OVERCOMING TRIALS AND TEMPTATION

Theme: James 1:1-8

·      The scripture this morning states that, as born-again Christians, we are bound to go through trails and temptations.

·      Throughout the Bible, we saw people who turned their defeat into victory and their trials into triumph

·      They moved from being VICTIMS to becoming VICTORS

·      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 

·      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

·      As Christians, we also have issues we deal with that challenges our salvation and our faith in Christ Jesus

·      Some of which may appear in form of problems, pressures, pains, and persecutions

·      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

·      The Bible did not say "if" but "when", this is because Christians must expect trials

·      Consider what Jesus Christ said in John 16:33 and Paul also confirming this in Acts 14:22

·      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

·      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

·      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

·         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!"

·      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

·      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

·       Paul did excellently well under his own trial so must we as Christians. 2Cor.12:7-9

·      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?

·      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

-       To run the race well spiritually, we must be willing to endure

-       Endurance is needed when trial put our faith to test

4.    Ask God for the Wisdom To Overcome James1:5-8

·      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.

·      If any man lack WISDOM, let him ask from God

-       He promised to give it liberally, He will not reproach us for asking

-       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

-       The WISDOM to properly apply His word can be received in the place of prayer

·      The Power and the grace to seek the OWNER of wisdom more than anything, may the Lord grant it to us.

In Conclusion:

 

·      What are the words of God that comes out of your mouth when going through trials and temptations? Rev.12:11, Rom.8:28

·      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

·      God want you to be perfect, thoroughly and fully equipped unto every good works.