Living Out Faith: Wisdom and Maturity in Trials
Summary
### Summary
Welcome, everyone! As we kick off this summer, I hope you all get to enjoy some relaxation and fun activities. But while we’re soaking up the sun, let's also take this time to deepen our faith. Today, we begin a new series focusing on the book of James, a short but wisdom-packed book in the New Testament. This series will help us not only understand the Bible better but also apply its teachings to our daily lives.
James, the half-brother of Jesus, wrote this book. Initially, James was a skeptic, but his encounter with the risen Christ transformed him into a devoted follower and a leader in the early church. His letter is filled with practical advice for living a life of faith and wisdom.
One of the central themes in James is the importance of not just hearing the Word but doing what it says. James compares this to looking in a mirror and then forgetting what you look like. The Bible serves as a mirror, exposing areas in our lives that need change. It's not enough to feel convicted; we must act on that conviction. This is why we’ve provided message notes and other resources to help you engage with the Word beyond Sunday services.
James also emphasizes the value of wisdom. He encourages us to ask God for wisdom, who gives generously without finding fault. But when we ask, we must believe and not doubt, as doubt makes us unstable. Wisdom is not just about knowledge; it's about applying that knowledge to make good decisions. This is crucial for developing a mature faith.
Life is full of trials and tribulations, and James advises us to consider it pure joy when we face these challenges. Why? Because these trials test our faith and produce perseverance, leading to maturity. The goal of life is not to live problem-free but to develop maturity. This perspective helps us navigate life's ups and downs with resilience and strength.
To grow in wisdom, James offers three practical steps: ask God for wisdom, seek advice from others, and read and apply Scripture. Asking God for wisdom should be a regular practice, especially when facing significant decisions. Seeking advice from others, particularly those who have more life experience, can provide valuable insights. Lastly, reading and applying Scripture is essential. The Bible is a treasure trove of wisdom, and its teachings can guide us in making wise decisions.
As we embark on this journey through the book of James, I encourage you to engage deeply with the resources we’ve provided. Download the X Church app, follow along with the digital study guide, and listen to the companion podcast episodes. Let’s commit to growing in wisdom and maturity together this summer.
Let’s pray. Father God, we come before you, acknowledging that we need your wisdom and guidance. Help us to not just hear your Word but to do what it says. Give us the strength to face our trials with joy, knowing that you are using them to develop maturity in us. We trust that you are with us in every situation and that you will use our experiences for our good and your glory. Amen.
### Key Takeaways
1. The Importance of Doing the Word: It's not enough to merely listen to the Word; we must also do what it says. The Bible acts as a mirror, revealing areas in our lives that need change. When we feel convicted by the Word, we should act on it immediately, whether it's sending an apology text or making a significant life change. This practice helps us grow in wisdom and maturity. [01:17:56]
2. The Value of Wisdom: Wisdom is more than just knowledge; it's the ability to apply that knowledge to make good decisions. James encourages us to ask God for wisdom, who gives generously. However, we must ask with faith, not doubting, as doubt makes us unstable. Seeking wisdom should be a regular practice, especially in significant decisions. [01:03:28]
3. Trials as Opportunities for Growth: James advises us to consider it pure joy when we face trials because they test our faith and produce perseverance. This perspective helps us understand that the goal of life is not to live problem-free but to develop maturity. Trials are not pointless; God uses them to create something better in us. [48:24]
4. Seeking Counsel from Others: Wisdom can also be gained by seeking advice from others, especially those who have more life experience. It's essential to listen to their counsel and be willing to pay for valuable advice. This practice helps us make wiser decisions and avoid pitfalls. [01:11:15]
5. Engaging with Scripture: Reading and applying Scripture is crucial for gaining wisdom. The Bible is filled with stories of people's experiences, both successes and failures, providing valuable lessons for life. It's not enough to read the Word; we must also apply it to our lives. This practice helps us grow in wisdom and develop a mature faith. [01:15:01]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[34:19] - Summer Kickoff and Introduction
[36:39] - Overview of the Book of James
[40:02] - James: The Half-Brother of Jesus
[42:32] - James' Transformation
[43:36] - Consider It Pure Joy
[45:22] - The Reality of Life's Trials
[48:24] - Trials Produce Perseverance
[51:08] - Only What is Tested Can Be Trusted
[55:22] - Developing a Maturing Faith
[57:45] - The Vulnerability of Spiritual Infants
[01:03:28] - Asking God for Wisdom
[01:08:40] - The Challenge of Following God's Direction
[01:11:15] - Seeking Counsel from Others
[01:15:01] - Reading and Applying Scripture
[01:17:56] - The Importance of Doing the Word
[01:20:45] - Closing Prayer
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. James 1:2-4 (NIV) - "Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything."
