Sermon Central
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Lessons On James
Contributed by John Lowe on Jan 15, 2021 (message contributor)
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1. Perseverance
Contributed on Jan 15, 2021
There will be the test of the seductions which seek to lure us from the right way. There will be the tests of the dangers, the sacrifices, and the unpopularity, which are so much a part of the Christian way. But they are not meant to make us fall; they are intended to make us soar.
Title: Perseverance Text: James:1:3-4 (KJV) 3Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. 4But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing. Introduction F. J. A. Hort, the New Testament scholar, writes: “The Christian must expect to ...read more
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2. Greetings From James - James 1.1
Contributed on Mar 26, 2021
The Apostle James was one of the so-called "Sons of Thunder," and was specifically named "James, son of Zebedee" and is sometimes called "James the Greater"
I. There are certain realities of life common to all believers – 1:1-1:18. A. Trials and testing will come and can be overcome -- 1:1-8. Lesson 1.A.1: Greetings from James - James 1.1 Text: James 1:1 (KJV) 1James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, to the twelve tribes which are ...read more
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3. Be Joyful
Contributed on Mar 26, 2021
James wrote to believers facing tough times. Their troubles ranged from personal trials to disabling doubts, from persecution for following Christ to the lure of respectability in their community and the dangers of spiritual pride.
I. There are certain realities of life common to all believers – 1:2-1:18. A. Trials and testing will come and can be overcome -- 1:2-8. 1.A.2. Lesson Title: Be joyful LESSON 1.A.2. – BE JOYFUL TEXT – James 1:2 (KJV) My brethren count it all joy when ye fall into divers ...read more
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4. Perseverance
Contributed on Mar 26, 2021
“The Christian must expect to be jostled by trials on the Christian way.” All kinds of experiences will come to us. There will be the test of our sorrows and disappointments that threaten to take away our faith. There will be the test of the seductions which seek to lure us from the right way.
Title: Perseverance Text: James:1:3-4 (KJV) 3Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. 4But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing. Introduction F. J. A. Hort, the New Testament scholar, writes: “The Christian must expect to ...read more
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5. Ask For Wisdom
Contributed on Mar 26, 2021
James is not the James who was one of the 12 apostles and killed by Herod Agrippa I in the YEAR AD 44. Instead, James was the half-brother of Jesus (Matt. 13:55),
I. There are certain realities of life common to all believers – 1:2-1:18. A. Trials and testing will come and can be overcome -- 1:2-8. 3. Ask for wisdom -- 1:5. Text – James 1:5 (KJV) If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it ...read more
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6. Eliminate Doubt
Contributed on Mar 26, 2021
James knew humanity only too well. Immediately after James invites us to charge boldly into our new lives, he points us to the tool for sustained endurance: Wisdom. Without God’s wisdom, we can quickly sprint into a concrete wall and spend months or years banging our heads against it.
Tom Lowe 1/18/2021 I. There are certain realities of life common to all believers – 1:2-1:18. A. Trials and testing will come and can be overcome -- 1:2-8. 5. Eliminate doubt -- 1:6-8. Lesson: James 1:6-8 - Eliminate Doubt Text: James 1:6-8 (KJV) 6But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. ...read more
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7. Let The Brother Of Low Degree Rejoice In That He Is Exalted:
Contributed on Mar 26, 2021
As James talks about the poor (9) and rich Christians (10), he has his mind set on more than current positions, wealth, and actions. He knows that God will be inspecting our lives not as they are now but as a completed work made up of millions of decisions.
Tom Lowe 1/19/2021 Text – James 1:9 (KJV) Let the brother of low degree rejoice in that he is exalted: INTRODUCTION As James talks about the poor (9) and rich Christians (10), he has his mind set on more than current positions, wealth, and actions. He knows that God will be inspecting our lives ...read more
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8. Humility By The Rich (James 1:10-11)
Contributed on Mar 26, 2021
Now James has something to say to those who God considers rich. However, James does not tell us in so many words what he means by “rich” in each portion of his letter.
Tom Lowe 1/21/2021 Lesson 7: Humility by the Rich (James 1:10-11) James 1:10-11 (KJV) But the rich, in that he is made low: because as the flower of the grass he shall pass away. For the sun is no sooner risen with a burning heat, but it withereth the grass, and the flower thereof falleth, ...read more
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9. Lesson 7: Humility By The Rich (James 1:10-11)
Contributed on Mar 26, 2021
Many godly wealthy persons give extravagantly and love intensely. James 1:10-11 pertains to the entire population of rich people regardless of their actions or intentions.
Lesson 7: Humility by the Rich (James 1:10-11) James 1:10-11 (KJV) But the rich, in that he is made low: because as the flower of the grass he shall pass away. 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 ...read more
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10. Blessed Is The Man That Endureth Temptation:
Contributed on Mar 26, 2021
It is trials and tribulation in a Christian’s life that refines our trust in God and increases our dependence upon the Lord.
