Service for July 19th 2020. Preacher: Pastor Greg McCallum
Video
Sermon Audio
Listen above on this page or download: 20200716_trials_and_temptations.mp3
Notes
Text: James 1:2-18
“God blesses those who patiently endure testing and temptation. Afterward they will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him.” – James 1:12 NLT
This week’s Life Hack: OREOS
James 1:2-12
- Ask God to change your PERSPECTIVE (vs. 2-4)
– Faith needs the pushback of trials to grow.
“We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance. And endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation.” (Romans 5:3–4 )
- Ask God to give you WISDOM (vs. 5–8)
– We’re not there yet when it comes to wisdom.
“If you call out for insight and cry aloud for understanding, and if you look for it as for silver and search for it as for hidden treasure, then you will understand the fear of the Lord and find the knowledge of God. For the Lord gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding.” (Proverbs 2:3–6)
- Ask God for His BLESSING (vs. 9–12)
– The more we walk with Jesus through trials the more we learn to trust Him. (Psalm 73:28)
– Learn to live for His reward. (Colossians 3:2–4)
#1 When You Are Hurting ASK GOD. 
*** Trials and Temptations are both inevitable, and God intends them both to deepen our faith. ***
“Another In The Fire” – Hillsong UNITED
James 1:13–15
- We are responsible for our temptations (Romans 7:18)
- Don’t take the bait (Proverbs 5:22-23, Psalm 7:15–16)
#2 When Tempted SWIM AWAY.
James 1:16-18
- Don’t stop swimming (Philippians 3:12–14)
- This life is just the FIRST fruits
“God chose to give us new birth through the message of truth. He wanted us to be the first harvest of his new creation.” (James 1:18 )
#3 This Life is Just a TASTE.
Digging Deeper
(For use in personal/family devotions or with your care group)
Q1: What is your best Life Hack?
Q2: How do unbelievers you know attempt to make it through painful circumstances? How have you persevered through such times in your life?
Q3: What qualifies as a trial? A temptation? How do trials test your faith?
Q4: What role does knowing our final reward play in enduring trials?
Q5: How does the description of God in vs. 17–18 motivate you to resist temptations? How does it reassure you when you fail?
Q6. Read 1 Corinthians 10:11–13. How comforting is it that everyone experiences temptations like you? What do you think it means that God “will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear?”
Q7. Read Isaiah 12. It is tough to continue to share the gospel during trials. What motivates you to do so?
Q8. 1 Peter 4:12–13. Why shouldn’t we be surprised? According to this passage why should we “consider it pure joy… whenever you face trials?”