Introduction

Hello, my brothers and sisters in Christ! Today, I am excited to share with you a message from the book of James. This message is all about the joy, challenges, and rewards of living life God's way.

As we journey through this life, we will face trials and temptations, but let us remember the words of C.S. Lewis, who said, "Hardships often prepare ordinary people for an extraordinary destiny."

Before we dive into the Scripture, let's read the passage together, James 1:1-18:

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Let's open this time in prayer:

Dear Heavenly Father, we come before you today with open hearts and minds, ready to receive your Word. We ask that you would speak to us through this passage in James, helping us to embrace the joy, face the challenges, and receive the rewards of living life according to your will. Guide our thoughts and our discussion, and may your Holy Spirit be present with us today. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.

The Joy

The joy of living God's way is rooted in our relationship with God, and it is a joy that is available to every believer who chooses to walk in obedience to God's Word.

It’s not dependent on our circumstances: In James 1:2, we are told to "consider it pure joy" when we face trials of many kinds. This may seem counterintuitive, as trials and difficulties are often associated with pain and suffering. However, the joy that comes from living God's way is not based on our external circumstances, but rather on our internal relationship with God. When we face trials, we can still experience joy because we know that God is with us, and that He is using these trials to strengthen our faith and draw us closer to Him.

Pastor, here would be a good place to share a personal story about a time when you experienced joy in the midst of a difficult trial.

It’s a result of our obedience to God's Word: In James 1:22-25, we are encouraged to not only hear the Word of God but to put it into practice in our lives. When we choose to obey God's Word, we experience the joy that comes from living in alignment with His will for our lives. This joy is not a fleeting emotion, but a deep sense of satisfaction and contentment that comes from knowing that we are living in accordance with God's plan and purpose for our lives.

A fruit of the Holy Spirit: In Galatians 5:22-23, we are told that the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. As believers, we have the Holy Spirit living within us, and as we yield to His leading and guidance, we will experience the joy that is a natural outflow of His presence in our lives.

Not something that we experience in isolation: It is a joy that is meant to be shared with others, as we encourage one another and build each other up in the faith. In Hebrews 10:24-25, we are instructed to "consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another." When we gather together as a community of believers, we can share in the joy of living God's way, as we support and encourage one another in our walk with Christ.

Closely connected to our ability to persevere through trials and challenges: In James 1:3-4, we are told that the testing of our faith produces perseverance, and that when perseverance has finished its work, we will be mature and complete, lacking nothing. As we persevere through trials, our faith is strengthened, and we experience the joy that comes from knowing that we are growing in our relationship with God and becoming more like Christ.

The hope that we have in our eternal reward: In James 1:12, we are told that those who persevere under trial will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love Him. This crown of life is not a literal crown, but rather a symbol of the eternal life and rewards that await us in heaven. As believers, we can experience joy in the midst of trials and challenges because we know that our ultimate hope is not in this world, but in the eternal life that we have been promised through faith in Jesus Christ.

A powerful testimony to those around us When we choose to live in obedience to God's Word and walk in the joy of the Lord, we become a light to those around us who are still living in darkness. Our joy can be a powerful witness to the transforming power of the gospel, as we demonstrate the reality of God's love and grace in our lives.

As we choose to walk in the joy of the Lord, we will experience the abundant life that Jesus promised to those who follow Him (John 10:10).

The Challenges

As we seek to follow Christ and live according to His will, we will inevitably encounter difficulties and obstacles that can either strengthen our faith or cause us to stumble ... View this full PRO sermon free with PRO