The War Between Two Kingdoms

Eph. 6:10-12; 1Cor. 10:13; Gen 1:1-3

Theme: Every battle, every defeat, and every victory is part of a broader struggle that began long before you or I came on the scene and will continue long after we are gone---should the Lord tarry.

Relevance:  You never struggle alone against temptation; the Lord is with you and what you do matters greatly in the broader struggle against evil.

Introduction: When Temptation comes my way, I often feel very much alone and abandoned.  With these feelings comes the feeling that it really doesn’t matter what I do anyway; nobody will know, and nobody will care. But, we as believers never struggle alone.  The fact is what you do always matter, and our Heavenly Father takes very seriously every victory and every defeat in our lives.  We are never alone, and every victory and every defeat are a part of a greater struggle between God and Satan.   If you are like me, you want to win as many victories for the Kingdom of God as possible!

Beloved, look at the BIG PICTURE of Temptation to understand where we fit in this Great Struggle between Good and Evil. Expand your understanding about the Spiritual Warfare involved in Temptation. We need to see how we fit in the Big Picture of the Conflict between God and Satan.  There is a broader context to the subject of Temptation. Now let’s go back to the beginning to see how this War between two Kingdoms began.

Lesson:

   I.   God Created the Universe and Established Order   

          A.   THE ACTUAL ACCOUNT OF CREATION; This Was an Ordering Process.  Gen. 1:1-3

The Genesis creation account is a description of God bringing order out of disorder.  Verse one tells us God is responsible for creation.  Then verse two tells us the earth was without form and void and that darkness covered the earth.  We can take note of several things here.

              1)   The earth was without form and God gave it form. (vs 2)

              2)   The earth was void (empty and lifeless) and God filled it with life. (vs 2)

              3)   The earth was covered with darkness and God brought forth light. (vs 3)

              4)   God brought order to the waters resulting in the separation between the oceans and the cloud/water canopy in the sky. (vs 6)

              5)   God brought order to the oceans and the dry lands by separating them and establishing their boundaries. (vs 9)

              6)   God brought order to the land by creating plants, each yielding seeds and bearing fruit after its own kind. (Vs 11)

              7) God brought order to the heavens by separating the night from the day and establishing the times and seasons. (vs 14)

              8) God created the different animals.  They were perfectly suited for the environment in which they were placed: the fish in the sea, the birds in the air, and the mammals and reptiles for the land. (Vs 20-24) (Wiersbe)

               9) God completed his ordering process by creating man. Unlike the rest of creation man has a special role to fulfill.   He was to rule over all god created. The point here is very simple.  Throughout the entire creation account God is bringing about Order!

          B.   THE UNIQUE PLACE OF MAN IN CREATION Gen. 1: 26-30 (vs. 28)

                    1) Man Was Created to Rule Over All of God’s Creation on the Earth. Vs 26, “Let them have Dominion...”  This was a part of God’s ORDERING Process and Man was to maintain that Order.  God would rule the earth through man.  Man was God’s Delegate and Representative on the earth.

                     2) Man Was Created in the Image and Likeness of God for the Purpose of Maintaining Order on the Earth.  Vs 26, “in our image, after our likeness:” Vs 27, “God created man in His own image,”

                           a.   The Image of God Implies Personality.   

Man, unlike any other creature, shares with God in Intellect, a Will, and Emotions.  Thus man has the ability to reason and make decisions---a necessary quality for ruling.  This ability also means that man can love, obey, and is even free to disobey.

                           b.    The Image of God Implies a Unique Relationship with God.

Man was and is God’s Prize Creation.  Man has the greatest potential to reflect the nature and character of God the Creator.  God provided for man a special garden, a special counterpart, woman—Eve, and He desires man’s loyalty and fellowship. Man’s Godlike Personality and Unique Relationship with the Creator equipped him to Rule and Maintain the Order of the Earth God had Established.

II.   Satan Invaded the Earth to Establish Disorder

Things in this world did not continue as God designed and Ordered them.  Sin entered the World through Adam and Eve and all of Creation was sent into to a tailspin both morally and physically. But what does all of this have to do with Temptation?  The answer to this question is in another question.   Why did Satan go to the trouble to tempt Adam and Eve to begin with?  What was the Point?   What did he have to gain? (Stanley)

The Prophets Isaiah and Ezekiel give us some insight into the cosmic war that took place sometime before the ordering of the world.

