James – FBC KellerKen Gardner1 James - Everyday Christianity The marks of maturity in the Christian life Real faith produces genuine works Hands-on Faith that Works

James – FBC Keller Bible Study Ken Gardner 2 James:The Man / The Author Brother of Jesus Mark 6:3 Isn't this the carpenter? Isn't this Mary's son and the brother of James, Joseph, Judas and Simon? Aren't his sisters here with us?" Didn’t Believe in Jesus John 7:5 For even his own brothers did not believe in him. Saw the Risen Christ Jesus 1 Cor 15:7 Then he appeared to James, then to all the apostles, and last of all he appeared to me also, as to one abnormally born. Leader of the Jerusalem Church of Christ Acts 21:17 When we arrived at Jerusalem, the brothers received us warmly. The next day Paul and the rest of us went to see James, and all the elders were present. Died in AD 62

James – FBC Keller Bible Study Ken Gardner 3 James Men’s Bible Study Schedule for January / February 2008 DateBible TextLesson Jan 11James 1: 1 – 18Trials & Temptations Jan 18James 1: 19 – 27Listening & Doing Jan 25James 2: 1 – 13Favoritism Forbidden Feb 1James 2: 14 – 26Faith & Deeds Feb 8James 3: 1 – 12Taming the Tongue Feb 15James 3: 13 – 18Two Kinds of Wisdom Feb 22James 4Submit Yourselves to God Feb 29James 5Patience

James – FBC KellerKen Gardner4 James1: 2 – 18 Trials & Temptations How to Handle Adversity – the Christian’s Attitude The Mature Christian is patient in testing.

James – FBC Keller Bible Study Ken Gardner 5 IntroductionJames 1:1 James, a servant of God and a servant of the Lord Jesus Christ, To the twelve tribes scattered among the nations: Greetings. servant slave Position of authority: Spiritual relationship with Jesus Physical relationship with Jesus twelve tribes Israel believers - Christians scattered Jewish Christians who were ‘disbursed abroad’ during persecution Acts 8:1

James – FBC Keller Bible Study Ken Gardner 6 Attitude: No Pain - No GainJames 1:2 Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, Considercount; to evaluate; values deliberate decision to experience joy pure joyfull & complete joy LB‘Be happy’ Amp‘Wholly joyful’ NEB‘Count yourselves supremely happy’ Enjoy trials or trials are joy wheneverWe will experience trials – rule, not exception facefalling into the midst of - i.e., robbers in Luke 10:30 trialsthings that put a person to the test Gen 22:1Abraham’s test w/ Isaac 1 Kings 10:1Solomon’s test w/ Queen of Sheba of many kindsmanifold, many-colored, of many kinds LB‘Full of difficulties & temptations’ Rejoice when trials come Trials will come in many different forms

James – FBC Keller Bible Study Ken Gardner 7 Attitude: Trials > PatienceJames 1:3 Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. testingtest flight of B787 KJV‘trying’ LB‘when the way is rough’ Amp‘proving of your faith’ perseverancetenacity; stick-to-it; staying power KJV‘patience’ NRS‘endurance’ Amp‘endurance & steadfastness & patience’ Wms‘what is genuine in your faith’ Barcley:The quality that enables a man to stand on his feet facing the storm. 1.Faith is always tested – have a joyful attitude 2.Testing works for us, not against us 3.Testing can help us mature – trials have a purpose

James – FBC Keller Bible Study Ken Gardner 8 Attitude: Patience > MaturityJames 1:4 Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. finish its work LB‘don’t try to squirm out of your problems’ i.e.,let it run its course and don’t hinder from exercising its due influence i.e.,don’t resort to questionable ways when we grow weary of trials mature and complete LB‘you will be ready for anything’ Amp‘you may be people - perfectly developed - with no defects - lacking nothing’ matureChristians who have attained maturity of character and maturity of understanding completewithout blemish or defect - mental & moral completeness

James – FBC Keller Bible Study Ken Gardner 9 Attitude: Patience > MaturityJames 1:4 Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. not lacking anything LB‘strong in character, full & complete’ Wms‘without any defects’ Ripened character having no defects no inadequacy 1.Faith is Always Tested 2. Testing Works For Us - Not Against Us 3.Testing Allows for Perseverance 4.Perseverance + Attitude Allows Maturity 5.Maturity Produces Spiritual Toughness 6.‘The only way God can develop patience and character in our lives is through trials.’

