James 1:12-18 - Life in the Vice

Last week James introduced the concept of joy or blessedness/blessing when our faith remains steadfast throughout trials.

All 12 NFL teams playing this weekend are entering the game with the mindset that we will endure to the end and come out with victory. But what happens when victory doesn’t happen? Several coaches, coordinators & assistants have already found out that defeats often point to leadership. But is it the coaches who jump offside, drop the pass or fumble the ball?

If James clarifies the intent, but the good intentions don’t come to fruition, who gets the blame? Who is held accountable?

I realize that some of us are not fans of sport. When preparing a sermon, if I illustrate with sport I frequently offset that illustration with something about parenting, cooking, housework, or the workplace.

Have you ever burned the roast or cut into a dry turkey? Unfortunately, events like this usually happen when guests are present. Does the cook blame the butcher? Does the cook blame the rancher for raising an animal that was too lean? Does fault lie on the thermostat on the oven?

Performance failures frequently look to reassign blame, and sinners do the same! The first failure was shifted to “the woman you gave me” which was then deflected to the serpent who deceived me.

Today we hear “God made me this way” or “systemic injustice is to blame” or “he’s not a bad kid, he just made some bad choices”.

Harry Truman, a president from our state to the East was given a sign made in a prison from our state to the South that remained on his desk during his entire presidency and is now preserved in his memorial library: “The Buck stops Here”.

In today’s text, when life seems to press in like a vice James gives 4 reasons why we need to adopt a “Buck stops Here” mindset if we are to finish with the steadfast blessing that God intends.

Transition: In our time together I will expose 4 reasons in these 7 verses that you can Finish Firm. Each reason will be stated, illustrated and applied.

Finishing Firm Undoubtedly realizes Eternity (v.12)

Reason 1 stated (when he as stood the test he will receive the crown of life.)

1. Some believe this crowning is some type of blessing in this life: that this life is crowned with recognition.

2. Revelation 2:10 speaks of the crown of life that is given for those faithful unto death so, while there are some blessings in this life like peace that surpasses understanding, I believe this crown is granted in our eternal rest.

Reason 1 Illustrated

At the beginning of this NFL season one player was holding out from playing. In order to entice him to play [and to play well] the team made a promise. Going into the final game of the season he had not achieved the performance incentive.

With less than 30 minutes left in the season, this happened.

He was not presented the check while the game was still happening, but If he and the team was this joyful when the incentive was reached, how excited will he be when the check arrives?

[If the player is seeking a place to tithe on this bonus, I know of a great Christian camp north of Council Grove.]

Likewise, James says to those who stand the tests of temptation, a reward will be given. A reward that should both cause joy now and give the opportunity to lay an additional crown at the feet of Jesus in eternity.

Reason 1 Applied

Even though temptation promises pleasure in the short term, God promises blessing to those who resist to the end and finish firm.

Transition: Finishing Firm not only realizes an eternal perspective, but…

Finishing Firm Unquestionably reframes Temptation (vv.13-15)

Reason 2 stated (each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire)

1. Adam tried to blame the woman and eventually God himself for his own rebellion. Just like a cook who blames the butcher, the attempt to shift responsibility is foolish.

2. The deck is not stacked against you!

2 Peter 1:3 ESV:2016

3 His divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of him who called us to his own glory and excellence,

3. In Fellowship Hall Sunday School last week we discussed:

1 Corinthians 10:13 ESV:2016

13 No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.

4. James, Peter and Paul all agree that God has given the ability to finish firm. If you choose not to use that ability, God is not to blame!

Reason 2 Illustrated

You can tell from looking at me that one of the temptations that I fail too often is appetite. In order to experience the victory promised, I must to choose to remove or substitute the promise of instant gratification. Currently you will find no ice cream or chips in our home. And if you encounter me after supper any day of the week, you will most likely find a zero calorie beverage within reach.

Another temptation that is not quite so easy to notice is to permit unwholesome language to fill my mind through entertainment. Yesterday “removal” involved an off switch. I started streaming what promised to be a cute comedy about stray dogs. Within 5 minutes there was so much profanity that I had to choose to turn it off.