          A.   SATAN SUFFERED A GREAT DEFEAT WHEN HE SCEEMED TO TAKE GOD’S THRONE IN HEAVEN. EZEK. 28:14, 16-17; ISA. 14:13-14  

                     1) Satan at One Point Held a Very High Position in the Kingdom of Heaven

Ezek 28:14, Thou art the anointed cherub that covereth; and I have set thee so: thou wast upon the holy mountain of God; thou hast walked up and down in the midst of the stones of fire.

Satan was originally created as one of God’s highest angelic beings.  He served in the very presence of God and enjoyed several unique privileges as the Anointed Cherub.

                     2) Satan Was Filled With Pride and Decided that He Should Be God

Isa 14:13-14, For thou [Satan] hast said in thine heart, I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God: I will sit also upon the mount of the congregation, in the sides of the north: 14, I will ascend above the heights of the clouds; I will be like the most High.

Satan in his pride and rage lead a rebellion in heaven against God.  What ensued was a battle resulting in Satan being cast out of heaven along with those angels that chose to side with him. The Prophet Ezekiel gives us the account of what happened. Ezek 28:16-17, By the multitude of thy merchandise they have filled the midst of thee with violence, and thou [Satan] hast sinned: therefore I [God] will cast thee as profane out of the mountain of God: and I will destroy thee, O covering cherub, from the midst of the stones of fire. 17, Thine heart was lifted up because of thy beauty, thou hast corrupted thy wisdom by reason of thy brightness: I will cast thee to the ground, I will lay thee before kings, that they may behold thee.

Satan was defeated and humiliated and he knew once for all that a direct attack against the Almighty God was a futile attempt. If Satan could not defeat God, what would be the next best thing?

                   3) Satan went right to the top of God’s order of authority on earth---Man. 

To defeat man would be to defeat all of God’s creation on this earth, for it had been placed under man’s authority.  Satan’s attack on mankind was simply his way of striking back at God.

Since Satan suffered a great defeat, he sought revenge against God, by attacking mankind in the Garden of Eden.  This was Satan’s way of bringing about disorder in the creation that God Ordered.

         B.    SATAN WAS SUCCESSFUL WHEN HE DEFEATED MAN AND TOOK HIS THRONE ON THE EARTH.  Satan’s primary means of accomplishing this Goal was to tempt man to sin.  If man sinned, then he would now be subject to the control of Satan.  As a result, all of God’s creation, the earth, would be subject to Satan’s control.  But how do we know Satan has control of the earth and humanity?

Matt 4:8-9, Again, the devil taketh him [Jesus] up into an exceeding high mountain, and sheweth him [Jesus] all the kingdoms of the world, and the glory of them; 9, And saith unto him, All these things will I give thee, if thou wilt fall down and worship me.

2 Cor 4:4, In whom the god of this world [Satan] hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them.

         C.    SATAN’S REIGN IN THIS WORLD IS A REIGN OF SIN AND DISORDER        

                   1)   Sin is Satan’s Agent of Decay and Disorder.  Once sin is introduced into anything---a relationship, a community, or an individual----order and productivity begin to diminish.   The sin of man sent shock waves throughout creation (Rom 8:18-22; 5:12-13).

Evil is not a thing; it is a lack in a thing.  Evil is a lack of perfection.  God’s creation was perfect and orderly.  Evil was and is Satan’s tool to chip away at God’s order and perfection.  Evil reverses everything God set out to accomplish. (Stanley)

                    2)  History Records the Consequences of Sin and its Impact on God’s Creation.

                                 a)   God’s Order of Authority was Broken Down by Sin. 

God could no longer trust man to submit to His leadership.  Man had become his own god, and he sought to control his own destiny.  There has literally been a Morale Avalanche because of the chaotic and disorderly impact of sin on God’s creation.

                                 b)   God’s Order for the Family was Changed because of Sin.

Adam was already the head of his wife Eve before the fall, but now their relationship was restructured to some degree because of sin.  God anticipated conflict between the man and the woman; therefore, He changed their roles to offset the impact of sin on their relationship.

                *   The extinction of certain animals and the abuse of the land and its resources speak of the downward spiral of creation as a result of sin.

                *    The escalation of the occurrence of abortion is another illustration of Satan’s attempts to reverse God’s plan.  God told Noah to populate the earth (Gen. 9:1), abortionist seek to do just the opposite. (MacDonald)

                 *    The acceptance of homosexuality and the increase interest in this wicked lifestyle is another example of Satan seeking to reverse God’s Ordering Process.

