​James 1 – Consider it all Joy
 
General letter to all churches – scattered – This world is not our home
James 1:1  James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ,
To the twelve tribes scattered among the nations:
Greetings.
John 17:14 14 I have given them your word and the world has hated them, for they are not of the world any more than I am of the world.
 
James 1:2 2 Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters,[a] whenever you face trials of many kinds
-Why should we consider it joy?
-wouldn’t it be better to just be comfortable?
-wouldn’t it be awesome to live a life of ease as a Christian?
-who likes to be tested anyways?
Comfort and easy living was never promised, never possible.
John 16:33 33 “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”
Matthew 5:10 Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness,
    for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Luke 14:27 And whoever does not carry their cross and follow me cannot be my disciple.
1 Peter 4:12 12 Dear friends, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal that has come on you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you.
 
We will be tempted, we will have struggles, we will live a life in contest against the world.
Ephesians 6:12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.
1 John 5:19  We know that we are children of God, and that the whole world is under the control of the evil one.
So why should be consider it joy when we face trials?
Trials – PT – Testing – Airborne School – Elite – training + testing + achievement
 
James 1:3-4 knowing that the testing of your faith produces [a]endurance.  4 And let [b]endurance have its perfect [c]result, so that you may be [d]perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.
Trials and testing strengthen us, not to harm us, but to ready us for the temptations of the world. God loves us enough to test us, refine us, make us ready for what the world will bring against us.
1 Peter 1:7 so that the [a]proof of your faith, being more precious than gold which [b]is perishable, even though tested by fire, may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ;
Proverbs 17:3 The refining pot is for silver and the furnace for gold,
But the Lord tests hearts.
 
But what of we can’t figure this out? What if we don’t understand the need for testing? What if, like a child, we just don’t get it?
 
James 1:5 5 But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all generously and [a]without reproach, and it will be given to him.
 
Jesus answered those who asked him in faith. Many times the disciples asked in faith for clarification. But they asked in FAITH. To those who asked in an attempt to test him, to trap him, he gave no answer, only rebuke.
Matthew 23:27 27 “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you are like whitewashed tombs which on the outside appear beautiful, but inside they are full of dead men’s bones and all uncleanness
 
James 1: 6-8 6 But he must ask in faith without any doubting, for the one who doubts is like the surf of the sea, driven and tossed by the wind. 7 For that man ought not to expect that he will receive anything from the Lord, 8 being a [a]double-minded man, unstable in all his ways.
 
If you are asking, seeking answers, looking for wisdom, make sure that it is in faith. Do not be double minded! Either you are seeking or you are trying to reason, trap God into giving you something. Why bother? If we simply ask, he will give freely.
Matthew 7:9-11  Or what man is there among you [a]who, when his son asks for a loaf, [b]will give him a stone? 10 Or [c]if he asks for a fish, he will not give him a snake, will he? 11 If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give what is good to those who ask Him!
James 1:12 12 Blessed is a man who perseveres under trial; for once he has [m]been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him
There it is again, perseverance, endurance.
Luke 6:20-23 20 And turning His gaze toward His disciples, He began to say, “Blessed are [j]you who are poor, for yours is the kingdom of God. 21 Blessed are [k]you who hunger now, for you shall be satisfied. Blessed are you who weep now, for you shall laugh. 22 Blessed are you when men hate you, and ostracize you, and insult you, and scorn your name as evil, for the sake of the Son of Man. 23 Be glad in that day and leap for joy, for behold, your reward is great in heaven. For in the same way their fathers used to [l]treat the prophets.
1 Peter 3: 14  14 But even if you should suffer for the sake of righteousness, you [a]are blessed. And do not fear their [b]intimidation, and do not be troubled
1 Corinthians 9:25  Everyone who competes in the games exercises self-control in all things. They then do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable.
 
 
The difference between trials and temptation.
James 1: 13-14 13 Let no one say when he is tempted, “I am being tempted [a]by God”; for God cannot be tempted [b]by evil, and He Himself does not tempt anyone. 14 But each one is tempted when he is carried away and enticed by his own lust.
Seeming contradiction : Genesis 22:1 Now it came about after these things, that God tested Abraham, and said to him, “Abraham!” And he said, “Here I am.”
Nissah – to try or to test – KJV says tempt
 
What is the difference between trials and temptation? Motivation.
IF from God, it is for your good, if from satan, it is to make you fall.
James 1:15 15 Then when lust has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and when sin [a]is accomplished, it brings forth death.
Wages of sin, the sinful man nature, is death. Don’t see temptations as trials, see them for what they are.
 
