Lesson 14 January 29 2003

JAMES 1:12 Blessing linked to patient endurance

Summary leading to verse 12 -> Review of the Commands given.

1. vs:2 - Add up the facts, evaluate your situation by the known truth, DVPT

2. vs:3-4 - Must have patience, patient endurance as we face the tests, the CHP's, the suffering that will come.

3. vs:5 If we discover that we're deficient in the resources to handle the situation we are to ask God for the spiritual wisdom to do so.

4. vs:6 We are to ask in faith, believing - trusting

5. vs:7-8 The one who asks in doubt, double-souled unstable one, can expect nothing from God. Zip!! 5. vs:7-8 The one who asks in doubt, double-souled unstable one, can expect nothing from God. Zip!!

6. vs:9-11 Must adjust to our niche whether poor or rich and to the transitory nature of life.

 

1:12 Presents what can be expected by the believer who takes the message of the Word and believes it and applies it in their life.

"Blessed is a man who perseveres under trial"

 

REM: This state of being blessed is not one in which the Believerr is free from trials - tests in life, but rather blessed in the midst of, in the endurance, the bearing up under the load.

 

 

** Believe that this is one of the most valued, that is from God's vpt, characteristics of a believer!

This describes a believer armed with the word of God, who is under pressure, testing, and chooses to believe it and therefore is able to bear a load.

 

 

 

"For once he has been approved he will receive the crown of life."

 

-> in being approved we demonstrate the characteristic of being firm; on course, never wavering - and being reliable; that we can be counted on because we know what is right and will do it.

 

 

The Promised Reward!

"he will receive the crown of life"

 

 

Qualification: how do we get from here to there?

"which [the Lord] has promised to those who love Him."

 

How do you love Christ? What is involved?

Mech: Jn 14:15, 21, 23; Rom 8:28

 

 

Observations:

1. Being blessed, having inner happiness, contentment does not mean being free from trials, tests and pressures in life.

2. We are not to hope that with spir. growth that tests will become non-existent.

3. The promise here of blessing in eternity should provide motivation, stimulation in time, for living life now.

4. This reward is only for those who stand approved.

5. SINCE GOD IS FAIR the tests that you will have are exactly what you need. 1 Cor 10:13