2. James 1:5-8 (NIV) - "If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you. But when you ask, you must believe and not doubt, because the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. That person should not expect to receive anything from the Lord. Such a person is double-minded and unstable in all they do."
3. James 1:22-24 (NIV) - "Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like someone who looks at his face in a mirror and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like."
#### Observation Questions
1. What does James say is produced by the testing of our faith? ([43:36])
2. According to James, what should we do if we lack wisdom? ([01:03:28])
3. How does James describe a person who hears the word but does not do what it says? ([01:16:37])
4. What analogy does James use to describe someone who doubts when asking God for wisdom? ([01:03:28])
#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why does James encourage believers to consider trials as pure joy? How does this perspective help in facing life's challenges? ([48:24])
2. What does it mean to be "double-minded" and how does this affect our relationship with God? ([01:03:28])
3. How can the Bible act as a mirror in our lives, and what are the consequences of not acting on what we see? ([01:16:37])
4. Why is it important to seek wisdom from others, and how can this practice impact our decision-making process? ([01:11:15])
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a recent trial you faced. How did you respond to it, and how might considering it "pure joy" have changed your perspective? ([48:24])
2. Think about a significant decision you need to make soon. Have you asked God for wisdom regarding this decision? If not, how can you incorporate this practice into your decision-making process? ([01:04:53])
3. Identify an area in your life where you have felt convicted by the Word but have not yet acted on it. What steps can you take this week to apply what you have learned? ([01:17:56])
4. Who in your life can you seek out for godly wisdom and advice? Plan a time this week to reach out to them and discuss a specific area where you need guidance. ([01:11:15])
5. Do you have a regular rhythm of reading and applying Scripture? If not, what changes can you make to establish this habit? Consider starting with the book of James or Proverbs as suggested in the sermon. ([01:18:26])
6. How can you ensure that you are not just a hearer of the Word but also a doer? What practical steps can you take to implement this in your daily life? ([01:16:37])
7. Reflect on a time when you doubted God's direction. How did this affect your decision-making and stability? What can you do differently in the future to trust God's guidance more fully? ([01:09:11])
Devotional
### Day 1: The Mirror of the Word
Description: The Bible serves as a mirror, revealing areas in our lives that need change. It's not enough to merely listen to the Word; we must also do what it says. When we feel convicted by the Word, we should act on it immediately, whether it's sending an apology text or making a significant life change. This practice helps us grow in wisdom and maturity. James compares this to looking in a mirror and then forgetting what you look like. The Bible exposes areas in our lives that need change, and it's crucial to act on that conviction. This is why engaging with the Word beyond Sunday services is essential. [01:17:56]
Bible Passage: "But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man who looks intently at his natural face in a mirror. For he looks at himself and goes away and at once forgets what he was like." (James 1:22-24, ESV)
Reflection: Think of a recent moment when you felt convicted by something you read in the Bible. What immediate action can you take today to respond to that conviction?
