Preached on 11.29.09 by Heath Lambert
Sermon Notes

¹⁹My brothers, if anyone among you wanders from the truth and someone brings him back, ²⁰let him know that whoever brings back a sinner from his wandering will save his soul from death and will cover a multitude of sins. (James 5:19-20)

Christians Wander from the Truth

• What does it mean to wander from the truth?
  • Truth is something we know. (1 Tim 2:4; Heb 10:26)
  • Truth is something we do. (Gal 5:7; 1 John 1:6)
  • Truth is someone we trust. (John 14:6)
• A true Christian can never ultimately leave the truth (1 Cor 1:7-9; Phil 1:6)
• This text is a sobering reminder that we can wander from it
• What are we to do?

When We Wander, We Need Community to Bring Us Back

• Community Care in James 5:13-20
  • James 5:14-Sickness-one who is sick calls for the elders
  • James 5:16-Sin-one who is sinning confesses to his brothers
  • James 5:19-Wandering-one slipping into sin is confronted by his brothers
• Each of these have to do with personal ministry of the Word in counseling
• This last one is different and has to do with our responsibility to minister to people when they don’t know they need help (Luke 17:3; Gal 6:1)
• The ideal is that they listen but the Bible also gives guidelines on involving the larger community in bringing back the sinner (Matt 18:15-20)

“Bringing Back” Is Difficult and We Need Encouragement for the Work

• Three common objections
  • “That’s none of my business.”
  • “It’s mean.”
  • “What if it makes them not like me?”
• James encourages that whoever brings back a wandering sinner . . .
  • “Saves his soul from death”
  • “Covers a multitude of sins.”

Making this Work

• Realize that you need help
• Realize that your brothers and sisters need help
• Come to church
• Plug into your community group
• Pray
• Stay focused on Jesus

Preached on 11.22.09 by Dustin Neeley
Sermon Notes

13 Is anyone among you suffering? Let him pray. Is anyone cheerful? Let him sing praise. 14 Is anyone among you sick? Let him call for the elders of the church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord. 15 And the prayer of faith will save the one who is sick, and the Lord will raise him up. And if he has committed sins, he will be forgiven. 16 Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working. 17 Elijah was a man with a nature like ours, and he prayed fervently that it might not rain, and for three years and six months it did not rain on the earth. 18 Then he prayed again, and heaven gave rain, and the earth bore its fruit.

James 5:13-18 ESV

Introduction and Overview: Despite its number of interpretive questions, this passage is basically about prayer. We need to be careful to not miss the forest for the trees.

“Is anyone among you suffering? Let him pray. Is anyone cheerful? Let him sing praise.” James has been addressing suffering throughout the book and in v.7-12.

P: Whatever situation we find ourselves in, we should direct our response back to God.

What is your response when something happens, good or bad? What needs to change?

Start With the Heart:

Pride is the enemy of prayer.

We don’t just ‘get over’ our pride. The way that we deal with it is by living in continual confession and repentance.

“Is anyone among you sick? Let him call for the elders of the church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord.” Lit. translated “weak.” Significant debate here about whether or not this means physical illness or weariness from persecution. In either case, the point is the same.

P: Believers in serious situations should call for serious prayer from their elders.

Elders” or “Pastors” are a group of biblically qualified, faithful men called to lead and shepherd God’s church. “Anointing…” Could be referring to oil as medicine, ceremonial honoring as in the OT, symbolic reminder of the presence of the Holy Spirit at work. What is clear is that it is not sacramental (no extreme unction as in Catholic Theology) and that there is nothing “magical” about the oil.

“And the prayer of faith will save the one who is sick, and the Lord will raise him up.” The prayer of the elders. ‘Save/raise him up’ means to restore (either physically or spiritually).

Why Don’t We Do This?

1. We don’t want to bother the elders (This could be a noble reason).
2. Pride-(Likely not so noble.)
   • We don’t want to admit that we need someone else’s help.
   • We need to repent and ask for help.

“And if he has committed sins, he will be forgiven. Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed.

P: Though infirmity is not always a result of sin, there can be a connection.

P: Confession of sin and prayer for one another are integral parts of living in community and lead to healing.

Is the confession of sin and prayer for one another part of my spiritual experience?

“The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working.” Two Dimensions of Righteousness: Positional righteousness (Gospel Identity) and Practical righteousness (“Putting off” sin and “putting on” Christ).

P: Our personal righteousness affects our effectiveness in prayer.

“Elijah was a man with a nature like ours, and he prayed fervently that it might not rain, and for three years and six months it did not rain on the earth. Then he prayed again, and heaven gave rain, and the earth bore its fruit.” Elijah is a ‘just a man’ – not a superhero.

P: God can use our passionate prayers to do powerful things.

Putting Feet On It:

1. Pray for those who don’t yet know Jesus.
2. Pray that we would see more people converted through our ministry.
3. Pray for us as your pastors-within and beyond this church.
4. Pray for our search for a facility.

The Gospel is our only hope for praying rightly.

Works Consulted: Expositor’s Commentary, MacArthur Study Bible, ESV Study Bible, MacArthur Commentary on James, The Bible Exposition Commentary, The Bible Knowledge Commentary, A Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Old and New Testaments, New Bible Commentary, The Outline Bible, Tyndale Concise Bible Commentary, Wilmington’s Bible Handbook, Word Pictures of the New Testament

Preached on 11.15.09 by Dustin Neeley
Sermon Notes

Patience and Suffering : James 5:7-12 – Dustin Neeley from Crossing Church on Vimeo.

7 Be patient, therefore, brothers, until the coming of the Lord. See how the farmer waits for the precious fruit of the earth, being patient about it, until it receives the early and the late rains. 8 You also, be patient. Establish your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is at hand. 9 Do not grumble against one another, brothers, so that you may not be judged; behold, the Judge is standing at the door. 10 As an example of suffering and patience, brothers, take the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord. 11 Behold, we consider those blessed who remained steadfast. You have heard of the steadfastness of Job, and you have seen the purpose of the Lord, how the Lord is compassionate and merciful. 12 But above all, my brothers, do not swear, either by heaven or by earth or by any other oath, but let your “yes” be yes and your “no” be no, so that you may not fall under condemnation. James 5:7-12 ESV

“Be patient, therefore, brothers, until the coming of the Lord. Connected to v. 1-6. “Patience”

Describes the self restraint that doesn’t try to get even for a wrong that has been one. This is to be our pattern until Jesus returns.

“See how the farmer waits for the precious fruit of the earth, being patient about it, until it receives the early and the late rains. In Palestine, two rains fall that are critical for a good harvest. The 1^st is in autumn just after sowing and the 2^nd is just before the harvest in April or May. Both were critical for a good harvest.

