FAITH THAT WORKS MARKS OF A MATURE PERSON

FAITH THAT WORKS MARKS OF A MATURE PERSON PASTOR LARRY KASSEBAUM 8-Week Bible Study January 8 - February 26, 2018

RUNNING THE BASES 1 Corinthians 9:24 Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. Equipment Bag Discovering Your Spiritual Gifts Find a Place of Meaningful Ministry Outreach Ministries Feed Yourself Self Assessment/Mentoring Equipment Bag Spiritual Practice Worship Bible Study Prayer Daily Devotions Small Groups Becoming a Servant Becoming a Disciple RUNNING THE BASES AT VICTORY Equipment Bag Becoming Contagious Learn how to Share Faith Story Equip Godly Parents Lead Ministry Team/Small Group Children/Youth Ministries Becoming a Believer Equipment Bag New Members Class Baptism Alpha Class Philippians 3:13-14 I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus. 2

INTRODUCTION GROWING OLDER ISN T THE SAME AS GROWING UP! Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will grow to become in every respect the mature body of Him who is the head, that is, Christ. - Ephesians 4:15 When our children were younger they took delight in measuring how they were growing up. First it was a pencil mark on a door jamb and then not long after that they began comparing their height to that of their mother. Then we began to hear them tell us that things we wanted them to do were too childish for them. Soon they had progressed to a point where they increasingly (but not always consistently) wanted to be treated like adults. That s how it should be! As parents, we delight in watching our children grow up and become responsible adults. We not only like it, we encourage it. God, our heavenly father, has the same desire for all of His children as well. He wants us to grow physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually so that in every way we enjoy the fullness of life. If you look at the baseball diamond on the preceding page, you will get a glimpse of what maturing as a Christian might look like. In many ways, that diagram is similar to the progression that we all make as we move from childhood to adolescence to being young adults to becoming adults, to being parents, grandparents and even great-grandparents. The expectation we have of ourselves, and that others have of us, change as the time passes. But how can we know that we are growing spiritually? How are we to measure our spiritual maturity? Can we even honestly say that we are as concerned or as committed to spiritual maturity as we might be to other matters like financial independence and our physical well-being? In our study of the Book of James, we have a manual on maturity. In our eight weeks together, you will discover that maturity isn t age. It s not appearance. It s not achievement and it s not academics. It s primarily a mind-set or an attitude. This book is literally a manual on how to be mature. My goal for our time together is to equip and encourage you to know the joy and the effectiveness of a mature faith. If you re my age, or older, you are well aware that as we age physically there are some things we can no longer do as well as we once did. But on the plus side, we now have experiences, relationships, resources and insights that we can use as contagious Christians. If we do that, not only will we be blessed, but others will be as well! Let the adventure begin!!! Senior Pastor 3

FAITH THAT WORKS THE MARKS OF A MATURE PERSON An overview of the Book of James WHAT MATURITY ISN T: It s not: It s not: It s not: It s not: God's will for every person is personal growth and maturity. The book of James defines what maturity means. God says maturity is determined by. 5 MARKS OF MATURITY 1. A MATURE PERSON IS. "Consider it pure joy, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know the testing of your faith develops perseverance and perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete not lacking anything." James 1:2-4 "Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love Him." James 1:12 2. A MATURE PERSON IS. "If you really keep the royal law found in Scripture, `Love your neighbor as yourself, you are doing right. James 2:8 3. A MATURE PERSON HAS. "We all stumble in many ways. If anyone is never at fault in what he says, he is a perfect man, able to keep his whole body in check." James 3:2 See James 3:3-11 "Do not let any negative talk come out of your mouth but only what is helpful for building up others according to their needs..." Ephesians 4:29 "If anyone considers himself religious and yet does not keep a tight rein on his tongue, he deceives himself and his religion is worthless." James 1:26 4

