JAMES 6:1ON TOP OF THE WORLD

JAMES

Key Verse: But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves- James 1:22 (NKJ)

JAMES

Trials are external circumstances that test/purify faithThey are evidence that God is working

in our lives

Every trial carries with it the seed of a gift that we only get if we persevere

Trials bring choices

God gives wisdom to those who ask in faith

JAMES

“To the 12 tribes scattered abroad…”

Persecution

JAMES

The brother in humble circumstances ought to take pride in his high position- vs. 9

 Humble- weak, insignificant, lowly,

poor

 

JAMES

Humble= Excuse/lack of faith

Why? Wrong focus.

“My life can’t count for much because I don’t have much.”

JAMES

Pride- lack of shame, sense of value in the Lord rather than self

JAMES

High position:

"Blessed are you who are poor, for yours is the kingdom of God” -Luke 6:20

Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ- Eph. 1:3

JAMES

High position:

But now he has reconciled you by Christ's...death to present you holy in his sight, without blemish and free from accusation -Col. 1:22

I know your afflictions and your poverty-- yet you are rich! -Rev.2:9

JAMES

His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of Jesus... - 2 Peter 1:3

JAMES

It’s not about who I am. It’s about who I am in Christ

JAMES

But the one who is rich should take pride in his low position, because he will pass away like a wild flower.

For the sun rises with scorching heat and withers the plant; its blossom falls and its beauty is destroyed.

In the same way, the rich man will fade away even while he goes about his business- vs. 10-11

JAMES

Rich= Distraction

Wrong focus- fade away…

“My life must count for something now because I don’t have much time”

JAMES

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- James 1:9-12