James 1:1 NASB
James, a bond-servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, To the twelve tribes who are dispersed abroad: Greetings.
How many of you use apps your smart phones?
James 1:2 NASB
2 Consider it all joy [chara], my brothers and sisters, when you encounter various trials [temptations],
EERDMANS The
New Bible Dictionary:
- Joy is consistently the mark both individually of the believer &
corporately of the Church.
- Biblical Joy is a gift of the Spirit which settles deep inside, not caused by outwardly events.
- We are called to share in the Joy of Christ by a daily walk with Jesus and a daily practice of rejoicing in Him and His salvation.
- Biblical Joy is rooted in the knowledge of who Jesus is and the knowledge of who Jesus is, provides us with the basis for Joy itself.
James 1:2-5 NASB
2 Consider it all joy, my brothers and sisters, when you encounter various trials, 3 knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. 4 And let endurance have its perfect result, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing. 5 But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him. 6 But he must ask in faith without any doubting, for the one who doubts is like the surf of the sea, driven and tossed by the wind. 7 For that person ought not to expect that he will receive anything from the Lord, 8 being a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways.
Begin Download
Joy App: Step 1 Consider the Blessings Among the Trials
- Finding Joy in the middle of trials / temptations is all about considering the blessings in the struggle.
How do we do this?
1. By taking a step back from Your problems.
2. Thanking God for His Salvation given to you.
3. Appreciate what’s important in life.
Joy App: Step 2 Understand that Endurance Makes Perfect
James 1:3
“testing” Greek word dokimion Means:
genuine or without alloy (As in purifying gold)
Meaning a test to prove the genuine article -> A Real Christian
“Adversities do not make a person weak, they reveal what strength he has.”
Soren Kierkegaard
James 1:4
Endurance has its own purpose:
1. Mature you 2. Complete you
Joy App: Step 3 Wise up
- Learn from Solomon: when given the choice, chose wisdom over everything.
Proverbs 9:10 NASB
The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, And the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.
Biblical Joy is rooted in the knowledge of who Jesus is
Joy App: Step 4 Take Humility as Your Life Goal
- Humbly serve Jesus
Joy App: Step 5 Recognize Perseverance Will Bring A Reward
James 1:12 NASB
Blessed is a man who perseveres under trial; for once he has been approved [or passed the test], he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him.
Take-Aways:
1. Download this Joy App by taking the steps James gives us.
2. Leave this App open and use it to rejoice in Jesus each day.
3. Join us & bring a friend each week to learn of the Apps in James