WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:06.179 Well, good morning. We are beginning to walk through the book of James. 00:00:06.900 --> 00:00:09.380 So if you have a Bible, turn with me to James chapter 1. 00:00:09.960 --> 00:00:13.740 Last week, Pastor Nick introduced us to the person of James, 00:00:15.060 --> 00:00:24.519 one of the brothers of Jesus, and the leader of the church in Jerusalem, and the author of this book. 00:00:24.519 --> 00:00:30.559 But today we're going to begin walking through this letter, section by section, 00:00:30.679 --> 00:00:34.460 so I'm going to read the first 11 verses, James chapter 1. 00:00:36.280 --> 00:00:41.539 Let me invite you, wherever you are, to read along with me, or listen as I read. 00:00:43.539 --> 00:00:51.159 James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, to the twelve tribes in the dispersion, greetings. 00:00:51.159 --> 00:00:57.919 Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds. 00:00:58.759 --> 00:01:03.659 For you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. 00:01:04.519 --> 00:01:10.900 And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing. 00:01:11.920 --> 00:01:19.519 If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given to him. 00:01:19.519 --> 00:01:22.619 But let him ask in faith, with no doubting. 00:01:23.439 --> 00:01:27.799 For the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind. 00:01:28.519 --> 00:01:31.920 For that person must not suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord. 00:01:32.640 --> 00:01:36.699 He is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways. 00:01:38.039 --> 00:01:44.219 Let the lowly brother boast in his exaltation, and the rich in his humiliation. 00:01:44.219 --> 00:01:48.579 Because like a flower of the grass, he will pass away. 00:01:49.579 --> 00:01:55.480 For the sun rises with its scorching heat and withers the grass, its flower falls and its beauty perishes. 00:01:56.620 --> 00:02:02.659 So also will the rich man fade away in the midst of his pursuits. 00:02:02.659 --> 00:02:06.200 Let me pray. 00:02:06.319 --> 00:02:08.400 Father, thank you for these words. 00:02:09.319 --> 00:02:13.900 Thank you for this wisdom that you gave to James. 00:02:14.740 --> 00:02:17.740 For the benefit of his people that he was writing to. 00:02:18.939 --> 00:02:23.039 Would you, by your spirit, take this wisdom, take these words. 00:02:24.500 --> 00:02:25.359 Strengthen our hearts. 00:02:25.800 --> 00:02:29.379 Equip us for the trials that we face today. 00:02:29.439 --> 00:02:30.879 In Jesus' name, amen. 00:02:30.879 --> 00:02:31.000 Amen. 00:02:32.639 --> 00:02:37.740 Well, this morning's passage is about dealing with trials. 00:02:38.919 --> 00:02:45.180 And these days, I don't think I need to say anything more to prove that we are dealing with a relevant topic. 00:02:45.840 --> 00:02:46.919 So let's jump right in. 00:02:47.680 --> 00:02:50.939 James was writing to people who were experiencing trials. 00:02:51.240 --> 00:02:52.240 Verse 2, he says, 00:02:52.340 --> 00:02:56.039 When you meet trials of various kinds. 00:02:56.159 --> 00:02:57.840 The King James translates that verse, 00:02:57.840 --> 00:03:03.960 When ye fall into trials, like the man in Jesus' parable who fell among thieves. 00:03:04.620 --> 00:03:05.520 It's the same word. 00:03:06.219 --> 00:03:07.439 Or it could also be translated, 00:03:07.599 --> 00:03:09.360 When you strike trials. 00:03:09.500 --> 00:03:11.819 The same word is also used in Acts, 00:03:11.900 --> 00:03:14.000 when Paul is on the ship in the storm, 00:03:14.099 --> 00:03:15.819 and the ship strikes a reef, 00:03:16.140 --> 00:03:18.080 and begins to break apart into pieces. 00:03:18.080 --> 00:03:28.439 The idea here is of an unchosen encounter with an intense difficulty that brings us to the end of our own resources. 00:03:29.580 --> 00:03:31.700 When you meet trials. 00:03:31.699 --> 00:03:34.879 When you encounter trials. 00:03:34.979 --> 00:03:41.199 When you're confronted by trials of various kinds that you probably didn't choose and might not have expected. 00:03:42.780 --> 00:03:44.239 Trials can take many forms. 00:03:44.379 --> 00:03:47.939 They can be external, sort of circumstance-driven or internal. 00:03:48.639 --> 00:03:50.539 Wrestlings in our own hearts. 00:03:50.679 --> 00:03:53.079 They can be chronic or acute. 00:03:53.479 --> 00:03:57.299 They can be long-anticipated or entirely unexpected. 00:03:57.300 --> 00:03:59.780 Now you might wonder, 00:04:00.020 --> 00:04:03.600 What specific trials were James' readers experiencing? 00:04:03.860 --> 00:04:04.140 Well, 00:04:04.660 --> 00:04:07.660 Tell that at least some of them were facing persecution. 00:04:08.560 --> 00:04:11.300 For being called by the honorable name of Christ. 00:04:11.939 --> 00:04:14.060 We see that in chapter 2, verses 6 and 7. 00:04:15.360 --> 00:04:18.280 We also see that many of them were experiencing poverty. 00:04:19.259 --> 00:04:22.980 Now there's probably the most references to being poor as a trial. 00:04:23.939 --> 00:04:24.939 Financially strapped. 00:04:24.939 --> 00:04:29.259 Verse 9 mentions the lowly brother, the Christian in humble circumstances. 00:04:29.420 --> 00:04:32.319 Verse 27 mentioned widows and orphans. 00:04:32.699 --> 00:04:35.420 Two of the most vulnerable groups of people in the ancient world. 00:04:35.920 --> 00:04:42.399 Chapter 2, verse 15 mentions a brother or sister in Christ who is poorly clothed, lacking in daily food. 00:04:42.959 --> 00:04:48.980 Chapter 5 mentions day laborers who were working in the fields but being deprived of their rightful wages. 00:04:50.980 --> 00:04:53.180 Some were experiencing persecution. 00:04:53.180 --> 00:04:54.939 Many were experiencing poverty. 00:04:55.280 --> 00:04:56.519 Others were dealing with sickness. 00:04:56.660 --> 00:04:58.600 We see that in chapter 5, verse 14. 00:04:58.920 --> 00:05:01.180 And finally, many had been scattered. 00:05:02.180 --> 00:05:04.519 Who does James write to in chapter 1, verse 1? 00:05:05.160 --> 00:05:06.900 Those in the dispersion. 00:05:07.780 --> 00:05:09.139 Those who had been scattered. 00:05:09.899 --> 00:05:13.519 So persecution and poverty, sickness and scattering, 00:05:13.519 --> 00:05:17.199 these are some of the trials that James' people were enduring. 00:05:19.759 --> 00:05:22.139 Now, do we know anything more? 00:05:23.000 --> 00:05:25.779 Well, we know that James was the leader of the church in Jerusalem. 00:05:26.699 --> 00:05:29.819 And we know from the book of Acts, chapter 11, verse 19, 00:05:30.039 --> 00:05:34.819 that a significant number of Jewish Christians originally from Jerusalem 00:05:34.819 --> 00:05:41.139 had been scattered due to the persecution that arose over Stephen, the first martyr. 00:05:41.139 --> 00:05:47.300 And these Jewish Christians, Acts tells us, traveled as far as Phoenicia and Cyprus and Antioch. 00:05:47.399 --> 00:05:48.839 They scattered in several directions. 00:05:49.719 --> 00:05:52.419 So perhaps in the mid to late 40s A.D. 00:05:53.060 --> 00:05:59.379 Now, if that's true, this letter would be the earliest Christian document that we possess. 00:06:00.620 --> 00:06:03.459 The earliest New Testament writing. 00:06:03.459 --> 00:06:10.279 Now, we can't be sure of the exact date or the exact location to which James was writing. 00:06:10.779 --> 00:06:15.439 But James was writing as a pastor to his scattered flock. 00:06:16.740 --> 00:06:19.919 The 12 tribes representing the probably Jewish Christians 00:06:19.919 --> 00:06:23.879 who had been scattered throughout the nations from Jerusalem. 00:06:24.959 --> 00:06:27.399 James was writing as a pastor to his scattered flock 00:06:27.399 --> 00:06:33.139 who had experienced persecution and poverty, sickness and scattering, trials of many kinds. 00:06:33.259 --> 00:06:36.179 And the Lord Jesus, who inspired James' words back then 00:06:36.179 --> 00:06:40.019 and who has faithfully preserved them through the centuries, 00:06:40.719 --> 00:06:44.299 continues to speak to us through these words today. 