This Is Exciting!

The first chapter in James deals with life and faith meeting at the point of trials. The first step in overcoming trials and temptations is knowing them. Christianity is not the easy path, it is the right path.Our trials and temptations have the potential to bring about great and glorious change in our lives and for eternity.Trials and temptations bring maturity and completeness.

WHERE FAITH MEETS LIFE
This is Exciting!
Pastor Mark Johnson
January 10, 2010
 
James 1:2 -4
 
I. Trials
 
Almost the entire first chapter deals with life and faith meeting at the point of trials.
 
The word we have for trials is also used for temptations.
 
Trial = external trial of faith.
Temptation = internal temptation to sin.
 
A trial has to do with living in the kingdom of God. Faith is all about withstanding the trials of life.
 
Temptation has to do with obedience in my spirit.
 
We all have trials and temptations, but the first step to victory over them is to know them.
 
God tells us to expect trials.
John 16:33; 1 Peter 4:12; 1 Peter 1:6-7; 2 Corinthians 4:16-18  
 
Christianity is not an easier path, it is the right path.
 
II. Get Excited
 
James starts his whole statement about temptations and trials with a defense of their worth.
 
God tests us to bring out our best.
Satan tempts us to bring out our worst.
 
Our trials and temptations have the ability to bring great and glorious change in our lives both here and in eternity.
 
James calls us to change our perspective on trials.
 
III. The Call to Patience
 
What do we do in time of trial?
          a. Rejoice
          b. Persevere
 
When you don’t know what else to do, keep doing the right thing.
 
IV. Patience in trial brings completeness to faith.
 
Here is the glorious outcome - we become mature and complete lacking nothing.
 
Trials are the currency that purchases wholeness. So count them a joy.
 
This completeness is of the soul and life.
 
Maturity gives me confidence in daily life to stay the course free of fear and doubt.

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