James Sermons by Rev. Mike Jones
James 01:2 THE BENEFITS OF TEMPTATION
James 01:2 TEMPTATION’S COLORS
James 01:2-12 TRIUMPHING OVER TRIALS
James 0:1‑4 THE TRYING OF YOUR FAITH
James 01:12-15 SATAN’S BID FOR YOUR SOUL
James 01:13-15 WHEN SIN CONCEIVES
James 01:17 GOD’S PERFECT GIFTS2
James 01:26-2:9 THE RIGHT RELIGION
James 03:7-10 PUTTING DOWN PUT DOWNS
James 04:7 DEFEATING THE DEVIL
James 01:2 THE BENEFITS OF TEMPTATION
James 1:2 says we are to count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations;. How can we enjoy something we know might destroy us? We long to BE THROUGH with temptations; not GO THROUGH Temptations. Why does God allow His people to be tempted? What are the benefits of Temptation?
1) TEMPTATION MAKES US MAKE CHOICES– Josh 24:15 And if it seem evil unto you to serve the LORD, choose you this day whom ye will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the flood, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD.
Real Love involves the Liberty to choose the one you love over everything else. God wants our love from a pure heart, feverently.
2) TEMPTATION CAN BRING A GREATER AWARENESS OF GOD’S HOLY PRESENCE: Job 42:5-6 I have heard of thee by the hearing of the ear: but now mine eye seeth thee. Wherefore I abhor myself, and repent in dust and ashes.
Job had a TRIAL from Satan allowed by God. His TEMPTATION was to listen to his wife or his friends and doubt God’s love.
3) TEMPTATION DEVELOPS PATIENCE– James 1:3-4 Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing. Luke 21:19 In your patience possess ye your souls. Rom 5:3-4 And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience; And patience, experience; and experience, hope. Heb 10:36 For ye have need of patience, that, after ye have done the will of God, ye might receive the promise.
4) TEMPTATION HONORS GOD– 1 Pet 1:6-7 Wherein ye greatly rejoice, though now for a season, if need be, ye are in heaviness through manifold temptations: That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ:
TEMPTATION’S Benefits come from ENDURING. Repercussions come from FALLING. [God turns even that into a Benefit as He shows His Love in Chastening us!- Heb 12:6-7 For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth. If ye endure chastening, God dealeth with you as with sons; for what son is he whom the father chasteneth not?]
Don’t spend your time fighting the FACT that you are Tempted. FIGHT THE TEMPTATION– James 1:12 Blessed 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.
James 01:2 TEMPTATION’S COLORS
James 1:2 My brethem, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations. The word “divers” here comes from a Greek work meaning “motley” or “Many colored” (usually translated “Different”). James wants us to know that Temptation takes many forms, and sometimes it’s difficult to identify, but I think it will be easier if we learn to recognize the Many Colors of Temptation:
1. Black– Black comes from the absence of light and is usually associated with “the blackness of Despair” or Discouragement. This is a Temptation that everyone must endure as Satan continually tries to hide the light of God from our faces. In the Dark you must deal with an Active Imagination (“Boogie men”) and Isolation (You lose the “sight sensor” and only relate to things that YOU can feel). It was in the Blackness of Despair that Job’s wife said, “Curse God and Die” (There is no Hope) and in the Blackness of Discouragement that Elijah sulked under the Juniper Tree saying, “I, alone, am left” (There is no Help). This Temptation can be conquered by the Light of God thru His Word (Ps 119:105) and thru the Witness of Christians as the Light of the World (Matt 5:14).
2. Red– Red is normally associated with Danger. In this regard I think we can classify this as the Temptation to “Open Sin”. These are the sins of the “red light District”. This was the Temptation the Prodigal Son succumbed to. He thought the world would be wild and wonderful but it turned out to be poverty and hog-pens. Young people especially are attracted by “Red” but people in their mid forties seem to get “red-eye” also. The way to Avoid this temptation is to AVOID THIS TEMPTATION!! When you see “Red”, Stop.
3. Yellow– Yellow is the color of a Coward and is linked to the temptation to lack of Faith- Rev 21:8 But the fearful, and unbelieving, … shall have their part in the lake of fire which bumeth with fire and brimstone: This Temptation can be avoided by putting on the whole armor of God (Ep 6: 1 0-17) so you can defeat Satan and then Building your life on Christ the Rock so life’s Storms won’t frighten you.
4. Green– This is when people are “Green with Envy”. This Temptation is seldom preached on today but it greatly impacts our society. It was such a prevalent Temptation until God made the 10th Command to deal with it; Ex 20: 17 Thou shalt not covet thy neighbor’s house, thou shalt not covet thy neighbor’s wife, nor his manservant, not his maidservant, nor his ox, nor his ass, nor any thing that is thy neighbor’s. And Paul told the Colossians that it could lead to a far worst sin Col3:5 covetousness, which is idolatry. The Answer to this Temptation is found in Heb 13:5 Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.- Count your Blessings and Remember God’s constant care and protection are yours.
5. Blue– This is a subtle temptation because it deals with Pleasures that become Problems- The “good” replaces the best. Every life needs some Blue Skies but Blues Skies alone produce desert- “I walked a mile with Pleasure, she chattered all the way, but I was none the wiser for all she had to say. I walked a mile with sorrow, not a word said she, but Oh the things I learned that day when sorrow walked with me”. It is when you are rich and increased with goods and have need of nothing that you wander away from God. Remember the admonition of Ps 62: I0 if riches increase, set not your heart upon them.
