James 1:5-11

Context Recap

Extreme social tension

Comparable to tension we face today

James 1:5-11 (NIV)

5 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. 6 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. 7 That person should not expect to receive anything from the Lord. 8 Such a person is double-minded and unstable in all they do.

9 Believers in humble circumstances ought to take pride in their high position. 10 But the rich should take pride in their humiliation—since they will pass away like a wild flower. 11 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.

Week 1 Recap

Joy is a posture before it is a feeling

A trial can make you or break you. You get get to decide

We are all going to face trials

John 16:33 (NLT)

“Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.”

What should a person do when they are in a trial? 
What should a person do that doesn’t feel mature and complete?

POINT 1: WE SHOULD PRAY FOR WISDOM

Wisdom is hearing the truth of God’s word and obeying it

In a trial no only are you going to need truth you need to live truth

Wisdom always counteracts the evil in a human’s life

GOD GIVES GENEROUSLY

Example: A friend who tracks everything you have given them. And doesn’t give you things upon your request

God doesn’t have a critical spirit

He is extremely generous

He simply gives to all who ask

POINT 2: GO ALL IN WITH GOD. REFUSE TO BE HALF WAY IN AND HALF WAY OUT.

“6 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. 7 That person should not expect to receive anything from the Lord. 8 Such a person is double-minded and unstable in all they do.”

EXPLAIN DOUBT IN ITS CONTEXT

Psalm 12:1-2 (NIV)


“Help, Lord, for no one is faithful anymore; those who are loyal have vanished from the human race. Everyone lies to their neighbor; they flatter with their lips but harbor deception in their heart.”

Difference between a wholehearted vs halfway follower:

LUKEWARM/HALWAY DEVOTION:

Goes where the current goes

Your easily inspired by stories of radical christians

Afraid to speak the truth

Pick and choose your belief

You feel too good about yourself

You loves only those who love you back

You feel safe and secure in your salvation by the bare minimum (Not going all in)

WHOLEHEARTED DEVOTION:

9 Believers in humble circumstances ought to take pride in their high position. 10 But the rich should take pride in their humiliation—since they will pass away like a wild flower. 11 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.

IN GOD’S ECONOMY THE LOW ARE RAISED UP AND THE HIGH ARE BROUGHT DOWN

Matter of perspective - GOD is in CONTROL no matter the circumstance

Joseph goes from prisoner to prominence. Nebuchadnezzar goes from throne to field.

SALVATION:

ANNOUCEMENTS:

TEXT FAITH

TEXT YTH

INTERNSHIP INFLUENCER

SURGE REGISTRATION

DISMISS TO GROUPS