00:06:44.359 --> 00:06:45.560 Even as we are scattered. 00:06:46.339 --> 00:06:49.639 And even as we face trials of various kinds. 00:06:49.639 --> 00:06:55.500 So what does James have to say to us about dealing with trials? 00:06:56.719 --> 00:06:59.079 Well, I want to look at James' teaching under three headings. 00:06:59.919 --> 00:07:02.899 First, the purpose of our trials. 00:07:04.399 --> 00:07:07.519 Second, prayer in our trials. 00:07:08.219 --> 00:07:11.560 And third, perspective on our trials. 00:07:11.719 --> 00:07:14.719 Purpose, prayer, and perspective. 00:07:14.720 --> 00:07:22.280 So the first thing we see is that James reminds us in verses 2-4 of the purpose of our trials. 00:07:23.920 --> 00:07:24.180 He says, 00:07:24.260 --> 00:07:28.940 You know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. 00:07:30.220 --> 00:07:30.760 And then he says, 00:07:30.960 --> 00:07:33.500 Let steadfastness have its full effect, 00:07:33.820 --> 00:07:37.100 that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing. 00:07:37.220 --> 00:07:40.180 James uses some rich words in these verses. 00:07:40.800 --> 00:07:43.380 So let me delve into four of them briefly. 00:07:43.379 --> 00:07:45.139 Firstly, first, testing. 00:07:45.740 --> 00:07:48.079 James talks about the testing of our faith. 00:07:48.159 --> 00:07:52.620 Now that word appears only twice in the Greek version of the Old Testament. 00:07:53.699 --> 00:07:57.159 But it appears in Psalm 12, verse 6, 00:07:57.480 --> 00:07:58.100 where it says, 00:07:58.259 --> 00:08:03.339 The words of the Lord are pure words like silver tested in a furnace. 00:08:04.399 --> 00:08:06.000 Purified seven times. 00:08:06.000 --> 00:08:09.839 And then similarly, Proverbs 27, 17 says, 00:08:09.980 --> 00:08:13.160 The crucible is for silver and the furnace is for gold, 00:08:13.420 --> 00:08:15.879 and a man is tested by his praise. 00:08:17.720 --> 00:08:23.319 Now in both places, testing refers to an intense and prolonged process, 00:08:23.319 --> 00:08:27.459 like metals being refined in a very hot furnace, 00:08:27.459 --> 00:08:33.019 through which they're revealed to be genuine, 00:08:33.019 --> 00:08:40.299 and purified of everything that's not genuine. 00:08:40.299 --> 00:08:46.579 And in the New Testament, that word testing can refer both to this painful process 00:08:46.579 --> 00:08:50.099 of being refined in a fire as well as the glorious result, 00:08:51.099 --> 00:08:56.179 of shining with process of being refined in a fire as well as the glorious result, 00:08:57.079 --> 00:09:04.219 of shining with the number one quality that James is calling us to embody, 00:09:04.220 --> 00:09:06.060 as believers in Christ. 00:09:06.740 --> 00:09:12.800 To be steadfast, that is, wholehearted, undivided in our loyalty to God 00:09:12.800 --> 00:09:14.399 and to the Lord Jesus Christ, 00:09:14.540 --> 00:09:19.580 because God is steadfast and wholehearted and undivided 00:09:19.580 --> 00:09:22.519 in his covenant commitment to us. 00:09:24.180 --> 00:09:28.360 Now we'll see this theme developed as we walk through the letter of James, 00:09:28.360 --> 00:09:32.700 and we've chosen to entitle this sermon series, Steadfast. 00:09:32.700 --> 00:09:36.759 So testing produces steadfastness, 00:09:36.980 --> 00:09:40.700 but the ultimate goal of trials is to make us perfect and complete. 00:09:40.800 --> 00:09:42.660 Those are the last two words I want to delve into. 00:09:43.140 --> 00:09:45.200 Now for some of us, when we hear perfect, 00:09:45.940 --> 00:09:48.879 we think unattainable. 00:09:50.000 --> 00:09:51.920 And I've even heard some people say, 00:09:52.379 --> 00:09:54.140 perfect sounds boring. 00:09:55.759 --> 00:09:56.200 Right? 00:09:56.320 --> 00:09:57.480 First we think it's unattainable. 00:09:57.560 --> 00:09:59.480 Whenever a human being claims to be perfect, 00:09:59.480 --> 00:10:02.580 perfect, right, to always get a 10 out of 10 on everything, 00:10:02.720 --> 00:10:03.800 we know it's not true. 00:10:05.200 --> 00:10:05.440 Right? 00:10:05.480 --> 00:10:07.080 But I've also heard people say things like, 00:10:07.340 --> 00:10:08.899 you know, if the world was perfect, 00:10:09.440 --> 00:10:10.420 it would be boring. 00:10:11.320 --> 00:10:12.700 There wouldn't be any variety, 00:10:12.860 --> 00:10:14.539 or adventure, or challenge, or risk. 00:10:14.580 --> 00:10:18.560 But I think that's a misunderstanding of what perfection involves. 00:10:18.639 --> 00:10:19.580 The word perfect, 00:10:19.960 --> 00:10:21.259 as James is using it, 00:10:21.259 --> 00:10:25.419 the word contains the idea of reaching a goal, 00:10:26.240 --> 00:10:28.460 achieving one's purpose. 00:10:29.720 --> 00:10:31.779 The word can also be translated mature, 00:10:32.439 --> 00:10:33.460 or excellent, 00:10:33.840 --> 00:10:34.779 or splendid. 00:10:35.580 --> 00:10:37.860 Think of a full-grown human being, 00:10:38.039 --> 00:10:40.519 living into his or her full potential. 00:10:41.379 --> 00:10:43.259 Think of an artist's masterpiece, 00:10:43.759 --> 00:10:46.720 triumphantly displayed on the gallery wall. 00:10:46.720 --> 00:10:49.259 Think of an architect's vision, 00:10:49.759 --> 00:10:52.759 finally built in and standing. 00:10:54.139 --> 00:10:58.220 Think of finally arriving at a long-awaited destination, 00:10:58.800 --> 00:11:00.980 after a dangerous journey. 00:11:02.480 --> 00:11:05.620 Now, if perfection contains the idea of reaching a goal, 00:11:05.759 --> 00:11:06.779 or achieving a purpose, 00:11:06.879 --> 00:11:07.899 or completing a journey, 00:11:08.040 --> 00:11:08.899 completeness, 00:11:09.920 --> 00:11:10.879 that word complete, 00:11:11.060 --> 00:11:14.540 emphasizes the idea of getting there all in one piece. 00:11:14.539 --> 00:11:17.899 It can also be translated intact, 00:11:18.319 --> 00:11:18.779 whole, 00:11:19.399 --> 00:11:20.120 undefiled, 00:11:20.299 --> 00:11:20.679 healthy, 00:11:21.199 --> 00:11:21.659 sound, 00:11:22.379 --> 00:11:23.599 or as James says, 00:11:23.699 --> 00:11:25.639 lacking in nothing. 00:11:26.659 --> 00:11:26.959 You see, 00:11:27.079 --> 00:11:30.519 God will not leave any part of us untouched, 00:11:31.199 --> 00:11:33.079 or unredeemed. 00:11:34.099 --> 00:11:35.899 His intent is to mold us, 00:11:36.059 --> 00:11:37.120 and shape us, 00:11:37.319 --> 00:11:39.459 through and through. 00:11:41.079 --> 00:11:42.779 Through our trials, 00:11:42.779 --> 00:11:44.419 making of us something glorious, 00:11:44.799 --> 00:11:46.480 that will endure into all eternity. 00:11:48.539 --> 00:11:49.100 You see, 00:11:49.159 --> 00:11:51.819 James reminds us of the purpose of our trials, 00:11:51.919 --> 00:11:54.480 that our trials are meant to make us steadfast, 00:11:54.699 --> 00:11:55.539 and splendid, 00:11:55.819 --> 00:11:56.639 and whole. 00:11:57.319 --> 00:11:58.600 And in light of that purpose, 00:11:58.720 --> 00:11:59.159 James says, 00:11:59.279 --> 00:12:00.319 count it all joy, 00:12:01.279 --> 00:12:03.039 when you meet trials of many kinds. 00:12:03.179 --> 00:12:03.360 Now, 00:12:04.539 --> 00:12:05.519 that phrase, 00:12:05.639 --> 00:12:06.620 count it all joy, 00:12:06.620 --> 00:12:08.799 can be misunderstood, 00:12:10.879 --> 00:12:13.740 or misinterpreted in some unhelpful ways. 00:12:15.240 --> 00:12:16.560 James does not say, 00:12:17.200 --> 00:12:19.220 that Christians should only feel, 00:12:19.940 --> 00:12:22.060 or express joy, 00:12:22.480 --> 00:12:23.580 and we shouldn't feel, 00:12:23.740 --> 00:12:24.340 or express, 00:12:24.720 --> 00:12:25.080 anger, 00:12:25.320 --> 00:12:25.899 or sadness, 00:12:26.080 --> 00:12:27.340 or any other emotions. 00:12:28.019 --> 00:12:28.379 No. 00:12:29.220 --> 00:12:30.879 The Bible makes space, 00:12:31.200 --> 00:12:32.700 for believers to lament, 00:12:32.700 --> 00:12:35.560 to cry out to God, 00:12:35.600 --> 00:12:36.920 in the midst of our distress, 00:12:37.500 --> 00:12:38.540 and perplexity. 00:12:39.379 --> 00:12:42.120 To acknowledge our unanswered questions, 00:12:42.320 --> 00:12:43.820 and troubled hearts. 