James 1:26-27 (NASB)

26 If anyone thinks himself to be religious, yet does not bridle his tongue but deceives his own heart, this person’s religion is worthless. 27 Pure and undefiled religion in the sight of our God and Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their distress, and to keep oneself unstained by the world.

Principles of True Christianity:

I. Existence of worthless religion (1:26)

II. Elements of worthwhile religion (1:26-27)

1) Control over Speech (1:26)

2) Care for the Needy (1:27)

3) Cleanliness from the World (1:27)

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James 1:17-18 (NASB)

17 Every good thing given and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shifting shadow. 18 In the exercise of His will He gave us birth by the word of truth, so that we would be a kind of first fruits among His creatures.

Theme: God, who is the wonderful, wondrous Giver of physical and spiritual life, should receive continuous gratitude from us as His new creations.

1) Who God is >> His Wonderful Character (1:17)

2) What God does >> His Wondrous Works (1:18)

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James 1:12-16 (NASB)

12 Blessed is a man who perseveres under trial; for once he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him. 13 No one is to say when he is tempted, “I am being tempted by God”; for God cannot be tempted by evil, and He Himself does not tempt anyone. 14 But each one is tempted when he is carried away and enticed by his own lust. 15 Then when lust has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it has run its course, brings forth death. 16 Do not be deceived, my beloved brothers and sisters.

Theme: To progress in the path to spiritual maturity, Christians must continually overcome temptations of the flesh.

Intro – Believe God’s Promises for Perseverance (1:12)

Body – Helps for You to Overcome Temptations (1:13-15)

1) Know the Source of Temptations (1:13-14)

2) Know the Strength of Temptations (1:14-15)

3) Know the Sequence of Temptations (1:15)

Conclusion – Don’t be fooled (1:16)

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James 1:12-16 (NASB)

12 Blessed is a man who perseveres under trial; for once he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him. 13 No one is to say when he is tempted, “I am being tempted by God”; for God cannot be tempted by evil, and He Himself does not tempt anyone. 14 But each one is tempted when he is carried away and enticed by his own lust. 15 Then when lust has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it has run its course, brings forth death. 16 Do not be deceived, my beloved brothers and sisters.

Theme: To progress in the path to spiritual maturity, Christians must continually overcome temptations of the flesh.

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James 1:9-11 (NASB)

9 Now the brother or sister of humble circumstances is to glory in his high position; 10 but the rich person is to glory in his humiliation, because like flowering grass he will pass away. 11 For the sun rises with its scorching heat and withers the grass; and its flower falls off and the beauty of its appearance is destroyed; so also the rich person, in the midst of his pursuits, will die out.

Theme: Believers, whether rich or poor, should find their true satisfaction in Jesus Christ above all else.

1) The poor Christian’s boast (1:9)

2) The rich Christian’s boast (1:10-11)

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James 1:5-8 (NASB)

5 But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him. 6 But he must ask in faith without any doubting, for the one who doubts is like the surf of the sea, driven and tossed by the wind. 7 For that person ought not to expect that he will receive anything from the Lord, 8 being a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways.

Theme: Christians should seek spiritual maturity by asking God for wisdom and praying with a believing heart.

Some “How-tos” of gaining wisdom and making petitions to God

1) Acknowledge your need for wisdom (1:5)

2) Ask God for wisdom (1:5)

3) Ask God in faith, for everything (1:6-8)

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James 1:2-4 (NASB)

2 Consider it all joy, my brothers and sisters, when you encounter various trials, 3 knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. 4 And let endurance have its perfect result, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.

Theme: We as Christians can take joy in our trials because we know that God is using them to grow us to spiritual maturity.

Three Encouragements to help us deal with life’s trials:

1) Put on the Right Attitude in our Trials (1:2)

2) Have Accurate Knowledge about our Trials (1:3)

3) Understand the Intended Outcome of our Trials (1:4)

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James 1:1 (NASB)

1 James, a bond-servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, To the twelve tribes who are dispersed abroad: Greetings.

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