“You also, be patient.” James applies the illustration to his hearers.

P: Patience in suffering should be the pattern for followers of Jesus until Jesus returns.

Putting Feet on It:

1. Recognize that you don’t become more patient by ‘trying harder’ to be patient.
2. We become more patient by confessing & repenting of our lack of patience and by depending upon Jesus to work out His patience within us.
   • Galatians 5:22. “Fruit” is singular. Repent of your sin and allow the Spirit to bring the Gospel to bear in your life.

Is patience in suffering my pattern? If not, what needs to change?

“Establish your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is at hand.” Lit. be strong in the inner man;

Provide solid support for establishing a person and enabling him to stand unmoved by trouble.

P: The return of Christ should be a encouragement for the establishment of our hearts and our patience in suffering.

Do I look to the return of Christ to motivate me to suffer well?

“Do not grumble against one another, brothers, so that you may not be judged; behold, the Judge is standing at the door. Lit. to sigh, to groan. Speaks of inner distress more than open complaint. Specifically, not the outward denunciation but the unexpressed bitterness or smothered resentment that would come out in a sigh. God is judge.

Putting Feet on It:

1. Identify where it is happening. (Home, Work, Church, etc.)

2. Get to the heart of the matter.

   • We grumble because of our prideful hearts that want what we want when we want it.
3. Stop. Confess. Repent. Cling to Jesus for grace for the outside situation that you are grumbling about and the inside situation that is behind it.

“As an example of suffering and patience, brothers, take the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord. Behold, we consider those blessed who remained steadfast. You have heard of the steadfastness of Job, and you have seen the purpose of the Lord, how the Lord is compassionate and merciful.”

P: The heroes in the Bible have been given to encourage us to heroic faith in God and patience in suffering.

Are we engaging the “little h” heroes and ultimately the “capital H” hero for encouragement and empowerment for patience in our suffering? If not, what needs to change?

“But above all, my brothers, do not swear, either by heaven or by earth or by any other oath, but let your “yes” be yes and your “no” be no, so that you may not fall under condemnation. Unclear on exactly how this fits with the rest of the passage, but the principle is clear.

P: Followers of Jesus are to be men and women of their word.

Are you someone of your word?

The Gospel is our only hope for fulfilling these commands.

The Good News: All that it requires, it provides.

Works Consulted: Expositor’s Commentary, MacArthur Study Bible, ESV Study Bible, MacArthur Commentary on James, The Bible Exposition Commentary, The Bible Knowledge Commentary, A Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Old and New Testaments, New Bible Commentary, The Outline Bible, Tyndale Concise Bible Commentary, Wilmington’s Bible Handbook, Word Pictures of the New Testament

5:1 Come now, you rich, weep and howl for the miseries that are coming upon you. 2 Your riches have rotted and your garments are moth-eaten. 3 Your gold and silver have corroded, and their corrosion will be evidence against you and will eat your flesh like fire. You have laid up treasure in the last days. 4 Behold, the wages of the laborers who mowed your fields, which you kept back by fraud, are crying out against you, and the cries of the harvesters have reached the ears of the Lord of hosts. 5 You have lived on the earth in luxury and in self-indulgence. You have fattened your hearts in a day of slaughter. 6 You have condemned and murdered the righteous person. He does not resist you. James 5:1-6 ESV

After writing to Christians throughout the book, it seems likely that James shifts gears to speak to wealthy unbelievers that have oppressed their poor Christians workers. To rebuke them, he uses some very strong language to call them to “all out” repentance.

Their first crime is that they have hoarded so much wealth it has rotted. Most of the wealth in their day would have come in the form of grain, oil or costly garments, but their “silver and gold” was “crying out against them” as well. Obviously, this uncontrolled greed has given way to oppressing the poor.

Their second crime was that they had failed to pay their workmen who harvested their crops. The workers cries had reached the Lord and the Lord is speaking back to them through James.

The third crime is that these people have lived in luxury and self-indulgence. One translation renders this as “fattened themselves.” For this and other crimes, their judgment is imminent.

Their final crime is that they have murdered innocent men. It seems that this is to be taken literally. It shows us the true depths to which greed can go—murder.

I believe the takeaway from this indictment of greed in their life is to look for greed in our own lives.

The problem is not just “out there” but “in here” as well.

Where is greed at work in our own lives?

Where have we lived in luxury and self-indulgence and turned a deaf ear to the cries of those around us?

What changes are God calling you to make in light of this text?

Listen and respond to the grace of God.

Preached on 11.8.09 by Dustin Neeley
Sermon Notes

Planning the Right Way 11.8.09

13 Come now, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we will go into such and such a town and spend a year there and trade and make a profit”- 14 yet you do not know what tomorrow will bring. What is your life? For you are a mist that appears for a little time and then vanishes. 15 Instead you ought to say, “If the Lord wills, we will live and do this or that.” 16 As it is, you boast in your arrogance. All such boasting is evil. 17 So whoever knows the right thing to do and fails to do it, for him it is sin. James 4:13-17 ESV

“Come now, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we will go into such and such a town and spend a year there and trade and make a profit”-yet you do not know what tomorrow will bring.” James is likely speaking to Christian business men who may think they have made a good plan to tell them that it is actually a bad plan.

3 Reasons Why:

1. They have left out the most important part of the plan-God (v.13)
   • They think they have things under control but they are neglecting the One who ultimately controls everything.
   • “The heart of man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps.” Prov. 16:9
2. They don’t know what tomorrow will bring (v.14)
   • They think they have unlimited knowledge about the future, but they don’t even know about tomorrow.
3. Our lives are only a vapor (v.14).
   • We don’t just have a limited amount of knowledge, we have limited amount of life.

Our plans are only good if they include God and a humble assessment of our limited knowledge and nature.

Do my plans reflect this today? Do my plans leave enough room for the sovereign intervention of the Sovereign God? If not, why is this the case and what needs to change?

Putting Feet On It:

1. Confess and repent of your PRIDE.
   • Study the holiness of God. Read good books on humility.
   • Pray for humility. Get accountability in this area.

“Instead you ought to say,”If the Lord wills, we will live and do this or that.” As it is, you boast in your arrogance. All such boasting is evil.” Not intended to be a platitude for our lips but a principle for our lives. To plan without God in mind is arrogant, evil boasting.