James 1:16 16 Do not be [a]deceived, my beloved brethren
 
Every good thing is from God. Not the world. Temptation is telling us that temporary reward is better than eternal. That immediate satisfaction is enough in itself. Remember, we are only here for a short time, eternity awaits.
 
James 1:17 17 Every good thing given and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or [a]shifting shadow.
 
Hebrews 13:8 8 Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.
John 14:6 6 Jesus *said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father but through Me
John 10:30 0 I and the Father are [a]one.”
Malachi 3:6 “For [a]I, the Lord, do not change; therefore you, O sons of Jacob, [b]are not consumed.
God wants only the best for us!
Jeremiah 29:11 For I know the plans that I [a]have for you,’ declares the Lord, ‘plans for welfare and not for calamity to give you a future and a hope
Romans 6:23  For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.
1 Corinthians 10:13 13 No temptation has overtaken you but such as is common to man; and God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will provide the way of escape also, so that you will be able to endure it.
OFTEN MISQUOTED!
 
Application

1. Be what you are meant to be – followers of Jesus Christ!

 
James 1:18 In the exercise of His will He brought us forth by the word of truth, so that we would be [a]a kind of first fruits [b]among His creatures.
Firstfruits – the very best, the first of the harvest, the perfect offering, brought for the by the word, Jesus. Cain vs Able

1. Act like you know what you are doing, follow the example of Christ

 
James 1:19 This you know, my beloved brethren. But everyone must be quick to hear, slow to speak and slow to anger;
Quick to hear – listen
Slow to speak – be still
Slow to anger – Forgive
Matthew 6: 14-15 14 For if you forgive [a]others for their transgressions, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. 15 But if you do not forgive [b]others, then your Father will not forgive your transgressions.
Ravi Zacharias

1. Receive and bear fruit

James 1: 21 21 Therefore, putting aside all filthiness and all [a]that remains of wickedness, in [b]humility receive the word implanted, which is able to save your souls.
Parable of the sower, well worked, fertile ground, garden.

1. Be a doer, not just a knower

 
James 1:22 But prove yourselves doers of the word, and not merely hearers who delude themselves.
1 John 3:18  Little children, let us not love with word or with tongue, but in deed and truth.
Matthew 7:21 “Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father who is in heaven will enter.
Luke 6:45 The good man out of the good [a]treasure of his heart brings forth what is good; and the evil man out of the evil treasure brings forth what is evil; for his mouth speaks from [b]that which fills his heart.
John 14:15 “If you love Me, you will keep My commandments.
 
So why should we consider it joy? Because we have been chosen, we have been set apart. We are God’s children, his team, identified as his. These things we face we face because we belong to him. That is a reason for rejoicing! 

(Jane lost the taped sermon.)

"Let us therefore make every effort to do what leads to peace and to mutual edification." Romans 14:19

They were having lots of problems between Believers in this church.

Edification: an act of edifying; moral improvement; to instruct or benefit, especiall morally, spiritually, Uplift.

Encouragement: process of uplifting people. We need to encourage each other.

Be patient and gentle with those who aren't there yet.

En=Add Encourage = add courage to someone.  People often discourage others. If they are living without God they will lah out. Jesus does everything to build us up.

"Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing." 1 Thessalonians 5;11

Keep doing it. Growing needs encouragement. We need to encourage each other.

"Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:6-7

It is a gift to be free from anxiety. This is only possible through Christ. 

"Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. 9 Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you." Philippians 4:8-9

The church was praying when Saul was hunting them. And God transformed Sault to become Paul. Lift up those who hurt us.

"For though we live in the world, we do not wage war as the world does. 4 The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. 5 We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ." 2 Corinthians 10:3-5

The world's weapons are to attack. The world loves the carwrecks of other people's lives. This isn't God's way! It shouldn't be our way. Our human nature wants to do things the world's ways.

"You, then, why do you judge your brother or sister[a]? Or why do you treat them with contempt? For we will all stand before God’s judgment seat. 11 It is written:
“‘As surely as I live,’ says the Lord,
‘every knee will bow before me;
    every tongue will acknowledge God.’”[b]
12 So then, each of us will give an account of ourselves to God." Romans 14:10-12

Stop comparing outselves. No gossip. No backbiting.

