Blessed is the One... - The Letter of James - James 1:12-15

Scripture: James 1:12-15

Blessed is the one who endures trials, because when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him. No one undergoing a trial should say, “I am being tempted by God,” since God is not tempted by evil, and he himself doesn’t tempt anyone. But each person is tempted when he is drawn away and enticed by his own evil desire. Then after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin, and when sin is fully grown, it gives birth to death.

3 Points:

1. God’s desire to bless

2. Human self-centered desires

3. Gift of desiring God

1. God’s desire to bless

Blessed is the one who endures trials, because when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him. No one undergoing a trial should say, “I am being tempted by God,” since God is not tempted by evil, and he himself doesn’t tempt anyone.

• God is the source of our blessings.

• Don’t blame God when you fail.

• Trials are the special ways for God to bless us.

If God is the one who blesses me…

• Count his blessings

• Consider trials as time for blessings

• Focus on the ultimate blessing- God Himself and life with Him

• Learn how to trust Him and rely on His goodness

2. Human self-centered desires

But each person is tempted when he is drawn away and enticed by his own evil desire. Then after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin, and when sin is fully grown, it gives birth to death.

• We all have these desires.

• Desires are intimate, strong and deceptive

• There are dominating desires that lead to sin.

• We fail trials because of these desires

If my self-centered desires are the reason I sin…

• Don’t blame Satan for your sins

• Study your desires, which one of them is dominating?

• What do you want so much that you are willing to sin in order to get it?

• What are you afraid to loose?

• When you are angry, which of your desires is demanding?

3. Gift of desiring God

Blessed is the one who endures trials, because when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him.

• This gift to love God is given in Christ.

• Love of God must be our dominating desire.

• Ways how to love God.

If I have this gift to love God…

• My state of blessedness doesn’t depend on my circumstances.

• I am responsible to grow in my love for Him.

• I can expect the crown of life that God has promised.

Blessed is the one…

who loves HIM