                *    Now the radical Feminist movement is not only advocating a reversal of the traditional Biblical roles of Husband and Wife, but they are also advocating having children out of wedlock---they say they don’t want to sacrifice their independence.  This is another of Satan’s attempts to bring disorder to the order God established for the home!

                 * Every day the news is filled with illustrations of how the world is seeking to undo all that God has established.  Satan is behind all of this!

                                 c)   God Had to Judge Man, Woman, the Serpent and the Earth Because of Sin Being Introduced into His Creation (Gen.3:14-19).  It’s clear from all the disorder around us that Satan’s rule in the earth is a reign of disorder.  Every life he influences will be a life of disorder, every society he influences will be a society of disorder and chaos.  Satan has been busy waging war against God by attacking mankind and God’s creation.  But God is not standing by idle . . . .

III. God Redeems Creation to Reestablish His Order

          A.    GOD BEGAN HIS RE-CREATION PROGRAM WITH NOAH AND THE FLOOD

Gen 6:5-7, And GOD saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every imagination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually. 6, And it repented the LORD that he had made man on the earth, and it grieved him at his heart. 7, And the LORD said, I will destroy man whom I have created from the face of the earth; both man, and beast, and the creeping thing, and the fowls of the air; for it repenteth me that I have made them.

God had resolved to destroy all the earth’s inhabitants because of the great disordering effects of sin on the earth.  The one thing that saved God from destroying the human race was a man named Noah.   God would use him to save humanity and start a new beginning on the earth with Noah and his family. 

Gen. 6: 8, But Noah found grace in the eyes of the LORD.

God would not leave the world in its chaotic and disorderly state.  God’s ultimate goal is to restore man and his world to its original state.  But there was still the problem of sin and the curse it brought upon all creation.   What resulted was a two-part plan by which sin and its consequences could be dealt with once and for all. (Wiersbe)

         B.    GOD CONTINUES HIS RE-CREATION PROGRAM WITH JESUS CHRIST

2 Cor 5:17, Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new. ¹⁸ And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation; ¹⁹ To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation.

 (Also see Eph. 2:10)

Sin being introduced into the world separated God from man.  Sin is like a wall or barrier between God and man and God could not fellowship with man as before in the Garden of Eden until sin is removed.  Jesus Christ is how God dealt with the penalty and power of sin in our lives.

When a person trust Christ as their Savior the decaying process stops, and the renewing process begins.   The cycle of sin is broken!   2 Cor 4:16, For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day.

God has instantly recreated us on the inside.  We, in a moment of repentant faith, become brand new creatures when we are saved.  Although our physical bodies continue to decay, our inner man--our eternal aspect---is getting stronger and more sensitive to God as we walk in His Word.  Beloved, this is why we use the term born again!

This renewing process makes it possible for us to rise above our circumstances and live godly lives in the midst of this ungodly society.  This inner renewal enables us to overcome even the strongest temptations.  When we put our trust in Christ, God won a decisive victory over Satan, for He permanently reclaims us as His own and He restored order to disordered and chaotic lives.

         C.    GOD WILL BE VICTORIOUS AND WILL COMPLETELY RESTORE ORDER ON EARTH FOR EVER

                1)   God Will One Day Restore Order to The Physical World   Rev. 21:1-5

Making man new was only the beginning.  Remember that all creation suffered when Adam fell.  In order to gain final victory over Satan, God had to redeem nature also.  This part of God’s plan has not been accomplished.  The world as we see it today is still in a state of decay.  Tornados still rip through trailer parks, people still catch diseases and die.  God’s victory is not complete until all kinds of evil in the world are vanquished.  The Revelation is God’s promise to man that He will complete what He has begun in Christ. (Walvoord)

                2)   God Wants Us to Have Victory Over Temptation Because Each Victory Will Advance His Kingdom. The hold point of this message is that we do not struggle with temptation in a vacuum!  Every temptation you encounter is Satan’s way of striking out against God.   By attempting to introduce into your life disorder and chaos, Satan continues his work of undoing all God sought to accomplish in the beginning. 

We as Christians are called to be God delegates to a lost world.  Our message is that God is in the world reconciling men to Himself and that one day He will return to rule and reign forever.  Satan does not want us to proclaim this message (2Cor. 5:18-21).

