Victory – James 1:2-15

For the third lesson in this quarter, our subject is victory as an identifying characteristic of the Christian life.  Truly, for a Christian to live in a state of spiritual defeat would be a denial of the power of God’s grace as well as a contradiction of one’s profession.

The various writers for this lesson state very wisely that our spiritual victory begins with God.  Our initial victory was provided to us by Christ.

Only Christ’s death on the Cross could provide us forgiveness of sin, spiritual rebirth, and power to live above sin.  Furthermore, our continued victory is also reliant upon the grace of God.  We cannot live the Christian life apart from Christ.

Yet, while our spiritual victory is dependent on God’s grace, we also have a responsibility in maintaining spiritual victory.  James 1 addresses our personal responsibility in living in constant spiritual victory.

Big Idea: How can you live in constant spiritual victory?

1. Respond to trials with joy, vv. 2-4.

 Discussion: Honestly, do you like to go through trials and temptations?

Discussion: Why does God expect us to respond to adversity with joy?

Discussion: Can we be certain that our trials and temptations will result in good?  Why?

2. Trust God completely, vv. 5-8.

Discussion: What are some reasons why a Christian may fail to ask God for wisdom in temptation?

Discussion: Should a Christian be discouraged that he or she is being tempted?

(No, and the point I’m trying to make in asking this question is that James tells us that we should  ask God for wisdom with the confidence that God will not get mad at us for failing to have wisdom nor will He get mad at us for being tempted – v. 5.)

Discussion: What does it mean for a person to be “double-minded” (literally, double-souled)

Discussion: Can we say that the unsanctified Christian who understands his spiritual problem but neglects to seek God’s sanctifying grace really trusts God completely with his life?

3. Value eternal treasures, vv. 9-12.

Discussion: Who is the more spiritual person – the rich man or the poor man?

(Neither.)

Discussion: Why might the rich Christian consider herself more spiritual than her poor sister in Christ?

Discussion: Why might the poor Christian consider himself more spiritual than his rich sister in Christ?

James’ point in this scripture is that the financially poor person can rejoice in his exalted position as a child of the King and the financially rich person should realize his position of humility in serving a Christ who suffered the ultimate humility of dying on Cross for crimes He did not commit.

As well, this person is in a position of humility because he stands on a level plain, spiritually, with people who are much poorer than he.  So, the conclusion we should take from these verses is that our financial standing in this world is irrelevant.  Instead, we should desire the crown of life the Lord will give the victorious Christian on that final day.

4. Be honest with yourself, vv. 13-15.

Discussion: Why might a person say, “I am tempted of God”?

Discussion: How is a person tempted?

Discussion: Is even the entirely sanctified Christian tempted “when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed”?

Discussion: What are some ways entirely sanctified Christians can excuse sin?

Albert Barr tells the following story often when preaching revivals.  Several years ago, Bro. Barr was an engineer for a certain company.  He had a certain building that he usually worked in.  Every once in a while, he had to go over to another building for research or something.

He didn't like going over to this other building.  The atmosphere was not spiritually uplifting at all.  The room was filled with cigarette smoke, curses, and ungodly women.

Bro. Barr was sharing with a Christian co-worker how going into such an atmosphere, even occasionally, was detrimental to him spiritually.

His friend said, "I never find going in there a problem.  I’ll take your materials over for you.  I like being tempted!"

Discussion: What steps can we take to become more honest with ourselves about temptation and sin?