James 1:12

Introduction: Have you ever seen a beautiful rose🌹? How about one without thorns? Similarly, isn’t it wonderful to be a CHRISTian? But we do realize the CHRISTian life is not without “troubles and trials”! Right?

***No CROWN without THORNS***

However, the half brother of Jesus, called camel knees, otherwise known as James writes about the beauty of overcoming temptations…namely, the rewards awaiting the faithful believer! Two (2) ways to turn your THORNS today into a CROWN tomorrow!

1. Instead of “falling down” and being DEFEATED, we can “stand up” and be COUNTED! (James 1:12)

“12Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him.”

{The word “Blessed” makarios means happy}

But before verse 12, James writes this about trials (James 1:2, 3, 4)….

“My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; 3Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. 4But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.”

{Take the Good}
{With the Bad}
{Make the Best}

2. Instead of LOOKING DOWN thinking the worst, we can LOOK UP because CROWNS can be ours to cast at the feet of JESUS! (James 1:12)

“12Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him.”

{The word ” approved” is dokeemos, which means genuine – used for testing coins}

• Thorns in life
• Turned into Crowns in heaven

Conclusion: Praise the Lord! As a child of God we are:

* Saved
* Secure
* Sealed
* Seated
* Sons
* Strong
* Servants
* Sure