Temptation has many shades and colors but a Christian knows to keep his garment WHITE as all times- Thou hast a few names even in Sardis which have not defiled their garments; and they shall walk with me in white: for they are worthy (Revelation 3:4).
James 01:2-12 TRIUMPHING OVER TRIALS
On Monday, June 9, 1986, after returning from a trip to the Doctors and visiting some sick in our community my wife was preparing for Ladies Auxiliary while I did some work at the Office at the church. A Young man came to the Parsonage and my wife sent him to the church office. I tried to assist him in finding a job but was unable to do so. He returned to the house and raped my wife, almost killing her.
From this Tragedy has come an opportunity to reach thousands of people with the Gospel of Christ. This is where the Outreach Ministry went from a sideline to a major force in my life and ministry. I was trapped inside with her for several months and God used the Outreach Ministry to allow me to communicate with my members and share the Gospel with thousands of others.
Tonight I want us to see how God can Turn you trials into Triumph and you can be “More than conquerors through Him that loved us.”
I. THE SOURCE OF TRIALS:
A) SATAN- Temptation (within) and Trials (without)
B) WRONG RELIGION- Faith without works
C) TONGUE- Dangerous member of your body
D) SELF- From whence come wars and fightings among yourself
E) SUBSTANCE- They that would be rich fall into divers temp
F) SICKNESS- Disease, Discipline, Die
II. TRIUMPHING OVER TRIALS– When life hands you lemons, make lemonade. 4 STATEMENTS stand out in our Scripture
1) Count it all Joy- A Joyful Attitude, Outlook determines Outcome. Attitude determines Action. EVERY Person will face Tribulation (Phil 1:29). Some will come because we are Human and some will come because we are Christian.
Count is a Financial term meaning to Evaluate. We must look at Trials in the light of God’s Plan and evaluate them accordingly. If we value comfort above Character then trials will upset us. If we live for the present instead of the future trials will make us bitter instead of better.
James tells us to “endure the cross because of the Joy that is set before us”. And it will not be joy if we use the wrong formula to evaluate it. And that formula comes from a knowledge of God’s Plan.
2) Knowing This- An Understanding Mind
A) Testing Works for us, not against us- Rom 8:28
B) Trials are made to Mature us- God wants to produce in us- Patience, Endurance, Hope. It is only when the believer learns to wait on God that God can do great things through him. Patience and Endurance cannot be learned from a Book; they must be learned through Life experiences.
3) Let Patience be Perfect- A Surrendered Will
God cannot build our character without our Cooperation. God’s goal for our life is Spiritual maturity. That comes when we recognize the work God does FOR US- Salvation, IN US- Sanctification, and THROUGH US- Service. Like a child being Weaned, we think the mother is out to deprive us but she is really out to liberate us.
4) Ask God- A Believing Heart.
A) We ask for Wisdom, not Strength or Endurance. Wisdom allows us not to waste the opportunities God Gives us; and God gives us a Test until we past it.
B) We Ask in Faith- Changing Circumstances do not change the Plan or Power of God. Believe in God’s Love and triumph over Trials.
James 0:1‑4 THE TRYING OF YOUR FAITH
James is writing to Jewish Christians who had suffered severe persecution because of their stand for Jesus. Many had been disowned by their family, had lost their job, and had been forced to relocate. As a result of this severe persecution some of the people were questioning why God would allow this; some were even being tempted to turn away from God.
James begins by telling that this trying of their faith is actually a blessing instead of a burden. He knew that we are saved by Faith and that the just shall live by Faith. Anything this important needs to be put to the test to prove it is genuine (How sad it would be to spend your life walking toward something and then find it was a mirage when you arrived!). James tells us the results of such a trial and what our response to such a trial should be.
I. THE REASONS FOR TRIALS
[Note the difference between Trial (1‑12) and Temptation (13‑14). The first comes from without, the second from within. God sends trials to bring out the Best in us, Satan sends temptations to bring out the Worst in us. Trials are allowed by God to test our Faith, strengthen us, and make us eligible for rewards. Temptations are due to man’s own sinful nature and are controlled by man’s will].
1. To test Our Faith- It assures us, and God, that our Faith is genuine. Sometimes people’s Faith is in favorable circumstances or in their “Faith”; instead of in God. When conditions change or self doubt comes the person falls by the wayside (See Mk 4:16‑17).
Some Bible examples of Faith on Trial:
—These passed the Test
a. Abraham was called upon to sacrifice his son of promise and he did so believing that God could raise him from the dead if necessary (Heb 11:17‑19)
b. Moses by faith forsook Egypt, not fearing the wrath of the king; for he endured, as seeing him who is invisible.
c. Job when he lost his fortune and his family said, The Lord gave and the Lord takes away, blessed be the name of the Lord. When he also lost his health he said: Though He slay me, yet will I trust in Him.
—These failed the Test
a. The children of Israel failed because they looked at the circumstance instead of relying on the Promises of God.
b. Lot followed a man of Faith but didn’t exercise his own and lost his family and fortune.
c. Jonah wasted his trial and acted like a spoiled child because he didn’t like what God was doing.
