Pastor Rick Smith spoke on James 1:1-8 today, “Joy in Trials” (<mp3)
A couple of thoughts from my note-taking:
- The evidences of God’s grace in the 1/2 brother of Christ, James. A former scorner and unbeliever, now a leader in the Christian community and author of a New Testament epistle.
- James, a bond-servant (doulos) – a slave to this resurrected Lord, a slave to the One whom he originally thought was crazy, a slave given over to please the Master.
- Joy defined: a deep, abiding, settled happiness from God, despite the circumstances of life.
- “Consider” – to think forward, to plan. Trials will come. Most times of life will be accompanied by difficulties of some sort. On what am I focused? Am I focused on this present age and the difficulties that surround me, or am I focus on the age to come and the blessed victory found only in Jesus Christ?
- James includes himself as he encourages his readers, “my brethren”. There is a sense of community here. There is a need for transparency from leadership to laity when involved in trials. Use trials as opportunities to teach.
- “Endurance” – staying under the pressure; not collapsing; not using the escape mechanisms of the world
- “Wisdom” – Godly means to Godly ends. In times of trials I need to be filling myself up with His Word, focused on God and humbly being led by His Spirit.
- How offensive it must be to God when we doubt His power and goodness.
Questions:
- What are the evidences of God’s grace in the people around you? (Where do you see God working in their life? Instead of focusing on their shortcomings or negative qualities, encourage them by telling them of how you see God working in their life)
- Are you finding your joy in the circumstances of life, or in the character of God? (It’s easy to tell)
- Plan for trials. What scripture do you find helpful in times of trials and difficulties? What aspect of God’s purpose and plan for the future encourages you the most?
- Where can you find areas to be more transparent to your Christian brothers and sisters, as you are in the midst of trials, so that lessons learned can be had by all?
- What escape mechanisms of the world do you find tempting to use when trials come? Drugs? Food? TV/Internet/Social networking? Reading books? What others might there be?
Additional Resources:
- Humility – C J Mahaney
- The Letter of James – Pillar New Testament Commentary by Douglas Moo – my favorite commentary, so far, on James
- Addictions: Banquet in the Grave by Ed Welch (<- video on addictions)
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