5 MARKS OF MATURITY (continued) 4. A MATURE PERSON IS A, NOT A. "What causes fights and quarrels among you? Don't they come from your desires that battle within you?" James 4:1-12 2 SOURCES OF CONFLICT: (VS. 2-3) (VS. 11-12) 5. A MATURE PERSON IS. "Be patient then, brothers, until the Lord's coming... As you know, we consider blessed those who persevere." James 5:7, 11 "The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective." James 5:16b How would you rate your maturity on a scale of 1-10? NOTES 5

FAITH THAT WORKS YOU CAN PROFIT FROM YOUR PROBLEMS JAMES 1:2-6 "Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds " HOW CAN I BE POSITIVE UNDER PRESSURE? I. FOUR FACTS OF LIFE YOU NEED TO KNOW "Consider it pure joy... because you know " 1. PROBLEMS ARE. "... whenever you face trials..." 2. PROBLEMS ARE. "... whenever you face trials 3. PROBLEMS ARE. "... trials of many kinds " 4. PROBLEMS ARE. "Realize that they come... to produce in you 3 PURPOSES OF PROBLEMS (vs. 3-4) Problems purify my Problems fortify my Problems sanctify my God's #1 Purpose in my life:. For further study: Read Romans 5:3-5, 8:28-29 II. HOW TO HANDLE YOUR PROBLEMS 1.. "Consider it pure joy whenever you face trials..." (vs. 1) 2.. "If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him." (vs. 5) 3.. "But when he asks, he must believe and not doubt..." (vs.6) The result: James 1:12. 6

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FAITH THAT WORKS HOW TO MAKE UP YOUR MIND JAMES 1:5-11 Immediately after speaking about problems (vs. 2-4), James dealt with the matter of decisionmaking. The quality of your life will be determined by the wisdom or foolishness of your decisions. 1. THE PROBLEM. "A doubleminded man is unstable in all his ways." (vs. 8) DOUBLE-MINDED: TWO-SOULED Indecision causes... UNSTABLE UNSTABLE UNSTABLE 2. THE PRESCRIPTION. (vs. 5-6a) JAMES SUGGESTS 3 PRACTICAL STEPS: STEP ONE:. "If any of you lack wisdom..." (vs. 5a) Definition of Wisdom:. "When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom." Proverbs 11:2 STEP TWO:. "... he should ask God..." (vs. 5b) "It is the Lord who gives wisdom; from Him comes knowledge and understanding. Prov. 2:6 STEP THREE:. "But when he asks, he must believe and not doubt..." (vs. 6) "And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to Him must believe that He exists and that He rewards those who earnestly seek Him. Hebrews 11:6 3. THE PROMISE: GOD WILL GIVE IT! "... Ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him. (vs. 5c) HOW GOD GIVES 8

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FAITH THAT WORKS HOW TO WIN OVER TEMPTATION JAMES 1:12-18 "Blessed is the man that endures temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord has promised to them that love Him." (vs. 12) Trials (from God) > to help us grow Temptations (from Satan) > to cause us to sin HOW CAN I WIN OVER TEMPTATION? 1. (vs. 13a) when tempted no temptation has seized you except what is common to man. 2. (vs. 13b) "When tempted, no one should say, `God is tempting me.' For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does He tempt anyone." 3. (vs. 14-16) "Each one is tempted when, by his own evil desires, he is dragged away and enticed... Don't be deceived, my dear brothers. "In order that Satan might not outwit us, we are not unaware of his schemes." 2 Corinthians 2:11 HOW TEMPTATION WORKS (vs. 14-15) "Each one is tempted when, by his own evil desires..." "... he is dragged away and enticed..." "Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin. "and sin, when full grown gives birth to death. 4. (vs. 17) "Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights " Philippians 4:8 5. (vs. 18) "... God is faithful; He will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, He will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it!" 1 Corinthians 10:13 10

