MANAGING CHRISTIAN TRIALS-I—James 1:1-27
Attention:
A plane is on its way to Los Angeles when a blonde in Economy Class gets up, moves to First Class & sits down.
The flight attendant watches her do this & asks to see her ticket. She examines it, then tells the blonde that she has paid for Economy Class and that she will have to sit in the Economy Class section.
The blonde replies, “I’m blonde, I’m beautiful, I’m going to Hollywood & I’m staying right here!”
The flight attendant then takes the news up to the cockpit & tells the pilot & co-pilot the trouble.
The co-pilot goes back to the Blonde & tries to explain that because she only paid for Economy Class, that she was not allowed to sit in the First Class section.
The blonde replies, “I’m blonde, I’m beautiful, I’m going to Hollywood & I’m staying right here!”
The co-pilot returns to the cockpit, tells the pilot that she still won’t budge & asks the if he should have the police ready to arrest her once they land.
The Pilot tells the co-pilot not the radio the police just yet.
He asks, “You say she’s a blonde?” My wife is a blonde. I speak blonde...I’ll handle this.”
So the pilot goes back to the blonde lady & whispers in her ear. She then says, “Oh, I’m sorry.” & immediately goes back to her seat in Economy.
The flight attendant & co-pilot are flabbergasted. They ask him what was said to make her move without a fuss.
The pilot says, “Oh, its simple really....I just told her that First class isn’t going to Hollywood.
The pilot was able to effectively manage the difficulty he faced.
Likewise, Christians are expected to effectively manage the difficulties they face.
James divulged the proper management of trials which were endemic/common to Christians.
There are proper ways of managing the those difficulties.
How are Christians to manage their trials properly?
Tackling trials properly involves managing...
1—Tackling trials properly involves managing...
SOURCES of GUIDANCE(:1)
Explanation:(:1)Prioritizing sources/Advice
:1—“James, a bondservant of God & of the Lord Jesus Christ, To the twelve tribes which are scattered abroad: Greetings.”
“James”
Jesus’ half-brother?—MacArthur, Richardson
‘He neither calls himself an apostle, nor does he say that he was the brother of Christ, or bishop of Jerusalem; whether he was James the elder, son of Zebedee, or James the less, called our Lord’s brother, or some other person of the same name, we know not. The assertions of writers concerning these points are worthy of no regard. The Church has always received him as an apostle of Christ.’—Adam Clarke-1832
“A bondservant of God & of the Lord Jesus Christ”
Why separate these two terms for the Triune God? Most people claim minimal belief in God but it greatly narrows one’s alliegence to their God when He is served via “the Lord Jesus Christ.”
James is prefacing his letter by the acknowledgment that he is a willing slave to God & Jesus who is the Christ/Messiah of God.
The context & other scriptures determine the difference between bondslave & slave. He obviously is given to Christ willingly, & is thus a bondslave. His service is the same, but his dedication arises from the heart. James in particular is called to his specific purpose(s) at the determination of God in Christ.
“Bondservant/Servant”—doulov—1) A slave, bondman, man of servile condition—1a) a slave, 1b) metaph., one who gives himself up to another’s will those whose service is used by Christ in extending & advancing his cause among men, 1c) devoted to another to the disregard of one’s own interests; 2) A servant, attendant. Doulov is the usual word for slave, one who is permanently in servitude, in subjection to a master. Strong—a slave (literal or figurative, involuntary or voluntary; frequently, therefore in a qualified sense of subjection or subserviency):-- bond(-man), servant.
“Lord”—kuriov— He to whom a person or thing belongs, about which he has power of deciding; master, lord. Strong— Supreme in authority, i.e. (as noun) Controller; by implication, Mr. (as a respectful title):-- God, Lord, master, Sir.
“Jesus”—Ihsouv= ‘YHWH is Salvation’
“Christ”—Cristov— ‘Anointed.’ The Messiah of Israel per Daniel 9.
Jn. 4:25-26—Anticipated by the woman at the well—“The woman said to Him, “I know that Messiah is coming” (who is called Christ). When He comes, He will tell us all things.” Jesus said to her, “I who speak to you am He.””