00:12:44.960 --> 00:12:46.500 This verse is not telling us, 00:12:46.540 --> 00:12:47.640 to pretend that we don't have, 00:12:47.759 --> 00:12:48.560 any other emotions, 00:12:48.660 --> 00:12:49.540 other than joy. 00:12:51.060 --> 00:12:52.000 It's not saying, 00:12:52.120 --> 00:12:53.160 put on a fake smile, 00:12:53.240 --> 00:12:54.160 all the time. 00:12:56.460 --> 00:12:56.940 Also, 00:12:57.060 --> 00:12:58.480 this verse is not commanding us, 00:12:58.540 --> 00:12:59.200 to be happy, 00:12:59.560 --> 00:13:00.420 simply because, 00:13:00.419 --> 00:13:01.159 we are suffering. 00:13:02.559 --> 00:13:03.500 Look at what James says, 00:13:03.559 --> 00:13:04.759 later on in chapter 5, 00:13:04.799 --> 00:13:05.360 verse 13. 00:13:05.500 --> 00:13:05.740 He says, 00:13:05.799 --> 00:13:07.019 is anyone among you suffering? 00:13:07.519 --> 00:13:08.319 Let him pray. 00:13:09.519 --> 00:13:10.439 Is anyone cheerful? 00:13:10.579 --> 00:13:12.539 Let him sing songs of praise. 00:13:12.979 --> 00:13:14.360 James isn't being cavalier, 00:13:14.500 --> 00:13:15.459 and inconsiderate. 00:13:16.579 --> 00:13:17.879 He knows the pain, 00:13:18.779 --> 00:13:20.599 that trials can cause. 00:13:22.039 --> 00:13:23.259 So what is James saying? 00:13:23.319 --> 00:13:24.139 If he's not saying, 00:13:24.139 --> 00:13:25.059 that we should only feel, 00:13:25.139 --> 00:13:25.980 or express joy, 00:13:26.079 --> 00:13:26.839 and if he's not saying, 00:13:26.919 --> 00:13:27.779 we should be happy, 00:13:27.860 --> 00:13:28.759 simply because we're, 00:13:28.939 --> 00:13:29.699 in a trial. 00:13:29.700 --> 00:13:30.379 No, 00:13:30.500 --> 00:13:31.240 what he's doing is, 00:13:31.300 --> 00:13:32.480 he's lifting our eyes, 00:13:32.560 --> 00:13:34.420 beyond our present trials, 00:13:35.220 --> 00:13:38.200 to God's glorious purpose. 00:13:40.160 --> 00:13:40.879 He's saying, 00:13:41.000 --> 00:13:43.200 God is working through our trials, 00:13:43.280 --> 00:13:44.520 to make us steadfast, 00:13:44.780 --> 00:13:45.560 and splendid, 00:13:45.800 --> 00:13:46.600 and whole. 00:13:47.320 --> 00:13:48.879 One commentator put it this way, 00:13:50.259 --> 00:13:50.600 he said, 00:13:50.660 --> 00:13:53.480 don't just look at your trial, 00:13:54.100 --> 00:13:56.160 look through your trial, 00:13:56.280 --> 00:13:57.960 to its potential outcome. 00:13:57.960 --> 00:14:01.200 Because if we don't see through, 00:14:01.519 --> 00:14:02.519 our trials, 00:14:02.639 --> 00:14:04.280 then we can easily collapse, 00:14:04.280 --> 00:14:05.900 under them. 00:14:07.840 --> 00:14:09.300 But as we see through, 00:14:09.300 --> 00:14:10.400 our present trials, 00:14:10.600 --> 00:14:11.960 and fix our eyes, 00:14:11.960 --> 00:14:13.280 on God's glorious purpose, 00:14:13.280 --> 00:14:14.200 that he is promising, 00:14:14.360 --> 00:14:15.519 to make us steadfast, 00:14:15.680 --> 00:14:16.220 and splendid, 00:14:16.360 --> 00:14:17.019 and whole, 00:14:17.540 --> 00:14:18.960 and as we align ourselves, 00:14:18.960 --> 00:14:19.620 with that purpose, 00:14:19.700 --> 00:14:20.519 we can taste, 00:14:20.860 --> 00:14:21.980 genuine joy, 00:14:22.300 --> 00:14:23.220 even in the midst, 00:14:23.340 --> 00:14:23.900 of the fire. 00:14:23.899 --> 00:14:25.879 You see, 00:14:25.939 --> 00:14:26.840 the question James, 00:14:26.879 --> 00:14:28.139 is challenging us with, 00:14:28.259 --> 00:14:30.279 is how are we counting, 00:14:31.079 --> 00:14:31.840 our trials? 00:14:33.360 --> 00:14:34.860 How are we thinking, 00:14:35.039 --> 00:14:35.659 about them? 00:14:35.759 --> 00:14:37.039 How are we viewing them? 00:14:37.100 --> 00:14:38.059 How are we considering, 00:14:38.059 --> 00:14:38.759 them? 00:14:38.939 --> 00:14:40.259 Do we just consider them, 00:14:40.459 --> 00:14:41.539 completely futile? 00:14:42.299 --> 00:14:43.199 Utterly meaningless? 00:14:44.079 --> 00:14:45.319 Having no redeeming, 00:14:45.319 --> 00:14:45.879 value? 00:14:45.879 --> 00:14:46.600 Well, 00:14:48.700 --> 00:14:49.820 if we're holding on, 00:14:49.899 --> 00:14:50.820 to those thoughts, 00:14:51.059 --> 00:14:52.279 if we're cultivating, 00:14:52.279 --> 00:14:52.899 those thoughts, 00:14:52.939 --> 00:14:53.799 then we're going to be, 00:14:53.799 --> 00:14:54.539 cultivating, 00:14:54.759 --> 00:14:56.379 feelings of anger, 00:14:56.740 --> 00:14:57.419 and despair, 00:14:57.700 --> 00:14:58.559 and withdrawal. 00:15:00.240 --> 00:15:01.200 But James says, 00:15:01.259 --> 00:15:02.059 there's a better way, 00:15:02.159 --> 00:15:02.740 to think, 00:15:03.399 --> 00:15:04.399 about our trials. 00:15:05.600 --> 00:15:06.320 He says, 00:15:06.439 --> 00:15:07.220 count it, 00:15:07.360 --> 00:15:08.240 genuine joy. 00:15:08.740 --> 00:15:09.480 Not because, 00:15:09.600 --> 00:15:10.480 trials are enjoyable. 00:15:12.620 --> 00:15:13.559 And we don't need, 00:15:13.559 --> 00:15:14.559 to pretend that they are. 00:15:14.559 --> 00:15:16.199 But he says, 00:15:16.339 --> 00:15:16.799 count it, 00:15:16.899 --> 00:15:17.579 genuine joy, 00:15:17.659 --> 00:15:18.619 because you know, 00:15:18.739 --> 00:15:19.439 God's purpose, 00:15:19.599 --> 00:15:21.359 because you can trust, 00:15:21.419 --> 00:15:22.059 God's purpose, 00:15:22.479 --> 00:15:23.779 that he is making us, 00:15:23.879 --> 00:15:24.459 steadfast, 00:15:24.879 --> 00:15:25.199 perfect, 00:15:25.500 --> 00:15:26.199 and complete, 00:15:26.639 --> 00:15:27.219 through them. 00:15:29.079 --> 00:15:30.219 Now that's the first thing, 00:15:30.339 --> 00:15:30.699 that James, 00:15:30.979 --> 00:15:32.139 points us to, 00:15:32.799 --> 00:15:33.739 in the midst of our trials, 00:15:33.839 --> 00:15:34.519 is the purpose, 00:15:35.199 --> 00:15:35.919 of our trials. 00:15:36.659 --> 00:15:37.459 But that leads us, 00:15:37.479 --> 00:15:38.219 to the second point, 00:15:38.319 --> 00:15:39.239 James calls us to, 00:15:39.519 --> 00:15:39.839 prayer, 00:15:40.119 --> 00:15:41.339 in the midst of our trials, 00:15:41.459 --> 00:15:42.519 in verses five through eight. 00:15:43.099 --> 00:15:43.839 If any of you, 00:15:43.899 --> 00:15:44.539 lacks wisdom, 00:15:45.319 --> 00:15:46.339 let him ask God. 00:15:48.379 --> 00:15:49.419 Now James is not, 00:15:49.500 --> 00:15:50.579 abruptly shifting, 00:15:50.579 --> 00:15:51.539 to an entirely, 00:15:51.539 --> 00:15:52.919 unrelated topic here. 00:15:53.039 --> 00:15:53.219 No, 00:15:53.339 --> 00:15:54.459 James is a wise pastor, 00:15:54.579 --> 00:15:55.399 and he recognizes, 00:15:55.519 --> 00:15:56.500 that it's hard. 00:15:56.819 --> 00:15:57.739 It's unnatural, 00:15:57.739 --> 00:15:58.699 for us to look, 00:15:58.699 --> 00:16:00.079 through our hard trials, 00:16:00.259 --> 00:16:00.879 and to see, 00:16:00.879 --> 00:16:01.719 God's good purpose. 00:16:01.839 --> 00:16:02.739 That's not something, 00:16:02.919 --> 00:16:04.219 we as human beings, 00:16:04.299 --> 00:16:05.059 naturally do. 00:16:06.639 --> 00:16:07.139 Right? 00:16:07.179 --> 00:16:08.299 We often struggle, 00:16:08.299 --> 00:16:09.699 to remain steadfast, 00:16:10.019 --> 00:16:11.000 in the midst of sickness, 00:16:11.519 --> 00:16:12.619 or displacement, 00:16:12.620 --> 00:16:13.820 or isolation, 00:16:14.240 --> 00:16:15.019 or uncertainty, 00:16:15.240 --> 00:16:15.919 or anxiety. 00:16:16.100 --> 00:16:16.620 We struggle, 00:16:16.759 --> 00:16:17.659 especially when, 00:16:17.779 --> 00:16:18.899 our trials become, 00:16:18.960 --> 00:16:20.100 far more intense, 00:16:20.299 --> 00:16:21.620 or last far longer, 00:16:21.720 --> 00:16:23.299 than we ever expected them to. 00:16:23.299 --> 00:16:27.000 And many of us struggle, 00:16:27.000 --> 00:16:28.439 because we've heard that verse, 00:16:28.699 --> 00:16:29.620 in first Corinthians, 00:16:29.759 --> 00:16:30.139 that says, 00:16:30.240 --> 00:16:31.679 God won't let us be tempted, 00:16:31.819 --> 00:16:32.939 beyond our ability, 00:16:33.459 --> 00:16:34.659 but he'll also provide, 00:16:34.659 --> 00:16:35.439 the way of escape, 00:16:35.500 --> 00:16:36.359 so we can endure it. 00:16:36.500 --> 00:16:37.519 And sometimes we think, 00:16:37.519 --> 00:16:39.139 but that's not my experience, 00:16:39.139 --> 00:16:39.759 right now. 00:16:41.279 --> 00:16:42.019 Sometimes we think, 00:16:42.100 --> 00:16:43.360 I don't see any way out. 00:16:43.960 --> 00:16:45.059 And I don't see, 00:16:45.059 --> 00:16:45.980 how I can endure this, 00:16:46.019 --> 00:16:46.480 any longer. 