The Biblical Way to Conquer Trials and Temptations James 1:5-12

What is the worst trial you face right now?

What is the worst temptation with which you deal?

Is there an escape? Yes.

Is there a way to overcome a trial or temptation? Yes.

The Bible has the answer.

I. Ask wisdom of God. (Verses 5-8)

Wisdom means far more than just knowledge.

Wisdom means far more than just being intellectual.

Millions of us are knowledgeable— with heads full of facts, but when we cope with life’s trials and temptations— we need more than knowledge. We need wisdom. We need to know what to do with the trial and how to do it.

Note: Verse 5- “If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask God, that giveth to all men liberally.” Why?

God loves us— we are His children, and He wants to meet our every need. He will give us wisdom to conquer the trials and temptations of life.

Read- Luke 21:15, James 3:17, and Proverbs 3:13-14

Note: Verse 5 again. We must ask. Read Verses 5-6. We must ask in faith and not waiver.

What does the Bible say about the person who waivers in faith? First, that person is like a wave on the sea driven by the wind tossed to and fro. Second, a person whose faith waivers will not receive anything- Note Verse 7. Third, the person who waivers in faith is a double-minded person— unstable in all his ways. He believes and he disbelieves. He begins then backs up, then begins again.

Folks, this is the reason that so many people receive so little from God.

How can a believer conquer trials and temptations?

II. He must rejoice in his status in life

Read James 1:9-11

It does not matter if we are rich or poor, healthy or unhealthy, cripple or sound, you and I are to rejoice in the Lord.

Read Verse 9. The believer of lowly status is to rejoice in the Lord. Why?

Because he is poor— No. Because he is crippled— No. Because he is unhealthy— No.

We are to rejoice in Christ regardless of the circumstances. 1 Corinthians 6:2-3 reminds us of our future regardless of circumstances here.

Read 2 Timothy 2:12

Read James 1:10- The rich man is to rejoice in that he is made low by God. Being rich means nothing to God. It does not matter one bit if you die rich. It will not change your destiny or the fact that you are dead.

Note: If you are rich, materially, you are to use that to help meet the needs of the following— starving, impoverished, diseased, homeless, sinful, and dying. That would please God.

Note Verses: James:1-10-11, 1 Peter 1:24, and Psalm 103:14-16

III. How can a believer conquer trials and temptations?

Read James 1:12- Remember the reward for enduring— a crown of life.

That one who endures temptations will be blessed here and now with spiritual satisfaction, inner assurance, and confidence.

That man is described in Luke 6:48 and James 5:11.

Note Verse 12 again. The crown of life will be received.

Note Revelation 2:10.

The word “crown”— rewards offered to the saved for faithfulness.

It is not an instrument through which to be saved. Why?

Salvation is by grace through faith— not of works.

Yes, you and I can conquer trials and temptations of life if:

A) We ask for wisdom.

B) We rejoice in the status of life in which we are.

C) We remember the reward of faithfulness.

Many years ago, The Masters Family recorded an old blue grass song that talked about Heaven. I encourage you to think about the lyrics of this song:

“In childhood I heard of a Heaven

I wondered if it could be true,

That there were sweet mansions eternal

Up there somewhere beyond the blue.

I wondered if people really go there

Then one day sweet, Jesus came in,

Then I got a vision of Heaven

My soul through all Heaven would spend.

Chorus:

Heaven, happy home above

Heaven, land of peace and love

Oh, it made me feel like traveling on

Heaven (Eternal)

Heaven (Supernal)

I’m so glad it’s real.

Then I’ve got acquainted with Jesus

My soul’s overflowing with love,

My heart like the Savior is broken

For friends who will win that home above.

Then a voice from the hills of Judea

Still ringing words of sweet relief,

A world of attractions don’t thrill me

My soul has a change of belief.”

I. Heaven is my hope

A) Is it really there? Jesus says it is.

