Provision Granted.
James 1:2-7
When James wrote his epistle some 30 years later after Jesus’ death. James humility is evident by the way he saw himself: "James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ" (James 1:1).
James identified himself as the servant of Jesus rather than as a close relative.
James, the leader of the Jerusalem church, was the half brother of Jesus. He became a believer after the resurrection of Jesus and was later martyred for his faith.
James 1:2-7AMP Consider it nothing but joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you fall into various trials. 3 Be assured that the testing of your faith [through experience] produces endurance [leading to spiritual maturity, and inner peace]. 4 And let endurance have its perfect result and do a thorough work, so that you may be perfect and completely developed [in your faith], lacking in nothing. 5 If any of you lacks wisdom [to guide him through a decision or circumstance], he is to ask of [our benevolent] God, who gives to everyone generously and without rebuke or blame, and it will be given to him. 6 But he must ask [for wisdom] in faith, without doubting [God’s willingness to help], for the one who doubts is like a billowing surge of the sea that is blown about and tossed by the wind. 7 For such a person ought not to think or expect that he will receive anything [at all] from the Lord,
Are you at the end of your rope? Wary, cast down, about to give up? I challenge you to answer the following questions with a simple yes, or no.
Does the word of God promise to supply all your needs?
Did Jesus say He would never leave you?
Did He say He would keep you from falling and present you faultless before the Father's throne?
Is He more willing to give than you are to receive?
Is He greater than, he that is in the world?
Are His thoughts toward you, Good thoughts? Is He a rewarder of those who diligently seek him?
Is He preparing a place for you in glory?
Is He coming in the clouds to gather His people home?
Are you going with Him when He comes?
Your answer to all of these should be, absolutely yes! Now ask yourself, do I really believe God is faithful to his word, or do I waver in my trust?
James wrote his countrymen-the 12 scattered tribes of Israel (James 1:1)-giving practical instruction about Christian life. He taught about wisdom and careful use of the tongue and reminded them that true godly service consists of active love and purity (James 1:27).
He wrote at length about patience—patience in trial (James 1:2), patience in good works (James 1:22-25), patience under provocation (James 3:1-7), patience under oppression (James 5:7), patience under persecution (James 5:10). The foundation of patience, he wrote, is the knowledge that Christ will come to right all wrongs (James 5:8).
To understand God’s provisions, one must understand endurance/patience.
5 Truths from these 6 verses of James 1:2-7:
James 1:2MSG Consider it a sheer gift, friends, when tests and challenges come at you from all sides.
1. Do I count endurance, patience and trails as pure joy?
Testings and trails are part of life. The question should be asked, How do I respond to testings and trails?
Here’s a fact, “If you are of God, God will be glorified!”
Here's what I want you to know, when God calls us to any specific work, he has already made provision for everything we need to accomplish it.
Here’s God's provision. You ready?
2 Corinthians 9:8NIV And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.
This verse is not just a hope – it is a promise. It begins with the words, God is able!
Again, How do I respond to testings? -Is God able?
James 1:3TPT For you know that when your faith is tested it stirs up in you the power of endurance.
2. Endurance- Understand that God is not just interested in meeting your need. He wants to give you more than you need!
Remember this, A believer endures the storm by receiving God’s report. God’s provision.
Hudson Taylor founder of China Inland Mission used to hang in his home a plaque with two Hebrew Words on it: EBENEZER & JEHOVAH JIREH. The first word means ‘Hitherto hath the Lord helped us’ and the second, ‘The Lord will see to it or provide.’
One looked back, while the other looked forward. One reminded him of God’s- faithfulness and the other of God’s assurances.
Say, “endurance." The provision has been made.
Ephesians 3:20AMP Now to Him who is able to [carry out His purpose and] do superabundantly more than all that we dare ask or think [infinitely beyond our greatest prayers, hopes, or dreams], according to His power that is at work within us,
Again, God is not interested in just meeting your need. He always wants to give you more than you need.
That is what the word abound means – ever increasing, super abundant supply.
