Trialschristian Face Series

Some Trials Christians Face

James 1:9-18 JAMES1-3.WPD

{9} But let the brother of humble circumstances glory in his high position; {10} and let the rich man glory in his humiliation, because like flowering grass he will pass away. 11} For the sun rises with a scorching wind, and withers the grass; and its flower falls off, and the beauty of its appearance is destroyed; so too the rich man in the midst of his pursuits will fade away. {12} Blessed is a man who perseveres under trial; for once he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life, which the Lord 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 by evil, and He Himself does not tempt anyone. {14} But each one is tempted when he is carried away and enticed by his own lust. {15} Then when lust has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and when sin is accomplished, it brings forth death. {16} Do not be deceived, my beloved brethren. {17} Every good thing bestowed and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation, or shifting shadow.

INTRODUCTION:

I just returned from the Southern Baptist Convention in Atlanta. Billy Graham spoke even though his doctors told him to cancel all his speaking engagements. You know Billy Graham was just last week in the hospital. He told of a man in the hospital who was skipping up and down the hallways. When asked why he said "the doctor told me to take my medicine one day but to skip the next.

Billy Graham then said "I’m here today because this is my day to skip. This great servant of God has faced many trials and most recently trials related to health. In the text James shares with us concerning trials. We can look at these words as:

1. The Trials Related To . . Substance.

2. The Trials Related To . . Steadfastness

3. The Trials Related To . . Sincerity.

1. Trials Related To . . Substance. v 9-11

{9} But let the brother of humble circumstances glory in his high position; 10} and let the rich man glory in his humiliation, because like flowering grass he will pass away. {11} For the sun rises with a scorching wind, and withers the grass; and its flower falls off, and the beauty of its appearance is destroyed; so too the rich man in the midst of his pursuits will fade away.

A. Trial of being . . Poor in substance. v 9 "But let the brother of humble circumstances. . . "

1. Note the . . Condition of the poor. ". . . of humble circumstances. . . "

a. Humble. Strong’s # 5011 tapeinos (tap-I-nos’); of uncertain derivation;

depressed, i.e. (figuratively) humiliated (in circumstances or

disposition):

James 4:6 But he giveth more grace. Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but

giveth grace unto the humble. (KJV)

2. Note the . . Contrast of the poor. v 9 b ". . . glory in his high position; . . . "

a. The cross brings down the high and lifts up the low.

b. He is a King’s Kid. King of Kings and Lord of Lords

B. Trial of being . . Rich in substance. v 10-11

10} and let the rich man glory in his humiliation, because like flowering grass he will pass away.

{11} For the sun rises with a scorching wind, and withers the grass; and its flower falls off, and the beauty of its appearance is destroyed; so too the rich man in the midst of his pursuits will fade away.

1. Note the . . Humility of the Rich. ". . . and let the rich man glory in his humiliation,. . . "

Rich 32 times 30 times rich or richly, 2 times abundantly

Strong’s # 4146 plousios (ploo-see’-oce); adverb from 4145; copiously:

Strong’s # 4145 plousios (ploo’-see-os); from 4149; wealthy; abounding with:

Strong’s # 4149 ploutos (ploo’-tos); from the base of 4130; wealth (as fullness),

2. Note the . . Handicap of the Rich. v 10 b & 11 b

". . . like flowering grass he will pass away. " v 10 b

". . . the rich man in the midst of his pursuits will fade away. " v 11 b

ILLUSTRATION: # 1

James uses an Illustration of the grass or a flower beautiful in spring but faded and dead looking in the fall. Look at these two roses one is beautiful and one is drab an unappealing.

Life for the rich man ends just like the poor man. Rich persons need to glory in the Lord and not their riches.