JAMES 2:14-26 | Lesson # 4 | FAITH AND DEEDS

                                                                        JAMES 2:14-26               Lesson # 4

                                                                                                FAITH AND

DEEDS

 

I.    Greetings:

 

II.   Introduction:

            Note:  Many of you are excellent cooks.  We have tasted your cooking and know how good it is.  No one believes someone is a good cook

because they say they are a good cook, they are a good cook because they do good cooking.  A good cook does not establish their reputation with

words but with deeds.

            RQ  Would it not be silly for someone to brag about how good a cook they were but they never cooked good food?

            Q Do you know people who claim to be Christians but do not act like Christians?

               An = Some groups may not respond to this question and if they do not go right on to the next question.  If they do respond, cut it short,

lest they get into heavy gossiping about someone they know.  Your object is just to get them to think.

            Q Are there people who do not go to church because Christians do not act out their faith they only talk about it?

               An = Again watch this so it does not become gossiping, but try to get them to think about these issues.

            Q If we are honest, are we who believe also guilty at times, of not living up to what we claim?

               An = As the leader you should admit this first, then see if others will follow.  Usually, it is the strongest believers who will admit to

faults.  

            Note:  Our goal today is to be helped by James to work on our consistency as believers so as to attract others to the faith and not repel

them.

 

III.  The Concept of Faith Displayed by Our Deeds:  James 2:14-19.

>>>> Have someone read James 2:14-18.

            Q  What is James point here in verse 14?

               An = James wants us to realize that faith that does not have works cannot save us.  That particular kind of faith does not

save.           

            Q  What does James mean in verses 15-16?

               An = James wants us to see the difference between inactive and active faith.  Talk is cheap and the believer must put action along

with words.

            Q How does James describe such inactive faith in verse 17?

               An = It is dead.  Without accompanying deeds such faith is dead.

            Q What is James point in verse 18?

               An = James is not contrasting faith and deeds.  It is not faith versus deeds, but rather that deeds are the fruit or expression or

proof of our faith.  

            This does not contradict St. Paul saying we are saved by faith.  James is just helping us see the difference between real faith and phony

faith.  

            He then gives us a very startling but helpful illustration....

>>>> Have someone read James 2:19-20.

            Q What is James saying here.

               An = After they give their answers, then let them know that "good theology" is good to have but the devil has a good and accurate

knowledge or theology, and he is still damned.  The devil believes in God and so do the demons.  

            If we believe in a useful manner then we demonstrate our belief by our actions.  If we say we believe that God is compassionate and loves

the poor then we should be like Him and help the poor in a compassionate manner.  If we do not we either do not really believe God would want us to do

that or we do not really care what God would want.

            Note:  In verse 20 James asks his readers a question.  He asks them if they are willing to see that faith without working that faith out in

practical ways is of no value.  He wants them to be willing to see that truth.

 

IV.  Examples of Faith  2:21-26.

>>>> Have someone read James 2:21-24.

            Q Which of the many stories about Abraham has James chosen to restate to us?

               An = Have someone recount the story if they can.  Then explain that Abraham's offering up his son Isaac as a sacrifice was a

great tangible acting out of his trust in God.  Our greatest treasures are our children and Abraham's son Issac was no exception.  Besides this being his

only heir, Isaac was the key to Abraham's realizing in a tangible way the promises of God that had kept him going all these years.  To lose Isaac was to

lose his future.  

            Q Why did God have Abraham go through the entire act even to the point of drawing the knife before He stopped him?

               An = Faith has to be physically acted out.  We too need to put our actions where our mouth is.  Would this incident have come down

through the ages if it had just been dialogue?  Abraham proved his faith to God (and to himself).

            Q What is James' point in verse 22?

               An = Faith and actions work together, in fact James says Abraham's actions completed his faith.

            Q Are most Christians in possession of "completed faith"?

               An = Most are not and therefore their faith lacks the vitality and power that Abraham experienced.  Remember Abraham did not

naturally have completed faith, but it was acquired through acting out in obedience, in a physical manner, what God commanded.  What Abraham had is

possible for you to have.