B) Matthew 5:12

II. Heaven is my haven

A) A place of refuge or rest, a sanctuary

B) Heaven is a haven free of trouble. Revelation 21:3-4 & 8

C) Heaven is a haven where there is rest. Revelation 14:11-13

III. Heaven is my home

A) We are strangers here.

B) It is a place prepared. John 14:2

C) It is where my treasure is. Matthew 6:19-21

Yes— Heaven is Eternal.

Yes— Heaven is Supernal.

I’m so glad it’s real.

One half of 2020 has quickly vanished. You and I have seen COVID-19 take its toll, unrest, civil disobedience, looting, killing, burning, and a general state of unrest. In the church, who would have ever given thought to wearing a mask, social distancing, cancelled services, church closing, live stream worship, parking lot worship, no embracing one another, dismissal by rows and no packing up the front porch. Oh, can you imagine having a worship service but not passing the offering plates. Now we ask people to place their tithes and offerings in a wooden box as they exit the building.

Oh, when will we see in America that which we knew seven months ago? Will things ever return to normal? Will millions of people be allowed to return to work? Will our restaurants be fully open? Will we ever be able to visit the sick in the hospital or nursing homes? I certainly don’t have all the answers, but I know the one who does.

The answers to our sickness, civil disobedience, and unrest is certainly not in the hands of man, but it is in the hands of God our creator. I challenge you to study Colossians 1:16-17. Let these verses be a reminder to you and me that God is our creator, and He is in charge of the future. Colossians 1:16 says, “For by Him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in the earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones or dominion, or principalities or powers: All things were created by Him and for Him.” Verse 17 says, “And He is before all things, and by Him all things consist.”

In these times let us be reminded of Nahum 1:7, “The Lord is good, a stronghold in the day of trouble; and He knoweth them that trust in Him.” The Psalmist said it best in Psalm 121:1-2, “I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help. My help cometh from the Lord, which made Heaven and earth.”

In closing, I encourage you to pray for yourself, others, and leaders of our country. God is our only source of help and strength in these dark days.

Dr. H.H. Savage wrote the following:

“Can the sun forget its rising? Can the stars forget to shine? Can the moon forget its duty? Then can God His will resign.

Can the sea forget to roar? Can the waves cease and be still? Can the waters stop giving? Then can God forget His will.

Can the skies above be measured? Can the foes of God prevail? Can a man earth’s structure fathom? Then God’s promises can fail.”

God said to Moses, “Be strong and of good courage; fear not , nor be afraid of them: for the Lord thy God, he it is that doth go with thee; He will not fail thee nor forsake thee.” (Deuteronomy 31:6)

Can you say with confidence, “The Lord is on my side.”?

Today let us look at:

A) What gives me assurance.

B) Who gives me that assurance.

C) What happens to the man without assurance.

I. What gives me the assurance?

The Lord is on my side. Read the following in Psalm 34: 4, 6, 9, 18, 19 & 22.

II. Who gives me that assurance?

Read Romans 8:31-35

A) Who can be against us if God be for us? (Verse 31)

B) Who can condemn when Christ has died for us and is risen again? (Verse 31)

Having died with Him, we are now risen with Him. To them that are in Christ— there is no condemnation— neither by God, man, angel, or devil.

C) Who can lay anything to our charge when God has justified. (Verse 33)

D) Who shall separate us from the love of Him who gave himself for us. (Verse 35) Jesus said, “I have given unto them eternal life, they shall never perish, neither shall any pluck them out of my hand.”

III. What happens to the man without the assurance that the Lord is on his side?

The rich young ruler had money, position, friends, rank, social status, and youth. However, he was missing the Lord in his life. (Luke 18:18)

All the money, position, friends, rank, social status, and youth were by his side instead of the Lord. How sad that is.

And then there was the rich farmer who had it all— but Jesus. (Luke 12:16-21)

What is life-like without Christ being by your side? Without Christ, what do you have?

WITHOUT CHRIST

Christ is the Way — Men without Him are like Cain, wandering vagabonds.

