WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:05.100 you all to gather as God's people, to sit under his word and be taught. As Sam mentioned, 00:00:05.240 --> 00:00:11.000 we are in a new series tonight looking at James at the end of hypocrisy, a series going 00:00:11.560 --> 00:00:16.440 through the book of James with the aim to bridge the gap between the way God has called 00:00:16.440 --> 00:00:21.580 us to live and the way we actually live. That we might live out of faith that reflects the 00:00:21.580 --> 00:00:27.179 deep convictions of scripture, showing that we are a people saved by grace and therefore 00:00:27.179 --> 00:00:33.920 such a conviction changes the way we live. Indeed, in this letter, we meet someone who 00:00:33.920 --> 00:00:41.119 experiences the very grace of God, which radically changes his life. James was a brother of Jesus 00:00:41.119 --> 00:00:47.000 and he grew up with him his whole entire life. But in the gospels, we are told that he didn't 00:00:47.000 --> 00:00:54.219 follow Jesus. He didn't believe in him. John 7, 5 says, for not even his brothers believed 00:00:54.219 --> 00:01:00.140 in him. And so James grew up with the very son of God in his own family. He heard every 00:01:00.140 --> 00:01:05.579 single word he taught, everything he did and said, but he didn't follow him. He didn't believe 00:01:05.579 --> 00:01:11.680 him. In fact, his whole family, we are told in Mark's gospel, thought he was crazy and said, 00:01:11.980 --> 00:01:16.099 Jesus, stop doing that. Stop saying these things. They thought he was a bit of a lunatic. 00:01:16.099 --> 00:01:23.780 But this is not, this wasn't always going to be the case for James. You see, in 1 Corinthians 15, 00:01:23.919 --> 00:01:24.719 we're told this, 00:01:25.379 --> 00:01:31.179 For I delivered you as of first importance what I also received, that Christ died for our sins in 00:01:31.179 --> 00:01:35.579 accordance with the scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day in 00:01:35.579 --> 00:01:40.619 accordance with the scriptures, and that he appeared to Cephas, then to the twelve. Then he appeared to 00:01:40.620 --> 00:01:47.859 more than 500 brothers at one time, most of whom are still alive, though some have fallen asleep. 00:01:48.439 --> 00:01:57.219 Then he appeared to James, then to all the apostles. It wouldn't be until James came face to face with 00:01:57.219 --> 00:02:03.540 the resurrected Lord Jesus, that he would come to believe all that Jesus had said and done, 00:02:03.540 --> 00:02:11.540 that Jesus was the Messiah, that he was the Christ, the promised one to come and save people from their sins. 00:02:12.420 --> 00:02:18.240 And so years on, James is now the leader of a church in Jerusalem, and he's writing this letter to strengthen 00:02:18.240 --> 00:02:23.240 his brothers and sisters who are all dispersed across Asia Minor and into Europe. 00:02:24.080 --> 00:02:26.460 They may live lives of faithfulness. 00:02:27.400 --> 00:02:33.300 Indeed, it's not a stretch to suggest that James wants his readers to be so impacted 00:02:33.300 --> 00:02:40.040 by the resurrection of Jesus as he was, and to see that it does change their life, 00:02:40.120 --> 00:02:43.120 and it does make a difference in the way they live. 00:02:44.560 --> 00:02:47.460 This book is not about moralism. 00:02:48.340 --> 00:02:49.600 It's not a book of proverbs. 00:02:50.460 --> 00:02:53.480 It's not a checklist to see how you are going in your faith. 00:02:54.660 --> 00:03:00.980 This book, this letter, is written with a deeply held conviction 00:03:00.979 --> 00:03:05.959 that the resurrection of Jesus changes lives forever, 00:03:06.799 --> 00:03:11.060 and what our faith looks like in the public's place, 00:03:11.719 --> 00:03:17.079 and how the resurrection, how the gospel shapes and changes our life. 00:03:17.939 --> 00:03:19.899 And so with this in mind, let's pray. 00:03:19.900 --> 00:03:26.020 Heavenly Father, we thank you so much that tonight we can gather as your people. 00:03:26.280 --> 00:03:28.659 We can sit under your word and have you teach us. 00:03:29.219 --> 00:03:31.340 And we just pray, Lord, as we read your word tonight, 00:03:31.379 --> 00:03:33.540 as we look and start our series on James, 00:03:33.819 --> 00:03:38.560 and looking at the issue of hypocrisy in our lives as Christians, 00:03:39.140 --> 00:03:41.740 that you would challenge us, that you would rebuke us, 00:03:41.980 --> 00:03:44.719 that you would lead us towards repentance for our sin, 00:03:44.719 --> 00:03:47.020 but also, Lord, that you would encourage us, 00:03:47.120 --> 00:03:49.099 you would strengthen us, and you would embolden us, 00:03:49.379 --> 00:03:53.639 that you would help us to see that the gospel that we so clearly 00:03:53.639 --> 00:03:58.300 and hold convictingly, that does change our life, 00:03:58.879 --> 00:04:00.939 and it can influence the way we live. 00:04:01.520 --> 00:04:03.159 And so, Father, we just pray tonight, 00:04:03.259 --> 00:04:06.180 that tonight you would help us to see this in your word 00:04:06.180 --> 00:04:07.800 and to live according to it. 00:04:08.280 --> 00:04:09.740 We pray this in your Son's name. 00:04:10.400 --> 00:04:10.740 Amen. 00:04:10.740 --> 00:04:15.180 I don't know if you've ever read an email or a Facebook message 00:04:15.180 --> 00:04:17.960 or a letter, if you still get letters, 00:04:18.480 --> 00:04:22.660 and the very first line of the actual content of the Facebook message 00:04:22.660 --> 00:04:25.879 or the email takes you back a little bit. 00:04:25.939 --> 00:04:26.600 It's a bit abrupt. 00:04:27.340 --> 00:04:28.759 It might be really offensive. 00:04:29.680 --> 00:04:32.180 You might be a little bit blown away about what this person 00:04:32.180 --> 00:04:35.460 is just saying to you from the word go. 00:04:36.560 --> 00:04:38.740 And that's the kind of way I feel about James 00:04:38.740 --> 00:04:40.340 with his opening statement. 00:04:40.740 --> 00:04:41.680 It's abrupt. 00:04:41.840 --> 00:04:43.439 It makes a huge presumption. 00:04:44.040 --> 00:04:46.860 It's offensive in a way at first reading. 00:04:47.420 --> 00:04:47.879 It says, 00:04:48.300 --> 00:04:51.259 Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, 00:04:51.740 --> 00:04:53.840 whenever you face trials of many kinds. 00:04:55.319 --> 00:04:56.500 That is crazy. 00:04:57.319 --> 00:04:58.400 That is abrupt. 00:04:59.460 --> 00:05:01.019 There's a bit of a punch in the face. 00:05:01.019 --> 00:05:04.240 James, what part of our trials, 00:05:04.240 --> 00:05:05.799 of our suffering, 00:05:06.399 --> 00:05:08.759 are we to consider as pure joy? 00:05:09.899 --> 00:05:11.159 Or all joy? 00:05:11.240 --> 00:05:12.180 Is that even possible? 00:05:13.519 --> 00:05:16.359 James doesn't want to waste any time here. 00:05:16.360 --> 00:05:17.780 From the very beginning, 00:05:17.780 --> 00:05:17.800 from the very beginning, 00:05:17.920 --> 00:05:20.420 he writes to a bunch of Christians 00:05:20.420 --> 00:05:22.340 wanting to show how our core 00:05:22.340 --> 00:05:25.620 and deeply held convictions in the gospel of Jesus 00:05:25.620 --> 00:05:26.960 impact our life. 00:05:27.080 --> 00:05:29.080 And the very first conviction, 00:05:29.280 --> 00:05:32.220 the very first implication of the gospel, 00:05:32.460 --> 00:05:33.960 is a punch in the face 00:05:33.960 --> 00:05:37.060 that turns our world upside down. 00:05:38.340 --> 00:05:39.560 Consider it pure joy 00:05:39.560 --> 00:05:43.379 whenever you face trials of many kinds. 