1 Timothy 1:12
This message is based on Paul’s exhortation in 1 Corinthians 8:1b. Admittedly, Paul writes to the Corinthians to teach them (knowledge). But, knowledge by itself leads to pride. Knowledge is not enough to build up others or to build up the church. It takes knowledgable love to edify!
I originally preached this message the Sunday morning of my younger brother’s ordination.
James 1:19-20 reminds us that you must act intentionally.
James 1:17 is one of my favorite passages in Scripture. It reminds us that God only gives good gifts and that God never changes! We, as sinful beings, tend to take God’s good gifts for granted. I hope this message will turn your heart toward God as you contemplate His good gifts! Because God is good, you must give Him credit.
Mankind has been plagued with the temptation to blame others for their sin since the garden of Eden. Sinful man even introduces God into the blame game! The Apostle James makes clear that God is not the source of your sin. James 1:13-15 teaches us that because you sin, you must repent!
God expects us to pass the the tests of life with our faith still in tact. This is not easy. It is rather one of the hardest things in life. It mandates that the Christian not only survive life but also keep focused on the most important thing in life: following Christ.
Eternity is the means of enduring the present. James 1:12 says keep eternity in front of you as you endure trials in this life.
Here’s a short sermon on the Lord’s prayer. I was both blessed and challenged in God’s Word while preparing the message. I hope it is likewise a blessing and a challenge to you!
In James 1:9-11, we see two very different life situations. One person is dirt poor and the other is very rich. And yet, both are commanded to look past their present circumstances and rejoice in what Christ has done for them. Because present things fade, you must focus on eternity. We all come to Christ in the same, humble way. We all can rejoice in His exaltation!
We don’t like asking for help. We want to be self-reliant. While this is natural, it leads to unbiblical tendencies. We serve an all-powerful God who has told us to ask Him for help. James 1:5 states…
If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.
Because God gives wisdom freely, you must confidently ask Him for wisdom!
We avoid hardship. This is a normal response to hardship but it is not a spiritual response to hardship. James 1:2 states…
My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations.
The word “temptations” here in James is referring to spiritual trials. James has a different response to hardship! I want to challenge you with this truth: because trials are beneficial for your faith, you must rejoice in trials. This is not the way that we normally think about hardship. And yet, joy is the biblical response to trials.
Proposition: Because Christ gave us the gospel, you must live in a worthy manner.