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FAITH THAT WORKS HOW TO BE BLESSED BY THE BIBLE JAMES 1:19-27 "The man who looks intently into the Perfect Law that gives freedom and continues to do this, not forgetting what he has heard, but doing it he will be blessed in what he does." (vs. 25) I. I MUST GOD S WORD (vs. 19-21) "... accept the Word planted in you..." (vs. 21) Matthew 13:1-9, 18-23; 1 Peter 1:23 ATTITUDES FOR "GOOD RECEPTION" (vs. 19a) "Be quick to listen, slow to speak..." (vs. 19b) "... and slow to become angry..." (vs. 21a) "Get rid of all moral filth and the evil that is so prevalent..." (vs. 21b) "humbly accept the Word planted in you..." II. I MUST ON GOD S WORD (vs. 22-25) ILLUSTRATION: GOD S WORD IS LIKE A MIRROR 2 Corinthians 3:18; 2 Timothy 2:7 1. "... the man who looks intently into the perfect law..." S. P. A. C. E. P. E. T. S. 12

HOW TO BE BLESSED BY THE BIBLE (continued) 2. "... and continues to do so " John 8:31-33, Psalm 119:97, Joshua 1:8 3. "... not forgetting what he has heard..." John 15:7, Hebrews 2:1, Psalm 119:11 III. I MUST TO GOD S WORD (vs. 22-27) "Do not merely listen to the Word, and so deceive yourselves. DO WHAT IT SAYS!" (vs. 22) "The man who put the Law into practice wins true happiness." (vs. 25) Matthew 7:24-27, John 13:17 3 EXAMPLES (vs. 26-27) NOTES 13

FAITH THAT WORKS HOW TO TREAT PEOPLE RIGHT JAMES 2:1-13 "If you really keep the royal law found in Scripture, Love your neighbor as yourself,' you are doing right. (vs. 8) I. THE PRINCIPLE: (vs. 1) "My brothers, as believers in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ, don't show favoritism. AREAS OF DISCRIMINATION II. THE PROBLEM 1. FAVORITISM IS (vs. 1) "For God does not show favoritism." Romans 2:11 Acts 10:34, Ephesians 6:9, Colossians 3:25 "Man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart." 1 Samuel 16:7 2. FAVORITISM IS (vs. 5-7) "... Has not God chosen those who are poor...to be rich in faith...and inherit the kingdom...?" "Is it not the rich who are exploiting you?" 3. FAVORITISM IS (vs. 8-9) "Anyone who does not love his brother, whom he has seen, cannot love God, whom he has not seen." 1 John 4:20 The seriousness of it. (vs. 10-13) III. THE PRESCRIPTION: HOW TO TREAT PEOPLE RIGHT (And How to Have a Loving Church) 1. Romans 15:7 "Accept one another just as Christ accepted you " 2. Philippians 2:3-5 "Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also the interests of others." 3. 1 Thessalonians 5:11 "Encourage one another and build each other up " 14

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FAITH THAT WORKS HOW TO HAVE REAL FAITH JAMES 2:14-26 "Faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by actions, is dead." (vs. 17) I. WHO IS RIGHT - JAMES OR PAUL? PAUL (Galatians 2:16) JAMES (James 2:24) PROBLEM: Legalism Laxity WORKS Jewish Laws Christian Lifestyle FOCUS: Root of Salvation (internal/unseen) Fruit of Salvation (external/seen) PURPOSE: How to know I m a Christian How to show I m a Christian "For it is BY GRACE you have been saved THROUGH FAITH... FOR a life of GOOD WORKS which God has already prepared for us to do." Ephesians 2:8-10 (GN) II. WHAT IS REAL FAITH? 1. REAL FAITH IS NOT JUST SOMETHING YOU. "What good is it, my brothers, if a man CLAIMS to have faith, but has no deeds? Can such faith save him? (vs. 14) Matthew 7:20-23 2. REAL FAITH IS NOT JUST SOMETHING YOU. "Suppose a brother or sister is without clothes and daily food. If one of you says to him, `Go, I wish you well; keep warm and well fed,' but does nothing about his physical needs, what good is it?" (vs. 15-16) "If anyone has material possessions and sees his brother in need but has no pity on him, how can the love of God be in him?" 1 John 3:17 1 John 3:14-16, 4:7-20 3. REAL FAITH IS NOT JUST SOMETHING YOU. "But someone will say, `You have faith - I have deeds.' SHOW ME your faith without deeds, and I will SHOW YOU my faith by what I do." (vs. 18) 2 Corinthians 5:17 4. REAL FAITH IS NOT JUST SOMETHING YOU. "You believe that there is one God. Good! Even the demons believe that -- and shudder! (vs. 19) 16

