James (Part 1)

Introduction

Background and Context

The Author

The Date and Audience

The Purpose

Main Teaching: Faith that _______________

1. Living Faith is ________________, Not merely _________________.

The Greek word Pistis = Faith

Discussion Question: How can we distinguish between genuine faith that produces works and mere intellectual agreement with Christian doctrine?

Genuine Faith

Heart-level _______________

Produces good _____________

Dependence on _______________

Spiritual _________________

Obedience and _______________

Intellectual agreement (or dead faith)

Demonic _______________

Stops short of ________________

Religious _________________

What are some practical evidences of genuine faith?

1. A transformed life of love and obedience.

Actions driven by ______________

Repentance and _____________

2. A changed heart and mind.

The Fruit of the _______________.

A renewed ________________.

Humility and ________________.

3. A devoted and persevering spirit.

Consistent ________________.

Perseverance through ______________.

A desire for __________________.

James
James 1:2-4

Peirasmos = _______________ or _____________________

Main Teaching: __________________ and _____________________

Discussion Question:
Can you think of a trial in your life that initially seemed devastating but ultimately produced
positive character growth?

How did that experience change your perspective on difficulties?

From what I’ve seen in Scripture and in the lives of people, difficulties tend to do three
things:
1. Refine ______________________
2. Build _______________________
3. Deepen _____________________

The Process of Spiritual growth
Suffering produces ________________________________ ________________________.
Perseverance produces __________________________
Character produces ____________________________

Trials and Temptations

James 1:5-8

The process of spiritual growth

Suffering produces ________________.

Perseverance produces ________________.

Character produces ________________.

Romans 5:3-4

What justification is and is not.

A divine ________________.

A ___________________.

A different kind of __________________.

An eternal _________________.

Not ____________________.

Focus on His ___________________.

Trust His loving __________________.

Practice active trust and surrender

Surrender your ________________.

Look for lessons in the ___________________.

Feed your faith, not your _________________.

Keep praying

Persist in prayer with _______________.

Recognize that God has different _________________.

James 1:1-18 - Trials and Temptations

2. Prayer _________________ Wisdom (James 1:5-8)

Discussion Question: What are some practical ways we can cultivate single-minded faith when asking God for wisdom?

Focus on God's character

Remember His _______________.

Trust his __________________.

Submit to his _________________.

James 1:1-18 - Trials and Temptations

2. Prayer ____________________ Wisdom (James 1:5-8)

The solution is simple but not __________________.

Discussion Question: What are some practical ways we can cultivate single-minded faith
when asking God for wisdom?

Focus on God's character
Remember His _________________.
Trust His ___________________.
Submit to His _________________.
Ground your mind in His Word
Study God's _________________.
Speak promises ____________________.
Journal answered ___________________.

Align your actions with your faith
Remove worldly _________________.
Take action in small ____________________.
Seek godly _________________.
Obey the wisdom you ________________.

How can we overcome the tendency to doubt when God's answers doesn’t match our
expectations?

Acknowledge your emotions and expectations
Be honest with _________________.
Identify the source of your ________________________.
Process your __________________.

Anchor your faith in God's character
Remember His __________________.

The Bible is full of God's promises, providing assurance, comfort, and direction for
believers. These are often reaffirmed through covenants and are ultimately fulfilled in Jesus
Christ. Below are some key promises from God with their corresponding scripture
references.

Promises of salvation and forgiveness
Promise of eternal life: John 3:16
Promise of forgiveness: 1 John 1:9
Promise of becoming a new creation: 2 Corinthians 5:17
Promise of no condemnation: Romans 8:1

Promises of God's presence and faithfulness
Promise to never leave or forsake: Deuteronomy 31:8
Promise to be with believers always: Matthew 28:20
Promise of new mercies daily: Lamentations 3:22–23
Promise of trustworthiness: Psalm 145:13

Promises of provision
Promise to meet all needs: Philippians 4:19
Promise of a shepherd's care: Psalm 23:1
Promise of renewed strength: Isaiah 40:31

Promises of peace and comfort
Promise of perfect peace: Isaiah 26:3
Promise of rest for the weary: Matthew 11:28
Promise of peace during trials: John 16:33
Promise of comfort in troubles: 2 Corinthians 1:3–4

Promises of guidance and wisdom
Promise of wisdom for those who ask: James 1:5
Promise to direct your paths: Proverbs 3:5–6
Promise of counsel: Psalm 32:8

Promises of protection
Promise of a refuge and strength: Psalm 46:1
Promise to deliver from fears: Psalm 34:4
Promise of protection from harm: Psalm 91:4

Promises of a good future
Promise of hope and a future: Jeremiah 29:11
Promise that all things work for good: Romans 8:28
Promise to eliminate sorrow, death, and pain: Revelation 21:4

James 1:1-18 - Trials and Temptations
Temptation _____________________ from Within.

