THRIVING IN A HOSTILE WORLD
(Book of James)
Part 1 – How To React When Life Hurts
James 1:1-4
February 16, 2020
Dr. Mark S. Hartman, Lead Pastor SCBC
INTRODUCTION
James 1:1-4 James, a bond-servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, to the twelve tribes who are dispersed abroad, greetings. 2 Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, 3 knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. 4 And let endurance have its perfect result, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.
1. There are three facts about problems WE NEED TO ADMIT.
FACT #1 – Problems are inevitable. (James 1:2)
1. James 1:2 Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials,
2. “In the world you will have tribulation.” (Jesus)
FACT #2 – Problems are unpredictable. (James 1:2)
FACT #3 – Problems come in many shapes and sizes. (James 1:2)
2. EVERY PROBLEM WE FACE HAS A POSITIVE PURPOSE IN OUR LIFE.
A. Problems are designed to develop our endurance. (James 1:3)
James 1:3 knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance.
B. Problems are designed to develop our character. (James 1:4)
1. James 1:4 And let endurance have its perfect result, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.
2. God is much more interested in building our character than in making us comfortable.
3. For a person to become spiritually mature two things must happen. First, the person must receive the Word of God and secondly, the person must apply the Bible into real life situations.
D. Problems are designed to purify our faith.
1. Job 23:10 He has tested me through the refining fire and I have come out as pure gold.
2. Colossians 2:6-7 As you therefore have received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him, 7 having been firmly rooted and now being built up in Him and established in your faith…
3. Every trial is a test made of up two questions:
1. Do you trust Me?
2. How much?
3. THERE IS A WAY TO RESPOND TO HARD TIMES THAT WILL GIVE US A MAXIMUM BENEFIT.
A. If we are going to make the most of our trials, we have to decide to do so. (James 1:2)
James 1:2 Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials…
1. The word “Consider” means to determine something is true no matter what your feelings may say to the contrary. It is an internal attitude of the heart.
2. Psalm 34:1 I will bless the Lord at all times. His praise shall continually be in my mouth.
3. We control our perspective of problems; no problem can control us. We choose our attitude.
Genesis 50:20 And as for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good in order to bring about this present result, to preserve many people alive.
B. If we are going to get the most out of our trials, we have to accept the peace and confidence God intends for us during the trial. (James 1:2)
The word “Joy” means the confident assurance in the middle of trouble that says everything is OK because of Christ.
C. If you want to get the most of our trials, you must choose to trust God to see you through. (James 1:4)
James 1:4 And let endurance have its perfect result…