James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, to the twelve tribes scattered among the nations. James 1:1 NIV
You will show me the way of life, granting me the joy of your presence and the pleasures of living with you forever. Psalms 16:11
So all of us who have had that veil removed can see and reflect the glory of the Lord. And the Lord—who is the Spirit—makes us more and more like him as we are changed into his glorious image. 2 Corinthians 3:18
The thief’s purpose is to steal and kill and destroy. My purpose is to give them a rich and satisfying life. John 10:10
THE JOURNEY OF OUR FAITH IS FILLED WITH TESTINGS & TEMPTATIONS AND OUR RESPONSE TO THEM IMPACTS OUR GROWTH.
TESTINGS
1. GRASP THAT PERSPECTIVE IMPACTS YOUR FUTURE
Dear brothers and sisters,when troubles of any kind come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. James 1:2
Tragedy is when we allow OUR circumstanceS to blind us from the learning experience.
For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. James 1:3
Let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect. Romans 12:2
2. DON’T FIGHT THE PROCESS
So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete, needing nothing. James 1:4
GOD CARES MORE ABOUT YOUR CHARACTER THAN YOUR COMFORT.
“My child,don’t make light of the lord’s discipline, and don’t give up when he corrects you. For the lord disciplines those he loves, and he punishes each one he accepts as his child.” As you endure this divine discipline, remember that God is treating you as his own children. Who ever heard of a child who is never disciplined by its father? Hebrews 12:5-7
So be truly glad. There is wonderful joy ahead, even though you must endure many trials for a little while. These trials will show that your faith is genuine. It is being tested as fire tests and purifies gold—though your faith is far more precious than mere gold. 1 Peter 1:6-7
3. ASK GOD FOR HELP
TOO MANY TIMES WE SEEK GOD AS A LAST RESORT INSTEAD OF A FIRST RESPONSE.
If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and he will give it to you. He will not rebuke you for asking. James 1:5
4. DECIDE TO FULLY TRUST
But when you ask him, be sure that your faith is in God alone. Do not waver, for a person with divided loyalty is as unsettled as a wave of the sea that is blown and tossed by the wind. Such people should not expect to receive anything from the Lord. heir loyalty is divided between God and the world, and they are unstable in everything they do.James 1:6-8
YOUR ATTITUDE IS THE KEY THAT ACTIVATES GOD MOVING IN YOUR LIFE.
God blesses those who patiently endure testing and temptation. Afterward they will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him. James 1:12
TEMPTATION
1. UNDERSTAND THE SOURCE OF TEMPTATION
And remember, when you are being tempted, do not say, “God is tempting me.” God is never tempted to do wrong, and he never tempts anyone else. James 1:13
2. UNDERSTAND THE PROCESS OF TEMPTATION
Temptation comes from our own desires, which entice us and drag us away. These desires give birth to sinful actions. And when sin is allowed to grow, it gives birth to death. James 1:14-15
TEMPTATION FANTASY STEP TOWARDS SIN ACT OF SIN DEATH
There is a path before each person that seems right, but it ends in death. Proverbs 14:12
3. UNDERSTAND THE VICTORY OVER TEMPTATION
So don’t be misled, my dear brothers and sisters. Whatever is good and perfect is a gift coming down to us from God our Father, who created all the lights in the heavens. He never changes or casts a shifting shadow. James 1:16-17
The temptations in your life are no different from what others experience. And God is faithful. He will not allow the temptation to be more than you can stand. When you are tempted, he will show you a way out so that you can endure. 1 Corinthians 10:13
TAKE HOME
MAKE A LIST OF WHO AND WHAT TRULY MATTERS IN YOUR LIFE
STAY AWAY FROM UNHEALTHY INFLUENCES
IN YOUR STRUGGLE YOU MUST GET OUT OF IT EMOTIONALLY AND GET THEIR SPIRITUALLY
DEVELOP LIFE-GIVING RELATIONSHIPS
He chose to give birth to us by giving us his true word. And we, out of all creation, became his prized possession. James 1:18
