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The Wisdom Test Continued

3/27/2017

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Sermon Scripture: James 3:13-18

1. True Wisdom: verses 17-18

Comes from above: From Christ
Characterized by
Purity
Peace
considerate
submissive
full of mercy
full of good fruit: Galatians 5:22-23
impartial
sincere
Peacemakers: Sow in peace and reap a harvest of righteousness

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The Wisdom Test

3/27/2017

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Sermon Scripture: James 3:13-18

1. Wisdom Defined:

Gift of God to those who fear Him and humble themselves! Pro 1:7
Gift received through prayer. Jas 1:5
Result of the experience we have In Christ. Col 2:2-3
Restraint and action based In Christ not in legalistic adherence to the rules of men. Col 2:21-23

2. The proof is in the pudding! Verse 13

Wisdom and Understanding may start in the heart and mind but they are not known until they are expressed through the hands and feet!
Wisdom and Understanding are shown through the “good life”
Work that proceeds from gentle meekness of wisdom!
The Royal Law, law that gives freedom

3. False Wisdom: verses 14-16

Not from above: Not from Christ
Comes from earth: Proceeds from human desire! It is animal and unspiritual. The principal of animal life, which men have in common with the brutes
Characterized by
Bitter jealousy
Selfish ambition
Boasting
Denial of the truth
Produces a wild and wooly world of the ungoverned will!
instability, a state of disorder, disturbance, confusion:
All kinds of evil

4. True Wisdom: verses 17-18

Comes from above: From Christ
Characterized by
Purity
Peace
considerate
submissive
full of mercy
full of good fruit: Galatians 5:22-23
impartial
sincere
Peacemakers: Sow in peace and reap a harvest of righteousness

SO WHAT?

Evaluate your condition through the lenses of Scripture and your life experience.
Decide to employ your hands and feet in your faith!
Fall in love with Christ instead of just learning about religious things!
Ask God for wisdom with humility.

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Caring for Your Flock

3/20/2017

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Sermon Scripture: Acts 20:28-38

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Sticks and Stones

3/20/2017

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Sermon Scripture: James 3:1-12

1. Don’t rush to teach without considering the responsibility and accountability. Verse 1-2

Not for everyone!
Accountable to God!
Every one of us is prone to stumble.
A person who can control their tongue can control/bridle their entire body. Bit is used for control and Communication!!!!
You are a complete/mature person!

2. Control of the mouth is the key to controlling the body! Verses 3-4, 6

When the mouth is out of control the entire person is out of control!

1) Horse: Control
2) Ship: Direct
3) Fire: Destroy
3. The tongue has influence that defies its size! Verses 5-6

Small part of the body
Hurts the entire body completely
Sets hell loose in our life and body

4. The tongue can be held but never tamed! Verses 7-8

It is like a snake
Full of venom/poison
Ready to strike out without warning and with little provocation

5. The Tongue can be used for consistent worship. Verses 9-12

Praise our Lord and Father
Don’t curse your brothers made in God’s likeness
The Same source but different supply?

1) Pure Spring
2) Fruitful Vine
3) Bountiful Tree

SO WHAT?

Seek to speak as a consistent source of worship!
Identify your triggers and ask God for help!
Don’t underestimate the importance!
Seek control through the power of the Holy Spirit!
Consider the judgment you endure!

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Faith Works

3/13/2017

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Sermon Scripture: James 2:14-26

1. Real faith is active trust in the Lord Jesus Christ. Verse 1

No Law! No other god’s! No other way! No excuse!
Admit sin, accept Jesus sufficient sacrifice, and acknowledge Him as your Lord.

2. Worthless faith identified. Verse 14

A workless faith is a worthless faith. It is without profit or advantage, useless.
A worthless faith cannot save from sin!

3. Worthless faith Illustrated: Verses 15-16, 26

A worthless faith is faith that does not act on what it says it believes.
Need + Helpful words – action = need
Body – spirit = death
Comparison: Faith – works = dead faith

4. Real faith contrasted with Worthless Faith: verse 18

Faith Alone: Unverifiable claim, illogical claim
Works alongside Faith: Verifiable and logical
Works alone: Never an option, not an issue in this letter. See Romans, Galatians, Ephesians

5. Real faith is more than knowledge of the truth of a fact in the mind. Verse 19- 20

Demons believe in Jesus but are not disciples of Jesus.
This type of belief does not save people.
A vain person equates “knowledge” as the only condition or requirement to follow Jesus.

6. Real faith is the combined power of faith and works becoming active together. Verses 21-26

Real faith is necessary for justification.
Real faith is complete and mature due to the “synergy” of faith combined with works.
Real faith results in the imputation of righteousness by God. Genesis 15:6, Hebrews 12; Romans 4:3; Galatians 3:6
Real faith makes you a Friend of God. Isaiah 41:8
Real faith exemplified: Abraham, Rahab: Joshua 6:25; Hebrews 11:31

So What?

Do you have an active faith in the person of Jesus Christ as your Lord?
Do you try to excuse an inactive faith?
Are you proud of what you know but not of what God is doing through you?
Have you combined knowledge with action in your walk with God?
Are you trying to do good things to please God without believing in Jesus as your Lord and savior?

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Facing the Charges

3/6/2017

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Sermon Scripture: James 2:10-13

1. All are guilty under the Law

Sin against one point of the law is to sin against the whole law!
You may successfully keep some of the Law
You will not successfully keep all of the Law
You become a lawbreaker: Favoritism and any offense against the Law makes you a lawbreaker
All have sinned: Rom 3:20-23, Galatians 2:16, 19-21, 3:10

2. Salvation and Righteousness come through Jesus Christ! Romans 3:22, Galatians 3:21-25

The Law does not produce righteousness
The law shows us sin
The law is a guardian
Jesus brings salvation to those who believe

3. The Law that gives freedom is your judge! James 1:25, 2:8

Speech comes under judgement
Actions come under judgement
Blessing of obedience becomes possible
Simple obedience is an opportunity to help others
Accountability is created when we have opportunity!

4. Mercy produces mercy!

No mercy will produce judgment without mercy on you!
Mercy triumphs over judgment!

SO WHAT?

Admit your sins to God
Trust in Jesus as your savior and Lord
Live accountably in the Word
Show mercy as you have received mercy

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The Wisdom Test Continued

The Wisdom Test

Caring for Your Flock

Sticks and Stones

Faith Works

Facing the Charges

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