1. Attitudes and actions that garner God’s blessings

2. What is this series about? An examination of 21 attitudes and behaviors identified in the New Testament as “blessed” A look at Christian conduct and characteristics that will enrich our lives with lasting joy A look at the condition of those who lack these qualities

3. James 1:12 Outline What it means to be under trial What it means to persevere The blessings of perseverance under trial The cursed life: those who do not persevere

4. Under trial (James 1:12) Greek peirasmos (trial, temptation) Tests of our loyalty, character (Abraham, Gen. 22:1-2,10-12) Trials Originate from external sources peer pressure, difficult choices, unfavorable circumstances Persecutions and afflictions (2 Thess. 1:4) Conflict of sufferings (Heb. 10:32-33) Temptations Originate within man’s own desires (Jms. 1:14-15) Satan sees our weaknesses, presents opportunities to indulge God always provides a way of escape (1 Cor. 10:13) Trials/temptations are not necessarily bad, for “the testing of your faith produces endurance” (Jms. 1:3)

5. Persevere (James 1:12) Greek hupomeno (to remain in place; to endure) Young Jesus “stayed behind” in Jerusalem (Lk. 2:43) Silas & Timothy “remained” in Berea (Acts 17:14) “endure” to end (Mt. 10:22) If a trial or temptation would move you further from God: You overcome (win!) if you endure unmoved (Heb. 11:35-40) You sin (lose!) if you give in to the pressure and move (Gal. 1:6-7) Five keys to perseverance Trust in God’s providence & promise (1 Cor. 10:13) Apply God’s tools to stand firm and resist (Eph. 6:10-18) Have self-confidence from past victories (Heb. 10:32-36) Seek support from fellow saints (1 Cor. 12:25-26) Focus forward on Jesus (Heb. 12:1-3)

6. The blessings of persevering under trial Blessings in this life (James 5:10-11) God’s generous providence (as Job received) Endurance makes one complete, mature (Jms. 1:4) Proven character (Rom. 5:4) and good reputation among men Blessings in the next life Shall be saved (Mt. 24:13) Receive the crown of life (Jms. 1:12) Reign with Christ (2 Tim. 2:12) Eternal life (Rom. 2:7) “We count those blessed who endured” (Jms. 5:11)

7. The cursed life: those who do not persevere When tried, they concede, quit, run away, surrender When tempted, they whither away (Lk. 8:13), give in, commit sin When Satan pushes, they move. When storms rage, they cower. When the herd of public opinion runs off the cliff, they follow. They are cowards and will be cast into hell (Rev. 21:8) They shrink back unto their destruction (Heb. 10:38-39) We all have weak moments! Let us learn from those moments and strengthen what is weak.

8. Summary We all face tests of our faith, in the forms of both trials and temptations. How we handle that adversity tells what kind of person we are. Perseverance is the ability to stay in place when pushed, to endure when threatened. Different people have different levels of perseverance. God blesses those who persevere with blessings in this life and in the life to come. Thus who do not endure to the end will be cast out as faithless cowards. When the end comes, will God find you standing fast?

9. Believe in Jesus Christ (John 14:1; Acts 16:30-34) That He died for your sins and was resurrected (1 Cor. 15:3-4) Repent of your past sins (Acts 17:30; 2 Peter 3:9) Commit yourself to holy conduct (Acts 26:30; Titus 2:11-12) Confess your faith (Matthew 10:32) Declare your belief that Jesus is God’s Son (Acts 8:37) Receive Baptism (Matthew 28:19; Acts 2:41; Acts 8:12) Baptism puts you into Christ (Romans 6:3-5; Galatians 3:27) Baptism is for the forgiveness of sins (Acts 2:38; Acts 22:16) Baptism saves you (1 Peter 3:21) Be faithful until death (Revelation 2:10) Trust His grace and obey His commands (Hebrews 5:9) Or face the retribution due to those who do not obey 2 Thessalonians 1:8; Romans 2:8; John 3:36

10. Pray without ceasing…Practice what Jesus preached…Prepare for our next assembly