james – fbc kellerken gardner1 james - everyday christianity the marks of maturity in the...

James – FBC Keller Ken Gardner 1

James - Everyday Christianity

The marks of maturity in the Christian life Real faith produces genuine works

Hands-on Faith that Works

James – FBC Keller Bible Stud y Ken Gardner 2

James:The Man / The Author

Brother of JesusMark 6:3 Isn't this the carpenter? Isn't this Mary's son and the brother of

James, Joseph, Judas and Simon? Aren't his sisters here with us?"Didn’t Believe in JesusJohn 7:5 For even his own brothers did not believe in him.Saw the Risen Christ Jesus1 Cor 15:7 Then he appeared to James, then to all the apostles, and last

of all he appeared to me also, as to one abnormally born.Leader of the Jerusalem Church of ChristActs 21:17 When we arrived at Jerusalem, the brothers received us

warmly. The next day Paul and the rest of us went to see James, and all the elders were present.

Died in AD 62


James Men’s Bible Study Schedule for January / February 2008

Date Bible Text LessonJan 11 James 1: 1 – 18 Trials & TemptationsJan 18 James 1: 19 – 27 Listening & DoingJan 25 James 2: 1 – 13 Favoritism ForbiddenFeb 1 James 2: 14 – 26 Faith & DeedsFeb 8 James 3: 1 – 12 Taming the TongueFeb 15 James 3: 13 – 18 Two Kinds of WisdomFeb 22 James 4 Submit Yourselves to GodFeb 29 James 5 Patience


James 1: 2 – 18Trials & Temptations

How to Handle Adversity – the Christian’s Attitude

The Mature Christian is patient in testing.


IntroductionJames 1:1James,

a servant of God anda servant of the Lord Jesus Christ,

To the twelve tribes scattered among the nations: Greetings.

servant slavePosition of authority:

Spiritual relationship with JesusPhysical relationship with Jesus

twelve tribes Israel believers - Christiansscattered Jewish Christians who were

‘disbursed abroad’ during persecution Acts 8:1


Attitude: No Pain - No GainJames 1:2Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds,

Consider count; to evaluate; valuesdeliberate decision to experience joy

pure joy full & complete joyLB ‘Be happy’Amp ‘Wholly joyful’NEB ‘Count yourselves supremely happy’

Enjoy trials or trials are joywhenever We will experience trials – rule, not exceptionface falling into the midst of -

i.e., robbers in Luke 10:30trials things that put a person to the test

Gen 22:1 Abraham’s test w/ Isaac1 Kings 10:1 Solomon’s test w/ Queen of Sheba

of many kinds manifold, many-colored, of many kindsLB ‘Full of difficulties & temptations’

Rejoice when trials come

Trials will come in many different forms


Attitude: Trials > PatienceJames 1:3Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds,because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance.

testing test flight of B787KJV ‘trying’LB ‘when the way is rough’Amp ‘proving of your faith’

perseverance tenacity; stick-to-it; staying powerKJV ‘patience’NRS ‘endurance’Amp ‘endurance & steadfastness & patience’Wms ‘what is genuine in your faith’Barcley: The quality that enables a man to stand on

his feet facing the storm.

1. Faith is always tested – have a joyful attitude2. Testing works for us, not against us3. Testing can help us mature – trials have a purpose


Attitude: Patience > MaturityJames 1:4Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that

the testing of your faith develops perseverance.

Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.

finish its workLB ‘don’t try to squirm out of your problems’i.e., let it run its course and don’t hinder

from exercising its due influencei.e., don’t resort to questionable ways when

we grow weary of trialsmature and complete

LB ‘you will be ready for anything’Amp ‘you may be people

- perfectly developed- with no defects- lacking nothing’

mature Christians who have attained maturity of character and maturity of understanding

complete without blemish or defect - mental & moral completeness


Attitude: Patience > MaturityJames 1:4Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know

that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.

not lacking anythingLB ‘strong in character, full & complete’Wms ‘without any defects’Ripened character having

no defectsno inadequacy

1. Faith is Always Tested2. Testing Works For Us - Not Against Us3. Testing Allows for Perseverance4. Perseverance + Attitude Allows Maturity5. Maturity Produces Spiritual Toughness6. ‘The only way God can develop patience and character in our lives is

through trials.’