00:05:44.680 --> 00:05:46.399 Now, James is quick to show why. 00:05:46.879 --> 00:05:49.980 We are to consider joy in trials 00:05:49.980 --> 00:05:53.860 because they produce perseverance for our faith. 00:05:54.879 --> 00:05:57.060 And we are told that the results of this perseverance 00:05:57.060 --> 00:05:59.420 is our perfection, wholeness, 00:05:59.899 --> 00:06:00.959 and lacking in nothing. 00:06:01.540 --> 00:06:03.980 The gospel impacts us by shaping the way 00:06:03.980 --> 00:06:06.639 we think about trials and about suffering. 00:06:06.639 --> 00:06:10.419 And so in a world that's so obsessed with security, 00:06:10.740 --> 00:06:11.539 with safety, 00:06:11.819 --> 00:06:14.300 that fears danger and suffering, 00:06:14.620 --> 00:06:19.399 the gospel turns on its head about suffering 00:06:19.399 --> 00:06:22.639 and says you ought to consider these things pure joy. 00:06:23.919 --> 00:06:25.779 They're not to be afraid, not to be feared. 00:06:26.879 --> 00:06:28.259 We shouldn't see them as threatening, 00:06:28.779 --> 00:06:29.360 but instead, 00:06:29.919 --> 00:06:32.259 because of the way the gospel has impacted us, 00:06:32.699 --> 00:06:34.819 we see them as pure joy. 00:06:34.819 --> 00:06:38.019 Our sufferings and trials show us 00:06:38.019 --> 00:06:39.240 that we aren't in control. 00:06:39.899 --> 00:06:41.620 We can't do anything to assure 00:06:41.620 --> 00:06:45.019 our complete protection and security against them. 00:06:45.420 --> 00:06:48.399 But this is why we should consider it pure joy 00:06:48.399 --> 00:06:49.560 when we experience suffering, 00:06:49.620 --> 00:06:52.519 because it serves as a constant reminder 00:06:52.519 --> 00:06:55.800 of our need to rely on God 00:06:55.800 --> 00:06:57.759 and not on ourself. 00:06:58.659 --> 00:07:01.159 Trials teach us lessons 00:07:01.159 --> 00:07:03.819 about our need for God's sustaining grace 00:07:03.819 --> 00:07:06.339 and humble us from thinking 00:07:06.339 --> 00:07:08.500 that we can do life on our own. 00:07:09.379 --> 00:07:10.500 And although the various trials 00:07:10.500 --> 00:07:11.939 we might face in our life 00:07:11.939 --> 00:07:14.899 might try to rob us of our joy, 00:07:15.699 --> 00:07:16.439 in the end, 00:07:17.019 --> 00:07:18.199 as we are told here, 00:07:18.920 --> 00:07:21.319 they should only go to serve our joy 00:07:21.319 --> 00:07:23.240 because our trials 00:07:23.240 --> 00:07:26.879 always point us to our need of God. 00:07:27.680 --> 00:07:29.240 Indeed, they remind us 00:07:29.240 --> 00:07:30.600 of our need of God 00:07:30.600 --> 00:07:33.740 and of how God has already provided for us 00:07:33.740 --> 00:07:34.939 in His Son. 00:07:35.920 --> 00:07:38.540 It can be hard to see how suffering 00:07:38.540 --> 00:07:39.780 can achieve all this, 00:07:40.920 --> 00:07:43.000 especially when we're in the midst of it all. 00:07:43.519 --> 00:07:44.920 How can a good God, 00:07:45.699 --> 00:07:47.100 who says He loves us, 00:07:47.800 --> 00:07:50.420 allow for suffering to occur in the world 00:07:50.420 --> 00:07:51.439 and in our life 00:07:51.439 --> 00:07:52.019 and say, 00:07:52.960 --> 00:07:53.759 consider it joy 00:07:53.759 --> 00:07:55.800 because it's going to achieve 00:07:55.800 --> 00:07:56.800 these things for you. 00:07:58.360 --> 00:07:59.980 It's hard when we're in the thick of it all. 00:08:00.639 --> 00:08:02.939 It's hard to see the bigger perspective 00:08:02.939 --> 00:08:04.319 of what our trials 00:08:04.319 --> 00:08:05.360 and our suffering 00:08:05.360 --> 00:08:06.620 is achieving for us. 00:08:07.860 --> 00:08:09.399 And this is why James goes on 00:08:09.399 --> 00:08:11.259 to talk about the need for wisdom. 00:08:12.079 --> 00:08:13.300 He says in verse 5, 00:08:13.360 --> 00:08:14.779 if any of you lacks wisdom, 00:08:14.879 --> 00:08:15.860 you should ask God 00:08:15.860 --> 00:08:16.980 who gives generously 00:08:16.980 --> 00:08:18.819 to all without finding fault 00:08:18.819 --> 00:08:20.899 and it will be given to you. 00:08:20.899 --> 00:08:24.159 As trials test our faith 00:08:24.159 --> 00:08:25.779 that we might persevere, 00:08:25.959 --> 00:08:27.079 proven in the end 00:08:27.079 --> 00:08:28.500 to be lacking in nothing, 00:08:28.919 --> 00:08:30.379 James points out 00:08:30.379 --> 00:08:32.059 that we might be inhibited 00:08:32.059 --> 00:08:33.699 in persevering 00:08:33.699 --> 00:08:35.379 if we lack wisdom. 00:08:37.019 --> 00:08:38.059 This wisdom 00:08:38.059 --> 00:08:39.779 is not merely intellectual 00:08:39.779 --> 00:08:41.019 or philosophical. 00:08:41.539 --> 00:08:42.519 This is the wisdom 00:08:42.519 --> 00:08:44.299 of the gospel 00:08:44.299 --> 00:08:46.659 that impacts our life 00:08:46.659 --> 00:08:47.480 and transforms 00:08:47.480 --> 00:08:49.439 the way we view life 00:08:49.440 --> 00:08:51.220 in regards to suffering 00:08:51.220 --> 00:08:51.860 and trials. 00:08:51.980 --> 00:08:52.820 It shows us 00:08:52.820 --> 00:08:54.520 that we should not be afraid, 00:08:55.380 --> 00:08:56.700 that we shouldn't feel threatened 00:08:56.700 --> 00:08:57.860 by the experience, 00:08:58.420 --> 00:08:59.740 but that we should see it 00:08:59.740 --> 00:09:00.900 for what it really is, 00:09:00.940 --> 00:09:01.700 an experience 00:09:01.700 --> 00:09:03.160 that tests our faith 00:09:03.160 --> 00:09:05.700 in order to preserve it, 00:09:06.160 --> 00:09:07.000 to keep it. 00:09:08.080 --> 00:09:09.280 But to see all this, 00:09:10.040 --> 00:09:11.320 we need to embrace 00:09:11.320 --> 00:09:13.100 gospel wisdom. 00:09:14.100 --> 00:09:15.600 That should be 00:09:15.600 --> 00:09:16.660 our first response 00:09:16.659 --> 00:09:17.659 in suffering, 00:09:18.279 --> 00:09:19.459 to ask God 00:09:19.459 --> 00:09:20.399 for wisdom 00:09:20.399 --> 00:09:21.439 in order that 00:09:21.439 --> 00:09:23.159 we might respond well 00:09:23.159 --> 00:09:24.860 and suffer well, 00:09:25.459 --> 00:09:26.919 seeing it as a tool 00:09:26.919 --> 00:09:27.980 for the preservation 00:09:27.980 --> 00:09:29.579 of our faith. 00:09:30.699 --> 00:09:32.000 The reason why 00:09:32.000 --> 00:09:33.279 we struggle so much 00:09:33.279 --> 00:09:34.360 with trials and suffering 00:09:34.360 --> 00:09:35.459 is because we struggle 00:09:35.459 --> 00:09:36.620 to see their purpose. 00:09:37.740 --> 00:09:38.459 And especially 00:09:38.459 --> 00:09:39.100 when you look around 00:09:39.100 --> 00:09:39.779 at other people 00:09:39.779 --> 00:09:40.579 in our life 00:09:40.579 --> 00:09:41.959 who don't seem 00:09:41.959 --> 00:09:42.919 to be struggling at all, 00:09:43.279 --> 00:09:44.559 who seem to have it all, 00:09:44.559 --> 00:09:46.239 who really in this world 00:09:46.239 --> 00:09:47.399 don't like anything, 00:09:48.479 --> 00:09:49.899 it can be really hard 00:09:49.899 --> 00:09:51.439 to look at those people 00:09:51.439 --> 00:09:52.099 and not think, 00:09:52.459 --> 00:09:53.699 why can't I be like that? 00:09:55.479 --> 00:09:56.079 Psalm 73 00:09:56.079 --> 00:09:57.199 is one of those psalms 00:09:57.199 --> 00:09:58.139 I think many of us 00:09:58.139 --> 00:09:59.000 can relate to. 00:09:59.759 --> 00:10:00.399 The psalmist 00:10:00.399 --> 00:10:01.219 is lamenting 00:10:01.219 --> 00:10:02.179 of his own struggle 00:10:02.179 --> 00:10:04.099 and he opens with this, 00:10:04.759 --> 00:10:05.759 truly God 00:10:05.759 --> 00:10:06.779 is good to Israel, 00:10:06.939 --> 00:10:08.099 to those who are pure in heart, 00:10:08.219 --> 00:10:09.000 but as for me, 00:10:09.099 --> 00:10:09.659 my feet 00:10:09.659 --> 00:10:11.059 had almost stumbled, 00:10:11.879 --> 00:10:12.519 my steps 00:10:12.519 --> 00:10:13.419 had nearly slipped, 00:10:13.419 --> 00:10:15.019 for I was envious 00:10:15.019 --> 00:10:15.719 of the arrogant 00:10:15.719 --> 00:10:16.399 when I saw 00:10:16.399 --> 00:10:17.199 the prosperity 00:10:17.199 --> 00:10:17.899 of the wicked 00:10:17.899 --> 00:10:19.599 for they had no pains 00:10:19.599 --> 00:10:20.419 until death. 