James 1:12-15 | Part 5
Scripture Reading:
Because of the surpassing greatness of the revelations, for this reason, to keep me from exalting myself, there was given me a thorn in the flesh, a messenger of Satan to torment me—to keep me from exalting myself! Concerning this I implored the Lord three times that it might leave me. And He has said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness.” Most gladly, therefore, I will rather boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may dwell in me 2 Corinthians 12:7-10
Weakness:
Keeps you from being self-exalting
Causes you to pray more
Greater self-awareness of the need for God’s strength
Clarifies where your strength comes from
Gives you a passionate desire to boast about JESUS!!!
The power of Christ dwells in the weakness of our everyday situations
James 1:12-15 Blessed is the one who endures trials, because when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him.
1.) Who experiences trials?
1st Corinthians 12:25-26a so that there would be no division in the body, but that the members would have the same concern for each other. 26 So if one member suffers, all the members suffer with it; if one member is honored, all the members rejoice with it.
Everyone suffers
Suffering keeps us in unity. Why?
Concern for one another is the glue of unity. Through suffering
One suffers. We all suffer
2.) Who causes or allows trials?
A better way to say it would be purpose it
Psalm 66:10-12 For you, God, tested us; you refined us as silver is refined. 11 You lured us into a trap; you placed burdens on our backs. 12 You let men ride over our heads; we went through fire and water, but you brought us out to abundance.
3.) What does James mean when he says endures?
To bear, to stay under, to persevere, to remain, and check this last one to take patiently
Why? Because we are Christ followers. We are different. Why are we different? We trust Christ!
When we say we trust Christ, we are saying we trust His sovereignty. We may not understand, but we must accept
4.) What is the reward for following Jesus in trials?
You get your license when you…practice and take a drivers test
You win the reward when you do what the reward calls for
You endure trials the Jesus way, you receive eternal life. This is a great deal!
13 No one undergoing a trial should say, “I am being tempted by God,” since God is not tempted by evil, and he himself doesn’t tempt anyone.
God does not tempt, but he purposes it
14 But each person is tempted when he is drawn away and enticed by his own evil desire. 15 Then after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin, and when sin is fully grown, it gives birth to death.