            Note:  Notice the results of Abraham's faith in verse 23.  

                        He did not have pride.

                        He did not become a fanatic.

                        He was God's friend.

>>>> Have someone read James 2:25-26.

            Q What was Rahab's profession?

               An = She was a prostitute, a woman of ill-repute.

            Q How did she become righteous?

               An = By what she did (as an act of faith).  She helped the Jewish spies:  gave them lodging and then showed them how to get away.  She

believed in their God and so gave them help.  Her faith was not just in her upbringing or in her mind or on her lips at church.  Her faith was

completed by her actions.  

            Q Why do the Holy Scriptures use Rahab as an example?  We can understand using Abraham but why is a woman of bad reputation used as an

example?

               An = Our faith is not earned by our "not sinning the big sins" or by our heritage.  Rahab was not a Jew (not an Armenian) but a pagan, a

Gentile, a member of an accursed Canaanite race and religion.  She was from the wrong side of the tracks.

            Note:  Are we judging correctly when we consider a person to be good because of their station in life, that they attend church, or that they

are intelligent, or from a good family?  Is that how God judged Rahab?  Remember Rahab not only was saved but from her lineage came King David and

from David came Jesus Christ.  She becomes part of the Messianic lineage.  What an honor!  What a sign of acceptance by God!

            Q What does this say about God?  What kind of person is pleased by what God is pleased by?  

               An = Try to get them to answer this question.  It is not an easy one to articulate.  We do not often really think about God's character

when we read the Scriptures.  After they have given their answers then you might wish to add (only if they did not come up with it on their own):  for one

thing it shows that God is fair.  Everyone has a chance to please God no matter where we were born.  It is equally and fairly open to all.  It does not

matter who our parents were, where we were born, our level of intelligence, or our abilities.  God is fair.  God loves all.

>>>> Have someone re-read James 2:26.

            Q When you see the body in a casket at a funeral is the person really present in that corpse?

               An = No they are not.  The body is then just a shell.  The body without the animating "spirit" is dead.  So faith, or belief without acting

it out is a "dead faith", a "lifeless faith".

            Q What one thing can you do today to obey God?  What tangible thing can you do to demonstrate to God that you really do believe

in Him?

            Note:  Commit to do that one thing today as we close in prayer.  If you cannot think of one thing to act out your faith, then ask God to

show you today.   Ask believing that He will show you as I close in prayer.

            Close in prayer.

            

 

 

              

JAMES 2:1-13 | Lesson # 3 | PARTIALITY

JAMES

2:1-13                                                           Lesson # 3

                                                            PARTIALITY

 

I.    Greetings.

 

II.   Introduction.

            Note:   Tell a personal story of being excluded from the group when you were at school or some social setting.  Then see if some of them

will share a short story of their own.

            Q Have you ever experienced being excluded?  What happened and how did you feel?

               An = After they have shared then ask another question that reverses the situation.

            Q Some people are shown favoritism, what types of people are given preferential treatment?  Can you give an example?

               An = See what types of people get mentioned.  Usually, the popular, powerful            and rich.

            Q Is it right to show favoritism towards certain people and not others?

            Q Is this ever done at church?  Is it right?

               An = After they have discussed this a bit then explain to them that most churches struggle with this issue because it is a common

social issue in all societies.  The Bible addresses the real problems and real issues we face and it addresses this one in our text today.

            We will deal with the issue of partiality and how it relates to the question of good works.

 

III.  Favoritism/Partiality:  James 2:1-7.

>>>> Have someone read James 2:1-4.

            Q In verse 1 to whom is James directing his remarks?

               An = "My brothers, as believers in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ".  This is us, those who believe in Christ.

            Q Also according to 2:1 what are we not to do?

               An = We are not to show favoritism.  We are to be different than most organizations or social gatherings.  After all we are believers in

the "glorious Lord Jesus Christ".

            Q Why do you suppose James brings this issue up?

               An = Because it was being done there.  Lets see how it was practiced in their day.  