James – FBC Keller Bible Study Ken Gardner 10 What to Pray for During TrialsJames 1:5 If any of you lacks wisdom, Since YouLack Wisdom, he should ask God, Ask God. who gives generously to all without finding fault, and (wisdom) will be given to him. Common Prayer:Why me?Help me! Better Prayer:LORD, I need wisdom. WisdomUnderstanding for living Practical righteousness in everyday life Practical use of knowledge Ability to put things together KnowledgeAbility to take things apart Wisdom in Trials God’s offer for help for those who are facing trials So we will not waste the opportunity to mature that God is giving us. So we can understand how to use the trials for  Our good  God’s glory W W J D ?

James – FBC Keller Bible Study Ken Gardner 11 Condition: Faith James 1: 6 But when he asks, he must believe and he must not doubt, because he who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. “If we are in trials, and ask for wisdom, truly believing, God will give wisdom to us. It is as simple as that!” he who doubtscompletely out of control - instability on a wild ride to nowhere ? Condition for Wisdom

James – FBC Keller Bible Study Ken Gardner 12 Condition: Faith James 1: But when he asks, he must believe and not doubt, because he who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. That man should not think he will receive anything from the Lord; he is a double-minded man, he is unstable in all he does. LB If you want to know what God wants you to do, ask Him, and He will gladly tell you, for He is always ready to give a bountiful supply of wisdom to all who ask Him; He will not resent it. But when you ask Him, be sure that you really expect Him to tell you, for a doubtful mind will be as unsettled as a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind; and every decision you then make will be uncertain, as you turn first this way, and then that. If you don’t ask with faith, don’t expect the Lord to give you any solid answer.

James – FBC Keller Bible Study Ken Gardner 13 Wisdom for the PoorJames 1: 9 The brother in humble circumstances ought to take pride in his high position. RSVLet the believer who is lowly boast in being raised up, LBA Christian who doesn’t amount to much in this world should be glad, for he is great in the Lord’s sight. Poverty-stricken Jewish Christians were poor because of their faith Poverty producing a lowliness of mind Poverty => Spiritual Advantage Luke 6: 20 “Blessed are you who are poor, for yours is the kingdom of God.” The Rich Poor Test: Poverty

James – FBC Keller Bible Study Ken Gardner 14 Wisdom for the RichJames 1: But the one who is rich should take pride in his low position, because he will pass away like a wild flower. For the sun rises with scorching heat and withers the plant; its blossom falls and its beauty is destroyed. In the same way, the rich man will fade away even while he goes about his business. LB But a rich man should be glad that his riches mean nothing to the Lord, for he will soon be gone, like a flower that has lost its beauty and fades away, withered - killed by the scorching summer sun. So it is with rich men. They will soon die and leave behind all their busy activities. The Poor Rich Jewish mind: $$ = Blessing from God Test: Prosperity

James – FBC Keller Bible Study Ken Gardner 15 The Reward for Enduring TrialsJames 1:12 Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him. Summary of James 1: Christian Reward for Remaining Steadfast Under Trials: 1. Inner blessings 2. Receiving a Crown of Life BlessedFortunate Inner quality of happiness in God Happiness not affected by circumstances perseveres under trialNotexperience only Butcourageous endurance stood the testKJV: approved Testing of metals that have been found true crown of LifeJames 1: 12Rev. 2: 10 True Riches = Heavenly Riches

James – FBC KellerKen Gardner16 James1: Plain Talk about How to Handle Temptations Source of Temptation Course of Temptation

James – FBC Keller Bible Study Ken Gardner 17 God Is Not Responsible for EvilJames 1: When tempted, no one should say, "God is tempting me." For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone; but each one is tempted when, by his own evil desire, he is dragged away and enticed. Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death. Progression: 1.Desire – Natural – Bait Emotions 2.=>Deception – Dragged Away Intellect 3.===>Disobedience - SINWill 4.=====>DeathResults Rom 6:23 For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.

