Sermons
Faith and Works pt. 2
by danny on Aug.01, 2009, under Sermons
Text: James 2:18-26
Faith and Works pt. 1
by danny on Jul.29, 2009, under Sermons
Text: James 2:14-17
Title: Faith and Works pt. 1
Proposition: The faith of believers is validated by the works that accompany it. These works revolve around the themes of holiness and godliness.
Intro: As we continue to look in the book of James, we keep seeing the main theme of the book emerge and that is to have a living faith. It is so easy to get caught up in the Christian way of ding things that we begin to substitute genuine faith for a self reliance upon facts. James taught us last week that we have been chosen by God to rich in faith. Remember, this idea of being rich was that of abundance and distinction. The true disciple of Christ is not one who simply talks about faith but it is their distinction in life and they live it out in all they do. Thus, we come to our text today. In this passage we see James do a couple of things. First, he asks 2 questions and second, he gives an analysis of these questions. Let’s take a look at each one and see how our faith ought to produce works.
Read Text: James 2 :14-17
14 What good is it, my brothers, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can that faith save him? 15 If a brother or sister is poorly clothed and lacking in daily food, 16 and one of you says to them, “Go in peace, be warmed and filled,” without giving them the things needed for the body, what good is that? 17 So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead.
Transition:
Question 1: What is the advantage to say you have faith but you do not have works?
EXEGESIS: James begins to tackle a very fundamental issue when he talks about faith. As mentioned already, the readers had learned that they had been chosen by God to be rich in faith. Faith is essential to having a relationship with God. Hebrews plainly teaches that without faith it is impossible to please God. Paul fought fiercely to defend the truth that faith alone is what is necessary for one to truly be redeemed from sin. In his text, James too, is defending this truth yet unlike Paul who defended it in light of a works based salvation, James is teaching it in light of faith producing works sanctification. This is very important. No where does James say one must do good works to earn favor with God nor does he blur the line of faith and works. Rather, he clarifies the proper place of works in the life of the believer. Rather than works viewed as merit, he views it as fruit. Genuine faith is required for one to truly believe and this faith is granted by God by grace. This genuine faith leads one to producing fruit in their lives. Thus fruit is often called love, joy, peace, and so on. The fruit of genuine faith demonstrates it reality in the life of the one claiming to have faith.
APPLICATION: The application is clear for us. We live in a culture that boasts of it faith. Yet, it is clear that the church in many ways has abdicated its responsibility for social justice. The true reformation of the soul has been left to entities that care nothing for the soul. Like the illustration James uses, we simply say yet never invest time or energy or resources into those around us. The world is screaming for redemption and yet we try not to venture out of our Christian bubbles. Do we truly hear them? Do we live out the richness of our faith before a world that desperately needs it? Where is the advantage, James asks, in having a faith that produces no works?
ILLUSTRATION: A Master Gardner is validated by the fruit of their garden.
Question 2: Is a faith that has no works truly a saving faith?
EXEGESIS: On the heels of the first question, James asks another: can a faith that produces no works truly be considered saving faith. This question helps to clarify 2 issues. The first is the issue of saving faith verses blind faith. In verse 19, James argues that even though one may claim to believe in God it makes them no different than the demons. Everyone has faith. The real matter is whether they have saving faith. What’s the difference? The difference is that blind faith simply acknowledges the possibility or reality of something without it making any difference in their lives. Saving faith, on the other hand, is faith that is centered on Jesus Christ because it recognizes faith as a gift of God through grace. This faith only comes through hearing and the hearing is that of God’s word.[1] Saving faith is a faith that changes a person’s life because they have heard God call them and they have responded to this call to repent and believe.
The second issue that arises out of this question is that of being verses doing. These 2 ideas compliment one another as long as they are put in the right order. When someone experiences saving faith, they become a new creation in Christ. The Holy Spirit of God begins to dwell in them and leads them to “do” for Christ. To get the order backwards is what Paul fought against. I don’t have to “do” something in order to get God to love me because he has already demonstrated his love for me. Thus, if I claim to know Christ yet there is no fruit being produced in my life, then I must ask my self honestly if I have blind faith or truly saving faith.
APPLICATION: The application is clear for us today. Do you have a faith that is producing fruit in your life. This fruit is evident by your growing in godliness and holiness which produce those fruits of the Spirit in your life.[2] The illustration given by James teaches us how we can practically live out our faith each day.
ILLUSTRATION:
-
- A Stool - to illustrate blind faith from saving faith.
- Chris M. in England – living out his faith
Final Analysis: Faith without works is dead. Faith in and of itself is dead. Yet, a faith in a living Savior is itself a living faith. A believer’s validation before a lost world is in the good works produced by genuine faith. These good works demonstrate the work of God and thus, he is glorified in them. Therefore, we ought to strive to produce the works of godliness and holiness in our lives in order to let our light shine in a dark world and to exalt the magnificent God who has made it possible.
Conclusion: To conclude this morning, let’s think about what we have talked about this morning:
- Do you have a faith that is producing fruit in your life? If so, how often? What kind?