We must wage war and secure more victories for the Kingdom of God.  With every victory over Satan’s temptations is a reminder to him that God is at work in us and in the world.  Every victory reminds him that the same God will one day have complete victory over all His enemies by the same power that works in us.  This is a spiritual warfare we are engaged in, and we do not fight it helplessly and all alone.  We are God’s soldiers in the War Between Two Kingdoms!  There is a broader context to each of our battles no matter how much we feel alone. Eph 6:12, For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.

Conclusion:     I. God Created the Universe and Established Order

II. Satan Invaded the Earth to Establish Disorder

III. God Redeems Creation to Reestablish Order

Satan has used sin to bring about disorder to all that God established and ordered.  God has instituted a plan to reestablish order, He first has made it possible that man can be recreated on the inside and soon He will make all things new in this world.

We do not struggle alone with temptation.  It is all a part of a greater cosmic struggle! Let us get as many victories as we can for the Kingdom of God!

It does matter what we do when we are tempted!  How we respond to temptation makes a difference to our heavenly Father.  Each of our victories will advance the spiritual kingdom and program of God in the earth!  Stand against Satan in the Power that is in Christ.

I Jn 4:4, Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world.

What To Do With Trouble!

James 1:1-8

Theme: God counsels and calls us to an insightful and faith-filled response to the trials and adversities of life.

Introduction:

It would likely be shocking to note how we react when various forms of testing come into our lives.  At times we complain bitterly against the misfortunes of life, but on a few occasions we rejoiced and thanked the Lord for them.  Perhaps we have advertised our trials before we thought to bear them quietly. On yet other occasions we attempt to live in the future, waiting for our circumstances to improve, and yet we should live in the present, seeking the face of God in all that comes to us.  We may even be able to recall indulging in self-pity seeking sympathy when we should have submerged ourselves in service for others. Yes, it is difficult to know what to do with trouble! 

James informs us that our trials can help us mature if we handle them God’s way.  There are two things God provides in this passage to help us cope with the various temptations we face: His counsel and wisdom. Both are found in His Word! So what should we do with trouble?

Lesson:

I.                  Rejoice Because Trials Help us Grow (Js. 1:2-4).

A.     Rejoice in the Opportunity to Grow (1:2).

                                                1.      Refuse to Complain.  All too often trials prompt groaning and complaints. This kind of response does not contribute to Christian maturity. It only makes matters worse by stunting our growth.

a.      Trials are not to be seen as tribulations but testings. A test is given to see if a student can pass, not pass out.

b.      James gave sound advice on how to score high on every test. One who brings the right attitude to the trial, who understands the advantage of the trial, and who knows where to obtain assistance in the trial will certainly end up on God’s honor roll.—The Bible Knowledge Commentary

                                                2.      Remember the usefulness of trials.  “Count it all joy” (James 1:2): “Count” means to “consider, deem, reckon, evaluate, or judge.”

a.      Therefore, the phrase does not describe a forced or flippant emotional reaction to trials (see 1 Pet. 1:3–6).

b.      But a seasoned judgment of the will and mind based on an understanding of the purpose of trials—spiritual enlargement. Out of this base of knowledge comes true rejoicing in anticipation of the glorious maturity the trial will produce.

                                                3.      Rejoice in the trials.

a.       Trials should be faced with an attitude of joy. Trials should not be seen as a punishment, a curse, or a calamity but something that must prompt rejoicing. Furthermore they should produce “pure joy” (lit., “all joy”; ie., joy that is full or unmixed), not just “some joy” coupled with much grief. —Walvoord, John

b.      When surrounded by these trials, one should respond with joy. Most people count it all joy when they escape trials. James said to count it all joy in the midst of trials (see 1 Peter 1:6, 8).

                                                4.      Rejoice for the trials. 

a.       Such trials clearly refer to external trials, or tests of stamina whereas later in this same chapter (James 1:13) the verb “tempted” is used to speak of inner temptations, or solicitations to sin.

b.      It is important to note that James does impress us to be joyous for the trials as well as in the trials. When we understand God will use even bad experiences to make us more mature, we can rejoice for the trials.

c.       James’ argument may seem logical, but it is still difficult to see how trials can be welcomed with an attitude of joy. Where does one turn for help to understand this paradox? Obviously we need divine wisdom and perspective.