Putting Feet On It:

1. Immerse yourself in the Bible
   • Start with “Sovereignty Scriptures.”

i. “Our God is in the heavens. He does all that He pleases.” Ps. 115:3

ii. “The lot is cast into the lap, but every decision is from the Lord.” Pr. 16:33

2. Study the Heroes.
   • OT: Joseph, Daniel, David, etc. Acts : Church made plans, but it is obvious their plans followed God’s plans.
   • Jesus: “My food is to do the will of the One who sent me.” Jn. 4:34

“So whoever knows the right thing to do and fails to do it, for him it is sin.” Directly linked to this passage though it can stand alone as well. “If you don’t do what I am saying, you are sinning.”

The Gospel is our only hope for planning the right way with realistic optimism.

Works Consulted: Expositor’s Commentary, MacArthur Study Bible, ESV Study Bible, MacArthur Commentary on James, The Bible Exposition Commentary, The Bible Knowledge Commentary, A Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Old and New Testaments, New Bible Commentary, The Outline Bible, Tyndale Concise Bible Commentary, Wilmington’s Bible Handbook, Word Pictures of the New Testament

Preached on 11.1.09 by Dustin Neeley
Sermon Notes

4:1 What causes quarrels and what causes fights among you? Is it not this, that your passions are at war within you? 2 You desire and do not have, so you murder. You covet and cannot obtain, so you fight and quarrel. You do not have, because you do not ask. 3 You ask and do not receive, because you ask wrongly, to spend it on your passions. 4 You adulterous people! Do you not know that friendship with the world is enmity with God? Therefore whoever wishes to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God. 5 Or do you suppose it is to no purpose that the Scripture says, “He yearns jealously over the spirit that he has made to dwell in us”? 6 But he gives more grace. Therefore it says, “God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble.” 7 Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. 8 Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded. 9 Be wretched and mourn and weep. Let your laughter be turned to mourning and your joy to gloom. 10 Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will exalt you. James 4:1-10 ESV

“What causes quarrels and what causes fights among you?” The language here assumes that this is already happening. Conflict in general, specific manifestations.

“Is it not this, that your passions are at war within you? The reason why the fighting is happening. Where we get our word hedonism.

P: Misplaced passions always lead to problems.

“You desire and do not have, so you murder. You covet and cannot obtain, so you fight and quarrel” Likely figurative, however it highlights the significance of their conflict and where it could lead. Also shows agreement with Jesus’ equation of hatred and murder.

“You do not have, because you do not ask. You ask and do not receive, because you ask wrongly, to spend it on your passions. When there is a need, you fight for it instead of asking God for it. When you do ask for things, you ask out of impure motives to selfishly spend it on yourselves.

P: When we are in need, we should ask God for the things we need – and we need to ask for the right reasons.

What are you asking God for these days? Why are you asking him?

“You adulterous people!” James has had all he can stand. Explosion of righteous anger.

“Do you not know that friendship with the world is enmity with God?” World system.

“Therefore whoever wishes to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God.” OT magery they would have understood.

“Or do you suppose it is to no purpose that the Scripture says, “He yearns jealously over the spirit that he has made to dwell in us”? Serious, significant, OT language his Jewish audience would have understood. God loves His people with a passionate, covenantal furious love and wants them to follow Him undividedly.

P: Friendship with the world is incompatible with friendship with God.

“But he gives more grace.” God’s unmerited favor toward us purchased for us by the cross of Jesus.

P: God’s grace is greater than our greatest sin.

Therefore it says, “God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble.”

P: Humility is the pathway to grace.

Am I walking in humility before God?

“Submit yourselves therefore to God.” Line up under. Picture of soldiers under authority.

“Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” “Take your stand” against your enemy.

“Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you.” Ref. to OT priests, now through Christ.

“Cleanse your hands, you sinners” OT Priests had to ceremonially wash their hands before approaching God. Clean the outside.

“and purify your hearts, you double-minded.” Speaks of the heart. Clean the inside.

“Be wretched and mourn and weep. Let your laughter be turned to mourning and your joy to gloom.” Be broken over your sin. Flippant laughter in sinning.

P: Serious sin calls for serious repentance. All of our sin is serious. All of our repentance should be serious.

“Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will exalt you.” This final command sums up all that James has been saying since v. 7. “Make oneself low.”

The Gospel is the only antidote for our sinful condition.

1. The Gospel addresses our misguided passions and calls us to a passion for Jesus.

2. The Gospel addresses the impure motives in our prayers.

3. The Gospel calls us away from friendship with the world and into friendship with God.

4. The Gospel shows us God’s grace that is greater than our greatest sin.

5. The Gospel shows us the ultimate example of humility and enables us to walk in humility.

6. The Gospel shows us the seriousness of our sin and our need for serious repentance.

7. In the Gospel, we see that we are more sinful than we could ever imagine, but more loved than we could ever dream.

Works Consulted: Expositor’s Commentary, MacArthur Study Bible, ESV Study Bible, MacArthur Commentary on James, The Bible Exposition Commentary, The Bible Knowledge Commentary, A Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Old and New Testaments, New Bible Commentary, The Outline Bible, Tyndale Concise Bible Commentary, Wilmington’s Bible Handbook, Word Pictures of the New Testament

Preached on 10.25.09 by Dustin Neeley
Sermon Notes

13Who is wise and understanding among you? By his good conduct let him show his works in the meekness of wisdom. 14But if you have bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast and be false to the truth. 15This is not the wisdom that comes down from above, but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic. 16For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there will be disorder and every vile practice. 17But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere. 18And a harvest of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace.

In a Nutshell: James is contrasting the two kinds of wisdom and the particular kinds of fruit they produce—wisdom ‘from above’, ‘from below.’

“Who is wise and understanding among you?”  A rhetorical question to introduce James’ main idea. Common Greek word for speculative knowledge and philosophy, but the Hebrews infused with the much richer meaning of skillfully applying knowledge to practical living. Some debate about whether or not he is speaking specifically to teachers (mentioned previously),  in light of the tongue (v. 1-12), or to all of his readers in general. Seems most likely to be the latter.

“By his good conduct let him show his works in the meekness of wisdom.” Biblical (vs. Greek) wisdom emphasizes the real test for wisdom is in how we live—our actions. Biblical ‘meekness’ is not weakness but rather strength under control. To walk in wisdom is to walk in strength under control.

P: True wisdom is a ‘show and tell.’

“But if you have bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast and be false to the truth. This is not the wisdom that comes down from above, but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic.”

‘bitter’ – undrinkable water + ‘jealousy’ = harsh, resentful attitude toward others. ‘selfish ambition’ stirs up antagonism and factionalism. Often used for politicians.

‘hearts’ – where all behavior begins. Must be addressed if we want real change.

Where are bitter jealousy and selfish ambition at work in your heart?

