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“Dear brothers and sisters, not many of you should become teachers in the church, for we who teach will be judged by God with greater strictness.”James 3:1

5 gifts Christ gave to the Church found in Ephesians:

1. Apostle
2. Prophet
3. Evangelist
4. Shepherd
5. Teacher

CENTRAL THEME:
PRACTICE WHAT YOU PREACH

James calls on Christians to be DOERS of the word and not deceive themselves as men of faith by not DOING what they professed. Thus…

CORNERSTONE VERSE:
JAMES 2:26:
“Faith without works is dead”

The full verse says:

“Just as the body is dead without a spirit, so also faith is dead without good deeds.”

“He is justified by works (deeds) and not by faith alone” (James 2:24).

James’ letter not only challenges Believers to be doers of the Word, he also provides practical applications that fall under two underlying principles:
· Trusting in God
· Working to benefit others in need

Primary focus

Practicing what we Preach
&
Faith without Works being Dead

James lays out solid instructions on practically living out Christ likeness.
· Persevering through Trials
· Controlling the Tongue
· Hearing and Doing The Word (our theme for the day)
· Being Slow to Anger
· Prejudice Against the Poor
· Warnings against Judging Others
· God’s Provision
· And more

Physical lives mirror their Spiritual lives.

Struggling with practicing what they preach. And they’re starting to blend in with the rest of world. They’re at risk of losing their saltiness and their faith is growing dim.

Practicing What You Preach
Are they seeing you:
· Be slow to speak and quick to listen
· Slow to anger
· Control your tongue
· Resist temptations
· Be patient in suffering
· Show no partiality or favoritism toward the wealthy
· Seek the wisdom of God vs the wisdom of man
· Etc.
Are they seeing the fruit of your faith through your works and deeds?

Book of James is a mirror reflection of Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount?
Rejoice and be glad in your trials

Mathew 5:10-12: Jesus said, “Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven.”

James 1:2: “Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds.”

Hearers and Doers of The Word:
Jesus said:
“Everyone then who hears these words of mine and does them will be like a wise man who built his house on the rock. And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house, but it did not fall, because it had been founded on the rock. And everyone who hears these words of mine and does not do them will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand.” (Mathew 7:24-27)

James said:
“Be doers of the word, and not hearers only. For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man observing his natural face in a mirror; for he observes himself, goes away, and immediately forgets what kind of man he was. But he who looks into the perfect law of liberty (my favorite word in the English language) and continues in it, and is not a forgetful hearer but a doer of the work, this one will be blessed in what he does.” James 1:22-25

“Suppose you see a brother or sister who needs food or clothing, and you say, “Well goodbye and God bless you. Stay warm and eat well.” But then you don’t give that person any food or clothing. What good does that do?” (James 2:15)

“Never worry about numbers. Help one person at a time and always start with the person nearest you.” – Mother Theresa

“Mary (the Mother of Jesus) kept all these things to herself, holding them dear, deep within herself (whereas) The shepherds returned and let loose, glorifying and praising God for everything they had heard and seen.” Luke 2:19

“Make it your aim to live a quiet life, to mind your own business, and earn your own living. In this way you will win the respect of those who are not believers.” 1 Thessalonians 4:11-12

GIVE US ONE YEAR OF YOUR LIFE.

1 PETER 1:17 // MSG

You call out to God for help and He helps - He’s a good Father that way. But don’t forget, He’s also a responsible Father and won’t let you get by with sloppy living. Your life is a journey you must travel with a deep consciousness of God.