B.     Respond to Trials with Insight (1:2).

                                                1.      Consider the various facets of temptation (2).

i.        The word “temptation” has a twofold meaning.

ii.      First it means to test in a good sense with the goal of confirming the believer in matters of righteousness (See Gen. 22:1; Deut. 8:2-3; Exod. 20:20).  This is God’s purpose in temptations.

a.      Second it means to test in a bad sense with the goal of corrupting one in matters of righteousness (See Gen. 3:1-6; Matt. 4:1).  This is Satan’s purpose in temptations.

b.      Consider these related passages on trials: 2 Corinthians 4:16–18; 2 Thessalonians 1:3, 4; Hebrews 12:2–13; 1 Peter 4:12–19; Revelation 2:3.

                                                2.      Consider the various facts about temptation (2).

i.        They are often sudden—“ye fall into”

a.      To “fall into” trials is much like the poor man “fell among thieves” (Luke 10:30).

b.      The phrase “fall into” does not suggest a stupid accident. It means to “encounter, come across.” A Christian certainly should not manufacture trials.

ii.      They are certain—James says when ye fall, not, if ye fall

a.      The Christian life is filled with problems. They come uninvited and unexpected. Sometimes they come singularly and sometimes in droves. They are inevitable. James reminds us that we can never get away from them.

b.      The question is, “What are we going to do about them?” There are several possible attitudes we can take toward these challenges and adversities of life.

                                                                                                                          i.      We can rebel against them (Heb. 12:5) by adopting a spirit of defiance, boasting that we will battle through to victory by our own power.

                                                                                                                        ii.      On the other hand, we can lose heart or give up under pressure (Heb. 12:5). This is nothing but fatalism. It leads to questioning even the Lord’s care for us.

                                                                                                                      iii.      Again, we can grumble and complain about our troubles. This is what Paul warns us against in 1 Corinthians 10:10.

                                                                                                                      iv.      Another option—we can indulge in self-pity, thinking of no one but ourselves, and trying to get sympathy from others.

                                                                                                                        v.      Or better, we can be disciplined and trained by the difficulties and perplexities of life (Heb. 12:11). We can say, in effect, “God has allowed this trial to come to me. He has some good purpose in it for me. I do not know what that purpose is, but I will try to find out. I want His purposes to be worked out in my life.”

c.       This is what James advocates: “My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into divers temptations.” Do not rebel! Do not faint! Rejoice! These problems are not enemies, bent on destroying you. They are friends which have come to aid you in the development of Christian character.

d.      God is trying to produce Christ-likeness in each of His children. This process necessarily involves suffering, frustration, and perplexity. The fruit of the Spirit cannot be produced when all is sunshine; there must be rain and dark clouds. Trials never seem pleasant; they seem very difficult and disagreeable. But afterwards they yield the peaceable fruit of righteousness to those who are trained by them (Heb. 12:11). How often we hear a Christian say, after passing through some great crisis, “It wasn’t easy to take, but I wouldn’t give up the experience for anything.” –MacDonald, William

iii.    They are sorted—“into divers [various] temptations.”

a.      “Divers” means “various, varicolored.” These may be financial, physical, spiritual, mental, and social trials.

b.      Troubles of many kinds were also referred to by Peter (1 Peter 1:6). “Ye are in heaviness through manifold temptations.”

c.       The adversities of life differ greatly; they are like variegated yarn that the weaver uses to make a beautiful rug. God arranges and mixes the colors and experiences of life. The final product is a beautiful thing for His glory.

d.      Years ago, my wife and I were active duty Air Force when we went on a temporary assignment to Turkey.  While there we visited a Turkish rug factor and watched the weavers as these women work on the looms. I noticed that the undersides of the rugs were not very beautiful: the patterns were obscure and the loose ends of yarn dangled. This reminded me of a statement from my pastor at that time, “Don’t judge the worker or the work by looking at the wrong side.” In the same way, we often look at the wrong side of life; only the Lord sees the finished pattern. Let’s not judge Him or His work from what we see today. His work is not finished yet!

iv.    Immature Christians want the “easy side” of God’s love which asks little of them and doesn’t test their faith. But James shows that it is the adversities of life which prove our faith. And it is our response to the enticements of the enemies of the soul which reveal the true foundation and integrity of our love for God. In chapter 1, James teaches that we can joyfully grow in the midst of trials and temptations if we understand the purpose, provisions, and potential of trials (1:1–12); refuse to fall prey to temptations (1:13–18); and listen and do the word of God (1:19–27).