"Let us therefore make every effort to do what leads to peace and to mutual edification." Romans 14:19

"I lift up my eyes to the mountains--
    where does my help come from?
2 My help comes from the Lord,
    the Maker of heaven and earth.
3 He will not let your foot slip--
    he who watches over you will not slumber;
4 indeed, he who watches over Israel
    will neither slumber nor sleep." Psalm 121:1-4

Man is trying to get bigger and bigger and making God smaller and smaller. God's bigger than all of it. God will never be left out. God is still on the throne. He's still saving souls. He's still creating.

"Therefore God exalted him to the highest place
    and gave him the name that is above every name,
10 that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow,
    in heaven and on earth and under the earth,
11 and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord,
    to the glory of God the Father." Philippians 2:9-11

Jesus is alive and well andw orkin in the world. He is alive. We serve a risen Savior.

"When I consider your heavens,
    the work of your fingers,
the moon and the stars,
    which you have set in place,
4 what is mankind that you are mindful of them,
    human beings that you care for them?" Psalm 8:3-4

I. God is the Maker of All Things

"Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made." John 1:3

Only God can make something out of nothing. God spoke all things into being.

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart
    and lean not on your own understanding;
6 in all your ways submit to him,
    and he will make your paths straight" Proverbs 3:5-6

If we do this He'll take care of us. Humans want answers. Don't ask why. Ask "What can God do with this?"

II. God has already worked things out for your good.

"And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who[a] have been called according to his purpose." Romans 8:28

This is a promise to all who love God!

"The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.” Deuteronomy 31:8

God is always faithful to us.

We have seen God in action. But sometimes we forget what He's done.

III. Help is on the way

"The righteous cry out, and the Lord hears them;
    he delivers them from all their troubles.
18 The Lord is close to the brokenhearted
    and saves those who are crushed in spirit." Psalm 34:17-18

He's at work in our lives. Always at work. He's already in our future waiting for us to get there. No matter what path we take God is there.

God is our potter. We are the clay. We are the diamonds. God is the master cutter who makes the rocks shine. They don't shine until they are cut. God is polishing and refining us.

"Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, 4 and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade. This inheritance is kept in heaven for you, 5 who through faith are shielded by God’s power until the coming of the salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time. 6 In all this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials." 1 Peter 1:3-6

Ultimate paradise -- being with God. Welcome back -- this is where you were meant to be!

"but those who hope in the Lord
    will renew their strength.
They will soar on wings like eagles;
    they will run and not grow weary,
    they will walk and not be faint." Isaiah 40:31

Anything we are going through is temporary. All will be well. If you hope in the Lord He will renew your strength. God is waiting for us to trust Him.

"See, the Sovereign Lord comes with power,
    and he rules with a mighty arm.
See, his reward is with him,
    and his recompense accompanies him." Isaiah 40:10

We just have to hold on. The end is in sight.

We are all bound in some ways, but we don't need to be.

"Then they cried to the Lord in their trouble,
    and he saved them from their distress.
14 He brought them out of darkness, the utter darkness,
    and broke away their chains.
15 Let them give thanks to the Lord for his unfailing love
    and his wonderful deeds for mankind,
16 for he breaks down gates of bronze
    and cuts through bars of iron." Psalm 107:13-16

We all are meant to be free!

"See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are! The reason the world does not know us is that it did not know him." 1 John 3:1

This love is a strange, foreign love to anyone who doesn't know Jesus. We have no way to comprehend it without the Spirit.

5 Steps to Breaking the Chains:

1. Remember who you are. You don't have to give in.

"It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm,then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery." Galatians 5:1

2. Rely on God's strength, not your own.

"I can do all this through him who gives me strength." Philippians 4:13

3. Fight the lies. Focus on the Truth. Don't deceive yourself. Don't justify sin.

"Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” John 8:32

4. Be willing to be set free.

Jesus asked the man at the pool of Bethsaida: "Are you willing to be healed?"

Do you want to lose your chains?

5. Leave the chains at the altar. Don't pick them up again.

"For we know that our old self was crucified with him so that the body ruled by sin might be done away with,[a] that we should no longer be slaves to sin-- 7 because anyone who has died has been set free from sin." Romans 6:6-7

If we grab that sin willingly that is disobedience. Don't let sin become your normal. The norms of the world aren't the norms of God's way of life.

God handles it for me. Walk away from the chains.

If you have a habit that is sin, you need to lose it.

God wants us to be free.

Take your chains to God.
Pray often.
Pray specifically.
Pray for others.

You don't have to do anything alone.  Bring sin to the light. Then, it will lose its power.