00:10:20.799 --> 00:10:21.459 Their bodies 00:10:21.459 --> 00:10:22.719 are fat and sleek, 00:10:23.299 --> 00:10:24.240 they are not in trouble 00:10:24.240 --> 00:10:25.099 as others are, 00:10:25.779 --> 00:10:26.579 they are not stricken 00:10:26.579 --> 00:10:28.000 like the rest of mankind. 00:10:29.500 --> 00:10:30.860 Like the psalmist here, 00:10:30.939 --> 00:10:31.759 we struggle 00:10:31.759 --> 00:10:33.039 to see sometimes 00:10:33.039 --> 00:10:33.959 our neighbours, 00:10:34.599 --> 00:10:35.599 our work colleagues 00:10:35.599 --> 00:10:36.979 and even our friends 00:10:36.979 --> 00:10:39.319 when they have it so easy, 00:10:40.620 --> 00:10:41.319 who don't seem 00:10:41.319 --> 00:10:42.039 to like anything, 00:10:42.179 --> 00:10:43.179 who own their house, 00:10:43.419 --> 00:10:44.719 own their nice car, 00:10:45.059 --> 00:10:46.039 go on holidays, 00:10:46.539 --> 00:10:47.500 and yet all the while 00:10:47.500 --> 00:10:48.819 never seem to struggle 00:10:48.819 --> 00:10:50.079 with any kind of suffering 00:10:50.079 --> 00:10:51.659 or trial in their life. 00:10:51.740 --> 00:10:53.079 They just cruise through life 00:10:53.079 --> 00:10:53.679 and enjoy it 00:10:53.679 --> 00:10:54.659 at every single point 00:10:54.659 --> 00:10:56.459 while we 00:10:56.459 --> 00:10:58.779 face so many sufferings 00:10:58.779 --> 00:10:59.719 and so much trial, 00:11:00.039 --> 00:11:01.419 which rob us 00:11:01.419 --> 00:11:02.120 of our health, 00:11:02.740 --> 00:11:03.299 our money, 00:11:03.939 --> 00:11:04.819 and our relationships. 00:11:05.939 --> 00:11:07.360 And so this can make it 00:11:07.360 --> 00:11:08.459 just really hard 00:11:08.459 --> 00:11:09.419 to simply accept 00:11:09.419 --> 00:11:10.039 what the Bible 00:11:10.039 --> 00:11:10.779 is saying here, 00:11:10.779 --> 00:11:12.259 that we should consider 00:11:12.259 --> 00:11:13.379 it all joy. 00:11:14.519 --> 00:11:15.559 And not just that, 00:11:16.179 --> 00:11:17.379 but to accept it 00:11:17.379 --> 00:11:17.939 as not only 00:11:17.939 --> 00:11:18.939 the right response 00:11:18.939 --> 00:11:19.659 to suffering, 00:11:20.159 --> 00:11:22.360 but as the best response 00:11:22.360 --> 00:11:23.379 to suffering. 00:11:25.459 --> 00:11:26.220 We have, 00:11:26.339 --> 00:11:27.159 in the next few verses, 00:11:27.519 --> 00:11:29.019 in verses 9 to 11, 00:11:29.120 --> 00:11:29.980 what seems to be 00:11:29.980 --> 00:11:32.159 a general proverbial teaching 00:11:32.159 --> 00:11:32.980 on the poor 00:11:32.980 --> 00:11:33.639 and the rich 00:11:33.639 --> 00:11:34.819 and how the poor 00:11:34.819 --> 00:11:35.600 will be exalted 00:11:35.600 --> 00:11:36.559 and the rich humiliated. 00:11:36.659 --> 00:11:37.879 But if we read closely, 00:11:38.980 --> 00:11:40.000 I think we can see 00:11:40.000 --> 00:11:41.539 James is applying 00:11:41.539 --> 00:11:43.080 this gospel wisdom 00:11:43.080 --> 00:11:44.799 and the way 00:11:44.799 --> 00:11:45.819 it changes our view 00:11:45.819 --> 00:11:47.220 on material wealth. 00:11:48.100 --> 00:11:48.840 That it turns 00:11:48.840 --> 00:11:49.840 on the world's head, 00:11:50.840 --> 00:11:51.740 the world's view, 00:11:52.019 --> 00:11:52.659 on what it means 00:11:52.659 --> 00:11:53.439 to be perfect, 00:11:54.279 --> 00:11:54.720 complete, 00:11:55.319 --> 00:11:56.279 and lacking in nothing. 00:11:56.500 --> 00:11:57.279 And so it shows 00:11:57.279 --> 00:11:59.080 why we should have 00:11:59.080 --> 00:12:00.759 a joyful response 00:12:00.759 --> 00:12:02.460 and why that response 00:12:02.460 --> 00:12:04.120 is the best response. 00:12:05.299 --> 00:12:06.279 So verse 9 reads, 00:12:06.419 --> 00:12:07.379 believers in humbler 00:12:07.379 --> 00:12:08.500 circumstances 00:12:08.500 --> 00:12:09.840 ought to take pride 00:12:09.840 --> 00:12:11.080 in their position, 00:12:11.759 --> 00:12:12.620 but the rich 00:12:12.620 --> 00:12:13.360 should take pride 00:12:13.360 --> 00:12:14.240 in their humiliation 00:12:14.240 --> 00:12:16.480 since they will pass away 00:12:16.480 --> 00:12:17.919 like a wildflower. 00:12:18.819 --> 00:12:19.860 What we see here 00:12:19.860 --> 00:12:20.399 is a picture 00:12:20.399 --> 00:12:21.580 of the impact 00:12:21.580 --> 00:12:23.279 the gospel wisdom 00:12:23.279 --> 00:12:24.740 has both on the rich 00:12:24.740 --> 00:12:26.100 and on the poor. 00:12:26.419 --> 00:12:27.340 The lowly believer 00:12:27.340 --> 00:12:28.159 takes pride 00:12:28.159 --> 00:12:29.259 in his exaltation 00:12:29.259 --> 00:12:31.000 for whilst they lack 00:12:31.000 --> 00:12:32.299 in material things, 00:12:33.019 --> 00:12:34.559 gospel wisdom 00:12:34.559 --> 00:12:35.419 shows them 00:12:35.419 --> 00:12:36.019 that they have 00:12:36.019 --> 00:12:37.639 everything in Christ. 00:12:38.319 --> 00:12:39.580 They lack nothing 00:12:39.580 --> 00:12:40.539 spiritually. 00:12:40.819 --> 00:12:41.240 Indeed, 00:12:41.720 --> 00:12:42.720 it's very much like 00:12:42.720 --> 00:12:43.819 what Jesus said 00:12:43.819 --> 00:12:44.899 in Matthew 5 00:12:44.899 --> 00:12:45.919 in the Beatitudes, 00:12:46.519 --> 00:12:47.679 blessed are the poor 00:12:47.679 --> 00:12:48.159 in spirit 00:12:48.159 --> 00:12:48.919 for theirs 00:12:48.919 --> 00:12:50.539 is the kingdom of God. 00:12:52.179 --> 00:12:53.100 And the rich boast 00:12:53.100 --> 00:12:54.080 in their humiliation 00:12:54.080 --> 00:12:55.200 for although 00:12:55.200 --> 00:12:56.759 they have had it all, 00:12:57.460 --> 00:12:58.000 they didn't like 00:12:58.000 --> 00:12:58.980 anything in life, 00:12:59.259 --> 00:13:00.480 they had every single 00:13:00.480 --> 00:13:01.319 material possession 00:13:01.319 --> 00:13:02.559 you could possibly have 00:13:02.559 --> 00:13:03.399 and they were fulfilled 00:13:03.399 --> 00:13:03.960 and content 00:13:03.960 --> 00:13:05.259 in this life. 00:13:06.159 --> 00:13:07.580 Gospel wisdom 00:13:07.580 --> 00:13:09.019 impacts them 00:13:09.019 --> 00:13:10.379 by showing them 00:13:10.379 --> 00:13:11.439 that their material 00:13:11.439 --> 00:13:11.939 possessions 00:13:11.939 --> 00:13:12.899 are nothing 00:13:12.899 --> 00:13:14.080 compared 00:13:14.080 --> 00:13:15.439 to what can only 00:13:15.439 --> 00:13:16.120 be gained 00:13:16.120 --> 00:13:18.240 in Christ's 00:13:18.240 --> 00:13:19.139 eternal life. 00:13:20.600 --> 00:13:21.500 Gospel wisdom 00:13:21.500 --> 00:13:23.340 makes such pursuits 00:13:23.340 --> 00:13:24.279 in wealth 00:13:24.279 --> 00:13:25.500 and in material things 00:13:25.500 --> 00:13:26.419 silly 00:13:26.419 --> 00:13:27.720 and stupid 00:13:27.720 --> 00:13:29.700 because they fade away 00:13:29.700 --> 00:13:31.679 compared to 00:13:31.679 --> 00:13:32.620 the gospel 00:13:32.620 --> 00:13:34.159 which is eternal. 