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If you have a VISA credit card, you are familiar with the
little hologram on the card which, when tilted in the light properly,
gives a three dimensional picture of an eagle. The word translated
"complete" (see James 1:4), is the root word of "whole"
and the "holo" of words such as hologram and holograph.
The New Testament letter of James was written to challenge us
to be three-dimensional spiritual adults -- complete.
To emphasize this basic concern of his letter, James coupled
with word "mature" with the word "complete"
in 1:4. "Mature", also used in 3:2 and 5:11, means
fully developed and is used in modern Greek for the period at
the end of a sentence. Transliterated, it shows up in words we
use with the prefix "tele", such as telescope which
describes the concept of seeing the whole from a distance.
Because of its focus on completeness and maturity, this challenging,
almost goading little letter is penetrating. While it addresses
issues of Christian behavior and relationships, the letter of
James takes us deeper. The epistle helps us see our own personal
inner dynamics, which produce mature (and immature) behavior.
This is a detailed revelation from God concerning the forces
that work within us. If we are going to keep moving in the direction
of spiritual maturity and completeness, we must take these inner
dynamics into account.
The epistle of James addresses six basic issues encountered
by Christians. These issues test our minds, emotions and behavior.
On each issue, James challenges us and exposes us, but also encourages
us with wise, practical counsel. |
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1. Persevere Through Trial
James 1:2-18
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a. v. 3-4 |
- Why persevere through trial?
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b. v.5-18 |
- How to persevere through trial
- 1) Ask God for wisdom v.5-8
- 2) Be confident of your identity v.9-11
- 3) Expect blessing as the outcome v.12
- 4) Accept responsibility for persevering v.13-15
- 5) Trust God v.16-18
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2. Do the Word James
1:19-27
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a. v.19-27 |
- Humbly accept the Word
- 1) Heighten listening skills v.19
- 2) Restrain emotions v.19b-20
- 3) Get rid of immorality v.21a
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b. v.22-25 |
- Intently study the Word
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c. v.26-27 |
- Actively respond to the Word
- 1) In controlling your tongue
- 2) In taking initiative to care for needy people
- 3) In choosing and maintaining godly values
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3. Keep the Royal Law James 2:1-26
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a. v.8 |
- What is the Royal Law?
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b. v.1-4 |
- What does it mean to keep the Royal Law?
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c. v.5-25 |
- Why keep the Royal Law?
- 1) It honors God v.5-7
- 2) It fulfills God's law v.8-13
- 3) It is genuine faith v.14-26
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4. Watch What You Say James
3:1 - 4:12
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a. v.3:1-12 |
- Because it is a measure of basic human maturity
- 1) Human "completeness" v.1 & 2
- 2) Human influence v.3-8
- 3) Human spirituality v.9-12
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b. v.3:13-4:6 |
- Because it is a gauge of personal spiritual maturity
- 1) Personal source of spiritual energy v.3:13-18
- 2) Personal motives v.4:1-3
- 3) Personal world-view v.4:4-6
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c. v. 4:7-12 |
Because it is a requisite for relational maturity within the
family of God |
5. Be Patient James
4:13 - 5:12
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a. |
- If things are going well for you (financially, etc.)
- 1) Acknowledge God's sovereignty v.4:13-17
- 2) Fear God's judgment v.5:1-6
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b. |
- If things are not going well for you (financially,
etc.)
- 1) Anticipate the Lord's coming v.5:7-9
- 2) Embrace God's care v.5:10-12
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6. Pray All the Time James
5:13-20
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a. v.13a |
- When you are in difficult circumstances
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b. v.13b |
- When things are going well for you
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c. v.14-16a |
- When you have struggles
- 1) Physical weakness v.14 & 15a
- 2) Spiritual weakness v.15b & 16a
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d. v.16b-18 |
When you have a strong desire |
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e. v.19-20 |
When you are burdened for somebody |
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Recommended Sources
Jay Adams, A Thirst for Wholeness, Victor Books, 1988
(out of print)
Peter Davids, The Epistle of James, New International
Greek New Testament Commentary, William B. Eerdmans Pub. Co.,
1982.
David Roper, The Law That Sets You Free, World Books,
1977 (out of print).
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- Steve Wilson
- Evangel Baptist Church
- initial draft from messages presented July-August, 1999
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