00:16:46.600 --> 00:16:47.480 Count it all joy? 00:16:48.360 --> 00:16:49.000 That's the most, 00:16:49.000 --> 00:16:49.919 unrealistic command, 00:16:50.019 --> 00:16:50.720 I've ever heard. 00:16:52.539 --> 00:16:53.980 And so James says to us, 00:16:54.019 --> 00:16:55.159 if any of you lack wisdom, 00:16:55.259 --> 00:16:56.139 let him ask God. 00:16:58.819 --> 00:16:59.059 Right? 00:16:59.120 --> 00:16:59.840 We need, 00:16:59.960 --> 00:17:00.399 to be, 00:17:01.179 --> 00:17:01.279 we, 00:17:01.399 --> 00:17:02.399 this perspective, 00:17:02.399 --> 00:17:03.340 doesn't come naturally, 00:17:03.340 --> 00:17:03.980 to us. 00:17:04.980 --> 00:17:05.559 And so James says, 00:17:05.599 --> 00:17:06.799 we need to ask God, 00:17:06.799 --> 00:17:07.259 for wisdom. 00:17:07.359 --> 00:17:08.079 Now what's wisdom? 00:17:09.000 --> 00:17:09.220 Well, 00:17:09.279 --> 00:17:10.000 according to the Bible, 00:17:10.159 --> 00:17:11.240 wisdom begins with, 00:17:11.419 --> 00:17:13.099 seeing and honoring God, 00:17:13.180 --> 00:17:14.740 for who he really is. 00:17:16.259 --> 00:17:17.180 Sometimes that's hard, 00:17:17.240 --> 00:17:17.879 for us to do, 00:17:18.139 --> 00:17:19.259 in the midst of trials. 00:17:19.819 --> 00:17:20.799 To remember, 00:17:20.960 --> 00:17:22.000 and to honor God, 00:17:22.079 --> 00:17:23.039 for who God, 00:17:23.200 --> 00:17:24.700 always has been, 00:17:25.119 --> 00:17:26.000 and is, 00:17:26.119 --> 00:17:27.119 and always will be. 00:17:28.680 --> 00:17:29.839 But wisdom is also, 00:17:29.919 --> 00:17:31.180 the practical ability, 00:17:31.339 --> 00:17:32.539 to live in line, 00:17:32.619 --> 00:17:34.000 with the purposes of God. 00:17:34.599 --> 00:17:35.859 Amidst the problems, 00:17:35.980 --> 00:17:36.539 and complexities, 00:17:36.539 --> 00:17:37.539 and frustrations, 00:17:38.359 --> 00:17:39.720 and difficult situations, 00:17:39.720 --> 00:17:40.460 that we face, 00:17:40.480 --> 00:17:41.399 in a fallen world. 00:17:42.019 --> 00:17:43.119 We need wisdom, 00:17:43.119 --> 00:17:43.779 from God, 00:17:44.159 --> 00:17:44.940 to recognize, 00:17:44.940 --> 00:17:46.159 his enduring purposes, 00:17:46.639 --> 00:17:47.839 and not be overwhelmed, 00:17:48.039 --> 00:17:49.000 by our present problems. 00:17:49.740 --> 00:17:50.659 We need wisdom, 00:17:50.659 --> 00:17:51.279 from God. 00:17:52.139 --> 00:17:52.819 When in the midst, 00:17:52.819 --> 00:17:53.279 of trials, 00:17:53.379 --> 00:17:53.920 we're weighing, 00:17:54.119 --> 00:17:55.200 competing priorities, 00:17:55.539 --> 00:17:56.659 and having to make, 00:17:56.740 --> 00:17:57.619 difficult decisions. 00:17:57.759 --> 00:17:58.759 And so we should ask, 00:17:59.299 --> 00:18:00.000 for wisdom, 00:18:00.059 --> 00:18:00.920 and keep asking, 00:18:01.059 --> 00:18:01.519 for wisdom. 00:18:01.519 --> 00:18:04.299 And then James, 00:18:04.299 --> 00:18:05.440 gives us a wonderful truth, 00:18:05.500 --> 00:18:06.400 to encourage us, 00:18:06.480 --> 00:18:07.119 in our asking. 00:18:08.160 --> 00:18:08.559 He says, 00:18:08.639 --> 00:18:10.259 God gives generously, 00:18:10.940 --> 00:18:11.879 to all, 00:18:12.460 --> 00:18:14.339 without reproach. 00:18:16.339 --> 00:18:18.279 Without finding fault, 00:18:18.420 --> 00:18:19.700 without making us feel, 00:18:19.700 --> 00:18:21.119 ashamed for asking, 00:18:21.559 --> 00:18:23.000 God generously, 00:18:23.500 --> 00:18:23.900 gives. 00:18:23.900 --> 00:18:27.519 Have you ever received, 00:18:27.519 --> 00:18:28.519 a gift from someone, 00:18:29.580 --> 00:18:30.720 but later on, 00:18:30.759 --> 00:18:31.300 you realize, 00:18:31.440 --> 00:18:32.580 that their gift, 00:18:32.660 --> 00:18:33.800 wasn't sincerely given? 00:18:35.580 --> 00:18:36.460 Maybe a friend, 00:18:36.460 --> 00:18:37.720 gave you high praise, 00:18:37.759 --> 00:18:38.360 to your face, 00:18:38.400 --> 00:18:38.759 and then, 00:18:39.759 --> 00:18:40.519 you realize, 00:18:40.620 --> 00:18:40.920 that they, 00:18:41.080 --> 00:18:42.460 were at the same time, 00:18:42.519 --> 00:18:43.100 talking badly, 00:18:43.100 --> 00:18:43.500 about you, 00:18:43.560 --> 00:18:44.220 behind your back. 00:18:46.220 --> 00:18:47.280 Or maybe a relative, 00:18:47.280 --> 00:18:48.780 did you a favor, 00:18:48.960 --> 00:18:49.640 or sent you a gift, 00:18:49.640 --> 00:18:50.360 but it came with, 00:18:50.360 --> 00:18:51.880 unspoken expectations, 00:18:52.280 --> 00:18:53.580 and veiled threats, 00:18:53.640 --> 00:18:54.240 of criticism. 00:18:56.380 --> 00:18:57.360 Maybe a co-worker, 00:18:57.480 --> 00:18:58.200 covered your shift, 00:18:58.280 --> 00:18:59.000 because you were sick, 00:18:59.060 --> 00:19:00.220 or your kids were sick. 00:19:00.880 --> 00:19:02.180 But then they expected you, 00:19:02.259 --> 00:19:02.940 to cover for them, 00:19:02.980 --> 00:19:03.560 when they were, 00:19:03.759 --> 00:19:04.920 being dishonest. 00:19:07.680 --> 00:19:08.759 Maybe this kind of thing, 00:19:08.840 --> 00:19:09.420 has happened to you, 00:19:09.460 --> 00:19:10.200 so many times, 00:19:10.259 --> 00:19:11.060 that you find it hard, 00:19:11.120 --> 00:19:11.820 to trust the motives, 00:19:11.880 --> 00:19:12.420 of anybody, 00:19:12.600 --> 00:19:13.900 who offers to give you something. 00:19:16.100 --> 00:19:16.460 Well, 00:19:16.520 --> 00:19:17.440 this isn't a new problem. 00:19:17.440 --> 00:19:20.019 The book of Sirach, 00:19:20.100 --> 00:19:21.080 which is a well-known book, 00:19:21.299 --> 00:19:22.259 in James' day, 00:19:22.360 --> 00:19:22.960 said this, 00:19:24.039 --> 00:19:25.039 a fool's gift, 00:19:25.279 --> 00:19:26.580 will profit you nothing. 00:19:27.779 --> 00:19:29.180 A fool gives little, 00:19:29.400 --> 00:19:31.140 and reproaches much. 00:19:32.360 --> 00:19:33.299 Today he lends, 00:19:33.920 --> 00:19:35.360 and tomorrow he asks it back. 00:19:37.640 --> 00:19:38.200 You see, 00:19:38.279 --> 00:19:39.200 some people in this world, 00:19:39.299 --> 00:19:39.720 it's best, 00:19:39.820 --> 00:19:40.539 if you don't ask them, 00:19:40.620 --> 00:19:41.080 for anything. 00:19:42.480 --> 00:19:43.600 Because they don't have, 00:19:43.680 --> 00:19:44.740 your best interests at heart, 00:19:45.299 --> 00:19:46.559 and the main thing, 00:19:46.620 --> 00:19:47.420 you will get from them, 00:19:47.440 --> 00:19:48.480 is trouble. 00:19:50.220 --> 00:19:51.340 But James says, 00:19:52.180 --> 00:19:53.180 the true God, 00:19:53.460 --> 00:19:54.100 is not, 00:19:54.279 --> 00:19:54.980 like, 00:19:55.519 --> 00:19:55.820 that. 00:19:56.880 --> 00:19:57.700 The God, 00:19:57.799 --> 00:19:59.080 who we pray to, 00:19:59.279 --> 00:20:00.980 is by his very nature, 00:20:01.120 --> 00:20:02.660 a giving God. 00:20:02.779 --> 00:20:04.039 And he gives generously, 00:20:04.320 --> 00:20:05.440 and without reproach. 00:20:07.539 --> 00:20:08.460 That word generously, 00:20:08.580 --> 00:20:09.600 can also be translated, 00:20:09.980 --> 00:20:10.580 sincerely, 00:20:10.980 --> 00:20:12.720 or single-mindedly, 00:20:13.100 --> 00:20:14.519 whole-heartedly. 00:20:14.519 --> 00:20:15.519 Right? 