Tom Lowe 1/24/2021 Text: James 1:12 (KJV) 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. INTRODUCTION It is trials and tribulation in a Christian’s life that refines our trust in God and ...read more
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11. Lesson 9. Repudiation Of The Divine Source (James 1:13, Kjv)
Contributed on Mar 26, 2021
The focus of the chapter turns from trials to temptation. A temptation is an opportunity to accomplish a good thing in a wrong way, out of the will of God. Is it wrong to want to pass an algebra exam? Of course not, but if you must cheat to pass it, then you have sinned.
0020Tom Lowe 1/25/2021 Jesus Cares Lesson 9. Repudiation of the divine source (James 1:13, KJV) TEXT (James 1:13, KJV) 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: INTRODUCTION The focus of the chapter turns ...read more
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12. Lesson 10: Identification Of The Human Source (James 1:14-15)
Contributed on Mar 26, 2021
We think of sin as a single act, but God sees it as a process. Adam committed a single act of sin (evil), and yet that one act brought sin, death, and judgment on the entire human race.
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13. Lesson 11 -- Exhortation Against Error (James 1:16)
Contributed on Mar 26, 2021
Many have said, “God is the source of evil -- Instead, the He is the author of all that is good: every good gift and every perfect gift (v. 17) is from Him (v. 18).
Tom Lowe 1/30/2021 LESSON 11 -- EXHORTATION AGAINST ERROR (JAMES 1:16) Text: Do not be deceived, my beloved brethren. (James: 1:16; KJV) Introduction Many have said, “God is the source of evil -- Instead, the He is the author of all that is good: every good gift and every perfect gift (v. 17) ...read more
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14. Lesson 12 - Explanation Of Divine Involvement (1:17-18)
Contributed on Mar 26, 2021
The writer addresses the dilemma concerning the existence of evil and suffering in the world. “Either God is not all good, or He is not all-powerful.”
Tom Lowe 2/1/2021 Lesson 12 - EXPLANATION OF DIVINE INVOLVEMENT (1:17-18) Text - James 1:17-18 (KJV) 17Every 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. 18Of his own will begat he us ...read more
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15. Lesson 13 - The Manner Of Response (James 1.19-21)
Contributed on Mar 26, 2021
The mention of the “word of truth” in verse 18 leads James to devote a lengthy section to a matter close to his heart -- the appropriate Christian response to God’s Word. James stresses that the Word’s purpose is to be obeyed.
Tom Lowe 2/1/2021 LESSON 13 - THE MANNER OF RESPONSE (James 1.19-21) Text James 1:19-21, KJV 19. Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath: 20. For the wrath of man worketh not the righteousness of God. 21. Wherefore lay apart all filthiness ...read more
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16. Lesson 14: An Illustration Of Response (James 1:22-25)
Contributed on Mar 26, 2021
The “perfect law of liberty” is not the Mosaic Law; it is the law of grace. James does not talk about this law in the same sense that Paul does. When Paul talks about the law, he is talking about the Mosaic Law. When James talks about the law, it is the law of Faith.
Tom Lowe 2/5/2021 Lesson 14: An Illustration Of Response (James 1:22-25) Text: James 1:22-25 (KJV) INTRODUCTION COMMENTARY 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 ...read more
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17. Lesson 15. The Specific Evidence Of Response (James 1:26-27)
Contributed on Mar 26, 2021
Obedience to God’s Word is never mandated nor vainly beneficial. It is transformational. Following God’s Word changes us. Certain things will follow. Obedience will make a difference, and as James shows us, he gives us examples of some of the changes to come.
Tom Lowe 2/7/2021 Text: James 1:26-27 (KJV) 26If any man among you seem to be religious, and bridleth not his tongue, but deceiveth his ...read more
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18. Lesson 16: A Rebuke Of Partiality (James 2:1-4)
Contributed on Mar 26, 2021
This section assumes the rich and the poor’s understanding that appears at other places in James and reflects the influence of the reception of the poor by Jesus in the exhortation not to show partiality in the church.
Lesson Text: James 2:1-4 (KJV) 1My brethren, have not the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory, with respect of persons. 2For if there come unto your assembly a man with a gold ring, in goodly apparel, and there come in also a poor man in vile raiment; 3And ye have respect to him ...read more
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19. Lesson 18-An Appeal To Avoid Partiality (James 2:12-13)
Contributed on Mar 30, 2021
James 2:12-13, KJV
12So speak ye, and so do, as they that shall be judged by the law of liberty. 13For he shall have judgment without mercy, that hath shewed no mercy; and mercy rejoiceth against judgment. COMMENTARY 12So speak ye, and so do, as they that shall be judged by the law of liberty. "So speak ye, ...read more
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20. Lesson 17--The Consequence Of Partiality (James 2:5-11)
Contributed on Mar 30, 2021
James 2:5-11
5Hearken, my beloved brethren, Hath not God chosen the poor of this world rich in faith, and heirs of the kingdom which he hath promised to them that love him? 6But ye have despised the poor. Do not rich men oppress you, and draw you before the judgment seats? 7Do not they blaspheme that worthy ...read more
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21. Lesson 19: The Emptiness Of An Unproductive Faith (James 2:14-20)
Contributed on Mar 30, 2021
James 2:14-20 (KJV)
14What use is it, my brethren, if someone says he has faith but he has no works? Can that faith save him? 15If a brother or sister is without clothing and in need of daily food, 16and one of you says to them, "Go in peace, be warmed and be filled," and yet you do not give them what is ...read more
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22. Lesson 20. The Demonstration Of Saving Faith (2:21-26)
Contributed on Mar 30, 2021
James 2:21-26 (NKJ)
Text: James 2:21-26 (NKJ) 21Was not Abraham our father justified by works when he offered Isaac his son on the altar? 22Do you see that faith was working together with his works, and by works faith was made perfect? 23And the Scripture was fulfilled which says, “Abraham believed God, and it was ...read more
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23. Lesson 21. The Discipline Of The Tongue (James 3:1-12)
Contributed on Apr 3, 2021
From his discourse on idle faith, James proceeded to discuss the idle speech. The failure o bridle the tongue, mentioned earlier (1:26), is now expanded. As disturbing as those who have faith with no works are those Christians who substitute words for works.
