James Part 3

Suffering doesn’t automatically make you better. It can make you bitter instead.

Tim Keller

That is why in verse 4 James reminds us that when we are talking about suffering that it is not certain that suffering will make you holy.

James 1:4 ESV

And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.

Trials can quickly overwhelm our problem solving skills.

Take a computer: If you open enough programs simultaneously and attempt to run multiple power sucking programs there is a good chance that your computer will just freeze up.

James 1:4 ESV

And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.

Jame 1 4

When trials come they have a tendency to overwhelm our ability to think clearly.

Last year we went up to Dollywood. Jace didn’t have a riding partner so by default it fell to me. He loves those rides that spin you around multiple times!!

When you are in the storm - when you are in the trial please remember that it is like your whole world is spinning and it takes all your faculties to put one foot in front of the other.

What we define as pain and trouble to a great degree has to do with the wisdom with which you receive it.

Confusion is the close companion of trials.

jam 1 5

James 1:5 ESV

5 If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him.

Please don’t simple remove this verse from its context. James is not talking about wisdom in general as though he has suddenly changed subjects without notice. No, he is speaking of the wisdom one needs to navigate the trials we face.

If we are going to count it all joy we need wisdom.

If I am facing a crisis with my job, of in my marriage, or my children, or with my health.. If I am going to counting all this as joy I must have a very wise perspective.

Wisdom is available.

Wisdom is not automatic.

It is an imperative that we ask God.

What is Wisdom?

Wisdom is the practical use of knowledge.

God is the source of wisdom for my trials.

james 1

James 1:5 ESV

5 If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him.

What is the criteria for receiving wisdom?

We must ask for wisdom.

We must believe that God will supply.

As we approach Him in times of distress and confusion, we need to remind ourselves of who we know this God to be.

Sam Allberry

God is gracious.

He gives generously. When the fog of circumstances clouds your path please know that God is gracious to give wisdom to those who seek it from him.

Not only is God gracious but He is approachable.

God is approachable.

If receiving wisdom for my trial is contingent upon me asking - and asking requires me to come to God. The wonderful thing this text teaches is that our God is approachable.

I am convinced that my forth grade teacher at Soddy Elementary School was the meanest person alive. She was born mad - I am pretty sure she slapped the doctor instead of the other way around. Some where along the way life made her bitter!

James 1:5 ESV

If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him.

James

Remember how the NKJV puts it.

Heb

Hebrews 4:16 NKJV

Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.

You can come.

Believe that God can help you understand your trials so that you see it as beneficial.

James 1:6–8 ESV

6 But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind. 7 For that person must not suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord; 8 he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways.

Deacon Ordination Service

Blake Kirkland - Hope, Lannie & Addie

Terry Parrish - Francis