Theme: James 1:1-8
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The
scripture this morning states that, as born-again Christians, we are bound to
go through trails and temptations.
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Throughout
the Bible, we saw people who turned their defeat into victory and their trials
into triumph
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They moved
from being VICTIMS to becoming VICTORS
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Whether we
are dealing with trails on the outside or temptations on the inside, through
faith in Christ Jesus we can experience victory. Ps.34:19
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David had
his Saul, Elijah his Jezebel; Paul his Alexander; Daniel his lion’s den; Jacob
had his father-in-law; and Jesus had his Judas Iscariot, the priest and the
Israelite
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As
Christians, we also have issues we deal with that challenges our salvation and
our faith in Christ Jesus
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Some of which
may appear in form of problems, pressures, pains, and persecutions
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Trials, temptations or tribulations may be regarded as;
- anything that distracts us
from our focus on God
- anything that detours us
from our service for God
- anything that drains us of
our driving passion for God
HOW TO TURN TRAILS INTO TRIUMPH
1. Count It All Joy James 1:2
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The Bible did not say "if" but "when", this is
because Christians must expect trials
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Consider what Jesus Christ said in John 16:33 and Paul also confirming
this in Acts 14:22
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This means that our trial and temptation is Biblical
- The trial may
not be the same but it will surely come.
·
Some trials come simply because we are human. i.e sickness,
disappointment or even death of loved one
- Other trials
come simply because we gave our lives to Christ. 1Peter 4:12-13, 2Tim.3:12.
·
Because Satan fights us, and the world opposes us, we can expect trials.
Eph.6:12
Ø Our response as
Christians is to immediately thank God and adopt a joyful attitude. "COUNT
IT ALL JOY!" (Count your Blessings)
This was the
attitude of the apostles in Acts 5:41 and also the early Christians in 1Peter1:7
·
“The right knowledge concerning the value of trials makes it possible to
have a joyful attitude…”
- Simply thank God
and adopt a joyful attitude. Why? Because of what verse 3 says
2. Patiently Put
Your Faith To Work James 1:3
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We must understand that trials and temptations appear just to test our
faith and when our faith is tested, it brings out the best in us. 2Cor.4:17
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Christians must know that Trials and temptations work for us, not
AGAINST us.
- Trails rightly
used help us to overcome.
- Just as fire
purifies Gold, just as training makes an athlete stronger,
- Trails and
temptations builds and strengthens our faith.1Peter 1:7
Ø Faith Tested
Produces "PATIENCE"... Rom.5:3-4
·
Patient in this context, is not passive acceptance of circumstances, but
the ability to exhibit;
-
courage in the face of suffering
-
Moving forward even when it is rough
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These can only be achieved
through patiently gathering of experience during trial and temptation.
·
There is an adage that says "When
life hands you a lemon, make lemonade out of it!"
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To really get positive result from trail and temptation, we must also
obey the third principle which is found in verse 4
3. Let Your Patience
Be Perfected in Christ Jesus James1:4
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To truly turn trail into triumph, we must master the act of being
“PATIENT”
-
Rather than grumble and complain, patiently discover for yourself
how to overcome and bury your trail to avoid rising up the second time
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Paul did excellently well under
his own trial so must we as Christians. 2Cor.12:7-9
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Paul understood that his sound theological experience as a lawyer may
cause his doom if God do not humble him
-
Do you understand why you are going through your trails and temptations?
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When “PATIENT” has had an opportunity to work, it produces maturity,
humility, longsuffering, contentment, perfection, etc.
-
“PATIENT” gives full maturity and understanding to spiritual matters
-
You are no longer “Babes” but a fully grown man in Christ Jesus
Ø Becoming a
matured long distant runner for Christ requires letting PATIENT do its work
-
Allow God to properly groom you in the closet
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To run the race well spiritually, we must be willing to endure
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Endurance is needed when trial put our faith to test
4. Ask God for the
Wisdom To Overcome James1:5-8
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Letting PATIENCE have its perfect work is not easy, it requires a lot of
wisdom which enables us to see the value of our trials.
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If any man lack WISDOM, let him ask from God
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He promised to give it liberally, He will not reproach us for asking
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As Solomon’s request for WISDOM was pleasing to God, so is anyone’s
request will be more than pleasing to Him.
·
WISDOM will produces the ability to properly use the information and
facts gathered in studying the word of God in a more efficient way
Ø The WISDOM to
properly turn our trials to Triumph in building up our faith is in the WORD of
God
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The WISDOM to properly apply His word can be received in the place of
prayer
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The Power and the grace to seek the OWNER of wisdom more than anything,
may the Lord grant it to us.
In Conclusion:
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What are the words of God that comes out of your mouth when going
through trials and temptations? Rev.12:11, Rom.8:28
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There is a purpose why you are called, God want to test you to know if
you truly fit into the Purpose. 2Tim.3:17
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God want you to be perfect, thoroughly and fully equipped unto every
good works.
