October 8, 2009

  • RELATING TO YOUR BIBLE [JAMES 02]


    Date:  taught to our Awana Varsity class 10/07/09
    Resources:  John MacArthurs Commentary on James, & a sermon series from Denton Bible Church
    Audio:  http://eek-71.xanga.com/audio/246ad3709732/


    How a Christian Relates to His Bible
    [James 1:13-27]

    INTRO
      •  vs 13-16 DANGER! there is a wrong way to respond to trials.  There is a way to "fail" a trial.
      •  Compare to Genesis 3:8-13... Adam & Eve were supposed to respond in FAITH, instead they responded with BLAME.  God tested, they failed.
      •  vs 17-18 God is unchanging LIGHT and a loving FATHER.  God only gives good things, (even in the midst of grueling trials) God gives light, and good, and life.

    1.  WHAT IS THE PURPOSE OF TRIALS?  vs 19-20
      •  anger does not produce what?... "the righteousness of God"... WHICH IS THE PURPOSE OF TRIALS!
      •  if you curse your trial (parents, friends, your job, government, economy, etc) then the trial is NOT producing righteousness and you are failing the test
      •  KEY -> trials are to make us like Jesus, the Bible is Gods chisel to shape us into His likeness
      •  so HOW do we become "quick to hear and slow to speak"?...

    2.  HOW DO YOU APPROACH THE WORD  vs 21a
      •  we set aside all the "JUNK"... we come to the Bible to be CHANGED
      •  I need to see the primary purpose of the Bible as being to change ME!
      •  be careful you remain "TEACHABLE"... not a "know it all"... get your HEART ready.
      •  lookup 1 Pet 2:1
      •  KEY -> Approach the Word  with a teachable heart


    3.  HOW TO YOU RECEIVE THE WORD  vs 21b
      •  "in humility" = broken, meek, surrendered
      •  Lookup 1 Pet 2:2
            >  we ALWAYS receive the Word as a babe, we never outgrow it!
            >  is your Bible study like that?
      •  "implanted" = ingrafted, cp. vs 18, I am spliced into the Word of God & Gods Word is spliced into me.
      •  KEY -> Receive the Word with a broken & surrendered spirit

    4.  HOW DO YOU LIVE THE WORD  vs 22-27
      •  How do we "prove" ourselves?... How easy to DELUDE ourselves with our church attendance, or our sermon notes, etc.
      •  We prove ourselves by being a DOER of the Word!
      •  the Bible is meant to give us a BURNING HEART, not a BIG HEAD!
      •  vs 23 as one looks in the mirror - not a quick look and walk away, BUT ready to do business, ready to make changes
      •  vs 25 "look" = to look intently, like Mary Magdalene looking into the tomb at the empty grave clothes
      •  we come to the Bible in humility, we walk away in OBEDIENCE
      •  KEY -> Walk in the Word as one seeking to be changed, committed to obedience

    CONCLUSION
      •  What TWO problems did James address?...
            >  vs 19 their tongue
            >  vs 19 their grumbling (discontent, bitter, angry)
      •  What should the Word do?... vs 25 CHANGE YOU
            >  therefore CONTROL your tongue
            >  replace anger with CARE for others
            >  lets quit POUTING about your place and find someone in a tougher spot than you
      •  Finally, don't look at the world and envy it, keep unspotted from it!