Life as You Live It
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Life as You Live It
1. The Author and His Humility
James introduces himself as "a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ," writing to the twelve tribes scattered among the nations. Rather than highlighting his position as Jesus’ half-brother or leader of the Jerusalem church, James chooses to describe himself humbly as a servant. This posture sets the tone for his entire letter, which challenges believers to live out their faith authentically.
2. Count It All Joy
James urges us to "count it all joy" when we face trials of various kinds. This teaching runs counter to our instinct, as trials typically bring pain and hardship, not joy. Joy, however, is not about fleeting happiness that depends on favorable circumstances. It is a deep-seated response to God’s work in and through our lives regardless of what we face.
When difficult circumstances arrive—be it relational conflict, job loss, health issues, or emotional struggles—they threaten to rob us of happiness and joy. Yet, James calls us to a different perspective. Joy flows not from what happens to us, but from our heart’s response to God’s purpose in those events. We are to consider trials as opportunities for growth rather than merely obstacles to avoid.
3. Growing in Trials
Trials are not just random hardships; they have purpose. James explains that the "testing of your faith produces steadfastness." Through trials, we develop endurance, perseverance, and spiritual maturity. We become more steadfast—loyal, unwavering, and deeply rooted in our faith.
Our natural inclination is to escape trials as quickly as possible. Yet, in doing so, we often miss the growth God desires for us. Trials are not punishments from God, nor are they signs that God has turned His back on us. Rather, they are tools God uses to shape us more into the likeness of Christ.
Instead of asking how to escape, we should ask God, "What do you want me to learn? How are you shaping me through this?" This perspective turns a potential stumbling block into a stepping stone toward deeper godliness.
4. Pursuing Completeness
James teaches that when steadfastness has its full effect, we become "perfect and complete, lacking in nothing." Our ultimate goal is spiritual maturity, and trials are necessary steps on this path. We often think completeness comes from success, comfort, or material gain. Yet James tells us it comes through enduring trials with faith.
Imagine a pathway with several doors leading to a final destination labeled "perfect and complete, lacking nothing." To reach that final door, one must first pass through doors labeled "trial" and "steadfastness." There is no shortcut or side route around these essential experiences.
God does not leave us to face these alone. He promises to be with us, to never leave nor forsake us. It is far better to be in a trial with God than to live without trial but apart from Him.
As we navigate trials, we are invited to lean into God’s presence and trust that He is working for our good and His glory. By doing so, we become transformed into people who reflect Christ more fully.
Heavenly Father, thank you for your purpose in our lives. Thank you that you are with us in every circumstance. Help us to see trials as opportunities to grow, and to trust that you are shaping us into your likeness. Give us eyes to see your work, strength to endure, and faith to lean into you. In Jesus' name, Amen.
SERMON DETAILS
Speaker: Jeff McNicol
Series: James: Real Faith for Real Life
Sermon Title: Life as You Live It
Date: Sep 15, 2024
SCRIPTURE REFERENCES
James 1:1-4
Mark 3
1 Corinthians 15
2 Corinthians 7
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