00:20:17.519 --> 00:20:18.160 In verse 3, 00:20:18.299 --> 00:20:19.700 we heard James' summons, 00:20:19.779 --> 00:20:20.920 to steadfastness, 00:20:20.920 --> 00:20:23.160 to give our undivided loyalty, 00:20:23.160 --> 00:20:24.059 to God. 00:20:24.139 --> 00:20:24.579 But here, 00:20:24.720 --> 00:20:25.779 James proclaims, 00:20:25.819 --> 00:20:27.000 God's steadfast, 00:20:27.339 --> 00:20:28.200 and undivided, 00:20:28.339 --> 00:20:29.539 and utterly sincere, 00:20:29.940 --> 00:20:31.359 and genuine loyalty, 00:20:31.359 --> 00:20:33.160 and generosity to us. 00:20:33.160 --> 00:20:38.019 In the Jesus storybook Bible, 00:20:38.120 --> 00:20:38.600 it calls it, 00:20:38.900 --> 00:20:40.540 God's never stopping, 00:20:41.060 --> 00:20:42.700 never giving up, 00:20:43.040 --> 00:20:43.940 unbreaking, 00:20:44.279 --> 00:20:44.759 always, 00:20:44.900 --> 00:20:46.500 and forever love. 00:20:46.880 --> 00:20:48.840 God's steadfast love. 00:20:48.839 --> 00:20:51.220 With God, 00:20:51.279 --> 00:20:52.559 there's no backtracking, 00:20:52.679 --> 00:20:53.619 or backstabbing, 00:20:53.679 --> 00:20:54.879 no second-guessing, 00:20:54.939 --> 00:20:56.079 or later on, 00:20:56.139 --> 00:20:56.759 guilt-tripping. 00:20:56.899 --> 00:20:58.099 God does not mock us, 00:20:58.179 --> 00:20:58.919 or shame us, 00:20:58.980 --> 00:20:59.779 or belittle us, 00:20:59.779 --> 00:21:01.199 when we ask him for wisdom. 00:21:01.539 --> 00:21:02.859 He is utterly sincere, 00:21:03.019 --> 00:21:03.799 and wholehearted, 00:21:04.000 --> 00:21:05.220 in his generosity, 00:21:05.740 --> 00:21:06.279 to us. 00:21:08.679 --> 00:21:10.619 This is what Jesus himself taught us, 00:21:11.220 --> 00:21:12.619 in the Sermon on the Mount. 00:21:14.119 --> 00:21:14.559 Ask, 00:21:15.039 --> 00:21:16.220 and it will be given to you. 00:21:16.679 --> 00:21:17.019 Seek, 00:21:17.240 --> 00:21:18.019 and you will find. 00:21:18.019 --> 00:21:18.400 I knock, 00:21:18.440 --> 00:21:19.160 and it will be opened. 00:21:19.500 --> 00:21:20.660 If you who are evil, 00:21:20.980 --> 00:21:22.099 know how to give good gifts, 00:21:22.119 --> 00:21:22.740 to your children, 00:21:22.859 --> 00:21:24.019 how much more, 00:21:25.139 --> 00:21:25.940 will your Father, 00:21:26.019 --> 00:21:26.619 who is in heaven, 00:21:27.720 --> 00:21:28.660 give good things, 00:21:29.240 --> 00:21:30.339 to those who ask him? 00:21:32.379 --> 00:21:33.240 So James, 00:21:33.339 --> 00:21:34.740 and Jesus say to us, 00:21:35.160 --> 00:21:35.619 ask, 00:21:35.819 --> 00:21:36.819 and keep asking. 00:21:38.200 --> 00:21:39.160 Because God, 00:21:39.379 --> 00:21:40.279 our Heavenly Father, 00:21:40.400 --> 00:21:40.920 delights, 00:21:41.720 --> 00:21:42.400 to give, 00:21:43.139 --> 00:21:43.920 to his children. 00:21:46.480 --> 00:21:47.859 So if we lack wisdom, 00:21:48.019 --> 00:21:49.019 to face our trials, 00:21:49.799 --> 00:21:50.440 we're struggling, 00:21:50.619 --> 00:21:51.639 to see God's purpose, 00:21:51.720 --> 00:21:52.339 in the midst of them, 00:21:52.379 --> 00:21:53.660 we should ask the God who gives, 00:21:53.700 --> 00:21:54.879 and we should ask confidently, 00:21:55.079 --> 00:21:55.740 and trustingly, 00:21:55.839 --> 00:21:56.680 without wavering, 00:21:56.700 --> 00:21:57.700 in our loyalty to him. 00:21:58.000 --> 00:21:58.299 Now, 00:21:58.480 --> 00:21:59.079 verse six, 00:21:59.400 --> 00:22:00.000 James says, 00:22:01.000 --> 00:22:02.000 ask in faith, 00:22:02.039 --> 00:22:03.519 with no doubting. 00:22:05.559 --> 00:22:05.960 Now, 00:22:06.019 --> 00:22:06.900 this is another verse, 00:22:06.920 --> 00:22:08.460 that can raise questions. 00:22:10.059 --> 00:22:10.460 Especially, 00:22:10.619 --> 00:22:11.599 if you're struggling, 00:22:11.599 --> 00:22:12.660 to endure trials, 00:22:12.720 --> 00:22:13.619 with steadfastness, 00:22:13.619 --> 00:22:13.979 and joy, 00:22:14.059 --> 00:22:14.519 you might think, 00:22:14.599 --> 00:22:15.939 but how can I ask in faith, 00:22:16.000 --> 00:22:16.959 with no doubting? 00:22:19.159 --> 00:22:20.000 I'm plagued, 00:22:20.039 --> 00:22:20.959 by feelings of doubt, 00:22:21.039 --> 00:22:21.579 and questions, 00:22:21.699 --> 00:22:22.859 that I can't answer right now. 00:22:22.919 --> 00:22:23.519 And verse seven, 00:22:23.519 --> 00:22:24.579 says that if I doubt, 00:22:24.679 --> 00:22:25.739 I can't expect to receive, 00:22:25.739 --> 00:22:26.939 anything from God at all. 00:22:29.459 --> 00:22:30.219 Maybe this verse, 00:22:30.219 --> 00:22:30.919 is saying that God's, 00:22:31.019 --> 00:22:31.639 not going to help me. 00:22:33.799 --> 00:22:35.139 But when we read a scripture, 00:22:35.679 --> 00:22:36.899 and have an immediate, 00:22:37.339 --> 00:22:38.819 negative reaction to it, 00:22:39.519 --> 00:22:40.919 we should check ourselves, 00:22:40.920 --> 00:22:42.080 because often, 00:22:42.279 --> 00:22:43.300 we're not hearing, 00:22:44.080 --> 00:22:45.100 what it's really saying. 00:22:47.160 --> 00:22:48.400 So let's look at this paragraph, 00:22:48.500 --> 00:22:49.160 a little more carefully. 00:22:49.279 --> 00:22:50.440 When we read it more carefully, 00:22:50.440 --> 00:22:51.279 we might notice, 00:22:51.420 --> 00:22:53.100 a key word in verse eight, 00:22:53.600 --> 00:22:55.140 double minded. 00:22:56.400 --> 00:22:57.519 It also appears, 00:22:57.720 --> 00:22:58.519 in chapter four, 00:22:58.660 --> 00:22:59.380 verse eight. 00:23:00.900 --> 00:23:01.360 Now, 00:23:01.420 --> 00:23:02.480 why is this word important? 00:23:03.360 --> 00:23:04.140 It's important, 00:23:04.240 --> 00:23:05.400 because it's the opposite, 00:23:05.400 --> 00:23:06.400 of steadfast, 00:23:07.420 --> 00:23:08.600 and undivided. 00:23:09.900 --> 00:23:10.320 You see, 00:23:10.319 --> 00:23:11.639 a double minded person, 00:23:11.639 --> 00:23:12.740 is not simply someone, 00:23:12.879 --> 00:23:14.619 who has unanswered questions, 00:23:14.899 --> 00:23:16.539 or troubled emotions. 00:23:16.759 --> 00:23:17.919 A double minded person, 00:23:17.919 --> 00:23:20.599 has divided loyalties. 00:23:22.740 --> 00:23:23.759 It's even possible, 00:23:23.939 --> 00:23:25.379 that James invented this word, 00:23:26.019 --> 00:23:27.500 to get his point across. 00:23:28.480 --> 00:23:29.259 We haven't found it, 00:23:29.299 --> 00:23:30.799 in any earlier writings, 00:23:30.939 --> 00:23:33.000 but later Christian writers, 00:23:33.099 --> 00:23:33.779 pick up on it. 00:23:34.639 --> 00:23:36.859 This idea of being double minded, 00:23:37.259 --> 00:23:38.159 insincere, 00:23:38.160 --> 00:23:41.420 unwilling to commit. 00:23:43.620 --> 00:23:44.820 Another thing we might notice, 00:23:44.880 --> 00:23:46.100 is the image James uses, 00:23:46.100 --> 00:23:46.940 in verse six. 00:23:47.279 --> 00:23:48.259 A wave of the sea, 00:23:48.340 --> 00:23:49.040 that is driven, 00:23:49.380 --> 00:23:51.080 and tossed by the wind. 00:23:51.140 --> 00:23:52.380 The image is of the swell, 00:23:52.500 --> 00:23:53.019 of the sea. 00:23:53.620 --> 00:23:54.740 Always in flux, 00:23:55.100 --> 00:23:56.019 never at rest, 00:23:56.360 --> 00:23:57.300 constantly changing, 00:23:57.380 --> 00:23:57.779 with the winds, 00:23:57.880 --> 00:23:58.880 inherently unstable, 00:23:59.300 --> 00:24:00.960 anchored to nothing. 00:24:02.540 --> 00:24:03.480 So in the context, 00:24:03.480 --> 00:24:04.200 of this paragraph, 00:24:04.200 --> 00:24:04.940 we might ask, 00:24:05.039 --> 00:24:06.120 what does James mean, 00:24:06.220 --> 00:24:08.019 by with no doubting, 00:24:08.259 --> 00:24:09.220 in verse six? 00:24:09.640 --> 00:24:11.080 Well James is not saying, 00:24:11.980 --> 00:24:13.500 that we should never expect, 00:24:13.500 --> 00:24:14.960 to receive anything from God, 00:24:14.980 --> 00:24:16.920 if we have unanswered questions, 00:24:17.100 --> 00:24:18.360 or troubled emotions. 00:24:18.779 --> 00:24:19.160 In fact, 00:24:19.240 --> 00:24:19.860 James assumes, 00:24:19.940 --> 00:24:21.200 that we lack some wisdom. 00:24:22.400 --> 00:24:22.660 Right? 00:24:22.720 --> 00:24:24.240 If we had complete, 00:24:24.360 --> 00:24:25.640 and perfect wisdom already, 00:24:25.640 --> 00:24:27.240 we wouldn't need to ask for it. 00:24:27.480 --> 00:24:28.220 So of course, 00:24:28.299 --> 00:24:28.759 we're going to have, 00:24:28.900 --> 00:24:29.819 some unanswered questions, 00:24:29.940 --> 00:24:30.920 and some troubled emotions. 00:24:31.140 --> 00:24:32.220 That's why we need to ask, 00:24:32.259 --> 00:24:33.100 in the first place. 