“To the twelve tribes which are scattered abroad:”
Believing Jews. A reference to the house of Israel—Harkening back to Jacob’s 12 sons born to him by Leah/Zilpah & Rachel/Bilhah.(Gen. 29:31-24; 34:16-18). They represent national Israel.
James’ 12 tribes are believing/spiritual Israel, the ‘remnant’ who are saved by the blood of Jesus their Messiah.
How could this letter get to the diaspora? It is evidently a so-called circular letter as it does not address specific problems in a certain place—intended to be passed on from believing body to believing body, from church to church.
“Scattered/Dispersed abroad”—diaspora— A scattering, dispersion—1a) of Israelites dispersed among foreign nations, 1b) of the Christians scattered abroad among the Gentiles.
“Greetings.”
“Greetings”—cairw—1) To rejoice, be glad; 2) To rejoice exceedingly; 3) To be well, thrive; 4) In salutations, hail!; 5) At the beginning of letters: to give one greeting, salute.
SOURCES of GUIDANCE/ ADVICE:
APOSTLES—Their record in Scripture
BONDSERVANTS of GOD—Pastors, teachers, Christians who are obviously bound to God’s purposes in Christ.
CHRISTIAN FAMILY—Not Bible salesmen(O’ Brother Where Art Thou?—Speak sweetly then beat & rob you) but true brothers in Christ.
Argumentation:
Deut. 32:4—“He is the Rock, His work is perfect; For all His ways are justice, A God of truth & without injustice; Righteous & upright is He.”
But how do we know that the God of the Bible is the true God?
No one other than God determines & does right/good.
1Kgs. 17:17 -24—“Now it happened after these things that the son of the woman who owned the house became sick. And his sickness was so serious that there was no breath left in him. So she said to Elijah, “What have I to do with you, O man of God? Have you come to me to bring my sin to remembrance, & to kill my son?” And he said to her, “Give me your son.” So he took him out of her arms & carried him to the upper room where he was staying, & laid him on his own bed. Then he cried out to the LORD & said, “O LORD my God, have You also brought tragedy on the widow with whom I lodge, by killing her son?” And he stretched himself out on the child three times, & cried out to the LORD & said, “O LORD my God, I pray, let this child’s soul come back to him.” Then the LORD heard the voice of Elijah; & the soul of the child came back to him, & he revived. And Elijah took the child & brought him down from the upper room into the house, & gave him to his mother. And Elijah said, “See, your son lives!” Then the woman said to Elijah, “Now by this I know that you are a man of God, & that the word of the LORD in your mouth is the truth.””
Jn. 14:12-13—““Most assuredly, I say to you, he who believes in Me, the works that I do he will do also; & greater works than these he will do, because I go to My Father. And whatever you ask in My name, that I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son.”
Ps. 25:4-5—“Show me Your ways, O LORD; Teach me Your paths. Lead me in Your truth & teach me, For You are the God of my salvation; On You I wait all the day.”
Jn. 1:47-51—“Jesus saw Nathanael coming toward Him, & said of him, “Behold, an Israelite indeed, in whom is no deceit!” Nathanael said to Him, “How do You know me?” Jesus answered & said to him, “Before Philip called you, when you were under the fig tree, I saw you.” Nathanael answered & said to Him, “Rabbi, You are the Son of God! You are the King of Israel!” Jesus answered & said to him, “Because I said to you, ‘I saw you under the fig tree,’ do you believe? You will see greater things than these.” And He said to him, “Most assuredly, I say to you, hereafter you shall see heaven open, & the angels of God ascending & descending upon the Son of Man.””
Illustration:
My teachers in high school/Mr. Peck in Advanced Biology/Taught a secular-Worldly(evolutionary) view of nature/He became a SOURCE of GUIDANCE & I bought into it/Progressively became an Atheist or Agnostic until saved at 28 yrs.
Seminary/Dr. Richardson’s creation paper/Seriously discussed views which attempted to reconcile secular science with Genesis 1-2, causing both to suffer horribly/Strengthened my adherence to God’s truth & 6-day creation/SOURCEs of GUIDANCE
Don’t ever assume that all Christians in your church are on the same spiritual level/Test your SOURCEs of GUIDANCE
Application:
?You properly Managing SOURCES of GUIDANCE?