2. To Strengthen Us. Problems can build us (the example of the widow problems that resulted in election of Deacons in Acts 6) or destroy us (the example of numerous church splits over unimportant items).
a. Testing gives knowledge and experience- “knowing this”
b. Testing produces and results in patience (endurance)- “worketh patience”
c. Testing leads to full maturity of Christian Character-“may be perfect and entire, wanting (lacking) nothing.”
Trials strengthen us because they drive us to greater dependence on God. There are 2 important truths about God you should remember in trials:
A) God’s Sovereignty. A definition by Peg Rankin is as good as any: God can do anything He wants to do, anytime He wants to do it, anyway He wants to do it, and for any purpose He wants to accomplish. God is God; He is answerable to no man. If God is not sovereign then He is not God.
There are 2 areas of Trial that we need to recognize the Sovereignty of God in:
(a) The Powers that be. They are ordained of God (Rom 13:1) and, like Nebuchadnezzar, people need to learn that the Most High ruleth in the kingdom of men, and giveth it to whomsoever He will, and setteth up over it the basest of men (Dan 4:17).
(b) The Problems of the World. Amos 4 says that God sent Disease, Death, Drought, and Destruction on Israel to drive them back to Him. The book of Habakkuk is about a man who learned to trust God even when his world was collapsing.
God worketh all things after the counsel of His own will that we should be to the praise of his glory, who first trusted in Christ (Ep 1:11).
B) God’s Righteousness. Shall not the judge of all the earth do right? (Gen 18:25)
(a) If God did wrong He would cease to be God and the world would collapse because “by Him all things consist (are held together)” (Col 1:17)
(b) Some People seem to think God loves them less after Salvation than before. God loved them enough for Jesus to die for them but when a problem comes along they think God has forgotten them or is allowing something to happen to them that is not for their good. God remains steadfast in His righteous care of us and love for us no matter what circumstances come our way.
3. To Reward Us- Blessed 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. (vs 12)
II. THE RESULTS OF TRIALS– Patience. Patience is not a passive acceptance of circumstances. It is a courageous perseverance in the face of suffering and difficulty. Patience teaches us to look beyond present circumstances to the future promises (If you lack wisdom about the purpose or plan of trials then ask God- vs 5). The ultimate goal is Perfect Patience– A Mature Christian who is usable in whatever way God wants.
III. THE RESPONSE TO TRIAL Count it all Joy (Not because you’re in the trial but because of the RESULTS of the Trial).
Remember some things about Trials:
1. They come suddenly- fall into means “Encounter around a corner”
2. They are varied- divers trials
3. They test our Faith- and in order to do so it must be a real test or it is no test.
4. They develop us as Christians.
Is your Faith on Trial? Are you failing that test?? Will you bow before God and acknowledge your trust in, and love for, Him regardless of the Circumstances?.
James 01:8 ONE THING
A double minded man is unstable in all his ways (James 1:8).
(31,101 verses in the Bible. 23,144 in OT and 7957 in NT) The Shortest verse in the Bible is John 11:35- “Jesus Wept”. (The Shortest verse in the Old Testament is I Chron 1:25- “Eber, Peleg, Reu”). The Longest VERSE in the Bible is Esther 8:9. (The shortest Chapter is Psalm 117 and the Longest Chapter is Psalm 119)
These WORDS only occur one time in the Bible: Eternity (Is 57:15), Reverend (Ps 111:9), Grandmother (I tim 1:5), Gnat (Matt 23:24), Easter ( Acts 12:4) [Christmas is not listed]
These VERSES Have One letter missing: Ezra 7:21 contains every letter in the alphabet except “J”. Daniel 4:7 contains every letter of the alphabet except “Q”.
1) One thing Missing- COMMITMENT: Then Jesus beholding him loved him, and said unto him, One thing thou lackest: go thy way, sell whatsoever thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come, take up the cross, and follow me (Mark 10:21). [Man who had many girlfriends until he moved in with a married woman and found real joy- He went back to his wife and committed to treating her as good as he treated his girlfriends. His commitment made life great]
2) One thing Needful- RELATIONSHIP: And Jesus answered and said unto her, Martha, Martha, thou art careful and troubled about many things: But one thing is needful: and Mary hath chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her (Luke 10:41 42). God walked with Adam in the garden in the cool of the day, Enoch walked with God, the one thing God wants from you is for you to love Him- First Command
3) One thing to Know- ASSURANCE: He answered and said, Whether he be a sinner or no, I know not: one thing I know, that, whereas I was blind, now I see (John 9:25). Do you know WHEN you were saved? What change has taken place in your life since you became a Christian? Are you stable on the rock of faith in Jesus or do your emotions bring doubts- These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God (1 John 5:13).
Do not let a “Double Mind” keep you from the ONE THING you need to do: Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus (Philippians 3:13-14).
James 01:12-15 SATAN’S BID FOR YOUR SOUL
Blessed 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. When 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 (James 1:12-15)
One primary fact that everyone should be aware of is that Satan is out to destroy your life and damn your soul. He will promise you anything you want and give you everything within his power if he can only get you to follow him instead of God. And, according to the Scriptures, the “broad road” that he’s on that leads to destruction is the road of popular choice– many will follow it to destruction.
In our Scripture today, James declares that we are to preserve (Keep on keeping on) under trial. He then shows the FOUR DOWNWARD STEPS that Satan uses to guide us into destruction, misery, and hell.