Both of these sins are a denial of the truth and reveal a failure to believe the Gospel and trust the sovereignty of God. Wisdom from below is 1. Earthbound. 2. From an unredeemed heart. 3. Ultimately from Satan. (World, Flesh, Devil).

“For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there will be disorder and every vile practice.”

Wisdom from below yields fruit from below. Chaos and uselessness.

P: Bad wisdom from a bad source leads to bad fruit.

“But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere. ‘pure’ – spiritual integrity and moral sincerity, ‘peaceable’ –peace-loving, promoting, ‘gentle’- sweet reasonableness, willingness to endure mistreatment, ‘open to reason’ – teachable, follows God’s Word, ‘full of mercy…’ – ability to forgive quickly, ‘impartial and sincere’ – doesn’t make unfair distinctions.

P: Good wisdom from a good source leads to good fruit.

“And a harvest of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace.”  Sums up his paragraph with what seems like a proverb. Those who walk in wisdom will see peace and that peace will lead to a harvest of righteousness.

There are two kinds of wisdom. Followers of Jesus are to walk in the wisdom from above.

Which wisdom are you walking in today?

Putting Feet on It:

1.Look at the fruit in your life.

a.Wisdom from Below: Bitter jealousy, selfish ambition, Disorder, every vile practice. Is this what I see in my life?

b.Wisdom from Above: Purity, peace, reasonableness, mercy, ‘good fruits,’ impartiality, sincerity. Is this what I see in my life?

c.All of us have a mixture of both. Confess. Repent. All of life is repentance.

2.Examine why things are the way they are.

a.Have I not been told there is another way? Not choosing it?

b.What is going on in my heart that is driving that behavior?

c.Are there things in my life that is encouraging this good/bad behavior? Things to eliminate/encourage?

3.Get to know the Source of ‘wisdom from above’ :  Jesus.

a.“the power of God and the wisdom of God…who became to us wisdom from God, and a righteousness and sanctification and redemption” (1 Cor. 1:24, 30)

b.Turn from your sin and trust in Christ.

c.Immerse yourself in the Bible and begin talking to God (prayer).

4.Surround yourself with wise people.

a.Whoever walks with the wise becomes wise, but the companion of fools will suffer harm. Prov. 13:20

Works Consulted: Expositor’s Commentary, MacArthur Study Bible, ESV Study Bible, MacArthur Commentary on James, The Bible Exposition Commentary, The Bible Knowledge Commentary, A Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Old and New Testaments, New Bible Commentary, The Outline Bible, Tyndale Concise Bible Commentary, Wilmington’s Bible Handbook, Word Pictures of the New Testament

Preached on 10.18.09 by Dustin Neeley
Sermon Notes

14 What good is it, my brothers, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can that faith save him? 15 If a brother or sister is poorly clothed and lacking in daily food, 16 and one of you says to them, “Go in peace, be warmed and filled,” without giving them the things needed for the body, what good is that? 17 So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead. 18 But someone will say, “You have faith and I have works.” Show me your faith apart from your works, and I will show you my faith by my works. 19 You believe that God is one; you do well. Even the demons believe—and shudder! 20 Do you want to be shown, you foolish person, that faith apart from works is useless? 21 Was not Abraham our father justified by works when he offered up his son Isaac on the altar? 22 You see that faith was active along with his works, and faith was completed by his works; 23 and the Scripture was fulfilled that says, “Abraham believed God, and it was counted to him as righteousness”—and he was called a friend of God. 24 You see that a person is justified by works and not by faith alone. 25 And in the same way was not also Rahab the prostitute justified by works when she received the messengers and sent them out by another way? 26 For as the body apart from the spirit is dead, so also faith apart from works is dead. James 2:14-26 ESV

Interpretive Key: Words can be used different ways.

Dead Faith (v.14-17) :

“What good is it, my brothers, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can that faith save him?” James’ Greek presupposes the answer will be “no.” Probably better translated as “can that kind of faith save him?”

Faith that does not lead to works is not saving faith.

“If a brother or sister is poorly clothed and lacking in daily food…” A familiar, concrete illustration of his point. Almost a reduction to absurdity. He is comparing the ineffectiveness of words of compassion without acts of compassion with the ineffectiveness of faith that does not give way to works.

“So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead.” James moves from a question to a proposition to speak his mind clearly.

Demonic Faith (v.18-20) :

“But someone will say, “You have faith and I have works.” “Show me your faith apart from your works, and I will show you my faith by my works.” Anticipating the pushback to his idea, he speaks either directly or hypothetically to further his argument.

“You believe that God is one; you do well. Even the demons believe—and shudder!” Ref. to the Shema from Deut. 6. Even demons believe it. Cultural faith is not enough.

“Do you want to be shown, you foolish person, that faith apart from works is useless?” Lit. empty, defective. James uses an ancient rhetorical technique to further press his point. James is not contrasting two different two different kinds of faith.

Dynamic Faith (v.21-26) :  3 Examples of Dynamic Faith

“Was not Abraham our father justified by works when he offered up his son Isaac on the altar?”

James is using the word ‘justified’ in a different way than Paul uses it. Justified can Mean “to be judicially declared righteous” or “to prove oneself true/right.” Ex. “Justify your claim” does not mean “make it true” but “show its truthfulness.”

This event that James is claiming ‘justified’ Abraham (Gen. 22:9, 12) occurred many years after his conversion (Gen. 12:1-7, 15:6) which demonstrates his actual faith.

“You see that faith was active along with his works, and faith was completed by his works…” This word means ‘brought to its end, fullness or maturity.’

“and the Scripture was fulfilled that says, “Abraham believed God, and it was counted to him as righteousness”—and he was called a friend of God. You see that a person is justified by works and not by faith alone.” Again, the correct interpretation lies within a correct   understanding of how James uses the word ‘justify’.

“And in the same way was not also Rahab the prostitute justified by works when she received the messengers and sent them out by another way? “ A second OT example (Josh. 2, 6) that bears out James’ point. Her actions bore out her true faith in the God of the Bible.

“For as the body apart from the spirit is dead, so also faith apart from works is dead.” James restates what he has been saying all along with one final, concrete analogy.

What Do We Do with what James is Saying?

1. Examine yourself to see if you are in the faith (2 Cor. 13:5).
   • “Examine yourselves, to see whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves. Or do you not realize this about yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you?—unless indeed you fail to meet the test!” (2 Cor. 13:5)
   • Ask yourself some important questions.
2. If you are in the faith, ask yourself:
   • Where is my faith failing to “work itself out?”
   • Why is this the case?
   • What are the ‘sins behind the sin’ driving this disconnect?
3. Believe and apply the Gospel!
   • Jesus died to purchase you a faith that works itself out. Jesus empowers you to live a faith that works itself out.