C.     Recognize the Fruits of Trials (1:3-4).

Does persecution brings perfection? Writing to Jewish Christians who had fled persecution, James urged them to take a positive view of their trials, focusing on the character development those trials can produce—the various fruits of temptation (3). “Temptations” or trouble and trials (1:2) come to test our faith (1:3; see Gen 22:1; Ex 20:20; Deut 8:2-3). 

                                                1.      Proving—Trials prove our faith is genuine—“trying of your faith” (1:3). There is the aspect of proving. James speaks of the testing of our faith (1:3).

i.         He pictures faith as a precious metal which is being tried by the Assayer (God) to see if it is genuine. The metal is subjected to the fires of persecution, sickness, suffering, or sorrow. Without problems, we would never develop endurance.

ii.       Even men of the world realize that problems strengthen character. Charles Kettering, noted industrialist, once said, “Problems are the price of progress. Don’t bring me anything but problems. Good news weakens me.”—MacDonald, William

iii.      When God called Abraham to live by faith, He tested him in order to increase his faith. God always tests us to bring out the best; Satan tempts us to bring out the worst. The testing of our faith proves that we are truly born again. —Wiersbe, Warren

                                                2.      There is the aspect of approving—“trying of your faith.”

i.         It is the true part or approved portion of faith that produces perseverance. The testing refers more to “approval” than to “proving.” Faith is like gold; it stands in the test of fire. Without this approved standard of faith, trials would not yield perseverance. There would only be ashes. True faith, like pure gold, endures, no matter how hot the fire. —Walvoord, John

ii.       The word trying can be translated “approval.” Again, Peter helps us understand it better: “That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth” (1 Peter 1:7). A gold prospector brings his ore sample into the assayer’s office to be tested. The sample itself may not be worth more than a few dollars, but the approval—the official statement about the ore—is worth millions! It assures the prospector that he has a gold mine. God’s approval of our faith is precious, because it assures us that our faith is genuine. —The Bible Exposition Commentary

iii.    Trials work for the believer, not against us. Paul said, “And we know that all things work together for good” (Rom. 8:28); and, “For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory” (2 Cor. 4:17).

                                                3.      Patience—a tried faith produces perseverance.

i.         The meaning of patience transcends the idea of bearing affliction; it includes the idea of standing fast under pressure, with a staying power that turns adversities into opportunities.—Nelson Study Bible

ii.       What does God want to produce in our lives?

a.       True faith “worketh” or develops persevering patience or staying power (see Js. 1:12). Patience means steadfastness or endurance in the face of difficulties (Js. 5:11). In the Bible, patience is not a passive acceptance of circumstances. It is a courageous perseverance in the face of suffering and difficulty.

b.      Patience, endurance, and the ability to keep going when things are tough. “We glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience; and patience, experience; and experience, hope” (Rom. 5:3–4).

iii.      Immature people are characterized by impatient; mature people are patient and persistent. Impatience and unbelief usually go together, just as faith and patience do. “Be... followers of them who through faith and patience inherit the promises” (Heb. 6:12). “For ye have need of patience, that, after ye have done the will of God, ye might receive the promise” (Heb. 10:36). “He that believeth shall not make haste” (Isa. 28:16).

iv.     God wants to make us patient because that is the key to many other blessing. The little child who does not learn patience will not learn much of anything else.

a.       When the believer learns to wait on the Lord, then God can do great things for him. Abraham ran ahead of the Lord, married Hagar, and brought great sorrow into his home (Gen. 16). Moses ran ahead of God, murdered a man, and had to spend forty years with the sheep to learn patience (Ex. 2:11). Peter almost killed a man in his impatience (John 18:10–11).

b.      The only way the Lord can develop patience and character in our lives is through heavy weather experiences. Staying power cannot be attained by reading a book, listening to a sermon, or even praying a prayer. We must go through the difficulties of life, trust God, and obey Him. The result will be patience and character. Knowing this, we can face trials joyfully. We know what trials will do in us and for us, and we know that the end result will bring glory to God.

c.       This fact explains why studying the Bible helps us grow in patience (Rom. 15:4). As we read about Abraham, Joseph, Moses, David, and even our Lord, we realize that God has a purpose in trials. God fulfills His purposes as we trust Him. There is no substitute for an understanding mind. Satan can defeat the ignorant believer, but he cannot overcome the Christian who knows his Bible and understands the purposes of God. –Wiersbe, Warren

                                                4.      “But let patience have its perfect work,” says James (1:4).

