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ENDURING
TRIALS In the
Book of James we are given the prescription before the problem. Throughout
these five chapters , James notes several problems such as impatience in
difficulties, members who talk one thing and walk another, some who could
not control their tongues, those who catered to only the rich, and so no.
All of these problems seemed to have the same root, “spiritual
immaturity.” James teaches
us to become mature, balanced, and grown-up in the Lord. Too many churches
are play pens for babies instead of workshops for adults. Introduction:
In the Christian life God doesn’t give you a map, but He does
give you a guide, The Holy Spirit. As you surrender to Him, He gives you
the understanding of how and when to apply what God says in His Word. We
endure trials with: I. THE POWER
OF PERCEPTION (v.5a)
A.
Choosing The Wisdom Of God “Lack” = short of; deficient.
All of us are deficient in wisdom. It is fatal to put our trust in our
abilities. We may not understand all of God’s purpose in a trial, but we
can be assured that God is developing His character in us. I have no
control in what life throws at me, but I do have control over how I
respond to what life throws at me. We must have nothing less than wisdom
that comes from God (Prov.4:5-13). B.
Maturing In The Will Of God “Wisdom” = applying knowledge in a Godly way. It is the practical
use of God-given knowledge – the right use of knowledge. Wisdom helps us
to not waste the opportunities God gives us to mature and to make right
responses. (Illus: wisdom enables us to endure trials and understand how
to use the circumstances for our good
and His glory!) II. THE PRIVILEGE
OF PRAYER (v.5b)
A.
The Simplicity In
Which He Gives “Liberally” = bountifully; generously. God’s wisdom never runs out and He requires no other security than
the name of Jesus. That name gives us full access to the heart of God the
Father.
B.
The Spirit In
Which He Gives “Upbraideth not” = without
reproaching; not rebuking. We can ask without any fear that He will
insult us.
C.
The Security In Which He Gives “It shall be given him” =
God is a giver. This truth applies not just to wisdom, but to all good
gifts ( III. FAITH
IN A HEAVENLY FATHER
(vv.6-8)
A.
With Confidence
(6a) “Faith”
= assurance: confidence. Belief
and trust that God will hear and answer our prayer according to His will
(Heb.11:6). (Illus: I have nothing to prove,
but someone to please!)
B.
Without Conceit (6b) “Nothing wavering” = not
doubting; or to be at variance with yourself and doubting. It pictures
a mind divided. Don’t be half-way committed to trusting God – Don’t
look for short-cuts - there is no Plan B. (Illus: don’t think you can
trust Him in this trial alone when you are not about to trust Him in other
areas of your life). Wavering produces only ·
Instability
(like the surge of the sea, restless. The doubter is like a cork floating
on a wave) ·
Uncertainty
(“driven by the wind and tossed” pictures a person who believes one
moment and doubts the next). C.
Without Conflict (vv.7-8) ·
Unanswered
prayers (v.7) do not let this man imagine he’ll receive anything
from the Lord. This kind of a person insults the Giver he asks. Doubt of
the promise of God’s Word locks the door to Heaven’s blessings. It
pictures a man unwilling to trust God. (Illus: faith and fear cannot
occupy the same heart). ·
Indecision
(v.8a) (a person with two minds – a divided allegiance – not single
hearted. · Unsteadiness (v.8b) (uncertain about anything he does; undecided in every step he takes; and shifting from one thing to another in all he does. God
never fails His child who leans wholly on Him. Therefore, depend on Him at
all times. Conclusion:
The resources for enduring trials are: Wisdom, Prayer, and Faith!
God’s wisdom will lead us to consistency in developing Christian
character.
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