00:13:35.200 --> 00:13:36.340 This little illustration 00:13:36.340 --> 00:13:37.960 is loosely connected 00:13:37.960 --> 00:13:39.039 to the theme of suffering 00:13:39.039 --> 00:13:40.159 but the point 00:13:40.159 --> 00:13:41.100 is that the gospel 00:13:41.100 --> 00:13:42.820 turns our world 00:13:42.820 --> 00:13:43.899 on its head. 00:13:44.840 --> 00:13:45.840 What it means 00:13:45.840 --> 00:13:46.500 to be whole, 00:13:46.899 --> 00:13:47.299 perfect 00:13:47.299 --> 00:13:48.779 and lacking in nothing. 00:13:48.779 --> 00:13:50.480 that our wholeness 00:13:50.480 --> 00:13:51.539 and perfection 00:13:51.539 --> 00:13:52.779 is not dependent 00:13:52.779 --> 00:13:53.919 on worldly 00:13:53.919 --> 00:13:55.220 material things, 00:13:55.360 --> 00:13:56.139 it's dependent 00:13:56.139 --> 00:13:57.319 on Christ 00:13:57.319 --> 00:13:58.639 and his work 00:13:58.639 --> 00:13:59.539 on the cross 00:13:59.539 --> 00:14:00.699 to make us whole. 00:14:01.419 --> 00:14:02.039 This means 00:14:02.039 --> 00:14:03.220 we look at our world 00:14:03.220 --> 00:14:03.860 in a whole 00:14:03.860 --> 00:14:04.819 new way. 00:14:05.360 --> 00:14:06.199 We look at 00:14:06.199 --> 00:14:07.000 our experiences 00:14:07.000 --> 00:14:07.799 and our possessions 00:14:07.799 --> 00:14:08.919 and our life 00:14:08.919 --> 00:14:09.459 within a much 00:14:09.459 --> 00:14:10.899 bigger perspective 00:14:10.899 --> 00:14:12.419 than the here and now. 00:14:12.419 --> 00:14:13.899 and this 00:14:13.899 --> 00:14:14.979 includes 00:14:14.979 --> 00:14:15.860 our trials 00:14:15.860 --> 00:14:17.339 and suffering 00:14:17.339 --> 00:14:19.179 which is why 00:14:19.179 --> 00:14:20.399 we read in verse 12 00:14:20.399 --> 00:14:21.899 following on from this 00:14:21.899 --> 00:14:23.620 blessed is the one 00:14:23.620 --> 00:14:24.399 who perseveres 00:14:24.399 --> 00:14:25.120 under trial 00:14:25.120 --> 00:14:26.439 because having 00:14:26.439 --> 00:14:27.339 stood the test 00:14:27.339 --> 00:14:28.500 that person 00:14:28.500 --> 00:14:29.120 will receive 00:14:29.120 --> 00:14:29.819 the crown 00:14:29.819 --> 00:14:30.919 of life 00:14:30.919 --> 00:14:32.219 that the Lord 00:14:32.219 --> 00:14:32.659 has promised 00:14:32.659 --> 00:14:33.759 to those who love him. 00:14:34.839 --> 00:14:35.740 To those 00:14:35.740 --> 00:14:36.379 who might lack 00:14:36.379 --> 00:14:37.179 in this life 00:14:37.179 --> 00:14:38.259 who otherwise 00:14:38.259 --> 00:14:38.819 go through 00:14:38.819 --> 00:14:40.259 immense suffering 00:14:40.259 --> 00:14:41.980 and face trials 00:14:41.980 --> 00:14:43.580 but persevere 00:14:43.580 --> 00:14:44.980 trusting in God 00:14:44.980 --> 00:14:46.399 they will receive 00:14:46.399 --> 00:14:47.920 the crown of life. 00:14:48.600 --> 00:14:49.600 They will live 00:14:49.600 --> 00:14:50.659 with God 00:14:50.659 --> 00:14:51.519 forever. 00:14:53.039 --> 00:14:54.539 It's a great blessing 00:14:54.539 --> 00:14:55.340 we have 00:14:55.340 --> 00:14:56.840 as Christians 00:14:56.840 --> 00:14:58.480 this promise 00:14:58.480 --> 00:15:00.060 this wisdom 00:15:00.060 --> 00:15:01.420 that comes 00:15:01.420 --> 00:15:02.420 from the gospel. 00:15:03.039 --> 00:15:03.860 For the world 00:15:03.860 --> 00:15:04.920 the world today 00:15:04.920 --> 00:15:05.779 is perplexed 00:15:05.779 --> 00:15:06.740 about how to deal 00:15:06.740 --> 00:15:07.480 with the issue 00:15:07.480 --> 00:15:08.460 of suffering 00:15:08.460 --> 00:15:09.580 of death 00:15:09.580 --> 00:15:10.659 of trials 00:15:10.659 --> 00:15:11.539 they don't have 00:15:11.539 --> 00:15:12.000 an answer. 00:15:13.240 --> 00:15:13.899 They pretty much 00:15:13.899 --> 00:15:14.339 just say 00:15:14.339 --> 00:15:15.179 ignore it 00:15:15.179 --> 00:15:16.439 do your best 00:15:16.439 --> 00:15:17.039 in pursuing 00:15:17.039 --> 00:15:17.939 riches 00:15:17.939 --> 00:15:19.000 and worldly things 00:15:19.000 --> 00:15:19.959 and just hope 00:15:19.959 --> 00:15:20.860 for a better outcome 00:15:20.860 --> 00:15:22.339 hope for the best outcome. 00:15:23.199 --> 00:15:24.100 But as Christians 00:15:24.100 --> 00:15:25.620 we have been so 00:15:25.620 --> 00:15:26.360 dramatically 00:15:26.360 --> 00:15:27.500 transformed 00:15:27.500 --> 00:15:28.559 by the power 00:15:28.559 --> 00:15:29.240 of the gospel 00:15:29.240 --> 00:15:30.279 by the death 00:15:30.279 --> 00:15:31.079 and resurrection 00:15:31.079 --> 00:15:31.779 of Jesus 00:15:31.779 --> 00:15:33.939 which shapes 00:15:33.939 --> 00:15:34.679 the way 00:15:34.679 --> 00:15:35.639 we view life 00:15:35.639 --> 00:15:37.120 as we view it 00:15:37.120 --> 00:15:38.259 through the wisdom 00:15:38.259 --> 00:15:39.720 of the gospel. 00:15:41.360 --> 00:15:42.480 And what it tells us 00:15:42.480 --> 00:15:43.639 is that suffering 00:15:43.639 --> 00:15:44.879 and trials 00:15:44.879 --> 00:15:45.480 whilst 00:15:45.480 --> 00:15:46.659 are horrible 00:15:46.659 --> 00:15:47.879 whilst 00:15:47.879 --> 00:15:49.139 are painful 00:15:49.139 --> 00:15:51.340 they are not 00:15:51.340 --> 00:15:51.740 bigger 00:15:51.740 --> 00:15:53.240 or more powerful 00:15:53.240 --> 00:15:54.500 than God. 00:15:55.340 --> 00:15:56.039 Indeed 00:15:56.039 --> 00:15:57.360 God has proven 00:15:57.360 --> 00:15:58.019 his power 00:15:58.019 --> 00:15:58.700 over them 00:15:58.700 --> 00:15:59.939 by using them 00:15:59.939 --> 00:16:00.720 as a means 00:16:00.720 --> 00:16:02.700 of preserving 00:16:02.700 --> 00:16:03.819 our faith 00:16:03.819 --> 00:16:05.039 and keeping us 00:16:05.039 --> 00:16:05.539 on track 00:16:05.539 --> 00:16:06.120 that we might 00:16:06.120 --> 00:16:06.799 end up 00:16:06.799 --> 00:16:07.439 perfect 00:16:07.439 --> 00:16:08.620 and right 00:16:08.620 --> 00:16:10.099 and whole 00:16:10.099 --> 00:16:10.699 and lacking 00:16:10.699 --> 00:16:11.360 in nothing. 00:16:12.679 --> 00:16:13.199 And so we 00:16:13.199 --> 00:16:13.819 as Christians 00:16:13.819 --> 00:16:14.699 can do something 00:16:14.699 --> 00:16:15.199 that's so 00:16:15.199 --> 00:16:16.240 counter-cultural 00:16:16.240 --> 00:16:17.559 that's so offensive 00:16:17.559 --> 00:16:18.099 in our world 00:16:18.099 --> 00:16:18.480 today 00:16:18.480 --> 00:16:19.579 we can actually 00:16:19.579 --> 00:16:21.059 take joy 00:16:21.059 --> 00:16:22.980 in our sufferings. 00:16:24.360 --> 00:16:25.219 I think it was 00:16:25.219 --> 00:16:25.980 John Piper 00:16:25.980 --> 00:16:26.419 who said 00:16:26.419 --> 00:16:27.240 God is most 00:16:27.240 --> 00:16:28.399 glorified in you 00:16:28.399 --> 00:16:29.139 when you are 00:16:29.139 --> 00:16:29.799 most satisfied 00:16:29.799 --> 00:16:30.439 in him 00:16:30.439 --> 00:16:31.939 in the midst 00:16:31.939 --> 00:16:33.279 of lost 00:16:33.279 --> 00:16:35.000 not prosperity. 00:16:35.539 --> 00:16:36.419 What makes 00:16:36.419 --> 00:16:37.519 God look so 00:16:37.519 --> 00:16:38.439 good and so 00:16:38.439 --> 00:16:39.360 worthy of 00:16:39.360 --> 00:16:39.759 worship 00:16:39.759 --> 00:16:40.419 is when we 00:16:40.419 --> 00:16:41.439 can go to 00:16:41.439 --> 00:16:42.179 God in the 00:16:42.179 --> 00:16:43.139 midst of so 00:16:43.139 --> 00:16:43.860 much pain 00:16:43.860 --> 00:16:44.579 and trouble 00:16:44.579 --> 00:16:45.399 and still say 00:16:45.399 --> 00:16:46.099 God you are 00:16:46.099 --> 00:16:46.559 good. 00:16:47.539 --> 00:16:48.459 God you are 00:16:48.459 --> 00:16:49.000 worthy. 