FIRST- TEMPTATION – Something excites our Desire for the downward life. (This is not Sin; it is the inclination to do wrong-you can’t keep the bird from flying overhead but you can keep him from building a nest. And you can keep out of his flight path!)
SECOND- PARTICIPATION– The temptation is embraced by Sinful Self and we yield to the wrong that Satan wants us to do.
THIRD- DOMINATION– Sin begins to control our life. “Recreational” Drugs make you a slave. A “little” anger leaves bruises on your wife and children.
FOURTH- CONDEMNATION– Sin, when it is full grown, brings death. Once you become a slave to sin it will destroy you Physically, Emotionally, Mentally, and Spiritually. The Wages of Sin are Death. These wages must be paid! Either by the shed blood of Christ or by you in Hell forever.
The problem starts with a small (maybe innocent) desire. Unchecked or misused, it develops into a problem that can destroy the person and those around them (Via Influence). What we want to do in the rest of this message is help you identify problem areas and then see how God’s power can deliver you from future problems and God’s Pardon can forgive you for past failures.
First we need to see THE ORIGIN OF TEMPTATION 13 14
A) Not from God- God cannot be tempted with evil. It is impossible for God to consider doing wrong. Because Natural Inclinations can be used to tempt us (Sex, need of rest-drugs), Satan accuses God of tempting you. NO!! The Scripture says that “God does not tempt any man.”
B) From within Self
1. A common Problem-EVERY man (See I Cor 10:13). The Sin Nature we inherited from Adam is within all of us. Every person must contend with it.
2. An enticing Problem-Bait is used to lure you. Sin never shows the naked hook! The trap allows you to see the Bait but not the Bite of Sin.
3. A varying Problem- drawn away of his own Lusts (One man’s worm may be another man’s Bait!!)
Next we need to see THE BONDAGE OF TEMPTATION– Paul said in First Corinthians 6:12 All things are lawful unto me, but all things are not expedient: all things are lawful for me, but I will not be brought under the power of any. Yet many people are mastered by LIFE CONTROLLING PROBLEMS. These problems destroy their life, tarnish their reputation, short circuit their testimony, and; left unchecked, damn their souls.
Various names for life controlling problems are- Addiction, dependency, strongholds, slavery, compulsive behavior. Some types of Life controlling Problems are- Compulsive spending, Social Media Addiction, sex, gambling, shop-lifting, eating disorders, power, money, fame, drugs, alcohol, sports, TV, etc. EVERYONE HAS THE POTENTIAL FOR HAVING A LIFE CONTROLLING PROBLEM!!
A person will normally go through FIVE EMOTIONAL STAGES WHEN FORCED TO FACE A LIFE CONTROLLING PROBLEM (Interestingly enough, these are also the stages a person goes through when faced with a deadly disease- For example, told they have cancer).
FIRST- DENIAL – We Delude ourselves into thinking that there is no problem or it’s no Big Deal— “I’M NOT A SINNER”
SECOND- ANGER – We blame God, Ourselves, or Others and continually ask, “Why is this happening to me?”. “GOD MADE ME THIS WAY”
THIRD- BARGAINING– We strike a bargain with God, ourselves, or others. If you will help me, I will give money, etc. “I’LL BE GOOD”
FOURTH- DEPRESSION– There is no hope for me. “I’M NOT WORTH SAVING.”
FIFTH- ACCEPTANCE/PEACE– Come to grips with the FACT of the Problem and LOOK TO GOD FOR THE ANSWER. “I ACKNOWLEDGE MY SIN, I REPENT, AND I ASK CHRIST TO FORGIVE MY SINS AND COME INTO MY LIFE”
Have you lost control of your life? Has Satan been dragging you down by promising you Pleasure, Peace, or Profit?? Come to Christ today. God CAN MAKE YOU A NEW CREATURE IN CHRIST. The Gospel proclaims forgiveness for your past and Power to have a new life in the future.
Never forget that the text for Jesus’ first sermon was: The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, TO PREACH DELIVERANCE TO THE CAPTIVES, and recovering of sight to the blind, TO SET AT LIBERTY THEM THAT ARE BRUISED, (Luke 4:18).
James 01:13 PASSING THE BUCK
One of the Presidents put a sign on his desk, “The Buck Stops Here”. Sadly, that sign is not heeded much by present Presidents; and from the President on down everyone seems to want to PASS THE BUCK. It has even begun to infect the Church as Christians more and more want to blame their problems on the Pastor, on their circumstances, or even on God.
The story is told about a Country Preacher who was preaching on a stump in the open air. As he began to preach a heckler stood on another stump and began to call out, “God, if you’re real, Knock me off this stump.” The Preacher ignored him for awhile but he just kept at it. Finally the Preacher got off his stump and walked over to where the heckler stood and knocked him off the stump and onto his back. The Preacher then turned to the crowd and told them, “I never ask the Lord to do anything I can do myself”!
Maybe this was not the best way to handle this situation but it does illustrate a Principle- God works THRU us as well as FOR us. It’s so much easier to LAY our Problem off on someone or something else or to fail to admit our own LAZINESS keeps us from doing what we’re supposed to do. And we can sound sooooo Spiritual in doing so: “If we only had more faith we wouldn’t be having family problems”. “It they were more committed to the Lord their children wouldn’t cause them so many problems”. “If I had more money I’d do something for the Lord”. And so on and so on.
