John Lloyd - Authentic Christianity Pt. 1

Authentic Christianity

Authentic Christianity
Staying Power James 1:1-- 8
Pastor John Lloyd
September 10, 2017

My prayer and goals for this study are that we would:
1. grow closer to God.
2. reveal Jesus in our lives.
3. build stronger Christian community by obeying His Word.
4. learn our Bibles better.

Introducing James:
Who? Half brother of Jesus (John 7:5; Acts 1:14)
What? Leader of the church in Jerusalem (Acts 12:17,15:13; 21:18;
Gal. 1:19)                                                                                                                                                       Why? The congregation was scattered by persecution.
Acts 7:54,8:1

Issues James was dealing with:
1. Divisiveness
2. Intolerance
3. Favoritism
4. Overpowering desire for wealth and status.

I. We need a different attitude toward our problems.

James 1:2 Count it all joy, my brothers,] when you meet trials of various kinds, My brothers- this term is used 15 times in the book. Each time it is used, James is getting ready to teach us something that will help have authentic faith. (See question 3)

Trials of various kinds-Suggest an unwelcome and unanticipated experience. The idea here is that they are unexpected and at least initially unwelcome. (Luke 10:30)

I Peter 4:12 Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. 13 But rejoice insofar as you share Christ’s
sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is
revealed.

1. Trials are not always a Bad Thing. (See John 9:2-3)
2. Trials develop Staying Power. James 1:3, Romans 5:3
3. Trials produce Maturity and Stability. James 1:4

Our culture is bent on eliminating any type of discomfort.
Let’s choose to grow in our trials. Rejoice instead of complain!
II. We need a different response to our problems.

James 1:4 And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be
perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.

Ephesians 4:13 until we all attain to the unity of the faith and of the
knowledge of the Son of God, to mature manhood, to the measure of
the stature of the fullness of Christ,

The Gospels present maturity as the imitation of God and the
development within of His character traits so that, through the Holy
Spirit, we become persons of integrity and single minded in our
devotion to God.

How to develop this character: Stay instead of Run.

Luke 6:36 Be merciful, even as your Father is merciful.(Heb. 12:2)
Commitment: Let’s not compromise our morals or values when
attempting to remove hardship or heartache.

III. We need to pray for wisdom instead of deliverance.

James 1:5 If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives
generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him.

James 1: 6 But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for the one who
doubts is like a wave of the sea that is driven

I need wisdom to see my trials from God’s point of view!

Matthew 7:7 “Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find;
knock, and it will be opened to you.

There is a connection between wisdom as a gift and asking for it.

James 1:7 For that person must not suppose that he will receive
anything from the Lord; 8 he is a double-minded man, unstable in all
his ways.

The people James was writing to were experiencing adversity, but
James sees it as cause for joy because he discerns that God’s
purpose is purification. If they endure their trials with patience, they
will be both purified and approved.

Commitment Prayer: Lord, I need staying power for my
relationships, job, school and ministry. Help me look to you for
wisdom and strength to not squirm out of my responsibilities and your
plan to develop maturity and stability. Jesus, I turn my life and
situations over to You again this day!

Spiritual Growth Questions for James 1:1-8 “Staying Power”

1. As you look back on the “good old days” in your life, were they
more likely to be the hard times or the easy times?

2. *Read James 1:1-8. In your own words, rewrite what you hear
James saying. Try to put it in a way you could share with a
friend.

3. Read James 1:2. Spend some time following James’ use of the
word “brothers” throughout the letter. Read James 1:16, 1:19,
2:1, 2:5, 2:14, 3:1, 3:10, 3:12, 4:11, 5:7,5:9, 5:10, 5:12 & 5:19.
How does his use of “brothers” help you understand this book?

4. *Study the following verses this week, James 1:2,3;
Ephesians 5:20; I Thessalonians 5:16-18; Philippians 4:4; I
Corinthians 10:1, 6, 10-11. As you meditate on these verses
look at the different attitude presented towards difficulties and
trials.

5. *What are some areas you have seen the value of staying
power in your life? (Read the following verses on the need for
staying power: Hebrews 6:11-12; Galatians 6:9; Acts 14:21-
22; 2 Timothy 2:3) What do these verses teach you about it?

6. *What is the natural human response to trials? What response
is James asking us to have towards our trials?

7. What causes you to doubt God? What misconceptions do you
have about God and trials in your life?

8. How has our “American Dream” thinking, with its standards of
success and joy, kept us from God’s wisdom?

9. *Concerning a trial you have experienced, what pressures did it
bring on your faith? What wisdom did you gain through it?

10. * Study the following verses and try and get your arms around
this concept of wisdom. What is wisdom? How do we receive
it? Job 28:28 ; Proverbs 4:7 ; Hosea 14:9 ; Matthew 7:24 ;
2 Timothy 3:15; James 1:5 ; Luke 21:15 ; Ecclesiastes 2:26.
As you navigate through a situation you’re facing,
we pray for God’s guidance, strength and wisdom.