New Series Begins May 26, 2024

 Week 1 - James 1:1-11

The Point: Trials in our life reveal God’s kindness to us.

 

James 1:1-11

James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ,

To the twelve tribes in the Dispersion:

Greetings.

2 Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, 3 for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. 4 And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.

5 If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him. 6 But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind. 7 For that person must not suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord; 8 he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways.

9 Let the lowly brother boast in his exaltation, 10 and the rich in his humiliation, because like a flower of the grass he will pass away. 11 For the sun rises with its scorching heat and withers the grass; its flower falls, and its beauty perishes. So also will the rich man fade away in the midst of his pursuits.

The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles, 2016), James 1:1–11.

 

 

Study Notes

This week we begin our study in the book of James. The book of James is a practical and concise letter written by James, the half-brother of Jesus. Once a skeptic, James was transformed when he encountered the risen Savior.

As the leader of the first-century church found in Jerusalem, he writes to the dispersed Jewish believers, offering them heartfelt greetings and encouragement. You can almost feel the emotion of a pastor writing to those who were at one time members of his local church. They were dispersed, or “scattered among the nations,” because of the persecution of the Christians in Jerusalem.

James immediately sets the tone for his readers in their walk of faith, urging them to view trials as opportunities for growth. Our journey in this life isn’t promised to be smooth but paved with potholes and detours that test our faith. James reminds us that the trials we encounter can develop perseverance, character, and spiritual maturity if we approach them with the right attitude.

Trials Grow Our Faith

Trials are like the crucible in which our faith is tested and refined. They challenge the core of our beliefs, pushing us to confront our doubts and fears. Yet, it’s within the depths of these trials that our faith finds fertile ground to grow. As we navigate hard seasons, difficult circumstances, and maybe even question what God is doing, we come to a place where our faith can grow. Each trial we face becomes another opportunity to deepen our dependence on God. Through trials, our faith transcends from mere belief to a living, breathing relationship with the Divine. We find ourselves grounded in trust and anchored in the assurance that, no matter the circumstances, God is with us, leading us ever closer to His heart.

 

Trials Show Us Who God is.

Trials serve as a lens through which we witness the goodness of God amidst adversity. In the middle of life’s storms, God’s goodness shines brightest as He provides comfort, strength, and guidance. Even when circumstances seem bleak, His presence remains constant, offering hope and assurance. Through trials, we come to understand that His goodness isn’t contingent on our circumstances, but rather it’s an intrinsic part of His character, manifested in His unwavering love and faithfulness towards us. Even when we go through seasons brought on by our own sin and disobedience, God is there with us and for us. As we walk through trials, we discover God works all things together for our ultimate good, demonstrating His goodness in every season of life.

 

Trials Remind Us Who We Are

As we go through the difficulties of life, our limitations and desperate need for God’s presence and guidance in our lives become evident. In the face of adversity, we often come face to face with our own inadequacies and weaknesses. Yet, it’s in these moments of trials we are reminded that we do not have the strength or wisdom to get through the circumstance on our own. Trials strip away the illusions of self-sufficiency and reveal the truth of our reliance on Him. These inadequacies should compel us to turn to God and acknowledge our need for His comfort, provision, and direction. Trials serve as humbling reminders of who we are in relation to God and how deeply we need Him in every aspect of our lives.

Questions for Discussion

Although it may sound overly simple to state God is good, why is this specific quality a necessary truth to embrace when going through a difficult circumstance?

 

What does this passage reveal about God’s goodness? How do trials show us who God is?

 

How would you describe the difference between trials and temptations? What is the result of each of these?

 

In verse 4 James says, “And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.” Unpack what this means. What does it mean for steadfastness to have its full effect? What does it mean to make us perfect and complete, lacking in nothing?

 

What promises or benefits did James say result from trials? How do trials provide a pathway to Christian maturity? How do trials make you aware of your need for God?

