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Facing up to life's trials (James 1:1-8, James 1:12-18)
Dave Sunman, 7 January 2018
Part of the The Life of Faith series, Sunday Evening service
As those sharing the Christian faith, we find ourselves scattered amongst many who do not believe the same things. While we will face many of the same struggles that those around us face, we will also be hit by additional trials that God allows in order to refine us and additional temptations that come in an attempt to destroy our life and faith. In all of this God remains with us, granting wisdom and the good gifts we need to make it through. James writes his letter to first century Christians whose experiences have some parallels with our own. We will look to see what practical advice he gives to them and us about facing up to the trials of life.
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James 1:1–8 (Listen)
1:1 James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ,
To the twelve tribes in the Dispersion:
Greetings.
2 Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, 3 for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. 4 And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.
5 If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him. 6 But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind. 7 For that person must not suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord; 8 he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways.
(ESV)
James 1:12–18 (Listen)
12 Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him. 13 Let no one say when he is tempted, “I am being tempted by God,” for God cannot be tempted with evil, and he himself tempts no one. 14 But each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire. 15 Then desire when it has conceived gives birth to sin, and sin when it is fully grown brings forth death.
16 Do not be deceived, my beloved brothers. 17 Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change. 18 Of his own will he brought us forth by the word of truth, that we should be a kind of firstfruits of his creatures.
(ESV)