00:24:34.200 --> 00:24:36.519 What James is warning us, 00:24:36.519 --> 00:24:38.559 against, 00:24:38.900 --> 00:24:40.940 is exactly what Jesus, 00:24:41.200 --> 00:24:42.140 warned us against, 00:24:42.299 --> 00:24:43.240 in the Sermon on the Mount. 00:24:43.600 --> 00:24:44.799 Which so much of James, 00:24:45.220 --> 00:24:45.519 echoes. 00:24:46.180 --> 00:24:46.360 Right? 00:24:46.460 --> 00:24:46.920 Jesus says, 00:24:47.019 --> 00:24:49.120 no one can serve two masters. 00:24:51.200 --> 00:24:52.620 We cannot expect, 00:24:52.620 --> 00:24:54.860 to receive wisdom from God, 00:24:54.900 --> 00:24:56.240 if we're unwilling, 00:24:56.600 --> 00:24:57.319 to surrender, 00:24:58.200 --> 00:24:58.799 ourselves, 00:24:59.319 --> 00:24:59.880 to God. 00:25:01.559 --> 00:25:02.960 So James invites us, 00:25:03.039 --> 00:25:04.100 to ask God for wisdom, 00:25:04.200 --> 00:25:05.140 confidently, 00:25:05.440 --> 00:25:06.299 and trustingly, 00:25:06.400 --> 00:25:07.519 without wavering, 00:25:07.920 --> 00:25:09.279 in our loyalty to the Lord. 00:25:11.400 --> 00:25:11.819 So, 00:25:12.019 --> 00:25:13.080 so far we've seen, 00:25:13.140 --> 00:25:13.920 that James reminds us, 00:25:13.940 --> 00:25:14.759 of God's purpose, 00:25:14.759 --> 00:25:15.819 in our trials. 00:25:15.940 --> 00:25:17.019 He calls us to prayer, 00:25:17.019 --> 00:25:18.559 in the midst of trials. 00:25:19.840 --> 00:25:20.740 And third, 00:25:21.740 --> 00:25:22.900 verses 9 to 11, 00:25:23.539 --> 00:25:24.299 James gives us, 00:25:24.400 --> 00:25:26.259 a surprising perspective, 00:25:26.799 --> 00:25:27.920 on our trials. 00:25:27.920 --> 00:25:34.060 let the lowly brother, 00:25:34.060 --> 00:25:36.779 boast in his exaltation, 00:25:36.779 --> 00:25:38.720 and the rich, 00:25:39.380 --> 00:25:40.400 in his humiliation. 00:25:41.860 --> 00:25:43.160 Now what is this? 00:25:44.940 --> 00:25:45.960 James is giving us, 00:25:46.120 --> 00:25:47.980 an upside down perspective, 00:25:47.980 --> 00:25:49.519 on our trials. 00:25:51.680 --> 00:25:52.980 Think about it this way. 00:25:52.980 --> 00:25:55.200 Christian believer, 00:25:55.200 --> 00:25:58.079 if you're in a low position, 00:25:58.079 --> 00:25:58.920 in this world, 00:25:59.920 --> 00:26:01.920 if you have limited resources, 00:26:02.440 --> 00:26:03.120 and options, 00:26:03.259 --> 00:26:03.819 and connections, 00:26:03.819 --> 00:26:04.640 if you feel, 00:26:04.700 --> 00:26:06.160 often disregarded, 00:26:06.440 --> 00:26:07.200 and overlooked, 00:26:07.559 --> 00:26:08.539 James says, 00:26:08.779 --> 00:26:09.240 rejoice. 00:26:09.759 --> 00:26:11.000 Because you have, 00:26:11.180 --> 00:26:11.960 an eternally, 00:26:12.140 --> 00:26:13.680 exalted position, 00:26:14.180 --> 00:26:15.339 in Christ. 00:26:15.339 --> 00:26:17.339 You are seated with Christ, 00:26:17.439 --> 00:26:18.559 at God's right hand, 00:26:18.679 --> 00:26:19.859 in the heavenly places. 00:26:20.199 --> 00:26:21.000 You are a child, 00:26:21.119 --> 00:26:21.720 of the king, 00:26:21.819 --> 00:26:22.939 of glory himself. 00:26:23.159 --> 00:26:23.859 You have an eternal, 00:26:23.859 --> 00:26:24.399 inheritance, 00:26:24.639 --> 00:26:25.959 that will never fade away. 00:26:27.240 --> 00:26:28.019 As James will say, 00:26:28.079 --> 00:26:28.679 in chapter 2, 00:26:28.779 --> 00:26:30.319 has not God chosen, 00:26:30.740 --> 00:26:31.699 those who are poor, 00:26:31.899 --> 00:26:32.579 in this world, 00:26:32.799 --> 00:26:34.240 to be rich in faith, 00:26:34.559 --> 00:26:35.959 and to inherit the kingdom, 00:26:36.279 --> 00:26:37.480 that God has promised, 00:26:37.799 --> 00:26:39.000 to those who love him. 00:26:40.079 --> 00:26:40.699 So James says, 00:26:40.759 --> 00:26:42.099 you are an honored member, 00:26:42.099 --> 00:26:43.179 of the only kingdom, 00:26:43.179 --> 00:26:44.299 that will last forever. 00:26:44.299 --> 00:26:45.460 You are chosen, 00:26:45.779 --> 00:26:47.019 and loved by the God, 00:26:47.039 --> 00:26:48.079 of the universe himself. 00:26:48.200 --> 00:26:50.559 So hold your head high, 00:26:51.440 --> 00:26:52.859 and do not be ashamed, 00:26:52.960 --> 00:26:53.740 you have much, 00:26:53.899 --> 00:26:55.039 to glory in, 00:26:55.779 --> 00:26:57.079 as a brother, 00:26:57.299 --> 00:26:57.940 or sister, 00:26:58.299 --> 00:26:58.980 in Christ. 00:27:01.440 --> 00:27:02.599 But on the other hand, 00:27:02.659 --> 00:27:03.119 James says, 00:27:03.159 --> 00:27:03.859 if you are rich, 00:27:05.119 --> 00:27:06.579 if you have a high position, 00:27:06.819 --> 00:27:07.519 in this world, 00:27:08.119 --> 00:27:09.659 if people speak well of you, 00:27:10.319 --> 00:27:11.359 and listen carefully, 00:27:11.359 --> 00:27:12.039 when you speak, 00:27:12.039 --> 00:27:13.740 if you have plenty of resources, 00:27:13.740 --> 00:27:14.359 and options, 00:27:14.480 --> 00:27:15.000 and connections, 00:27:15.160 --> 00:27:15.900 to draw upon, 00:27:16.940 --> 00:27:18.759 remember that all that, 00:27:19.019 --> 00:27:20.079 will pass away. 00:27:22.859 --> 00:27:24.319 You will one day die, 00:27:24.859 --> 00:27:26.980 and none, 00:27:27.140 --> 00:27:28.359 of your worldly possessions, 00:27:28.640 --> 00:27:30.079 none of all those things, 00:27:31.259 --> 00:27:32.240 can you take with you. 00:27:32.799 --> 00:27:33.740 All the riches, 00:27:34.279 --> 00:27:34.740 and beauty, 00:27:34.960 --> 00:27:35.680 and fame, 00:27:35.720 --> 00:27:36.279 of this world, 00:27:36.359 --> 00:27:37.279 can fade away, 00:27:37.380 --> 00:27:38.480 far more quickly, 00:27:38.480 --> 00:27:40.019 than you might expect. 00:27:40.019 --> 00:27:42.519 It's all like, 00:27:42.599 --> 00:27:44.200 a flower of the field, 00:27:45.200 --> 00:27:47.519 flourishing today, 00:27:48.799 --> 00:27:49.660 withered tomorrow. 00:27:51.539 --> 00:27:52.500 So James says, 00:27:52.579 --> 00:27:53.299 humble yourself, 00:27:53.379 --> 00:27:54.200 before the Lord. 00:27:54.859 --> 00:27:56.139 Don't glory, 00:27:56.400 --> 00:27:57.200 in things, 00:27:57.299 --> 00:27:58.839 that won't last, 00:27:58.920 --> 00:27:59.599 for eternity. 00:28:01.500 --> 00:28:02.859 Now in the midst of trials, 00:28:02.960 --> 00:28:04.220 we all need, 00:28:04.220 --> 00:28:06.759 this counter-cultural, 00:28:06.940 --> 00:28:08.779 and counter-intuitive perspective, 00:28:09.200 --> 00:28:10.079 on our trials. 00:28:11.279 --> 00:28:11.700 Right? 00:28:11.759 --> 00:28:13.380 We might be enduring adversity, 00:28:13.579 --> 00:28:14.240 pressed hard, 00:28:14.319 --> 00:28:15.519 by outward circumstances. 00:28:15.700 --> 00:28:17.200 We might be enjoying prosperity, 00:28:17.440 --> 00:28:18.160 but enticed, 00:28:18.240 --> 00:28:19.400 by inward temptations, 00:28:19.559 --> 00:28:20.920 each in their own way, 00:28:21.000 --> 00:28:22.259 can be a form, 00:28:22.259 --> 00:28:22.940 of trial. 00:28:25.000 --> 00:28:26.100 We tend to think, 00:28:26.100 --> 00:28:27.380 of suffering, 00:28:27.500 --> 00:28:28.079 or poverty, 00:28:28.180 --> 00:28:28.720 as a trial, 00:28:28.720 --> 00:28:29.900 but the Bible also says, 00:28:30.019 --> 00:28:31.200 that receiving praise, 00:28:31.920 --> 00:28:33.120 or being well off, 00:28:33.220 --> 00:28:35.039 is a spiritual trial, 00:28:35.360 --> 00:28:37.500 because we can be enticed, 00:28:37.839 --> 00:28:38.960 to put our heart, 00:28:39.180 --> 00:28:40.440 in the wrong place, 00:28:41.160 --> 00:28:42.380 and let our heart, 00:28:42.500 --> 00:28:44.180 be captivated, 00:28:44.900 --> 00:28:45.880 by the things of this world, 00:28:45.940 --> 00:28:46.880 that won't last, 00:28:47.440 --> 00:28:48.279 instead of by, 00:28:48.440 --> 00:28:49.700 the reality of God. 00:28:52.160 --> 00:28:52.819 You see, 00:28:52.900 --> 00:28:53.539 either way, 00:28:54.740 --> 00:28:55.279 whether we're, 00:28:55.279 --> 00:28:56.339 enduring adversity, 00:28:56.559 --> 00:28:57.620 or enjoying prosperity, 00:28:57.779 --> 00:28:58.259 we can let, 00:28:58.259 --> 00:28:58.960 our identity, 00:28:59.079 --> 00:29:00.039 get wrapped up, 00:29:00.379 --> 00:29:01.279 in our earthly, 00:29:01.519 --> 00:29:02.339 circumstances, 00:29:02.519 --> 00:29:03.859 in our changing condition. 