>>>> Have someone re-read James 2:2-4.

            Q How did they discriminate in their gatherings?

               An = They gave preferential treatment those dressed well, with jewelry as far as seating goes, but to the poor they were required to sit

or stand just anywhere.

            Q Do we practice favoritism towards the rich in our church?  How?

               An = Among school children the favoritism is shown to the popular or "kool kids".  But among the older folks our greatest temptation is

often to show partiality towards the rich.  We cater to them and often aspire to be one of them.  Many sell their souls to join those ranks.  Riches of

themselves are not evil, but there are dangers, they can become our god, a false god.  Notice when we follow false gods we mistreat people.

            Note:  We wind up judging people with evil thoughts.

            Q Can we make people not want to come to church or to be hurt spiritually when we discriminate against people?

               An = See if you can get them to articulate how it is done and how such people feel.  Try to let them do all the talking.

>>>> Have someone read James 2:5-7.

            Q What does James tell us about the poor in 2:5?

               An = The poor are especially chosen of God to be rich in faith and to inherit the kingdom of God.

            Q Can you give an example of someone in our church who is poor in the eyes of society but rich in their faith?

               An = See if they will share.  It is good for them to learn and know of those who really do such things.  You might mention a few names

to spur their memories but only do this if it is necessary.

            Q What does James tell us about the rich in 2:6-7?

               An = They are usually those who exploit us, drag Christians into court and slander the glorious Name of Jesus Christ our Lord.

            There are some folks who are rich but truly try to act like Christians.

            Matthew Henry tells us, "It is expected from those who have wealth that they be rich in good works;  but it is expected from the poor in the

world that they be rich in faith."

            Q Are there those in our church who are rich in popularity or riches that really try to help others?  Who are they?  Mention those not in

this room.

               An = Let them share, but do not embarrass someone present.  Remind them that mentioning someone present could be easily seen as

"catering to them to get something or some favor out of them".  If they are truly good people they do not want public recognition, they are just glad to be

able to serve.

 

IV.  Obeying God in Whole and Not in Selective Parts:  James 2:8-13.

            Q Can we pick and choose which parts of the Bible or God's will that we will obey?  Give an example of this?

               An = Let them share and then let them know that when we pick what parts of God's Word we will obey what parts we will not we have

affectively "put our will over God's".  We have taken God's place.

>>>> Have someone read James 2:8-9.

            Q What law are we breaking when we show favoritism?

               An = "Love your neighbor as yourself".  We sin and we become law-breakers.  When we show favoritism we are not showing the respect

to "the non-favored" that God would wish us to show.  

            Note:  The Jews understood this.  >> Have someone read Leviticus 19:15.

>>>> Have someone read James 2:10-11.

            Q What is James point here?

               An = If you break one law, you basically are breaking what God's will is and so are simply a "law breaker".  You cannot pick and choose

what to obey and what to not obey.  You cannot be moral in the sexual realm but show favoritism and expect God to regard you as righteous.

 

V.  The Hope for Guilty Churches and Guilty Individuals:  James 2:12-13.

            RQ Are we guilty of this in our church?

            RQ Are we guilty of this personally?

            RQ Is there hope for us, given the fact that God will not count us righteous if we have shown favoritism?  

            Note:  James ends this section on an interesting note, lets read and see how he does it.

 >>>> Have someone read James 2:12-13.

            Q What is our hope of freedom from judgment depend upon?

               An = If we give mercy to others.  If we do not show mercy to others neither will we receive mercy.  If we do show mercy then "mercy

triumphs over judgment!"

            Q How do we show mercy to the poorly dressed, or not-socially acceptable members who come to church?

               An = By giving them the same acceptance and same care that we would show one of the "favored ones".

            Q How do we do this?  Would it look like in our church or in our group?

               An = Let them brain storm on how to do this better.

Note:  Remind them as they choose to show mercy to the "less-favored" they will receive mercy and forgiveness for their past sins of favoritism.

