to sin) and trial or testing (of faith). In the context of James 1, it primarily refers to some sort of difficulty, suffering, or pressure in our lives that God allows in order to try and prove our faith. It is also meant to develop in us perseverance and godly character.

Joseph: A Living Epistle of Righteous Suffering

To truly grasp this concept, let’s look at a powerful biblical example: Joseph. His story, spanning many chapters in Genesis, is a profound narrative of a righteous man enduring immense suffering, not for his sins, but for his integrity and God-given destiny.

Joseph was a favored son, blessed with prophetic dreams from God (Genesis 37). His brothers, consumed by jealousy, first conspired to kill him, then sold him into slavery (Genesis 37:18-28). He was taken to Egypt, far from his family and his familiar world, reduced to a chattel. This was his first great trial, a direct consequence not of his sin, but of divine favor and human malice.

But Joseph didn’t just survive; he thrived, even in slavery. He served Potiphar, an officer of Pharaoh, with such diligence and integrity that he was made supervisor over Potiphar’s entire household (Genesis 39:2-4). Here, Joseph was an example of suffering for righteousness. He consistently chose to do what was right, to serve faithfully, and to honor God even in a pagan land and under duress.

The ultimate test came when Potiphar’s wife relentlessly tried to seduce him. Day after day, she pressed him. But Joseph, demonstrating unwavering devotion to God and to his master, steadfastly refused. His response was a testament to his character: “How then can I do this great wickedness and sin against God?” (Genesis 39:9).

His righteousness, however, led directly to his imprisonment. Falsely accused by Potiphar’s spurned wife, Joseph found himself being punished and thrown into the king’s prison for something he hadn’t done (Genesis 39:19-20). This was not a consequence of his failures, but of his uncompromising fidelity to God. He was, indeed, a prime example of suffering for righteousness.

What was Joseph’s reaction? Did he grumble, complain, or become bitter? The text subtly tells us: “But instead of grumbling and complaining, Joseph carried on being cheerful and helpful.” This is a powerful, understated detail. His inner disposition remained pure and focused on God, even amidst grave injustice. The jailer soon noticed Joseph because he was so different from everyone else. This difference wasn’t just his efficiency; it was his attitude. His peace, his diligence, his helpfulness in the face of such adversity stood out like a beacon.

In fact, the jailer was so impressed with Joseph that he put him in charge of the other prisoners. He also made him responsible for everything that needed to be done in the prison (Genesis 39:21-23). The passage ends with a crucial statement: “God blessed Joseph and helped him do everything well.”

This is the divine paradox. Joseph suffered for righteousness, yet God was with him in his suffering, causing even the direst circumstances to work for his good and for the manifestation of His glory. His prison became a training ground, preparing him for the ultimate responsibility of governing Egypt and saving his family.

Understanding “Divers Temptations”: More Than Just Evil Allure

The term “temptations” in James 1:2 can sometimes be confusing because we often associate it solely with allurements to sin. However, in this context, the Greek word peirasmos carries the broader meaning of trials, tests, and difficulties that are permitted by God to test and refine our faith. Think of it as:

• Difficulties: Life’s unavoidable hardships – illness, financial struggles, relational conflicts, job loss.
• Persecutions: Suffering specifically because of your faith or your stand for righteousness (like Joseph).
• Pressures: Situations that strain your resources, your patience, or your peace.

The purpose of these “divers temptations” (meaning various kinds or diverse forms of trials) is not to destroy us, but to:

1. Prove Our Faith: Trials expose what our faith is truly made of. Is it superficial, or is it deeply rooted? (1 Peter 1:6-7)
2. Develop Perseverance (Patience): As James 1:3 states, “Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience.” Patience here (Greek: hupomonē) means steadfastness, endurance, the ability to remain under pressure without collapsing. It’s the spiritual muscle that develops when our faith is put to the test.
3. Produce Godly Character (Perfect and Entire): Verse 4 continues, “But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.” “Perfect and entire” doesn’t mean sinless perfection, but spiritual maturity, wholeness, completeness, lacking nothing in terms of character or spiritual readiness. Trials are the forge where our character is shaped, refined, and brought to full maturity.

Our Reaction to Trials: Rejoice, Knowing God is With Us

Given this understanding, what should be our reactions to trial and suffering? James gives us a radical command: We are to rejoice knowing that God is with us. This isn’t a forced, superficial happiness, but a deep, settled joy rooted in:

God’s Sovereignty: Knowing that God is in control, even of our suffering. He allows trials; they don’t happen outside His divine purview. This means they have a purpose.

God’s Presence: The assurance that He will never leave us nor forsake us (Hebrews 13:5). Just as He was with Joseph in the pit and in the prison, He is with us in our own trials.

God’s Promise: He will never allow the suffering to swallow us. He promises to provide a way of escape (1 Corinthians 10:13) and to work all things for the good of those who love Him (Romans 8:28). This doesn’t mean the trial disappears, but that we will not be overwhelmed or destroyed by it.