?What does Your SOURCES of GUIDANCE say about your faith?
?You Tackling Trials properly in Christ?
2—Tackling trials properly, involves managing...
JOY(:2-3)
Explanation:(:2-3)Finding Joy
:2—“My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials,”
The Christian has an inner “joy” even as they face “trials.”
We are Christian family members who are involved in the trials together! It is comforting to know that we are not ‘in it alone.’
1Cor. 10:13-14—“No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it. Therefore, my beloved, flee from idolatry.”
These trials come about thru diverse means. We don’t willingly seek trials but we walk into them unaware of their presence until we are effectively caught up in them.
They effect the Christian in many different ways. Trials are deeply personal & as such, they become opportunities for testing our personal walk with Jesus. Is my faith saving faith? is it real? Is it overriding...overcoming...life changing?
When trials lead you into the presence of God, Joy can be found.
“Count it/Consider it”—hgeomai—1) To lead—1a) To go before, 1b) To be a leader—1b1) To rule, command, 1b2) To have authority over, 1b3) A prince, of regal power, governor, viceroy, chief, leading as respects influence, controlling in counsel, overseers or leaders of the churches, 1b4) Used of any kind of leader, chief, commander, 1b5) The leader in speech, chief, spokesman; 2) To consider, deem, account, think. Denotes a belief resting not on one’s inner feeling or sentiment, but on the due consideration of external grounds, & the weighing & comparing of facts. Strong— To lead, i.e. command (with official authority); figuratively, to deem, i.e. Consider:-- Account, (be) chief, count, esteem, governor, judge, have the rule over, suppose, think.
“All/Pure”—pav—1) individually—1a) each, every, any, all, the whole, everyone, all things, everything; 2) Collectively—2a) some of all types.
“Joy”—cara—Joy, gladness. Strong—Cheerfulness, i.e. Calm delight:-- gladness, X greatly, (X be exceeding) joy(-ful, -fully, -fulness, -ous).
“Fall into/Encounter/Face”—peripiptw—So to fall into as to be encompassed. Strong—To fall into something that is all around, i.e. Light among or upon, be surrounded with:-- Fall among (into).
“Various/Diverse/Many kinds”—poikilov—1) Of various colors, variegated; 2) Of various sorts.
“Trials/Temptations”—peirasmov—1) An experiment, attempt, trial, proving. Strong—A putting to proof (by experiment [of good], experience [of evil], solicitation, discipline or provocation); by implication, adversity:-- Temptation, X try.
:3—“knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience.”
The Christian’s inner “joy” arises from the assurance Christians have. A knowledge that these trials truly are a “test” of our “faith” in Christ Jesus.
Economic changes—A test of personal integrity. Test of moral compass. Prayerfully, these will be dealt with very differently from the way the lost deal with them.
Laid off—How to handle it
Job seeking—
Foreclosure—How to handle it
Farmer—Crops raised, Buyers for product...
Banker—Charge exorbitant rates, take advantage of others?
1Pet. 1:6-9—“In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be, you have been grieved by various trials, that the genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor, & glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ, whom having not seen you love. Though now you do not see Him, yet believing, you rejoice with joy inexpressible & full of glory, receiving the end of your faith--the salvation of your souls.”
“Testing/Trying”—dokimion—N.—The proving;2) That by which something is tried or proved, a test.
“Faith”(See :6)—pistiv—1) Conviction of the truth of anything, belief; in the NT of a conviction or belief respecting man’s relationship to God & divine things, generally with the included idea of trust & holy fervor born of faith & joined with it; 2) Fidelity, faithfulness.
“Produces/Worketh”—katergazomai—1) To perform, accomplish, achieve; 2) To work out i.e. to do that from which something results—2a) of things: bring about, result in; 3) To fashion i.e. render one fit for a thing.
