Final Sermon Manuscript

                                            **This is a sermon sample that I wrote while in school****    

What does every great movie, TV show, Book and Documentary have in common? All of the best stories have a protagonist that goes through a period of growth. In nearly every case the growth will happen through a series of difficulties and trials. Whether it be Rocky Balboa, the countless examples in Star Wars, The Little Mermaid, or the inspirational story of our favorite musicians, athletes, dancers, or performers; all of the retellings will indicate struggles and the life lessons and growth that result from the trials that our heroes have faced. In today’s passage, we will be studying this very phenomenon. We will be focusing on James 1:12-15; which says, “Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him.13 When tempted, no one should say, “God is tempting me.” For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone; 14 but each person is tempted when they are dragged away by their own evil desire and enticed”(cite).


          First, there are three words that we need to understand before we can fully understand this verse.

1. First off let's look at the word “Blessed.” What does it mean to be blessed? (Review the definition of blessed in the original language and in the context of the verse) The word Blessed comes from the word makarios. The term means happy, but it does not imply a simple emotion, but a sense of happiness based on a positive circumstance. “As discussed below makarios was used to describe the kind of happiness that comes from receiving divine favor” (AMAZING GRACE, 2023).

 

1. Secondly, we will look at the word “persevere” What does it mean to persevere? (Review the definition of blessed in the original language and in the context of the verse) The word Persevere comes from the term hypomenō. The root of the original word is to “remain under some discipline, subjecting one’s self to something which demands the submission of one's will to something against which one naturally would rebel” (AMAZING GRACE, 2023). This discipline would allow the submissive party to grow and develop new skills.

 

1. Finally, we will look at the word “tempted” What does it mean to be tempted? The word tempted comes from the word peirazō, which simply means “to test.” In this verse, the word “tempted” has two definitions: (1) "trials" with a beneficial purpose and effect and  (2) Of "trial" definitely designed to lead to wrongdoing. This level of temptation is divinely sent to teach us and to guide us while at the same time potentially leading us away from the presence of God.

 

1. In verses 13-14, we see James stating, “Each person is tempted when they are dragged away by their own evil desire and enticed.” It is our desire that pulls us away from a perfect relationship with God. These desires will create a spiritual fork in the road; we must choose a path. When we choose to persevere through the temptation or “testing” we are blessed by God because spiritually we are trusting the strength that God is providing. When we chose to follow the temptation, it leads to sin, which leads to spiritual separation or spiritual death (v. 15).

 

1. How do we persevere? When we are in the midst of our temptation, we need to recognize the situation and identify the two choices that lay ahead. While we can’t perfectly determine the outcome of each choice, we need to use our best judgment based on the information that we have. Which choice will God bless? Which choice will separate us from God? What outcome do you prefer?

    As I conclude this message, I must ask; What are the moments in your life that taught you the greatest lessons? Are they the easiest moments of leisure or relaxation? Or did you learn the most from the moments that you were forced to face difficulties and trials? Did you learn the most in the moments where you could not find a solution on your own, but you had to trust God’s timing and the helping hands of family and friends? We should remember these moments as the milestones where our true character is created and developed. In these moments we become men and women of integrity and outstanding character.
Resources:
AMAZING GRACE. (2023). https://www.preceptaustin.org. Retrieved January 30, 2023, from https://www.preceptaustin.org/titus_211-16#gc