- If you see that you do not have a faith producing fruit in your life, what will you do about? Will you cry out to God in repentance and true belief?
If we have a saving faith in Christ, there will be times when we do not produce as much fruit as others yet even in these times we consider to be lean, there should be a desire and like a seed underneath the surface, some growth that should be taking place.
Yet, if you find yourself saying you have faith yet never desiring to grow in godliness and holiness, then what kind of faith do you really have?
[1] James 1:19; Romans 10:17
[2] Galatians 5:22 – love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self control
The Argument against Favoritism
by danny on Jul.29, 2009, under Sermons
Text: James 2:5-13
Title: The Argument against Favoritism
Proposition: As believers, there are 2 important truths that we should consider when we think of favoritism: Our Identity and the Implication of Partial Obedience.
Read Text:
5 Listen, my beloved brothers, has not God chosen those who are poor in the world to be rich in faith and heirs of the kingdom, which he has promised to those who love him? 6 But you have dishonored the poor man. Are not the rich the ones who oppress you, and the ones who drag you into court? 7 Are they not the ones who blaspheme the honorable name by which you were called?
8 If you really fulfill the royal law according to the Scripture, “You shall love your neighbor as yourself,” you are doing well. 9 But if you show partiality, you are committing sin and are convicted by the law as transgressors. 10 For whoever keeps the whole law but fails in one point has become accountable for all of it. 11 For he who said, “Do not commit adultery,” also said, “Do not murder.” If you do not commit adultery but do murder, you have become a transgressor of the law. 12 So speak and so act as those who are to be judged under the law of liberty. 13 For judgment is without mercy to one who has shown no mercy. Mercy triumphs over judgment.
Transition:
- We must consider our Identity: v. 5-7
EXEGESIS: As James begins to outline his argument against showing partiality, he uses 2 words to help his readers understand why they need to cease from showing partiality. His imperative, “Listen,” grabs the attention of the reader and it continues to show his style of writing. This imperative introduces the readers to the first theme of identity and that is God’s choice of them. It is the same word used in 1 Corinthians 1:27 and 28 as well as referencing back to James 1:18. Indeed, one of the greatest joys for the believer is that God Almighty has chosen them to know him and to receive the joy of faith and joy of heaven. The poor refers to those of low standing. It is a word James has used much already (1:9; 2:2,4). The picture goes much beyond social status and it speaks of a greater poverty and thus the necessity and need for God to exercise his sovereign will by allowing these spiritually bankrupt criminals to know him. James gives 2 evidences of God’s grace calling as being rich in faith (in Christ) and heirs of the kingdom. The word rich speaks of abundance and distinction. The wealth of faith is not faith itself but a faith rooted in Christ. To be heirs of the kingdom demonstrates the goodness and grace of God. The word “heir” speaks of possession and literally it tells the reader that they are the possessors of the Kingdom of God. In light of this marvelous truth, James says that their actions have dishonored, that is, they have slighted the poor. The poor in standing should remind them of what Christ has done for them but rather, they slighted the poor in favor of the rich. These wealthy people have made slaves of all and they had reduced the readers themselves to servitude. These very ones had slandered the distinct name of God yet these were the ones who had received the favoritism.
APPLICATION: James is teaching us that we cannot forget our identity with Christ. Like the Israelites of old, we are God’s chosen people.[1] He has called us by His name.[2] It is vital to remember that we were spiritually bankrupt and had it not been for the sovereign grace of God, we too would be hopeless and separated before God. Yet, the very reason we must not show partiality is because Christ has redeemed us, made us rich in faith and possessors of the kingdom. This glorious reality is found in the gospel, which is good news for all. Our identity is no longer in self but in Christ.
ILLUSTRATION: Re-entering the country
- We must consider the implications of Partial Obedience vs. 8-13
EXEGESIS: James then uses the term law to remind them that they are no longer under the old law, which proved to show the need of grace and not the means to grace, but rather they are under the law of grace. This law is given the term royal and it means that which is of highest excellence. This ought to also be the character of those who follow it. James tells them if they are presently fulfilling it then they are doing well.[3] This law is usually summarized as the great command to love God completely, themselves correctly and others compassionately. Yet, to show partiality is to not do well and James says they are engaging in sin. The same law of excellence finds them guilty of violating the law. This guilty sentence breaks from the present tense and is cast in the perfect tense. The standard of this law is not partial obedience but full obedience. To abstain from one point but to live by the rest is not what it requires. Thus, they are to speak[4] and act as those who are free and have been shown mercy. Mercy always trumps judgment. Mercy, like love, is a hallmark of the royal law. Jesus taught that those who are merciful are blessed and they themselves shall receive mercy.
APPLICATION: The great law which we are under is that of grace. It compels us to total devotion because it recognizes God’s sovereign mercy towards us and thus the mercy we are to show others. To partially obey is to show an inaccurate picture of grace and devotion. It confuses and causes strife to all connected. The idea of partial obedience should disgust believers because they should desire above all else full devotion to their great God and Savior.
