Post by PastorJohn@BFFM on Nov 19, 2013 0:20:52 GMT -5
Read James 1:1-21
Here are a few quick "James" facts for you:
James is the author of this book and he is the half brother of Christ. Like his brothers, he didn't believe in Jesus as Lord until the end of Christ's earthly ministry. Jesus later visited James after the resurrection (that had to be cool -right?)
This epistle is believed to be one of the first New Testament books written.
Now, at this point I need you to go ahead and read through to verse 21.
Right from the beginning, notice how even though Jesus and James are half brothers, James calls himself a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ. -How different than most of us (ok, probably just me) would even start the book off. I would have been like "I am James and me and Jesus are related. He is my brother and we are tight" (I guess there is good reason why God didn't use me to author His Word).
By verse 2, it really goes against nature of the way we think. "Consider it a great joy when you experience trials" ....? What the what is that about and who even does that? I can tell you who should do it, me and you! We usually count it joy when we escape temptation and sorrow. We should count testing as a glorious opportunity of proving our faith, not because of the trial itself, but what it will work out. God makes our trials the instrument of blessing (1:3). God gives us a bit of advice on patience here also. Patience is probably more necessary than anything else in our faith. Lets be careful on how we lay the blame of temptation (see James 1:14) We are tempted by our own evil desires. Testing of character come from God, but temptations to evil never come from Him. Instead of wrong things coming from God, only good and perfect gifts come from above. (1:17)
It can be hard to behave wisely all of the time, but God's wisdom will help. James tell us in verse 5 to ask God for wisdom (pray) when we are lacking, struggling, or just don't know what to say or do in a situation.
So, you are BLESSED to endure trials and temptation(1:12). Thank God for them. How spineless and weak we would become without temptation. Valueless is the character that knows no testing. There is a joy of overcoming and satisfaction knowing we have resisted temptation victoriously. Today's study gives much practical advice, and it ends with these words of wisdom from verse 1:19 - Everyone must be quick to hear, slow to speak, and slow to anger.
In conclusion, we ALL go through trials. No Christian is exempt from them, but as we go through hardships and temptations, God is still at work. There is ALWAYS a bigger picture and a chance for you to grow. God is for you, not against you.
Now, go and apply what you have learned. I am pretty sure that is why God has revealed His Word to us. Have a blessed day!!
-Pastor John
Here are a few quick "James" facts for you:
James is the author of this book and he is the half brother of Christ. Like his brothers, he didn't believe in Jesus as Lord until the end of Christ's earthly ministry. Jesus later visited James after the resurrection (that had to be cool -right?)
This epistle is believed to be one of the first New Testament books written.
Now, at this point I need you to go ahead and read through to verse 21.
Right from the beginning, notice how even though Jesus and James are half brothers, James calls himself a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ. -How different than most of us (ok, probably just me) would even start the book off. I would have been like "I am James and me and Jesus are related. He is my brother and we are tight" (I guess there is good reason why God didn't use me to author His Word).
By verse 2, it really goes against nature of the way we think. "Consider it a great joy when you experience trials" ....? What the what is that about and who even does that? I can tell you who should do it, me and you! We usually count it joy when we escape temptation and sorrow. We should count testing as a glorious opportunity of proving our faith, not because of the trial itself, but what it will work out. God makes our trials the instrument of blessing (1:3). God gives us a bit of advice on patience here also. Patience is probably more necessary than anything else in our faith. Lets be careful on how we lay the blame of temptation (see James 1:14) We are tempted by our own evil desires. Testing of character come from God, but temptations to evil never come from Him. Instead of wrong things coming from God, only good and perfect gifts come from above. (1:17)
It can be hard to behave wisely all of the time, but God's wisdom will help. James tell us in verse 5 to ask God for wisdom (pray) when we are lacking, struggling, or just don't know what to say or do in a situation.
So, you are BLESSED to endure trials and temptation(1:12). Thank God for them. How spineless and weak we would become without temptation. Valueless is the character that knows no testing. There is a joy of overcoming and satisfaction knowing we have resisted temptation victoriously. Today's study gives much practical advice, and it ends with these words of wisdom from verse 1:19 - Everyone must be quick to hear, slow to speak, and slow to anger.
In conclusion, we ALL go through trials. No Christian is exempt from them, but as we go through hardships and temptations, God is still at work. There is ALWAYS a bigger picture and a chance for you to grow. God is for you, not against you.
Now, go and apply what you have learned. I am pretty sure that is why God has revealed His Word to us. Have a blessed day!!
-Pastor John