i.        Perseverance is only the beginning of benefits. There are more advantages to adversities. Perseverance must finish its work. Just as tested and true faith works to produce perseverance, so perseverance must be allowed to continue its perfect or finished work to produce the ultimate by-products of maturity and spiritual fulfillment. This, of course, is the lofty goal that serves as this epistle’s unifying theme. James’ main point was to show how to achieve spiritual maturity.—The Bible Knowledge Commentary

ii.      Sometimes when problems come we become desperate and use frantic means to cut short the trial. Without consulting the Lord as to His purposes in the matter, we rush to the doctor, for instance, and gulp down large doses of medicine in order to shorten the trial. By doing this, we actually may be thwarting God’s program in our lives. And it is just possible that we may have to undergo a longer trial in the future before His particular purpose is realized in us. We should not short-circuit the development of endurance in our lives.--MacDonald 

                                                5.      Perfection—a persevering saint will mature (4).

i.        Perseverance must be allowed to continue its perfect and ultimate work—maturity and spiritual fulfillment. This is James’ target throughout this letter—to show how to mature spiritually.

a.      Two words describe the goal: “perfect” or mature and “entire” or complete. God wants us to become “finished,” “complete,” and “whole.” That is perfected all over or fully developed in every part.

b.      Trials can be faced with joy because, infused with faith, perseverance goes full-term it will develop a thoroughly mature Christian who lacks nothing. He will indeed be all God wants him to be.

c.       By cooperating with God we will become mature, well-rounded Christians, lacking in none of the graces of the Spirit.

d.      We should never become despondent or discouraged when passing through trials. No problem is too great for our Father. Some problems in life are never removed. We must learn to accept them and to prove His grace sufficient. Paul asked the Lord three times to remove a physical infirmity. The Lord did not remove it, but gave Paul the grace to bear it (2 Cor. 12:8–10).

ii.      When we face problems in life that God obviously is not going to remove, we should be submissive to His will. The gifted blind hymn-writer wrote these lines as a girl of eight:

a.      O what a happy soul am I

Although I cannot see;

I am resolved that in this world

Contented I will be.

How many blessings I enjoy

That other people don’t.

To weep and sigh because I’m blind

I cannot and I won’t. —Fanny Crosby

b.      Peace comes through submission to the will of God.

iii.      Some problems in life are removed when we have learned our lessons from them. As soon as the Refiner sees His reflection in the molten metal, He turns off the heat. Most of us lack wisdom to view the pressures of life from God’s standpoint. We adopt a short-range view, occupying ourselves with the immediate discomfort. We forget that God’s unhurried purpose is to enlarge us through pressure (see Ps. 4:1).—MacDonald, William

II.               Request Wisdom from God with Confidence (Js. 1:5-8). God does avail to His people the needed wisdom to view troubles from His perspective and to learn as much as possible through these challenging experiences.

A.     The Encouragement to Ask for Wisdom (1:5).

                                                1.      Ask God for wisdom (5).

i.         “Wisdom” (James 1:5), is a practical wisdom which works with knowledge but goes beyond it. It is a comprehensive insight into the true nature of a particular situation which leads to a correct and skillful application of knowledge (Acts 6:10, “wisdom.”).

ii.      In short, this wisdom reveals what to do. On one hand, it helps one to avoid a wrong, sinful response. On the other hand, it directs one toward the way of righteousness.

iii.    Without this kind of wisdom, we may waste the opportunity God has given for growth in spiritual maturity. For this reason, we should keep asking for and applying wisdom throughout the trial. (See: Rom. 8:25–27, which shows that the Holy Spirit joins in the agonizing prayer offered during adversity and makes it effective.)

                                                2.      The wisdom God gives is not necessarily information on how to get out of trouble but rather insight on how to learn from one’s difficulties (see also Prov. 29:15). It is not more information about how to avoid times of testing but instead a new perspective on trials. The wisdom of God begins with a genuine reverence for the Almighty (see “the fear of the LORD” in Ps. 111:10; Prov. 9:10) and a steadfast confidence that God controls all circumstances, guiding them to His good purposes (Rom. 8:28).—Nelson Study Bible

B.     The Explanations for Asking for Wisdom (1:5).

                                                1.      Because we need God’s wisdom in trials (5).

i.        When we feel confused and frustrated by the high goal of becoming “perfect and entire, wanting nothing,” James wrote, If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God.

ii.       We don’t have to face the problems of life in our own wisdom. If, in the time of trial, we feel our need for spiritual insight to take the appropriate steps, we should turn to God and tell Him all about our perplexity and ignorance.

iii.      Spiritual wisdom is the practical application of Bible teachings to everyday situations and challenges.

iv.     Why do we need wisdom when we are going through trials? Why not ask for strength, or grace, or even deliverance? For this reason: we need wisdom so we will not waste the opportunities God is giving us to mature. Wisdom helps us understand how to use these circumstances for our good and God’s glory.