Conclusion: You see, we too are poor. The scripture teaches us that as sinners, we stand spiritually poor before God. This same sin that shows us to be sinners also shows us to be criminals who have broken God perfect law. Yet, God who is rich in mercy, sent Jesus Christ to die for us and to bear the judgment that should have been ours. You see, mercy has trumped judgement.
[1] 1 Peter 2:9
[2] Acts 4:12
[3] James 1:25 - Blessed
[4] James 1:19, 26
The Danger of Favoritism to the Gospel
by danny on Jul.29, 2009, under Sermons
Text: James 2:1-4
Proposition: Believers are not live out their faith with favoritism.
Title: The Danger of Favoritism to the Gospel
Intro: Recap –
- Trials are used by God to accomplish His purposes in the lives of believers.
- Believers are encouraged to seek by faith the wisdom of God to endure trials.
- Believers are reminded of both their identity with and inability without the Lord Jesus Christ.
- Believers are blessed for having endured trials.
- Believers are warned against the temptation to sin in the midst of trials.
- Believers are encouraged in the midst of trials by the unchanging goodness of God.
Introduction:
“In the American classic, Huckleberry Finn, young Huck is tormented by a choice: either turn in Jim (faithful friend and runaway slave) or help liberate him. It is an agonizing dilemma because Huck’s conscience was corrupted by a society that counted Jim inferior: He was property, and to aid him was “sin.” To side with Jim was to side against God. What was true along the banks of the Mississippi River in the 19th century is true today—a conscience, wrongly informed by the culture, can be easily led astray, in this case, straight into the sinful grasp of prejudice.”[1]
In the book of James, the half brother of our Lord was writing to a group of people who had been scattered and who were enduring persecution for their faith. Desiring that they continue to demonstrate their faith as a living faith, James is instructing them in a number of areas to help them understand the way they were to accomplish this instruction. Today’s text teaches us that one of the areas that we must be watchful over is the area of favoritism. The word itself deals with the idea of showing partiality based on the type of object being looked at. In our text, a rich and poor man is used as an illustration to help the readers and we understand how we can avoid the trap of favoritism.
Question: What are the dangers to the Gospel if we as a church corporately and believers individually show favoritism?
Culturally, racism and favoritism can have devastating effects. Favoritism in our culture has led to political corruption, church scandal, and ethnic profiling. Entire communities become isolated from one another due to some prejudice theory. The very idea of favoritism says that someone is not good enough simply
because they lack blood line, skin color, or healthy bank accounts. We see this everyday.
Now, back to our original question: What are the dangers to the gospel if we as a church corporately and as believers individually engage in showing favoritism? As difficult as it is to believe, these persecuted believers who have been scattered all over were doing this very thing. James, as we have seen already, tells them with a strong imperative to stop!
Transition: I believe that our text gives us several reasons why favoritism is a danger to the Gospel:
- We cease to demonstrate the Glory of Jesus Christ: vs. 1
- We cease to demonstrate the Grace found in Jesus Christ: v. 2-4
- We cease to demonstrate the Glory of Jesus Christ: v. 1
EXEGESIS: In this first verse, James instructs the readers to stop, literally, he says “You are not to be holding” the faith that God has granted to you through Jesus Christ alone with favoritism. The faith that God has given is precious and most valuable because it was given on the basis of Jesus Christ and not what one can do on their own. James opens this exhortation to stop showing partiality by using a similar phrase from chapter one. In verses 9-11, James talked about the testing of suffering that the brothers were enduring and he reminded them of their identity in and with Christ. Here, he appeals to them as brothers again and instructs them to stand firm through a different kind test: favoritism. Not just one act but the word is plural and it speaks of multiple acts of favoritism. As he reminded them of their identity before, he reminds them of their responsibility to display to the nations the glory of Jesus Christ. This glory is the majesty and radiance of the risen Lord.
The Glory of Jesus Christ:
6 For God, who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,” has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. 2 Cor. 4:6
3 He is the radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of his nature, and he upholds the universe by the word of his power. After making purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high, - Heb. 1:3
APPLICATION: This text has clear implications for us in 2009. The temptation to show partiality exists just as strong today as it did in James’ day. To be sure racial favoritism is alive and well and we must take the gospel to all people. To be a church with a global impact we must live and share the gospel with our neighbors as well as those whom we may not feel as comfortable around. Yet, we must also be careful not to show favoritism in the church when it comes to worship preference, evangelism efforts, budgeting concerns, and the list goes on! We must demonstrate to this community and the world the all consuming, awe inspiring, and overflowing glory of Jesus Christ. It is his glory that gives a person their worth for when they trust in him and turns away from their sins, He lives in them and he is what makes them valuable. Thus, when we avoid the trap of favoritism, we are free to demonstrate the majesty and splendor of our Lord Jesus Christ.