“Patience/Endurance/Perseverance”(See :4)—upomonh—The self restraint which does not hastily retaliate a wrong. 1) Steadfastness, constancy, endurance; 2) A patient, steadfast waiting for; 3) A patient enduring, sustaining, perseverance.
Argumentation:
Mat. 5:10-12—“Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, For theirs is the kingdom of heaven. “Blessed are you when they revile & persecute you, & say all kinds of evil against you falsely for My sake. “Rejoice & be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.”
—All well & good, but what if ‘bad things’ just happen to you? What if you just fall into something you had no control over? What if your child dies at the hands of a perverted fruitcake?
Rom. 8:18—“For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.”
Rom. 8:35, 38-39—“Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword?.....For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.”
—Trials don’t separate us from the love of God.
Ps. 51:10-13—“Create in me a clean heart, O God, And renew a steadfast spirit within me. Do not cast me away from Your presence, And do not take Your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of Your salvation, And uphold me by Your generous Spirit. Then I will teach transgressors Your ways, And sinners shall be converted to You.”
2Cor. 12:7-10—“And lest I should be exalted above measure by the abundance of the revelations, a thorn in the flesh was given to me, a messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I be exalted above measure. Concerning this thing I pleaded with the Lord three times that it might depart from me. And He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in needs, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ’s sake. For when I am weak, then I am strong.”
How “pleasure?” Borne on the wings of faith!
Illustration:
The missionary family whose head(Husband/Father) is buried alive before them because of his faith/Where is the joy in that?/JOY
The family who narrowly avoids foreclosure/Consolidate Credit expenses—Actively paying it down slowly but surely/Son learning to drive in cul-de-sac where they live/Husband-Daddy is an Alcoholic...Gets upset....takes the driver’s seat & rams the car into their garage, damaging the car & the house!/That family thus experiences various trials/How can they find the JOY in that?!/ ‘Roll with the Punches’ knowing we have an eternal obligation to God’s grace/Managing JOY
America/Her greatness is bound up in foundational Christian principles/Today, we see those foundations crumbling/How do we find JOY in the midst of this?
Application:
?You properly Managing JOY?
?What does Your JOY say about your faith?
?You Tackling Trials properly in Christ?
3—Tackling trials properly, involves managing...
PATIENCE(:3-4)
Explanation:(:3-4)
:3—“knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience.”
As our faith is tested thru the trials we face, we are actively engaged in producing “patience” for those trials & others like them.
“Produces/Worketh”—katergazomai—1) To perform, accomplish, achieve; 2) To work out i.e. to do that from which something results—2a) of things: bring about, result in; 3) To fashion i.e. render one fit for a thing.
“Patience/Endurance/Perseverance”—upomonh—The self restraint which does not hastily retaliate a wrong. 1) Steadfastness, constancy, endurance; 2) A patient, steadfast waiting for; 3) A patient enduring, sustaining, perseverance.
:4—“But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect & complete, lacking nothing.”
Patience must be freely allowed to bring about the end of its intended work. The perfection of patience is an indicator that the Christian him/herself has touched the intended end of who they should be in Christ. They have reached a hallmark of Christian living.
This hallmark, having been accomplished ensures that we are lacking in absolutely nothing(:4).
“Perfect/Mature”—teleiov—1) Brought to its end, finished; 2) Wanting nothing necessary to completeness; 3) Perfect; 4) That which is perfect—4a) Consummate human integrity & virtue, 4b) Of men—4b1) Full grown, adult, of full age, mature.
“Work/Result”—ergon—1) Business, employment, that which any one is occupied—1a) That which one undertakes to do, enterprise, undertaking; 2)Any product whatever, any thing accomplished by hand, art, industry, or mind; 3) An act, deed, thing done: the idea of working is emphasized in opposition to that which is less than work.
“Complete/Entire”—oloklhrov—1) Complete in all its parts, in no part wanting or unsound, complete, entire, whole.
Lacking/Wanting”—leipw—1) To leave, leave behind, forsake, to be left behind; 2) To be wanting, to fail.
Argumentation:
Js. 5:7-8—“Therefore be patient, brethren, until the coming of the Lord. See how the farmer waits for the precious fruit of the earth, waiting patiently for it until it receives the early & latter rain. You also be patient. Establish your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is at hand.”
