James III

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9 The brother in humble circumstances should exult in his high position. 10 But the one who is rich should exult in his low position, because he will pass away like a flower of the field. 11 For the sun rises with scorching heat and withers the plant; its flower falls and its beauty is lost. So too, the rich man will fade away in the midst of his pursuits.

12 Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love Him.

13 When tempted, no one should say, “God is tempting me.” For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does He tempt anyone. 14 But each one is tempted when by his own evil desires he is lured away and enticed. 15 Then after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death.

16 Do not be deceived, my beloved brothers. 17 Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, with whom there is no change or shifting shadow. 18 He chose to give us birth through the word of truth, that we would be a kind of firstfruits of His creation.

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1. No matter our position in the world, we can always boast in our high position in God’s house.
2. humble circumstance, means we are poor on the earth.
3. The rich may seem to have a high position but they have a low one, because riches can pass away
   1. Bitcoin is a good example of this on October 7th of this year, which is around $124,000. Today, it has lost almost half its value being $70,000. In the past year, it has lost around 27% value.
   2. Ecclesiastes 6:2 - God gives riches, he lacks nothing his heart desires, but God does not allow Him to enjoy them. Instead, a stranger will enjoy them. More money more problems.
   3. There are serious problems with trusting in riches.
      1. According to Cornell University, 94% of the top 1% (earning $332,000 a year in 2016) only earn that for one year. 99% of the top 1% will that status in the decade.
      2. Rich people are often more concerned about their possessions (Ecclesiates 5:12)
   4. Those in Christ can “exult” meaning take pride in, or glory in their high position in God’s family.
      1. This cannot be taken from them by circumstance.

1. Our trials not only grow our maturity in Christ, they also lead us to recieving the crown of life.
2. The crown is either a crown of royalty or of victory.
   1. Crowns signifiy the ruler of a people. They are a mark of authority.
   2. Crowns also are a prize for winning a competition (1 Corinthians 9:25)
   3. I believe both are true. 1 Corinthians 6:2-3; 9:25 show us both.
      1. 1 Corinthian 6:2-3 show us judging (krino) over the world and angels. This word judge can mean being in charge of a decision, but also ruling.
      2. In 1 Corinthians 9:25, Paul says those who run to win the race will recieve an imperishable crown.

1. It is common for many to believe God is the one who makes their lives hard through trials.
   1. This can feel as though God does not care if we succeed or fail, but his is simply a hard master.
   2. We must remember that God, being our father, disciplines us to not tear us down, but to train us in righteousness. (Hebrews 12:7-12)
2. The temptation not to submit to God comes from out own evil desires.
   1. This is squarely upon us.
   2. When we dwell on our temptations, they lead us to disobedience. This is sin and it leads to death.
3. v16 tells us that we cannot be decieved into thinking God tempts us to do evil. He gives us trials so that we must do good.
   1. In the garden, God did not want Adam and Eve to eat of the tree of knowledge. This was not a temptation so that they would sin, it was a trial so they would obey him.
   2. In the same way there are trials that God gives us.
      1. God wants you to obey Him no matter the trial.
      2. He wants you to grow in your faith
      3. He want you to recieve the crown of life
      4. He wants you to enjoy that life to come with Himself.
4. My own parents did the same thing
   1. They disciplined me.
      1. Take care of my chores (I was responsible for the dishes and the trash, Jeremiah was the laundry)
      2. They made me pay for many of the things that I wanted, (car & phone)
      3. They would pay for community college if I got good grades.
   2. These trials were to help me mature so I could enjoy the life that was to come.
      1. As a father, I have many many more chores
      2. I now pay for everything.
   3. Imagine a child who never learned resposiblity. How much harder would it be for them to enjoy having the responsiblity that comes with life?

1. God is a gift-giver
   1. Every good thing we enjoy comes from him.
      1. Our good health
      2. Our good families
      3. Our good moments every day.
2. God does not change
   1. Numbers 23:19; Ezekial 24:14
   2. He is perfect. Perfection implies no improvemnt necessary and no dimishment.
3. God gave us a new life, after we have fallen in sin, to be the firstfruits of his creation.

• Works
• Words
• Wealth
• Wisdom
• Wholeness

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