Works Consulted: Expositor’s Commentary, MacArthur Study Bible, ESV Study Bible, MacArthur Commentary on James, The Bible Exposition Commentary, The Bible Knowledge Commentary, A Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Old and New Testaments, New Bible Commentary, The Outline Bible, Tyndale Concise Bible Commentary, Wilmington’s Bible Handbook, Word Pictures of the New Testament

Preached on 10.11.09 by Dustin Neeley
Sermon Notes

Don’t Show Favoritism : James 2:1-13 – Dustin Neeley, Lead Pastor, Crossing Church from Crossing Church on Vimeo.

Don’t Show Favoritism 10.11.09
2:1 My brothers, show no partiality as you hold the faith in our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory. 2 For if a man wearing a gold ring and fine clothing comes into your assembly, and a poor man in shabby clothing also comes in, 3 and if you pay attention to the one who wears the fine clothing and say, “You sit here in a good place,” while you say to the poor man, “You stand over there,” or, “Sit down at my feet,” 4 have you not then made distinctions among yourselves and become judges with evil thoughts? 5 Listen, my beloved brothers, has not God chosen those who are poor in the world to be rich in faith and heirs of the kingdom, which he has promised to those who love him? 6 But you have dishonored the poor man. Are not the rich the ones who oppress you, and the ones who drag you into court? 7 Are they not the ones who blaspheme the honorable name by which you were called 8 If you really fulfill the royal law according to the Scripture, “You shall love your neighbor as yourself,” you are doing well. 9 But if you show partiality, you are committing sin and are convicted by the law as transgressors. 10 For whoever keeps the whole law but fails in one point has become accountable for all of it. 11 For he who said, “Do not commit adultery,” also said, “Do not murder.” If you do not commit adultery but do murder, you have become a transgressor of the law. 12 So speak and so act as those who are to be judged under the law of liberty. 13 For judgment is without mercy to one who has shown no mercy. Mercy triumphs over judgment. James 1:1-13 ESV

The  Command : “My brothers, show no partiality as you hold the faith in our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory.” (v.1)

Favoritism is incompatible with our Faith.

The Example (v. 2-4):
“a man wearing a gold ring and fine clothing” rich man who wore rings and shining clothes.
“your assembly” likely their “church service.”
“a poor man in shabby clothing” The poor could be identified by their clothing.
“You sit here in a good place,” Giving him the place of honor.
“You stand over there,” or, “Sit down at my feet,” An obvious act of dishonor.

The Reasoning (v.5-8):
1. God has chosen the poor in the world to be rich in faith and heirs of the kingdom (v. 5).
a. Being poor doesn’t save you. James recognizes that those who are physical poverty are often more in touch with their spiritual poverty.
2. The rich oppress you and drag you into court (v.6).
a. The rich often used the court systems to steal from the poor.
3. The blaspheme your God who called you by His name (v. 7).
a. OT : A man was set apart for God by calling His name over him.

The Reality (v.9-13):
“the royal law according to the Scripture…” The “Greatest Commandment.”
“But if you show partiality, you are committing sin…” Actual reality. Very serious.
“whoever keeps the whole law but fails in one point has become accountable for all of it.” If we break one of God’s laws it is as if we have broken them all.
“So speak and so act as those who are to be judged under the law of liberty.” Strong Greek.
“For judgment is without mercy to one who has shown no mercy. Mercy triumphs over judgment.”
Proverbial statement. If you know mercy, show mercy, or no mercy at judgment. day.

If we know this is so wrong, why do we still show favoritism?
1. Remaining sin.
2. Sins behind the Sin:
a. Pride.
b. Insecurity.
c. Lust for power.

Putting Feet On It :
1. Be honest about what is actually happening.
a. Am I showing favoritism? How am I? Why Am I?
b. When we show favoritism, we are dishonoring someone created in the image of God.

2. Confess, repent, and get the healing that you need.
a. What is driving this sin? Pride, Insecurity, Power, Pain, Other? Be specific.
b. Where is it that you are so wounded that you need to push others down to pull yourself up? Allow God to heal that hurt.

3. Believe and apply the Gospel!
a. For all of your sins & for every reason you show favoritism.
b. God shows no favoritism.

Works Consulted: Expositor’s Commentary, MacArthur Study Bible, ESV Study Bible, MacArthur Commentary on James, The Bible Exposition Commentary, The Bible Knowledge Commentary, A Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Old and New Testaments, New Bible Commentary, The Outline Bible, Tyndale Concise Bible Commentary, Wilmington’s Bible Handbook, Word Pictures of the New Testament

Preached on 10.4.09 by Dustin Neeley
Sermon Notes

Pure and Undefiled Religion : James 1:27 – Dustin Neeley, Lead Pastor, Crossing Church from Crossing Church on Vimeo.

“Religion that is pure and undefiled before God, the Father, is this: to visit orphans and widows in their affliction, and to keep oneself unstained from the world.” James 1:27 ESV

“Religion that is pure and undefiled” Means “the outward practice, the service of a god.” Used only 5 times in the NT. Refers here to our set of beliefs and practices about Jesus and is used in a positive light instead of the negative light we saw in Colossians.  Two synonyms to communicate spotlessness. James is seeking to redeem and reframe their concept of religion.

“before God, the Father” It is God who determines the purity of our ‘religion,’ not us.

“to visit orphans and widows in their affliction” Orphans and widows were two the neediest groups in the early church. There was no welfare or life insurance to support them. Serving them shows the very essence of Christian love (sacrifice) because they had nothing to give in return.  The word “visit” is important. We can’t just believe that these people should be visited. We must visit them. It means more than just dropping by for a chat. It means caring for others, exercising oversight on their behalf and helping them in whatever way is needed.

P: The purity of our religion is in the proof of our service to others—especially those who are the most needy.

1.The “needy” have always been close to God’s heart.

a.OT:  (Ps. 68:5 Ex. 22:22, Deut. 14:28-29).

b.NT: 1 Tim. 5:3, 1 John, Acts 6.

2.When we show mercy, are being the ‘City within the City’ and modeling the Kingdom that is to come.

3.There is a “Social Gospel” caution in our day.  This does not diminish the force of this Text.

Why Don’t We Care for Orphans and Widows?

1.We are too busy.

a.We are moving so quickly that we just don’t notice.

2.We are too selfish.

a.Serving ourselves and our agenda eclipses serving others.

Am I caring for the ‘orphans and widows’ in my life? If not, what needs to change?

