Purpose through the Pain

James 1:1-12

James 1:1–5 NIV

James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, To the twelve tribes scattered among the nations: Greetings. Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.

We find purpose through...

Humility

James was the brother of Jesus our Lord and Savior.

He introduces himself as a servant of God.

The word servant here could also be translated into the word “slave”

meaning his full commitment and life was to serve the Lord.

Most of the time when we are introducing ourselves we introduce ourselves with all of our titles....

We want people to know how important we are.

If we are going to make an impact and change our city for the Glory of God, we have to start by lifting others up. Humility is truly about serving others. Looking out for others.

https://youtu.be/XED8sHBF3L8

How can we lift others up?

support (Go to your friend’s game, go to their recital, go to their band competition) Show them that you care!

encourage ( You might not be the smartest, most athletic, or the the most artistic in the room but one thing you can be is the biggest encourager in the room)

embrace ( Embrace one another, just be there.)

2. The perseverance pain creates

James 1:3 “because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.”

Perseverance = Steadfastness, endurance, staying power.

In other words “You can’t move me”

Why? FAITH. Jesus, You are growing and holding onto your faith.

You’re locked in.

So, when temptation comes your way… it can’t move you. Depression attacks your hurting soul, it can’t move you, you didn’t get that spot on the team, you’re not moved, you lose a loved one you’re staying the course, you get a cancer diagnosis, you aren’t afraid. You’re pressing on.

Philippians 3:13–14 NIV

Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.

When you experience pain, you react in one or two ways. You crumble or you embrace it. You push through it.

What is your motivation to press on?

Last video of the night i promise...

maybe..

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kx533GIKhZU

start at 1:45

The ability to focus and strive.. to press on and not look back.

3. We are striving to be complete

James 1:4–5 NIV

Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.

Sometimes, it takes a little bit of time to get to the finished product.

For instance, the Hillcrest football field. Look great…but it didn’t just happen over night.