|
Blessings in James Lesson 01
Introduction:
1. In His Beatitudes (Matthew 5:3-12), Jesus showed how certain people are "blessed." 2. Similar statements are found throughout the Bible, including the book of James. 3. In this lesson we are examining 2 special blessings that James addressed in his letter. Discussion: I. FIRST, THOSE WHO ENDURE TEMPTATION ARE "BLESSED" (James 1:12) A. The Lord will bless those who persevere through their temptations. 1. He has promised "the crown of life" to those who are approved (Revelation 2:10). 2. In the context, James dealt with 2 types of temptation that must be endured: a. trials of faith (James 1:2-11) b. enticement to commit sin (James 1:13-16). B. (James 1:2-11) Information is given that will help us to persevere when our faith is tried. 1. (vs.2-4) Christians are to face trials with "joy." a. (vs.3) The Lord's followers know that trials produce "patience" [endurance]. b. (vs.4) Facing trials correctly will lead a child of God to be complete in every way. c. Jesus serves as our great example in this regard (Hebrews 2:10; 5:8-9; 12:1-3). 2. (vs.5-8) Christians are to pray for wisdom when facing trials. a. (vs.5) God will provide the wisdom that is needed. 1) He will give wisdom liberally. 2) He will not reproach those who ask for wisdom. b. (vs.6-8) When praying for wisdom, we are to do so "in faith." 1) We must not waver -- one who wavers is double minded and compared to a wave in the sea. 2) The Lord will not provide wisdom to those who waver. 3. (vs.9-11) James illustrated the principles he recorded. a. (vs.9) A poor brother is to rejoice when facing his greatest trial [being exalted]. b. (vs.10-11) A wealthy brother is to rejoice when facing his greatest trial [being humiliated]. c. The keys for both men would be: 1) to realize that trials lead to completeness 2) to depend upon God for wisdom and help. 4. (vs.12) Those who persevere through their trials will be blessed with the crown of life. 5. (James 5:10-11) The prophets and Job provide additional examples. C. (James 1:13-16) Information is given that will help us to persevere when we are enticed to commit sin. 1. (vs.13) James touched on the source of temptation. a. God is not the source of temptation -- He gives good gifts (James 1:17). b. We are to depend upon Him when we are tempted (Matthew 6:13). c. (James 4:7) We are to resist the devil because he is our adversary (1 Peter 5:8). 2. (vs.14) James revealed the temptation process [illustrated by Eve -- Genesis 3:1-6]. 3. (vs.15) James revealed the results of giving in to temptation. a. Uncontrolled desire leads to sin. b. Sin leads to death. 4. (vs.16) James warns us against erring. 5. (vs.12) Those who persevere through temptations will be blessed with the crown of life. II. SECOND, DOERS OF THE WORD WILL BE "BLESSED" (James 1:25) A. (vs.21-22) James showed how God's Word is to be received. 1. (vs.21) It is to be received with "meekness." 2. (vs.22) We are to be "doers of the word, and not hearers only." B. (vs.23-24) James gave an illustration of one who is "a hearer of the word, and not a doer." C. (vs.25) The Lord will bless those who hear His Word correctly. | ||