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Biblical
references in Gahanna-Jefferson Church of Christ's nondenominational sermon
outlines are linked directly to text of the King James version of the Bible.
Bible quotes you hear in the streaming audio may be from the New King James
version of the Bible.
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Introduction.
1. Perhaps you have seen the bumper sticker: When life hands you a lemon, make
lemonade!
2. It is easier to smile at that statement than to practice it, but the basic
philosophy is sound.
a. In fact, it is Biblical.
b. Throughout the Bible are people who turned defeat into victory and trials
into triumph.
c. Instead of being victims, they became victors.
3. The Epistle of James tells us that we can have this same experience today!
a. Whether we are dealing with trials on the outside.
b. Or temptations on the inside.
c. Through faith in God and Jesus Christ we can experience victory!
4. The key to turning trials into triumph is to obey four imperatives:
Body.
I. COUNT IT ALL JOY WHEN YOU FALL INTO VARIOUS TRIALS (James 1:2)
A. Notice that James assumes that we will experience trials.
1. He doesn’t say if but when!
2. This is because Christians must expect trials.
3. The nature of these trials are various.
a. Some trials come simply because we are human.
1) Sickness, accidents.
2) Disappointments, death.
4. But because Satan fights us, and the world opposes us, we can expect trials!
B. What is to be the Christian’s response? - count it all joy!
1. This was the attitude of:
2. So the first step to turning trials into triumph is to: Immediately thank God
and adopt a joyful attitude!
II. KNOWING THAT THE TESTING OF YOUR FAITH PRODUCES PATIENCE (James 1:3)
A. The right knowledge concerning the value of trials makes it possible to have
a joyful attitude.
1. We are to understand that:
a. Trials test our faith.
b. Faith tested can bring out the best in us!
1) Just as fire purifies gold -
1 Peter 1:7
2) Just as training makes the athlete stronger.
2. With this understanding, we can have joy in trials because we know that:
a. Testing works for us, not against us -
2 Corinthians 4:17
b. Trials rightly used help us to mature.
B. Specifically, faith tested produces patience.
2. In the Bible...
a. Patience is not a passive acceptance of circumstances.
b. The Greek word is hupomone.
1) From the preposition hupo (under), and meno (to remain, to abide).
2) It denotes the ability to exhibit steadfastness and constancy in the face of
the most formidable difficulty!
c. It is a courageous perseverance in the face of suffering!
d. It is the continuing on even when it is rough, despite the circumstances.
3. Such a quality of steadfastness can come only through experiencing trials.
4. The value of developing patience will be seen shortly.
III. LET PATIENCE HAVE ITS PERFECT WORK (James 1:4)
A. To truly turn trials into triumph, we must let patience do its work.
1. Too often, we want to get our trials or difficulties over with quickly.
2. But there are times when the best course is to bear up under the trial
patiently.
a. Instead of grumbling and complaining.
b. Patiently endure the trial, doing good despite the trial.
B. For when patience has had an opportunity to work, it produces maturity!
1. The word perfect does not mean sinlessness, but completeness, wholeness,
maturity.
2. In the New Testament, it is used of those who:
a. Have attained to spiritual manhood in Christ.
b. Have reached full maturity and understanding in spiritual matters.
c. Are no longer babes and immature persons in Christ.
3. Such maturity comes only when patience has had time to work!
a. Consider, for example, an endurance runner in his training.
1) To be a mature runner requires letting patience do its work.
2) That is, patiently running mile after mile in training.
b. If we wish to run the race well spiritually speaking, we need to develop
patience.
1) Which comes only through a form of spiritual resistance training.
2) That is, trials in which our faith is put to the test!
IV. LET HIM ASK OF GOD (James 1:5-8)
A. If we lack wisdom, ask for it from God!
1. He has promised to give it liberally.
2. And He will not reproach us for making such a request.
3. Even as Solomon’s request for wisdom was well-pleasing to God -
1 Kings
3:7-12
B. What exactly is this wisdom?
1. We should be careful to distinguish wisdom from knowledge.
a. Knowledge involves information, facts, etc.
b. Wisdom is the ability or insight to properly use those facts in the best way.
2. Failure to understand this distinction has led many into error!
a. Many believe that this passage (James 1:5-8) teaches that God will give
knowledge concerning His Will in answer to prayer.
b. But knowledge comes only through His Word; we must carefully study it if we
would know the Will of God!
c. However, the wisdom to properly use His Word can be received through prayer.
C. The wisdom to properly use trials and turn them into triumph can likewise
come through proper prayer.
1. Proper prayer is that asked in faith and with no doubt.
2. Otherwise, the prayer will not be answered by God.
Conclusion.
1. So here is the key to turning trials into triumph:
a. Having the knowledge and perspective that adversity can accomplish much good.
b. Letting the patient enduring of adversity accomplish its work.
c. All the while using the wisdom God gives in answer to prayer to help put it
all together.
2. When this is done, even trials can be a source of joy for the Christian!
3. Have we learned to make lemonade out of our lemons in life?
Don Treadway,
02/29/2004 |
