“Remain Steadfast”

Show Notes

SCRIPTURE: James 1:1 / Matthew 13:53-57 / Acts 2:5

SHOW NOTES: Wherever you may find yourself today, each of us needs the Lord’s direction and counsel for the circumstances we face. The book of James provides instruction for guidance, conduct, and suffering as we walk with Him. James introduces himself with this title – “a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ.” He does not assume privilege or position but rather presents himself as one who serves God and Jesus. One of the first New Testament books written, James offers God’s perspective in the midst of trials, and he encourages us to ask God to provide wisdom for every situation we face in this life. Let’s begin our study in the book of James – Faith in Action.

Show Notes

SCRIPTURE: James 1:2-8 / John 16:33 / Philippians 4:7

SHOW NOTES: James encourages Jewish believers to apply action and attitude to their faith walk. He begins with a difficult topic – trials of many kinds – and he states, “Consider it joy whenever you face trials.” This attitude of joy does not come automatically because, it doesn’t feel good when we go through trials and hard times. Rather, we need to think deeply and examine our heart-felt response as we face life’s troubles. God’s purpose is to mature us and to see our faith strengthened. Tests will come, but through them, the Lord teaches us more about Himself.

For change to occur, we need to be challenged, work through some difficult days and situations, and come face to face with our shortcomings. We need the Holy Spirit’s power flowing through our hearts & minds. Lord, change our actions & attitudes. We count it joy!

Show Notes

SCRIPTURE: James 1:12-18

SHOW NOTES: We want the characteristics of faith and endurance in our life, but we don’t really like the process. Right? Because we really don’t like to be uncomfortable, or inconvenienced, or experience hardship, sickness, or death. “Let endurance have its perfect result – so you may be mature, complete, lacking in nothing.”

Yet, we truly desire to be approved by God and our hope is that we would receive the reward of the crown of life. As we continue working our way through this book, James now returns to the theme of testing. He reminds us that every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from our loving heavenly Father. In the middle of the trouble, consider it all joy!

Show Notes

SCRIPTURE: James 1:19-27

SHOW NOTES: James wants his readers to realize the trials and troubles of this life are opportunities for every believer to grow and mature in their personal walk with God. He begins with “Consider it all joy, my brothers and sisters, when you face many various trials,” and now he wants us to consider the reality of our behavior when we face various trials.

1. Be quick to hear

2. Be slow to speak

3. Be slow to anger

James exhorts us to “put away all filthiness and rampant wickedness and receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls.” God’s Word implanted in our hearts and lives is like a seed which is intended to grow and change us from the inside out. We are instructed to listen submissively and actively apply the Word of God in our daily lives. James calls each of us to “be doers of the word … not hearers only.”

Show Notes

SCRIPTURE: James 2:1-13

SHOW NOTES: James now expands his thoughts from chapter one, verse 27 – How is a believer to treat orphans and widows in their times of distress, need, and struggle? In chapter two, he presents the issue of personal favoritism. James contrasts a rich man with fine clothes and gold to a poor man in dirty clothes. As believers in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ, we have experienced the abundant gift of His mercy and our sins have been forgiven. We must graciously extend mercy, love, and forgiveness to other people.

Show Notes

SCRIPTURE: James 2:14-26

SHOW NOTES: As believers in Jesus Christ, our everyday actions should “match” our words of faith. The way we live out our faith each day really matters! James tells us that faith and works go “hand in hand.” Genuine faith will be lived out through deeds, and he points to charitable works or generosity. Do we visit the widow and orphans? Do we neglect the poor and show partiality to the rich? We may believe that God loves the poor but if our actions do not demonstrate our care and concern for their daily needs then our faith is not alive. In fact, our faith is dead. It is inactive, it is dormant. James writes, “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.”