Look at me and know that sometimes I fail to reframe the temptation as something that I have been given the ability to overcome. Listen to me and know that sometimes I experience the victory that God promises and these 3 apostles testify.

Reason 2 Applied

1. God did not make you with vulnerability to any temptation that cannot be overcome. The Devil can’t make you do anything you don’t consent to do. Temptation has a limited allure that you CAN ENDURE if you wish to Finish Firm.

Transition: Embedded in reframing a realistic view of temptation includes.

Finishing Firm Undeniably remembers God’s Goodness (vv.16-17)

Reason 3 stated (Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above)

1. Good gifts come from a loving Father!

a. Jesus described our Heavenly Father in Matthew 7:11

Matthew 7:11 ESV:2016

11 If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask him!

b. Any benefit that presumes to come from giving in to temptation pales in comparison to what God intends to provide for you!

2. Good gifts come from a powerful creator!

a. Father of lights is a figure of ancient speech that refers to the source of stars and planets.

b. We must remember the difference between created and Creator!

c. Before creation was the Creator, before created angels was the Creator, before humanity was the Creator. Everything that is created flows FROM the Creator and every perversion of what is created is LESS than the Creator.

Reason 3 Illustrated

1. The Goodness of God is greater than any pleasure the Evil One uses to allure you from God’s design.

2. The Goodness of God is greater than any illicit pleasure you may receive from rebelling against God’s plan.

3. The Goodness of God is greater than any temporary comfort you may receive from acting independent of God’s will.

4. God is NOT a “cosmic killjoy”, He is a Loving Father who is Greater than any illusion of evil.

Reason 3 Applied

1. Many of us learned at a very early age a prayer that starts with “God is great, God is good…”

2. The more you fill your mind with “God is Powerful and God has my best in mind” the more you will be able to reject opportunities to disobey Him.

Transition: This Good Creator is the One who births you in creation and salvation.

Finishing Firm Unarguably reflects God’s purpose (v.18)

Reason 4 stated (He brought us forth…that we should be a kind of firstfruits)

1. Some believe this bringing us forth refers to the creation of humanity by His Word. Some believe this bringing us forth refers to the regeneration by the Son (who John calls the Word).

2. Either way, it is what the KJV would call begetting. The Triune God beget creation for a purpose and The Triune God actively calls us from death and begets spiritual life. The reference to the Creation in v. 17 is convincing. But I believe the salutation of God’s chosen tribes (v.1) and the introducing phrase of my brothers (v.2) casts a shadow over this chapter that I think helps clarify what James intends us to see in his words.

3. Just as humanity was a step above (firstfruits) the rest of creation, Jews were a step above the clans of humanity, and all who are born of the Spirit are “a step above” all His creation.

Reason 4 Illustrated

1. Those who are set apart to rule should never revert to being ruled. We steward creation, we don’t serve it!

2. We conquer evil, we refuse to let it master us!

3. We resist temptation, we don’t yield to it!

Reason 4 Applied

1. God did not breath the breath of life into trees. God did not impart His image on any animal. God chose that mankind would reflect His image and accomplish His purpose for all that He created.

2. After mankind rebelled, God instituted a new class of humanity—those who are born again to rule and reign over all that is evil and all that is created.

3. In the New Heaven and New Earth we will reign with Him over all! This is the promised blessing, AND it is the temporary opportunity and intention of God for you over trials of various kinds and all temptation.

Conclusion:

James Gives us 4 reasons to finish the race of life firmly in the faith. The last 30 minutes have highlighted 4 applications for us in this time, in this place.

1. Even though temptation promises pleasure in the short term, God promises blessing to those who resist to the end and finish firm

2. God did not make you with vulnerability to any temptation that cannot be overcome.

3. The more you fill your mind with “God is Powerful and God has my best in mind” the more you will be able to reject opportunities to disobey Him.

4. God birthed you to rule over temptation

Let us fight the battle He has already won. Let us walk in the Victory that He has already promised.

Song of Response #473..... “Victory in Jesus”

Benediction: Psalm 23:6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever.