Community Baptist Church Hastings

Trials and Temptations 10/4/26
James 1:1-18

Intro: World of Compromise Joh 14:6
A. Context and Greeting v1 Joh 7:3-5, Mat 13:55, Act 15, Jud 1:1
1. James, brother of Jesus, but does not claim the title
2. Brothers did not believe at first
3. James later is Bishop of Jerusalem, acknowledged as greater by Jude
B. The Process vv2-4
1. God’s testing develops…
2. perseverance, which produces
3. maturity, which results in
4. attitude of joy vs. happiness
a. Happiness: temporary feeling based on favorable circumstances
b. Joy: unshakable confidence in God’s character and promises
C. The Prayer vv5-8 1Cor 10:13, Mat 7:7, Phi 4:6-7
1. Don’t be double-minded
2. Three questions
a. Are you asking?
b. Are you listening?
c. Are you prepared for an answer you don’t expect or like?
D. The Choice vv9-11 Mat 6:24, 1Joh 2:17
1. Flows from double-minded, can’t serve God and money (the world)
2. Riches (and Life) are Fleeting
E. Test vs Tempt vv12-15 1Joh 2:17. Mat 4:3,1Cor 10:13, Pro 4:23, 1Pet 1:6-7

Test vs.Tempt

Who starts? -God or Satan
Goal? -Refines faith, transforms vs. Destroys faith

Our Focus -God vs. Self and The World
Direction -Inside out vs. Outside in
Progression-1.Trial or test 2. Perseverance 3. Crown of Life vs. 1. Desire 2. Sin 3.Death

F. A New Perspective vv16-18 Mat 7:9-11, 1Pet 4:10, Matt 6:33, Rev 3:16
1. Life (and all its trials) are a gift of God
2. God created each of us to fulfill a specific mission
3. Are you on mission?
4. Self-exam: Is God first in my life? Or am I lukewarm?