07 Feb 2014

Characteristics of the Mature Man

Makes a Mature man 1.Suffering 1: Scripture Study1:13-17,19,20, Sincerity 2: Christian Service2: Sound Speech3:1-18,1:26,27

Makes a Mature man 6.Submission to God4: Self-Sacrifice 5:1-6 8.Steadfastness 5: Supplication 5: Soul Winning 5:19-20

Suffering Makes a Mature man 1:1-20

A. The Sources of Suffering My brethren, count it all joy when you fall when ye fall into various trials 1:2 Blessed is the man that endureth temptation 1:12

1. Trial Sufferings Comes from God Bring out the Best in us

Abraham was tested Gen 22:1, Heb 11:17

Children of God Deut 8:2-3

Moses Exodus 20:20

Christ to His Disciples Luke 22:28

Manifold trials 1 Peter 1:6

2. Temptation Sufferings Comes from the Devil (using the World and the Flesh) Bring out the Worst in us

Of his own Lust and enticed James 1:13,14, Gen 3:1-6 Mat 4:1-2, 2 Cor 11:3-4

Conclusion Both Trials and Temptations are often opposite sides of the same coin Both God and Satan may be working in the life of a believer through the same event, one to purify him and the other to pervert him

B. The Characteristics of Suffering 1.They are often sudden 1:2 2.They are certain – Not if you fall… 3.They are sorted : Into diverse trials, – Financial – Physical – Spiritual – Mental – Social Trials

C. The Purpose of Suffering God causes or allows all sufferings to fall into our lives. Why ? 1.Because suffering produces endurance down here. 1: Because suffering promises rewards up there. 1:12

D. The Attitude in Suffering How is the believer to respond to trials and tribulations? 1.Count it all joy 1:2 2.Mat 5: Pet 1:6, 4:12-14

Special Notes 1.James was the oldest half brother of Jesus (Mark 6:3, Mat 13:55) He was the full brother of Jude, who wrote the book of Jude 2.James was an unbeliever prior to the resurrection (John 7:3-10). 3.Christ appeared to him (1 Cor 15:7) he later appears in the upper room awaiting Pentecost (Acts 1:14)

Special Notes 4.He became the first pastor of the Jerusalem church (Acts 12:17, 15:13, Gal 2:1,9, 10, 12). 5.His Epistle is perhaps the earliest in NT dated around AD45. 6.Synagogue rather than Church is mentioned as the place of meeting 2:2 (Circle of Judaism) 7.It may be considered the Proverbs of the NT

Special Notes 8.He does not point out the physical relationship between himself and Christ. Refers to himself as “A servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ” 1:1 9.Highest quality Greek was used. 10. Only 4 OT direct quotes, 53 OT references

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