Putting Feet On It:

1.Serve with Crossing!

a.Oct. 24 9 AM- 1 PM  Orphans at Boy’s Haven.

b.Oct. 31 6 – 8 PM Widows and Outreach.

2.Look for those already around you who are in need.

a.The principle here is intended to be broadened to anyone in need, not just orphans and widows.

3.Just do it.

a.Don’t give your flesh opportunities to make excuses or explain the need away.

“and to keep oneself unstained from the world.”  “Keep” denotes regular, continuous action. “Unstained”  means ‘moral and spiritual purity.’ It is not a command to sinless perfection (only Jesus could do that) but rather describing the basic orientation and trajectory of our lives. Similar to 1 Pet. 1:17b-19. Also, “holiness.”

Two Dimensions of Holiness:

1. Positional:

a.“Double Imputation” (our sin on Christ, his righteousness on us)

b.Our “Gospel Identity” (Being clean and righteous before God)

2. Practical:

a. How the Positional is playing out in daily life.

Retreat / Fundamentalism “Worldly”

P: Our goal should be to “In the World and not of the World.”

Where am I and my family on this continuum? What changes need to be made?

Putting Feet On It:

1.Look to Jesus.

2.Listen to Jesus.

a.Immerse yourself in the Bible. It shows us what holy living looks like & gives us wisdom to navigate the gray areas.

3.Live “with Jesus” and in community.

a.Respond to the Holy Spirit’s conviction and promptings.

b.Part of our role is to encourage and correct one another on this path.

Works Consulted: Expositor’s Commentary, MacArthur Study Bible, ESV Study Bible, MacArthur Commentary on James, The Bible Exposition Commentary, The Bible Knowledge Commentary, A Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Old and New Testaments, New Bible Commentary, The Outline Bible, Tyndale Concise Bible Commentary, Wilmington’s Bible Handbook, Word Pictures of the New Testament

Preached on 9.27.09 by Heath Lambert
Sermon Notes

Watch Your Mouth! from Crossing Church on Vimeo.

James 1:26 If anyone thinks he is religious and does not bridle his tongue but deceives his heart, this person’s religion is worthless./  3:1Not many of you should become teachers, my brothers, for you know that we who teach will be judged with greater strictness.  2For we all stumble in many ways.  And if anyone does not stumble in what he says, he is a perfect man, able also to bridle his whole body.  3If we put bits into the mouths of horses so that they obey us, we guide their whole bodies as well.  4Look at the ships also: though they are so large and are driven by strong winds, they are guided by a very small rudder wherever the will of the pilot directs.  5So also the tongue is a small member, yet it boasts of great things.  How great a forest is set ablaze by such a small fire!  6And the tongue is a fire, a world of unrighteousness.  The tongue is set among our members, staining the whole body, setting on fire the entire course of life, and set on fire by hell.  7For every kind of beast and bird, of reptile and sea creature, can be tamed and has been tamed by mankind, 8but no human  being can tame the tongue.  It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison.  9With it we bless our Lord and Father, and with it we curse people who are made in the likeness of God.  10From the same mouth come blessing and cursing.  My brothers, these things ought not to be so.  11Does a spring pour forth from the same opening both fresh and salt water?  12Can a fig tree, my brothers, bear olives, or a grapevine produce figs?  Neither can a salt pond yield fresh water.

Our Mouths Are a Big Deal

• Tons of things we say are meant to minimize our words
  • “Sticks and stones may break my bones but words will never hurt me.”
  • “We were just talking.”
  • “I know I said it, but I didn’t mean it.”
• The Bible never minimizes our words but rather maximizes our words (3:8)
  • Three analogies
    • Animals (1:26; 3:3, 7)
    • Ships (3:4)
    • Fire (3:5-6)
  • The point: Big things are guided, steered, and started by small things.
  • The same is true with the mouth.  Our little tongue . . .
    • Shows the purity of religion (1:26)
    • Exposes (teachers) to judgment (3:1)
    • Can lead to perfection (3:2)
    • Guides the course of life (3:6)

Our Mouths Are a Big Deal because They Reflect Our Hearts

• If we do not watch our mouths, our heart is deceived and our religion is worthless! (1:26)  How can this be?
  • James 1:18—We have been born again by the word (cf. Ezek 36:26-27; John 3:1-8).
  • James 1:21—Having been born again by the word we are to receive the word.
  • James 1:22—But we do not merely receive the Word we are also to do the word.
  • James 1:26—The words that come out of our mouths ought to reflect the word that has changed our heart and the word that has been received in our heart.
• James’s message is that the mouth is an apt indicator of the heart (3:9-12; Matt 12:33-37)
• James is concerned that we watch our mouths because James is concerned that we watch our hearts.

We Should Watch Our Mouths

• Speech we should put off
  • Gossip (3:9-10; 4:11)
  • Lying (Col 3:9-10)
  • Filthy Language (Eph 5:4)
• Speech we should put on
  • We should speak words of GRACE (Eph 4:29)
    • God
    • Repent
    • Ask
    • Confront
    • Encourage
  • We MUST find ways to do this in our church

Watching Our Mouths Takes Grace

• James tells us to watch our mouths
  • Biblically we know that we watch our mouths by watching our hearts
  • If we are to talk the way we should we CANNOT do it by behavior modification
• This means we must look deep: beyond our words to our heart
• This means we must look high: beyond ourselves to Jesus (3:8)
  • We need Jesus’ grace to forgive us
  • We need Jesus’ grace to empower us

Preached on 9.20.09 by Dustin Neeley
Sermon Notes

“But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. 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. For he looks at himself and goes away and at once forgets what he was like. 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.” James 1:22-25 ESV

“But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.” James is building upon his previous comments about the Word.  ‘deceiving’ a mathematical term referring to a miscalculation. Thinking that hearing the Word without taking action is self-deception.

“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. For he looks at himself and goes away and at once forgets what he was like.” “looks” is a strong Greek word meaning to stoop down and observe carefully. First century mirrors were not glass, but metallic—polished bronze, silver or gold. “…at once forgets…” This is a picture of forgetful ‘insanity.’

Why Do We Do This?

1. Our sin—Hearing is easy, doing is hard. Comfort idol.
2. Our culture—Information overload. Education. Work. We have been trained to simply hear and not have to act on what we have heard.
3. Church culture—We have been trained to be consumers.
   • The point is not for us to ‘enjoy the message’ but to be changed by it!

P: Hearing the Word is not about information but transformation.

In what areas of my life am I hearing and not doing? What needs to change?

“But the one who looks into the perfect law…” Not just a portion of OT but all of Scripture.

“…the law of liberty, and perseveres, being no hearer who forgets but a doer who acts, he will be blessed in his doing.”

