Practical Wisdom: A Study of the book of James Building Your Testimony James 1:19-27 Pastor John Lloyd May 16-17, 2015

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1 Practical Wisdom: A Study of the book of James Building Your Testimony James 1:19-27 Pastor John Lloyd May 16-17, 2015 The good news of the gospel of Christ affects the whole person. It s not a set of rules to outwardly follow, but a change deep within that leads to a difference in our behavior. The effects of the gospel in our lives can be seen by a continual process of inward transformation and then outward action that honors God. God s Word frees us to live in truth and his Spirit gives us the power to live it out. (ML) Memory Verse: James 1:22 But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. James 1:23 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. 26 If anyone thinks he is religious and does not bridle his tongue but deceives his heart, this person s religion is worthless. 27 Religion that is pure and undefiled before God, the Father, is this: to visit orphans and widows in their affliction, and to keep oneself unstained from the world. Big Idea: Obeying God s Word builds strong testimonies. I. Strong testimonies begin by and God s Word. 1

2 James 1:22 But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves James 1:19 Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger; Hebrews 4:12For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart. A. Deal with competing to God s Word. James 1:21Therefore put away all filthiness and rampant wickedness and receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls. (Zechariah 3:3-4) James 1:23For 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. 24For he looks at himself and goes away and at once forgets what he was like. (Matthew 13:4,19) James 1:26 If anyone thinks he is religious and does not bridle his tongue but deceives his heart, this person s religion is worthless. 27Religion that is pure and undefiled before God, the Father, is this: to visit orphans and widows in their affliction, and to keep oneself unstained from the world. I John 5:21(Question 7) The world standards are often based on society, friends/peers, self interest. It s not about isolation but about reprogramming. PJ My prayer is not that you take them out of the world but that you protect them from the evil one. John 17:14, Romans 12:2 Strong testimonies are built upon godly words. One unsurrendered area can neutralize the impact of my life. 2

3 B. Great blessings follow receiving and God s Word. James 1:25 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. (Luke 6:46, John 13:17) Remember God is looking for progress, not perfection. Strong testimonies live like Jesus is always in the room. II. Strong testimonies are built on to those in distress. James 1:27a Religion that is pure and undefiled before God, the Father, is this: to visit orphans and widows in their affliction Matthew 25:36 I was naked and you clothed me, I was sick and you visited me, I was in prison and you came to me. Mt.25:40 Psalm 68:5 Father of the fatherless and protector of widows is God in his holy habitation. 2 Corinthians 8:7 But just as you excel in everything-- in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in complete earnestness and in your love for us --see that you also excel in this grace of giving. Who has God put in my life that He wants me to help? Romans 5:8 but God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. John 13:17If you know these things, blessed are you if you do them. Strong testimonies come as we respond to God s Word! 3

4 Growth Group Questions for May 20, 2015 Opener: Think of a person in your circle of relationships who truly exemplifies godliness. How has this person s life been an example to you? 1. Read James 1: Describe in your own words what is happening here. Underline all phrases that address listening and speaking. What does this tell you about the situation James was addressing? 2. Read James 1: How does this passage describe living a good or godly life? Where does anger fit in? What does James say we need to do before receiving the Word of God in James 1:21? 3. Read James 1:21-22, Revelation 3:17, Matthew 7: List some of the ways people can deceive themselves. 4. Read James 1: How does this passage describe people who do not obey God s Word? How does God bless those who study and obey his Word s teaching? What does obedience demonstrate? 5. Read Luke 8:18. How can you have ears to hear God s Word this week and then do it? 6. Read James 4:4, I Peter 1:14, 2 Corinthians 7:1. What pressures does our culture put on us to disobey or disregard God s Word? List some practical ways to protect yourself from the world s influence. 7. Are you aware of any specific situations in your life in which you are not doing what you know God s Word calls you to do? Why the reluctance on your part to obey? What are the potential consequences of your disobedience? How could Christian friends help you in this struggle? 8. Read James 1: Have you seen examples of worthless religion? Describe them. How can you practice pure and undefiled religion? 9. Think of one or two things you have learned that you would like to work on this coming week. Remember it s better to work on one specific thing and do it well than many things poorly. Write down below what you feel prompted to work on. Have a prayer partner pray for you this week. 4

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