Monday, October 15, 2007

trials and temptations

James 1:1-15


Observation
vs 10 he gives a really intersting word analogy. showing how seeds are planted in us when we are first Christians and we keep growing in Christ.

Interpretation
vs 12 sums these few verses up very well. " 12Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him."
showing us that there is eternal rewards for doing what is right in the eyes of the Lord and for standing firm in what we believe.

Application
So often it seems we dont do what is right in the eyes of the Lord. yet itexplains very clearly that sin leads only one way and that is to death. This passage makes me think twice about watching those shows that i know will have a negative impact on me and lead me to sin. it makes me think twice about what i say when people ask me about why i belive in God or why am i a Christian. but the reality is, is that God smiles on us when we do face these temptations and when we do stand up for what is right. Even when we think these things are just to hard, we need to remember that there is eternal rewards for us in heaven.

1 comment:

jerlight said...

even more than our little temptations, James is talking to people who are actually being persecuted for their faith. he is telling them to keep the faith even under persecution because eternity is waiting for them. i don't want to downplay the temptations we face in our day to day life but i think they are wimpy compared to the persecution that our fellow believers are facing in Asia and the middle east. the question is, are you willing to suffer for your faith?