A pastor told the story of a gifted secretary who was going through great trials. She had had a stroke, her husband had gone blind, and then he had to be taken to the hospital where (they were sure) he would die. The pastor saw her in church one Sunday and assured her that he was praying for her.

“What are you asking God to do?” she asked, and her question startled him.

“I’m asking God to help you and strengthen you,” I replied.

“I appreciate that,” she said, “but pray about one more thing. Pray that I’ll have the wisdom not to waste all of this!”

She knew the meaning of James 1:5. –Wiersbe

                                                2.      Because God gives wisdom generously (5).

i.         Assistance is readily available from our generous God. When we need wisdom, this valuable resource is available for the asking. At times we all feel the need for wisdom, not just knowledge. God will not only provide wisdom, but will do so generously, not grudgingly.

ii.       All who seek God’s purposes in the trials will be liberally rewarded.

                                                3.      Because God will not rebuke you for needing wisdom (5).

i.         We need not worry that God will scold us; He is pleased when we are teachable and obedient. We all require more of His wisdom.

ii.       The Bible does not give specific answers to the innumerable problems that arise in life. It does not solve problems in so many words, but God’s word does give us general principles. We must apply these principles to problems as they arise day by day. That is why we need wisdom. Spiritual wisdom is the practical application of our Lord’s teachings to everyday situations.

                                                4.      Because God promises to supply wisdom (5).

i.         “And it shall be given him,” This blessed promise reminds us of the words of the Lord Jesus (Matt. 7:7, 11; Luke 11:13).

ii.       This promise regarding wisdom is absolute; and we may be sure that if asked properly, it will be granted us. There can be no doubt about God’s ability and readiness to deliver!

iii.      God's reply is sure. God promises is to supply the wisdom for what must be done. Decisions still will have to be made, and actions will have to be taken. The wisdom is God's guidance, not his removal of our participation.

iv.     We must remember that God’s promises do not submit to our plans. This verse is not permitting us to ask God for wisdom to bring about our will. Instead, we should humbly ask him for wisdom to remain in his will.

C.     The Essential is Asking in Faith (1:6-8)

                                                1.      Ask God in faith (6).

i.         God will respond to our faith.

ii.       God’s provision has some prerequisites. To receive God’s wisdom in trials, the believer must be wise in asking. First, he must ask in faith. We must believe and not doubt, or vacillate.

iii.      We must approach God in faith, free of any doubting. We must believe He loves and cares, and that nothing is impossible with Him.

iv.     God will honor our resolve to follow His wisdom.

                                                2.      Do Not Waver in Faith (1:6-7).

i.         Do not waver when you ask for wisdom.

ii.       We dare not come to God like a wave of the sea, blown horizontally and tossed vertically by the wind.

iii.      If we doubt His goodness and His power, we will have no stability in time of trouble. One minute we might be resting calmly on His promises, but the next we will feel that God has forgotten to be kind. We will be like the surge of the sea, rising to great heights, then falling back into valleys—troubled and tossed. God is not honored by the kind of faith that alternates between optimism and pessimism.

                                                3.      Do not become emotionally unstable while enduring trials (8).

i.         God is not pleased with a double-minded man who is unstable in all he does, like an unsteady, staggering drunk. The answer from God depends on assurance in God.

ii.       He does not give divine insight to such vacillating, unstable people (Js. 1:7, 8).

iii.      In verses 5–8, the source of wisdom is God; it is obtained by prayer; it is available to everybody; it is given liberally and without reproach; the crucial condition is that we ask in faith, without doubting.

Conclusion:

1.       Many Christians live like corks on the waves: up one minute, down the next; tossed back and forth. This kind of experience is evidence of immaturity. Paul used a similar idea in Ephesians 4:14—“That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive.” If we have believing and united hearts, we can ask in faith and God will give the wisdom we need. Instability and immaturity go together. –Wiersbe

2.      If you are facing difficult problems, I encourage you to ask God for wisdom. Remember what the Lord Jesus’ promised in Matthew 21:22. Now that you know what to do with trouble...do it.