HOW TO HAVE REAL FAITH (continued) 5. REAL FAITH IS SOMETHING YOU. ILLUSTRATIONS: TWO VERY DIFFERENT PEOPLE ABRAHAM (vs. 20-24) RAHAB (vs. 25) "Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith; test yourselves. 2 Corinthians 13:5 NOTES 17

FAITH THAT WORKS HOW TO MANAGE YOUR MOUTH JAMES 3:1-12 "We all stumble in many ways. If anyone is never at fault in what he says, he is a perfect man, able to keep his whole body in check." (vs. 2) I. WHY MUST I WATCH WHAT I SAY? 3 REASONS 1. MY TONGUE DIRECTS. (vs. 3-4) "When we put bits in the mouths of horses... we can turn the whole animal." (vs. 3) "Or take ships as an example. Although they are so large and are driven by strong winds, they are steered by a very small rudder wherever the pilot wants to go." (vs. 4) 2. MY TONGUE CAN DESTROY. (vs. 5-8) "Consider that a great forest is set on fire by a small spark. The tongue is also a fire..." (vs. 5) "... it sets the whole course of his life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell." (vs. 6b) "If you want to stay out of trouble, be careful what you say! Proverbs 21:23 (GN) "All kinds of animals... have been tamed by man, but no man can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison." (vs. 7-8) 3. MY TONGUE DISPLAYS. (vs. 9-12) It's inconsistent: vs. 9 "Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers, this should not be." (vs. 10) "Can both fresh water and salt water flow from the same spring?... can a fig tree bear olives or a grapevine bear figs? THE PROBLEM: "For out of the overflow of the heart the mouth speaks." Matthew 12:34 Also Matthew 15:18-19 II. WHAT S THE SOLUTION? 1. "Rid yourself of all the offenses you have committed and get a new heart and a new spirit!" Ezekiel 18:31 2. "Set a guard over my mouth, O Lord; keep watch over the door of my lips." Psalm 141:3 Also Psalm 19:14 3. "Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to become angry. James 1:19 18

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FAITH THAT WORKS HOW TO RELATE WISELY TO OTHERS JAMES 3:13-18 "And those who are peacemakers will plant seeds of peace and reap a harvest of goodness." vs. 18 Wisdom is (vs. 13) "Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show it by his good life..." Lack of wisdom causes (vs. 14, 16) "... disharmony and all other kinds of evil..." (vs. 16) 1. IF I'M WISE, I WON'T COMPROMISE. "The wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure. "The man of integrity walks securely. Proverbs 10:9 2. IF I'M WISE, I WON'T ANTAGONIZE. "Wisdom is... peace loving. "Any fool can start arguments," the wise thing is to stay out of them." Proverbs 20:3 "A wise man controls his temper. He knows that anger causes mistakes." Proverbs 14:29 3. IF I'M WISE, I WON'T MINIMIZE. "Wisdom is... considerate" "gentle" "courteous" "Kind words bring life, but cruel words crush your spirit." Proverbs 15:4 4. IF I'M WISE, I WON'T CRITICIZE. "Wisdom is... submissive" "open to reason" "it allows discussion" "A fool thinks he needs no advice. A wise man listens to others." Proverbs 12:15 5. IF I'M WISE, I WON'T EMPHASIZE. "Wisdom is... full of mercy and good fruit." "Love forgets mistakes; nagging about them parts the best of friends." Proverbs 17:9 (LB) Galatians 6:1, Romans 15:1, Matthew 7:3 6. IF I'M WISE, I WON'T DISGUISE. "Wisdom is... impartial and sincere. Straightforward and without hypocrisy "You will never succeed in life if you try to hide your sins. Proverbs 28:13 "The secret is Christ Himself; in Him lie hidden all God's treasures of wisdom..." Colossians 2:3 20

