1. James 6:1 On Top of the World

2. James
Key Verse: But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves- James 1:22 (NKJ)

3. Trials are external circumstances that test/purify faith
James
Trials are external circumstances that test/purify faith
They are evidence that God is working in our lives
Every trial carries with it the seed of a gift that we only get if we persevere
Trials bring choices
God gives wisdom to those who ask in faith

4. “To the 12 tribes scattered abroad…” Persecution
James
“To the 12 tribes scattered abroad…”
Persecution

5. James
The brother in humble circumstances ought to take pride in his high position- vs. 9
Humble- weak, insignificant, lowly, poor

6. Humble= Excuse/lack of faith
James
Humble= Excuse/lack of faith
Why? Wrong focus.
“My life can’t count for much because I don’t have much.”

7. Pride- lack of shame, sense of value in the Lord rather than self
James
Pride- lack of shame, sense of value in the Lord rather than self

8. James
High position:
"Blessed are you who are poor, for yours is the kingdom of God” -Luke 6:20
Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ- Eph. 1:3

9. James
High position:
But now he has reconciled you by Christ's...death to present you holy in his sight, without blemish and free from accusation -Col. 1:22
I know your afflictions and your poverty-- yet you are rich! -Rev.2:9

10. James
His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of Jesus Peter 1:3

11. It’s not about who I am. It’s about who I am in Christ
James
It’s not about who I am. It’s about who I am in Christ

12. James
But the one who is rich should take pride in his low position, because he will pass away like a wild flower.
For the sun rises with scorching heat and withers the plant; its blossom falls and its beauty is destroyed.
In the same way, the rich man will fade away even while he goes about his business- vs

13. “My life must count for something now because I don’t have much time”
James
Rich= Distraction
Wrong focus- fade away…
“My life must count for something now because I don’t have much time”

14. James
Blessed 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- James 1:9-12