### Day 2: Asking for Wisdom
Description: Wisdom is more than just knowledge; it's the ability to apply that knowledge to make good decisions. James encourages us to ask God for wisdom, who gives generously. However, we must ask with faith, not doubting, as doubt makes us unstable. Seeking wisdom should be a regular practice, especially in significant decisions. Wisdom is crucial for developing a mature faith, and it involves applying knowledge to make good decisions. When we ask God for wisdom, we must believe and not doubt, as doubt makes us unstable. [01:03:28]
Bible Passage: "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, for the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind." (James 1:5-6, ESV)
Reflection: What is one significant decision you are facing right now? Take a moment to ask God for wisdom and commit to trusting His guidance without doubting.
### Day 3: Joy in Trials
Description: James advises us to consider it pure joy when we face trials because they test our faith and produce perseverance. This perspective helps us understand that the goal of life is not to live problem-free but to develop maturity. Trials are not pointless; God uses them to create something better in us. Life is full of trials and tribulations, and James advises us to consider it pure joy when we face these challenges. These trials test our faith and produce perseverance, leading to maturity. [48:24]
Bible Passage: "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." (James 1:2-4, ESV)
Reflection: Reflect on a recent trial you have faced. How can you shift your perspective to see it as an opportunity for growth and maturity?
### Day 4: Seeking Counsel
Description: Wisdom can also be gained by seeking advice from others, especially those who have more life experience. It's essential to listen to their counsel and be willing to pay for valuable advice. This practice helps us make wiser decisions and avoid pitfalls. Seeking advice from others, particularly those who have more life experience, can provide valuable insights. Listening to their counsel and being willing to pay for valuable advice can help us make wiser decisions. [01:11:15]
Bible Passage: "Where there is no guidance, a people falls, but in an abundance of counselors there is safety." (Proverbs 11:14, ESV)
Reflection: Identify someone in your life who has more experience in an area you are struggling with. Can you reach out to them today for advice and guidance?
### Day 5: Engaging with Scripture
Description: Reading and applying Scripture is crucial for gaining wisdom. The Bible is filled with stories of people's experiences, both successes and failures, providing valuable lessons for life. It's not enough to read the Word; we must also apply it to our lives. This practice helps us grow in wisdom and develop a mature faith. The Bible is a treasure trove of wisdom, and its teachings can guide us in making wise decisions. [01:15:01]
Bible Passage: "All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work." (2 Timothy 3:16-17, ESV)
Reflection: What is one specific teaching from the Bible that you can apply to your life today? How will you put it into practice?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1.
"Hey, all of you that are about to go into the real world, you're gonna have some real problems. Let me talk to you about real life in the real world. That's what it feels like that he's doing. But this isn't just for graduating seniors. This is for all of us. And I think a lot of us have an expectation of life, especially when you're young. So if you're here, you're graduating, you're graduating college, whatever it is, I think most of us have like these beautiful dreams for our life. We have like all these ambitious goals. We've got a picture in our mind of the perfect life, don't we? And when we're young, we're often thinking about, man, this is the life that I am going to build. This is what I'm gonna live. And most of us, we think it is smooth sailing. It's just gonna move up and to the right." [44:44]
2.
"Life is never a flat line, is it? In fact, what happens when you have flat line? You're dead. Can I tell you what life really looks like? It really looks like this. Go ahead, put this up. That's what life really looks like, doesn't it? Isn't that the symbol for life? Doesn't that mean you got a heartbeat? Doesn't that mean you got a pulse? Doesn't that mean? That's what life, and what I'm saying is," [46:45]
3.
"Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face what? Say that out loud. Whenever you face, yeah. Is that, that's kind of hard to take, isn't it? Don't you get happy when life gets bad? That's what he's saying. Come on, guys, consider it joy. This is good stuff. Whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be what? Say it out loud. So you may be mature and what? Complete, not lacking anything." [43:36]
4.
"Pain isn't always a bad thing. Do you know that? I mean, I know we don't like pain. But I think if we're honest, we recognize that pain isn't always a bad thing. Sometimes pain's a good thing. I think about situations in life where you burn your hand, you pull your hand away from it. The pain, the sensors of it is to keep you from actually hurting yourself even more. I think about going to the gym. Guess what the gym brings? Pain, right? I'm just grateful I had a dad growing up who was always into working out. He would get us into working out and he would always say, no pain. Oh, y'all know, you had a dad that did that too, right? No pain, no gain, son. And you gotta put some pain on your muscles if you wanna develop them." [49:24]
5.
