Our Theme during 1972 will be the General Epistles- begin reading! "Living"-4:1-11

JAMES IS THE AMOS OF THE NEW TESTAMENT, CRYING OUT FOR ETHICAL RIGHTEOUSNESS, AND LIVING FAITH

1. From the "Holy of Holies" of Hebrews- we go into the Work Room of James-practical words of Jesus.
2. This was written to Christian Jews only 10 years before destruct of Temple by Titus-trials.
3. But the real crying shame is that the people brought the terrible times upon themselves-

This book is a study in victory and defeat- Jesus leads to Victory, We choose defeat.

I.- FROM WHENCE THE WARS AND FIGHTINGS ? 4:1 ??

The Greek is a little softer- feuds and Struggles, & v.2- Kill- is harass and oppress -
but the question is still obvious- where does the trouble come from? Search for villain -where?

A.- OUR STRUGGLE WITH SIN COMES FROM WITHIN OUR OWN HEARTS, OUR OWN SIN AND LUST! 1:14,15

1. When we are tempted to sin- we blame God, circumstances, environment- but God says YOU!
2. When we are drawn away into sin- nothing but our own lust can bring sin into our being!
3. God does not change- He gives good gifts, gives us the word of truth- so listen- v.17,18,19

B.- OUR STRUGGLE WITH OTHERS COMES FROM OUR OWN CLASS DISCRIMINATION BASED ON PREJUDICE 2:1-4

1. We spend our time judging people according to our preconceived prejudices-many times wrong
2. We honor those who can help us, -and dishonor those who might need our help- judge appearances
3. When we so sin with willful prejudice- we commit sin- v.9,10 the law convicts us & we hurt

C.- WE STRUGGLE TO CONVINCE OTHERS OF OUR FAITH BY OUR WORDS, AND MISS THE DEEDS OF FAITH 2:14-17

1. We can SAY, (profession, not a possession) but saying and having are two different words
2. As we are fooled by being impressed by the rich- we in turn try to impress others- fool them
3. James strikes to the very heart-SHOW ME-v. 18- The practical reality -like Jesus-"by fruit "

D.- OUR STRUGGLE WITH OUR OWN TONGUE, THAT IS SET ON FIRE FROM HELL ITSELF -3:1- further on Words-

1. We try to impress others with our critique -v.1 that we are masters -, important up/down
2. Our tongues boasts great things- v.5, and leads us into bitter envying- v.14
3. The real wise man shows with Works, not words- 13, and is pure, peaceful-v.17 hear Jesus Matt 5:9 

E.- OUR STRUGGLE WITH OUR DESIRES OF WORLDLY POSSESSIONS LEADS US TO MURDER 4:1-

1. We fight and claw, not kill-but Zealously harass and oppress- to get, GET,- from others
2. When we ought to be asking from God for your needs- we ask for our lusts! v.2,3
3. We love the things that belong to the enemy-v.4, and fight to become rich, but woe to rich-
4. The real heartache is that we know how to do good-but choose the wrong way- 4:17

We are in a mess, life is full of troubles,- We have not lived out the commands of Jesus

II. FROM WHENCE THEN ANY PEACE & HOPE ? ? 5:7

Throughout James he gives pointed, powerful messages to cure our suffering-
4:7,8,10 Submit to God, resist the devil, draw nigh to God, humble yourselves, He will lift
But in the closing passages James sums up the duties of the Christian to find happiness

A.- BE PATIENT, STABLISH YOUR HEARTS, FOR THE COMING OF THE LORD DRAWETH NIGH 5:7-8

1. The sure knowledge of the second coming of Christ gives us motive, and stimulus -
2. So much of our trouble is because we run ahead of the Lord in grasping for things-
3. If we would spend more time in the Word of God- and less time grasping - what a difference

B.- GRUDGE NOT ONE AGAINST ANOTHER, THE JUDGE STANDETH BEFORE THE DOOR 5:9

1. In our prejudice one against another, we forget that He that judges without mercy- v.2:13
2. As a father watches his children- so our Lord watches His people- how they treat each other
3. If you have any grudge against another Christian- Jesus often warned- & James quotes him-

C.- IF YOU ARE AFFLICTED, PRAY, IF MERRY, SING PSALMS - WHATEVER THE MOOD, PRAISE GOD 5:13

1. There are normal afflictions and elations- but in them all- turn to the Lord!
Our ignorance of the times and customs causes us to stumble here- this is neither the supreme unction of the Catholic- nor the divine healing of the Pentecostal!-
2. But the power of prayer cannot be ignored and we need each other to share with.

D.- IF WE ARE CAUGHT BY OUR HEARTS IN SINS, FAULTS,* CONFESS THEM, & PRAY FOR EACH OTHER v.16

1. This is not a protestant nor catholic confessional- but a sharing, not burdening!
2. When a loved one shares with us- then we apply v.19 and correct him in love-
3. Then the real test of a Christian friend- v.20 turning us from error, saving a life,-

These are the steps of love and compassion that makes life easier, and blessed

BUT WE EACH CAN BE A PART OF THE CAUSE OF THE STORM, OR THE CURE OF THE AFLICTION, WHICH ARE YOU?

1. If you choose to follow Jesus- you can be a part of the cure- stop fighting yourself.
2. If you become a soulwinner you are a part of the cure for others- real joy- interested?