Problem Solving for Today

Problem Solving for Today

James 1:1-5, 12

I. Three Truths About Our Problems.

 1. Problems are unavoidable.

James 1:1-2 - “…To the twelve tribes in the Dispersion… Count it all joy, my brothers when you meet trials…”

John 16:33 - “Jesus said, ‘In this world you will have trouble…’” 

1 Peter 4:12 - "Don't be surprised when the fiery trial comes upon you to test you…" 

2 Timothy 3:12 - “…everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted.” 

2. Problems are unpredictable.

James 1:2 – “Count it all joy, my brothers when you meet trials of various kinds…”

3. Problems come in all shapes and sizes.

James 1:2 – “Count it all joy, my brothers when you meet trials of various kinds…”

II. What Problems Accomplish?

 1. Expose my deepest joys.

James 1:2 – “Count it all joy, my brothers when you meet trials of various kinds…”

Psalm 73:25 - “…there is nothing on earth that I desire besides you.”

2 Corinthians 1:9 - “…(these troubles) were to make us depend not on ourselves but on God who raises the dead.”

2. Purify my faith.

James 1:3 – “for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness.”

3. Build steadfastness.

James 1:3 – “for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness.”

4. Mature me.

James 1:4 – “And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.”

5. Cause me to seek His wisdom.

James 1:5 – “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him.”

Monthly Transformation Verse: James 1:5 – “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him.”

Weekly Reading Plan: James 1:1-6; Psalm 51; 2 Corinthians 7

 Going Deeper This Week

1. Read James chapter 1. What do you appreciate about God? What did you get from the chapter?

2. What did you learn about James that would identify him as a servant of God? Could you use any of these attributes to describe yourself?

3. Explain how your “steadfastness” (Endurance) has increased over the years and what are the benefits?

4. Review the five ways that James says God uses problems in our lives. Which one do you want to mature?

5. Discuss the Fasting Insert from Sunday. Pray for one another to desire to rejoice in the Lord (Psalm 73:25) and to be dependent upon Him (2 Corinthians 1:9) in good times and in troubles.