"So Peter was kept in prison, but the church was earnestly praying to God for him.
6 The night before Herod was to bring him to trial, Peter was sleeping between two soldiers, bound with two chains, and sentries stood guard at the entrance. 7 Suddenly an angel of the Lord appeared and a light shone in the cell. He struck Peter on the side and woke him up. “Quick, get up!” he said, and the chains fell off Peter’s wrists." Acts 12:5-7

God is the same always! What He did for Peter He can do for you, for me. 

God wants us to come to Him, pray and believe.

"You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them,because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world." 1 John 4:4

There is no problem, no chain that God can't overcome for you.

"Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. 12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.13 Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand." Ephesians 6:11-13

What is that evil?

Understanding the enemy is the first step in overcoming the enemy. We can't go blindly into battle.

Who is Satan?
-- He is a fallen angel.
-- He has been given control over the whole world.

"We know that we are children of God, and that the whole world is under the control of the evil one."
1 John 5:19

"Now the serpent was more crafty than any of the wild animals the LordGod had made. He said to the woman, “Did God really say, ‘You must not eat from any tree in the garden’?”
2 The woman said to the serpent, “We may eat fruit from the trees in the garden, 3 but God did say, ‘You must not eat fruit from the tree that is in the middle of the garden, and you must not touch it, or you will die.’”
4 “You will not certainly die,” the serpent said to the woman. 5 “For God knows that when you eat from it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.” Genesis 3:1-5

Satan likes when people don't believe he's rearl and he likes to stay hidden. These are great ways to do his work without interruption or interference.

He uses:

DECEPTION.
"You belong to your father, the devil, and you want to carry out your father’s desires. He was a murderer from the beginning, not holding to the truth, for there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks his native language, for he is a liar and the father of lies." John 8:44

He'll use half-truths, outright lies; other people to lie. Surface stuff doesn't tell the whole truth. 

Lies are just empty promises, a trap.

Deny the truth of the Word.

He makes the truth complicated. Asks, "but what if?" and "But how can?"

Faith is simple.

He uses wordsmithing, spinning. He will also overwhelm people with sheer volume of information so they just get callous or immune to it.

"Dear friends, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world." 1 John 4:1

Make sure you test what you hear. Look for the truth yourself. Test the source. Jesus said, "You are either for me or against me." 

DIVISION:

“My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, 21 that all of them may be one,Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me. 22 I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be one as we are one" John 17:20-22

Nothing is more damaging to the church than division in a church body (or division between Christians). 

"So I find this law at work: Although I want to do good, evil is right there with me. 22 For in my inner being I delight in God’s law; 23 but I see another law at work in me, waging war against the law of my mind and making me a prisoner of the law of sin at work within me. 24 What a wretched man I am! Who will rescue me from this body that is subject to death? 25 Thanks be to God, who delivers me through Jesus Christ our Lord!
So then, I myself in my mind am a slave to God’s law, but in my sinful nature[a] a slave to the law of sin." Romans 7:21-25

Whatever we feed internally will win (either our flesh or the Spirit).

"For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms." Ephesians 6:12

Externally, we will always be looking for something better -- this divides us from within and away from what God has for us.

We shouldn't be afraid of the devil but we need to respect the threat.

DIVERSION: TURN US OFF THE PATH:

"Jesus turned and said to Peter, “Get behind me, Satan! You are a stumbling block to me; you do not have in mind the concerns of God, but merely human concerns.” Matthew 16:23

How do you avoid diversions? Be alert and then avoid them. Pushing through them sometimes will cause very negative consequences. If we have been diverted from the path, we will be too absorbed in the world and will have no time for prayer, church and the Word. If you value something, you'll find time for it. 

ANXIETY AND FEAR:

"Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather, be afraid of the One who can destroy both soul and body in hell." Matthew 10:28

The beginning of wisdom is the fear of God. We know what God is capable of, so why fear?

DISCOURAGEMENT:

Discourages us because aspirations are open-ended. God knows and understands we are in process. This is grace. If you live in fear you will always fail (or never try). Do not let perfection get in the way of "good enough."
There's always room for improvement. This doesn't mean we are failures. It means we are human. Fatigue, worn out. He tries to make us give up. We aren't alone. Let God carry your load.

"They will say, “Where is this ‘coming’ he promised? Ever since our ancestors died, everything goes on as it has since the beginning of creation.” 2 Peter 3:4

What's wrong with waiting? Giving us His grace, something to energize us!

