Sermon Notes 6/12

                                          James 1:1-8

verse 1 – James is the author of this book.

             – a leader in the early church & killed for his faith – Acts 12:1-2

     ***James uses 2 words in verse 1 when it comes to trials:

1. Bondservant

2. Lord

-this is being submissive to the Lord/follow His will no matter what

To the 12 tribes and brethren – these two phrases refers to every believer having trials

verse 2 – James makes an outrageous statement:  COUNT IT ALL JOY

There are some things we can learn from verse 2:

1. We can lean that every believer will have trials

Trials – refers to troubles which break the pattern of tranquility, calm & happiness

-The Bible refers to all believers having trials – Acts 14:12-13/1 Peter 4:12-13/Romans 8:16-17/1 Thessalonians 1:4/1 Timothy 3:1/Revelation 2:10-11

WHEN – James uses the word WHEN to show that we will suffer pain and hardships

Fall – means to be plunged into…take a nosedive…to be surrounded

              2 Chronicles 20:17 – Jehosophat is surrounded and tells the people to position themselves in a way to obtain victory and walk through our trials…

POSITION #1 – WE NEED TO POSITION OURSELVES IN A PLACE OF HUMILITY – 1 Peter 5:5-6

-Proverbs 11:2…16:5…16:18

Pride exalts man, the self…it is self based in every way…not teachable

(1.) HUMILITY IS TOTAL DEPENDENCE ON THE LORD – 2 Chr 20:12

-it simply means that we need the Lord

-humility is revealed in the bending of the knees  Dan 6:10-28/2 Chr 20:18

-humility is running to the Lord first – 1 Chronicles 20:3

***all of the time and not just during a time of trouble

***and seeking Him – Matthew 6:33

***WE must position ourselves in a place of humility:

1. because we need Jesus badly

2. because He is Lord of our supply

POSITION #2 – WE NEED TO POSITION OURSELVES IN A PLACE OF PRAYER – 2 Chronicles 20:3-4, 9

-they cried out to the Lord in prayer

-When hard times come, pray hard

-Cry out to the Lord in prayer – Psalm 61:1-2 and 102:1-2

-Why cry out to the Lord?

-the Lord moves when we pray

-there isn’t too much time left

***When we do cry out to the Lord in prayer, things happen:

(1.) Jeremiah 33:1-3 – the Lord will show you things you do not know –

-Jehosophat received secret intel information – 2 Chron 20:15-17 & 23-24

-we pray because for God to do nothing, that is impossible

(2.) WHEN WE CRY OUT TO THE LORD IN PRAYER, THERE ARE GAINS AND LOSSES – 2 Chronicles 20:7-9

-they gained some things

       *enemies were defeated…they prospered…gaines trust in the Lord

*they had some losses

-lost some pride, selfishness and some heart issues