10/06/2024 Midtown Church Elk Grove
The Book of James: Words to Live By
“When You Feel Like You Can’t Catch a Break”
Pastor Tyronne Gross Jr.
Main Text: James 1:1-12 (NIV)
James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ,
To the twelve tribes scattered among the nations:
Greetings.
2 Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, 3 because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. 4 Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. 5 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. 6 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. 7 That person should not expect to receive anything from the Lord. 8 Such a person is double-minded and unstable in all they do.
9 Believers in humble circumstances ought to take pride in their high position. 10 But the rich should take pride in their humiliation—since they will pass away like a wild flower. 11 For the sun rises with scorching heat and withers the plant; its blossom falls and its beauty is destroyed. In the same way, the rich will fade away even while they go about their business.
12 Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him.
Biblical Background
- Written by James, the half-brother of Jesus, who didn’t believe at first but became a church leader after seeing the resurrection.
- James is addressing Jewish believers who are facing persecution, rejection, and being pushed out of their communities for following Christ.
- His letter is meant to comfort and encourage them to keep their faith strong, even during tough times.
- James emphasizes that faith isn’t just about words or thoughts—it’s about living it out through action and trusting God, even when life is hard.
- He prepares them for future trials, reminding them that these challenges can strengthen their faith and make them even stronger.
When you feel like you can’t catch a break remember to…
1.) Grow Through What You Go Through (James 1:2-4)
Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, 3 because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. 4 Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.
2.) Ask for Wisdom (James 1:5-8)
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. 6 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. 7 That person should not expect to receive anything from the Lord. 8 Such a person is double-minded and unstable in all they do.
3.) True Worth Beyond Wealth (James 1:9-11)
Believers in humble circumstances ought to take pride in their high position. 10 But the rich should take pride in their humiliation—since they will pass away like a wild flower. 11 For the sun rises with scorching heat and withers the plant; its blossom falls and its beauty is destroyed. In the same way, the rich will fade away even while they go about their business.
Final Thought: God’s Promise to Those Who Persevere (James 1:12)
Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him.
When you feel like you can’t catch a break, remember:
- Grow through what you go through. Every trial is an opportunity to grow deeper in your faith.
- Ask for Wisdom. Prayer aligns our hearts with God’s, allowing us to see beyond the pain.
- True Worth Beyond Wealth. Trials strip away distractions, helping us focus on what really matters—our eternal relationship with God.