Sermon Summary Last Sunday we completed a 13-part series on the New Testament book written by and bearing the name of Jesus’ little brother, James. We’ve all heard the phrase, “Seeing is believing.”, but James thoroughly disproves it. James spent more than 30 years seeing perfection—watching Jesus “up close and personal”—and yet he was a…
Sermon Summary In James 5:13-20, Jesus’ brother warns his readers of the numerous challenges to their faith. In this final section, James encourages us to look to God in all circumstances of life—when things are good, and when they are not so good. When we are suffering, we should pray (v. 13a). The word translated…
Sermon Summary In James 5:1-12, Jesus’ brother outlines why we should not envy the rich, which is something we are prone to do. Many people have thought at some point in their lives, “If I just had more money, all my problems would be solved.” It’s not true—you would just have a whole different set…
Sermon Summary In James 4:1-12, Jesus’ half-brother describes what happens when we adopt the world’s value system: we make enemies on two fronts. We quarrel with each other, and we quarrel with God. In James 4:13-17, James expands the implications of adopting the world’s value system, which is flawed primarily because it leaves God out…
Sermon Summary Why do Christians sometimes fight, bicker, and quarrel? Who is to blame, and what are we to do about it? James, Jesus’ half-brother, addresses that very question in James 4:1-10. James asserts that quarrels are sourced in wrong desires. We all have desires, many of which are perfectly legitimate. But at times, when…
Sermon Summary The book of James has a lot to say about living wisely and provides instructions on gaining wisdom. But how can we discern if a person— whether he is a teacher, friend, or advisor–is wise? We need a wisdom detector. James tells us to examine both his conduct and his motives. James 3:13…
Sermon Summary James 3:1-12 teaches that the tongue can be used for tremendous good or for tremendous evil. With it we can sing praises to God or we can curse men. James begins with a caution to those who aspire to use it to teach God’s word. Bible teachers will incur a stricter judgment than…
Sermon Summary Application / Challenge Maintain a vital, dynamic faith by being a “doer” of God’s Word. As you study your Bible always ask, “What does God want me to understand and obey from this passage?” Realize that intimacy with God is a by-product of obedience. If you are not as close to God…
Sermon Summary As we have discovered in our study of the book of James, James makes it clear that our faith should influence how we live. We are to be “doers” of the word, and not “hearers” only; there should be a correlation between our faith and our lifestyle (or “works”). As a result of…
Sermon Summary James is one of those Biblical authors who doesn’t pull any punches. And in James 2, he has a lot to say about the sin of prejudice, which was just as prevalent in his day as it is in the world today. If we are going to follow Jesus’ teachings, we must not…
