CCC Service
“Road to Completion: Enduring Internal Trials" | September 10 | James 1:12-18
James 1:12-18 ESV
Philippians 3:12-13 ESV
I. Recognize the problem
a. God never tempts
James 1:13 ESV
I. Recognize the problem
a. God never tempts
b. Our hearts always tempt
James 1:14 ESV
1 John 2:16 ESV
II. Recognize the lure
a. Misplaced trust
b. Distrust
III. Recognize the hope
a. Submit to Him
“Christian discipline means placing oneself under orders. It is no mere business of self improvement… He is not “doing his thing” to find his own life or liberty or happiness. He gives himself to a Master and in so doing leaves self behind.”
Elisabeth Elliott
Joyful Surrender
“I cannot be saved from my sins unless I am also saved from myself, so Christ must be “commanding officer” in my life.”
Elisabeth Elliott
Joyful Surrender
III. Recognize the hope
a. Submit to Him
b. Trust Him
c. Get close to Him
d. Remove nudges
e. Be a help to others
f. Don't just remove all His gifts
Key Theme:
In the midst of various circumstances and the world around, temptations to misplace our trust or distrust the Lord will rise within, we are to stand fast to receive our prize.
Key Application:
The road to completion comes from recognizing the temptations within and lean into the hope that comes through Jesus and the Spirit of daily victory that keeps us pressing toward our home.
Key Verse:
Philippians 3:12-13 “Not that I have already obtained this or am already perfect, but I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me his own. Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead.”
Key Questions:
1. Write down your 3 greatest areas of weakness, the things your desire most points to in the midst of trial.
2. In what ways are you tempted to put your trust in them? How does this show misplaced trust or distrust of the Lord?
3. Consider the idea of nudges. What are some things that nudge you toward the desires of the flesh, the desires of the eyes and the pride of life? How can you remove those?
Resources for today’s sermon are available upon request in the church office.
We are LIVE-STREAMING our worship services over the internet! If out of town for vacation or business, visit our website live.ccc.org and follow the link.