How To Love Life
Sermon Notes
The one who gets wisdom loves life; the one who cherishes understanding will soon prosper.
- Proverbs 19:8
Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.
- James 1:2-5
Believers in humble circumstances ought to take pride in their high position. But the rich should take pride in their humiliation—since they will pass away like a wild flower.
- James 1:9-10
“Real isn’t how you are made,” said the Skin Horse. “It’s a thing that happens to you. When a child loves you for a long, long time, not just to play with, but REALLY loves you, then you become Real.” “Does it hurt?” asked the Rabbit. “Sometimes,” said the Skin Horse, for he was always truthful. “When you are Real you don’t mind being hurt.” “Does it happen all at once, like being wound up,” he asked, “or bit by bit?” “It doesn’t happen all at once,” said the Skin Horse. “You become. It takes a long time. That’s why it doesn’t often happen to people who break easily, or have sharp edges, or who have to be carefully kept. Generally, by the time you are Real, most of your hair has been loved off, and your eyes drop out and you get loose in the joints and very shabby. But these things don’t matter at all, because once you are Real you can’t be ugly, except to people who don’t understand.”
- The Velveteen Rabbit
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In the 11/22/22 entry, Holy, Pastor Harry reminds us that being a Christian is not about being good... it’s about our relationship with Jesus! This week, let’s be purposeful in resting in Jesus and allowing his work on the cross to be the exchange of his righteousness for our sins. Pull out your journal and write down the sins that come to your mind and then write Righteous over it. Then note how Jesus wraps his cloak of righteousness around you and resolves those sin areas of your life.
In the 11/24/22 entry, His Love Endures Forever, Cristina Schmitter encourages us to dwell on the passage Psalm 118: 1-14. As you move through your day, remind yourself that His love endures forever and proclaim it. As you study this passage, rewrite it into a prayer that communicates your dependency and faith in the Lord your God. Take note of what happens when these verses become God’s promises to you!
Sermon Questions
Scriptures: James 1:2-5, 9-10; Proverbs 19:8
How does wisdom allow us to say we love our life? That no matter what happens, we have joy?
After reading Proverbs 19:8, what kinds of things do you think you are placing in the blank where Solomon lists “wisdom”? Why is “wisdom” not our first choice in that blank? Why, according to James, is adding wisdom better?
Pastor Jared reminded us that perseverance means being faithful to God even when you cannot see the signs of His faithfulness back. So, in the right now of your current trial, what is the state of your faithfulness to God? What thoughts cause you to waiver, and what thoughts encourage you to stay the course with Him?
What stops you from attaining the wisdom God is trying to offer you? Why did Pastor Jared say reading about it is not enough, but that our suffering is the vehicle for the wisdom we need?
Pastor Jared asked the question: Why is a problem a problem? Consider his examples of “low grade suffering” (can’t find the remote) and “high grade suffering” (job loss). What have you learned about your own foolishness in these two categories? How does a wise person emerge as a person who manages these moments well?
As we move into the season of Advent, how can you model joy, perseverance, and wisdom in your daily life?
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As we begin the season of Advent, let’s remember Jesus came to bring us Hope, Joy, Peace and Love! He is the Gift of Christmas!
But you, O Bethlehem Ephrathah,
who are too little to be among the clans of Judah,
from you shall come forth for me
one who is to be ruler in Israel,
whose coming forth is from of old,
from ancient days.
Micah 5:2