               

            

 

             

JAMES 1:19-27 | Lesson # 2 | LISTENING AND DOING

         JAMES

1:19-27                                             Lesson # 2

                                                LISTENING AND DOING

 

I.    Greetings:

 

II.   Introduction:

            Note:  This lesson is a very practical one.  It will end by speaking of the nature of true faith, but it will not deal with theory but with

practical matters of the Christian Life.  It will show us what faith means in practical matters.

 

III.  Dealing With Our Anger:  James 1:19-21.

            Q What usually causes people to get angry?

            Q What can push your buttons and get you angry?

               An = Let them share, if they will, openly without any comment from you.  Approach this with good humor so they do not feel intimidated

or cornered.  You might even want to see if five-six people will share.  You might even ask specific people to speak who would not mind sharing.

            Q Has anyone ever been angry at you, and it hurt instead of helped you?  Why?

               An = Let them share and as you listen to their stories see if you can detect if some of those who have hurt them in anger were people

who at normal (non-angry) times were people who meant them well.  If it is appropriate, point that out.

            Q Can good Christians get angry?  

               An = Let them answer and do not comment.

>>>> Have someone read James 1:19-20.

            Q By what title does James call his readers in verse 19?

               An = James calls them "dear brothers".  In other words, he is addressing his fellow Christians whom he holds dear, and they seem to

need some teaching about dealing with their anger.  Real Christians do have to deal with their anger.

            Q How does James propose one deals with their anger according to verse 19?

               An = When volatile or upsetting situations arise aggressively listen but be careful to say little or nothing and then make effort to

not let your anger rise.

            Q What does James tell us about the fruit of anger?

               An = That if it is just a normal human response it will not accomplish the will of God.  We may have good reasons for getting angry or

believe that our anger can move someone to change their behavior, even change their wrong behavior, but it does not work.

            James could be saying that one of the reasons for leaving off being angry is that it is just not affective.

            Q What do we do with all the energy that gets aroused when we finally get angry?  What do we do with that energy?

               An = Let them answer and again do not preach or comment.  Let them give the advice.  Then say James has given us a channel for our

anger, let's see what he advises....

>>>> Have someone read James 1:21.

            Note:  Often we are angry at someone for what they have done or said and their actions or words have aroused our tempers.  James seems

to be proposing that we redirect our attention to our own faults.  We are to direct that energy towards our own moral failings and evil that is so

frequently around us.  We should focus on God's Word to us.

            James could be actually utilizing some of Jesus's thoughts from the Sermon on the Mount....

            Q What words of Jesus could James be using?

               An = Ask them to turn to Matthew 7:1-5.

>>> Have someone read Matthew 7:1-5.

            Q According to Jesus Christ what should we deal with first before we deal with other's faults?

               An = We should deal with our own faults first.  Jesus says redirect your attention to your own faults.  

            Q Is Jesus giving us good advice?

               An = Let them answer without comment.

            Q Do many Christians follow the teachings of Jesus Christ in this regard?

               An = Let them answer without comment by yourself.  Your silence will help here. 

            Note:  Let us go back to James 1:21.  Let me recap what James has said about anger.  Perhaps, James is saying if we will first listen,

not speak and not get angry (19), because it will do not good (20),  and then attend to our own moral failings (21), then we are listening to

the Word of God.

            Q According to the end of verse 21, what will the Word of God do for us?

               An = It will save us.

 

IV.  The Difference Between Hearing and Doing:  James 1:22-27.

   A.  The General Principle:  James 1:22-25

            Q Does going to church make one a Christian?

               An = Let them answer and only comment to say that "sleeping in a garage does not make you a car either".  James has an important word

for us in this regard....

>>>> Have someone read James 1:22-25.

            Q What is the individual like who hears the Word of God but does not do it?

               An = He is like one who sees their reflection in a mirror but later forgets what was seen.  (Can you imagine if you did this every time

you looked at a mirror when you got ready for Dorcas Guild.  It would certainly make for some interesting looking people at the meetings!)

            Q What does James mean by this illustration of the mirror and the hearing of the Word of God?

