Are you keeping it real?
Book of James • Sermon • Submitted • Presented
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Bible Reading
Bible Reading
Review notes last week and realized how much was covered.
Thought of Luka. Meeting after the first service in May to discuss a special Portuguese Service.
Also, remember that not a single one of raised your hands when I asked if James was your favorite book.
James 1:1–12 (KJV)
1 James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, to the twelve tribes which are scattered abroad, greeting.
2 My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations;
3 Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience.
4 But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.
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 given him.
6 But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed.
7 For let not that man think that he shall receive any thing of the Lord.
8 A double minded man is unstable in all his ways.
9 Let the brother of low degree rejoice in that he is exalted:
10 But the rich, in that he is made low: because as the flower of the grass he shall pass away.
11 For the sun is no sooner risen with a burning heat, but it withereth the grass, and the flower thereof falleth, and the grace of the fashion of it perisheth: so also shall the rich man fade away in his ways.
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.
Sermon Introduction
Sermon Introduction
Teenagers are ya’ll just “keeping it real?”
Response to a Greeting: How you doing?
Compliment: You are always keeping it real. He is a real one
Exhortation: Keep it real!
What the fascination with “keeping it real?”
What the fascination with “keeping it real?”
We are immersed in a media-saturated culture, which we're entertained by reality TV that is anything but real.
Social Media lets us pretend to “Be Real” in our staged photos.
The concern to keep it real is not unique to disaffected postmodern youth.
It is also a fundamental concern of Christianity.
We know what it is like when it is real to some-one. /Story and Littlefield brothers at the funeral.
Background on James
Background on James
James was not a believer early on in Jesus ministry John 7:5 “5 For neither did his brethren believe in him.”
James and others thought Jesus was “beside himself.”
All of that changed for James, though, after the resurrection. Paul tells us in 1 Corinthians 15 that Jesus personally appeared to James after the resurrection.
Here in James he is concerned about it being real to you and me; Perhaps more than any other part of the New Testament except the book of Revelation James wrote is concerned to make clear to those original readers and to make clear to us what genuine faith in God is and what it is not.
Sermon
Sermon
James get right to it. v.2-4 will give us the purpose of trials.
This is something we are to know, “you know this.” You have have experienced this. James 1:3 “3 Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience.”
Review of last week.
Review of last week.
Welcome them as friends.
When all kinds of trials and temptations crowd into your lives my brothers, don’t resent them as intruders, but welcome them as friends! - JB Philips
Trials make us more knowingly depend on God. James 1:3 “3 Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience.”
Trials are a way to maturity James 1:4 “4 But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.”
Trials are a part of God’s good purposes.
As we grow and persevere, they prove God’s faithfulness and we have joy.
Transition: Every seen an odd friendship. Well faith’s best friend is trouble.
Proper ways to greet the trial.
Proper ways to greet the trial.
Look to what we know, not to what is not revealed to us. James 1:3 “3 Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience.”
Don’t get bitter, count it all as joy.. James 1:2 “2 My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations;”
Do not doubt the wisdom of God but ask or it. - you need wisdom, which is what he talks about in verses 5 — 7
Tried by Fire
Tried by Fire
Just as silver and gold are refined in the furnace, so Christians are refined, or tested, by their trials. 1 Peter 1:7 “7 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:”
Story of call from my coach and hearing the phone hit the table. Embraced my trial as an opportunity to be refined. Satan wants to destroy you but the Spirit will refine you. Trust Him.
Just like metal tested in fire, it is also being refined in the fire.
Most of us would say that faith endures in spite of trials, not because of trials. Most of us think that when trouble comes faith is threatened.
We don't usually attribute the duration of faith to the trouble it meets.
Have you ever heard the phrase “Trust the process” (Falcons fans are hearing this) let the process go on until that endurance is fully developed, and you'll find that you've become people of mature character.
Today we will look at 3 areas of our life that do a refining work when we trust the Lord.
Today we will look at 3 areas of our life that do a refining work when we trust the Lord.
James 1:2 “2 My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations;”
Where will we look for answers? v.5-8
Where will we look for identity? v.9-12
Where will look for comfort? .v13-18 (next week)
Where will we look for answers? v.5
Where will we look for answers? v.5
James 1:5 “5 If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not (without condemning of being condescending); and it shall be given him.”
Wisdom is what we need.
Wisdom is what we need.
We live in a world drowning in information while starving for wisdom.
The concept of wisdom transcends mere knowledge. It is applying divine truths to lead a life that aligns with God's will.
Every day, individuals encounter choices and dilemmas that demand wisdom beyond their reach.
While there are those who approach decision-making without anxiety or self-doubt, many face even minor choices with feelings of apprehension and uncertainty.
Wisdom is moral. Wisdom is the behavior that emerges from a belief system.
Jesus says of the man who built his house upon the rock is wise, why?
The wise man is the one who hears my words and puts them into practice.
So, when faced with uncertainty, where do you seek guidance?
Real faith seeks wisdom from God through Jesus Christ, the repository of all wisdom and knowledge as stated in the Bible.
It confidently approaches God, expecting His generosity and delight in fulfilling its needs for understanding and righteousness in navigating life's challenges.
Applying truth that leads to a life that aligns with God’s will.
Sometimes the application of truth comes at a cost to our safety and comfort. Matthew 7:12 “12 Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them: for this is the law and the prophets.”
When do we know the difference? How do we know how to apply the knowledge we gain to life to our lives?
We need to ask God who gives generously and welcome us without condemnation.
What should we do?
What should we do?
Ask simply. James 1:6 “6 But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed.”
Ask properly. James 1:6 “6 But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed.”
Come before him with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith. Hebrews 10:22 “22 Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water.”
Singleminded. James 1:8 “8 A double minded man is unstable in all his ways.”