00:16:50.939 --> 00:16:51.379 Not when we 00:16:51.379 --> 00:16:52.319 have it all 00:16:52.319 --> 00:16:53.019 worked out 00:16:53.019 --> 00:16:54.620 when in the 00:16:54.620 --> 00:16:55.779 pit of despair 00:16:55.779 --> 00:16:56.519 we can still 00:16:56.519 --> 00:16:57.259 say God is 00:16:57.259 --> 00:16:57.559 good. 00:16:59.919 --> 00:17:00.860 That is the 00:17:00.860 --> 00:17:01.779 wisdom of the 00:17:01.779 --> 00:17:03.039 gospel played 00:17:03.039 --> 00:17:03.679 out in the 00:17:03.679 --> 00:17:04.500 Christian life. 00:17:05.539 --> 00:17:07.539 God is 00:17:07.539 --> 00:17:07.759 but the 00:17:07.759 --> 00:17:08.159 question I 00:17:08.159 --> 00:17:08.700 want to ask 00:17:08.700 --> 00:17:10.839 is do we 00:17:10.839 --> 00:17:11.799 actually take 00:17:11.799 --> 00:17:12.980 joy in our 00:17:12.980 --> 00:17:13.500 trials? 00:17:14.619 --> 00:17:15.879 Do we truly 00:17:15.879 --> 00:17:17.480 believe that in 00:17:17.480 --> 00:17:18.639 the midst of 00:17:18.639 --> 00:17:19.200 trials and 00:17:19.200 --> 00:17:20.420 suffering that 00:17:20.420 --> 00:17:21.559 the best response 00:17:21.559 --> 00:17:23.200 to these trials 00:17:23.200 --> 00:17:24.139 and suffering is 00:17:24.139 --> 00:17:24.559 joy? 00:17:25.740 --> 00:17:27.019 Do our lives 00:17:27.019 --> 00:17:27.859 reflect joy? 00:17:27.859 --> 00:17:29.859 God is in 00:17:29.859 --> 00:17:30.859 control. 00:17:30.859 --> 00:17:31.859 God is in 00:17:31.859 --> 00:17:32.859 control. 00:17:32.859 --> 00:17:33.959 He will take 00:17:33.959 --> 00:17:34.699 care of us. 00:17:34.700 --> 00:17:35.819 by believing 00:17:35.819 --> 00:17:37.019 one thing and 00:17:37.019 --> 00:17:37.960 doing another. 00:17:38.279 --> 00:17:38.940 By saying we 00:17:38.940 --> 00:17:40.039 live this way 00:17:40.039 --> 00:17:40.680 but actually 00:17:40.680 --> 00:17:41.299 living in a 00:17:41.299 --> 00:17:42.539 totally different 00:17:42.539 --> 00:17:43.120 and opposite 00:17:43.120 --> 00:17:43.640 way. 00:17:44.740 --> 00:17:45.180 And I think 00:17:45.180 --> 00:17:45.779 for many of 00:17:45.779 --> 00:17:46.940 us we take 00:17:46.940 --> 00:17:47.700 great comfort in 00:17:47.700 --> 00:17:48.700 this chapter here 00:17:48.700 --> 00:17:49.420 in James 1. 00:17:50.080 --> 00:17:50.580 And so when we 00:17:50.580 --> 00:17:51.220 are faced with 00:17:51.220 --> 00:17:52.100 times we often 00:17:52.100 --> 00:17:52.880 verbalize to 00:17:52.880 --> 00:17:53.600 ourselves and to 00:17:53.600 --> 00:17:54.680 each other God 00:17:54.680 --> 00:17:55.580 is in control. 00:17:56.380 --> 00:17:56.980 He will take 00:17:56.980 --> 00:17:57.799 care of us. 00:17:58.279 --> 00:17:59.000 This is like all 00:17:59.000 --> 00:17:59.720 according to his 00:17:59.720 --> 00:18:00.200 plan. 00:18:00.200 --> 00:18:03.180 But how often 00:18:03.180 --> 00:18:04.620 do we see this 00:18:04.620 --> 00:18:05.680 reflected in our 00:18:05.680 --> 00:18:06.460 life, in our 00:18:06.460 --> 00:18:06.900 actions? 00:18:07.980 --> 00:18:08.860 We might have 00:18:08.860 --> 00:18:10.400 speech that shows 00:18:10.400 --> 00:18:10.819 that we've been 00:18:10.819 --> 00:18:12.120 impacted by gospel 00:18:12.120 --> 00:18:13.740 wisdom and say 00:18:13.740 --> 00:18:14.640 the right things 00:18:14.640 --> 00:18:16.400 in suffering but 00:18:16.400 --> 00:18:17.660 has it impacted 00:18:17.660 --> 00:18:18.960 our life and our 00:18:18.960 --> 00:18:19.759 actions and the 00:18:19.759 --> 00:18:20.400 way we live? 00:18:21.900 --> 00:18:23.059 When I'm faced 00:18:23.059 --> 00:18:24.319 with trials and 00:18:24.319 --> 00:18:25.779 hard times I 00:18:25.779 --> 00:18:27.220 struggle to always 00:18:27.220 --> 00:18:28.500 run to God and 00:18:28.500 --> 00:18:29.120 not to worldly 00:18:29.120 --> 00:18:29.600 things. 00:18:29.599 --> 00:18:30.439 And if I can be 00:18:30.439 --> 00:18:31.199 honest, when I 00:18:31.199 --> 00:18:31.879 feel the pressure 00:18:31.879 --> 00:18:33.480 of life, when I 00:18:33.480 --> 00:18:34.279 feel depressed and 00:18:34.279 --> 00:18:35.559 unhappy because of 00:18:35.559 --> 00:18:37.759 trials, I generally 00:18:37.759 --> 00:18:38.699 turn to the gym. 00:18:40.719 --> 00:18:41.899 I increase the 00:18:41.899 --> 00:18:43.199 time I spend at 00:18:43.199 --> 00:18:44.839 the gym hoping 00:18:44.839 --> 00:18:45.179 that it will make 00:18:45.179 --> 00:18:45.839 me feel good, 00:18:46.740 --> 00:18:47.859 hoping that as I 00:18:47.859 --> 00:18:49.019 continue to work 00:18:49.019 --> 00:18:50.059 out I will be 00:18:50.059 --> 00:18:50.759 able to build a 00:18:50.759 --> 00:18:51.359 better image of 00:18:51.359 --> 00:18:53.139 myself and feel 00:18:53.139 --> 00:18:54.779 more whole and 00:18:54.779 --> 00:18:55.959 feel more perfect 00:18:55.959 --> 00:18:57.539 and feel like I 00:18:57.539 --> 00:18:58.299 lack nothing 00:18:58.299 --> 00:18:59.859 because I'm 00:18:59.859 --> 00:19:00.460 working out. 00:19:01.980 --> 00:19:02.879 And what also 00:19:02.879 --> 00:19:03.740 goes hand in hand 00:19:03.740 --> 00:19:04.759 with this is that I 00:19:04.759 --> 00:19:05.440 might buy new 00:19:05.440 --> 00:19:06.240 clothes as well 00:19:06.240 --> 00:19:07.299 because I want to 00:19:07.299 --> 00:19:08.319 portray this whole 00:19:08.319 --> 00:19:09.700 image where I look 00:19:09.700 --> 00:19:11.119 good and I feel 00:19:11.119 --> 00:19:12.599 good and I look 00:19:12.599 --> 00:19:14.000 perfect or I look 00:19:14.000 --> 00:19:14.879 whole and I look 00:19:14.879 --> 00:19:16.299 like I've got all 00:19:16.299 --> 00:19:17.180 my problems all 00:19:17.180 --> 00:19:17.799 sorted out. 00:19:18.839 --> 00:19:19.819 All the while 00:19:19.819 --> 00:19:21.240 though, I'm telling 00:19:21.240 --> 00:19:22.119 myself and telling 00:19:22.119 --> 00:19:22.779 others, no, no, 00:19:22.839 --> 00:19:23.700 God's in control of 00:19:23.700 --> 00:19:24.500 my life and he's 00:19:24.500 --> 00:19:25.220 got a plan for 00:19:25.220 --> 00:19:25.620 this and I'm 00:19:25.620 --> 00:19:26.680 trusting in him. 00:19:27.600 --> 00:19:28.600 At the same time 00:19:28.600 --> 00:19:29.480 also encouraging 00:19:29.480 --> 00:19:30.240 others in their 00:19:30.240 --> 00:19:31.460 struggles and their 00:19:31.460 --> 00:19:32.600 trials saying, 00:19:33.220 --> 00:19:33.799 oh, don't worry, 00:19:33.900 --> 00:19:34.640 God's in control. 00:19:35.180 --> 00:19:35.900 Don't worry, God's 00:19:35.900 --> 00:19:36.640 got a plan for your 00:19:36.640 --> 00:19:37.019 life. 00:19:38.460 --> 00:19:39.259 Except, you know, 00:19:39.440 --> 00:19:40.160 my own actions 00:19:40.160 --> 00:19:40.960 don't reflect that 00:19:40.960 --> 00:19:42.240 in the way I'm 00:19:42.240 --> 00:19:42.799 dealing with that 00:19:42.799 --> 00:19:43.299 myself. 00:19:45.559 --> 00:19:46.380 Now this is the 00:19:46.380 --> 00:19:48.340 hypocrisy I see in 00:19:48.340 --> 00:19:48.960 my life. 00:19:50.519 --> 00:19:51.440 What might it be 00:19:51.440 --> 00:19:51.900 in yours? 