What to Pray for During TrialsJames 1:5If any of you lacks wisdom, Since You Lack Wisdom,

he should ask God, Ask God. who gives generously to all without finding fault,

and (wisdom) will be given to him.

Common Prayer: Why me?Help me!Better Prayer: LORD, I need wisdom.Wisdom Understanding for living

Practical righteousness in everyday lifePractical use of knowledgeAbility to put things together

Knowledge Ability to take things apartWisdom in Trials God’s offer for help for those who are facing trials So we will not waste the opportunity to mature that God is giving us. So we can understand how to use the trials for

Our good God’s glory

W W J D ?


Condition: Faith James 1: 6But when he asks,

he must believe and he must not doubt,

because he who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind.

“If we are in trials, and ask for wisdom, truly believing, God will give wisdom to us. It is as simple as that!”

he who doubts completely out of control - instabilityon a wild ride to nowhere? <= Yes ..... No => ?

Condition for Wisdom


Condition: Faith James 1: 7 - 8But when he asks, he must believe and not doubt, because he who doubts is like a

wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind.

That man should not think he will receive anything from the Lord; he is a double-minded man, he is unstable in all he

does.

LBIf you want to know what God wants you to do, ask Him, and He will

gladly tell you, for He is always ready to give a bountiful supply of wisdom to all who ask Him; He will not resent it. But when you ask Him, be sure that you really expect Him to tell you, for a doubtful mind will be as unsettled as a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind; and every decision you then make will be uncertain, as you turn first this way, and then that. If you don’t ask with faith, don’t expect the Lord to give you any solid answer.


Wisdom for the PoorJames 1: 9The brother in humble circumstances ought to take pride in his high

position.

RSV Let the believer who is lowly boast in being raised up,

LB A Christian who doesn’t amount to much in this world should be glad, for he is great in the Lord’s sight.

Poverty-stricken Jewish Christians were poor because of their faithPoverty producing a lowliness of mindPoverty => Spiritual Advantage

Luke 6: 20

“Blessed are you who are poor,

for yours is the kingdom of God.”

The Rich Poor

Test: Poverty


Wisdom for the Rich James 1: 10 - 11But the one who is rich should take pride in his low position, because he

will pass away like a wild flower.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 man will fade away even while he goes about his business.

LBBut a rich man should be glad that his riches mean nothing to the Lord, for he will

soon be gone, like a flower that has lost its beauty and fades away, withered - killed by the scorching summer sun. So it is with rich men. They will soon die and leave behind all their busy activities.

The Poor Rich

Jewish mind: $$ = Blessing from God

Test: Prosperity


The Reward for Enduring TrialsJames 1:12Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial,

because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life

that God has promised to those who love him.

Summary of James 1: 2 - 11Christian Reward for Remaining Steadfast Under Trials:1. Inner blessings2. Receiving a Crown of LifeBlessed Fortunate

Inner quality of happiness in GodHappiness not affected by circumstances

perseveres under trial Not experience onlyBut courageous endurance

stood the test KJV: approvedTesting of metals that have been found true

crown of Life James 1: 12 Rev. 2: 10

True Riches = Heavenly Riches


James1: 13 - 18Plain Talk about How to Handle Temptations

•Source of Temptation•Course of Temptation


God Is Not Responsible for EvilJames 1: 13 - 15When tempted, no one should say, "God is tempting me."

For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone;but each one is tempted when, by his own evil desire, he is

dragged away and enticed.Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin;

and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death.

Progression:1. Desire – Natural – Bait Emotions2. =>Deception – Dragged Away Intellect3. ===>Disobedience - SIN Will4. =====>Death Results

Rom 6:23 For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.


