I Don't Want To

The Book of James  •  Sermon  •  Submitted   •  Presented   •  40:41
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The world can be an unsettling place.

There are many pressures in this world. With the advent of 24 hours news we can be reminded of all that is wrong or could possibly go wrong in the next few days and weeks. As weather forecasting has gotten better, we are also “warned” much sooner of impeding weather.

We may want to resign and “settle”.

We figure it isn’t worth trying when the waves batter us and when the sands keep shifting to the point we are not sure where we have been or even where we are going.

Inaction is not an option.

At least according to James and the writers of the NT. Authentic faith is lived out. (Possibly story of climber settling instead of moving forward.

We must choose joy!

Joy is not a feeling. Joy is not just a thought. Joy is an intentional attitude which manifests in action by realizing there is more to live than just “one event”. Joy takes a big picture view when the details are not very good. Joy reminds us, not of who we are, but who God is. Joy is keeping an eye to the future while staying present in the moment.

Hard times will come.

We are not to seek them out, they will naturally come. When we choose joy we see trials and hardships are part of a process.

Authentic faith will create perseverance.

The goal of our faith is to faithfully persevere. This comes from realizing our God is capable and faithful to us even in the hard times of life. We look to a future which is brighter than our present. It is not about how we start but how we finish. Jesus told a story as much when he talked about seeds, faith and soil. This is hard work!

We need “true” wisdom.

True wisdom is found in submitting to the Holy Spirit who is the all wise one. Wisdom of this world is fine but this is not our goal or end. James has a lot to say about this later in the letter.

Perseverance, wisdom and joy come through prayer.

We cannot have these things if we are not willing to submit to praying to our Lord. Prayer is not a presenting of request but a humbling of ourselves. This is why we “don’t want to” pray more often; it requires us to realize life is not about us.

We must expect God to do something.

This is at the heart of verses 6-8. This isn’t a name it claim it type of mentality but understanding God’s character is such to give wisdom, joy, and the fruit of the Spirit.
The doubting James is talking about it not “curiously wondering” if something is true. But a doubt which leads to laziness, inaction, and unwillingness to move. It is a lack of commitment to God.

The result is maturity and completeness.

God will continue the work of maturity, but we must be willing partners with Him.
Philippians 1:6 NIV
being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.
Philippians 2:12 NIV
Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed—not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence—continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling,
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