Title: The Triumphant Church – Triumphing over Trials
Text: James 1: 1-12
Introduction
The Apostle James wrote the letter to Christians that were scattered because of persecution. The Christians were going through difficult times and Apostle James wrote this letter as an encouragement to them so that they may not fall away because of their circumstances.
The church of Jesus Christ is a triumphant church. That is why Jesus said, “Upon this rock I will built my church and the gates of hell will not prevailed against it.” The church of Christ is to be a church triumphant over trials.
This evening I will share with you from James 1:1-12 which shows us how we can triumph over trials. If every Christian can take these steps I believed that there will be no trials that are too difficult for us to overcome. No storm so great that can sink the ship.
T.S. How can the church be triumphant and overcome trials?
1. Response with joyful attitude
When problems comes our way what is our first reaction? We become down and discourage. We want to give up and backslide. We get angry with God because it is all God’s fault.
However James gave a different antidote to overcome trials. Response in a joyful attitude. Is James crazy? Rejoice over difficult times?
Christians can triumph over trials by responding in joy.
a.We can response in joy because God is in charge of the situation.
b.We can response in joy because God is molding our character.
A Ship that had gone through a storm is one that is tested and can be trusted to take passengers to safety. God prepares his vessels through trials so that we are ready to be use by him.
All great man of God in the bible were tested and tried before they were used to do mighty things for God.
2. Rely upon God’s wisdom
Not only must we have a joyful attitude, we must learn to rely upon the wisdom of God. So many a times we rely upon our own wisdom to do things. We run to our friends and seek for help and advice but we failed to ask God for wisdom.
James instructed the persecuted Christians to ask God for wisdom. God’s wisdom shows us what to do in a particular situation.
a.Pray and ask God for wisdom.
b.Expect to receive wisdom from God.
I remembered a time when I was going through a difficult financial situation. I told the Lord my problem and he told to ask for the exact amount I need. I asked and the money arrived the next day.
Exodus 14:15 – God gave Moses wisdom and showed him what to do.
3. Received the future Crown
Rev 2:10
There is a future reward that is waiting for us. James concluded the section on triumphing trials by reminding his audience of the future crown that awaits them.
Justin Heinen the winner of the US tennis championship endured a grueling semi final match of about three hours. Suffering from cramps she would have given up but I believed she set her sights on the trophy which she will receive if she pulls through. Amazingly she won.
In times of trials when we feel like giving up all, set your eyes upon the future Crown which represents all the glory that God will bestowed upon all who finish the race on this earth.
Conclusion
Instead of being defeated by circumstances, as believers we can step into a place of victory. Jesus never promised an easy journey, but He promised victory. He said, “In this world ye shall have tribulations, but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world” (John 16:33). Since we are of Christ we too can become overcomer triumphing over trials. So they next time trials come your way, remember the three simple steps which James prescribed: 1. Respond with joy attitude 2. Rely on God’s wisdom and received the future crown; look at our rewards in heaven and I believed you too can be triumphant over trials.