When you look at what you’re saying you’re simply passing the buck about the problems- to your “Lack of Faith” (Do you have a “grain of mustard seed” worth? Matt 13:31) or to God for failing to supply, or the person for failing to be “more committed” (How much more do they need?? 10 minutes of Prayer a day? 1 more Bible Chapter??)
Here are some guidelines to help you handle your Problems instead of allowing them to handle you:
1. Acknowledge your Problems. Admit they exist. Don’t pretend they don’t. Jesus couldn’t get the Pharisees to be saved because they would not admit they were lost! Most problems are half solved when we are willing to face the fact that they exist
2. Ask God for Wisdom in determining how to deal with the problem. Then LISTEN to what God has to say! Many people only “Pray out of Politeness” with their minds already made up as to what they’re going to do. (See Jeremiah 42 and 43)
3. Do what you can, with what you have, where you’re at. There are times you can patiently wait for a problem to solve itself but many times we use that for an excuse to fail to handle a “dirty” or “difficult” job. And sometimes the longer you wait to handle a job the more rotten it becomes. (Don’t wait until you know EVERYTHING about a problem or situation before you do ANYTHING)
4. Don’t expect perfection from yourself or others. We grow as long as we are human- and growth involves trial and error. Forgive others their failures and expect them to forgive you yours. Accept different Personalities as part of God’s plan (See I Cor 12).
You can continue to “Pass the Buck” while the problems grow and fester; or you can quit looking for someone to blame and instead find the root of the problem and begin to change the situation.
James 01:13-15 WHEN SIN CONCEIVES
James 1:13-15 Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God: for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth he any man: 14 But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed. Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death.
Num 32:23 But if ye will not do so, behold, ye have sinned against the LORD: and be sure your sin will find you out.
SIN IS A:
Debt- you cannot pay- Wages of Sin is death
Defilement- you cannot wash away. What can wash away my sins, nothing but the blood of Jesus.
Disease- you cannot cure- Isa 1:5-6 Why should ye be stricken any more? ye will revolt more and more: the whole head is sick, and the whole heart faint. From the sole of the foot even unto the head there is no soundness in it; but wounds, and bruises, and putrifying sores: they have not been closed, neither bound up, neither mollified with ointment.
EXAMPLE OF DAVID
1) Sin of Flesh- Bathsheba 9 months to birth (Baby Died, Daughter raped, Son killed, Other Son killed in Rebellion) [Amazingly it is Bathsheba’s next child that becomes king after David- Solomon]
2) Sin of Spirit- Number People took Nine Months (Thousands died in plague) [Amazingly, where David offered the sacrifice to stop the plague is where Solomon built the temple]
PSALM 51- DAVID’S PRAYER OF REPENTANCE-
WHAT SHOULD YOU DO TO SIN?
What David tried to do- Do NOT COVER IT– Prov 28:13 He that covereth his sins shall not prosper: but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy. (When Nathan confronted David and asked for a just punishment for someone who had stolen a lamb David said repay 4-fold. David had sex in secret- his daughter was raped and his concubines were defiled by his son in public. David had Urijah killed. The baby died, two of David’s Sons were killed, The general who carried out David’s plan was killed.
vs 1-7 CONFESS IT– 1 John 1:9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
vs 8-17 CONSIDER ITS CONSEQUENCE–
Loss of JOY- vs 8, 12
Loss of Fellowship- vs 9-11
Loss of Testimony- vs 12-14
Loss of HOPE- vs 15-17 (I try my methods but they all fail. In despair, I realize that only God’s way will work.)
vs 18-19 CONQUER IT– 1 John 5:4 For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith. Rom 8:37 Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us.
When I was a boy Dad told me to plant peanuts. I planted several rows, grew tired, dug a hole and planted the remainder at the end of the row. All was well until the seed came up!! What will happen to you when your sin conceives? You have sown the wind and you will reap the whirlwind. Come to Christ while there is still hope.
James 01:17 GOD’S PERFECT GIFTS2
Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning (James 1:17).
What are some unusual gifts you have received during your life time? We all know about God’s “John 3:16 Gift” but here are some gifts from God we do not normally think about at this time of year.
1. Comfortable Physical Life Gifts:
1. Confident Care- Ps 127:2 It is vain for you to rise up early, to sit up late, to eat the bread of sorrows; for so he giveth his beloved sleep. You can trust God!
2. Peaceful Rest- Matt 11:28 Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Secure Safety and blessed belief that our labor is not in vain in the Lord!
3. A Good Life- I Tim 6:17 Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not high-minded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy. Ability to enjoy the “simple things” in the experience of family and friends.
a) Providential Provision: Leviticus 26:3-4 If ye walk in my statutes, and keep my commandments, and do them; Then I will give you rain in due season, and the land shall yield her increase, and the trees of the field shall yield their fruit. [God even feeds the birds and clothes the flowers!]
b) Wisdom to deal with life’s situations- Jam 1:5 If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be give him.
c) Health and Goals: Is 42:5 Thus saith God the Lord, he that created the heavens, and stretched them out; he that spread forth the earth; and that which cometh out to it; he that giveth breath unto the people upon it, and spirit to them that walk therein; (God Holds Breath in Hand- Dan 5)
2. Productive Spiritual Life:
1) Salvation- Ep 2:8-9 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God. Not of works lest any man should boast
2) Spiritual Power for life and service: If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children: how much more shall your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to them that ask him? (Luke 11:13). Jn 4:10 Jesus answered and said unto her, If thou knewest the gift of God, and who it is that saith to thee, Give me to drink; thou wouldest have asked of him, and he would have given thee living water. (Satisfaction)
3) A Place of Service in God’s Family: Now there are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit. And there are differences of administrations, but the same Lord. And there are diversities of operations, but it is the same God which worketh all in all. But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal (1 Corinthians 12:4-7).
