Yass Community Baptist Church
This week we begin a series on the book of James in the New Testament of our Bibles. James wrote a letter calling the followers of Jesus to get real about their faith. This week we take a look at James chapter 1.
James 1:1-12 NIV
Get Real!
James gives a brief introduction and greeting in James 1:1. This letter was written by James the brother of Jesus, who became the leader of the church in Jerusalem and later was martyred for proclaiming Jesus as the Lord and Messiah.
After his brief greeting James begins 5 chapters of calling the followers of Jesus up into a real and authentic faith.
Consider Trials as Pure Joy
James' opening instruction is to consider trials of any kind pure joy. This is completely counter to our societies obsession with the avoidance of all discomfort. Does the avoidance of discomfort engrained in our culture condition us to avoid trials and persecution as follower of Jesus? Do we live a risk averse faith?
Why does James think we should consider trials a joy?
James 1:2-12 NIV
Endure the Trial of Temptation
Next, James shifts the focus from trials to temptation. But it's really not that much of a shift at all. In the Ancient Greek that James wrote in the words for trial and temptation come from the same basic word. Enduring temptation is a trial. But God is not to blame when we are tempted to sin, only good things come from God. Temptation comes from our own desires within us.
How does James call for the brothers and sisters in Christ to endure the trial of temptation?
James 1:13-21 NIV
Do the Word
At the heart of getting real about faith is getting real about God's Word. As Christians we often encourage one another to spend time in God's word. For James if this time reading and listening to the scriptures doesn't produce action then it is a waste of time. Not just a waste of time but an exercise in self deception. James urges the church to simply do what God's word says.
What will you start, stop or keep doing as a result of your time in God's word today?
James 1:22-27 NIV
As our life groups gather this week, we have attached our reference verse and some questions to prompt a deeper discussion and search into this week's topic.
If you are not currently part of a life group, and would like to join a small group of like minded people in fellowship and connection during the week, please contact Nick on 0417472474 to register your interest.
James 1:1-27 NIV
Life Group Discussion - Read Matthew 13:1-23 above
(1) What is your normal response to trials, difficulties and opposition in life?
(2) What reasons does James give for considering trials to be "pure joy"?
(3) What problem do you think James is seeking to address in James 1:13-21?
(4) How does James call for the brothers and sisters in Christ to endure the trial of temptation?
(5) According to James, what role should God's Word play in our lives as followers of Jesus?
(6) What things can you start, stop, and/or keep doing as a result of your time in God's word today?
Take some time to pray for one another
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