00:19:54.240 --> 00:19:54.980 Where do you 00:19:54.980 --> 00:19:56.420 turn to instead 00:19:56.420 --> 00:19:58.120 of God in your 00:19:58.120 --> 00:19:59.900 actions that 00:19:59.900 --> 00:20:00.960 doesn't reflect what 00:20:00.960 --> 00:20:02.279 you say and 00:20:02.279 --> 00:20:02.720 believe? 00:20:04.779 --> 00:20:05.559 If we could go 00:20:05.559 --> 00:20:06.120 back for a moment 00:20:06.120 --> 00:20:07.160 to the section on 00:20:07.160 --> 00:20:08.460 wisdom, you may 00:20:08.460 --> 00:20:09.420 notice I left out a 00:20:09.420 --> 00:20:10.360 little bit there on 00:20:10.360 --> 00:20:11.480 how to ask for it. 00:20:12.059 --> 00:20:12.500 We're just going to 00:20:12.500 --> 00:20:13.059 read it from verse 00:20:13.059 --> 00:20:13.620 six again. 00:20:14.960 --> 00:20:15.740 But when you ask, 00:20:15.840 --> 00:20:16.720 you must believe and 00:20:16.720 --> 00:20:17.779 not doubt because the 00:20:17.779 --> 00:20:18.539 one who doubts is 00:20:18.539 --> 00:20:19.480 like a wave of the 00:20:19.480 --> 00:20:21.080 sea, blown, tossed 00:20:21.079 --> 00:20:21.759 by the wind. 00:20:22.099 --> 00:20:22.819 That person should 00:20:22.819 --> 00:20:23.699 not expect to receive 00:20:23.699 --> 00:20:24.480 anything from the 00:20:24.480 --> 00:20:24.699 Lord. 00:20:25.159 --> 00:20:26.159 Such a person is 00:20:26.159 --> 00:20:26.939 double-minded and 00:20:26.939 --> 00:20:27.759 unstable in all they 00:20:27.759 --> 00:20:27.980 do. 00:20:29.159 --> 00:20:30.019 James says if we 00:20:30.019 --> 00:20:31.799 want gospel wisdom 00:20:31.799 --> 00:20:33.460 to help us see the 00:20:33.460 --> 00:20:35.159 bigger perspective of 00:20:35.159 --> 00:20:36.679 suffering, we must 00:20:36.679 --> 00:20:39.699 ask and believe and 00:20:39.699 --> 00:20:40.339 not doubt. 00:20:41.339 --> 00:20:42.599 Now this belief is 00:20:42.599 --> 00:20:43.919 more than just in 00:20:43.919 --> 00:20:45.099 regards to believing 00:20:45.099 --> 00:20:45.819 something will 00:20:45.819 --> 00:20:46.179 happen. 00:20:47.259 --> 00:20:48.139 Now this belief, 00:20:48.480 --> 00:20:49.259 this command to 00:20:49.259 --> 00:20:50.000 believe is more 00:20:50.000 --> 00:20:51.779 tied to loyalty. 00:20:52.759 --> 00:20:53.579 So James is 00:20:53.579 --> 00:20:55.480 saying ask living a 00:20:55.480 --> 00:20:57.180 life that's loyal to 00:20:57.180 --> 00:20:57.640 God. 00:20:58.819 --> 00:20:59.680 And so to doubt 00:20:59.680 --> 00:21:01.140 then here is more 00:21:01.140 --> 00:21:01.980 than just being 00:21:01.980 --> 00:21:03.720 unsure that God's 00:21:03.720 --> 00:21:04.220 going to give you 00:21:04.220 --> 00:21:05.339 something or being 00:21:05.339 --> 00:21:06.259 unsure something will 00:21:06.259 --> 00:21:06.680 happen. 00:21:07.400 --> 00:21:08.500 Doubt here is more 00:21:08.500 --> 00:21:10.319 tied with the idea of 00:21:10.319 --> 00:21:11.299 being divided. 00:21:12.180 --> 00:21:13.759 It is to be unsure 00:21:13.759 --> 00:21:14.700 where your loyalties 00:21:14.700 --> 00:21:15.279 lie. 00:21:16.339 --> 00:21:17.319 And we see this in 00:21:17.319 --> 00:21:18.019 the illustration that 00:21:18.019 --> 00:21:18.379 follows. 00:21:18.579 --> 00:21:20.099 This divided person 00:21:20.099 --> 00:21:20.879 is like a wave 00:21:20.879 --> 00:21:21.740 tossed to and 00:21:21.740 --> 00:21:22.019 fro. 00:21:22.279 --> 00:21:24.000 He is unstable and 00:21:24.000 --> 00:21:24.660 double-minded. 00:21:25.079 --> 00:21:26.019 He is completely 00:21:26.019 --> 00:21:26.839 divided in his 00:21:26.839 --> 00:21:28.440 loyalty and so of 00:21:28.440 --> 00:21:29.599 course he's not going 00:21:29.599 --> 00:21:30.680 to receive anything 00:21:30.680 --> 00:21:31.940 from God. 00:21:33.400 --> 00:21:34.639 Is it possible that 00:21:34.639 --> 00:21:35.559 this might be a 00:21:35.559 --> 00:21:36.759 picture of us as 00:21:36.759 --> 00:21:37.000 well? 00:21:38.279 --> 00:21:40.339 Can we truly say 00:21:40.339 --> 00:21:41.220 that we have been 00:21:41.220 --> 00:21:43.119 impacted by the 00:21:43.119 --> 00:21:43.759 wisdom of the 00:21:43.759 --> 00:21:44.980 gospel saying true 00:21:44.980 --> 00:21:47.059 things about it 00:21:47.059 --> 00:21:47.720 when our lives 00:21:47.720 --> 00:21:48.660 don't even reflect 00:21:48.660 --> 00:21:48.940 it? 00:21:50.140 --> 00:21:51.039 Is it possible that 00:21:51.039 --> 00:21:52.319 we ask in a 00:21:52.319 --> 00:21:53.079 divided manner? 00:21:53.720 --> 00:21:55.039 Saying one thing 00:21:55.039 --> 00:21:56.660 but living in a 00:21:56.660 --> 00:21:58.180 completely different 00:21:58.180 --> 00:21:58.880 way. 00:21:59.380 --> 00:22:00.620 Saying we trust in 00:22:00.620 --> 00:22:02.099 God and we know 00:22:02.099 --> 00:22:03.059 he's planned for our 00:22:03.059 --> 00:22:04.400 suffering but in our 00:22:04.400 --> 00:22:06.500 actions we run to 00:22:06.500 --> 00:22:08.900 worldly things that 00:22:08.900 --> 00:22:10.000 make us feel whole, 00:22:10.079 --> 00:22:10.920 that make us feel 00:22:10.920 --> 00:22:11.779 like we lack nothing 00:22:11.779 --> 00:22:13.680 but in reality leave 00:22:13.680 --> 00:22:14.460 us empty. 00:22:16.579 --> 00:22:17.899 James points out the 00:22:17.899 --> 00:22:19.099 hypocrisy I think 00:22:19.099 --> 00:22:20.819 many of us struggle 00:22:20.819 --> 00:22:21.220 with. 00:22:22.200 --> 00:22:23.200 We believe, we 00:22:23.200 --> 00:22:24.420 believe so hard that 00:22:24.420 --> 00:22:25.899 suffering and trials 00:22:25.899 --> 00:22:27.359 must have a purpose 00:22:27.359 --> 00:22:29.460 and do lead to the 00:22:29.460 --> 00:22:30.240 preservation of our 00:22:30.240 --> 00:22:32.160 faith but so often 00:22:32.160 --> 00:22:34.079 our actions would say 00:22:34.079 --> 00:22:34.460 otherwise. 00:22:35.660 --> 00:22:36.819 What we do would say 00:22:36.819 --> 00:22:37.220 otherwise. 00:22:38.359 --> 00:22:39.319 And so James is 00:22:39.319 --> 00:22:40.720 calling us to have an 00:22:40.720 --> 00:22:42.920 undivided loyalty to 00:22:42.920 --> 00:22:44.140 the gospel of Jesus. 00:22:44.460 --> 00:22:45.819 To have a faith that 00:22:45.819 --> 00:22:47.120 does not sit on the 00:22:47.120 --> 00:22:48.720 fence or say one 00:22:48.720 --> 00:22:49.660 thing and do another. 00:22:50.160 --> 00:22:51.120 James is calling 00:22:51.120 --> 00:22:53.059 believers as they 00:22:53.059 --> 00:22:54.680 ask for gospel wisdom 00:22:54.680 --> 00:22:56.779 to do so totally 00:22:56.779 --> 00:22:58.920 trusting in God. 00:22:59.460 --> 00:23:00.900 Giving him, giving 00:23:00.900 --> 00:23:02.180 them, sorry God, 00:23:02.299 --> 00:23:03.299 their undivided 00:23:03.299 --> 00:23:04.839 devotion to him. 00:23:05.220 --> 00:23:07.680 Both in speech and 00:23:07.680 --> 00:23:08.140 in action. 00:23:08.140 --> 00:23:11.400 we must look at our 00:23:11.400 --> 00:23:12.460 actions and ask 00:23:12.460 --> 00:23:14.040 ourselves if we are 00:23:14.040 --> 00:23:14.880 divided in our 00:23:14.880 --> 00:23:16.220 devotion to God, 00:23:16.600 --> 00:23:17.980 saying one thing and 00:23:17.980 --> 00:23:18.620 doing another. 00:23:20.360 --> 00:23:21.060 And we must ask 00:23:21.060 --> 00:23:22.600 ourselves, does that 00:23:22.600 --> 00:23:23.259 need to change? 00:23:24.560 --> 00:23:25.640 And what needs to 00:23:25.640 --> 00:23:26.020 change? 