James begins with ______________________:

James then addresses a dangerous ____________________:

James then addresses a __________________ misconception.

The good news is that God ________________ a way of escape.

Discussion Question: What are some practical strategies for dealing with temptation at the
"desire" stage before it develops into sin?
Proactive preparation
Establish ____________________ and avoid __________________.
Strengthen yourself through _________________ and the __________________.
Identify your ______________________.
In-the-moment actions.
Pray _____________________.
Flee the __________________.
Delay the _________________.
Replace the tempting ________________.
Seeking support and accountability.
Call a trusted ______________ or ________________.
Join a supportive ___________________.

How can we create accountability and safeguards in areas where we’re particularly
vulnerable?
Create accountability through relationships.
Establish an accountability _________________.
Define expectations _______________.
Use technology for ___________________.
Build a broader support __________________.
Establish preventative ___________________.
Recognize and avoid ___________________.
Set firm ______________________.
Embrace proactive _________________.
The key take away is a call to ______________ responsibility.

Hearing and Doing (James 1:19-27)

The next passage of James shows us what authentic Christianity looks like. It involves three essential elements: how we ____________, how we ____________, and how we_____________.

Main Teaching This evening:

__________________ with Wisdom

James 1:19-21

What are some practical barriers that prevent us from truly listening to God's Word?

Practical barriers that prevent people from truly listening to and applying God's Word often stem from internal attitudes and external distractions characteristics in modern life.

Key practical barriers include:

__________________ and _____________________

__________________ and Self-Sufficiency

Unconfessed Sin and _______________

Unbelief, Doubt, and ______________

_____________ Motives and Worldly Desires

_____________ of Spiritual Discipline

_______________ and Psychological Factors

Human _________________ and External Pressure

Hearing and Doing (James 1:19-27)

How can we cultivate the kind of heart that receives Scripture with humility and eagerness?
Cultivating a heart that receives Scripture with humility and eagerness is a process of
intentional spiritual discipline and a conscious shift of focus from self to God.
Key ways to foster this posture include:

Cultivating Humility:
________________________ Your Need for God.
________________________ for a humble heart.
________________________ a teachable spirit.
________________________ self-examination and repentance.
________________________ others ______________________.
________________________ mistakes and forgive.

Fostering Eagerness:
________________________ daily engagement with the Word.
________________________ the Scriptures.
________________________ the Scriptures.
________________________ a high view of God.
________________________ in fellowship.
________________________ gratitude.

2. ______________________________ the Word (James 1:22-25)

James now addresses the heart of the problem: ________________ without _______________.

Discussion Question: Can you think of an area where you've been a "hearer" of God’s Word
but not a "doer" of God’s Word? What would it look like practically to become a "doer" in
that area?

Hearing and Doing (James 1:26-27)

__________________ in Action.

“Brood of viper! How can you, being evil, speak good things? For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks.” (Matthew 12:34 NKJV)

God has always had special concern for the ______________________.

“A father of the fatherless, a defender of widows, Is God in His holy habitation.” (Psalm 68:5 NKJV)

Discussion Question: How can we balance caring for the vulnerable with maintaining personal holiness in today's culture?

Practical Strategies for Balance

___________________ Discernment

___________________ Healthy Boundaries

___________________ Self-Care and Spiritual Renewal

___________________ on Intent and Motivation

___________________ the Interconnection

What are some practical ways our church community could better demonstrate "pure religion"?

Caring for the Vulnerable

___________________ a Benevolence Fund

___________________ Foster Care and Adoption

___________________ Service Teams for Widows and Seniors

___________________ Community Meals and Food Pantries

___________________ Mentorship and Tutoring

___________________ Grief and Support Groups

___________________ in Prison Ministry

Maintaining the Community's Integrity

_________________ and Teach on Practical Compassion

_________________ Accountability and Mentorship

_________________ Humility and Love

_________________ with Local Nonprofits

John the Baptist Appears

Luke 3:2b-6, 15-18

Key text:” He came into all the country about Jordan, preaching the baptism of repentance for the remission of sins.” (Luke 3:5 KJV)

1. Wilderness Experience
2. The Prophet Appears
3. In the __________________ (vv. 2b-3)

How can you be attentive to God’s Word when you feel “in the wilderness” because of life’s challenges?

How is repentance for sins necessary in the life of an already baptized believer?

How will you follow the example of John and “prepare…the way of the Lord” (Luke 3:4) among your neighbors?