James – Part 1: Faith and Endurance

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Series Memory Verse: “So you see, faith by itself isn’t enough. Unless it produces good deeds, it is dead and useless.” James 2:17 (p.931)

  • Trials Are Steppingstones For Personal Growth.
  1. Shift my perspective.

“Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles of any kind come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy.” James 1:2 (p.930)

Joy: A deep sense of well-being that at times may embrace sorrow, tears, laughter, anger, pain – it is more a decision than a feeling – choosing to live above feelings but not deny them.

“No power in the sky above or in the earth below—indeed, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Romans 8:39 (p.863)

  1. Ask: How is God shaping me?

“For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete, needing nothing.” James 1:3-4 (p.930)

TESTED FAITH IS STRONG FAITH THAT:

  • Brings about a depth of character – Romans 5:3–5
  • Enables us to comfort and encourage others – 2 Corinthians 1:3–5
  • Increases dependence on God for wisdom – James 1:5; 3:17–18
  • Encourages us to lead a productive and effective life – 2 Peter 1:5–9
  • Helps us to identify with Jesus – Matthew 4:1–11 Hebrews 5:7–10
  • Allows us to focus on our future hope in Jesus – Romans 8:18–24
  1. Pray for wisdom.

“If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and he will give it to you. He will not rebuke you for asking. But when you ask him, be sure that your faith is in God alone…” James 1:5-6a (p.930)

True wisdom has 3 distinct characteristics:   

1. It’s Practical.

2. It’s Divine.

3. It’s Christlike.

“…Christ is the power of God and the wisdom of God.” 1 Corinthians 1:24b

My Next Step This Week: I commit to engaging daily this week with Alive Church’s devotional series on the book of James to grow closer to God and align my faith with His purposes.

30-Day Devotional

“This letter is from James, a slave of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ. I am writing to the “twelve tribes” Jewish believers scattered abroad.” James 1:1 (p.930)