Is James Crazy, or What?
Faith IRL | Week 1
Adam Barnett kicks off our new series called Faith IRL, a study on the book of James.
MESSAGE NOTES
Is James Crazy, or What?
Faith IRL • September 3, 2023
Teacher: Adam Barnett
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Is James crazy, or what?
Jim Samra
“James can be a difficult book to teach and preach because of its seemingly harsh tone.”
James 1:1 NIV
James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, To the twelve tribes scattered among the nations: Greetings.
James 1:2 NIV
Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds,
James 1:3 NIV
because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.
ὑπομονή – endurance; constancy; to hold fast to one’s faith in Christ.
ὑπομένω– _hopeful (or cheerful)_endurance; constancy; to hold fast to one’s faith in Christ.
Perseverance is not just a discipline, but also a delight.
James 1:4 NIV
Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.
James 1:5-8 NIV
If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God,who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you. But when you ask, you must believe and not doubt,because the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. That person should not expect to receive anything from the Lord. Such a person is double-mindedand unstablein all they do.
James 1:9-11 NIV
Believers in humble circumstances ought to take pride in their high position. But the rich should take pride in their humiliation—since they will pass away like a wild flower. For the sun rises with scorching heat and withers the plant; its blossom falls and its beauty is destroyed. In the same way, the rich will fade away even while they go about their business.
James 1:12 NIV
Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him.
1. Rejoice as you face trials.
2. Don’t interrupt the trial.
3. Ask God for wisdom.