 

Two major struggles in relation to trials are doubt and comparison. How would you describe the struggle of doubt? The struggle of comparison? How can each of these struggles rob us of the joy we’re supposed to have?

 

What trial or temptation are you currently facing that you need God’s wisdom for? How will you seek Him in this?

 

END

Teacher Notes:

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The song Jesus Take the Wheel resonates with people who have tried to live their life on their own terms, often with devastating results.

 

If we travel through life on our own terms, we will crash either emotionally, physically, or mentally, but always spiritually.

 

The Christian life is one of constant submission of our way to God’s way. It’s a tug-of-war between letting Jesus take the wheel in our life and wrestling it away from Him thinking we know better. There can only be one person in the driver’s seat, and we’re not willing to let that person be Jesus – many times. We are often backseat drivers trying to argue with Jesus about how we should live, or we push Him completely out of our life and just take over the wheel ourselves.

 

This is James’ opening message to us today!

James 1:1-4

James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ,

To the twelve tribes in the Dispersion:

Greetings.

Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.

Steadfastness

·      the quality of being resolute or firm and unwavering.

·  the quality of staying the same for a long time and not changing quickly or unexpectedly.

·      firmness in purpose, resolution, and faith.

 

James 1:5-8

If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him.  But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, (steadfast) for the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind.  For that person must not suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord; he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways.

 

Remember the 6 Steps of the Journey of Faith?

James opens his letter with an interesting reference to the wall.

 

"Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing."

The Wall represents the trials, struggles, losses, battles, suffering, and disappointments we will face on our life’s faith journey. 

 

Welcome to the journey of faith as described by James.

 

What are the lessons we learn at the wall?

 

1.   The Wall Reminds Us Who We Are. What do we learn about ourselves?

·      We begin to see our own inadequacies and weaknesses.

·      We begin to see our desperate need for God’s presence and guidance in our lives.

·    We realize that we don’t have the strength or wisdom to get through the circumstance on our own.

Trials strip away the illusions of self-sufficiency and reveal the truth of our reliance on God. These can be and should be humbling reminders of who we are in relation to God and how deeply we need Him in every aspect of our lives.

 

 

2.   The Wall Shows Us Who God is. What do we learn about God?

The wall challenges the core of our beliefs, pushing us to confront our doubts and fears. Yet, it’s within the depths of these trials that our faith finds fertile ground to grow.

We rediscover who God really is in our lives. This is where we surrender our ideas, control, and ego.

If we can commit to this process, no matter what, we will not recognize ourselves on the other side of the Wall.

2 Corinthians 5:17 says, Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!

We learn to accept that deep change is necessary, and God works with us to expose idols and egos and His Heart in pursuit of our own. We begin to reconstruct our relationship with God based on intimacy, and a new sense of self-realization leads to more profound God-realization.

 

3.   The Wall Will Grow Our Faith

How does the wall grow our faith?

If you choose to submit to the work of the wall. God will build you up, so let Him work. The goal of spiritual endurance is spiritual maturity. 

One way is life’s experience: When a person says, ‘I wish I knew then what I know now’, they mean they have learned during their lifetime, learned from their mistakes, become wiser and, if in the past, they had had the wisdom and knowledge they have now, they would have lived their life differently and made better decisions. They mature in their faith from the trials they experience.

 

Another way is God’s experience: Each trial we face becomes another opportunity to deepen our dependence on God. And our faith transcends from mere belief to a living, breathing relationship with the Divine.

We find ourselves grounded in trust and anchored in the assurance that, no matter the circumstances, God is with us, leading us ever closer to His heart. Things begin to happen that we cannot explain, and we know that this is God.

In the middle of life’s storms, God’s goodness shines brightest as He provides comfort, strength, and guidance. Even when circumstances seem bleak, His presence remains constant, offering hope and assurance.

Even when we go through seasons brought on by our own sin and disobedience, God is there with us and for us. As we walk through trials, we discover God works all things together for our ultimate good, demonstrating His goodness in every season of life.

 

James says to count it all joy when we come to the wall.

