Bloom Where You Are Planted

Sermon Scripture:  James 1: 9:12
9 Believers in humble circumstances ought to take pride in their high position. 10 But the rich should take pride in their humiliation—since they will pass away like a wild flower. 11 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 will fade away even while they go about their business. 12 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.

  1.  Your Spiritual Condition/Soil & Stress of Life: Psalm 103:8-20

• Brothers who are lowly should glory in their high position: Verse 9
• The rich man is to glory in his low position: Verse 10
• Every person will fade, fall, and be destroyed by the business of life over time! Verse 11

2.  Your Spiritual Blessings as a Child of God in Christ!  Fruit of Life

• Reward in this Life! 

       a)  Persevered under trial: remain under the trial!
       b)  Having Stood the Test: shown themselves acceptable/good
       c)  There is immediate gratification and strength that comes from humble faith in difficult circumstances.
       d)  There is a cumulative strength that grows and expresses itself through suffering.
       e)  This is expressed in HOPE!

• Reward in Eternity!

       a)  Will Receive a Crown of Life: Rev 2:10 
       b)  A reward for the believer from God that is handed out after death and resurrection. One of many, possibly five                       crowns discussed in the Bible. 
       c)  Promised by the Lord to those who love him!

3.  Your Hope is in Christ!!!! Strength of Life: Romans 5:1-5

• Salvation by grace through faith in Jesus
• Justification brings immediate peace with God!
• We now have a new standing of grace in Christ
• We can boast of the glory of God in hope!
• Even suffering can be an occasion to glorify God
• Sanctification occurs in suffering as we submit in it!
• God’s love is poured out in us during this time through the Holy Spirit!

So What

• Humble yourself, stay in touch with who you are!
• Glorify God in all things!
• Hold on until God produces His fruit in your life!