James 1:9-12

Intro

Sermon Title: Riches Fade Away

BIBLE TEXT: James 1:9-12

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.

Loving God Under Trials

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.

Joke: A boss arrived at work that day in a brand new Ferrari..

The employee said ‘wow, that’s an amazing car!’

He said ‘If you work hard, put all your hours in and strive for excellence, I’ll get another one next year.’

Title Points: 3 Ways to strive for eternal crown

Outline 1

Bible Text James 1:9,10

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.

One Teaching Idea: (1 Sentence or Less)

>James made a slight shift from Trials & Wisdom to Riches and Humility

>As much as it is appropriate for a lowly person to rejoice when they are lifted up by God

>It is also appropriate (But Far More Difficult) for the Rich to rejoice when they are brought to humiliation

> It is always a reminder for the Rich that you will only enjoy for a season, it will fade away as the grass grows brown and flowers fade away

Cross Reference: Philippians 3:8

Philippians 3:8 (NKJV)

Yet indeed I also count all things loss for the excellence of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them as rubbish, that I may gain Christ

>Paul had experience extreme wealth and prestige and he counted it as rubbish (Meaning Garbage)

!st Point: Spend your Time on the things that won’t Fade Away

One Application:

How much better is it to put our identity into things that will not fade away!

If you are only rich in this world when you die you will leave your riches.

Q: What is taking a lot of your time away, and will soon fade away?

Personal Story: Chasing Shinny Objects

Phyically Fit - Lets not just look great astetically, lets be physically fit from the inside and out. What are your numbers blood pressure, resting heart rate. Cholestoral,

Spiritually Fit - Spend time with God and see what he is calling you to do. Then when you know keep investing your time in your calling.

Outline 2

Bible Text James 1:11

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.

One Teaching Idea: (1 Sentence or Less)

~ James 1:11 (LANTC): The poor should be glad that riches mean nothing to God;

~ James 1:11 (LANTC): We find true wealth by developing our spiritual lives, not financial assets.

~

Cross Reference: IIsaiah 40:8 (NKJV)

The grass withers, the flower fades,

But the word of our God stands forever.”

Gods word is the same yesterday, today and forever

2nd Point: God looks at spiritual wealth

One Application: when envying others because of their wealth or processions . Know that this is good as it get for them- and this is as worst as it gets for us;)

Personal Story: Real Estate loss homes

Outline 3

Bible Text James 1:12

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.

One Teaching Idea: (1 Sentence or Less)

~ James 1:12 (LANTC): As athletes persevere in training in order to improve their abilities and endurance for competition, so Christians persevere in spiritual training as they patiently endure testing that will bring maturity and completeness. Today’s trials will seem like training when we face tomorrow’s challenges. The way to get into God’s winner’s circle is to love him and stay faithful even under pressure.

~ James 1:12 (LANTC): The first chapter of James teaches us that God’s long-term goal for us is maturity and completeness, but his eternal goal for us is the crown of life, a rich expression of hope.

Cross Reference: TEXT

Striving for a Crown

1 Corinthians 9:24–27 (NKJV)

Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may obtain it. And everyone who competes for the prize is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a perishable crown, but we for an imperishable crown. Therefore I run thus: not with uncertainty. Thus I fight: not as one who beats the air. But I discipline my body and bring it into subjection, lest, when I have preached to others, I myself should become disqualified.

3rd Point: Get Comfortable with the uncomfortable

One Application: James 1:12 (LANTC): Christians can consider themselves truly blessed, no matter what their outward circumstances, because they have been promised the crown of life.

Personal Story: