7/29/2018
PURPOSE IN PAIN Pt2
James 1:1-4
(NIV) James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, to the twelve tribes scattered among the nations: Greetings.
Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.
Review
· Author: James, brother of Jesus
· Audience: “Brothers and sisters” – Christians
· Purpose: practical instructions on how to live a Christian life.
Consider it all joy…
· Joy: Happiness over an unanticipated or present good.
· Consider: A command or imperative, an act, not just a mental exercise
…whenever you face trials of many kinds
· Trials: Trouble, problem, difficulty, bad stuff
· Come in many forms and varieties
· Inevitable: “whenever you face trials”. Trials come to everyone, all the time.
· External events, we “fall into,” not something we seek or cause to happen
· We don’t find joy in the trial in and of itself, but in the purpose of the trial.
How can we find “joy” in “trials”?
Purpose in Pain
…because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.
1 Peter 1:6-7
Romans 5:3-4
Where do trials come from?
Does God allow, permit or even plan trials? Is God the author of trials?
James 1: 17
Genesis 45: 7-8
Psalm 139, especially verse 16
Psalm 23:3-4
Lamentations 3:37-38
John 19:10-11
St. Augustine: “Nothing, therefore, happens unless the Omnipotent wills it to happen; He either permits it to happen, or He brings it about Himself.
Characteristics of God
· Perfect in love
· Infinite in wisdom
· Completely sovereign
“God in His love always wills what is best for us. In His wisdom He always knows what is best, and in His sovereignty He has the power to bring it about.”
(Jerry Bridges, Is God Really in Control?)
…because you know that the testing of your faith…
FAITH: Belief in action; Not just intellectual understanding, mental ascent or agreement; Faith isn’t something you have, it’s something you do;
A constant outlook of trust towards God, whereby we abandon all reliance on our own efforts and put our full confidence in Him, His word and His promises.
TESTING: Examine, checking (as in for genuineness), trying, challenging.
Matthew 13: 20-21
Proving, purifying (e.g. gold), strengthening (high test steel)
…produces perseverance (_________________________________________)
When the going gets tough, the tough get going; What doesn’t kill me makes me stronger; “Apart from God, some things we survive actually injure us long term. Unbelievers suffer permanent confusion and frustration because their trials aren’t meant to build them up; it’s the enemy tearing them down.”
The quality of forbearance and self-control which shows itself particularly in a willingness to wait upon God and His will; Doesn’t come naturally; Not something we are born with; Requires our participation
Let perseverance finish its work…
…so that you may be mature (or perfect) and complete, not lacking anything
Mature: (Webster): having completed natural growth and development; having attained a final or desired state
Christian maturity is to be Christ-like in all our thoughts and action
Ephesians 4:13
Perfect: an absence of any flaw or fault; Knowing how to act in all situations and circumstances; Fully trusting God; Able to trust, not just obey; Rest in God’s love and care for us; We find joy in all trials;
Fruit of the Spirit: The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness.
“God is not interested in our healing as much as He is interested in our character.”