Measure Twice, Cut Once (James 1:2-4)

Introduction

Have you heard the saying, “measure twice, cut once”?

What is the point? Why is this important?

Don’t be hasty with cutting. Don’t make a mistake by rushing. You can’t undo a cut.

Be thoughtful in advance and intentional in the moment.

Transition

James is commanding believers here to think differently about hardships in their life.

This requires them to actually think about it, and to think about it in an eternal and spiritual way.

With James as their example (1:1).

And their faith as their guide (2:1).

As James was defined by his relationship with God and the Lord Jesus Christ.

So here is a way they also could be defined by their relationship with God and their Lord Jesus Christ.

Here James commands a certain response to hardship for a certain reason.

Main Points

Response (vv. 2-3a)

Respond to what?

Trials (temptation, testing)

Means “a putting to proof .”

Various kinds

Unlimited

When

Not if

Respond in what way?

Count, choice

Joy

Brothers - believers

Reason (vv. 3b-4)

What does it produce? (v. 3b)

Steadfastness

Testing

Faith

What is the purpose? (v. 4)

Perfect

Complete

Lacking in nothing

Application