Doing Faith! Series (James 1:9-18)

Today was part two of KJT's mini series on Faith and a study on James 1. Today we studied verses 9:18. I honestly love her sermons because it is so deep and she uses a lot of enthusiam and just it moves me... a lot. Anyways, let's get into the fantastic sermon she preached today. Amen. (for James 1:1-8, click here.)

⁹The brother in humble circumstances ought to take pride in his high position. ¹⁰But the one who is rich should take pride in his low position, because he will pass away like a wild flower. ¹¹For the sun rises with scorching heat and withers the plant; its blossom falls and its beauty is destroyed. In the same way, the rich man will fade away even while he goes about his business.

¹²Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him.

¹³When tempted, no one should say, "God is tempting me." For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone; ¹⁴but each one is tempted when, by his own evil desire, he is dragged away and enticed. ¹⁵Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death.

¹⁶Don't be deceived, my dear brothers. ¹⁷Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows. ¹⁸He chose to give us birth through the word of truth, that we might be a kind of firstfruits of all he created.

james1:9-18

Like Pastor Kelly did, the passages are broken down into 3 different sections. Verses 9-11, 12-15, and 16-18. Let's start the break down.

⁹The brother in humble circumstances ought to take pride in his high position. ¹⁰But the one who is rich should take pride in his low position, because he will pass away like a wild flower. ¹¹For the sun rises with scorching heat and withers the plant; its blossom falls and its beauty is destroyed. In the same way, the rich man will fade away even while he goes about his business.

James 1:9-11
- (9) the "brother in humble circumstances" is to represent the ones in low positions or the poor, or just the ones suffering and are facing many trials.
- they must learn to take pride and know that although they are facing these trials and maybe in a low point, they are still children of God and they are equally loved in God's eyes.
- (10) the "rich" are the ones who have smooth lives at the moment and seem to have no problems or trials.
- they should also take pride because he and his things will fade away soon enough.
- from these 2 verses, you can get that BOTH kinds of people are the same. Not much of a difference.
- we are all sinners, we will all die, and we will all face God.
- (11) talks about in the end, everything will fade away. From clothes, to money, to cars, everything. The "blossom" can represent clothing or valuables, but in the end, it will ALL FADE AWAY.
- this shows that everything we have and do not have are all meaningless and are nothing.

12Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him.
¹³When tempted, no one should say, "God is tempting me." For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone; ¹⁴but each one is tempted when, by his own evil desire, he is dragged away and enticed. ¹⁵Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death.

James 1:12-15
- (12) we get tested through trials and temptations. Like a car test, we get smashed into walls and others, but do we last? Do we pass the tests? Are we durable?
- (13) temptations do NOT come from God. God cannot be tempted and he doesnt have the evil desire to tempt us as well.
- (14) temptation "sparks" sin. "by his OWN evil desire (temptation), he is dragged away and enticed (sin).
- temptations starts off by our OWN evil desire.
- when we act upon or after temptations, it becomes a sin.
- temptation is NOT a sin. When we act upon it, or give into it, it becomes a sin.
- (15) Desire >>> Sin >>> Death.

¹³No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it.

1corinthians10:13

16Don't be deceived, my dear brothers. 17Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows. 18He chose to give us birth through the word of truth, that we might be a kind of firstfruits of all he created.

James 1:16-18
- (16) do not be deceived by others/media.
- when you need wisdom or advice, ask God and not others
- (17) God gives generously and he will always be the God that gives generously. He is the same God yesterday, today, and tomorrow.
- (18) gospel >>> God >>> Jesus Christ.

Conclusion

1. Trials come in the form of temptations. Will you give in? Will you ask God for wisdom?
2. Temptations do NOT come from God. (It is Satan's way to take us away from God)
3. Temptations are NOT sin. Satan cannot force us to sin, but he can only lure us to sin.
4. Every good thing/blessing is from God. He never said the good things must be happy things are things that make you rich. The trials and sufferings you and I go through are some of those blessings. It helps us grow and have a stronger relationship with God.
   

SUB it,
Smij Nahc † [part three coming next sunday]
God Bless You ♥