Why would he say that?

 

Our Lesson Says

The Wall in our life reveals God’s kindness to us.

 

How do you see this as true?

 

Answer this question.

What’s more important: The wedding or the marriage that follows?

To have a lasting marriage the couple will need to do more than celebrate their love, they will have to live out their love.

Let’s switch the picture to our faith. A lot of people celebrate they believe in Jesus and follow that with baptism. But we must do more than express our faith; we must live our faith.

 

Knowing what you believe is one thing.

Living it is greater.

 

This will be James’ message throughout his letter.

Did you know that the book of James almost didn’t make it into the Bible. Why?

Some think that James was written in response to an overzealous interpretation of Paul’s teaching regarding faith. This extreme view, called antinomianism, held that through faith in Christ one is completely free from all Old Testament law, all legalism, all secular law, and all the morality of a society.

Martin Luther detested this letter and called it “the epistle of straw.” He failed to recognize that James’s teaching on works complemented — not contradicted — Paul’s teaching on faith. Paul’s teachings concentrated on our justification with God, James’ teachings concentrate on the works that exemplify that justification. James was writing to Jews to encourage them to continue growing in this new Christian faith. James emphasizes that good actions will naturally flow from those who are filled with the Spirit and questions whether someone may or may not have a saving faith if the fruit of the Spirit cannot be seen, much as Paul describes in Galatians 5:22-23. So James writes his letter to expose hypocritical practices and to teach right Christian behavior on our journey of faith.

Conclusion

What happens in us is more important than what happens to us.

When you experience a wall, a hard time, a trial, a struggle in life’s journey – let it go, give it to God, seek His wisdom, and let Jesus Take the Wheel.

Like the song, James’ message is one of faith and surrender.

 

END

 

Trials are a natural part of life. We all have difficulty. Count it all joy when … If you follow Jesus, you will have trouble…God often uses the bad in our life to make us stronger – God is always working the bad stuff for our good. We are all a work in process – no one has arrived yet. Trials can also be a means of healing – chemo (a poison) is the worst thing for your body if you didn’t have cancer, but it attacks the cancer and provides healing. Recognize that God is working in your life through struggles.

 

What’s the difference between godly wisdom and worldly wisdom?

The Bible urges us often to seek wisdom above all things (e.g., Proverbs 4:7). But there are different kinds of wisdom. First Corinthians 3:19 says, “For the wisdom of this world is foolishness in God’s sight.” And verse 20 says, “The Lord knows that the thoughts of the wise are futile.” There is obviously a difference between godly wisdom and worldly wisdom (see James 3:13–17).

 

Godly wisdom is, of course, from God and honors God. Godly wisdom starts with the fear of God and results in a holy life. Godly wisdom enables us to prepare ourselves for eternity. With godly wisdom, we trade earthly values for biblical values (1 John 2:15–16). We recognize we are citizens of another kingdom, and we make choices that reflect that allegiance (Philippians 1:27; 3:20). Having godly wisdom means we strive to see life from God’s perspective and act accordingly.

Worldly wisdom, on the other hand, is not concerned with honoring God but with pleasing oneself. With worldly wisdom, we may become educated, street-smart, and have “common sense” that enables us to play the world’s game successfully.

 

The book of Proverbs is part of the Bible known as wisdom literature. Proverbs is full of practical instructions for life. Many proverbs contrast the wise with the foolish and warn against repeating foolish actions (e.g., Proverbs 3:35; 14:24; 15:7; 26:11). Everyone makes mistakes, but the wise learn from their mistakes and take steps to avoid repeating them. The foolish may make the same mistake repeatedly and never learn their lesson.

 

Godly wisdom may look very different from worldly wisdom. Jesus highlighted these differences in His Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5—7). For example, He said, “You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be children of your Father in heaven.” Godly wisdom often requires us to do that which is opposite our natural inclinations. Godly wisdom goes against the “conventional wisdom” of the day; it is not focused on self-preservation but on furthering the kingdom of God. We can only live in godly wisdom when we are committed to crucifying our flesh and living in the Spirit (see Galatians 2:20; Ephesians 5:16, 25).