"In the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who will judge the living and the dead, and in view of his appearing and his kingdom, I give you this charge: 2 Preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage—with great patience and careful instruction. 3 For the time will come when people will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear. 4 They will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths. 5 But you, keep your head in all situations, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, discharge all the duties of your ministry." 2Timothy 4:1-5

Forewarned is forearmed!

Faith is rooted in love!

"I have given you authority to trample on snakes and scorpions and to overcome all the power of the enemy; nothing will harm you." Luke 10:19

Use the power that is given to you!

Keep your eyes on the Cross!

"For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing,but to us who are being saved it is the power of God." 1 Corinthians 1:18

Are you willing?

Surrender to God and let go of your own agenda. The enemy cannot and will never defeat our Father!!

(Jane left the voice recorder at church!! Sorry! I will try and load up the recording later this week. It was a really good sermon.)

Hesitation -- we see the door open and we hesitate. Hesitation in battle can be deadly. 

The "forlorn hope." Someone has to charge up to the hole to secure the opening. There is a high casuality rate. You have to volunteer and if you survived it was guaranteed promotion. 

"In any moment of decision, the best thing you can do is the right thing; the next best thing is the wrong thing; and the worst thing is to do nothing." Theodore Roosevelt.

"You then, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus." 2 Timothy 2:1

Be strong!

Without Him I am nothing. With Him, I am invincible!"

There is no such thing as an Army of one. God can overcome anything.

"I can do all this through him who gives me strength." Philippians 4:13

"Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power." Ephesians 6:10

"And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable people who will also be qualified to teach others." 2 Timothy 2:2

We need to share the Gospel and the work. Don't hoarde it. Share it.

"Let the prophet who has a dream recount the dream, but let the one who has my word speak it faithfully. For what has straw to do with grain?” declares the Lord." Jeremiah 23:28

"It is better to train ten people than to do the work of ten people. But it is harder." D.L. Moody

The rule of multiplication: if you disciple 2 people and both of them disciple 2 people, in ten steps it becomes 1024 people!

"Join with me in suffering, like a good soldier of Christ Jesus." 2 Timothy 2:3

Stay Faithful (even when the battle is hard). 

If you are not currently experiencing spiritual warfare ask yourself if you are doing anything for God. 

Seek the resistance and overcome it.

"Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of lifethat the Lord has promised to those who love him." James 1:12

By not quitting, we win.

If you fail, get up and push again. Persevere. We can't win if we stand still. Must go forward.

"No one serving as a soldier gets entangled in civilian affairs, but rather tries to please his commanding officer. 5 Similarly, anyone who competes as an athlete does not receive the victor’s crown except by competing according to the rules." 2 Timothy 2:4-5

Stay out of worldly junk. Just do your job. Look forward. Don't be distracted. 

Do your eyes get taken off the battleground and go onto the playground?

If something overtakes you, it becomes sin.

"I am coming soon. Hold on to what you have, so that no one will take your crown." Revelation 3:11

No one ever goes into battle expecting to lose. 

"The hardworking farmer should be the first to receive a share of the crops." 2 Timothy 2:6

Do your share. Earn your pay. Do your part. Do the best you can with the part you've been given.

"I planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God has been making it grow. 7 So neither the one who plants nor the one who waters is anything, but only God, who makes things grow. 8 The one who plants and the one who waters have one purpose, and they will each be rewarded according to their own labor. 9 For we are co-workers in God’s service; you are God’s field, God’s building." 1 Corinthians 3:6-9

"Reflect on what I am saying, for the Lord will give you insight into all this." 2 Timothy 2:7

Remember your training.

Remember the truth you've learned. Same foundational training for everyone. The elemental training is the same for all of us. Remember and build on the knowledge. You can read the Bible over and over and learn something new each time you read it.

"We know also that the Son of God has come and has given us understanding, so that we may know him who is true. And we are in him who is true by being in his Son Jesus Christ. He is the true God and eternal life."
1 John 5:20

"Remember Jesus Christ, raised from the dead, descended from David. This is my gospel, 9 for which I am suffering even to the point of being chained like a criminal. But God’s word is not chained." 2 Timothy 2:8-9

Remember what your purpose is. Remember why you are here.

Just go!

Remember where you are going.

"fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.3 Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart." Hebrews 2:2-3

We can finish our races because Jesus finished His.

"Therefore I endure everything for the sake of the elect, that they too may obtain the salvation that is in Christ Jesus, with eternal glory." 2 Timothy 2:10

Endure for your brothers and sisters.

