Faith in the Fire
Everybody has Problems
James 1:2-12

"Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds..." James 1:2a

"Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance.” James 1:2

FOUR FACTS OF LIFE:

PROBLEMS ARE INEVITABLE

PROBLEMS ARE UNPREDICTABLE

PROBLEMS ARE VARIED

PROBLEMS ARE PURPOSEFUL


THREE PURPOSES OF PROBLEMS IN YOUR LIFE:

PROBLEMS PURIFY MY FAITH

PROBLEMS FORTIFY OUR PATIENCE

PROBLEMS SANCTIFY MY CHARACTER

GOD'S #1 PURPOSE IN YOUR LIFE IS TO MAKE YOU LIKE JESUS CHRIST

Two Ways That God Makes Us Like Jesus:

1. Through the Word of God

“But don’t just listen to God’s word. You must do what it says. Otherwise, you are only fooling yourselves.” James 1:22

2. Through the Circumstances of Life

"We know that all things work together for good" if we love God and are called according to His purpose." Romans 8:28

"For whom he did foreknow He did predestine to become conformed to the image of the Son of God." Romans 8:29

HOW TO HANDLE YOUR PROBLEMS

REJOICE

"Consider it pure joy whenever you face trials ..." James 1:2

We don't rejoice for the problem, we rejoice in the problem

"In everything give thanks for this is the will of God concerning you in Christ Jesus." 1 Thessalonians 5:18

"I will bless the Lord at all times. His praise shall continually be in my mouth."Psalm 34:1

PRAY

"If any of you lack wisdom, you should ask God who gives generously to all without finding fault and it will be given to him." James 1:5

TRUST

"Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial. When he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love Him." James 1:12