Topic: The Purpose of Trials in the Life of a Believer Key Texts: James 1:2–4 Romans 5:3–5 1 Peter 1:6–7 Job 23:10 1. Introduction: Trials Are Inevitable “Count it all joy when you fall into various trials…” (James 1:2) The Christian life is not free from hardship. Trials come in different forms: loss, sickness, persecution, delay, failure, rejection, etc. But the Bible teaches us trials are not punishments — they’re tools . 2. Trials Test and Grow Our Faith “…the testing of your faith produces perseverance.” (James 1:3) Just like fire purifies gold, trials refine our faith. Faith untested is faith unproven. Example: Abraham waited for Isaac, his faith grew in the delay (Genesis 22). Application : What trial are you facing now? Ask: “God, what are You building in me?” 3. Trials Produce Godly Character “…tribulation produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope.” (Romans 5:3–4) Trials train us to endure , and endu...