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FAITH THAT WORKS HOW TO AVOID ARGUMENTS JAMES 4:1-10 "What causes fights and quarrels among you? Don't they come from your desires that battle within you?" (v. 1) I. THE CAUSE OF ARGUMENTS: THREE DESIRES: 1. THE DESIRE (POSESSIONS) "You want what you don't have... you long for what others have..." (vs.2) 2. THE DESIRE (PLEASURE) "... you want only what will give you pleasure." (vs. 3b) 3. THE DESIRE (PRIDE & POWER) "Pride leads to arguments..." Proverbs 13:10 (LB) Why aren't our desires fulfilled? (vs. 2-3) "You do not have, because you do not ask God. When you ask, you do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives..." Conflict with God (vs. 4-6) "God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble." (vs. 6) II. THE CURE FOR ARGUMENTS: "God... gives grace to the humble. Humble yourself before the Lord, and he will lift you up." (vs. 6 & 10) STEPS TO DEFUSING CONFLICT 1. "Submit yourselves then to God..." (vs. 7a) "Let the peace of Christ rule in your heart." Colossians 3:15 2. "Resist the devil, and he will flee from you." (vs.7b) "In order that Satan might not outwit us, we are not unaware of his schemes. 2 Corin. 2:11 3. "Come near to God and He will come near to you." (vs. 8a) "He will keep in perfect peace all those who trust in Him, whose thoughts turn often to the Lord." Isaiah 26:3 4. "Wash your hands... purify your hearts..." (vs. 8b) "Let there be tears for the wrong you've done." (vs. 9) "Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility, consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also the interests of others. Your attitude should be the same as that of Jesus Christ." Philippians 2:3-5 22

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FAITH THAT WORKS HOW TO QUIT PLAYING GOD JAMES 4:11-12 "Anyone who speaks against his brother or judges him speaks against the law and judges it. There is only one Lawgiver and Judge, the one who is able to save and destroy. But you -- who are you to judge your neighbor?" (vs. 11b & 12) WE'RE PLAYING GOD WHEN WE I. WHY DO WE LIKE TO JUDGE OTHERS? 1. "So when you, a mere man, pass judgment on them, and yet do the same thing, do you think you will escape God's judgement?" Romans 2:3 2. "Gossip is so tasty! How we love to swallow it!" Proverbs 26:22 II. WHY SHOULD I NOT JUDGE OTHERS? IT IS "Brothers do not slander... anyone who speaks against his brother or judges his brother IT IS "Anyone who... judges, speaks against the law..." (vs. 11) See James 2:8 IT IS "There is only one Lawgiver and Judge... who are you to judge your neighbor? III. WHEN IS IT WRONG TO JUDGE OTHERS? 1. (Romans 2:1-3) 2. (Matthew 7:3-5) 3. (John 7:24) 4. (John 7:51) 5. (Colossians 2:16) 6. (James 4:11) 7. (1 Corinthians 4:5) 24

HOW TO QUIT PLAYING GOD (continued) IV. HOW TO BREAK THE HABIT OF JUDGING OTHERS 1. "Do not judge others, so that God will not judge you, for God will judge you in the same way you judge others, and He will apply to you the same rules you apply to others." Matthew 7:1-2 2. "Every one of us, then, will have to give an account of himself to God. So then, let us stop judging one another." Romans 14:12-13 3. "Mercy triumphs over judgement." James 2:13 Parable of Unforgiving Servant - Matthew 18:21-35 NOTES 25