ILLUSTRATION: Edmond Dantes and Monsieur Villeforte
Transition: There is a second danger to the Gospel that occurs when we show favoritism:
- We cease to demonstrate the Grace of Jesus Christ: v. 2-4
EXEGESIS: In verse 2-4, James gives a hypothetical situation that taught the readers the danger and outcome of showing partiality. The danger was that rather than showing grace. The word grace is used in scripture in a number of ways that need to be examined. The chief use of grace is that unmerited favor of God upon his elect. It is grace through faith that saves and partiality never helps achieve this. Grace also speaks of showing kindness, joy, and mercy. The passage speaks of 2 men, one clothed with splendid garment and one clothed in a filthy, soiled garment. The readers were guilty of putting the rich man in a good seat and the poor man in a humiliating seat. The readers failed to remember that grace is blind. The phrase in verse 3, “if you pay attention…” has the idea of gazing upon someone. The word picture is clear and it, too, fails to remember that the grace found in Jesus Christ is not partial. Grace does show favoritism.
Listen to these examples:
9 But if you show partiality, you are committing sin and are convicted by the law as transgressors. – James 2:9
34 So Peter opened his mouth and said: “Truly I understand that God shows no partiality, - acts 10:34
11 For God shows no partiality. – Romans 2:11
9 Masters, do the same to them, and stop your threatening, knowing that he who is both their Master and yours is in heaven, and that there is no partiality with him. – Ephesians 6:9
The failure to show grace renders the readers as those who have become like those in 1:6, doubters tossed to and fro, and they now stand as judges. The law stands in direct contrast to grace. Rather than being known for their faith and showing grace, they have made themselves distinct from others because they showed distinction.
APPLICATION: As recipients of grace, we should be quick to show grace. Rather than being legalistic judges, we must be quick to show grace to all people. The purpose of being gracious is that they may be saved and live in right standing before God.
Conclusion:
The people of God have always been called to show kindness and grace to people. How has your life demonstrated this reality?
- Does your life demonstrate the glory of Jesus Christ?
- Does your life demonstrate the grace found in Jesus Christ?
Father’s Day Message - June 21, 2009
by danny on Jun.20, 2009, under Sermons
Text: Deuteronomy 6:4-15
Proposition: Believers are to evangelize and disciple their children in the ways of the Lord in order that they may become sons and daughters of God.
Introduction:
1.) January 2005 – The day we bring Lucas home and thinking, “what do I do now?”
2.) This is a feeling many parents feel/
3.) What do we do?
4.) There is an alarming trend today of youth statistics: 9 out 11
5.) How can this be?
As we look at the text set before us today, we begin to understand that the task of raising children and the formation of their spiritual lives is the responsibility of the parents, more specifically, of dads. Moses, as he begins a series of farewell addresses, reminds the Israelites of their history, commands, and expectations. The most important command was to love God completely with everything that they are. Our Lord would expand on this great command by adding that in addition to loving God completely we should love ourselves correctly and others compassionately. There is a sermon on our website that deals with these 3 ideas and how they relate. The point of our text today, though, is that Israel should teach these things to their children. The point is clear for us as well, we should teach these things to our children with the hopes that they will comes to know the Lord Jesus as Lord and Savior in order that they may truly know God the Father who made them for His glory. The idea is that of treasuring him above all things for he is the greatest treasure one can find.
The sad truth for us to face today is that we have substituted our duties at home to be replaced by a pastor, teacher, children’s minister, or youth pastor and thus we perhaps find an underlying reason for why we lose so many students after they graduate.
Edwards: “Family education and order are some of the chief menas of grace. If these fail, all other means are likely to prove ineffectual.”
Spurgeon: “…ministers, and Sabbath school teachers were never meant to be substitutes for mother’s tears and father’s prayers.”
Indeed, if we are to impact our culture with the gospel, it doesn’t start with more gadgets, programs, or resources. It begins with Fathers teaching their children the gospel, instructing their children to be disciples, and to lay the groundwork for spiritual foundations in their lives.
Transition: Dads, this morning I want to highlight 3 areas that I believe our text gives us as the primary reason for our responsibility as Fathers. I believe he intends our homes to…
1.) Our Homes are to be the Center of Evangelism: vs. 6: 4-7
EXEGESIS: In this passage, Moses shares with Israel the paramount command they are to remember. He shares with them the nature of God (Shema) and the way they were to respond. The response required is that of total love for God. It would be this devotion to their God that they would then teach their children. It would be out of the overflow of their relationship with God that would communicate to their children the most important relationship of all: their relationship with God. It would model before their children what it means to have a relationship with their creator. By sharing this through their lives, it would allow them the opportunity to share with their children the truth of the gospel. The word teaching used here is of sharpening.
APPLICATION: Ditto for us. Evangelism is the sharing of the good news that Jesus Christ has died for our sins, been raised from the dead thus showing the Father’s approval and our imputed righteousness, and the truth that he has loved us before we loves him. The gospel should drive our lives. It should fill our hearts thus making teaching it the most natural thing we do. When we live out the great command to love God completely it becomes the most effective evangelism tool you have as a parent. It is so because no matter what you are doing, your heart is full of gratitude for your deliverance from bondage: sin.
