I Know You Want to, But Will You, Part 1

Part 1: Lock and Load!  
Grant Fishbook, Lead Teaching Pastor

The Primary Question of the Book of James
I know you want to, but will you?

The Writer: The apostle James = the brother of Jesus =

Who is James writing to? The Diaspora = Jewish people among the nations

The Key Truth of James 1:2-16

and are no respecter of persons!

Trials and temptations are !
Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. – James 1:2-3

The Key Encouragement of James 1:2-16
Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him. (vs. 12)

The Practical Wisdom of James James 1:19–26
¹⁹ My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, ²⁰ because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires. ²¹ Therefore, get rid of all moral filth and the evil that is so prevalent and humbly accept the word planted in you, which can save you.
       ²² Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. ²³ Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like someone who looks at his face in a mirror ²⁴ and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like. ²⁵ But whoever looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom and continues in it—not forgetting what they have heard, but doing it—they will be blessed in what they do.
       ²⁶ Those who consider themselves religious and yet do not keep a tight rein on their tongues deceive themselves, and their religion is worthless.

When you face trials and temptations, as a follower of Jesus you are to:

1. your ears (verse 19)
2. your mouth (verse 19)
3. anger appropriately (verse 20)
4. the trash (verse 21)
5. the Word (verse 22) which:

and (verses 23-25)

Straight Talk from James

What’s comes when you face the pressure of life head-on.

You can be as religious as you want, but “out of the overflow of the heart, the mouth speaks.” (Matthew 12:34)

Next Steps

To do what God’s word says, we have to know what God’s word says. The short, practical Book of James in the Bible is a great place to start, so we’re challenging everyone to read through it this week.

Do that in any way that works for you—using an online/mobile version of the Bible, or with a printed edition. You can find the daily readings at ctk.church/james, and we’ll also give you reminders via our Facebook and Instagram.

If you don’t have a Bible, we have a free one for you out in the Commons. It’s yours to keep. The Book of James starts on page 567 in that version.

Small Group Questions

1. What does the perfect summer evening look like to you?
2. What kind of relationship do you have with your siblings? What do you imagine the relationship between Jesus and his brother James looked like?
3. Public reading of scripture is one of our spiritual practices, so read James 1 out loud. What is God saying to you through his word? What stands out?
4. Which of the five responses to trials and temptations in the outline is the most difficult for you? Why, and what can you do to work on it this week?
5. We’ve heard James’ wisdom for facing trails and temptations, and there are practical ways to respond. I know you want to, but will you?
6. How can we pray for you right now and throughout the week?