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Audio Links Date Occasion Topic Speaker
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Download  		 Nov 14 2004 AM Worship Complete service Paul Stith
Play |
Download  		 Nov 14 2004 AM Worship Sermon Responding to the Trials of Life (James 1:5-11) Paul Stith
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Download  		 Nov 14 2004 AM Bible study Desiring God: Missions, the Battle Cry of Christian Hedonism Stan Reeves

Sermon Outline

 

Responding to the Trials of Life

James 1:5-12 

 

1.  To respond to trials we need wisdom

 

            Wisdom is the power to see and the inclination to choose the best and highest goal, together with the surest means of attaining it.  ~ J.I. Packer, Knowing God, p. 80.

 

           

            1a.  This wisdom is rooted, first of all in a fear of the Lord. 

 

            1b.  Wisdom is also expressed in the person of Jesus Christ. 

 

2.  In our lack of wisdom, God is willing supply it.

 

            2a.  Let him ask the giving God..

 

            2b.  He gives generously.

 

            2c.  He gives without reproach.

 

3.  When we ask, we must ask in faith.

           

 

4.  When God gives wisdom, it applies to every circumstance. (9-11)

 

 

5.  When we apply Gods wisdom we will be rewarded. (12)

 

            5a.  Blessed.  This means happy.

           

5b.  The Crown of life.

           

Application Questions:

1.  How decisive are you when it come to depending on God?  Where direction is clear, how readily do you obey and trust God?

 

2.  What are some areas in which you can/do become double-minded?  Consider your personal life, business, school, family, social and spiritual life.

 

3.  How does the way we handle our possessions betray the way we trust in and believe God?

4.  Consider the phrase, when he has stood the test, in James 1:12.  What are some other Biblical references to tests and races?  What principles can one glean from this reality about the Christian life?  (For example, what is the goal of this race and how can we encourage others? Or, be encouraged that there is an end to this race so keep the finish line in sight.  What can we do to keep the goal in sight?)

 

Bible Study Outline

 

DESIRING GOD
 
Suffering: The Sacrifice of Christian Hedonism
 
1. The ordinary Christian life includes suffering for Jesus' sake. Phil. 1:29

2. Suffering for Christ can be voluntary or involuntary.

a. Voluntary suffering may mean giving up some ordinary pleasures. 1 Cor. 15:19,30-32

b. Even unchosen suffering can be handled Christianly by:

- choosing to trust God's goodness & power

- choosing to persevere in following the Lord

- embracing suffering with joy

3. God has important purposes for our suffering.

a. Our discipline (Satan's intention vs. God's Heb 12:3-6)

b. Filling up Christ's sufferings (Col. 1:24)

i. Making Christ's suffering visible to a watching world

ii. Showing the worth of Christ over comfort

c. God purposes to wean us off of the satisfactions of the world and onto the superior satisfaction that is found in him!

4. We are called to face suffering with joy. 1Thes. 1:6-7 How?

a. We must consider life after death. Heb. 11:24-26

b. There is present rejoicing in future hope.

c. There is present joy in considering a future reward now. Rom. 5:3-4, Luke 6: 22-23

d. We can rejoice in the privilege of being on the right side of the battle. Acts 5:40

e. We can find great pleasure in bringing others along. Rev. 6:9-11

f. We can take courage by considering God's track record. James 5:11