4) Eternal Life- Rom 6:23 For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. Jn 17:3 And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent. Not just FROM sin but FOR Heaven.
James 01:17 THE PERFECT GIFT
If you are looking for the “Perfect Gift” then you need to shop in the right “store”. Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning James 1:17
Here are some Perfect Gifts God gives His People:
1. Worry free sleep- Ps 127:2 It is vain for you to rise up early, to sit up late, to eat the bread of sorrows; for so he giveth his beloved sleep. You can trust God!
2. Rest for your soul as well as your body- Matt 11:28 Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.
3. Ability to enjoy life- I Tim 6:17 Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not high-minded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy.
4. Provisions for a Good Life: Leviticus 26:3-4 If ye walk in my statutes, and keep my commandments, and do them; Then I will give you rain in due season, and the land shall yield her increase, and the trees of the field shall yield their fruit [God even feeds the birds and clothes the flowers!].
5. Wisdom to deal with life’s situations- Jam 1:5 If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be give him.
6. He even gives us Breath and Life- Is 42:5 Thus saith God the Lord, he that created the heavens, and stretched them out; he that spread forth the earth; and that which cometh out to it; he that giveth breath unto the people upon it, and spirit to them that walk therein; (God Holds Breath in Hand- Dan 5)
BUT THE GREATEST GIFTS OF ALL ARE THE SPIRITUAL GIFTS:
A) His SON- Jn 3:16 begotten, unique. God became flesh and dwelt among men. Rev 5. only one found worthy.
B) Salvation- Ep 2:8-9 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God. Not of works lest any man should boast.
C) Living Water- Jn 4:10 Jesus answered and said unto her, If thou knewest the gift of God, and who it is that saith to thee, Give me to drink; thou wouldest have asked of him, and he would have given thee living water. (Satisfaction)
D) Eternal Life- Rom 6:23 For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. Jn 17:3 And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent.
James 01:21‑25 MIRROR MEN
(James 1:21‑25) Wherefore lay apart all filthiness and superfluity of naughtiness, and receive with meekness the engrafted word, which is able to save your souls. {22} But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves. {23} For if any be a hearer of the word, and not a doer, he is like unto a man beholding his natural face in a glass: {24} For he beholdeth himself, and goeth his way, and straightway forgetteth what manner of man he was. {25} But whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty, and continueth therein, he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed.
James calls us to be “Mirror Men” who are changed by our Christianity. How does that Change Look?
1) It is a Supernatural Change: VS 21-
- Repent- Wherefore lay apart all filthiness and superfluity of naughtiness
- Receive- receive with meekness the engrafted word
- Reborn- which is able to save your souls
2) It is NOT a Superficial Change: vs 22- Hearers and not doers deceive their OWN self.
- We deceive ourselves when we dont acknowledge our sins- (1 John 1:8) If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.
- You deceive yourself if you do not change your life when you are saved- (1 John 3:7) Little children, let no man deceive you: he that doeth righteousness is righteous, even as he is righteous.
3) It must be a Steady Change: Vs 23 Why dont we change? He looks, He sees, He FORGETS.Vs 24- Immediately Forgets. What causes us to forget?
- Dull of Hearing- This people’s heart is waxed gross, and their ears are dull of hearing, and their eyes they have closed; lest at any time they should see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and should understand with their heart, and should be converted, and I should heal them (Matt 13:15). We “hear without hearing”.
- Diverted Hearing- (Mark 4:19) And the cares of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, and the lusts of other things entering in, choke the word, and it becometh unfruitful. We lose our “focus” and forget what we were trying to do.
What happens if you change what you see in the Mirror? You can make an excuse or you can make a difference.
1) You get Blessed! vs 25 But whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty, and continueth therein, he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed.
2) You become like Jesus- (2 Cor 3:18) But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord.
3) You have assurance of Salvation- (Rom 2:13) (For not the hearers of the law are just before God, but the doers of the law shall be justified).
Find a way to show the way to a world that has lost its way.
Received a call once that a check I had written had bounced. Confused since I knew had enough in bank to cover check. Finally found I had written out deposit, put it in pocket of car, and FORGOT TO DEPOSIT IT! Do not let your “service for God” stay in the Pocket instead of being used for God’s work.
James 01:26-2:9 THE RIGHT RELIGION
Man who climbed a building but fell to his death when he grabbed a cobweb instead of brick. In I Tokyo looked out at 27million, many of whom were following the wrong religion.
I. 3 MARKS OF A FALSE RELIGION vs 26
1. False Religion is Hypocritical- “seems to be religious”
A) A Hypocrite is an Actor. He wears a “mask” and appears to be what he’s not (Do you have a “Church Mask” that you wear when you want to appear religious? Jesus said the Pharisees looked fine on the outside but within they were full of dead men’s bones- Matt 23:27). Are you religious to impress the World, or do you truly worship God???