FAITH THAT WORKS HOW TO FACE YOUR FUTURE JAMES 4:13-17 Everyone is interested in the future. James warns us about common mistakes we make regarding the future. 3 COMMON MISTAKES TO AVOID I. MISTAKE #1: "Now listen, you who say, `Today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city, spend a year there, carry on business, and make money." (vs. 13) THE SOLUTION: "Instead, you ought to say, `IF it is the Lord's will, we will live and do this or that. (vs. 15) "We may make our plans, but God has the last word." Proverbs 16:1 "We should make plans -- counting on God to direct us." Proverbs 16:9 II. MISTAKE #2: "Why, you don't even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes. As it is, you boast and brag. All such boasting is evil." (vs. 14 & 16) Psalm 39:4-6; Psalm 102:3, 11; Job 4:7,9; Psalm 103:15 "Come," each one cries, "... Let us drink our fill of beer! And tomorrow will be like today, or even better!" Isaiah 56:12 "Do not boast about tomorrow, for you do not know what a day may bring forth. Proverbs 27:1 THE SOLUTION: "So don't be anxious about tomorrow God will take care of your tomorrow, too. Live one day at a time." Matthew 6:34 III. MISTAKE #3: "Anyone then, who knows the good he ought to do and doesn't do it sins." (vs. 17) THE SOLUTION: "Do not withhold good from those who deserve it, when it is in your power to act. Do not say to your neighbor, `Come back later; I'll give it tomorrow' when you now have it with you." Proverbs 3:27-28 Luke 12:16-20 A foolish man "RIGHT NOW God is ready to welcome you. TODAY He is ready to save you! 2 Corinthians 6:2 26

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FAITH THAT WORKS HOW TO BE WISE WITH YOUR WEALTH JAMES 5:1-6 God is not opposed to wealth. Many of the greatest believers in the Bible were wealthy. But God is opposed to the misuse and abuse of wealth. James deals with the four key aspects of wealth. I. THE WRONG USES OF WEALTH -- AVOID THESE! ISSUE #1 THE ACCUMULATION OF WEALTH: DON T "You have hoarded wealth in the last days..." (vs. 3) Results:"Your wealth has rotted... moths have eaten your clothes,... your gold and silver are corroded..." (vs 2-3) Whatever I accumulate will ISSUE #2 THE ACCUMULATION OF WEALTH: DON T "The wages you have failed to pay the workmen who mowed your fields are crying out against you." (vs. 4) ISSUE #3 THE ALLOCATION OF WEALTH: DON T "You have lived on earth in luxury and self-indulgence." (vs. 5) ISSUE #4 THE APPLICATION OF WEALTH: DON T "You have condemned and ruined innocent men, and they are powerless to stop you." (vs.6) II. THE RIGHT USES OF WEALTH PRACTICE THESE! 1. RIGHT ACCUMULATION: "The wise man saves for the future, but the foolish man spends whatever he gets." Proverbs 21:20 KEYS TO SAVING: VALID REASONS FOR SAVING: 28

HOW TO BE WISE WITH YOUR WEALTH (continued) 2. RIGHT APPROPRIATION: "Wealth from gambling quickly disappears; wealth from hard work grows." Proverbs 13:11 "Hard work brings a profit; mere talk leads to poverty." Proverbs 14:23 How much money can I make? Qualifications: As long as it doesn't hurt 3. RIGHT ALLOCATION: "The plans of the diligent lead to profit as surely as haste leads to poverty." Proverbs 21:5 The key: 4. RIGHT APPLICATION: "It is possible to give away and become richer! It is also possible to hold on too tightly and lose everything. Yes the generous man shall be rich. By watering others, he waters himself." Proverbs 11:24-25 "Store up for yourselves treasure in heaven..." Matthew 6:20 HOW? Luke 16:9 "On every Sunday, put aside something from what you have earned during the week, and use it for the offering. The amount depends on how much the Lord has helped you to earn." 1 Corinthians 16:2 NOTES 29