00:23:26.880 --> 00:23:28.100 However, we'll talk 00:23:28.100 --> 00:23:28.920 more about that 00:23:28.920 --> 00:23:30.060 throughout this series 00:23:30.060 --> 00:23:30.860 as it comes up. 00:23:31.420 --> 00:23:32.320 As we continue on, 00:23:32.360 --> 00:23:33.300 we see that the result 00:23:33.300 --> 00:23:35.940 may be if we remain 00:23:35.940 --> 00:23:37.200 divided in our loyalty, 00:23:37.200 --> 00:23:38.680 is that if we 00:23:38.680 --> 00:23:39.840 abandon gospel 00:23:39.840 --> 00:23:42.620 wisdom, is that our 00:23:42.620 --> 00:23:43.600 trials and suffering 00:23:43.600 --> 00:23:44.640 will lead us instead 00:23:44.640 --> 00:23:46.299 to think that God is 00:23:46.299 --> 00:23:47.100 to blame for them. 00:23:48.019 --> 00:23:48.660 So if you look at 00:23:48.660 --> 00:23:49.700 verse 13, it says 00:23:49.700 --> 00:23:50.080 this, 00:23:50.080 --> 00:23:51.720 when tempted, no one 00:23:51.720 --> 00:23:52.920 should say, God is 00:23:52.920 --> 00:23:53.940 tempting me, for God 00:23:53.940 --> 00:23:55.240 cannot be tempted by 00:23:55.240 --> 00:23:56.980 evil, nor does he 00:23:56.980 --> 00:23:57.779 tempt anyone. 00:23:58.480 --> 00:23:59.580 But each person is 00:23:59.580 --> 00:24:00.620 tempted when they are 00:24:00.620 --> 00:24:01.960 dragged away by their 00:24:01.960 --> 00:24:03.140 own evil desire and 00:24:03.140 --> 00:24:03.779 enticed. 00:24:04.480 --> 00:24:05.840 Then after desire is 00:24:05.840 --> 00:24:06.680 conceived, it gives 00:24:06.680 --> 00:24:07.720 birth to sin, and 00:24:07.720 --> 00:24:08.600 sin, when it's full 00:24:08.600 --> 00:24:09.720 grown, gives birth to 00:24:09.720 --> 00:24:10.080 death. 00:24:10.539 --> 00:24:11.620 Again, what we read 00:24:11.620 --> 00:24:12.500 here is very good 00:24:12.500 --> 00:24:13.920 wisdom on its own, but 00:24:13.920 --> 00:24:15.380 in its context, James 00:24:15.380 --> 00:24:17.140 intends to say so much 00:24:17.140 --> 00:24:17.460 more. 00:24:18.060 --> 00:24:19.420 People who are divided 00:24:19.420 --> 00:24:20.299 in their loyalty to 00:24:20.299 --> 00:24:22.120 God, who don't have the 00:24:22.120 --> 00:24:24.039 gospel wisdom to 00:24:24.039 --> 00:24:25.460 perceive God's bigger 00:24:25.460 --> 00:24:27.660 perspective, generally 00:24:27.660 --> 00:24:30.220 end up blaming God for 00:24:30.220 --> 00:24:32.060 their suffering and 00:24:32.060 --> 00:24:32.600 trials. 00:24:32.599 --> 00:24:32.659 trials. 00:24:33.539 --> 00:24:35.179 They struggle to deal 00:24:35.179 --> 00:24:36.259 with their suffering and 00:24:36.259 --> 00:24:37.919 trials on their own, and 00:24:37.919 --> 00:24:39.980 so they conclude it can't 00:24:39.980 --> 00:24:41.919 be their fault, since it 00:24:41.919 --> 00:24:44.219 must be God, since he is 00:24:44.219 --> 00:24:44.799 in control. 00:24:45.279 --> 00:24:46.819 It must be him who's 00:24:46.819 --> 00:24:48.899 tempting them to live in 00:24:48.899 --> 00:24:49.679 the opposite way. 00:24:50.719 --> 00:24:52.579 Instead of seeing the 00:24:52.579 --> 00:24:54.259 dichotomy between what 00:24:54.259 --> 00:24:56.019 they believe about 00:24:56.019 --> 00:24:59.039 suffering, and what they 00:24:59.039 --> 00:25:01.439 say and do in response, as 00:25:01.440 --> 00:25:02.240 an example of their 00:25:02.240 --> 00:25:05.200 hypocrisy, they see it as 00:25:05.200 --> 00:25:07.180 an example of God 00:25:07.180 --> 00:25:08.279 tempting them. 00:25:09.080 --> 00:25:10.299 They blame their failure 00:25:10.299 --> 00:25:12.580 to do the right thing in 00:25:12.580 --> 00:25:13.559 their response to 00:25:13.559 --> 00:25:15.480 suffering on God. 00:25:16.820 --> 00:25:18.299 James wants to correct 00:25:18.299 --> 00:25:21.120 this, and correct us who 00:25:21.120 --> 00:25:22.160 might think this way. 00:25:22.539 --> 00:25:23.940 He says God cannot be 00:25:23.940 --> 00:25:25.440 tempted, nor tempt anyone. 00:25:25.799 --> 00:25:27.420 We are tempted by our own 00:25:27.420 --> 00:25:30.960 evil desire, and when we 00:25:30.960 --> 00:25:33.059 are enticed by sin to 00:25:33.059 --> 00:25:33.380 sin. 00:25:34.759 --> 00:25:35.799 And James tells us a 00:25:35.799 --> 00:25:36.539 little more as well. 00:25:36.620 --> 00:25:37.559 He tells us about the 00:25:37.559 --> 00:25:38.640 effects of sin. 00:25:39.620 --> 00:25:41.220 Interestingly, similar 00:25:41.220 --> 00:25:42.720 effects to what trials are 00:25:42.720 --> 00:25:43.980 supposed to achieve for the 00:25:43.980 --> 00:25:44.620 Christian as well. 00:25:44.680 --> 00:25:46.460 It says, then after the 00:25:46.460 --> 00:25:47.720 desire has conceived, it 00:25:47.720 --> 00:25:49.420 gives birth to sin, and 00:25:49.420 --> 00:25:50.720 sin when it's full grown 00:25:50.720 --> 00:25:52.039 gives birth to death. 00:25:52.500 --> 00:25:54.019 The word full grown, the 00:25:54.019 --> 00:25:55.900 word perfection earlier on, 00:25:56.160 --> 00:25:57.720 come from the same family 00:25:57.720 --> 00:25:58.779 of words in the Greek. 00:26:00.759 --> 00:26:03.140 And so the reality is, our 00:26:03.140 --> 00:26:05.480 response to trials and 00:26:05.480 --> 00:26:07.279 suffering either puts us on 00:26:07.279 --> 00:26:08.980 a trajectory towards being 00:26:08.980 --> 00:26:10.700 made whole and perfect, 00:26:11.319 --> 00:26:12.319 lacking in nothing, where we 00:26:12.319 --> 00:26:13.700 get to enjoy God's presence 00:26:13.700 --> 00:26:16.140 forever, or it puts us on a 00:26:16.140 --> 00:26:18.079 trajectory where we don't see 00:26:18.079 --> 00:26:19.019 the bigger picture of their 00:26:19.019 --> 00:26:19.500 purpose. 00:26:19.860 --> 00:26:21.440 We continue to seek our 00:26:21.440 --> 00:26:23.460 perfection and our lacking in 00:26:23.460 --> 00:26:25.640 nothing in earthly, material 00:26:25.640 --> 00:26:28.000 things, and where we begin to 00:26:28.000 --> 00:26:30.000 blame God when we can't 00:26:30.000 --> 00:26:31.920 respond rightly, which 00:26:31.920 --> 00:26:33.840 therefore leads us into sin 00:26:33.840 --> 00:26:36.700 and then bringing death. 00:26:37.720 --> 00:26:39.140 There is no middle ground 00:26:39.140 --> 00:26:39.440 here. 00:26:40.820 --> 00:26:43.080 Our response to trials and 00:26:43.080 --> 00:26:45.040 suffering will either lead to 00:26:45.040 --> 00:26:47.800 life or will lead to death. 00:26:49.860 --> 00:26:51.560 This is why this is serious. 00:26:52.259 --> 00:26:54.300 And we must ask ourselves, do 00:26:54.299 --> 00:26:57.139 our actions reflect what we 00:26:57.139 --> 00:26:57.759 believed? 00:26:58.659 --> 00:27:00.659 Do my words and sentiments 00:27:00.659 --> 00:27:03.059 about God's plan and power in 00:27:03.059 --> 00:27:05.299 suffering actually match up to 00:27:05.299 --> 00:27:07.500 the way I act and live in my 00:27:07.500 --> 00:27:07.960 life? 00:27:08.859 --> 00:27:11.539 Or is there a clear hypocrisy 00:27:11.539 --> 00:27:12.799 between the two? 00:27:15.399 --> 00:27:16.879 James starts with a punch, 00:27:16.980 --> 00:27:17.359 doesn't he? 00:27:18.180 --> 00:27:19.599 A massive punch. 00:27:19.599 --> 00:27:22.779 But it's good that he does. 00:27:24.019 --> 00:27:25.559 For he knows how big of an 00:27:25.559 --> 00:27:28.500 issue suffering is for the 00:27:28.500 --> 00:27:30.339 Christian and how perplexing it 00:27:30.339 --> 00:27:32.459 can be for a Christian to try and 00:27:32.459 --> 00:27:34.179 reconcile how a good God can 00:27:34.179 --> 00:27:36.659 allow suffering to happen to 00:27:36.659 --> 00:27:38.359 people who otherwise love him and 00:27:38.359 --> 00:27:38.879 trust him. 00:27:39.659 --> 00:27:42.599 He writes this to point out our 00:27:43.119 --> 00:27:46.639 hypocrisy, which stings, which 00:27:46.640 --> 00:27:47.220 hurts. 