"Even if you don't believe in God, maybe you're just curious about faith. Maybe you're not even sure about Jesus. I believe the things that you find in this little book, if you apply to your life, will make your life better. I really do. It's just, there's just something about it that kind of just is filled with just wisdom for life that I think is really powerful." [39:31]
### Quotes for Members
1.
"We would not have started this church if it weren't for him. And when I didn't know what I was doing as a brand new pastor, green behind the ears, didn't know anything about it, I, I, there was something that, that gave me a comfort to step out in faith and try it was knowing that I had someone a little bit older and wiser who'd been there before with me. We, we've got a young generation that needs the older generation just to have the, to encouragement to step out in faith and do big things. Today, I even have a mentor in ministry who is 10 years older than me, who's been doing ministry 10 years longer than me. When I don't know what to do, guess what? You better bet I'm picking up the phone and I'm calling because I wanna make the wisest decision." [01:13:29]
2.
"Here's the key. When you seek counsel and advice from others, you have to listen to them. You gotta listen to them. I think sometimes we got this, I know it all attitude. I know I might be young, but I'm a lot smarter than I look kind of thing. But let me just tell you, when you seek advice from older people, scripture says it's important to listen to them. In fact, Proverbs 12, 15 says, the way of fools seems right to them. But the wise do what? They listen to advice. See, it's foolish to say, I know what I'm doing. But the wise actually listen to advice. And so I would encourage you, you can ask God for wisdom. You can seek it from others. And then here's the third one. The third one is this, is to read and apply scripture. To read and apply scripture." [01:14:29]
3.
"Here's the perspective James is trying to give us when we look at trials, when we face tribulations, when we go through things, when we deal with disappointment, when we deal with betrayal, when we go through hardship, when we face loss, when we deal with grief, when we deal with scarcity, when we go through this. He's trying to help us understand that it's not wasted with God, that trials aren't pointless, that God uses them to test you so he can develop something in you. Here's what I know about when it comes to life and when it comes to faith. We actually understand this, that only what is tested can be what? Trusted. Only what can be tested, what is tested can be trusted. We don't like to be tested, but here's what I know. You look at someone who's gone through some stuff, there's somebody that you can trust what they have to say." [51:08]
4.
"Can I tell you what I think the goal of life is, what James is saying? He's saying this, that the goal isn't to live problem-free, it's to develop maturity. Ah, that was so good. I'm gonna say it for everybody in the back that missed it. The goal isn't to live problem-free, it's to develop maturity. The goal of life isn't to live hakuna matata. It's my problem-free philosophy, hakuna matata. That's not my goal for life and it shouldn't be yours. That's not the goal for life. The goal for life is not smooth sailing. The goal for life isn't an easy life. The goal for life isn't problem-free, but the goal for life is actually, this is what James says, is developing maturity. And here's why. Because the best parts of life come on the other side of struggle." [52:39]
5.
"Here's what I know about that idea of a maturing faith when it comes to maturity. It's really hard to know how to measure maturity. It is, right? It's kind of hard to know. I mean, some things I think are easier than others. Physically, you can tell when somebody's maturing, right? It's common. Like when you're a guy and you're maturing, you know, when you hit puberty, it's easy to tell because your voice cracks all the time. I remember being in school. Going through that process. Got a question, hey, teacher. And you're like, oh dear, got something in my throat. You can tell when we're maturing physically. And women, you know, you have body changes, you got monthly things you're dealing with. It's really clear to tell physically when we're maturing. But emotionally and mentally and spiritually, with our faith, it's hard to know. And so I was processing with the Bible, and Jesus said this, book of James and I'm thinking how do we know how do I know there's a measure of maturity in me and this is what I get from the book of James and that is this that the measure of maturity is wisdom measure of maturity is wisdom it's not knowledge it's wisdom." [59:04]
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