Sermon Notes for Sunday, January 22, 2012

Here are the notes for Sunday, January 22nd.  You can find these notes in PDF and the sermon audio on our website (sermons.heritagepark.org).  You can also find the sermon audio on our podcast in iTunes.

Three Pair of Shoes

A Series on Spiritual Growth

Part 3 – Trials

James 1.2-4

Expect Trials.

• Trials rooted in sin.
• Trials from Satan.
• Trials resulting from brokenness.
• Be careful not to become bitter (see 1.12-15)

Understand Trials

•  See them for what they are. 
• There are things you can only learn by trial. 

Grow in Trials

• Produces steadfastness , which leads to maturity. (cf. Rom 5) 
• Purifies faith (1 Peter 1.6-7) 
• Lessens our grip on worldly things
• Tightens our grip on Jesus
• Bears witness to others
• Encourages more faith

Rejoice in Trials

• Our joy in trials is predicated on our coming reward (Matthew 5.12).
• You are not called to rejoice dishonestly. (2 Cor 4.7-11)