So remember, because of your endurance, God will invigorate you.
Think about what is being promised here: When you are down and tired, and think you can’t go any further, God is able to so invigorate you that you will have all you need, at all times, in every possible situation.
James 1:4TPT And then as your endurance grows even stronger, it will release perfection into every part of your being until there is nothing missing and nothing lacking.
3. Endurance is making you. -Endurance perfects you.
Another translation states, let endurance grow... you will become:
Perfect.
Complete.
Needing nothing.
The apostles Paul writes the same about the Lord’s progression in our lives. Romans 5:1-5NLT Therefore, since we have been made right in God’s sight by faith, we have peace with God because of what Jesus Christ our Lord has done for us. 2 Because of our faith, Christ has brought us into this place of undeserved privilege where we now stand, and we confidently and joyfully look forward to sharing God’s glory. 3 We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance. 4 And endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation. 5 And this hope will not lead to disappointment. For we know how dearly God loves us, because he has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with his love.
Say, “Progression is good.” God’s into building-blocks. He’s into building you!
It is as if the Lord is saying, “listen, all you, shepherds! Listen, all you who faithfully attend my house and labor in prayer, praise and intercession. I want to give you an abundance of strength, hope, joy, peace, rest, encouragement, wisdom.”
In fact, I want you to have an over-abundance of all you need – at all times!
2 Peter 1:5-10NKJV But also for this very reason, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue, to virtue knowledge, 6 to knowledge self-control, to self-control perseverance, to perseverance godliness, 7 to godliness brotherly kindness, and to brotherly kindness love. 8 For if these things are yours and abound, you will be neither barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. 9 For he who lacks these things is shortsighted, even to blindness, and has forgotten that he was cleansed from his old sins. 10 Therefore, brethren, be even more diligent to make your call and election sure, for if you do these things you will never stumble;
Again, 3. Endurance is making you.
Thesaurus for Endurance, persistence, durability, continuousness, stretching, duration, prolongation, drawing out, permanence, and finish.
James 1:5NLT If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and he will give it to you. He will not rebuke you for asking.
4. Because of your provisions, Ask for wisdom.
“We can be surrounded in provision, but not know how to walk in it. -Ask!” P.H
Receive this statement: It requires wisdom to understand wisdom; the music is nothing if the audience is deaf.
I’ve pastored 3 churches. 12 years. 3 years. 18 years. The first church, because of growth we sold, and relocated, during the building phase, but before the carpet was installed, I got everyone to write their favorite scripture on the slab floor. -This was the scripture my mother’s choice.
Ask for wisdom. James states, “the Lord won’t rebuke you for asking, because He’s a generous God!
Again, 4. Ask for wisdom.
James 1:6-7MSG Ask boldly, believingly, without a second thought. People who “worry their prayers” are like wind-whipped waves. Don’t think you’re going to get anything from the Master that way, adrift at sea, keeping all your options open.
5. Ask bold, believingly!
David Wilkerson once stated, “God never intended for us to be spiritual paupers, poor in the things of the Lord. On the contrary, the bountiful servant is the one who enjoys a revelation of all the great provisions God has prepared for him. He goes after this revelation by faith.”
1 Corinthians 2:9NKJV But as it is written: “Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, Nor have entered into the heart of man The things which God has prepared for those who love Him.”
Ask the Lord to open your mind and spirit to the resources He has promised. They are freely given.
It's time to lay hold of God's wisdom– all the wisdom needed to solve life's problems– if you will truly believe with no wavering. -Cast your very life and future on this promise.
5. Again, boldly ask God.
Hebrews 4:15-15MSG Now that we know what we have—Jesus, this great High Priest with ready access to God—let’s not let it slip through our fingers. We don’t have a priest who is out of touch with our reality. He’s been through weakness and testing, experienced it all—all but the sin. So let’s walk right up to him and get what he is so ready to give. Take the mercy, accept the help.
KJ states, Because of grace, “Come boldly into God’s throne room.
-Benediction. Because of Jesus, provision granted, will you receive it?