Source of Temptation James 1:14but each one is tempted when,

by his own evil desire, he is dragged away and enticed.

evil desire KJV: lustany kind of desire - even normal thoughts & wishes

dragged away KJV: drawn away“lured”

enticed ‘ensnared’

LB:Temptation is the pull of man’s own evil thoughts & wishes.

Fishing Analogy


Course of Temptation James 1:15Then, after desire has conceived,

it gives birth to sin; Sin – when we yield to temptation

and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death.

LB: Evil Thoughts => Evil Actions =>

Death Penalty from God

Excuses to Sin: Ordained The way God made me Circumstances I’m in a situation too

difficult Disposition I’m unable to resist


God’s Character James 1: 16 - 17Don't be deceived, my dear brothers.Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not

change like shifting shadows.

Our Character: Try to excuse sinGod’s Character: Source of all good

coming down constant & continuing streamkeeps on coming down

The Goodness of God God gives only good gifts The way God gives is good God gives constantly God does not change


God’s Gift James 1: 18He chose

to give us birth through the word of truth,

that we might be a kind of firstfruits of all he created.

Ps 119:11

I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you.


END – Week 1

Next:

James 1: 19 - 27Listening & Doing


James1: 19 - 27Listening & Doing

Receive the Word James 1: 19-21

Practice the Word James 1: 22 - 25

Theology vs. Practice -or-

“Quit kidding yourself!’


Receive the Word James 1: 19Instructions on Accepting the Word:

My dear brothers, take note of this: Everyone should be

quick to listen, swift to hearslow to speak and (control of the tongue)

slow to become angry, slow to wrath

Be Quick (Attitude) Be SlowListen Speak

AngerLB: Dear brothers, don’t ever forget that it is best to listen

much, speak little, and not become angry

angry harboring of angry resentful feelings


Receive the WordJames 1: 20Reason for Accepting the Word:

for man's anger does not bring about the righteous life that God desires.

LB: for anger does not make us good, as God demands that we must be.KJV: For the wrath of man worketh not the righteousness of God.

Assumption: Christians are obligated to promote the righteousness of God.

Implication: Christians who are angry do not practice the righteousness of God.

Teaching: Anger never advances but injures the righteousness of God.


Accept the Word James 1: 21Therefore, get rid of all moral filth and the evil that is so prevalentand humbly accept the word planted in you, which can save you.

LB: So get rid of all that is wrong in your life, both inside and outside, and humbly be glad for the wonderful message we have received, for it is able to save our souls as it takes hold of our hearts.

KJV:... receive with meekness the engrafted word, which is able to save your souls.

Prepare Your HeartsPull Out: Moral filth

Prevalent evilPut In: The Word plantedDuty: Accept the WordCondition: Get Rid of What the Word CondemnsManner: Humble Teachable SpiritIncentive: Which can save you


Practice the Word James 1: 22 - 25 The Wrong Example / Way: No ActionsDo not merely listen to the word,

and so deceive yourselves. Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like a man who looks at his face in a mirror and, after looking at

himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like.

The Right Example / Way: Do what it says.But the man who looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues to do this, not forgetting what he has heard, but doing it--he will be blessed in what he does.

looks at his face quick & careless looklooks intently look carefully, seriously

stoop down to see clearly


Worthless ReligionJames 1: 26SAY

Lecture our neighbors Correct fellow believers Identify the sins of others Pray long prayers in public

If anyone considers himself religious and yet does not keep a tight rein on his tongue, he deceives himself and his religion is worthless.

Control of the Tongue


Pure Religion James 1: 27Do – Minister to the Needs of the Weak

Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this:

to look after orphans and widows in their distress and

to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.

Care for the Unfortunate & Living a Pure Life


END – Week 2

Next:Jan 25 James 2: 1 – 13

Favoritism Forbidden

james – fbc kellerken gardner1 james - everyday christianity the marks of maturity in the...

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