               An = If we hear the Word of God and do not act upon it we are living in delusion and living in the realm of deception.  It is only by

doing what God says that we can be blessed by what God says.

   B.  The Principle Illustrated:  James 1:26-27.

            Q What makes a good Christian in your point of view?

               An = Let them answer without comment, then tell them look at what James considers to be worthless religion.

>>>> Have someone read James 1:26-27.

            Q What is James' answer to this question in verse 26?

               An = What makes religion worthless is when a person can not keep a tight rein on their tongue.

            Rhetorical Q Is this a theoretical or practical answer? 

            Rhetorical Q Do you like his answer?

            Q Why is James saying such tough things?  What is James trying to accomplish with his "dear brothers"?

               An = Get them to ponder why James would say such tough things to people he supposedly considers so dear to himself.  James, like

Jesus, really loves people.  James wants people free of deception and therefore deeply and seriously challenges them.  This is a book written from a

standpoint of love!

            Now watch how he defines pure and faultless religion....

>>>> Have someone read James 1:27.

            Q How does James define true religion that God our Father accepts as pure?

               An =  When we look after the orphans and widow in their distress and keep ourselves morally pure from sin.

            Q What should our church and the Dorcas Guild be doing to act out "pure" religion that God will accept?

               An = Like Dorcas we need to be helping the "needy", those in distress and we should be booking speakers that encourage us to stay true

to the example and teaching of Jesus Christ.

            Perhaps have each circle make a list of activities and speakers that Dorcas Guild could support and get involved with

that meet James criteria. 

            Q Will God accept our work at Dorcas Guild according to the Book of James if it does not involve helping the needy and teaching us to "come

apart from the world"? 

JAMES 1:1-18 | Lesson # 1 | TRIALS AND TEMPTATION

                                                                        JAMES

1:1-18                                               Lesson # 1

                                                            TRIALS AND TEMPTATION

 

I.    Greetings:

            (I would handle briefly any greetings here, etc.)

            Note:  Two words of caution about this type of study.  1.  Do not worry about asking questions and nobody answers, let silence envelope

the group, a whole thirty sections if necessary.  Someone will eventually answer.  Once they get used to talking, and you do not put them down but

encourage them, then they will grow confident.  This style is to help them teach themselves.  They must talk.  2.  Also, just letting the others read the

text gets them involved.  Be sure to compliment their effort.  Find the good no matter how good or poorly they read.  After all they are part of us, and we

are super glad they are there...our responses to their reading and answers shows them our hearts.

 

II.   Introduction:

            Note:  Our study this year is going to be in the book of James, and it is our hope to let James direct the topics of our discussion.  We want

to focus our thoughts on what agendas this book of the Bible (as God's divine and holy Word) wishes to bring up.  I must warn you that this book is a

convicting one to read.  It has been a very convicting book to study and prepare, but it is our confidence that as we look at and obey God's Word that we

will never be the same, but be more blessed and a greater benefit to all we love.

            Q Does anyone know who James is?

               An = Tradition says he was Jesus Christ's blood brother.  He was a leader in the early Christian church.  So we are going to listen to

one of Jesus' own brothers on what is important in the spiritual life.

>>>> Ask someone to read James 1:1.

            Q To whom is James writing? 

               An = He is writing to the "twelve tribes scattered among the nations" which could mean he is writing to Jewish Christians who live

outside of Palestine or to Christians (the new Israel) who are all over the known Western world.  Though we are not certain which group could be referred

to, what becomes very clear in this book is James is writing from a Hebrew mind-set.   Also, it is certain is James is writing to believers. 

These words are for us who believe.  It guidance is for us who know and worship Jesus Christ as Lord.  

            Note:  James will repeatedly call his readers "brothers".   He is saying he and his readers have a something in common:  they are "sons"

of the same Father.  You need to remember this as we read on this year, as he will say some pretty convicting things, but they are always to his

"brothers", those people he accepts and cherishes as fellow brothers in Christ.  You could even count how many times James uses this phrase "brothers"

through the book and see how important this is to remember.  By the way, this term "brother" also includes ladies, as the Hebrew word (remember James

has a Hebrew mind-set) behind James calling us "brothers" is the word "son" (ben) which in Hebrew also means daughters unless otherwise specified in

the context.

