Catalytic Converters

"Brethren, if any of you do err from the truth, and one convert him; Let him know, that he which converteth the sinner from the error of his way shall save a soul from death, and shall hide a multitude of sins" (James 5:19, 20).

"And the Lord said, Simon, Simon, behold, Satan hath desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat: But I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not: and when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren. And he said unto him, Lord, I am ready to go with thee, both into prison, and to death. And he said, I tell thee, Peter, the cock shall not crow this day, before that thou shalt thrice deny that thou knowest me" (Luke 22:31-34).

The Perfection process is a team effort. We need each other!

Catalytic Converters

* A catalyst is a substance that changes the velocity of a chemical reaction while not being changed itself. The change is usually positive, increasing the reaction rate.

* A man who works in the field of chemistry pointed out that if you mix hydrogen and oxygen, the well-known components of water, you get no reaction—and no water! But if you add a small amount of platinum to this stable mixture, things began to happen very rapidly. The hydrogen and oxygen unite and a chemical change occurs which produces H2O.

* Platinum is a catalyst used in automobiles to convert the exhaust gases (carbon monoxide and hydrocarbons) into harmless gases by oxidation reactions. Lead destroys the activity of the platinum catalyst.

Perception determines Perfection

How you perceive temptation determines your perfection. "Count it all joy"

(Job’s perception of trials; Job 23:10 But he knoweth the way that I take: when he hath tried me, I shall come forth as gold.)

James 1:15 "Do not err" This verse is found in between verses that talk about the process of sin and the goodness of God.

The two things we err about are:

1. Our own greatness (James 1:13-16)

2. God’s goodness (James 1:16, 17)

One of the things that causes us to err and commit sin is about our perception of sin and our perception of God. Do not err about sin and do not err about Gods goodness’

Eve erred because her perception was that God didn’t want her to enjoy good fruit. She didn’t perceive the path of sin and the goodness of God.

David erred because he did not understand the goodness of God.

2 Samuel 12:7 And Nathan said to David, Thou art the man. Thus saith the LORD God of Israel, I anointed thee king over Israel, and I delivered thee out of the hand of Saul;

8 And I gave thee thy master’s house, and thy master’s wives into thy bosom, and gave thee the house of Israel and of Judah; and if that had been too little, I would moreover have given unto thee such and such things.

"I anointed thee. . . [power (authority)] I delivered thee. . . [protection] I gave thee. . . [provision] I would moreover have given unto thee [promise]" (12:7-8).

David erred about the cost of sin and the goodness of God.

Asaph in Psalm 73 about slipped because of his perception about the wicked vs. the righteous. "Truly God is good to Israel" (verse 1) is what he said but he didn’t recognize that when he saw the prosperity of the wicked.. His perception was corrected when, " Until I went into the sanctuary of God; then understood I their end" (verse 17).

Perception problem, Kids say "you never" or "always" that is a perception problem.. Psalm 73:14, 22 (not all the wicked prosper, and not all of the righteous are poor, but it sure seems that way doesn’t it?) "All the righteous suffer and all the wicked prosper"

A. Do not err about God’s goodness

B. Do not err about your own greatness

Peter, "I am invincible"—underestimated the power and cycle of sin. (James 1)

Matthew 26:31 Then saith Jesus unto them, All ye shall be offended because of me this night: for it is written, I will smite the shepherd, and the sheep of the flock shall be scattered abroad.

32 But after I am risen again, I will go before you into Galilee.

33 Peter answered and said unto him, Though all men shall be offended because of thee, yet will I never be offended.

34 Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, That this night, before the cock crow, thou shalt deny me thrice.

35 Peter said unto him, Though I should die with thee, yet will I not deny thee. Likewise also said all the disciples.

1 Corinthians 10:12 Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall.