Joshua Sharp: Trials and Temptations

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Joshua Sharp: Trials and Temptations (James 1:1-18)

Joshua Sharp, pastor of Trinity Baptist Church in Orange, compared spiritual growth to physical strengthening. A person who only uses 5-lb. weights can’t expect to develop the kind of strength required of an Olympian, he said. Just as physical strengthening requires increasing resistance, so does spiritual growth.

Sharp provided a practical and thorough verse-by-verse explanation—what is called an expository sermon—of James 1:1-18. He described the way James instructed Christians to think about trials. James also instructed Christians facing trials first to seek wisdom by asking God for it.

Sharp explained trials are not necessarily punishment, and they often do hurt. Christians will face difficulties and should trust God confidently—particularly God’s character and intent—through them. Likewise, outward trials are not the same as inward temptations. We should not blame God for the latter.

Sharp concluded where James concluded the passage, with the redemptive work of Jesus Christ.

This sermon was delivered Aug. 7, 2022, for the morning worship service of Trinity Baptist Church in Orange. It was the first sermon in a series on the Letter of James.


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