Ready to Overcome
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Sermon
Pastor Beau Waldrep, January 28, 2024
Part of the Ready For The Adventure series, preached at a Sunday Online service
James 1:1-12
1 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.
12 Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him.
Sermon Notes
The ability to overcome is something that is developed as we live by faith.
In order to be an overcomer, you must remember this phrase…
No PAIN, no gain
Praise God for the challenge. v. 1-4
1 Thessalonians 5:18 ESV give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.
1 Peter 4:12 ESV Dear friends, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal that has come on you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you.
If the first and lowest operation of pain shatters the illusion that all is well, the second shatters the illusion that what we have, whether good or bad in itself, is our own and enough for us. – CS Lewis
Ask God for His wisdom. v. 5-6a
Proverbs 2:6 ESV For the Lord gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding;
1 Corinthians 1:25 ESV For the foolishness of God is wiser than human wisdom, and the weakness of God is stronger than human strength.
Ignore doubts and distractions. v. 6b-11
Not Double-minded thinking, but Single-minded faith
Not Pursuits that fade, but Investments into eternity
Ephesians 5:15-16 ESV Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil.
Never give up! v. 12
God allows difficulties, inconveniences, trials, and even suffering to come our way for a specific purpose: They help develop the right attitude for the growth of patience. – Billy Graham