2.) Our Homes are to be the Center of Spiritual Formation: vs. 6:7-9
EXEGESIS: Moses gives 3 instructions for the Fathers here: teach diligently, bind, and write. By teaching diligently the idea is that of sharpening a sword in order to make an incisive cut. That is, Moses tells the Fathers, to be direct and decisive. This speaks of boldness and consistency. Moses then tells them to bind these instructions as a sign on their hands and frontlets on their eyes. The hands speak of action and it shows that the natural action of your life should be that modeling a living faith and a growing conformity to Christ. The frontlets on the head speak of the attitude and that the perpetual attitude of their lives should be of holiness and godliness. Then Moses tells them to write these instructions on their doorposts and gates. The doorpost speaks of their home and the privacy of their homes. The gates speak of that public domain where laws were discussed and treated. There is to be no separation of the sacred and secular. The goal of a convert is for them to become disciples.
APPLICATION: The application is clear for us this morning. We must carefully yet boldly teach the truths of the faith as we live it out each day. We must be consistent to model the truth we teach. Our actions always speak louder than words so we must, as if naturally tattooed; bind the instruction to our lives. Our attitudes must reflect that of Christ. Our private and public lives must reflect the same thing. The watch care for the souls of our children have been entrusted to us. Paul teaches us in Ephesians that we are to not provoke our children but to instruct them into holiness and godliness.
3.) Our Homes are to be the Center of the Spiritual Foundation: vs. 10-15
EXEGESIS: Moses, who would not be entering the promised land, instructed the Fathers to beware, lest when they enter the land of promise and find such good things that they do not forget the redemptive work of the Lord nor his ways, covenant, wisdom, or commands. Even more important was that their foundation be sure in order their children, who did not see the great deliverance from Egypt or works in the desert wandering, stay true to that which they have been instructed. God created people for his glory and a strong foundation built on the gospel and nurtured through godly instruction will serve to lay a foundation for the future.
APPLICATION: Listen, one day our kids will leave home and be on their own. Even before then, they will grow in their independence and it is imperative for them to have a strong foundation upon which to make their choices. Our responsibility is to live a life of worship and service before them, as already seen earlier, and to pray without ceasing that they will have a strong Biblical foundation.
Conclusion: Now listen, all of this cannot be done without you first having an authentic walk with Jesus Christ. Your children see the real you and perhaps you need to spend some time in confession and repentance to make things right.
Absolutely none of this can be done without a true relationship with Christ.
To be the Father Moses talked about here, you must be dependent upon the Lord Jesus Christ.
Salt and Light
by danny on Jun.16, 2009, under Sermons
We took a break from our study in James this past Sunday and we discussed the text of Matthew 5:13-16. This familiar passage helped us understand that as believers we are to influence the world as salt and light. Salt has been significant to life through the ages and as “salt” we are to show the necessity of believing the gospel and living it out. As light, we shine because the true light, Jesus, shines in us. Here is the outline from this past week:
Text: Matthew 5:13-16
Proposition: As believers in the Lord Jesus Christ, we are to have a single passion in life and that is to bring glory to God, through Jesus Christ, by being salt and light to the world.
Introduction: Have you ever wondered why you are here? Have you ever wondered what your purpose in life may be? There is no doubt that all of us at some point in our life have asked these questions in some form or another. The problem with these questions is that they tend to make us place ourselves at the heart of the issue. In reality, the right question is if I am truly created by Almighty God for the purpose of exalting His glory, then what must I do to accomplish this task. The answer is, unfortunately, nothing. In our Lord’s sermon we commonly know of as the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus exposes the heart of the gospel that in order for a person to truly know God, they must trust in the Lord Jesus Christ by turning away from themselves and sin and to fully trust in Him alone.
The world in which Jesus came is much like ours today. There are political upheavals, social uncertainty, and religious complexities. Yet, the message of the good news is that it is not in what do but in whose we are that brings peace with God. Once we begin to understand that in Christ we find his righteousness and thus, a restored relationship with God the Father, then we are free to do for Him. Our being in Christ results in our doing for Christ.
Everyone longs to live with purpose and passion. Most people want to avoid wasting their lives and to be a part of something great. There is no greater passion and no greater purpose than living for the glory of God. Jesus helps us understand this truth when he teaches us that we are salt and light.
READ TEXT
Transition: The first way we can live for the glory of God is by understanding…
1.) We are the Salt of the Earth: v. 13
EXEGESIS: As Jesus finishes the section known as the beatitudes, he begins to speak to those who are his disciples. In verse 2-11, Jesus shows that a true relationship with God is not based on “doing” something but rather it is based on having one’s life changed by the grace of God. Jesus now, on the heels of identifying this foundational gospel truth, tells the hearers that they are to be the salt of the earth. By this, Jesus meant that they were to be to those around them what salt was to their everyday life. The question that arises is this: what was the purpose of salt and what did Jesus mean by it when he spoke this. The purpose of salt in this day and age was very different from what we view it as today. Salt played a major role in the lives of these people. It was often used in variety of ways. It seems that Jesus was using it more for its appeal to “value” and “importance” rather than a specific way, though those can help one get a better understanding.