I shall finish my race strong so it will give others courage to finish theirs. Sometimes we need to carry each other.

"Once you were not a people, but now you are the people of God; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy." 1 Peter 2:10

I do what I do to strengthen others.

If you hesitate and stand back, others may too. Cowardess begets cowardess. Courage can beget courage.

"Here is a trustworthy saying:
If we died with him,
    we will also live with him;
12 if we endure,
    we will also reign with him.
If we disown him,
    he will also disown us;
13 if we are faithless,
    he remains faithful,
    for he cannot disown himself." 2 Timothy 2:11-13

You are reborn for a purpose in God's kingdom.

Which do you want to hear?

"Many will say to me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name and in your name drive out demons and in your name perform many miracles?’ 23 Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!’" Matthew 7:22-23

OR

“His master replied, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master’s happiness!’ Matthew 25:21

"We who are strong ought to bear with the failings of the weak and not to please ourselves. 2 Each of us should please our neighbors for their good, to build them up. 3 For even Christ did not please himself but, as it is written: “The insults of those who insult you have fallen on me.”[a] 4 For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through the endurance taught in the Scriptures and the encouragement they provide we might have hope.
5 May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you the same attitude of mind toward each other that Christ Jesus had," Romans 15:1-5

A person's scars represent lots of lessons learned. Scars (if we learn by them) strengthen us. We have strength in Jesus.

"We who are strong ought to bear with the failings of the weak and not to please ourselves." Romans 15:1

Our strength is in our hope.

"Therefore, with minds that are alert and fully sober, set your hope on the grace to be brought to you when Jesus Christ is revealed at his coming." 1 Peter 1:13

Our hope is our strength.

"Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power." Ephesians 6:10

"Brothers and sisters, if someone is caught in a sin, you who live by the Spirit should restore that person gently. But watch yourselves, or you also may be tempted. 2 Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ." Galatians 6:1-2

Have compassion. Be humble. Pray. Give a hug. We don't help for ourselves. We help so we can build others up.

"Each of us should please our neighbors for their good, to build them up." Romans 15:2

Don't help to garner praise.

"not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.
5 In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus:" Philippians 2:4-5

That's who I came for (Jesus says). Even if it is self-induced suffering, still help. God does. He dealt with the issue first, then spoke. Through the helping they saw the love of God. Don't worry about what others think.

"For even Christ did not please himself but, as it is written: “The insults of those who insult you have fallen on me.” Romans 15:3

Jesus picked people up. He didn't do this for himself. World asks, "What's in it for me?"

"If you keep My commandments, you will abide in My love; just as I have kept My Father's commandments, and abide in His love." John 15:10

This is the reward!

"For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sake he became poor, so that you through his poverty might become rich." 2 Corinthians 8:9

Give grace always. Give a flood of grace so others can't help but get touched by that grace.

"For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through the endurance taught in the Scriptures and the encouragement they provide we might have hope." Romans 15:4

Where does our strength come from?

"So do not throw away your confidence; it will be richly rewarded.
36 You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what he has promised." Hebrews 10:35-36

Look at the goal. That's the encouragement. 

"All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching,rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, 17 so that the servant of God[a] may be thoroughly equipped for every good work." 2 Timothy 3:16-17

Train and get better. Read your Bible. Spend time with Jesus. The source of our strength!!

"I lift up my eyes to the mountains--
    where does my help come from?
2 My help comes from the Lord,
    the Maker of heaven and earth." Psalm 121:1-2

The spirit of unity:

"May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you the same attitude of mind toward each other that Christ Jesus had," Romans 15:5

How do we live in unity? in strength in unity?

Remember where we came from:

"Be of the same mind toward one another; do not be haughty in mind, but associate with the lowly; do not be wise in your own estimation." Romans 12:16

We need to get to someone's eye level, eye-to-eye. Get down to their level.

"To sum up, let all be harmonious, sympathetic, brotherly, kindhearted, and humble in spirit;" 1 Peter 3:8

"And the congregation of those who believed were of one heart and soul; and not one of them claimed that anything belonging to him was his own; but all things were common property to them." Acts 4:32

SO, WHAT SHOULD WE DO?

1. Work out spiritually! Add strength through Bible study and prayer and obedience.
2. Use your strength. Help others be strong.
3. Need Help? Follow the example of Jesus and the early church.
4. Endurance. Persevere. Hope.