Lam. 3:21-26—“This I recall to my mind, Therefore I have hope. Through the LORD’S mercies we are not consumed, Because His compassions fail not. They are new every morning; Great is Your faithfulness. The LORD is my portion,” says my soul, Therefore I hope in Him! The LORD is good to those who wait for Him, To the soul who seeks Him. It is good that one should hope & wait quietly For the salvation of the LORD.”
Gal. 6:9 -10—“And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith.”
Ps 37:7-8—“Rest in the LORD, & wait patiently for Him; Do not fret because of him who prospers in his way, Because of the man who brings wicked schemes to pass. Cease from anger, & forsake wrath; Do not fret--it only causes harm.”
Lk. 21:12-19—““But before all these things, they will lay their hands on you & persecute you, delivering you up to the synagogues & prisons. You will be brought before kings & rulers for My name’s sake. “But it will turn out for you as an occasion for testimony. Therefore settle it in your hearts not to meditate beforehand on what you will answer; “for I will give you a mouth & wisdom which all your adversaries will not be able to contradict or resist. You will be betrayed even by parents & brothers, relatives & friends; & they will put some of you to death. And you will be hated by all for My name’s sake. But not a hair of your head shall be lost. By your patience possess your souls.”
Our very souls are secured for the Father thru our patience as it holds firm thru active persecution. Thus it must hold thru our day-to-day trials.
Rom. 15:4-6—“For whatever things were written before were written for our learning, that we through the patience & comfort of the Scriptures might have hope. Now may the God of patience & comfort grant you to be like-minded toward one another, according to Christ Jesus, that you may with one mind & one mouth glorify the God & Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.”
Col. 1:9-12—“For this reason we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, & to ask that you may be filled with the knowledge of His will in all wisdom & spiritual understanding; that you may walk worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing Him, being fruitful in every good work & increasing in the knowledge of God; strengthened with all might, according to His glorious power, for all patience & longsuffering with joy; giving thanks to the Father who has qualified us to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in the light.”
2Thes. 1:3-5—“We are bound to thank God always for you, brethren, as it is fitting, because your faith grows exceedingly, & the love of every one of you all abounds toward each other, so that we ourselves boast of you among the churches of God for your patience & faith in all your persecutions & tribulations that you endure, which is manifest evidence of the righteous judgment of God, that you may be counted worthy of the kingdom of God, for which you also suffer;”
2Thes. 3:5—“Now may the Lord direct your hearts into the love of God & into the patience of Christ.”
Tit. 2:1-2—“But as for you, speak the things which are proper for sound doctrine: that the older men be sober, reverent, temperate, sound in faith, in love, in patience;”
1Pet. 2:19-21—“For this is commendable, if because of conscience toward God one endures grief, suffering wrongfully. For what credit is it if, when you are beaten for your faults, you take it patiently? But when you do good & suffer, if you take it patiently, this is commendable before God. For to this you were called, because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that you should follow His steps:”
Rev. 14:12—At the destruction of the future Babylon & the subsequent condemnation of the regarders of the beast & his image—“Here is the patience of the saints; here are those who keep the commandments of God & the faith of Jesus.”
Illustration:
Truett Cathy(owner of Chick-Fil-A-1964)/Since 1946 he kept his restaurant closed on Sunday/Always told that it would fail/PATIENCE
I completely changed careers due to personal faith/Patiently waded thru hours of writing papers/Patiently endured taunts from science community/PATIENCE
Application:
?You properly Managing PATIENCE?
?What does Your PATIENCE say about your faith?
?You Tackling Trials properly in Christ?
CONCLUSION:
Visualization:
Pilot’s ability to send the blonde back to Economy Class.
Action:
Tackling trials properly, involves managing...
1—SOURCES of GUIDANCE/ ADVICE(:1)
2—JOY / Faith(:2-3)
3—PATIENCE(:3-4)
Presented 09/12/2010am to:
Needmore Baptist Church
1620 Mt. Vernon Rd.
Woodleaf, NC 27054