Salt was often discarded by simply throwing it out into the streets. Jesus had this in mind when he said that if salt loses its value, then it is serviceable for nothing.
APPLICATION: Salt is intended to show that as believers in the Lord Jesus and true disciples of him, we are to act as salt in this world. We are to understand that God has called us to go and share the truth of the gospel that is able to save people’s souls. As salt we should understand that we have discovered the most valuable treasure there is and to share this treasure with the world around us. Often times we get enticed by the allurements of the world and as salt, we begin to lose our value. This is a great tragedy in the lives of many believers. They have lost their influence on the world and failed to live as salt.
ILLUSTRATION: Shia LeBeauf Quote:
“They’re all in pain. It’s a profession of bottom-feeders and heart broken people,” he said. “Most actors on most days don’t think they’re worthy,” he added, “I have no idea where this insecurity comes from, but it a God-sized hole. If I knew, I’d fill it and I’d be on my way.”
Transition: Jesus also says that…
2.) We are the Light of the World
EXEGESIS: Jesus uses another metaphor for his hearers to understand. Jesus says that they are the light of the world. The word light is used with the idea that this light is shining and that like a city on a hill, it cannot be concealed. It is important to ask what light Jesus meant by saying when he said we are the light of the world. The proper way to see this is to understand who the light truly is and how we reflect that light. Jesus is the true light (John 1:1,4; John 8:12; John 12:35,36; Phil. 2:15; Isaiah 9:2) It is when one understands that on their own they are darkness but Christ dwells in them to shine through them and to be the light to the world.
The same temptation happens as light as well. The temptation is at times to try and conceal it but Jesus says why light a light and cover it up? That is not the purpose of the light. Rather shine your light and let others see that they may bring glory to God the Father.
APPLICATION: As believers in the Lord Jesus Christ, he dwells in us and shines through us. We are to be the light to the world around us in order that they may see our works that are good and glorify God who is in Heaven.
ILLUSTRATION:
“Every good work should be a revelation of the glory of God. What makes the good deed an act of love is not the raw act, but the passion and sacrifice to make God himself known as glorious.” John Piper
Conclusion:
1.) In order for us to live solely for the glory of God as salt and light, then we must understand that at the center of God’s glory stands the cross of Jesus Christ. On that cross our Lord was murdered for our sins. He died to atone the wrath of God in order that we may become the righteousness of God in Him. Friend, in order to live with a passion for God’s glory, you must first come to the cross.
2.) The burden of salt and light often is difficult and it has taken a toll on your life. Pray to God for a renewed vision of His greatness and renewed strength for the journey.
3.) The temptation to hesitate or procrastinate often keeps us from living as salt and light. Confess this sin before God and pray for the urgency to live out this divine instruction.
4.) The temptation of the world will often lure us from living out our God ordained purpose. Confess this sin and seek his forgiveness. He will forgive and renew a right spirit within you.
Hearing and Doing
by danny on Jun.08, 2009, under Sermons
Text: James 1:22-25
Proposition: Believers are taught that it is not enough to simply hear the word but to put the word to work in their lives.
Introduction: Recap
1.) Trials are used by God to accomplish His purposes in the lives of believers.
2.) Believers are encouraged to seek, by faith, the wisdom of God to endure trials.
3.) Believers are reminded of both their identity with and inability without the Lord Jesus Christ.
4.) Believers are blessed for having endured trials.
5.) Believers are warned against the temptation to sin in the midst of trials.
6.) Believers are encouraged in the midst of trials by the unchanging goodness of God.
7.) Believers are taught that they should be submitted to the word of God as they grow in their faith.
8.) Believers are taught that it is not enough to simply hear the word but to put the word to work in their lives.
Introduction 2: As James is beginning to get into the heart of his message, he reminds us that as believers that we are to have a faith that is growing and visible to a lost world. Jesus said something very similar when he said, “In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in Heaven.”[1]
In scripture, there has always been a connection with being and doing. Our being in Christ will always lead to our doing for Christ. The reason is because we have been saved and our passions and desires have submitted themselves to the will of God, the word of truth. We begin to hear what scripture says and we begin to put this into action in our lives. The danger many face is that they have not submitted to God’s word and they do in order that they may gain God’s favor. They believe that if they “do” something for God then they will gain his favor. Yet the opposite is what is true. God grants us faith and repentance leading us to Him and then he works in us and through us to accomplish His will in our lives.
This leads us to our text today. On the heels of what we have learned up to this point, James now says to not just hear, though that is our first response (vs. 19) but that we should become doers of the word. Let’s think about this text for a few moments and we can learn what it means to be a doer of the word.
We are Formed by the Word to Accomplish the Word
1.) The Connection of Hearing and Doing - 22
2.) The Danger of Hearing but not Doing – 22-24
3.) The Delight of Doing in the Light of Hearing – 25
“22 But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. 23 For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man who looks intently at his natural face in a mirror. 24 For he looks at himself and goes away and at once forgets what he was like. 25 But the one who looks into the perfect law, the law of liberty, and perseveres, being no hearer who forgets but a doer who acts, he will be blessed in his doing.”