FAITH THAT WORKS HOW TO DEVELOP PATIENCE JAMES 5:7-12 Learning to wait is a hard lesson to learn in life. James shows us when, why, and how to develop patience. I. WHEN TO BE PATIENT WHEN "Be patient then brothers, until the Lord's coming. See how the farmer waits for the land to yield its valuable crop and how patient he is..." (vs. 7) WHEN "As an example of patience in the face of suffering, take the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord." (vs 10) WHEN "You have heard of Job's perseverance..." (vs. 11) II. WHY BE PATIENT? 1. BECAUSE "Be patient and stand firm, because the Lord's coming is near." (vs. 8) "... resting your hearts on the ultimate certainty " 2. BECAUSE "As you know, we consider blessed those who have persevered." (vs. 11a) "Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you, and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven..." Matthew 5:13-14 3. BECAUSE "You have heard of Job's perseverance, and have seen what the Lord finally brought about. The Lord is full of compassion and mercy." (vs. 11b) III. HOW TO BE PATIENT? (What to do while you're waiting on God) 1. WAIT (vs. 7) "... I wait expectantly, trusting God to help, for He has promised." Psalm 130:5 "The Lord says... No one who waits for my help will be disappointed." Isaiah 49:23 30

HOW TO DEVELOP PATIENCE (continued) 2. WAIT (vs. 9) "It is good to wait quietly for the salvation of the Lord." Lamentations 3:26 "These things won't happen right away. Slowly, steadily, surely, the time approaches when the vision will be fulfilled. If it seems slow, do not despair, for these things will surely come to pass. Just be patient! They will not be overdue a single day!" Habakkuk 2:3 3. WAIT (vs. 11b) "I will wait confidently for God..." Micah 7:7 "Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for Him to act." Psalm 37:7 NOTES 31

FAITH THAT WORKS HOW TO PRAY ABOUT YOUR PROBLEMS JAMES 5:13-20 "The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective. (vs. 16b) I. WHEN SHOULD I PRAY? 1. WHEN I AM "Is any one of you in trouble? He should pray." (vs. 13a) "Is anyone happy? Let him sing songs of praise." (vs. 13b) 2. WHEN I AM "Is any one of you sick? He should call the elders of the church to pray over him, and anoint him with oil in the name of the Lord. And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise him up. If he has sinned, he will be forgiven." (vs. 14-15) 3 KINDS OF SICKNESS 1. 2. 3. 5 ATTITUDES TOWARD HEALING 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 3. WHEN AM I "Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed." (vs. 16a) II. WHAT KIND OF PERSON CAN PRAY? "Elijah was a man just like us..." (vs.17a) See 1 Kings 19:1-10; 18:42-45 32

HOW TO PRAY ABOUT YOUR PROBLEMS (continued) III. HOW CAN I PRAY EFFECTIVELY? 1. "You do not have, because you do not ask God." James 4:2 2. "When you ask, you do not receive, because you ask with the wrong motives, that you may spend what you get on your pleasures." James 4:3 3. "The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective." James 5:16b Psalm 66:18; Proverbs 28:9; Isaiah 59:2 4. "But when he asks, he must believe and not doubt..." James 1:6 NOTES 33