            Q How does James regard himself or title himself?

               An = He saw himself as a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ.  James viewed his brother as Lord, in the same category as God. 

He also saw himself as a "servant", one who obeys and listens to his "Lord".  

            May we be like James this year, and be true servants of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ.

            (Could bow for a word of prayer and ask one of the other ladies to ask the Lord to bless our study and help us become

"servants of God".)

            Now lets see the first thing our friend James wishes to tell us....

 

III.  The Proper View of Trials:  James 1:2-4.

>>>> Have someone read James 2:1-4.

            Q How are we to view trials according to verse 2?

               An = As pure joy (notice the word "brothers").

            Q What is our normal way of reacting to trials and hardships that come our way?

               An = We get discouraged, upset, annoyed, and wonder:  "why us", or "what have we done to deserve such bad fortune".  We can settle into

bad moods, etc.

            Q Why does James say we should consider trials as "joy"?

               An = He believes in an active loving God who is involved in our daily lives if we will but see it.  James believes things

are not "hap-hazard" but that God is in control and that there is purpose to the trials Christians go through.  The trial of our faith by these difficulties

can produce "perseverance", "maturity" and "completeness".

            Q Do children develop perseverance if everything is handed to them easily?

               An = See if they will think here and share their thoughts about child raising.  Do not comment.  Let them do the talking, just see that

everyone has a chance to speak.

            Q Do our children "mature" if they never have to face any difficulty?

               An = Again, let them comment.  Perhaps they will see that children who never face any trials (are always pampered and always kept

from any difficulty) when young usually fold when difficulties come to them as adults.  We often, as parents, want to see our children learn to handle

adversity and difficulty when they are still with us so that they can grow but not be "blown out of the water" or totally discouraged and crushed.  God is

our "Father" and wants us to experience trials but not be totally crushed by them.

            Q What would happen to our attitude if we saw trials as "means of blessings"?

               An = It would certainly affect our attitude towards God.  We would see that He only wants our good when He allows trials.  He only

wants our best and our maturity.

            Q What kind of parent is it that resents letting their children grow up strong and mature?

               An = A poor parent.  Certainly, God is a "good parent" (He created parenthood and is the source of goodness), and He sees trials as our

blessings.

            Q How many of you can think back on a trial you experienced that you see as a source of great strength to you now?

               An = Again, let them share and let them share.  The more they talk the more they will get out of the lesson. 

 

IV.  Wisdom Come From Faith:  James 1:5-8.

            Q Are the mature or immature usually the ones with wisdom?

               An = Wisdom is usually a trait the mature have.

            Note:  We are often so worried that young people will make mistakes when they are young that will mar or permanently damage their

entire lives.  It seems that wisdom is needed before we are able to gain full maturity.  Were we fully mature before we made our choice for marriage?

            Q If wisdom is a trait of the mature how do the immature gain wisdom?

               An = We have to start somewhere.  People are not born mature.  That is one reason trials are to be valued because they will aid the

process of maturity.  But if we need wisdom before trials have borne their good fruit what are we to do?  James has a further word for us....

>>>> Have someone read James 1:5.

            Q Where is the believer to go for wisdom?

               An = We are to go to God.  We are to pray.  Notice that James anticipates our fear that God will not answer our prayers because we are

not worthy to be heard.  We are not fully mature and great believers yet.  So James reminds us that God will answer not because we deserve the

answer, but because of it is God's generous nature to answer.  We are to ask for wisdom with confidence because of God's character.

            <

generous character of the person being asked.>>

            However, even though we are not fully mature we must, even in our maturity, approach God with the proper attitude.  <

sentence the right attitude you had in approaching the authority in the story you just gave.>>

>>>> Have someone read James 1:6-8.

            Q What should be our attitude when we ask for wisdom if we want to hear from God?

               An = We must believe, not doubt and be "double-minded".

