Matt Nelson - August 6, 2023
The Road to Maturity
Book of James The Road to Maturity 8.6.23 The book of James is composed of short wisdom speeches designed to teach the church how to be wise by living according to Jesus’ summary of the Torah: to love God and to love your neighbors. TESTING - PERSEVERANCE - MATURITY - LACKING NOTHING Philippians 4:10-13 I rejoiced greatly in the Lord that at last you renewed your concern for me. Indeed, you were concerned, but you had no opportunity to show it. 11 I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. 12 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. 13 I can do all this through him who gives me strength. Romans 5:3-4 Not only so, but wealso glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; 4 perseverance, character; and character, hope. Christians are not exempt from the storms and trials of life. Christians are exempt from storms and trials with no purpose. How can we have joy in the trials of life? Your mindset and your theology must be prepared for the trials of life You must be able to see what God is doing in and through the trial Your goal must be spiritual maturity and Christlikeness, not the things of this world You must develop an eschatological vision of the future and not just hope for the present The person who lacks nothing is not the person who has everything, but the person who needs nothing. I have discovered that all the unhappiness of men arises from one single fact, that they cannot stay quietly in their own room.” – Blaise Pascal Is there currently a trial or testing in your life where God wants to shift your thinking and perspective? Is there something you are pursuing to find contentment outside of your relationship with Christ?