James – FBC Keller Bible Study Ken Gardner 18 Source of Temptation James 1:14 but each one is tempted when, by his own evil desire, he is dragged away and enticed. evil desire KJV: lust any kind of desire - even normal thoughts & wishes dragged away KJV: drawn away “lured” enticed ‘ensnared’ LB:Temptation is the pull of man’s own evil thoughts & wishes. Fishing Analogy

James – FBC Keller Bible Study Ken Gardner 19 Course of Temptation James 1:15 Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; Sin – when we yield to temptation and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death. LB:Evil Thoughts => Evil Actions => Death Penalty from God Excuses to Sin: OrdainedThe way God made me CircumstancesI’m in a situation too difficult DispositionI’m unable to resist

James – FBC Keller Bible Study Ken Gardner 20 God’s CharacterJames 1: Don't be deceived, my dear brothers. Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows. Our Character:Try to excuse sin God’s Character:Source of all good coming downconstant & continuing stream keeps on coming down The Goodness of God God gives only good gifts The way God gives is good God gives constantly God does not change

James – FBC Keller Bible Study Ken Gardner 21 God’s GiftJames 1: 18 He chose to give us birth through the word of truth, that we might be a kind of firstfruits of all he created. Ps 119:11 I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you.

James – FBC KellerKen Gardner22 END – Week 1 Next: James1: Listening & Doing

James – FBC KellerKen Gardner23 James1: Listening & Doing Receive the WordJames 1: Practice the WordJames 1: Theology vs. Practice -or- “Quit kidding yourself!’

James – FBC Keller Bible Study Ken Gardner 24 Receive the WordJames 1: 19 Instructions on Accepting the Word: My dear brothers, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, swift to hear slow to speak and (control of the tongue) slow to become angry, slow to wrath Be Quick(Attitude)Be Slow ListenSpeak Anger LB: Dear brothers, don’t ever forget that it is best to listen much, speak little, and not become angry angryharboring of angry resentful feelings

James – FBC Keller Bible Study Ken Gardner 25 Receive the WordJames 1: 20 Reason for Accepting the Word: for man's anger does not bring about the righteous life that God desires. LB: for anger does not make us good, as God demands that we must be. KJV: For the wrath of man worketh not the righteousness of God. Assumption:Christians are obligated to promote the righteousness of God. Implication:Christians who are angry do not practice the righteousness of God. Teaching:Anger never advances but injures the righteousness of God.

James – FBC Keller Bible Study Ken Gardner 26 Accept the WordJames 1: 21 Therefore, get rid of all moral filth and the evil that is so prevalent and humbly accept the word planted in you, which can save you. LB:So get rid of all that is wrong in your life, both inside and outside, and humbly be glad for the wonderful message we have received, for it is able to save our souls as it takes hold of our hearts. KJV:... receive with meekness the engrafted word, which is able to save your souls. Prepare Your Hearts Pull Out:Moral filth Prevalent evil Put In:The Word planted Duty:Accept the Word Condition:Get Rid of What the Word Condemns Manner:Humble Teachable Spirit Incentive:Which can save you

James – FBC Keller Bible Study Ken Gardner 27 Practice the WordJames 1: The Wrong Example / Way: No Actions Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like a man who looks at his face in a mirror and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like. The Right Example / Way: Do what it says. But the man who looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues to do this, not forgetting what he has heard, but doing it--he will be blessed in what he does. looks at his facequick & careless look looks intentlylook carefully, seriously stoop down to see clearly

James – FBC Keller Bible Study Ken Gardner 28 Worthless ReligionJames 1: 26 SAY Lecture our neighbors Correct fellow believers Identify the sins of others Pray long prayers in public If anyone considers himself religious and yet does not keep a tight rein on his tongue, he deceives himself and his religion is worthless. Control of the Tongue

James – FBC Keller Bible Study Ken Gardner 29 Pure ReligionJames 1: 27 Do – Minister to the Needs of the Weak Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world. Care for the Unfortunate & Living a Pure Life

James – FBC KellerKen Gardner30 END – Week 2 Next: Jan 25James 2: 1 – 13 Favoritism Forbidden