P: Obedience to the Scriptures leads to freedom and blessing.

Is this how I approach the Bible? Where do I not see freedom in my life?

How Do We Do What God is Telling Us to Do?

1. Hearing the Word must become a priority.
   • Sundays. Group. Personal Study.
   • I will do what I am hearing. I will allow my friends to encourage me and hold me accountable in it.
   • When I don’t, I will repent quickly and apply the Gospel to my life.
2. Carefully consider the alternative. - 
   • Look back. Look forward.
3. Look to Jesus as your pattern, payment, and power.
   • There was never a single moment where Jesus didn’t ‘do the Word.’
   • Because of His obedience, His sacrifice for our sin was enough.
   • He empowers us through His Spirit to obey His Word.

Where are you simply hearing and not doing the Word today?

What is standing in the way?

Works Consulted : Expositor’s Bible Commentary, ESV Study Bible, MacArthur Study Bible, Message by Darrin Patrick

Preached on 8.30.09 by Dustin Neeley
Sermon Notes

19 Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger; 20 for the anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God. 21 Therefore put away all filthiness and rampant wickedness and receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls. James 1:19-21 ESV

Overview of the Text: James gives us the command “Let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger…” & then he offers an explanation for that command: for the anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God.” He then gives another command to “put away all filthiness and rampant wickedness” and instead “receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls.”

“Know this, my beloved brothers” An attention getting phrase that reveals James’ “pastor’s heart” for his people.

“let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger; The pressure is on. The “stress level” and temptation to sin against one another is high. James is encouraging them to remember the power of their words and to be patient with one another.

“for the anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God.”

Two Types of Anger in the Bible:

1. Righteous. (Matt. 21, 23, Mk. 11)
2. Unrighteous. (This is what James is speaking of).

Where Does this Unrighteous Anger Come From?

Anger is seldom a primary emotion.

1. We are hurt (Either in the moment or in the past).
2. We feel threatened (We get angry in an attempt to protect ourselves).
3. We have unrealistic/unbiblical expectations that are not being met (We get angry like a child does.
4. One of our idols is threatened (Self-Insecurity, Control, Greed, etc.) and we get ready to fight to defend it.

What makes me angry? What does that reveal about my heart? What needs to change externally/internally so that I wouldn’t walk in the ‘anger of man’ that does not produce the righteousness of God?

“Therefore put away all filthiness and rampant wickedness” “Put off” any and every kind of sin. Similar to what we see in Hebrews 12:1.

“and receive with meekness the implanted word which is able to save your souls.” A ref. to the Scriptures which has the obvious benefit of saving our souls if we heed what they say about Jesus and appropriating that message to all of our lives.

The more sin we eliminate from our lives, the more room we have for the Word of God.

Putting Feet On It:

“let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger;”

1. Start with learning keep your mouth shut.
   • Pray that God would give you the strength and that this becomes your habit.
2. Learn to practice the PAUSE—stop yourself when you get angry.
   • Pray:
     • That you would be angry and not sin (Eph. 4:26).
     • That you would not repay evil for evil (Rom. 12:17).
     • That you would not look to your own interests but also the interests of others (Phil. 2:4).
     • Look to Jesus for His strength and not your own.
   • Ask questions:
     • Is this something I should be angry about at all?
     • Is this righteous/unrighteous anger?
     • Why am I angry about this?
     • What is the most constructive way to express this anger?
   • When you act, be as Christ-like and measured as possible.
3. When you get it wrong (and you will), confess and repent quickly—both to God and those you hurt.
4. If there are deeper issues fueling your anger, get the healing you need. We have resources available to help you.

“Therefore put away all filthiness and rampant wickedness and receive with meekness the implanted  word, which is able to save your souls.”

1. “Therefore put away all filthiness and rampant wickedness…”
   • Turn from sin and trust in Christ. First things first.
   • What are the particular sinful practices that you are struggling with at this time? Be as specific as possible.
   • What are the idols that are driving those practices? What is my strategy to deal with them? What are the wounds that need to be healed?
2. “…receive with meekness the implanted word…”
   • Sunday messages. Community Groups. Personal reading.
   • Upcoming Bible Class, October 18, 2009.
   • What is preventing me from receiving and responding to the Word of God?

Works Consulted: Expositor’s Commentary, MacArthur Study Bible, ESV Study Bible, Messages by Chip Ingram and Daniel Motgomery

Preached on 8.30.09 by Dustin Neeley
Sermon Notes

13 Let no one say when he is tempted, “I am being tempted by God,” for God cannot be tempted with evil, and he himself tempts no one. 14 But each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire. 15 Then desire when it has conceived gives birth to sin, and sin when it is fully grown brings forth death. 16 Do not be deceived, my beloved brothers. 17 Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change.  18 Of his own will he brought us forth by the word of truth, that we should be a kind of firstfruits of his creatures. James 1:13-18

Overview of the Text: James gives a command “Let no one say when he is tempted, “I am being tempted by God…” & then he offers an explanation for that command. He then explains how temptation actually works and makes further comments about the character of God.

“Let no one say when he is tempted, “I am being tempted by God,” This is the same Greek word for ‘testing’ that we saw earlier.

P: Every trial contains both ‘testing’ and ‘temptation.’

P: When we are tempted, we often look for others to blame.

“for God cannot be tempted with evil, and he himself tempts no one.” God cannot be tempted by evil because His nature is perfect holiness. If He can’t be tempted by evil, then He certainly couldn’t tempt anyone else with evil.

“But each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed” Fishing and hunting terms.

“Drawing fish out of their hiding place to catch them.” “Baiting a trap.”
“by his own desire.” Ref. to our own human lusts and desires. Most often, not a normal-sized desire for a bad thing but an oversized desire for a good thing.

P: The problem in temptation lies inside of us, not outside of us.
Do we take ownership for this or do we try to blame others for our sin?

P: We are only tempted by the things that are attractive to us.
Do I know what my weaknesses and temptations are? Do I have a plan to address them?

“Then desire when it has conceived gives birth to sin, and sin when it is fully grown brings forth death.” James changes to a conception/birth metaphor.

P: Sin has a sequence.

The Sequence of Sin:

1. We are lured by our own desires.
2. We sin. We “miss the mark.” In that moment, we are treasuring something else more than Jesus. We are turning from our actual Savior to a functional savior.
3. That sin leads to death.

Where do I see that sequence unfolding in my life? Do I see the inevitable death that it can bring?
What do I need to do to stop it?

