1:2-4 How can believers be expected to rejoice in sufferings?

Divers temptations (KJV), are trials - testing situations in life which include persecutions, afflictions and hardship which believers must undergo that challenges their faith. Many Christians believe that these trials are sent by God to test their faith, but that is not correct (CP V 13-17).

Trials are sent by Satan, not to test believers' faith, but to destroy it, if it were possible (CP 2 Cor 2:11; Eph 6:11-18; 1 Pe 5:8-9). Believers are warned throughout scripture that they will suffer persecutions, afflictions and hardships as a norm of christianity (CP Mt 10:38; Mk 10:29-30; Jn 15:18-21; Ac 14:22; Ro 8:17; Php 1:29; 1 Th 3:1-5; 2 Ti 2:11-12; 3:10-12; 1 Pe 2:19-23; 3:14-17; 1 Jn 3:13).

To count it all joy while undergoing trials means that believers have to look beyond the pain of their prevailing circumstances to the future reward that awaits them in heaven (CP Jas 1:12; 2:5 with Mt 5:10-12; 2 Cor 4:17-18; 1 Pe 1:6-7; 4:12-19).

Trials have to be endured to teach patience, and to lead to maturity. The believer's faith can only reach full maturity when it has been tried and proved (CP Ro 5:3-4; Jas 5:10-11; 1 Pe 5:10). See also comments on Ro 5:3-5, 1 Pe 4:17, 5:8-11.

James:-