(Story from recording about riderless horse)
His heart was trying but he couldn't win. What if he had had someone helping him? There are people who are trying alone -- if we recognize it we can help them. Help me Lord see the ones I can encourage to walk with you.

"There is a time for everything,
    and a season for every activity under the heavens:
2     a time to be born and a time to die,
    a time to plant and a time to uproot,
3     a time to kill and a time to heal,
    a time to tear down and a time to build," Ecclesastes 3:1-3
 
It's the time the dash (on a tombstone) that matters -- the time between when you are born and when you die. It's not enough just to live our lives. What are we doing with them?

The world wants to stop aging. Try to control time. We can't.

 "a time to weep and a time to laugh,
    a time to mourn and a time to dance,
5     a time to scatter stones and a time to gather them,
    a time to embrace and a time to refrain from embracing," Ecclesiastes 3:4-5

You are not accidental. Your circumstances aren't accidental. In the above verses Solomon writes from negative to positive. In the next few verses he does the opposite:

   "a time to search and a time to give up,
    a time to keep and a time to throw away,
7     a time to tear and a time to mend,
    a time to be silent and a time to speak,
8     a time to love and a time to hate,
    a time for war and a time for peace." Ecclesiastes 3:6-8

In the end, it just is (the negative and the positive of life). We have no control over our births. 

The question is, do we even matter? Are we a mere speck of dust? The world thinks people re expendable. God doesn't! God says each and everyone of us is here for a purpose, is here because He loves us. 

"For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son,that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life." John 3:16

God wants us for eternity.

"What do workers gain from their toil? 10 I have seen the burden God has laid on the human race." Ecclesiastes 3:9-10

"By the sweat of your brow
    you will eat your food
until you return to the ground,
    since from it you were taken;
for dust you are
    and to dust you will return." Genesis 3:19

The world thinks it is all a treadmill. If you base your life on the world, you will not be satisfied. 

"He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the human heart; yet[a] no one can fathom what God has done from beginning to end." Ecclesiastes 3:11

This (the above verse) is where it all changes. Beauty! Eternity is in our human heart/mind.

"And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who[a] have been called according to his purpose." Romans 8:28

God has His hands on everything. 

Our birth:

"For you created my inmost being;
    you knit me together in my mother’s womb." Psalm 139:13

“Before I formed you in the womb I knew[a] you,
    before you were born I set you apart;
    I appointed you as a prophet to the nations.”Jeremiah 1:5

"So God created mankind in his own image,
    in the image of God he created them;
    male and female he created them." Genesis 1:27

We don't know the reasons, but we do have a desire to know. There is a biological imprint in our DNA for a desire for eternity and God. Our knowledge is only what God shares with us.

"For now we see only a reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known." 1 Corinthians 13:12

"I know that there is nothing better for people than to be happy and to do good while they live. 13 That each of them may eat and drink, and find satisfaction in all their toil—this is the gift of God.' Ecclesiastes 3:12-13

Our life and our work are gifts from God. Nothing is better than "to be happy and to do good." He has work for us to do.

"For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do." Ephesians 2:10

"But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal." Matthew 6:20

He wants us to do His work. He created us specifically how we are. God's plans aren't our plans. The only things that will last will be the stuff we do for Jesus.

How do we live?

"I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want." Philippians 4:12

The secret? Walking in the will of God.

We live for eternity but live in the moment. 

"And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who[a] have been called according to his purpose." Romans 8:28

 "I know that everything God does will endure forever; nothing can be added to it and nothing taken from it. God does it so that people will fear him." Ecclesiastes 3:14

"For in him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through him and for him." Colossians 1:16

The meaning is not in the contrast. God's incorporating all of them into His plan. He then invades our experiences. Time doesn't matter to God, but we do. He gives us a life so we can experience it and Him. Our mortality was decided by us. Our eternity was decided by Him. 

The Triumphal Entry. When the Romans would have a victory parade, the leader would be led in with a powerful chariot. All his troops would be marching behind him. It was a big deal. They were conqueroring heroes!

Jesus came in a donkey in a victory parade of sorts (though humbly and nothing like the Roman parade). But excitement was in the air. 2.5 million people were in town for the passover.  Jesus was normally very quiet about his ministry. Would heal people and then tell them not to tell anyone about him. 

"Then Jesus said to him, “See that you don’t tell anyone. But go, show yourself to the priest and offer the gift Moses commanded, as a testimony to them.” Matthew 8:4

Why did this happen? Did Jesus give the crowds what they wanted so all would see it wouldn't be as they thought it would? They wanted a conquering hero. Jesus came in on a donkey proclaiming peace, but there was no conquering Rome. He had to first conquer sin.