He is the Truth — Men without Him are dead in trespasses and sin.

He is the Light — Men without Him walk in darkness and know no whither they go.

He is the Vine — Men who are not in Him are withered branches prepared for the fire.

He is the Rock — Men not built on Him are carried away by the flood on judgment.

He is the Bread and Water of Life — Men without Him will hunger and thirst throughout all eternity.

He is the Alpha and Omega — Men without Him have neither beginning of good nor end of miseries.

Is there any happiness without Christ by your side?

Not in unbelief—

Voltaire was an infidel of the most pronounced type. He wrote: “I wish I had never been born.”

Not in pleasure—

Lord Byron lived a life of pleasure, if anyone did.

He wrote: “The worm, the canker, and the grief are mine alone.”

Not in money—

Jay Gould, the American millionaire, had plenty of that. When dying, he said: “I suppose I am the most miserable man on earth.”

Not in position and fame—

Lord Beaconfield enjoyed more than his share of both. He wrote: “Youth is a mistake, manhood, a struggle; old age a regret.”

The Lord is on my side— I will not fear. What can man do unto me?

This past Sunday, Jean and I returned to her home place in in Ashland, MS. The farmhouse, though it was vacant, was full of all those things we collect on life’s journey. The more you look, the bigger the responsibility gets to clean out the house. Even though much has been hauled away, there is much that still remains. With each picture, vase, pot, pan, skillet, book, and record comes a memory.

From where did all this come? How old is this? Why did mother keep so much junk? It is interesting that junk to you and I may be a treasure to someone else. In 2014, Jean’s mom went to the nursing home where her granddaughter was the director. Of that time her mind was pretty clear. Her body had failed and she couldn’t live by herself. She fought going to the nursing home all the way. In the early fall of 2014, Chris wrote a letter to encourage her and thank her for the many memories that he had of his grandparents. Somehow, this past Sunday, the letter was handed to me, I read it, and relived those experiences that Chris had.

Every time we go to the farm, I see an overflowing well in the yard. I first saw the well in 1965, then a good stream of water flowed as it still does today. This reminds me of just how faithful the Lord really is. Regardless of what is going on in my life and yours— He is always faithful. I do not understand all that is happening in America right now— but I do know that God is faithful. He is and will be King of Kings. Regardless of politics, rioting, looting, uncertainty, massive death, earthquakes, tornados, and drought, our God is faithful.

Because of His faithfulness, you and I should be found praising Him. In Psalm 109:30 we read, “I will greatly praise the Lord with my mouth; Yea, I will praise Him among the multitudes.” As we read Psalm 145:21, there is a reminder, “My mouth shall spread the praise of the Lord; and let all flesh bless His holy Name for ever and ever.” Listen to this reminder in Revelation 4:11, “Thou are worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honor and power; for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created.”

America Needs Dads Who Are in Touch With God

Are you in touch with the Lord?

Are you in touch with His will?

Are you listening to the Lord?

Is your heart in whatever God wants you to do?

I. What are the characteristics of a man who is out of touch?

A) He lives only for himself and does not please God. (Romans 15:1-3)

B) He lives to please men. (Galatians 1:10)

C) He lives to please the flesh. (Romans 8:8-9)

D) He simply does not have faith. (Romans 11:6)

II. Name some Biblical characters who were not in touch.

A) Peter is an outstanding figure of the New Testament. Take note of how he lost “touch” with God. At the Last Supper he promises to lay his life down for Christ. (John 13:37)

He took a step downward when he fell asleep. (Matthew 26:40) Next, he tried to kill a man. (John 18:10-11) Then he followed afar off. Then he denied Christ, (Matthew 26:69-70) and cursed. (Matthew 26:74)

B) Eli was out of touch with God. He allowed his sons to commit terrible sins in the House of God. (1 Samuel 2:12-17) Eli couldn’t hear God’s voice because of his evil.

