"The Basis of Your Worth"
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OPEN: What does this world value? (wealth, popularity, boasting)
OPEN: What does this world value? (wealth, popularity, boasting)
Up to now (in James) - Consider it joy…trials…endure…wisdom
Up to now (in James) - Consider it joy…trials…endure…wisdom
And now you get it, wisdom. Great! Boast in Christ! HOW?
Great question
“But you don’t know MY life” - Specifically, NO; But bottom line spiritually, YES, I do!
READ:
Why is it So Important to Endure Trials, Wisely?
Why is it So Important to Endure Trials, Wisely?
1) Glorifies God (doxological)
1) Glorifies God (doxological)
mocked now, ridiculed, persecuted
The world watches; friends, family, they want to see if what you have is “real” - so…IS IT?
a) humble circumstances
praise and rejoice
don’t blame God - Heaven awaits
b) wealthy
praise and rejoice
don’t forget God - He gave you the undeserved right to enter Heaven
BASICS: , , - he who exalts himself will be humbled, vice versa
POINT: James is cautioning people against complacency in their relationship with Christ
Most saved people take and make time for family, friends/activities, and then hopefully going to church, and then, very rarely, if time and energy allows, they work on relationship with Christ
K-LOVE Pledge drive - “We invest in what makes us happy” - we have a “feel good NOW mentality”
very, very few consider investing in their relationship with Christ
Why should we? How would you answer that?
No different in James’ day
No different in James’ day
People then, focused on, consumed by, immediate circumstances
Two things I asked of You,
Do not refuse me before I die:
Keep deception and lies far from me,
Give me neither poverty nor riches;
Feed me with the food that is my portion,
That I not be full and deny You and say, “Who is the Lord?”
Or that I not be in want and steal,
And profane the name of my God.
Keep deception and lies far from me, Give me neither poverty nor riches; Feed me with the food that is my portion, That I not be full and deny You and say, “Who is the Lord?” Or that I not be in want and steal, And profane the name of my God.
People today, same focus, same issues
we have taken our eye off the big picture
we decide our faithfulness based on the immediate circumstance
rather, decide to endure, persevere, strengthen faith, and thank and bless God
THEN deal with the immediate circumstance
TO DO THIS TAKES A GOOD, FULL VIEW OF GOD!
REMINDER: God is at work through ALL circumstances
Humble - can be easy to give up, no energy for God
Go around this room, How has God helped you? (testify)
Some here have overcome life-gripping issues, because you let God have HIS way
What He’s done is GLORIOUS!
He moved you through it, so you kept going
Where you came from:
Old you - flesh - dead to self
New you - new creation -
Rich/Wealthy
It is hard work to stay wealthy
Takes time and energy, ruled by the pursuit and maintenance
Leaves little energy and time to serve God
Easy to live as though THIS life is primary residence
BASICS: - can’t serve two masters
GLORY in your position - “boast”
Humble - remember who you truly live for
Wealthy - remember to be measured by God’s standard, not this world’s
Are you tempted to feel insignificant or too important? Heart check!
ALL Christians need to view themselves as God does, NOT DOUBLE-MINDED
Look beyond worldly condition, and take pride/boast in Christ
(vv. 10-11 - all this life goes away anyway, for everyone)
Thus says the Lord, “Let not a wise man boast of his wisdom, and let not the mighty man boast of his might, let not a rich man boast of his riches; but let him who boasts boast of this, that he understands and knows Me, that I am the Lord who exercises lovingkindness, justice and righteousness on earth; for I delight in these things,” declares the Lord.
(Why so important to endure?)
2) Crown of life awaits the faithful, enduring believer
2) Crown of life awaits the faithful, enduring believer
What’s your head size? God has a crown waiting for you?
NOT ornate, shiny (likely)
Humble reminder of the race run, the life lived for Christ
BUT - we are not to simply be motivated just by “winning” some prize
RATHER - keep in mind what awaits while we endure
Stay focused on that - decide now to be faithful, grow
BASICS: God has promised reward throughout Scriptures, so know that enduring is worth it!
BIG POINT JAMES MAKES HERE
Whatever life’s circumstance - see God at work
HOW? - Need others, need prayer, the Word, and also need to be looking for Him, continually
ILLUST: Orion
ILLUST: Orion
(in the sky since Day 4 of Creation)
Creation)
Shown it by someone
See it, after you look for it
Soon, get used to it, easier to see
Even comforted/amazed to see it
Train your eyes, and it seems brighter and brighter
THEN
Show someone else
**Point out what God is doing!
My job today - point out what God is doing
in all circumstances, worth it to endure, with joy
Definitions
Trial - any difficulty that threatens faithfulness to Christ
(health, finances, loss, even prosperity!)
Blessed - wisdom, allowing us to endure ANYTHING
divine, eternal life is secured for believer
lifelong tests, or a lifetime of tests, is relieved with the reward of eternal life
CLOSE:CHALLENGE
CLOSE:CHALLENGE
Q: How are you contributing to the kingdom of God?
Q: How are you, in circumstances, showing people God? Are YOU seeing Him at work?
Q: Some, humble circumstances, won’t come here, because they feel they don’t fit in. How are you helping? Can YOU show them God?
We all need to boast in eternal standing with God (if you believe)
We all need to be covered by humility, thankfulness, and generosity (not $$, but love of God)
Crown of Life?
Crown of Life?
Symbol of victory, shared with us by Christ
Wear it now, let people see God at work in you
COMMUNION CHALLENGE
Fitting, we proclaim the Lord’s death until He returns
We point to Him! Now, until He returns!