The Benefits Are Great!

James 1:9-16 – 9 Believers who are poor have something to boast about, for God has honored them. 10 And those who are rich should boast that God has humbled them. They will fade away like a little flower in the field. 11 The hot sun rises and the grass withers; the little flower droops and falls, and its beauty fades away. In the same way, the rich will fade away with all of their achievements. 12 God blesses those who patiently endure testing and temptation. Afterward they will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him. 13 And remember, when you are being tempted, do not say, “God is tempting me.” God is never tempted to do wrong, and he never tempts anyone else. 14 Temptation comes from our own desires, which entice us and drag us away. 15 These desires give birth to sinful actions. And when sin is allowed to grow, it gives birth to death. 16 So don’t be misled, my dear brothers and sisters. (New Living Translation)

A Good Self-Image

The person in humble circumstances who accepts Jesus is raised to many heights.

• The person has a new wisdom

Luke 21:15 – For I will give you words and wisdom that none of your adversaries will be able to resist or contradict. (New International Version)

• The person has a new wealth

Proverbs 8:17-21 – 17 “I love all who love me. Those who search will surely find me. 18 I have riches and honor, as well as enduring wealth and justice. 19 My gifts are better than gold, even the purest gold, my wages better than sterling silver! 20 I walk in righteousness, in paths of justice. 21 Those who love me inherit wealth. I will fill their treasuries. (New Living Translation)

• The person has a new wardrobe

Isaiah 64:6 – We are all infected and impure with sin. When we proudly display our righteous deeds, they are nothing but filthy rags. . . . (New Living Translation)

Zechariah 3:4 – Then He answered and spoke to those who stood before Him, saying, “Take away the filthy garments from him.” And to him He said, “See, I have removed your iniquity from you, and I will clothe you with rich robes.” (New King James Version)

Colossians 3:12-14 – 12 Since God chose you to be the holy people he loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. 13 Make allowance for each other’s faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others. 14 Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds us all together in perfect harmony. (New Living Translation)

The person of wealth who accepts Jesus receives an entirely new perspective

• The person receives a new outlook on life
• The person receives a new perspective on their possessions

All of Us Are Under Pressure

• The poor are tempted to doubt God because they have so little
• The rich are tempted to desert God because they have so much

James 1:12 – Afterward they will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him. (New Living Translation)

2 Timothy 4:7-8 – 7 I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, and I have remained faithful. 8 And now the prize awaits me – the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give me on the day of his return. And the prize is not just for me but for all who eagerly look forward to his appearing. (New Living Translation)

1 Peter 5:4 – And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive a crown of never-ending glory and honor. (New Living Translation)

An Understanding of Self

Remember the Reality of Life

• In testing you, God is aiming at your development; in tempting you, Satan is aiming at your disgrace.

The person of wealth who accepts Jesus receives an entirely new perspective

• The person receives a new outlook on life
• The person receives a new perspective on their possessions

Understand the Reality of God

• God's person can never be __________________

Song of Solomon 5:16 – . . . he is altogether lovely, . . .” (New King James Version)

• God’s purposes can never be _______________________

Ephesians 1:11 – God always does what he plans, . . . (Contemporary English Version)

• God’s perception can never be _____________________

Isaiah 55:9 – For just as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts higher than your thoughts. (New King James Version)

• God’s power can never be _________________________

Ephesians 1:19-21 – 19 I also pray that you will understand the incredible greatness of God’s power for us who believe him. This is the same mighty power 20 that raised Christ from the dead and seated him in the place of honor at God’s right hand in the heavenly realms. 21 Now he is far above any ruler or authority or power or leader or anything else – not only in this world but also in the world to come. (New Living Translation)

• God’s promises can never be _______________________

1 Kings 8:56 – “Praise the Lord who has given rest to his people Israel, just as he promised. Not one word has failed of all the wonderful promises he gave through his servant Moses.” (New Living Translation)

Comprehend the Reality of Responsibility

• Notice our condition – a deceitful __________________

Jeremiah 17:9 – The human heart is most deceitful and desperately wicked. Who really knows how bad it is? (New Living Translation)

• Notice our consideration – inward __________, outward __________________
• Notice how our sin is conceived – marriage of ____________ and ________________________
• Notice our conclusion – sin gives birth to ____________

Romans 6:23 – For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life through Christ Jesus our Lord. (New Living Translation)

Ephesians 2:1-5 – 1 Once you were dead because of your disobedience and your many sins. 2 You used to live in sin, just like the rest of the world, obeying the devil – the commander of the powers in the unseen world. He is the spirit at work in the hearts of those who refuse to obey God. 3 All of us used to live that way, following the passionate desires and inclinations of our sinful nature. By our very nature we were subject to God’s anger, just like everyone else. 4 But God is so rich in mercy, and he loved us so much, 5 that even though we were dead because of our sins, he gave us life when he raised Christ from the dead. (It is only by God’s grace that you have been saved!) (New Living Translation)