00:29:04.140 --> 00:29:05.819 We can so quickly forget, 00:29:05.980 --> 00:29:06.859 who we are, 00:29:06.920 --> 00:29:08.799 before the unchanging God, 00:29:09.039 --> 00:29:10.079 and before his son, 00:29:10.420 --> 00:29:11.160 Jesus Christ. 00:29:12.680 --> 00:29:13.339 James says, 00:29:13.339 --> 00:29:14.599 remember who you are, 00:29:14.660 --> 00:29:15.879 before God. 00:29:19.000 --> 00:29:19.799 You might ask, 00:29:19.859 --> 00:29:20.579 how do we get, 00:29:21.160 --> 00:29:22.079 how do we remember, 00:29:22.200 --> 00:29:23.019 how do we maintain, 00:29:23.279 --> 00:29:24.680 that eternal perspective, 00:29:25.000 --> 00:29:26.180 that James gives us here, 00:29:26.279 --> 00:29:27.720 in the midst of our trials? 00:29:28.259 --> 00:29:31.900 when we're, 00:29:31.900 --> 00:29:33.180 low in this world, 00:29:33.240 --> 00:29:33.640 to remember, 00:29:33.819 --> 00:29:34.140 that we are, 00:29:34.140 --> 00:29:35.240 exalted in Christ, 00:29:35.299 --> 00:29:35.720 and when we're, 00:29:35.720 --> 00:29:36.759 exalted in this world, 00:29:36.819 --> 00:29:37.740 to humble ourselves, 00:29:37.940 --> 00:29:39.039 before the one, 00:29:39.099 --> 00:29:39.759 and only God. 00:29:42.180 --> 00:29:42.859 Where do we get, 00:29:42.960 --> 00:29:43.460 that perspective? 00:29:43.660 --> 00:29:43.819 Well, 00:29:44.700 --> 00:29:45.259 by and large, 00:29:45.279 --> 00:29:46.259 you won't get that perspective, 00:29:46.259 --> 00:29:47.440 by listening to the news. 00:29:49.720 --> 00:29:50.299 Many of us, 00:29:50.379 --> 00:29:50.960 spend a lot of time, 00:29:51.039 --> 00:29:51.740 listening to the news, 00:29:51.740 --> 00:29:52.420 and reading articles, 00:29:52.420 --> 00:29:52.440 and reading articles, 00:29:52.440 --> 00:29:53.059 these days. 00:29:54.539 --> 00:29:55.799 And they can be helpful, 00:29:56.200 --> 00:29:56.740 and informative, 00:29:57.220 --> 00:29:58.259 in some respects, 00:29:58.799 --> 00:30:01.440 but they will not remind you, 00:30:02.000 --> 00:30:03.599 of the unchanging reality, 00:30:03.599 --> 00:30:04.819 of who you are, 00:30:05.059 --> 00:30:05.980 before God, 00:30:06.200 --> 00:30:06.759 in Christ. 00:30:06.759 --> 00:30:06.879 Christ. 00:30:09.319 --> 00:30:10.980 But if we turn off the news, 00:30:11.920 --> 00:30:12.839 and sit quietly, 00:30:13.900 --> 00:30:15.440 in the silence of our own home, 00:30:16.440 --> 00:30:18.220 and listen to our own hearts, 00:30:18.619 --> 00:30:21.000 we won't necessarily, 00:30:21.000 --> 00:30:22.440 get this perspective there either. 00:30:24.339 --> 00:30:25.200 The Bible says, 00:30:25.359 --> 00:30:25.940 our own hearts, 00:30:26.319 --> 00:30:27.079 are deceptive, 00:30:27.440 --> 00:30:28.200 and fickle, 00:30:28.740 --> 00:30:29.940 and easily forgetful. 00:30:29.940 --> 00:30:34.240 Where do we get, 00:30:34.539 --> 00:30:35.400 this perspective, 00:30:35.600 --> 00:30:36.420 on trials, 00:30:36.960 --> 00:30:38.640 that helps us, 00:30:39.180 --> 00:30:40.700 to remain steadfast? 00:30:42.180 --> 00:30:42.580 Well, 00:30:42.660 --> 00:30:43.880 James learned, 00:30:43.980 --> 00:30:44.779 this perspective, 00:30:44.779 --> 00:30:45.539 from at least, 00:30:45.660 --> 00:30:46.360 three sources. 00:30:47.960 --> 00:30:48.559 First, 00:30:48.840 --> 00:30:49.500 he learned it, 00:30:49.620 --> 00:30:50.519 from God's word. 00:30:51.680 --> 00:30:52.640 In particular, 00:30:52.820 --> 00:30:54.000 from the Old Testament prophets. 00:30:54.240 --> 00:30:55.320 James is echoing, 00:30:55.620 --> 00:30:56.779 the words of Isaiah, 00:30:57.340 --> 00:30:57.880 who said, 00:30:58.200 --> 00:30:59.160 all flesh is grass, 00:30:59.240 --> 00:30:59.920 and all its beauty, 00:30:59.940 --> 00:31:01.000 is like the flower, 00:31:01.000 --> 00:31:01.740 of the field. 00:31:02.080 --> 00:31:03.059 The grass withers, 00:31:03.180 --> 00:31:04.039 the flower fades, 00:31:04.140 --> 00:31:05.620 but the word of our God, 00:31:05.740 --> 00:31:06.580 will stand, 00:31:06.860 --> 00:31:07.240 forever. 00:31:08.880 --> 00:31:09.960 And the words of Jeremiah, 00:31:10.660 --> 00:31:11.000 who said, 00:31:11.120 --> 00:31:12.240 let not the wise man, 00:31:12.320 --> 00:31:13.279 boast of his wisdom, 00:31:13.420 --> 00:31:14.480 let not the mighty man, 00:31:14.580 --> 00:31:15.400 boast in his might, 00:31:15.660 --> 00:31:16.660 let not the rich man, 00:31:16.759 --> 00:31:17.640 boast in his riches, 00:31:17.759 --> 00:31:19.000 but let him who boasts, 00:31:19.680 --> 00:31:20.519 boast in this, 00:31:21.080 --> 00:31:22.120 that he understands, 00:31:22.460 --> 00:31:23.680 and knows me, 00:31:24.039 --> 00:31:25.299 that I am the Lord, 00:31:26.059 --> 00:31:26.860 who practices, 00:31:27.000 --> 00:31:27.820 steadfast love, 00:31:27.900 --> 00:31:28.340 and justice, 00:31:28.500 --> 00:31:29.039 and righteousness, 00:31:29.240 --> 00:31:29.820 in the earth, 00:31:29.940 --> 00:31:32.360 so brothers and sisters, 00:31:32.360 --> 00:31:33.640 as you face trials, 00:31:33.640 --> 00:31:34.640 of many kinds, 00:31:35.039 --> 00:31:36.440 stay anchored, 00:31:36.680 --> 00:31:38.460 in the unchanging truths, 00:31:38.460 --> 00:31:39.519 of the word, 00:31:39.519 --> 00:31:41.160 of God. 00:31:42.759 --> 00:31:43.360 Spend, 00:31:43.480 --> 00:31:45.019 the time that you have, 00:31:45.820 --> 00:31:46.600 and find, 00:31:46.920 --> 00:31:47.299 time, 00:31:47.580 --> 00:31:48.539 somehow or other, 00:31:48.620 --> 00:31:49.380 to be listening, 00:31:50.039 --> 00:31:50.820 or reading, 00:31:51.460 --> 00:31:52.160 the word, 00:31:52.320 --> 00:31:53.059 of God. 00:31:53.059 --> 00:31:55.179 and letting that, 00:31:55.639 --> 00:31:56.859 anchor your perspective. 00:31:59.220 --> 00:32:00.579 But James not only read, 00:32:00.579 --> 00:32:01.319 this perspective, 00:32:01.579 --> 00:32:02.279 in the scriptures, 00:32:03.579 --> 00:32:04.879 James also heard it, 00:32:05.559 --> 00:32:06.399 from his own mother, 00:32:07.480 --> 00:32:08.940 from Mary herself. 00:32:10.220 --> 00:32:11.079 Luke chapter 1, 00:32:11.139 --> 00:32:11.980 Mary sang, 00:32:12.480 --> 00:32:13.379 about God's, 00:32:13.440 --> 00:32:14.859 upside down kingdom. 00:32:16.419 --> 00:32:16.899 Mary said, 00:32:16.900 --> 00:32:18.220 God has looked with favor, 00:32:18.220 --> 00:32:19.160 on the lowliness, 00:32:19.160 --> 00:32:20.660 of his servant. 00:32:20.780 --> 00:32:22.040 He has scattered the proud, 00:32:22.040 --> 00:32:22.840 in the thoughts, 00:32:22.860 --> 00:32:23.400 of their hearts. 00:32:23.460 --> 00:32:24.220 He has brought down, 00:32:24.280 --> 00:32:24.780 the powerful, 00:32:24.780 --> 00:32:25.740 from their thrones, 00:32:25.860 --> 00:32:27.200 and lifted up, 00:32:27.540 --> 00:32:28.100 the lowly. 00:32:29.380 --> 00:32:30.820 Mary knew that truth, 00:32:31.320 --> 00:32:33.220 even as a young woman. 00:32:33.600 --> 00:32:35.000 And she held, 00:32:35.000 --> 00:32:35.900 onto it, 00:32:35.940 --> 00:32:37.900 throughout her life. 00:32:38.280 --> 00:32:39.780 Through all the trials, 00:32:39.900 --> 00:32:41.259 that she experienced, 00:32:41.380 --> 00:32:41.920 as a mother. 00:32:41.920 --> 00:32:45.380 And you know, 00:32:45.440 --> 00:32:46.580 we too can learn, 00:32:47.180 --> 00:32:49.440 from the spiritual mothers, 00:32:50.640 --> 00:32:51.840 and spiritual fathers, 00:32:52.000 --> 00:32:53.019 that God has placed, 00:32:53.100 --> 00:32:53.860 in our lives. 00:32:55.900 --> 00:32:56.820 Especially today, 00:32:56.900 --> 00:32:57.380 on Mother's Day, 00:32:57.420 --> 00:32:58.480 we can remember, 00:32:58.600 --> 00:32:59.519 the godly women, 00:32:59.519 --> 00:33:00.160 of the faith, 00:33:00.240 --> 00:33:01.259 the spiritual mothers, 00:33:01.360 --> 00:33:02.460 who have taught us, 00:33:02.820 --> 00:33:03.880 and who have lived, 00:33:03.960 --> 00:33:04.980 out these truths, 00:33:05.019 --> 00:33:05.700 of dependence, 00:33:06.000 --> 00:33:07.080 on God, 00:33:07.160 --> 00:33:08.480 through hard trials. 