Sermon Tone Analysis
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Introduction
A man whom many believe was the greatest American president.
When he was 7 years of age, his family was forced out of their home, and he went to work.
When he was 9, his mother died.
He lost his job as a store clerk when he was 20.
He wanted to go to law school, but he didn't have the education.
At age 23 he went into debt to be a partner in a small store.
Three years later the business partner died, and the resulting debt took years to repay.
When he was 28, after courting a girl for four years, he asked her to marry him, and she turned him down.
On his third try he was elected to Congress, at age 37, but then failed to be re-elected.
His son died at 4 years of age.
When this man was 45, he ran for the Senate and lost.
At age 47 he ran for the vice-presidency and lost.
But at age 51 he was elected president of the United States.
Do you know this man was?
Change Slides
The man was Abraham Lincoln, a man who learned to face discouragement and move beyond it.
Did you know that it was Abraham Lincoln who, in the midst of the Civil War, in 1863, established the annual celebration of Thanksgiving?
Lincoln had learned how important it is to stop and thank God in the midst of great difficulties.
The point of that story was to illustrate the importance of not giving up in the midsts of trials.
In our study in the letter of James, we will specifically learn the importance of persevering and enduring trials and difficulties of the Christian life.
Although our focus for today’s lesson is only on verses 2-4, I want us to read because it gives us a broader context.
READ.
Explain The Vocabulary
Trials - In this passage, trials mean to put some sort of test on someone.
Such test could be suffering, hardship, and pain.
The intention is to refine the nature of a person’s character.
Steadfastness/Perseverance/Endurance - It is the ability to persist in a purpose despite difficulties.
The Attitude Of Trials
Unlike Paul’s letters, James does not offer “thanksgiving” and “prayer.”
He immediately jumps and gives instructions to his readers about trials.
The Advantage of Trials
1.
The Attitude Of Trials (v.2)
Unlike Paul’s letters, James does not offer “thanksgiving” and “prayer.”
He immediately jumps into instructions to his readers.
James immediately begins his opening letter talking about trials.
Verse 2 may be a key to understanding James’ reason for writing to the Jewish Christians.
You may remember last Sunday, that one of James’ reason for writing this letter was to instruct the Christians who were suffering.
We know that he’s writing to Christians because of the way he addresses them.
Interaction: How does James address his readers?
A: my brothers.
These Jewish Christians were brothers and sisters in Christ.
They were experiencing trials of various kinds.
In other words, they were dealing with different trials.
James will provide us three lessons about trials.
1.
The Types Of Trials (v.2b)
What types of trials were the Jewish Christians enduring?
In summary, these were the types of trials that James was addressing:
a. Vulnerability and Powerlessness ()
b.
Poverty - lacking food, clothing, and shelter ()
c.
Oppression and Persecution by the rich ()
d.
Exploitation of Labour ()
e. Sick and general suffering ()
Jesus never promised Christians that we will be not be affected by suffering and trials.
If you read through the New Testament, then it should be no surprise that trials are often connected to persecution of the Christian faith.
Persecution - oppressing, opposing, and harassing someone for their faith.
Let me give you a recent example from last month.
Change Slides
Earlier this month Wang Yi; his wife, Jiang Rong; and more than 100 Christians who attend Early Rain Covenant Church were arrested in the city of Chengdu by Chinese authorities.
The members of the congregation was accused of wanting to overthrow the Chinese government.
According to China Aid, this is a charge often handed to Chinese Christians because the Communist Party views religion as a threat to their ideological control.
If convicted, Wang and the church members could face up to 15 years in prison.
For example,
Unfortunately, we live in a world where followers of Jesus will be hated by the world.
Why?
John 15:18
If you are a Christian this morning, then do not be surprised that the world hates you for your Christian faith.
It is normal for you to experience trials.
Persecution and suffering WILL come to all believers.
The question is not “if” trials will come, but when trials will come.
Look at :2.
He says “WHEN” you meet trials of various kinds.”
If can be defined as “uncertain possibility.”
When can be defined as “certain reality that will happen any time.”
James furthermore says when YOU MEET trials of various kinds.
That phrase “you meet” can also be translated as when you ENCOUNTER or FALL INTO.
It means to suddenly experience the difficult or bad.
That word is the same word when Jesus taught the Parable of the Good Samaritan.
The definition
The man “fell” (same word) among robbers.
What is the point of getting technical?
The point is that James is not commanding believers to seek out trials.
Believers are not to seek trials because trials will seek them.
I am certain that the types of trials you face a teenager is not limited to what James mentions.
Suffering, trials, and pain may be different for you than the Jewish Christians.
Don’t go looking for trouble because trouble will come to you!
REFLECTION: What trials trouble you the most?
I am certain that the types of trials you face as a teenager is not limited to what James mentioned.
For instance...
When your non-Christian friends ask if you’re a Christian, then would you respond by saying that you’re a follower of Jesus?
You might have to testify your faith to them.
You might even be killed for being a Christian in another country.
You will face peer pressure and societal pressure.
They will tell you to do and believe in certain things that go against the teachings found in the Bible.
If you do not conform to the cultural and societal values, then your friends might unfriend you and you might be labelled negatively.
In the real world, you might even lose your job.
You might face the pressure to
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