James 1- Trials and Temptations

Sermon Reflections from Trials and Temptations | Alex Hardt  | July 1, 2023
 
What kind of appliance would you equate with life?  A sieve, a blender, a mixer, a BBQ or a pressure cooker?   I grew up with a working mom that used the pressure cooker to speed meals to the table.  She found it a wonderful tool to get what she needed done quickly.   Pastor Alex’s example of the way diamonds are formed reminded me of the pressure cooker.  Life is like that- we’re in it and the product, meal, diamond, are not produced unless pressure is applied.  God uses this same principle when working with our character as James reminds us in James 1:2-4 “ Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, 3 because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. 4 Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.”   The pressures of life’s trials are used by God to produce steadfast, enduring character within us.  As we walk with Christ, they cause us to grow more and more like Jesus.  He did not crack under pressure regardless of the cost. 

God desires to build, create that same steadfast faithful character within us. This godly character will help us withstand even greater things in our future. This character will build and strengthen our faith and trust in God.  What is it that is looming in your future that is causing you to doubt or be afraid?  Are your bills to high, your job unsteady, or are your family relationships in trouble?  Whatever the trials you are facing He is greater.  1 John 4:4 “You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them, because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world.”   John 16:33 ““I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”   As Pastor Alex reminded us, the truth of God’s greatness and goodness needs to be applied to our lives in faith.  With faith, even as small as a mustard seed, God can transform our lives and deliver us from fear!

Trials and temptations are part of life and it is not if they will come to us but a matter of when.  James reminds us that God is there for us and has His great wisdom available for us to use.  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.”  I take this to mean that God does not consider any question dumb or worthless.  He is not going to think badly of us when we ask for wisdom or put us down for not knowing the answer or the way.  He promises to not find fault in our asking and delights to give us His wisdom!  When God gives, it is pressed down to overflowing, abundant wisdom that is practical and applicable to our lives!

James 1:17 reminds us that God is unchanging. He will not change His mind or principles.  “Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.”  We can count on God to remain steadfast.  I love Hebrews 13:8  “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.”  What comfort we have knowing our God is immutable generation to generation! 
The last verses of James 1 are rich in wisdom on how to live our lives in a godly way.  He admonished us to watch how we interact with others. 19 “My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry.”    He reminds us to live clean lives and stay in God’s Word.  21 “Therefore, get rid of all moral filth and the evil that is so prevalent and humbly accept the word planted can save you in you, which.”  James wants us to look truthfully at ourselves and our walk with Jesus seeking to apply God’s Word to our lives. 25 “ But whoever looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues in it—not forgetting what they have heard, but doing it—they will be blessed in what they do.”   Lastly he exhorts us to seek to live with pure faith and religion so that we may be victorious over the pressures of the world. 27 “ Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.” 

How will you deal with your pressures this week?  Will you look to God and seek His wisdom and advice.  Will you seek to apply His Word to your life and circumstances?  This chapter is rich and has much to teach us about life, living and using God’s ways in the world.  Will you seek to understand and apply the messages found in James 1?
Linda

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