1.) The Connection of Hearing and Doing – 22
EXEGESIS: First as the text says, one must be a hearer and a doer but not just one of each. The connection of hearing and doing is that both compliment each other. Hearing has already been discussed in the passage. In verse 18, the word of truth is heard and in verse 2o, the readers are told to be quick to hear. In verse 18, the word of truth which one hears is used by God to bring about new life in their lives. In verse 20, the same word that brought life is the same word that instructs one in godliness and holiness. Now, James connects the final dot, which is the heart of his message, and that is to put the word into action into your life.
APPLICATION: The application is clear for us today. We must understand the significance of hearing the word and putting it into action. In every sequence of verse 18, 21, and 22 there is a sense of urgency. Be urgent in hearing what God says and then do it. To disconnect either of these is to live with complacency and laziness. The first act of doing is responding to the good news that despite our inability to truly know God and have a relationship with because of our sinfulness, God has provided the needed atonement in Jesus Christ. Christ bled and died for our sins in order that we may have new life. Now that we have that new life we continue to hear and to put what we hear into action.
2.) The Danger of Hearing but not Doing – v. 22-24
EXEGESIS: In the text, James says that to simply be a hearer of the word is to ignore the true message of the gospel and to live without urgency. In verse 22 James says that one is to be a doer and not simply a hearer in order that they may not be deceived. The word deceived is a word that carries with it the idea of delusion or one cheating themselves of something. In the context of the passage, hearing the word only is to just observe what it says and by not carrying it out in life, is to cheat yourself of the real value that the word holds. In verse 23, James says that one who hears is like one who contemplates what he his hearing and as soon as he quits observing they leave and immediately forget what they saw. The text says that they forget what manner of person they are.
APPLICATION: The danger of hearing only is that it disconnects faith from reality. It is religious information but not spiritual transformation. We’ve already seen the connection between hearing and doing but now it becomes clear that the word, as it reveals our greatest need and the answer to that need found in Jesus Christ, it leads to living out this transformation that is visible to a lost and dying world.
ILLUSTRATION: “Waitin’ on the World to Change”
3.) The Delight of Doing in the light of Hearing: v. 25
EXEGESIS: In verse 25, James shows a stark contrast of those that merely hear and those that listen and then do. He says that the one who has looked, that is they have stooped to look in, into the perfect law of liberty, the gospel, then that person will be blessed in their work. The text is rich in content. Unlike the hearer of verse 22-24, the hearer in verse 25 has listened attentively and with great care to understand what the word is saying and then they go out and live it before the world around them. The perfect law of liberty is none other than the gospel. It is the word of truth and Jesus said the word of truth will set you free. This perfect law is Jesus. The idea in the text is that they persevere in this law; that is they remain in it continually. James is teaching the church to let the word of truth dwell in your thoughts and heart each moment of each day. This law is perfect because “it rests on the work of Jesus Christ, whose truth sets us free.”[2] He then gives another beatitude (v. 12) that says the doer who is in action will be blessed. They will enjoy a divine happiness because they are doing in the light of hearing.
APPLICATION: The application of this text is clear for us this morning. Our doing for Christ should flow out of our being in Christ. We have heard the glorious truth of the gospel and it has changed us. Now, rather than just being a casual hearer, we continue to hear that message, revealed throughout all of scripture, and we live it out each day. We are to remain in it continually thus avoiding the trap of forgetting and living without urgency. May God grant us the ability to do for Him because we are in Him.
Conclusion:
1.) This morning you may be here and you don’t know Christ. You know about him and you think he’s a nice guy but you don’t trust your soul to him. Friend, won’t you be saved today. Come to Jesus this morning and be reconciled to God.
2.) This morning you may be here and you are the one who hears but doesn’t act. We’ve all been there and will probably be there again. Yield your life to the Lord and live for Him each day. Find someone to hold you accountable.
3.) Finally this morning, you may be here and God may be leading you to partner with us in church membership. I will be down front just as soon as the service has ended and I can share with you how you can join with us here.
Submission to the Word - James 1:19-21
by danny on Jun.08, 2009, under Sermons
Here is the skeleton outline for this message:
Text: James 1:19-21
Proposition: Having been brought to life by the word of truth, believers are encouraged to put off the old and to receive the implanted word and to live it out each day.
Introduction: Recap the message of James thus far
Introduction 2: Today, as we continue our look at this letter written by James, we are beginning the section of his writing that teaches the importance of hearing and doing the word of God. The rest of this book uses several different facets such as avoiding partiality, taming the tongue, effective prayer, overcoming fracture within the church, and more. The center of any person’s life, and the life of the church, is to be the word of truth. Just at it was able to give you life so to is it continuing to sustain your life. To get us to this point, James teaches us to submit to the teaching of God’s word. By first submitting to it we can begin the actual doing of it. Submitting to it changes our own ideas and thoughts in order that we may be more conformed to the image of Christ. It seems unfathomable to think that true joy comes from submitting but it is a reality we must learn.
Transition: How does this take place?