1Not many of you should become teachers, my fellow believers, because you know that we who teach will be judged more strictly. 2We all stumble in many ways. Anyone who is never at fault in what they say is perfect, able to keep their whole body in check. 3When we put bits into the mouths of horses ...read more
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24. Lesson 22. The Discipline Of Attitudes (James 3:13-18)
Contributed on Apr 3, 2021
Who among you is wise and understanding? Let him show by his good behavior his deeds in the gentleness of wisdom.
13Who among you is wise and understanding? Let him show by his good behavior his deeds in the gentleness of wisdom. 14But if you have bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your heart, do not be arrogant and so lie against the truth. 15This wisdom is not that which comes down from above, but is ...read more
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25. Lesson 23. The Source Of Worldliness (James 4:1-10)
Contributed on Apr 3, 2021
What causes fights and quarrels among you? Don’t they come from your desires that battle within you? 2You desire but do not have, so you kill. You covet but you cannot get what you want, so you quarrel and fight. You do not have because you do not ask God.
Text: James 4:1-3 (NIV) [part 1] 1. What causes fights and quarrels among you? Don’t they come from your desires that battle within you? 2. You desire but do not have, so you kill. You covet but you cannot get what you want, so you quarrel and fight. You do not have because you do not ask God. ...read more
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26. Lesson 25. The Control Of A Critical Attitude (James 4:11-12)
Contributed on Apr 3, 2021
The passage for today’s lesson contains the last mention of the law in the New Testament. A particular Bible commentator states that the law refers to the old moral law applied in its complete spiritual fullness by Christ, “the law of liberty.”
Text: James 4:11-12 (NIV) 11Brothers and sisters, do not slander one another. Anyone who speaks against a brother or sister or judges them speaks against the law and judges it. When you judge the law, you are not keeping it, but sitting in judgment on it. 12There is only one Lawgiver and Judge, ...read more
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27. Lesson 26. A Rebuke Of The Condition (James 4:13-14)
Contributed on Apr 3, 2021
This section is sometimes taken to refer to unbelieving Jews, but nothing is appliable to professing Christians. The Jews bent on trade are warned not to forget God, for they are of such a nature that they do not even know what will happen tomorrow.
Text. James 4:13-14 (NIV) 13Come now, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we will go to such and such a city, and spend a year there and engage in business and make a profit.” 14Yet you do not know what your life will be like tomorrow. You are just a vapor that appears for a little while and then ...read more
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28. Lesson 27. The Display Of The Correct Attitude (James 4:15)
Contributed on Apr 3, 2021
“Instead, you ought to say, "If it is the Lord's will, we will live and do this or that."
COMMENTARY Lesson 27. THE DISPLAY OF THE CORRECT ATTITUDE (James 4:15) “Instead, you ought to say, “If it is the Lord’s will, we will live and do this or that.” A Christian man in making his plans ought to acknowledge his dependence upon God and say in his heart, “If it is the Lord’s will” – I ...read more
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29. Lesson 28. The Exposure Of Arrogance (James 4:16-17)
Contributed on Apr 3, 2021
This section is somewhat related to the following one (5:1-6) but not to the preceding. Such an abrupt change in subject was characteristic of giving advice (counsel).
Text: James 4:16-17 (NIV) 16. As it is, you boast in your arrogant schemes. All such boasting is evil. 17. If anyone, then, knows the good they ought to do and doesn’t do it, it is sin for them. INTRODUCTION This section is somewhat related to the following one (5:1-6) but not to the ...read more
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30. Lesson 29r. The Practice Of Endurance (James 5:7-11)
Contributed on Apr 3, 2021
The Need for Patience. Given the oppressions mentioned in vv. 3-6, James encourages Christians to be patient until the coming of the Lord, and he cites the farmer, the prophets, and Job.
Text: James 5:7-11 (NIV) 7Be patient, then, brothers and sisters, until the Lord’s coming. See how the farmer waits for the land to yield its valuable crop, patiently waiting for the autumn and spring rains. 8You too, be patient and stand firm, because the Lord’s coming is near. 9Don’t grumble ...read more