1 Route 66 Understanding James Dr. Stephen

---

1 Route 66 Understanding James Dr. Stephen Rummage, Senior Pastor Bell Shoals Baptist Church November 1, 2017 James 2:17 (ESV) So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead. Structure of James 1. The Test of Faith (James 1:1-18) 2. The Characteristics of Faith (James 1:19-5:6) 3. The Triumph of Faith (James 5:7-20) Finding Real Freedom James 1:19-25 James 1:19 (ESV) Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger; James 1:20 (ESV) for the anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God. James 1:21 (ESV) Therefore put away all filthiness and rampant wickedness and receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls. James 1:22 (ESV) But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. James 1:23 (ESV) For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man who looks intently at his natural face in a mirror. James 1:24 (ESV) For he looks at himself and goes away and at once forgets what he was like. James 1:25 (ESV) But the one who looks into the perfect law, the law of liberty, and perseveres, being no hearer who forgets but a doer who acts, he will be blessed in his doing.

1. Focus on listening to God. James 1:19 (ESV) Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger; James 1:20 (ESV) for the anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God.

2 Mark 4:9 (ESV) And He said, “He who has ears to hear, let him hear.” Mark 4:3 (ESV) “Listen! Behold, a sower went out to sow. Mark 4:4 (ESV) And as he sowed, some seed fell along the path, and the birds came and devoured it. Mark 4:5 (ESV) Other seed fell on rocky ground, where it did not have much soil, and immediately it sprang up, since it had no depth of soil. Mark 4:6 (ESV) And when the sun rose, it was scorched, and since it had no root, it withered away. Mark 4:7 (ESV) Other seed fell among thorns, and the thorns grew up and choked it, and it yielded no grain. Mark 4:8 (ESV) And other seeds fell into good soil and produced grain, growing up and increasing and yielding thirtyfold and sixtyfold and a hundredfold.”

2. Remove any barriers to hearing God. James 1:21 (ESV) Therefore put away all filthiness and rampant wickedness and receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls.

3. Engage in a lifestyle of obedience. James 1:22 (ESV) But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. James 1:23 (ESV) For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man who looks intently at his natural face in a mirror. James 1:24 (ESV) For he looks at himself and goes away and at once forgets what he was like. John 8:31 (ESV) So Jesus said to the Jews who had believed Him, “If you abide in My word, you are truly My disciples, John 8:32 (ESV) and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”

4. Enjoy the blessing of God’s liberty.

3 James 1:25 (ESV) But the one who looks into the perfect law, the law of liberty, and perseveres, being no hearer who forgets but a doer who acts, he will be blessed in his doing. Luke 11:27 (ESV) As He said these things, a woman in the crowd raised her voice and said to Him, “Blessed is the womb that bore You, and the breasts at which You nursed!” Luke 11:28 (ESV) But He said, “Blessed rather are those who hear the word of God and keep it!”

Understanding James Meaning: Named for the author of the letter Author: James, the half-brother of Jesus Audience: The twelve tribes (Jewish converts) that had dispersed abroad Date of Writing: 44-49 AD Theme: A practical guide to Christian life and conduct Key Verses: James 1:19-25 Structure of James I. The Greeting II. The Test of Faith (James 1:1-18) a. The Purpose of the Tests (James 1:1-12) b. The Source of the Temptations (James 1:13-18) III. The Characteristics of Faith (James 1:19-5:6) a. Faith Obeys the Word (James 1:19-27) b. Faith Removes Discriminations (James 2:1-13) c. Faith Proves Itself by Works (James 2:14-26) d. Faith Controls the Tongue (James 3:1-12) e. Faith Produces Wisdom (James 3:13-18) f. Faith Produces Humility(James 4:1-12) g. Faith Produces Dependence on God (James 4:13-5:6) IV. The Triumph of Faith (James 5:7-20) a. Faith Endures Awaiting Christ’s Return (James 5:7-12) b. Faith Prays for the Afflicted (James 5:13-18) c. Faith Confronts the Erring Brother (James 5:19-20) Questions James Answers: What to do when tested?

Count it all joy (1:2)

Why am I tired?

To develop endurance, perseverance (1:3)

How can I get wisdom?

Ask God for it. (1:5)

If I endure testing?

You receive a reward (1:12)

Does God tempt?

No (1:13)

How am I tempted?

By your own desires (1:14)

Can I be a friend of the world?

No (4:4)

Shall I hold a grudge?

Better not (5:9)

What should I do in afflictions?

Pray (5:13a)

What does real prayer accomplish?

Much fruit (5:16b-18)

Should I seek to convert others?

Yes! (5:19-20)