James – A Game Plan for Trouble

Grow the church.
Grow you.
Who is the author?

James
Camel Knees

Who is the audience?

Jewish Christians

What is the purpose?

Encouragement

What is the central message?

Faith in Action

Truths of Trouble
Trouble comes to everyone
Trouble can be unpredictable
Trouble hurts
Rejoice in Trouble

James 1:1-2  //  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…

Trials are problems with a purpose
Joy is the key to facing the trials of this life.
Outlook determines outcome
Respond to the Testing

James 1:3-4  //  …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.

Faith is tested through trials, not produced.
Hupomone - active endurance
Our response to the testing is critical to the outcome of the testing.
Request Truth from God

James 1:5  //  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.

“Knowledge is knowing what to say. Wisdom is knowing whether to say it or not.”
“Knowledge is the ability to take something apart. Wisdom is the ability to put it back together.”
If we request God’s help, He will come through.
Receive and Do What God Says

James 1:22  //  Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.