            Q What does it mean to be double-minded?

               An = We do not really believe.  We pray but we are only going through the motions and not really praying.  We are to be single

minded and really trust that God is going to give us the wisdom that we ask for.

            Q Can you give an example of "single-minded" faith that someone had and you saw God give wisdom as a result of that faith?

               An = Try to get them to give the example.  Sometimes they need to "see" something in another's spiritual life before they are able to

understand what it really is.  It would be best if someone besides yourself gave the example.  If no one give an example, then move on.  It does not

hurt a group to realize that they do not have faith.  You might have helped them, or they might talk to you later privately.

            Note:  Some of you may not feel too comfortable right now because James' discussion of faith has made you feel uncomfortable about your

own faith.  That is OK...listen to what he says next....

 

V.  Humility And Faith Is The Lasting Glory, Not Riches:  James 1:9-12.

>>>> Have someone read James 1:9-11.

            Q If we are in a low position of faith should we be discouraged?

               An = No we should not.  When we know we are weak in faith then we can grow.  If we have a lot of faith then we should be happy that

we realize that we need to continue get new faith for we cannot live on "past" or "old" or "former" faith.

            Q What does this text mean if we apply riches not to faith but to money?  What is James attitude towards money?

               An = Much like his brother Jesus' attitude.  Jesus had a special love and appreciation for the poor and strongly spoke of the harm of

riches.

>>>> Have someone read Luke 6:20-21 and then 6:24-25.

            Note:  Jesus is not like the rest of the world.  He does not favor the rich over the poor.  Jesus is fair.  Jesus is God (remember the

Trinity), and God is fair.  If we are rich then we need to take pride in our low position because we realize that riches will soon pass away.

            Note:  Humility is our glory.  If we are poor then we can glory in our poor condition and if we are rich we can glory in our poor

condition because human riches do not last, they are temporary and will soon pass away.  We should be happy if we are poor because special blessings

come with being poor and if we are rich our hope of happiness is knowing that money is nothing.

            Real wealth, real riches is equally open to all, let us see what James thinks is real wealth...

>>>> Have someone read James 1:12.

            Q What will give someone a real, lasting crown of life?

               An = When that person has stood the trial, then they will receive a crown of life.  Rich or poor, maturity and strength comes from

standing firm under trial.  

            We stand firm because we love God.  It is how we show our love for Him.  We do not berate God or complain because of trials but stand

firm.

 

VI.  How To View The Real Source of Our Temptations:  James 1:13-15.

            Note: James now turns towards something a little different from trials, he opens the subject of temptations.  Trials can bring maturity

and completeness but sometimes our troubles in this life come from our actions and decisions.  We often fall to temptation and sin.  So James

brings this up...

>>>> Have someone read James 1:13-15.

            Q What is the source of our temptations?

               An = It is not God, but rather our own evil desires.  Notice the progression....

            Q What is the progression of temptation?

               An = One is tempted by one's own evil desires, then when desire is acted upon, it gives birth to sin, then sin when it has grown, brings

death.  

            Our own evil desires James says can bring about death and destruction in our own lives, and it is not God's fault.

            Q Do you know people who are blaming God for their misfortunes when it was their own stupid actions that led to their downfall?

               An = Let others share.  It is good to get them to verbalize this truth.  What we sow we reap (Romans 2:6).

 

VII.  How To View The Real Source of Our Blessings:  James 1:16-18.

            Note:  James wants to let us know the real source of evil and good in our lives.  He seems to think that to get this clear will not only

straighten out our thinking but bless us.  He spoke about the source of evil and now he broaches the subject of blessing.

>>>> Have someone read James 1:16-18.

            Q What is the source of good gifts?

               An = It comes from above, it comes from God.

            Q What does this tell us about God?

               An = That He is faithful, unchanging, trustworthy in a changing world.

            Q According to 1:18 what will these truths produce?

               An = It gives birth to our spiritual life and growth and so we could be the first of many more truths that are yet to come.

            If we will learn the truths here, we could be the beginning of great spiritual growth.