It's All About Preparation

Practical Faith: James 1:1-4 It’s All About Preparation

James 1:1-4 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.

πειρασμοῖς (peirasmois) - a putting to proof (by experiment (of good), experience (of evil), solicitation, discipline or provocation); by implication, adversity – temptation

Key Point: Suffering and success reveal what is hidden inside of us.

1.Power “You know that those who are considered rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great ones exercise authority over them. But it shall not be so among you. But whoever would be great among you must be your servant... For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve.” – Mark 10:42-45

2. PleasureAt one time we too were foolish, disobedient, deceived and enslaved by all kinds of passions and pleasures. We lived in malice and envy, being hated and hating one another. But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. – Titus 3:3-5

3. Praise“The crucible is for silver, and the furnace is for gold, and a man is tested by his praise.” – Proverbs 27:21“The humble man receives praise the way a clean window takes the light of the sun. The truer and more intense the light is, the less you see of the glass.” – Thomas Merton

4. MoneyTeach those who are rich in this world not to be proud and not to trust in their money, which is so unreliable. Their trust should be in God, who richly gives us all we need for our enjoyment. – 1 Timothy 6:17