Real Faith: is Tested
This is the first sermon in our term 3 series on the book of James. This sermon is “Real Faith: is Tested”. Preacher: The Rev’d Adam Lowe. Bible Reading: James 1:1-8
Sermons – St Bart's Anglican Church · The Rev'd Adam Lowe
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Show Notes
Sermon & Small Group Resources
This is the first sermon in our term 3 series on the book of James. This sermon is “Real Faith: is Tested”. Preacher: The Rev’d Adam Lowe. Bible Reading: James 1:1-8
DOWNLOAD the Small Group Questions, Going Deeper, and Sermon Transcript (PDF).
Next Steps this Week
BIBLE READING: James 1:1-8
James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ,
To the twelve tribes scattered among the nations:
Greetings.
Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you. But when you ask, you must believe and not doubt, because the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. That person should not expect to receive anything from the Lord. Such a person is double-minded and unstable in all they do.
SMALL GROUP QUESTIONS
CONNECT: How could you model humility on your frontlines this week?
WARM-UP
Amongst the most mature Christians that you know, do you know if they have experienced and persevered through suffering?
What are the ways in which trials tend to make us either bitter or better? What is it dependent on?
Read James 1:1-4
What do you know about the letter of James? Who is James? To whom does he write?
What is significant about Jamesʼ transition from unbeliever to being a devoted Christian, significant church leader (in Jerusalem and beyond), and – eventually – martyr?
What were the trials that were being faced by the recipients of the letters? What are the types of trials that we are likely to experience today?
Is James saying that the bad things arenʼt really that bad? How is our response to trials what matters?
Is the presence of trials a failure of faith? How can we hold grief and gratitude together?
How can our response to trials actually be an opportunity to grow in Christian maturity?
Can you think of any examples in your own life in which the way that you have responded to difficult circumstances has actually caused you to grow in Christian maturity?
Read James 1:5-8
According to James, what is the power that enables us to face trouble?
Who is the source of wisdom? What are the alternative sources that we sometimes run to?
On what basis can we have security of receiving wisdom? How should this cause us to act
What is meant by believing and not doubting? Why can we not be ʻdouble-mindedʼ?
How has community helped you to respond to trials with godly wisdom? How could it?
Have you ever asked for wisdom? Is there a challenge right now in which you need Godʼs wisdom?
APPLY: What is one area of challenge that you need to seek Godʼs wisdom?
PRAYER
Gracious God, please help us – in the face of trials - to respond with a wisdom that comes from you. Please, would you be at work in your gentleness and mercy shaping us in your likeness, even amidst and through the suffering that we experience. In Jesusʼ Name, Amen.
GOING DEEPER
On Your Frontline This Week: Have you ever asked a friend or colleague - do you think Jesus is a game changer? Maybe try it this week and invite them to the Public Lecture.
Listen, Watch, and Read:
Listen: “Joy in Trials” by Mike Paget
Read: “The Gift of Suffering, Stress, and Opposition” by Dr Wei-Han Kuan
SERIES Resources:
Series Overview: Booklet (and Audiobook)
Commentary: James: The Wisdom of the Brother of Jesus (by John Dickson)
Course: Introduction to James
Grow as Families
Each week St Bart’s Kids and CHARGE Youth provides resources for you to use at home. Join the livestream and then spend 30 minutes to work through these together.
Families: Read, Chat, Do, and Pray
High School: CHARGE Discussion Questions
Kids’ Talk: Watch the Kids’ Talk
eBook: Watch the eBook