James Overview

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James Overview Laurie McIntyre –– September 2014 I.

Intro

II.

Background Basics A. Author – James, the brother of Jesus (James 1: 1a) B. Audience – (James 1:1b) 12 tribes scattered among the nations

III.

Bottom-line Challenge A. The life of faith is a life of _________________. 1. We must challenge the world around us. 2. We must deny the flesh within us. 3. We must resist the devil

Perils to the Life of Faith With Regard to TRIALS (Chapter 1) PREJUDICE (Chapter 2) SPEECH (Chapter 3) CONFLICTS (Chapter 4) MONEY (Chapter 5)

The World Says Avoid Them

The Flesh Says Indulge Yourself

Favor those who can Love yourself help you Promote yourself

Glorify yourself

Demand your rights

Assert yourself

Grab all you can get

Serve yourself

The Devil Says God hates you God is withholding something from you God has abandoned you God will not defend you God will not provide for you

B. The life of faith is a life of _________________. The life of faith is more powerful than a life of disobedience. 1. It is superior to the spirit of the world 2. It is stronger than the lusts of the flesh. 3. It is resistant to the attacks of Satan.

The Life of Power Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Area of Behavior

Trials

Prejudice

Speech

Conflicts

Money

God’s Goals

Personal Maturity

Love for Others

Blessing of Others

Peace with Others

God’s Methods

Acceptance from God

Faith in God

Wisdom from God

Submission to God

Service to Others Patience with God/ Prayer to God

IV.

Overarching Lessons A. Our faith must translate itself into action. B. The evidence of faith is good works. C. True faith is tested. D. Trials are God’s pathway to maturity. E. There is great reward in persevering through trials. F. Trials can become temptation if we don’t respond correctly. G. There are no shortcuts to holiness. H. At the heart of holiness is controlling our tongues. I. The tongue is not only an index of spiritual health, but a key to spiritual well being. J. We have not, because we ask not. K. Wisdom is readily available to those who ask in faith. L. Double mindedness undermines our Christian walk and leads to halfway faith. M. The law of love dictates that we wholeheartedly engage in a life of compassion, generosity, sensitivity and sacrifice. N. Wealth is not a mark of spirituality nor is poverty a curse. O. Money can lead to a false sense of security. P. People are foolish to spend their lives on money. Q. Showing favoritism is a sin. R.

The ‘good life’ is not found in what you have, but in how you live.