The Persuation of Pain

Series: Faith Series

June 14, 2015 | Bob Bartlett
Passage: James 1:2-8

Faith Series
“The Persuasion of Pain” James 1:2-8

Hebrews 11:1Now faith is being sure of what we hope for, certain of what we do not see.”
Hebrews 11:6And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.”

  • It’s not how much faith we have, but in whom our faith rests that matters.

Vs 3: “because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance.”

  • Hebrews 11:17By faith Abram, when God tested him, offered Isaac as a sacrifice…”

Truth: God will test me in my faith so that I will possess a great faith!

Vs 4: “Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete…”

  • What kind of faith? “Not lack anything!”

Truth: If I don’t embrace trials from God’s perspective I will not possess great faith.

Vs 5: “If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him.

‘Persuasion of Pain theology’

Genesis 3:16 Her “greatly increase your pain in childbearing; with pain you will give birth”
Genesis 3:17 Him “through painful toil you will eat…”

2 Corinthians 4:7-9 "But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us. 8 We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair;  9 persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed."

 

God’s redemptive plan is to allow pain in our lives as a gracious reminder that we live in a fallen world and as a means to ‘persuade’ us to draw near to Him and keep us close to Him.

Wisdom to embrace in trials

  1. God wants to rid me of sin in my life. Psalm 119:67
  2. God wants me to learn to trust Him. 2Cor 4:16-18
  3. God knows that a rescue isn’t best for me. Rom 8:18
  4. God knows the lesson and character quality(s) I need to develop. 2Pet 1:3-7
  • The golden rule of trials: _______________________

 

  1. God is building my faith story so I can teach and help others.2 Cor 1:3-4
  2. God is doing something amazing in or through me. 1 Cor 2:9
  3. God is developing his mind and heart in me. 1Cor 2:16
  4. God is teaching me that a close relationship with Him is what I need most. Phil 3:8

 

Vs 6: “but when he asks, he must believe and not doubt…”

Truth: When I embrace God’s wisdom in my trials that is the remedy for great faith.

  • 1Peter 1:6-7 “In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. These have come so that your faith – of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire – may be proved genuine and may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed.”

 

In every trial, God is building a faith story in me; I must have the wisdom to see it.

Series Information

Previous Page


Other sermons in the series

Ark Building Faith

May 03, 2015

“Ark Building Faith”   Genesis 6:5-22 (NIV84) Hebrews 11:1...

Under Authority

May 24, 2015

Faith Series – Under Authority “Unleashing God’s Power&rdquo...

The Persuation of Pain

June 14, 2015

Faith Series“The Persuasion of Pain” James 1:2-8 Hebrews 11:1 “Now...