The Anticipation of Growth: Knowing that this trial is refining us, making us stronger, more patient, and more Christ-like. It’s like an athlete embracing strenuous training, knowing it will lead to peak performance.

Consider the early church. The apostles, after being flogged for preaching the gospel, “departed from the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for his name.” (Acts 5:41). This wasn’t fake joy; it was a profound spiritual joy born from the knowledge that their suffering validated their identity with Christ.

The Maturation of Faith: Through the Fire, Not Around It

Our faith can only reach full maturity when faced with trials and opposition. A faith that has never been tested is like a muscle that has never been used—it may exist, but it lacks strength, resilience, and true power. It is in the crucible of adversity that our trust in God is deepened, our dependence on His strength is realized, and our spiritual muscles are developed.

Think about the great heroes of faith in Hebrews 11. They endured mockings, floggings, chains, imprisonment, torture, destitution, affliction, and persecution. It was through these trials that their faith shone brightest, leading them to be commended by God. Their stories teach us that maturity isn’t achieved in comfort, but forged in the fire.

You must be determined like Joseph to continue to live a righteous life. This is the critical component. Suffering for righteousness is distinct from suffering due to our own sin or foolishness.

The Distinction: Suffering for Righteousness vs. Suffering for Sin

It’s crucial to understand this distinction, as our Bible passage subtly highlights: only be sure your suffering is not as a result of your sins or bad behaviour.

• Suffering for Righteousness: This is when you face hardship, persecution, ridicule, or loss specifically because you chose to obey God, uphold His standards, speak His truth, or live a life of integrity. Joseph’s false imprisonment is a perfect example. Other biblical examples include Daniel in the lion’s den, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego in the fiery furnace, or the apostles being persecuted for preaching Christ. This kind of suffering leads to divine vindication and reward (1 Peter 3:14; Matthew 5:10-12).
• Suffering for Sin or Bad Behavior: This is a natural consequence of poor choices, disobedience, negligence, or outright sin. If you gossip, you might lose friends. If you squander your money, you’ll face poverty. If you lie, you’ll lose trust. While God’s grace is always available for repentance and forgiveness, we still often reap what we sow (Galatians 6:7). There is no “joy” to be found in the natural consequences of our own rebellion. In fact, it should lead to conviction and repentance.

Therefore, before embracing “joy in suffering,” a moment of honest self-reflection is needed. Am I suffering because I am walking in obedience to Christ, even when it’s unpopular or costly? Or am I facing consequences for my own errant actions? God will only defend righteous children and reward them with bountiful blessing. He defends those who are unjustly persecuted for His name’s sake. He rewards those who faithfully endure trials that arise from their commitment to Him.

Practical Steps for Embracing Joy in Suffering

Be Prayerful and Watchful: In times of trial, our spiritual guard must be up. Pray without ceasing (1 Thessalonians 5:17), seeking God’s wisdom, strength, and discernment. Watch for the enemy’s attempts to use suffering to make you bitter, doubt God, or abandon your faith.

Maintain a Righteous Life: Just like Joseph, even in the most unfair circumstances, choose to honor God. Live with integrity, refuse to compromise, and keep your conscience clear before God and man. This ensures that any suffering you endure is indeed for righteousness’ sake, positioning you for God’s defense and reward.

Remember God’s Presence: When pain is intense and feelings scream of abandonment, cling to the truth that God is with you. He never leaves. His presence is not contingent on your comfort.

Focus on the Outcome, Not Just the Ordeal: Remind yourself of James 1:4: “But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.” See the trial as a temporary process leading to eternal character development and greater spiritual maturity.

Rejoice in the Lord (Philippians 4:4): This is an act of faith, not necessarily emotion. Choose to praise God despite the circumstances. This kind of praise shifts your focus from the problem to the all-powerful God, invites His presence, and confounds the enemy.

Seek God’s Reward, Not Earthly Escape: Understand that while we pray for deliverance, the ultimate “bountiful blessing” often lies in the character developed, the intimacy gained with God, and the eternal reward, rather than immediate escape from the trial. Joseph’s reward came after years of unjust suffering.

The Ultimate Joy: Following the Path of Christ

The pinnacle of suffering for righteousness is found in our Lord Jesus Christ. He suffered perfectly and entirely, not for His own sin, but for ours. He endured unimaginable pain, betrayal, and humiliation, yet He endured it “for the joy set before Him” (Hebrews 12:2). His suffering opened the way for our salvation and gave us the ultimate example of counting it all joy, knowing the glorious outcome.

When we suffer for righteousness, we align ourselves with Christ. We share in His sufferings, and in doing so, we also partake in His glory (Romans 8:17; Philippians 3:10). This is the highest form of joy in suffering – the joy of identification with our Savior.

PRAYER:

Lord, be my Help and Shield in times of persecution. When trials arise, and my faith is tested, help me to remember Your Word, to count it all joy, and to walk in Your perfect will. Grant me the grace to remain righteous, even when it costs me. Protect me from the enemy’s schemes, and through every trial, mature my faith so that I may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing, for Your glory alone. Amen.

FURTHER READING: Genesis 39:21-23