The Significant Themes of James

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2 The Significant Themes of James A challenge to God s people to start acting like God s people. Quit being a PARTIALLY COMMITTED DISCIPLE, instead make a decision to become a FULLY COMMITTED DISCIPLE

3 A man who endures trials is blessed, because he passes the test he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love Him. No one undergoing a trial should say, I am being tempted by God. For God is not tempted by evil, and He Himself doesn t tempt anyone. James 1:12-16 (HCSB)

4 But each person is tempted when he is drawn away and enticed by his own evil desires. Then after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin, and when sin is fully grown, it gives birth to death. Do not be deceived, my dearly loved brothers. James 1:12-16 (HCSB)

5 God s Goal vs. The Enemy s Goal

6 God s Goal: That I would persevere & endure to the end A man who endures trials is blessed, because he passes the test he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love Him. James 1:12,

7 The Enemy s Goal: That I would fail, be deceived, quit and give up A thief comes only to steal and to kill and to destroy. I have come so that they may have life and have it in abundance. John 10:10,

8 The Enemy s Goal: That I would fail, be deceived, quit and give up Be serious! Be alert! Your adversary the Devil is prowling around like a roaring lion, looking for anyone he can devour. 1 Peter 5:8,

9 The Enemy s Goal: That I would fail, be deceived, quit and give up

10 The Enemy s Strategy: 1) For me to play the BLAME GAME 2) For me to GIVE IN

11 The Enemy s Strategy: 1) The BLAME GAME No one undergoing a trial should say, I am being tempted by God. For God is not tempted by evil, and He Himself doesn t tempt anyone. James 1:13,

12 The Enemy s Strategy: 1) The BLAME GAME Blame is the need and desire to place responsibility and find fault. Blame, however is most commonly directed at others and is used to justify ungodly behaviors.

13 The addict s blame of others for all problems is another way to protect his or her secret life. Fault lies with spouse, children, parents, work associates, or boss. The addict is critical, self-righteous and judgmental. There is no acceptance of personal responsibility for mistakes, failures or actions. This appearance of integrity further insulates the addict s world from reality. Ungrateful children, demanding spouses, hard-nosed bosses create an unfair world in which the addict deserves a reward. To be honest about one s limitations would bring the wall crumbling down and, in turn, jeopardize the one source of nurturing and care that can be counted on: The addiction itself. Dr. Patrick Carnes from his book Out of the Shadows

14 The Enemy s Strategy: 1) The BLAME GAME Then the man replied, The woman You gave to be with me she gave me some fruit from the tree, and I ate. So the LORD God asked the woman, What is this you have done? And the woman said, It was the serpent. He deceived me, and I ate. Genesis 3:12-13,

15 The Enemy s Strategy: 1) The BLAME GAME No one undergoing a trial should say, I am being tempted by God. For God is not tempted by evil, and He Himself doesn t tempt anyone. James 1:13-14,

16 The Enemy s Strategy: 1) The BLAME GAME No one undergoing a trial should say, I am being tempted by God. For God is not tempted by evil, and He Himself doesn t tempt anyone. But each person is tempted when he is drawn away and enticed by his own evil desires. James 1:13-14,

17 The Enemy s Strategy: 2) Temptation to GIVE IN But each person is tempted when he is drawn away and enticed by his own evil desires. James 1:14,

18 The Enemy s Strategy: 2) Temptation to GIVE IN His own is from the Greek word idios which means idiosyncrasy or a mode of behavior or way of thought that is unique or peculiar to an individual. A distinguishing habit.

19 The Enemy s Strategy: 2) Temptation to GIVE IN Evil Desires is from the Greek word epithymia which means lusts, desires, cravings, longings. It means to desire what is forbidden.

20 Do not love the world or the things that belong to the world. If anyone loves the world, love for the Father is not in him. For everything that belongs to the world the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride in one s lifestyle is not from the Father, but is from the world. 1 John 2:15-16,

21 The Enemy s Strategy: 2) Temptation to GIVE IN But each person is tempted when he is drawn away and enticed by his own evil desires. James 1:14,

22 The Enemy s Strategy: 2) Temptation to GIVE IN Drawn away is from the Greek word exelko which is a hunting or fishing term which means to be drawn, lured or led away from safety.

23 The Enemy s Strategy: 2) Temptation to GIVE IN Enticed is from the Greek word deleazo which is a hunting or fishing term which means to catch by the use of a bait.

24 The Enemy s Strategy: 2) Temptation to GIVE IN I am lured, baited, and trapped by a lust, or strong craving and desire, that is unique to me.

25 The End Result: Death & Destruction Then after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin, and when sin is fully grown, it gives birth to death. James 1:15,

26 The End Result: Death & Destruction Giving in to temptation:

27 The End Result: Death & Destruction Giving in to temptation: Destroys me spiritually Destroys me mentally Destroys me financially Destroys me physically Destroys me relationally

28 Do not be deceived, my dearly loved brothers. James 1:12-16 (HCSB)

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