B) The Testing Point is the Tongue- “Bridleth not his tongue” Remember that out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh (Matt 12:34) and by thy words thou shall be justified, and by thy words thou shalt be condemned (Matt 12:37).
Will your Religion stand the Test of The Tongue???
Does it Confess Christ? With the heart man believes and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation (Rom 10:10.
Is it Clean? He that will love life, and see good days, let him refrain his tongue from evil, and his lips that they speak no guile (I Pet 3:10).
Does it cause Confusion? Thou shalt not go up and down as a talebearer among thy people (Lev 19:16).
2. False Religion is Self-Deceiving- “deceiveth his own heart” How sad to trick your own heart into believing you’re safe when you’re not- like the ostrich that hides his head in the sand and thinks it’s safe!
A) You’re deceived if you hear the Word but don’t do it- vs 22. If you think that Christianity means simply coming to Church then you’re deceived about what it’s all about. Yet most people seem to think they have accomplished God’s will for their life if they sit thru a couple of sermons a week!
B) If a man think himself to be something, when he is nothing, he deceiveth himself (Gal 6:3). Many people measure their Righteousness against other men instead of against the Word of God. Jesus told of some who trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and despised others (Luke 18:9) but he condemned them because they didn’t measure up to God’s standards.
Are you deceived about your relationship with God because you look at man’s standards instead of God’s Standards??
3. False Religion is Worthless- “This man’s religion is vain”
A) It doesn’t bring Peace- That’s why he has tongue Trouble. Christianity brings Peace with God and with Self and this peace with conquer most of your tongue problems.
B) It’s an empty Promise- There is no Change of heart, and, like the man who built his house on the sand, it will not stand the storms of life. What a sad thing to hear Jesus say I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity. (Matt 7:23)
II. 3 MARKS OF TRUE RELIGION 1:27 2:9
1. A Compassionate Heart- “Visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction” True Religion causes us to go from Selfish Absorption to Caring Concern
A)”Visit … in their affliction”. When Christianity comes to a community Caring, Compassion, and Concern follow– By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another (I Jn 13:35)
B) Magnified in Prejudice- “have not the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ…with respect of persons” The Pharisees rejected Christ because he was from the wrong town, had not gone to school, associated with the wrong crowd, and didn’t observe the same traditions as they did.
James says that the Royal Law is– love your neighbor as your self and if you have respect of persons you commit sin. If a man say, I love God, and hateth his brother, he is a liar: for he that loveth not his brother whom he hath seen, how can he love God whom he hath not seen (I Jn 4:20).
2. A Clean Life- “Keeps himself unspotted from the World”. How can a religion effect a man’s life without effecting the way he lives??? Who wants clean water from a dirty glass? This means staying away from the dirt and washing when you get dirty.
3. A Conscious Commitment- Pure Religion and undefiled before God and the Father.
A) A Yielding to God as Master
B) A Yearning for God as Father
CAN YOU DIE WITH THE RELIGION YOU HAVE??? / DO YOU LIVE THE RELIGION YOU HAVE???
James 02:14 26 True Faith
My wife recently received some flowers. When her mother saw them she asked if they were real– and even felt them to make sure! In much the same way today religions and philosophies today are so prevalent until it’s sometimes hard to determine what is really real. In this Scripture James gives us 3 characteristics of True Faith. We are saved by Grace thru Faith and that not of ourselves, not of works lest any man should boast, yet 3 times in this scripture James says that Faith without Works is dead being alone. This means that True Faith is Demonstrated by our:
1. CARE OF OTHERS– vs 14 17 Too many people are like the Priest and Levite in the Parable of the Good Samaritan. They can DEFEND their Faith but they don not DEMONSTRATE it. I John 3:14 We know that we have passed from death unto life, because we love the brethern. He that loveth not his brother abideth in death.
2. CONDUCT– vs 18 20 Even the Devils believe IN God but they do not Obey them. True Faith is shown in what we WALK as well as what We TALK.
3. CONFIDENCE IN GOD’S WORD– vs 21 26 True Faith believes what God says, even if it’s difficult: Abraham offering his son Isaac; or even if it pits you against family and friends: Rahab hiding the spies. See Rom 10:10
James 02:17-20 DEMON’S FAITH
A principle you must constantly consider is “What you believe determines what you do”.
There are many kinds of “Faith” in the world today.
- Cult Faith– Faith in something other than the Bible
- Crisis Faith– Uses God to get help for a situation (Woman who used God during divorce but later lost child).
- Convenient Faith– Used by business men and politicians
- Corrupted Faith– Believes human desires overrule God’s word. Live together, Homosexual, etc.
- Crowd Faith– Believes what is promoted by TV, Movie Stars, “others”.
- Church Faith: Accept Preaching instead of studying the Word of God
But a type of Faith we seldom think about is Demon Faith
- Demons believe Christ is the Son of God but believe He wants to hurt them instead of help them-And there was in their synagogue a man with an unclean spirit; and he cried out, Saying, Let us alone; what have we to do with thee, thou Jesus of Nazareth? art thou come to destroy us? I know thee who thou art, the Holy One of God. (Mark 1:23-24 )
- Demons believe in Prayer and the Power of God but only want to pray selfishly– And all the devils besought him, saying, Send us into the swine, that we may enter into them (Mark 5:12)
- Demons believe in God and tremble before Him but are not willing to allow that faith to control their lives:. Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble. But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead? (James 2:19-20) James declares that “Demon Faith” is Faith without fruit (works). It believes in God and trembles before God but it is unwilling to submit to God and work for God. Like the Samaritans 2Ki 17:33 They feared the LORD, and served their own gods,
Demon Faith will lead you to Doubt God’s love, Disgrace Christianity, and Doom you soul. But, Thank God, there is a true and real Faith that will save your soul and change your life.
