JAMES – THE NEW TESTAMENT

WISDOM BOOK

JAMES 1:1-3 (NIV)
1 James, a (BOND-)servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, To the twelve tribes scattered among the nations: Greetings.
2 Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds,
3 because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance.
I. GEMS FOR MEDITATION
• HOLDING FAST TO MY JOY AMIDST PROBLEMS ENABLES ME TO PASS THE TEST WHICH WILL TAKE ME TO MY NEXT LEVEL!
• JOY GIVES YOU THAT STABILITY TO WIN!
• WHEN I ENCOUNTER A CIRCUMSTANCE – I MUST THINK JOY!
• MY PERCEPTION (GODLY WISDOM) AS TO HOW TO HANDLE THE TRIALS OF LIFE HAS A LOT TO DO WITH MY SUCCESSFUL VICTORIES!!!!
• A TEST MAKES ME AND MY TUTOR LOOK GOOD WHEN I PASS IT!
• "JUST CAN’T AFFORD TO ABANDON MY "JOY"
REMEMBER: "JOY IS AN INWARD STABILITY THAT GOD THROUGH JESUS CHRIST, FORTIFIED BY THE HOLY GHOST ON MY BEHALF HAS ALREADY WORKED IT OUT!!!!!"
MY JOY REWARDS ME!
MATTHEW 5:11&12 (KJV)
11 Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake.
12 Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: . . .
1ST PETER 4:l2&13 (NIV)
12 Dear friends, do not be surprised at the painful trial you are suffering, as though something strange were happening to you.
13 But rejoice that you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed.
JAMES 1:3 (NIV)
3 because you KNOW that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. (KJV=PATIENCE; ENDURANCE)
KNOWING = GREEK: "DENOSO" = TO GAIN THROUGH EXPERIENCING
ANOTHER GEM! – A TEST PUSHES ME TO A LEVEL/PLACE I WOULD NEVER HAVE KNOWN!
II. MAKE YOUR FAITH WORK FOR YOU!
HEBREWS 11:6 (KJV)
6 But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.
III. THE APOSTLE PAUL EXPOUNDING ON THE MISSION
TO PREACH GODLY WISDOM BY FAITH
EPHESIANS 3:7-12 (NIV)
7 I became a (BOND-)servant of this gospel by the gift of God's grace given me through the working of his power.
8 Although I am less than the least of all God's people, this grace was given me: to preach to the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ,
9 and to make plain to everyone the administration of this mystery, which for ages past was kept hidden in God, who created all things.
10 His (GOD’S ) intent was that NOW, through the church, the manifold wisdom of God should be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly realms,
11 according to his eternal purpose which He (GOD) accomplished in Christ Jesus our Lord.
12 In him and through faith in him we may approach God with freedom and confidence.
ANOTHER GEM!
GOD DESIRES TO RECORD A BOOK ON ME DISPLAYING THE UNSEARCHABLE RICHES UNTO THE CHURCH UNDER A BETTER COVENANT FOUNDED UPON BETTER PROMISES SEALED BY THE BLOOD OF THE LORD JESUS!
JAMES 1:3&4 (NIV)
3 because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance.
4 Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.
COLOSSIANS 2:8-10 (KJV)
8 Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ.
9 For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily.
10 And ye are complete in him (CHRIST JESUS), which is the head of all principality and power:


THE KEY SCRIPTURES
FROM THE OLD TESTAMENT
WISDOM BOOK
PROVERBS 4:7-13 (NIV)
7 Wisdom is supreme; therefore get wisdom. Though it cost all you have, get understanding.
8 Esteem her, and she will exalt you; embrace her, and she will honor you.
9 She will set a garland of grace on your head and present you with a crown of splendor."
10 Listen, my son, accept what I say, and the years of your life will be many.
11 I guide you in the way of wisdom and lead you along straight paths.
12 When you walk, your steps will not be hampered; when you run, you will not stumble.
13 Hold on to instruction, do not let it go; guard it well, for it is your life.