1.) The Qualities of Submission – vs. 19, 20
A.) We are Quick to Hear
B.) We are Slow to Speak
C.) We are Slow to Anger
2.) The Process of Submission – vs. 21
A.) Put Away
B.) Receive
Conclusion:
1.) Are you submitted to the Word of God?
2.) The greatest act of submission is to yield your life to Jesus Christ.
The unchanging goodness of God
by danny on May.24, 2009, under Sermons
In about an hour and a half I am going to be preaching out of James 1:16-18. We started a series out of James a few weeks ago and the reason we want to study this book, like any other book in scripture, is that we may grow in the likeness of our savior Jesus Christ. James desired for the believers of his day to demonstrate their faith in Jesus Christ in all they do. We have been learning how this applies to our day as well. Trials can derail our faith in God and thus cause us to not live it out each day. Through a series of statements, James has made it clear that God always uses trials in the lives of His people to accomplish His purposes. He has encouraged us to seek God’s wisdom to endure, to remember both our identity with and inability apart from the Lord Jesus, and to understand that we are blessed for having endured trials. Now, he encourages us to remember the unchanging goodness of God. This helps us understand a little more about the nature of God and it shows us the heart of God. The following outline is the sermon outline for today and I hope it will remind you to seek the Lord each day and to live for HIS glory and to love HIM above all else. God bless my friends.
Text: James 1:16-18
Proposition: The Unchanging goodness of God is an encouragement for believers.
Intro: Recap –
1.) Trials are used by God to accomplish His purposes in the lives of believers.
2.) Believers are encouraged to seek by faith the wisdom of God to endure trials.
3.) Believers are reminded of both their identity with and inability without the Lord Jesus Christ.
4.) Believers are blessed for having endured trials.
5.) Believers are warned against the temptation to sin in the midst of trials.
6.) Believers are encouraged in the midst of trials by the unchanging goodness of God.
Job said, “The LORD gives and the LORD takes away; blessed be the name of the LORD.” Job 1:21
It is easy and almost expected to change our view of God when difficulties hit our life. James very sternly tells them to avoid being deceived and to be encouraged that God never changes. The same good purpose he had for their life before the persecutions is the same good purpose he is going to bring about.
Transition: Again, it is easy and almost expected for someone to change their view of God when difficulties hit their life. Yet, in stark contrast, the UNCHANGING goodness of God is an encouragement to us because…
1.) We are taught about the Nature of God: vs. 17
EXEGESIS: James teaches the persecuted believers that every (all, entire) gift comes from God (is from above). To clarify his exact point, James uses 2 different words for gift. The first is the word dosis and it means the act of giving. The second word is dowrema and it means the perfecting of the gift. Thus, every good act of giving and the perfection of that gift are both from God. Trials, as seen throughout chapter 1 and the scriptures always are portrayed as being a gift. Therefore, James concludes, God is no less good because he allows trials to happen in the lives of his people.
Another aspect of God’s nature seen in this verse is the unchanging nature of God, often called his immutability. James uses the word picture of light cast by the sun to demonstrate what he means. God, unlike the variation of sunlight or the shadows often cast by the sun, never changes. Louis Berkhoff uses 4 words to summarize God’s immutability: being, perfections, purposes, and promises. The word picture here is that God who created light to shine is above them in that He does not change. He is the same yesterday, today, and forever (1 John 1:5; Numbers 23:19; Malachi 3:6)
APPLICATION: The application of this text teaches us to understand, as best we can, the nature of God. We are encouraged when we begin to see that God is good and that he has not changed. There is no variation in his character nor is there any deception in his actions. It is easy to have our view of God changed when trials occur but we can be encouraged by the unchanging goodness of God.
ILLUSTRATION:
2.) We are taught about Heart of God: vs. 18
EXEGESIS: In this verse, James begins shifting direction away from the importance of living out faith in the midst of trials by teaching something about the heart of God. Again, this verse serves as a bridge that connects the whole of his message and the message he now moves to is God’s unchanging goodness is most clearly seen in his redemption of people. James uses the same word picture he uses in verse 13-15 to describe a birth that results in life rather death. Unlike those verses, redemption is seen as an intentional act of God’s will to give life to sinful rebels through the word of truth, the gospel. The heart of God is redemption. The greatest display of God’s unchanging goodness is his salvation of his enemies. The text here describes this as regeneration. The word means that God has given new life to a dead sinner. This is often called the new birth. Regeneration is the result of something only God can do and it is the beginning of a new life in Jesus Christ. This life of faith is then lived out each day before a world that needs to know the gospel. The purpose of our regeneration is that we may be presented as the first fruits of God. This is an agricultural term that gives the picture of those first crops that are harvested. It is a picture of consecration. One day all of creation will be regenerated and the salvation of people are the first products of that coming harvest.
APPLICATION: God’s heart is in redemption. He desires that we see his unchanging goodness and be encouraged through it. As we seek to demonstrate our faith each day, we must keep in our hearts and mind the fact that he has given us new life. He has demonstrated his love for us at the cross and through the resurrection. He has not changed nor will he change. Be encouraged and look to him.
