When hard times come, what do we do? James 1:2-13 Job 1-42 How strong is your faith? You? Going through some tough stuff? Today: “Strong Faith 101”

James 1:2-4 (NASB) 2 Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, 3 knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. (perseverance / patience) 4 And let endurance have its perfect result, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing. Testing of Faith  Perseverance  Perfection

Steel is formed when Iron is combined with carbon in a furnace Up to a 1000 times stronger 5 (believers)… are protected by the power of God through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. 6 In this you greatly rejoice, even though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been distressed (grieved, made sad) by various trials, 7 so that the proof of your faith, being more precious than gold which is perishable, even though tested by fire, may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ; 1 Peter 1:5-7 (NASB) Faith becomes stronger when tested

God allows Satan to tempt / test us 1.Subtle 2.Medium 3.Intense (Christiandaily.com) 4.Unto death

Satan tempts us 1.Subtle 2.Medium 3.Intense (Christiandaily.com) 4.Unto death

Job 1:1-5 Wealthy man / highly respected Job: one of the best examples of how to Bear up under the withering attacks of Satan

Job chapter 1:6-12 God meets with the angels

Job chapter 1:6-12

Satan cannot Tempt God and… God does not tempt anyone 13 Let no one say when he is tempted, " I am being tempted by God"; for God cannot be tempted by evil, and He Himself does not tempt anyone. 14 But each one is tempted when he is carried away and enticed (Satan entices) by his own lust (we lust). 15 Then when lust has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and when sin is accomplished, it brings forth death. James 1:13-15 (NASB)

Job chapter 1:6-12

4 You are from God, little children, and have overcome them; because greater is He who is in you than he who is in the world. 1 John 4:4 (NASB) God is greater than Satan because God created him

Job lost everything Job 1:13-22

Job lost everything Job 1: Through all this Job did not sin nor did he blame God. Job 1:22 (NASB)

How do we get that kind of faith? 1. Love God, Mt 22:37 2. Know that He loves us, John 3:16, Rom 5:8 3. Understand Satan, Jn 10:10, Eph 6: Future Hope, Heb 11:10 “Beware of churches and preachers who are focused on feeling good, self improvement, and drawing crowds rather than being focused on loving and serving Jesus”

Satan wasn’t finished - Job, 2:1-6 Satan wanted to ruin Job

Satan wanted to ruin Job, but… God knew three things about Job 1.Job could handle it, (1 Cor 10:13) 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. 1 Cor 10:13 (NASB)

Satan wanted to ruin Job, but… God knew three things about Job 2.Job’s faith would be strengthened, (Jas 1:2-4) Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, 3 knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. 4 And let endurance have its perfect result, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing James 1:2-4 (NASB)

Satan wanted to ruin Job, but… God knew three things about Job 3.Rewards in heaven increased, (Mt 6:20-21) But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys, and where thieves do not break in or steal; 21 for where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. Matt 6:20-21 (NASB) Blessed is a man who perseveres under trial; for once he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him. James 1:12

2:7-10, Satan attacks Job Physically and Mentally 2:7-10, Satan attacks Job Physically and Mentally Don’t listen to bad advise – Stay faithful!

What is Job thinking during all of this? 1.Job 3:1, 11, He wished he hadn’t been born 2.6:10 – does not deny the words of God 3.7:11, He voices his complaints against God a.9:17-18, God bruised me b.9:22-23, says God destroys the innocent 4.10:1-2, Job loathes his life 5.13:15, I will always hope in God 6.13:24, Why do you consider me your enemy? 7.16:11-12, God handed me over to the wicked

What is Job thinking during all of this? 8.17:1, Hopeless 9.19:25-26, Yet he still hopes and trusts God :10-12, Job still loves God :28, Job’s faith is still strong, even though he doesn’t understand why… :20, Thinks God has abandoned him :21, Job knows that God knows everything Job doesn’t understand, but his faith perseveres

Job 38-41, God asks Job more than 70 questions, none of which he can answer Isaiah 55:8-9 We can’t understand God in this life Job 42:1-6, Job repents Job 42:10-17, God blesses Job

God knows we can handle it, (1 Cor 10:13) God knows our faith will be strengthened,(Jas 1:2-4, 12) God knows our rewards in heaven - increased, (Mt 6:20) God knows we can handle it, (1 Cor 10:13) God knows our faith will be strengthened,(Jas 1:2-4, 12) God knows our rewards in heaven - increased, (Mt 6:20) When hard times come, Stay strong in our faith Because God loves us And….

When hard times come… Stay faithful and stay in love with Jesus Never forget how Much He loves us!