Read 1 Samuel 3:2-18.

C) David was out of touch with God. Read Psalm 51. Here is a man who gave way to the passion of the flesh after God had so marvelously protected and revealed himself to him. Conclusion: See how he prays to be “restored” (Psalm 51)

III. What are the characteristics that identify the man who is in touch with God.

A) Those who ask the right thing from God

David asked for an understanding heart to discern between good and bad, and the speech please the Lord. (1 Kings 3:9-10)

B) Those who are separated for God (2 Timothy 2:4)

C) Those who are wholly yielded to God (Hebrews 3:1-3)

D) Those who walk with God

Enoch walked with God, and he had a testimony that pleased God. (Hebrews 11:5)

E) Those who praise God (Psalm 69:30-31)

Dad— are you in touch with God? Man— are you in touch with God?

A wise minister, in fact any believer, should know to nourish his spirit by feeding on the food that which will build him. Nothing should ever be substituted for the Word of God, not is a person wishes to grow in Christ and minister to the needs of a lost and dying world.

The story is told of a cow that grew bored with the fenced in grazing fields. She thought to herself, “I’ve fed off this pasture my whole life. I feel like a prisoner in this field— the grass sure does look greener on the other side.”

As she probed the fence, she discovered a place where she could finally get through. With a hardy shove of her shoulder, she was on the other side. Once there, she came eye to eye with another cow. “What brings you here?”, said the cow to her visitor, “I’ve come to try the grass on your side.” “That’s funny, I was just on my way to try the grass on your side.” The grass over here is artificial. It looks real pretty until you take a bite.

Folks, there are a lot of artificial substitutes available on the market today. Don’t settle for anything less than the best, the Word of God.

We live in perilous times, days of gross immorality, lawlessness, and violence. Yet, God has placed each believer in a strategic place, a place where the glorious power of the Gospel must be proclaimed.

God’s solution for the havoc produced by the false teachers of the world is to raise up true believers who are faithful to the Gospel. Instead of responding to the tug of the false teacher’s lies, the true believer is pulled by the irresistible draw of the Word of God— a pull that keeps him walking in the truth.

It was Edward Burke who commented, “The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing.”

Be determined to stand up for the truth. Tell of the marvelous truth of God’s Word, whenever, wherever, and whomever He gives you the opportunity.

I Command You to Love One Another John 15:12-17

“This is my commandment, that ye love one another, as I have loved you.”

Do I have a choice to love you or not love you? The answer is NO.

Verse 12 is not a suggestion. Verse 12 is a command.

We are to love one another— just as Jesus loved us. He loved you and I to the point that he paid the ultimate price. He died and sacrificed His life for man.

Read John 13:34-35 and 1 John 3:23

I. How am I to love my brother or sister in Christ?

Read 1 John 3:11-24. In these verses is the answer to the question.

II. What is the message of John 15:12?

A) We are to love and He loved.

B) We are to love one another and we know we are believers because we love one another.

C) If we have this world’s goods and our fellow believer is in need, and we refuse to help him— how dare we say the love of God dwells in us.

D) We are to love unbelievers, witness to them, and do all in our power to win them to Jesus.

Thought: A lot of church people preach great sermons and teach great lessons— but in their private lives— do not demonstrate the love of God.

Where do you measure up in the message of Verse 12?

Read John 15:13-16.

III. What is the message of love?

What is the message of love that you and I should have for each other?

A) Our love for each other should be self-sacrificing even to death if need be.

B) We should remember that, “God commended His love toward us, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.”

Read Romans 5:6-8.

Read 1 John 4:7-21.

C) The Christian is a friend of Christ as well as a child of God.

Do you ever experience those times when you feel like that you do not have a friend? But, you do. You and I have a friend whose name is Jesus. Jesus never changes. He’s a friend who sticketh closer than a brother.

Read John 15:16.

Jesus reminds the disciples, “Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you. Why? He did so that we may bring forth good fruit.

