HEART TO HEART: DISPLAYING THE LOVE OF JESUS

Think of a calm lake on a windless day, perfectly mirroring the trees and mountains that surround it. In the same way, as we spend time with Jesus and allow His Spirit to shape us, we become like mirrors, reflecting His love, grace, and compassion to the world around us.

Now imagine the same lake when the wind begins to blow and ripples form on the waters surface. Suddenly. with the lightest breeze the image is distorted.

Now imagine the same lake when the gails are raging. The reflection will be totally lost.

Now imagine a calm ocean with riptides under the surface or a raging sea that has currents calm and smooth.

The truth of peace is not that we can control our circumstances, but that we will not allow our circumstances to cintrol us.

James 1. The Letter of James

Like Jesus’ teachings, this letter is a source of both exhortation and comfort, of reproof and encouragement. James is known for being eminently practical; but at the same time, some of the most profound truths of the New Testament emerge from the text.

James like many books of the N.T., is focused on discipleship. However, unlike many of Paul’s writings (especially the pastoral or personal epistles), James focuses on Jesus as the source of imitating.

James 2:1 NKJV

1 My brethren, do not hold the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory, with partiality.

Peace in Trials

James 1:1–12 NKJV

1 James, a bondservant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, To the twelve tribes which are scattered abroad: Greetings. 2 My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, 3 knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. 4 But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing. 5 If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him. 6 But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for he who doubts is like a wave of the sea driven and tossed by the wind. 7 For let not that man suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord; 8 he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways. 9 Let the lowly brother glory in his exaltation, 10 but the rich in his humiliation, because as a flower of the field he will pass away. 11 For no sooner has the sun risen with a burning heat than it withers the grass; its flower falls, and its beautiful appearance perishes. So the rich man also will fade away in his pursuits. 12 Blessed is the man who endures temptation; for when he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him.

1. Perspective in trials (1:2,9)

James (1) Joy for Maturity (1:2–4)

James encouraged them to embrace their trials not for what they were but for what God could accomplish through them.

James (1) Joy for Maturity (1:2–4)

Earthly hardships and losses put believers on display. Trials form an essential part of God’s plan for his people. The God who will save us from the fate of the world will sustain us with joy in the midst of it.

A. Joy

B. Glory

In exhaltation and humility

2. Provision for trials (1:5–9)

A. Wisdom

B. Faith

3. Pitfalls of trials (1:6-8)

A. Doubt

B. Entitlement

C. Inconsistency

4. Product of trials (1:3–4,12)

A. Patience

B. Perfection

C. Promise

D. Proving

E. Peace

Colossians 3:15 NKJV

15 And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also you were called in one body; and be thankful.