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MISSION / MINISTRY AT VICTORY GRIEFSHARE GROUP: JANUARY 22 APRIL 16, 2018 MONDAYS, 12:30PM, ROOM 23/FS We know that the journey of grief after a loss is often heavily-burdened and longer lasting than we ever would have believed. Some folks joined us after years of grieving a loved one. Our God reaches out to us and our faith can be enriched as we move through this life changing occasion. Through video presentations, fellowship and a relationship with Jesus, this 13-week program will help you cope with loss. Sign up at the Welcome Center. Each week stands alone, so you can join at any time. If you have questions contact Pastor Floyd Anderson at 480-830-5024 or Blair Revak 480-227-5157. Sign up sheet and brochures available at the Welcome Center. NEW MEMBER ORIENTATION Interested in making Victory your church home? Join us for an information meeting with Pastor Kassebaum. All are welcome, no obligation. Contact Kathy Michel at 480-830-5024 or kmichel@victorylutheran.com to register for the next orientation. FAMILY PROMISE @ VICTORY Four times a year we host families at Victory. The prep work starts about a month in advance of a host week. The leadership team coordinates sign up sheets for volunteer positions and meal donations. Many veteran volunteers sign up on the first day these sign ups appear in the lobby! Some like to cook or donate food items, while others prefer setting up rooms, doing laundry or staying overnight with our guests. For more information, contact one of our coordinators. Lois Burton 712.253.2348 lois4431@aol.com Kathy Michel 480.985.5722 kmichel@victorylutheran.com familypromise.org VLC CONCERT SEASON - SUNDAYS @ 3:00PM Please check the website for dates. Invite a friend, co-worker or neighbor and share the art of music. Whatever your musical tastes, you will appreciate these artists. Following each concert enjoy refreshments and a time to talk with performers. These concerts would not be possible without your generous donations, thank you for your support! SUNDAY MOVIE MATINEE 1ST SUNDAY OF THE MONTH @ 3:00PM Join us each month for a showing of Christian and family-friendly films. Free popcorn. Snacks available for purchase. Invite a friend or neighbor! INTERFAITH HOMELESS EMERGENCY LODGING PROGRAM (I-HELP) Lutheran Social Services brings approximately 15 to 25 I-HELP Ladies to our church on the second and fourth Thursdays of the month. The ladies are provided sleep space and showers and a meal that evening. We also provide them with a cold-cut sandwich sack lunch Friday morning to take with them. Interested in Volunteering? Contact our I-HELP Coordinator: Bev Locke blocke1206@gmail.com 480.854.8546 QUILTERS MEETING Victory Quilters typically meet the third Tuesday and Wednesday of the month at 8:30am. (Note changes in February and March due to Lenten Services.) Everyone is welcome at any time. Come when you can, stay as long as you can; everyone can cut, sew, pin and tie knots. Come, let s all get better acquainted and have fun together. You do not need to be a church or circle member to attend bring a friend. The quilts are donated to Navajo Lutheran Mission, Sunshine Acres Children s Home and Lutheran Social Ministries. 35

5946 E. University Drive, Mesa, AZ 85205 480-830-5024 Office Hours: Monday-Thursday 8:00am-4:00pm VictoryLutheran.com WINTER WORSHIP SCHEDULE: JANUARY 7 - EASTER Saturday 4:00pm Sunday 8:00, *9:30, *11:00am Sunday 11:00am Crismon Campus *with communion LENTEN WORSHIP 4:00 & 6:00PM SOUP SUPPERS 5:00-6:00PM MAUNDY THURSDAY 4:00 & 6:00PM GOOD FRIDAY 4:00 & 6:00PM STATIONS OF THE CROSS 3:00-8:00PM OPPORTUNITIES TO SERVE VICTORY LYFE Group Host, Usher, Greeter, Choir, Bells, Victory Lutheran Church Women s Ministries, Quilters, Children s Ministry/Chapel Time, Nehemiah s Men, Food Bank, Stephen Ministry, Office Volunteer, Family Promise, Food Bank, I-HELP and any gift you have! OUR MISSION is to serve and glorify God by being and making disciples for Jesus Christ through passionate prayer, inspirational worship, transforming study, humble service, spiritual relationships and joyful giving. 36