The primary way we gain godly wisdom is by learning God’s Word (Psalm 119:169). “The unfolding of your words gives light; it gives understanding to the simple” (Psalm 119:130). No one is born wise; we must acquire wisdom from God if we are to be truly wise: “Your commands are always with me and make me wiser than my enemies. I have more insight than all my teachers, for I meditate on your statutes. I have more understanding than the elders, for I obey your precepts” (Psalm 119:98–100).

Colossians 3:16 says, “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God.” Immersion in God’s Word produces a heart of worship and thanksgiving. That heart of worship becomes fertile soil for seeds of wisdom to grow. Jesus prayed to the Father: “Sanctify them by your truth; your word is truth” (John 17:17). He wants His followers to be set apart from the world, making godly choices and living godly lives (1 Peter 1:15). We can only do that when His Word lives in us.

We can also develop godly wisdom by carefully selecting those who journey through life with us: “Whoever walks with the wise becomes wise, but the companion of fools will suffer harm” (Proverbs 13:20). Paul instructed the Corinthians to “imitate me as I imitate Christ” (1 Corinthians 4:16; 11:1). Those who want godly wisdom will choose for their heroes those who exhibit wisdom in their personal lives.

 

Scripture tells us to ask for godly wisdom. God wants us to have His wisdom. He is delighted to give it to us when our hearts are set to receive it. James goes on to say, “But he must ask in faith without any doubting, for the one who doubts is like the surf of the sea, driven and tossed by the wind. For that man ought not to expect that he will receive anything from the Lord, being a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways” (verses 6–8). God knows the position of our hearts. When we are committed to trusting Him and obeying His Word, He pours out His wisdom on us. But if we want to retain the right to disobey, we are double-minded and may not receive the wisdom we ask for.

Solomon received godly wisdom when he asked the Lord for it (2 Chronicles 1:10–11). He became known for his great wisdom, yet, in his later years, he turned away from following the wisdom he’d been given. He disobeyed the Lord and even began to worship idols (1 Kings 11:1–11). Receiving wisdom did not ensure that Solomon would follow the path of wisdom. Sadly, he exchanged his godly wisdom for worldly wisdom, and he suffered for it. The rest of 1 Kings 11 details Solomon’s downfall as the Lord removed His hand of blessing from a man who was once great.

 

 

The Song

As one of the most popular country gospel songs, “Jesus, Take the Wheel” by Carrie Underwood, has touched the hearts of millions of people around the world. The song was first released in 2005 and became an instant hit. Its inspiring lyrics and heart-wrenching melody have struck a chord with people of all ages and backgrounds.

The Lyrics: The song chronicles the journey of a young woman driving alone late at night, who suddenly loses control of her vehicle. With no one else around to help her, she cries out to God for guidance. The chorus of the song goes like this:

“Jesus, take the wheel

Take it from my hands

Cause I can’t do this on my own

I’m letting go

So give me one more chance

And save me from this road I’m on

Jesus, take the wheel”

 

The Meaning Behind the Song

The song’s meaning is clear, and it has its roots in Christianity. It’s all about letting go and trusting God to guide you through life’s difficult moments. The message is that when things get tough, we need to look to God for strength and guidance. He will help us through whatever challenges we face, and we need to let go of our desire to control everything around us.

The song’s message of surrendering control is powerful because so many people struggle to let go of their fears and anxieties. Often, when people face challenges in their personal or professional lives, they want to seize control of the situation, and it’s not always possible. “Jesus, Take the Wheel” is a reminder that we need to have faith in God and trust that He has a better plan for us.

“Jesus, Take the Wheel” is an enduring classic that continues to inspire people today. Its message of faith and surrender is timeless, and it remains a beacon of hope for those who are struggling. The song is a reminder that we can all call out to God when we need help, and that He will be there to guide us.