00:33:08.580 --> 00:33:09.120 Whether it's your, 00:33:09.120 --> 00:33:10.060 biological mother, 00:33:10.200 --> 00:33:11.500 or someone else. 00:33:11.920 --> 00:33:15.160 That has exemplified, 00:33:15.160 --> 00:33:16.900 persevering faith, 00:33:18.420 --> 00:33:20.460 and steadfast love. 00:33:21.700 --> 00:33:22.420 Listen, 00:33:22.700 --> 00:33:24.060 to those people. 00:33:25.000 --> 00:33:26.480 Don't let their voices, 00:33:26.480 --> 00:33:27.539 be drowned, 00:33:27.740 --> 00:33:29.140 out in your life. 00:33:32.620 --> 00:33:33.960 So James learned, 00:33:34.180 --> 00:33:35.039 this perspective, 00:33:35.180 --> 00:33:35.980 from God's word. 00:33:36.840 --> 00:33:38.019 He learned it, 00:33:38.180 --> 00:33:39.060 from his mother. 00:33:39.720 --> 00:33:40.320 And finally, 00:33:40.960 --> 00:33:41.720 James would have seen, 00:33:41.720 --> 00:33:42.460 this perspective, 00:33:42.460 --> 00:33:43.120 in the life, 00:33:43.180 --> 00:33:43.799 of his brother, 00:33:44.279 --> 00:33:45.400 the Lord Jesus himself. 00:33:48.120 --> 00:33:48.940 James could have been, 00:33:49.039 --> 00:33:50.259 echoing Jesus' own words here. 00:33:51.460 --> 00:33:51.839 Jesus said, 00:33:52.079 --> 00:33:53.220 everyone who exalts himself, 00:33:53.380 --> 00:33:54.160 will be humbled, 00:33:54.680 --> 00:33:55.839 but the one who humbles himself, 00:33:55.920 --> 00:33:56.539 will be exalted. 00:33:59.700 --> 00:34:00.980 But James had not only, 00:34:00.980 --> 00:34:01.940 heard Jesus' words, 00:34:02.000 --> 00:34:03.079 he had also seen, 00:34:03.579 --> 00:34:04.039 Jesus, 00:34:04.440 --> 00:34:05.200 humble himself. 00:34:05.200 --> 00:34:06.519 Jesus, 00:34:06.519 --> 00:34:06.539 Jesus, 00:34:06.539 --> 00:34:07.920 the eternally rich, 00:34:07.920 --> 00:34:09.119 son of God, 00:34:09.220 --> 00:34:10.480 humble himself to the point of, 00:34:10.480 --> 00:34:11.639 death on a cross, 00:34:11.760 --> 00:34:12.900 identifying with us, 00:34:12.940 --> 00:34:14.079 in our low estate, 00:34:14.380 --> 00:34:15.220 willingly bearing, 00:34:15.220 --> 00:34:16.480 the burden of our sin, 00:34:16.619 --> 00:34:17.760 and the curse of death. 00:34:17.940 --> 00:34:18.860 And then he had seen, 00:34:18.860 --> 00:34:20.179 Jesus raised from the dead, 00:34:21.179 --> 00:34:22.740 and exalted by God. 00:34:22.739 --> 00:34:24.479 You see, 00:34:24.559 --> 00:34:25.879 more than anything else, 00:34:26.419 --> 00:34:28.399 we can get this eternal perspective, 00:34:28.759 --> 00:34:29.899 and hold on to it, 00:34:29.959 --> 00:34:30.939 through all our trials, 00:34:31.000 --> 00:34:31.799 of various kinds, 00:34:31.879 --> 00:34:33.479 by looking to Jesus, 00:34:34.579 --> 00:34:36.019 seeing his death, 00:34:36.079 --> 00:34:36.639 on the cross, 00:34:36.699 --> 00:34:37.679 for our sins, 00:34:38.179 --> 00:34:39.819 and his being raised to life, 00:34:39.879 --> 00:34:40.959 for our salvation. 00:34:41.399 --> 00:34:42.919 And as we're connected with him, 00:34:43.159 --> 00:34:43.979 we share, 00:34:44.199 --> 00:34:44.939 in his, 00:34:45.739 --> 00:34:46.239 humility, 00:34:46.879 --> 00:34:48.379 and we also share, 00:34:48.799 --> 00:34:49.459 in his glory. 00:34:52.739 --> 00:34:54.059 We see that our sins, 00:34:54.099 --> 00:34:54.939 were so bad, 00:34:55.599 --> 00:34:56.059 that only, 00:34:56.379 --> 00:34:57.399 we could only be saved, 00:34:57.399 --> 00:34:57.759 from them, 00:34:57.799 --> 00:34:58.819 by the son of God, 00:34:59.359 --> 00:35:00.500 dying for us himself. 00:35:01.139 --> 00:35:02.199 And yet we see, 00:35:02.619 --> 00:35:03.519 that God's love, 00:35:03.579 --> 00:35:04.379 is so great, 00:35:04.819 --> 00:35:05.839 that he chose, 00:35:05.979 --> 00:35:06.799 to do that, 00:35:06.919 --> 00:35:07.899 on our behalf. 00:35:08.099 --> 00:35:09.119 And in his resurrection, 00:35:09.279 --> 00:35:10.359 he defeated death. 00:35:11.139 --> 00:35:12.579 And so we belong to him. 00:35:13.559 --> 00:35:15.059 And we can rest in him, 00:35:15.339 --> 00:35:15.659 forever. 00:35:18.539 --> 00:35:18.899 You see, 00:35:18.979 --> 00:35:20.419 that's the rock, 00:35:20.879 --> 00:35:22.039 that can carry us, 00:35:22.319 --> 00:35:22.559 through, 00:35:22.739 --> 00:35:24.119 all our trials, 00:35:24.219 --> 00:35:25.519 of various kinds. 00:35:26.399 --> 00:35:27.259 All the way, 00:35:27.339 --> 00:35:28.319 to our destination, 00:35:28.959 --> 00:35:30.479 of being made, 00:35:30.539 --> 00:35:31.659 perfect and complete, 00:35:32.359 --> 00:35:33.599 for all eternity. 00:35:36.439 --> 00:35:37.500 James knew this. 00:35:38.500 --> 00:35:39.459 That's why in verse one, 00:35:39.539 --> 00:35:40.419 he described himself, 00:35:40.619 --> 00:35:41.759 as a servant of God, 00:35:41.819 --> 00:35:42.500 and of the Lord, 00:35:42.779 --> 00:35:43.759 Jesus Christ. 00:35:44.059 --> 00:35:45.079 He knew, 00:35:45.239 --> 00:35:46.299 who he was. 00:35:47.719 --> 00:35:49.119 He didn't boast. 00:35:49.439 --> 00:35:49.679 In fact, 00:35:49.719 --> 00:35:50.739 he doesn't even mention, 00:35:51.019 --> 00:35:52.559 being the physical brother. 00:35:52.559 --> 00:35:53.880 of Jesus Christ. 00:35:56.579 --> 00:35:57.739 But he knew, 00:35:57.960 --> 00:36:00.739 Jesus as his Lord, 00:36:00.860 --> 00:36:01.559 and Savior. 00:36:02.340 --> 00:36:02.820 Lord, 00:36:03.019 --> 00:36:03.759 and Christ. 00:36:05.259 --> 00:36:06.039 James knew, 00:36:06.119 --> 00:36:07.099 who he really was. 00:36:07.340 --> 00:36:08.279 A humble servant, 00:36:08.279 --> 00:36:08.940 of the Lord, 00:36:08.940 --> 00:36:10.840 and an exalted follower, 00:36:10.840 --> 00:36:13.079 of the Lord Jesus Christ, 00:36:13.159 --> 00:36:13.699 the Messiah. 00:36:13.699 --> 00:36:17.039 As we face trials, 00:36:17.039 --> 00:36:18.059 of many kinds, 00:36:19.059 --> 00:36:22.339 let's hold on to that. 00:36:23.500 --> 00:36:25.699 Remember God's purpose, 00:36:26.079 --> 00:36:26.960 for us, 00:36:27.139 --> 00:36:28.159 in our trials. 00:36:29.039 --> 00:36:30.019 Draw near to him, 00:36:30.079 --> 00:36:30.659 in prayer, 00:36:30.879 --> 00:36:32.119 in the midst of our trials. 00:36:32.219 --> 00:36:32.859 Let's ask him, 00:36:32.919 --> 00:36:33.460 for the wisdom, 00:36:33.460 --> 00:36:34.299 that we need. 00:36:34.799 --> 00:36:35.439 And finally, 00:36:36.319 --> 00:36:37.319 hold on, 00:36:37.379 --> 00:36:38.399 to this perspective. 00:36:38.400 --> 00:36:41.740 who we are, 00:36:42.059 --> 00:36:43.680 before God, 00:36:43.800 --> 00:36:44.720 in Christ. 00:36:45.400 --> 00:36:46.360 Let us pray. 00:36:54.360 --> 00:36:54.920 Father God, 00:36:54.980 --> 00:36:56.360 thank you for the wisdom of James. 00:36:56.360 --> 00:36:58.140 thank you for, 00:36:58.140 --> 00:37:00.180 how it speaks, 00:37:00.180 --> 00:37:01.460 to the trials, 00:37:01.460 --> 00:37:02.940 of many kinds, 00:37:03.440 --> 00:37:05.720 that we experience today. 00:37:07.280 --> 00:37:08.120 We pray, 00:37:08.220 --> 00:37:09.059 that you would anchor us, 00:37:09.120 --> 00:37:09.800 in our identity, 00:37:10.360 --> 00:37:11.720 as your children, 00:37:12.640 --> 00:37:14.120 as servants, 00:37:14.180 --> 00:37:15.300 of the Lord Jesus Christ. 00:37:15.300 --> 00:37:18.519 may we see, 00:37:18.840 --> 00:37:19.920 your steadfast love, 00:37:20.019 --> 00:37:20.519 to us. 00:37:21.480 --> 00:37:22.620 And may we be, 00:37:22.620 --> 00:37:23.900 encouraged and strengthened, 00:37:24.480 --> 00:37:26.120 to live a life, 00:37:26.180 --> 00:37:27.740 of steadfast love, 00:37:27.820 --> 00:37:28.840 and loyalty to you. 00:37:30.980 --> 00:37:32.320 Pray this in Jesus name. 00:37:32.840 --> 00:37:33.120 Amen. 00:37:33.120 --> 00:37:33.260 Amen. 00:37:33.260 --> 00:37:33.280 Amen. 00:37:33.280 --> 00:37:35.260 Amen. 00:37:35.260 --> 00:37:37.260 Amen. 00:37:37.260 --> 00:37:39.260 Amen. 00:37:39.260 --> 00:37:40.260 Amen. 00:37:40.260 --> 00:37:41.260 Amen. 00:37:41.260 --> 00:37:41.320 Amen. 00:37:41.320 --> 00:37:42.260 Amen. 00:37:42.260 --> 00:37:42.320 Amen. 00:37:42.320 --> 00:37:43.380 Amen. 00:37:43.380 --> 00:37:43.400 Amen. 00:37:43.400 --> 00:37:43.440 Amen. 00:37:43.440 --> 00:37:43.460 Amen.