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.