(2
Corinthians 1:8-9) “We were under great pressure, far beyond our ability
to endure, so that we despaired even of life. Indeed, in our hearts we felt
the sentence of death. But this happened that we might not rely on ourselves
but on God.”
(1 Peter 4:12) “Dear friends, do
not be surprised at the painful trial you are suffering, as though something
strange were happening to you.”
The title of my message today is: The Father’s
Formula
The Father’s Formula
(James 1:1)
“James,
a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, to the twelve tribes scattered
among the nations: Greetings.”
(James 1:2) “Consider
it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds…”
The Formula: EIC²
üEvaluation
– see trials through the eyes of faith.
(James 1:3)
“…because you know that the testing of your faith develops
perseverance.”
üInformation
– understand what the trial is producing.
(1 Peter 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.”
(James 1:4) “Perseverance must
finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking
anything.”
üCooperation
– work with God in the process.
(Romans 8:28)
“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love
him, who have been called according to his purpose.”
(James 1:5) “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.”
üConversation
– ask for God’s help.
(James 1:6-7)
“But when he asks, he must believe and not doubt, because he who doubts
is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. That man should not
think he will receive anything from the Lord; he is a double-minded man,
unstable in all he does.”
(James 1:12) “Blessed
is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he
will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love
him.”
For more information on the vision of Freedom Church, please visit our website at www.freedom-church.org.
