A. QUIET AND OVERLOOKED
1. Why are some people quiet?
a. They don’t like to talk.
b. They don’t have anything to say.
c. They are shy.
2. “Make it your goal to live a quiet life, minding your own business and working with your hands, just as we instructed you before” (1 Thessalonians 4:11, NLT).
a. Some are quiet for a purpose.
b. The ability to “hold your tongue” can be learned.
c. Let your actions speak for you instead of words.
B. WHAT WE KNOW ABOUT JAMES
1. Like father, like son. James followed his father’s profession. “A little farther up the shore Jesus saw Zebedee’s sons, James and John, in a boat repairing their nets. He called them at once, and they also followed him, leaving their father, Zebedee, in the boat” (Mark 1:19-20, NLT).
2. Diligent workers will become faithful disciples. James was busy when Jesus called him. “James and John … repairing their nets” (Mark 1:19, NLT), compare Luke 5:2.
3. No recording of James personal conversations, i.e., quiet. “Better to hear the quiet words of a wise man, than the shouts of a foolish king” (Ecclesiastics 9:17).
4. When Jesus addressed the inner three (Peter, James, and John), James did not answer. Why? ___________________________.
5. James and John are recorded telling Jesus. “Should we call fire from heaven to burn them up?” (Luke 9:54, NLT). Called Sons of Thunder (Mark 3:17).
6. Prayer partner with Jesus. “He took Peter and Zebedee’s two sons, James and John, and he became anguished and distressed. He told them, ‘My soul is crushed with grief to the point of death. Stay here and keep watch with me’” (Matthew 26:37-38, NLT).
7. Challenged to influence people. “I will show you how to fish for people” (Mark 1:17, NLT). What are characteristics of successful fishermen?
a. Know fish.
b. Where they hide.
c. Method to catch.
d. Patience.
8. Little is said about Zebedee his father, but his mother was pushy. “Then the mother of James and John came to Jesus … to ask a favor ... in Your kingdom, let my two sons sit … next to You … right hand” (Matthew 20:20-21, NLT). Did she intend James to have more honor?
9. Jesus answered, “You don’t know what you are asking! Are you able to drink ... bitter cup of suffering?" (v. 22). Predicted James’ suffering and martyrdom.
10. James became the leader of martyrs. “Whoever wants to be first among you” (v. 27).
11. Evidence of James’ faithfulness:
a. Praying before Pentecost (Acts 1:13).
b. Present at Pentecost (2:14).
c. Ministered (Acts 5:42-6:2).
d. First martyr (Acts 12:2),
C. TEN PRINCIPLES LEARNED FROM JAMES
1. The Inner Control Principle. James seemed to discipline his conversation, work habits and way of life. Control is the opposite of immaturity (Ephesians 4:12-14).
2. The Guarded Word Principle. A disciple does not say any and everything he wants. Unguarded words hurt, and tear people down.
3. The Multiplication Principle. Jesus poured His life into men like James, and these disciples reached the world.
4. The Word/Oath Principle. A disciple must be careful because what he says is what he must do. James, along with John, asked to sit at Jesus’ side in honor in the kingdom. “Are you able to drink the cup that I am about to drink?” James answered, “We are able” (Matthew 20:22, NKJV). At first James was not able to take persecution because he fled with the other disciples. But Christ took him at his word, and James was the first disciple to be martyred” (Acts 12:1).
5. James was faithful to show up. He was numbered with the disciples in the Book of Acts.
6. James was faithful to the end. He was first martyred.
7. God used the second born, i.e., Jacob over Esau. John the younger brother had the longer ministry with obvious blessings.
8. God uses His followers according to their personality, i.e., or their spiritual gifts. James was quiet and not outwardly aggressive.
9. Don’t judge a person’s spirituality by their outward shy or quiet disposition. James was chosen by Jesus as one of His inner three.
10. Children from the same parents can be different, each one expresses their personality differently.
If you have never really accepted Jesus as your personal Savior, would you do it right now? Do not delay or put it off. If you would like to receive Christ by faith, pray this simple prayer in your heart:
Dear Lord, I acknowledge that I am a sinner. I believe Jesus died for my sins on the cross, and rose again the third day. I repent of my sins. By faith I receive the Lord Jesus as my Savior. You promised to save me, and I believe You, because You are God and cannot lie. I believe right now that the Lord Jesus is my personal Savior, and that all my sins are forgiven through His precious blood. I thank You, dear Lord, for saving me. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
If you prayed that prayer, God heard you and saved you. I personally want to welcome you to the family of God and rejoice with you.
Dr. Towns’ email is eltowns@liberty.edu.
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