Are we told to do that— to bring forth fruit? Read Matthew 28:19-20.

• Are you a friend of Jesus?
• Does He know you in a spiritual sense?
• Are you leading others to Him?
• Are you His friend?
• Thought: There is no way to be his friend apart from knowing what He says. It is in His Word that you find what He says. Are you in His Word? Are you His friend?

I. How am I to love my brother or sister in Christ?

II. What is the message of John 15:12?

III. What is the measure of love?

IV. What is the command of John 15:17?

Thought: Picture Jesus on the way to the cross. Why does He command the disciples to love one another?

A) In the verses that follow, the fact that the world will hate believers is mentioned seven times.

B) Why did Jesus give this command to love one another?

Christians need to love one another, live in harmony, unity, and brotherly love— because our enemy, the devil, hates a true believer. Read 1 John 3:13. Do you want to be victorious as a believer? Love one another. Paul said it best in Romans 12:8-10.

Conclusion: How can I love my brother? Love as Jesus loved!

Is yours a life of gratefulness? There is so much for which we should be thankful to Him. I encourage you to not lose sight of that in the midst of the troubled world in which we live.

The Easter Brothers, a widely know bluegrass gospel group wrote a song in 1975, with the following title, “Thank You Lord, For Your Blessings on Me.” I encourage you to read and reflect on the following lyrics:

“As the world looks upon me as I struggle along, and they say I have nothing, but they are so wrong; In my heart I’m rejoicing and how I wish they could see, Thank you Lord for your blessings on me.

I know I’m not wealthy, and these clothes are not new, and I don’t have much money, but Lord I have you; and to me that’s all that matters, though the world may not see, Thank you Lord, for your blessings on me.”

The chorus of the song was this:

“There’s a roof above me, I’ve a good place to sleep, there’s food on my table, and shoes on my feet; you gave me your love, Lord, and a fine family, Thank you Lord for your blessings on me.”

I encourage you to read and meditate on the following verses:

1 Thessalonians 5:18

Psalm 103:1-5

Is yours a life of gratefulness?

Memorial Day- Just How Special is Memorial Day to You?

For many Americans, Memorial Day is a set aside time to be with family and friends at the park, or lake, or in the backyard grilling those favorite foods. For others in America, Memorial Day is a stark reminder that a loved one or friend gave their life to preserve the freedom of speech and religion that we have long taken for granted in America.

In the past few months, those of us who are church-going people have been reminded of just how quick our church doors can close. It is my personal belief that God is aware of where we are in America and He is simply saying to us, “If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from Heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.” 2 Chronicles 7:14 The setting is at the dedication of David’s temple which Solomon had built. It is God’s Word to Solomon concerning that land in that day.

At the dedication, Solomon prayed this great prayer. Now He remembers the prayers of His people, and He says to Solomon, “If my people, which are called by my Name.” To whom is he speaking? Israel. God is talking to Solomon about Israel. Now if they will humble themselves, if they will pray, if they will seek my face, if they will turn from their wicked ways, then God promises three things to Israel: He will hear their prayer, He will forgive them, and He will heal their land.

Now there is an application in this verse that we cannot toss aside. This verse contains a formula for this hour concerning, “My people.” God has a people which we call the church or the body of Christ. “If my people shall humble themselves.”— oh, the flesh is proud. We are admonished to be humble and pray. Jesus told His disciples to watch and pray and seek His face. We are told in Colossians 3:1-2, “If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. Set your affection on the things above, not on things on the earth.” “Turn from their wicked ways.”— in other words, repent. Repentance is for the child of God.

Now how about God’s part? God has promised that He would hear, “and whatsoever we ask, we receive of Him, because we keep His commandments and do those things that are pleasing in His sight. He promises to forgive, and He will heal their land. Oh— if we follow the formula— we will be blessed with spiritual blessings in Christ.

On this Memorial Day— I encourage you to make time to pray. It is of utmost necessity that we seek God, humbling ourselves and praying.