Remember the streets were crowded with people. Celebration feeling in the air. Parties. Reunions. People planning this for a year. 

"As they approached Jerusalem and came to Bethphage on the Mount of Olives, Jesus sent two disciples, 2 saying to them, “Go to the village ahead of you, and at once you will find a donkey tied there, with her colt by her. Untie them and bring them to me. 3 If anyone says anything to you, say that the Lord needs them, and he will send them right away.”
"This took place to fulfill what was spoken through the prophet:
5 “Say to Daughter Zion,
    ‘See, your king comes to you,
gentle and riding on a donkey,
    and on a colt, the foal of a donkey.’”[a] Matthew 21:1-5 (and quoting Zechariah 9:9)

Matthew was a Jewish writer writing to a Jewish audience. He knew how important it was to show that Jesus fulfilled prophecy.

"From that time on Jesus began to explain to his disciples that he must go to Jerusalem and suffer many things at the hands of the elders, the chief priests and the teachers of the law, and that he must be killed and on the third day be raised to life." Matthew 16:21

Jesus knew why He was going to Jerusalem. He had tried to prepare His disciples to face His death.

"The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him and said, “Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!" John 1:29

John the Baptist knew who Jesus was right away!

Prior to going to Jerusalem, Jesus spent time with Lazarus, Martha and Mary in Bethany. Between Bethany and Jerusalem they would go over the Mount of Olives (called this because it was covered in Olive trees). Jesus would look down on Jerusalem before He arrived.
 "As he approached Jerusalem and saw the city, he wept over it 42 and said, “If you, even you, had only known on this day what would bring you peace—but now it is hidden from your eyes." Luke 19:41-42

Jesus told the disciples where to find a donkey for the procession. They did exactly what He told them to do.

"The disciples went and did as Jesus had instructed them. 7 They brought the donkey and the colt and placed their cloaks on them for Jesus to sit on." Matthew 21:6-7

Cloaks and branches were laid down to cut the dust. This was the "red carpet" treatment!

 "A very large crowd spread their cloaks on the road, while others cut branches from the trees and spread them on the road. 9 The crowds that went ahead of him and those that followed shouted,
“Hosanna[a] to the Son of David!”
“Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!”[b]
“Hosanna[c] in the highest heaven!” Matthew 21:8-9

Palm branches and the shout "Hosanna" were signs of victory. Hosanna is a victory chant. The city was shaken (like in an earthquake) with the crowd's enthusiasm. So much fanfare the ground shook. 

There people had huge expectations for Jesus, what Jesus would do for them. They thought they were going to gain from Jesus -- gain physical freedom from Rome. Be free from Rome's taxes. People quickly got disillusioned with Jesus because they didn't cash in with Jesus as they thought they would. Jesus never promises a life of ease. There is only one place in the Gospel where Jesus uses the word "easy."

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” Matthew 11:28-30

God's great promise is His presence, not a life of ease. His promises aren't for material junk.

"When Jesus entered Jerusalem, the whole city was stirred and asked, “Who is this?”
11 The crowds answered, “This is Jesus, the prophetfrom Nazareth in Galilee.”Matthew 21:10-11

(Where "stirred" is used in this verse is where the ground shook with excitement)

The people are shouting for Him. Jesus is in tears (see Luke 19:41-42) over their blindness.

 "As he approached Jerusalem and saw the city, he wept over it 42 and said, “If you, even you, had only known on this day what would bring you peace—but now it is hidden from your eyes." Luke 19:41-42

They didn't get it. They didn't understand why Jesus was there. Nobody was getting it. They were twisting all of it to their own agendas. He promises redemption, His presence, Eternal life. Before victory there has to be the sacrifice for sin.

Jesus is coming back as a warrior eventually. See below:

"I saw heaven standing open and there before me was a white horse, whose rider is called Faithful and True. With justice he judges and wages war. 12 His eyes are like blazing fire, and on his head are many crowns. He has a name written on him that no one knows but he himself. 13 He is dressed in a robe dipped in blood, and his name is the Word of God.14 The armies of heaven were following him, riding on white horses and dressed in fine linen, white and clean." Revelation 19:11-14

Jesus wasn't offering revolution but repentance on Palm Sunday. 

What does your life say Jesus is? When People see Jesus through you, what do they see?