JAMES: How to Handle Problems
JAMES
How to Handle Problems
July 17, 2022
Who wrote the book of James?
His nickname was:
He died around:
What is the book about?
What maturity isn’t:
* It’s not:
* It’s not:
* It’s not:
* It’s not:
God says maturity is determined by
How do you measure spiritual maturity? Not by comparing yourself to other people, but by comparing yourself to the word of God.
The word “mature” in Greek is the word “teleaos” – it’s translated mature, complete, perfect.
James 1:1 - James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, To the twelve tribes scattered among the nations…
Scattered: means seeds (agricultural term)
God strategically scattered and dispersed all of the Christians throughout the Mediterranean world so they would be a light to a darkened world, so the other people in the world would know about Christ.
James 1:2-3 - Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, 3 because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance.
How to handle problems?
I. Facts about life:
James 1:2-3 - Consider it pure joy … 3 because you know …
1. Problems are
James 1:2 - … whenever you face trials…
2. Problems are
James 1:2 - … whenever you face trials…
FACE: “peripipto”: fall into
3. Problems are of
James 1:2 - … trials of many kinds…
4. Problems are
James 1:2 - Realize that they come … to produce in you… (Phillips)
Three purposes of problems:
James 1:3-4 - because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. 4 Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.
* Problems purify my
James 1:3 - …You know that the testing of your faith…
* God tests us to make us strong. Satan tempts us to make us do wrong.
* Problems reinforce my
James 1:3 - … the testing … develops perseverance…
* Problems sanctify my
James 1:4 - … so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything!
God’s #1 Purpose in my life: to
Romans 8:28-29 - And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. 29 For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the likeness of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers.
II. How to handle your problems:
1.
James 1:2 - Consider it pure joy whenever you face trials…
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 - Be joyful always; 17 pray continually; 18 give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.
Psalm 34:1 - I will bless the Lord at all times; His praise shall continually be in my mouth. AMP
2.
James 1:5 - If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God who gives generously to all without
finding fault, and it will be given to him.
3.
James 1:6 - But when he asks, he must believe and not doubt…
You need to pray for two things:
The result: James 1:12 - Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him.