Ask in sincere faith, without secret doubts, as to whether he really wants God's help or not.
The doubt he mentions is not about questioning truth but rather wavering commitment and clarity in desires.
James illustrates this by likening the doubter to a fluctuating ocean surface, lacking stability and direction.
Ready to receive. James 1:7 “7 For let not that man think that he shall receive any thing of the Lord.”
Contrary to beliefs rooted in unbelief, seeking divine wisdom is not met with condemnation; rather, God generously provides guidance without reproach.
True faith recognizes God as a benevolent Father eager to equip His children with what they need to live in harmony with His purpose and find fulfillment in pleasing Him.
Transition: In verses 9 -11, James is not introducing a new theme.It appear that what James is giving an illustration of the way in which wisdom will change the response that we have to the circumstances of our lives.
Transition: In verses 9 -11, James is not introducing a new theme.It appear that what James is giving an illustration of the way in which wisdom will change the response that we have to the circumstances of our lives.
Where will we look for identity? v.9-12
Where will we look for identity? v.9-12
James 1:9–10“9 Let the brother of low degree rejoice in that he is exalted: 10 But the rich, in that he is made low: because as the flower of the grass he shall pass away.”
Do I live with wisdom? Here is something to consider.
Heavenly wisdom will enable both those who are poor and those who are rich to view their circumstances from a perspective that is both right and radical. - Alistair Beg
Right perspective: It’s natural for man to rank himself by wealth and social status—but that perspective is undone when we view life by God’s wisdom.
Radical: If we have heavenly wisdom, then we will think about our status in life, our material circumstances in life, in a way that is different from that which is the perspective of those who do not know the wisdom of God.
Wrote this about the time Selah was born as I considered the danger of raising kids in the suburbs.
The horror of the American suburbs is that, having met all our primal needs (real needs, not needs with an Apple logo on them,) we have not turned with still-full hands to the world. Instead, like the rich man in Jesus' parable, we have built bigger barns, so that we could go on meeting our primitive needs in a high-tech way. Has there ever in human history been a people who spent so much energy, money, and time on something so base as the satisfaction of their animal urges? We have eaten to the full and have not thought of the hungry. Instead we have thought of dessert.
The Christian's view of wealth and poverty is a window to his wisdom.
The Christian's view of wealth and poverty is a window to his wisdom.
The issues and opportunity of the wealthy.
The issues and opportunity of the wealthy.
James 1:10 “10 But the rich, in that he is made low: because as the flower of the grass he shall pass away.”
Identity rooted in material wealth has always been an issue.
Society promotes boasting about personal accomplishments, possessions, and connections as a measure of worth.
Christians are urged to boast in their humility before God—a recognition of their need for grace and their allegiance to a crucified savior.
Wealth has the tendency to change us. Matthew 19:24 “24 And again I say unto you, It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God.” - which means if you plan to live your kids wealth you better make sure you live for this testimony of humility or you place them in a horrible place.
So prosperity is a trial. It is a test that should show many professing Christians that their heart is not fully given tot he things of God.
Riches are frail and short lived.
James 1:10–11 “10 But the rich, in that he is made low: because as the flower of the grass he shall pass away. 11 For the sun is no sooner risen with a burning heat, but it withereth the grass, and the flower thereof falleth, and the grace of the fashion of it perisheth: so also shall the rich man fade away in his ways.”
Some of you great athletes in elementary school and today you would find that an odd way to identify. Even more so will wealth be in eternity.
True faith should not be discouraged by poverty or impressed by wealth and status.
Real wealth doesn’t consist in the abundance of our possessions.
1 Timothy 6:17–18 “17 Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not highminded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy; 18 That they do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to distribute, willing to communicate;”
All believers should reevaluate where they place their confidence and what they prioritize as valuable aspects of identity.
Remember Rich Young Ruler who did not properly evaluation what it means to be rich. He chose the things of this world.
The issues and the opportunity of the poor.
The issues and the opportunity of the poor.
James 1:9 “9 Let the brother of low degree rejoice in that he is exalted:”
James doesn’t say, “We got a problem with the poor; therefore, we’re going to make you rich. We got a problem with the rich; therefore, we’re going to make you poor.”
We must all come to Jesus knowing we are poor and broken, for the poor this should come easier.
From Thursday night. Revelation 3:17 “17 Because thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; and knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked:”
The Gospel has been more readily accepted by the poor of this world. 1 Corinthians 1:26 “26 For ye see your calling, brethren, how that not many wise men after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called:”
Discontentment can lead to sinful actionsT
The poor man could very easily fixate on dissatisfaction with his situation, and, he could think that life was going to get better if he only had what he didn't have.
Those who are poor are tempted to find ways that are not honoring to God to change their status in life. 1 Timothy 6:9 “9 But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition.”
Story of 2 Kings 5 - Gehazi
Transition: The poor and the rich need to look at their circumstances in light of God's big picture. This is wisdom. We should thank God for the diversity of trials that have helped us learn this lesson.
Transition: The poor and the rich need to look at their circumstances in light of God's big picture. This is wisdom. We should thank God for the diversity of trials that have helped us learn this lesson.
Conclusion
Conclusion
James is giving an illustration of the way in which wisdom will change the response that we have to the circumstances of our lives.
James is giving an illustration of the way in which wisdom will change the response that we have to the circumstances of our lives.
James 1:12 “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.”
Taught to believers ever since Genesis chapters 2 and 3.
Live your life in light of eternity.
We’re not to live life like the pagans, who think life is good and then you die.
We’re to live our lives in light of the good that God has promised us, in His word.
Do you need wisdom? To whom will you turn?
How are you determining your status in this world?
We are told that living with wisdom should change the way we view our status in life.
How do you primarily see yourself today?