Breaking the Sequence:

1. Immerse yourself in the Scriptures. – They will strengthen your faith and allow you to fight like Jesus.
2. Confess your sins to God and someone else. – Pray for each other and hold each other accountable. Check website.
3. Deal with the outside and the inside. – All of our behavior comes from our hearts.

“Do not be deceived, my beloved brothers. Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change.” Lit. “Stop being deceived” Possible this has been happening. Increasingly good gifts. “Lights” – the celestial bodies (earth, moon, stars) change but He does not.

P: God is a good and generous Father whose character does not change.
Is this how I perceive God or am I allowing other experiences to cloud my thinking?

“Of his own will he brought us forth by the word of truth, that we should be a kind of firstfruits of his creatures.” Ref. to our regeneration unto salvation through the Gospel. Firstfruits: Could mean the first of many Christians to be saved or that we are a ‘living example’ of the Kingdom that is to come.

P: God is the initiator of our salvation.

P: We have been saved to be a living example of the Kingdom that is to come.

Is this being reflected in my life? If not, what needs to change?

Works Consulted: Expositor’s Commentary, , MacArthur Study Bible, ESV Study Bible, Message by Jonathan MacIntosh and Darrin Patrick

Preached on 8.16.09 by Dustin Neeley
Sermon Notes

Preached on 8.9.09 by Dustin Neeley
Sermon Notes

2Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, 3 for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. 4 And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing. James 1:2-4 ESV

Overview of the Text:

There are two commands in this text. (“Count it all joy…” and “Let steadfastness have its full effect…”) He offers the first command & then an explanation. He offers the second command and its explanation.

“Count it all joy, my brothers…” Spiritual, enduring, “complete joy.” Not happiness that can fluctuate with our circumstances but true spiritual joy that only comes from Jesus.

“…when you meet trials…” Word can also mean “temptation” but here describes things that “put us to the test.”

“…of various kinds…” lit. “Multi-colored.” This word covers a variety of difficulties

(persecution, sickness, financial distress, etc.)

P: In a fallen world, “trials” of various shapes and sizes are inevitable.

What James is NOT Saying in Saying “Count it all Joy” :

1.      He is not advocating an odd kind of Christian masochism or saying that trials, in and of themselves, are good.

2.      He is not minimizing the reality of pain.

We can “count it all joy” when we face trials of various kinds because our PAIN has a PURPOSE.

Why is he saying this?

“for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness.”

“…the testing of your faith…” Term denotes a positive test intended to make one’s faith genuine.

P: Trials reveal what is really in our hearts.

“…produces steadfastness.” Lit. endurance, persistence, ‘stick-to-it-ive-ness.’ The development of spiritual stamina.

P: Trials develop “spiritual stamina” in our lives.

“And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.

“…steadfastness…” The same steadfastness from the verse before.

“…full effect…” Or “finish its work.”

“…that you may be…” Indicator of the purpose clause.

“…perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.” Fully mature in our faith.

The PURPOSE of our pain is to move us toward SPIRITUAL MATURITY.

Putting Feet on It:

1.      Hear these Scriptures for what they have to say.

a.      These are commands, not suggestions.

2.      Recognize this is not our default setting. It requires a conscious decision on our part to:

a.      Turn from sin and trust in Jesus. Become a Christian.

b.     Confront and repent of our sin on the outside (grumbling, complaining, questioning, etc.) & on the inside (comfort, selfishness, love of the world, sense of entitlement before God, etc.) as you apply the Gospel to your situation.

3.      Adjust our perspective to see the “Big Picture.”

a.      This all begins with a God-centered perspective on life.

i.     Life is ultimately about God and His glory.

ii.     Remember, God has a purpose for our pain and that purpose is our spiritual maturity.

4.      Lean on those around you in your suffering.

a.      It is God’s design that we would “bear one another’s burdens” and “weep with one another.” Others can also call us back to the truth.

5.      Look to Jesus as our pattern and our power.

a.      “looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.” Hebrews 12:2 ESV

Works Consulted: Expositor’s Commentary, Life Application Bible, MacArthur Study Bible, ESV Study Bible, Introduction to the New Testament by Carson and Moo, Messages by Daniel Montgomery and Darrin Patrick

Preached on 8.2.09 by Dustin Neeley
Sermon Notes

What Is It?
A “General” or “Universal” (vs. a “specific”) Epistle—written to the “church in general” as opposed to a single congregation within a specific city.

Who Wrote It and When Did He Write It?
James, Jesus’ brother (Matt. 13:55), who was the leader of the Jerusalem church.
We know this because of history/tradition, the vocabulary he used, the authority he exercised, and his teaching is consistent with what we know about James from Acts. It was most likely written in the early to mid 40’s.

To Whom Did He Write It?
A scattered group of Jewish Christian house churches outside of Palestine. We know this from their mention in 1:1, its distinctively Jewish content and its focus on poverty and persecution. It appears that these causes have driven them from their homes and conflict of various kinds has entered their midst. They have failed to put their faith into practice and become ‘worldly,’ begun fighting, showing favoritism, and continually wavering between God and the world.

Why Did He Write It?
From what we can read, it appears that James is seeking to ‘pastor his flock’ from afar. He writes both to encourage and rebuke them.

Structure and Themes of the Book:

1. Trials and Christian Maturity 1:1-18.
2. *True Christianity seen in its works 1:19-2:26.
3. Dissensions within the Community 3:1-4:12.
4. Implications of a Christian worldview 4:13-5:11.
5. Concluding exhortations 5:12-20.

Other Facts About the Book:

1. Apart from its initial greeting, James reads more like Proverbs than Colossians. It is a collection of wisdom sayings and some believe it to be an ancient form of Greek satire.
2. It bears some strong similarity to the Sermon on the Mount.
3. Doctrinally, it touches repeatedly on the doctrine of God, sin, and the end times.
4. It is an intensely practical book (contains more than 50 imperatives in the book’s 108 verses) that seeks to call its readers to action.

How Can I Get the Most Out of This Series?

• Read the book on your own in its entirety.
  • “Steep in it.”
• At a minimum, read our Text each week before each Sunday.
• Meditate on it.
  • Write down your reflections/questions for Sundays/Group.
• Read the Text devotionally applying the Gospel.
  • Eg. “The Tongue”
    • Am I speaking wrongly to others? Stop and repent.
    • Why am I doing this? Do I need to run others down to lift myself up? Apply Gospel Truth to your own heart.
  • Eg. “Showing Partiality”
    • Do I show partiality to the rich over the poor? Stop & repent.
    • Why do I do this? Apply Gospel Truth to your own heart.

Works Consulted: Expositor’s Commentary, Life Application Bible, MacArthur Study Bible, ESV Study Bible, Introduction to the New Testament by Carson and Moo