During the trials of life, we are most vulnerable to temptation – each temptation becomes a test of our faith, to either trust God, follow Jesus, and grow in maturity OR to be deceived to take matters into our own hands, give way to sin, and experience death.

Riches have a way of insulating and protecting us from needing and relying upon God. They have a unique way of keeping you from finding your hope and security in God’s promises alone. Money doesn’t make good on its promises, but God ALWAYS makes good on his promises!

Trials in the Christian life are not times when we’re supposed to know exactly what to do. This is why James assumes two things: we will need wisdom when we meet trails of various kinds, yet we lack wisdom. That’s why he’s telling these believers and us today to ask God for it. In our asking, we’re not letting God down, actually it’s the exact opposite. In our asking, we’re reaching out to Him and in doing so, we’re declaring our need and dependence on Him, which will result in the glorious experience of His generosity, goodness, and grace once again!

Trials and suffering are both inevitable in this world, BUT GOD intends to use both to deepen the faith of His people, make them more like Jesus, and prepare them for eternal glory.

In the final section of the letter, Paul addresses some poor behavior by some in the Thessalonian church. He teaches that a church is a family. As a family, we must take ownership for one another to encourage and correct.

In the final section of the letter, Paul addresses some poor behavior by some in the Thessalonian church. He teaches that a church is a family. As a family, we must take ownership for one another to encourage and correct.

When the people of God shift their sight line down to lesser things and move their eyes off of JESUS, their God and King, the One who is in complete control, the One who is winning and working even in and amongst what is fallen and broken, they will become like everyone else living in the fallen, broken world. They will be overwhelmed with the chaos, consumed with the fear of uncertainty, fighting over non-essential things with each other, experiencing perpetual anxiety, and as a result, live sadly without hope!

Paul tells the Thessalonian Christians that what they believe about what God has done, what He is doing, and how he is doing it will dictate their response during times of uncertainty. The Gospel says because of what Christ accomplished on the cross, God will give me the truth, faith, and response to stand firm. Stand firm because God is VICTORY.