00:27:48.460 --> 00:27:50.100 But he doesn't do it to condemn 00:27:50.100 --> 00:27:52.880 us, but to implore us to adopt 00:27:52.880 --> 00:27:56.500 gospel wisdom, that we might see 00:27:56.500 --> 00:27:58.420 our suffering and our trials through 00:27:58.420 --> 00:28:00.580 the lens of the cross and what's 00:28:00.580 --> 00:28:01.620 achieving for us. 00:28:02.220 --> 00:28:04.200 He knows suffering and trials can 00:28:04.200 --> 00:28:07.300 rob us of our joy in this life, but 00:28:07.300 --> 00:28:09.820 he is telling us that suffering may 00:28:09.820 --> 00:28:11.700 harm us and it will harm us in this 00:28:11.700 --> 00:28:12.000 life. 00:28:12.220 --> 00:28:14.120 It will rob us of all that we have. 00:28:14.119 --> 00:28:17.279 And it will take away joy in this 00:28:17.279 --> 00:28:18.759 life, potentially. 00:28:19.959 --> 00:28:23.079 But within God's great sovereignty, 00:28:24.119 --> 00:28:27.879 suffering and trials cannot rob us of 00:28:27.879 --> 00:28:31.659 our eternal joy in being saved in 00:28:31.659 --> 00:28:35.419 Christ, in being his forever, in 00:28:35.419 --> 00:28:37.779 knowing and being in relationship with 00:28:37.779 --> 00:28:38.679 him. 00:28:38.680 --> 00:28:43.700 suffering and trials only go to serve 00:28:43.700 --> 00:28:47.519 such joy as it's merely an instrument, a 00:28:47.519 --> 00:28:50.440 tool to preserve our faith. 00:28:51.600 --> 00:28:55.279 And this comes from gospel wisdom. 00:28:56.080 --> 00:28:58.440 This comes when we are impacted by the 00:28:58.440 --> 00:28:58.960 gospel. 00:28:59.440 --> 00:29:02.220 And so unlike the world, our security is 00:29:02.220 --> 00:29:03.440 not in our stuff. 00:29:03.920 --> 00:29:05.880 Our security is not in making sure that 00:29:05.880 --> 00:29:07.779 we remain safe for the rest of our 00:29:07.779 --> 00:29:08.139 life. 00:29:09.259 --> 00:29:11.160 In making sure we have our insurances and 00:29:11.160 --> 00:29:13.559 health insurances and car insurances and 00:29:13.559 --> 00:29:15.059 a roof over our head. 00:29:15.960 --> 00:29:19.099 Our security and our hope is in the 00:29:19.099 --> 00:29:19.599 gospel. 00:29:20.740 --> 00:29:23.440 It's in something far greater and far 00:29:23.440 --> 00:29:24.399 more powerful. 00:29:24.400 --> 00:29:24.460 gospel. 00:29:28.340 --> 00:29:31.860 And this is why in the last few verses, in 00:29:31.860 --> 00:29:34.340 response to those who would say God is 00:29:34.340 --> 00:29:36.580 tempting them, he says this, 00:29:36.579 --> 00:29:39.339 don't be deceived. 00:29:39.339 --> 00:29:43.740 My dear brothers and sisters, every good and 00:29:43.740 --> 00:29:46.579 perfect gift is from above, coming down from 00:29:46.579 --> 00:29:49.059 the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not 00:29:49.059 --> 00:29:50.319 change like shifting shadows. 00:29:50.980 --> 00:29:53.879 He chose to give us birth through the word of 00:29:53.879 --> 00:29:58.220 truth that we might be a kind of first fruits of 00:29:58.220 --> 00:29:58.980 all he created. 00:30:00.339 --> 00:30:02.439 Don't be deceived. 00:30:02.440 --> 00:30:05.759 This is what we need to remember today. 00:30:06.160 --> 00:30:07.720 Don't be deceived. 00:30:08.200 --> 00:30:10.720 Everything that is good comes from God. 00:30:10.860 --> 00:30:13.519 Everything that is perfect comes from him. 00:30:13.799 --> 00:30:17.820 And dare I say it, included in these gifts are 00:30:17.820 --> 00:30:19.880 suffering and trials. 00:30:19.880 --> 00:30:24.620 Not that in and of themselves are they good gifts, 00:30:25.180 --> 00:30:28.120 but in terms of what they achieve for us, what 00:30:28.120 --> 00:30:31.200 they accomplish for us, God permits them. 00:30:31.520 --> 00:30:35.100 And so therefore, they are good gifts and should be 00:30:35.100 --> 00:30:39.060 seen as such because they are helping us in 00:30:39.060 --> 00:30:42.320 persevering and preserving our faith that we might 00:30:42.320 --> 00:30:45.200 be brought to a place of perfection, wholeness, where we 00:30:45.200 --> 00:30:47.420 lack nothing for eternity. 00:30:47.420 --> 00:30:49.840 They serve us in the end. 00:30:50.259 --> 00:30:53.460 And that's the way, that's the, sorry, that's because 00:30:53.460 --> 00:30:57.600 gospel wisdom shows us that they do. 00:30:59.340 --> 00:31:01.960 And I think the best way we can see them as achieving this 00:31:01.960 --> 00:31:06.820 purpose is by looking at the greatest gift that God has 00:31:06.820 --> 00:31:07.460 given us. 00:31:08.060 --> 00:31:11.539 Verse 18, he chose to give us birth through the word of 00:31:11.539 --> 00:31:14.300 truth that we might be a kind of first fruits of all he 00:31:14.300 --> 00:31:14.720 created. 00:31:14.720 --> 00:31:21.620 The greatest gift that God has given us is life, which 00:31:21.620 --> 00:31:23.740 came through his son. 00:31:24.680 --> 00:31:28.680 And remember the way which the son was able to give us life. 00:31:30.059 --> 00:31:31.319 The cross. 00:31:34.059 --> 00:31:40.079 The cross, the greatest gift to humankind was one at the same 00:31:40.079 --> 00:31:44.539 time, the greatest suffering of all time to any human. 00:31:44.720 --> 00:31:46.860 I'll say it again. 00:31:46.980 --> 00:31:52.380 The greatest gift to humankind was one and at the same time the 00:31:52.380 --> 00:31:56.640 greatest suffering of all time to any human in history. 00:31:57.839 --> 00:32:02.799 And so as Paul says in 1 Corinthians, this is a stumbling block to 00:32:02.799 --> 00:32:06.860 the Jews saying that God died to save us. 00:32:06.859 --> 00:32:11.859 And it's foolishness to the Greek for how can one man's suffering prevent our 00:32:11.859 --> 00:32:12.759 eternal suffering? 00:32:12.879 --> 00:32:15.919 How can one man's death bring us life? 00:32:16.139 --> 00:32:21.299 But the reality is to us here who are called, who believe, to us here who have 00:32:21.299 --> 00:32:26.319 been impacted by the gospel, it is the wisdom of God. 00:32:26.319 --> 00:32:37.799 And it's this cross-shaped wisdom that now becomes the paradigm, the pattern of our life in the 00:32:37.799 --> 00:32:41.579 way we view suffering and trials to come. 00:32:41.579 --> 00:32:52.819 Instead of seeing them as life-taking, instead of seeing them as life-destroying, as joy-destroying, 00:32:52.919 --> 00:32:58.139 we rejoice in them because the gospel shows us that they are life-preserving. 00:32:58.140 --> 00:33:00.540 They are joy-giving. 00:33:02.220 --> 00:33:04.160 And they are eternally so. 00:33:06.280 --> 00:33:12.860 And so throughout all the struggles and hardships of life, throughout the times which we feel 00:33:12.860 --> 00:33:20.860 our sufferings and our trials are just robbing us of our joy and robbing us of a life that 00:33:20.860 --> 00:33:27.380 is fulfilling, we can say faithfully of the psalmist towards the end of Psalm 73, 00:33:28.140 --> 00:33:30.420 whom have I in heaven but you? 00:33:31.440 --> 00:33:34.580 And there is nothing on earth that I desire besides you. 00:33:35.220 --> 00:33:41.340 My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever. 00:33:41.340 --> 00:33:42.960 Amen.