“Times of Testing: Joy or Jeopardy?”

James 1:2-15 Sept.27, 2009   Play AUDIO (mp3)  Play VIDEO (wmv)

●    CHAMPING AT THE BIT FOR A CHALLENGE

    ○    testing of tractor-pull, Baker fan a positive challenge
    ○    those with strength anticipate opportunity to prove it (2)

●    JOY IN TESTING: FAITH’S DOCUMENTATION

    ○    perseverance and maturity the joyful ‘proof’ of true faith (3f; Rom 5:3f)
    ○    perseverance rewarded by God’s ‘crown of life’ / glory / righteousness (12; 1Pet 5:4; 2Tim 4:8; 1Cor 9:25)
    ○    if poor, boast in high position - who we are in Christ (9; Acts 8:1ff; Eph 1:3)
    ○    if wealthy, boast in low position - have most to lose / extra temptations (10; 1Tim 6:10)

●    JEOPARDY OF TEMPTATION: SIN’S SABOTAGE

    ○    tendency to blame God when temptations come - shift responsibility (13)
    ○    process of temptation internal: hankering - hook - hatching - harm (14f; Gen 2:19, 4:5ff; 2Sam 11; Ps 7:14; Rom 6:23)
    ○    Christian broadcasters victims of Ponzi scheme - cleared, but consequences
    ○    flee sin by pursuing godly virtues, recalling God’s presence (2Cor 10:13; 2Tim 2:22)

●    HANGING ON BY A THREAD

    ○    Scottish leader encouraged by spider’s perseverance despite repeated setbacks