Divine Faith is different from Demon Faith because Divine Faith:-
- Is built on God’s Word (faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God Romans 10:17).
- Is committed to God’s Way: And when he had called the people unto him with his disciples also, he said unto them, Whosoever will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me (Mark 8:34)
- Brings you to Walk WITH God and Work FOR God: Heb 11:
Do you have faith in your faith or do you have faith in God? The first will make you better but the latter will make you a child of God!
Monkey who holds apple in jug until he is killed. Freedom would come if he would simply let go of that which is holding him back.
James 03:7-10 PUTTING DOWN PUT DOWNS
For every kind of beasts, and of birds, and of serpents, and of things in the sea, is tamed, and hath been tamed of mankind: But the tongue can no man tame; it is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison. Therewith bless we God, even the Father; and therewith curse we men, which are made after the similitude of God. Out of the same mouth proceedeth blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not so to be (James 3:7-10).
Have you ever been called “four eyes”, or Snaggle tooth”, or “nerd”? I Have. Have you ever been told you were no good or that you could not do any thing right. Hurts, doesn’t it!!
I. Why do people “put down” instead of Praise? Here are three common reasons:
A) Good natured talk among friends. Careful! The most common problem in a marriage is the word spoken in fun that is taken serious. Learn what areas are off limits.
B) Bad Self Image- They feel inadequate so they try to bring others down also “Misery loves company”.
C) Insecurity- These people feel the only way to build themselves up is to put other people down. They do not consider what it does to the person being put down; they are only concerned with being the center of attention!
D) Personal Preferences- Believing that the only way to see things is your way. Rom 14:1-5
II. How can we learn to Build Up instead of Put Down- And now, brethren, I commend you to God, and to the word of his grace, which is able to build you up, and to give you an inheritance among all them which are sanctified (Acts 20:32).
A) Know what people like and need to hear- Pleasant words are as an honeycomb, sweet to the soul, and health to the bones (Proverbs 16:24). Girls are sensitive to their looks and weight. They like being treated like a lady. Boys like to be complimented on something they have done. It kills them when someone makes fun of what they say or the way they do something.
B) Be Sincere- The LORD shall cut off all flattering lips, and the tongue that speaketh proud things: (Psalms 12:3). Be careful of manipulating words.
C) Show Appreciation- A good “Thank You” works wonders- Where are the Nine?
D) Apologize the Proper Way- Not “I am sorry I yelled at you but you deserved it”. Instead, “I am sorry, can we be friends?” Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers (Ephesians 4:29).
E) See the people in your life as God sees them; valuable enough for Jesus to die to redeem! Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye (Colossians 3:13).
Revival begins when the tongue is used to proclaim Christ and build up other people. Some people may not come to our services to hear the Evangelist proclaim the good news simply because someone in the church has “put them down and turned them off”. What a horrible thing to have on your conscience.
James 04:7 DEFEATING THE DEVIL
James 4:7 Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.
Two principles are given here:
1) Submit to God- Yield yourself to God’s Will and Way and Work. This must be first in order to rid yourself of PRIDE and Self POWER
2) Resist the Devil- Actively Fight the Devil. He won’t flee if all you ever do is learn to march and dress in a fancy uniform. You must show him you know how to use your weapons.
1. Determine who the Enemy is– Light (Use Flashlight)- James 1:14 Every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed. Realize that the Lust of YOUR FLESH are what Satan is using; but Satan is the “man behind the sence”. Expose the real enemy. Turn the “Light” of God’s Word on the Problem.
2. Detection (Show Twig)- Something to warn you when the enemy is around. Paul told the Ephesians to walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise. “Walk Circumspectly” means to walk looking around. You must be aware that there are “snakes” about and you need to watch where you step and be careful of going under limbs that “snakes” can drop from. Keep an “Alarm” system active in your live so that as soon as Satan begins to attack you alarm bells will go off immediately.
3. Denouncement (Say name aloud)- When someone calls you it stops you for a moment. Call Satan by Name and let him know you know it’s Him (Get thee behind me, Satan). There is a tremendous power in saying “NO” to the Temptations and attacks of Satan.
4. Attack– Using the Name of Jesus, attack Satan with the only offensive weapon you have; The Word of God. Do Not Wait til later to study your SS Lesson-God Says, Whatsoever ye do, do it heartily as unto the Lord. Col 3:23. Redeem the time for the days are evil
Worry- Be anxious for nothing
Gossip- Speak not evil one of another
Covet- Love not the world, neither the things in the world
Lust- Be ye holy for I am Holy
Dissatisfaction- Be content with such things as you have
Fear- My Peace I give you
Defeat- BE OF GOOD CHEER I HAVE OVER COME THE WORLD
A Habit takes a while to build and a while to unbuild but you can be changed- God can change grass into milk and he can change you.