September 25, 2011
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What You Can do to Change the World James 2 (1:9-20)
1) Learn how to live in wealth and in humble circumstances (9-11)
The brother in humble circumstances ought to take pride in his high position. (9) But the one who is rich should take pride in his low position, because he will pass away like a wild flower. (10) For the sun rises with scorching heat and withers the plant; its blossom falls and its beauty is destroyed. In the same way, the rich man will fade away even while he goes about his business. (11)
2) Don't give up when faced with trials and temptations (12-15)
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. (12) When tempted, no one should say, "God is tempting me." For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone; (13) but each one is tempted when, by his own evil desire, he is dragged away and enticed. (14) Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death. (15)
3) Know who God is (16-18)
Don't be deceived, my dear brothers. (16) Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows. (17) He chose to give us birth through the word of truth, that we might be a kind of firstfruits of all he created. (18)
4) Be quick to listen and slow to become angry (19,20)
My dear brothers, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, (19) for man's anger does not bring about the righteous life that God desires. (20)
Summary
We long for justice and righteousness in a world filled with injustice. This is true for all people in all countries. Even with advances in technology and many other fields of study, human beings have not found a way to rid the world of injustice. The Bible, however, offers a solution: following Jesus Christ. The words of Jesus Christ, revealed to us in the Bible, can teach us how to follow him. Today's passage teaches how to approach life in pursuit of peace and justice. We do not have the power to live justly or peacefully in our own strength, but God gives us strength and wisdom as we walk with him. Let us work to bring God's justice into this world by remaining close to Jesus so that he can change us and change the world around us.
For Discussion
1) What is the source of your temptation?
2) How does anger get in the way of righteousness?
1) Learn how to live in wealth and in humble circumstances (9-11)
The brother in humble circumstances ought to take pride in his high position. (9) But the one who is rich should take pride in his low position, because he will pass away like a wild flower. (10) For the sun rises with scorching heat and withers the plant; its blossom falls and its beauty is destroyed. In the same way, the rich man will fade away even while he goes about his business. (11)
2) Don't give up when faced with trials and temptations (12-15)
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. (12) When tempted, no one should say, "God is tempting me." For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone; (13) but each one is tempted when, by his own evil desire, he is dragged away and enticed. (14) Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death. (15)
3) Know who God is (16-18)
Don't be deceived, my dear brothers. (16) Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows. (17) He chose to give us birth through the word of truth, that we might be a kind of firstfruits of all he created. (18)
4) Be quick to listen and slow to become angry (19,20)
My dear brothers, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, (19) for man's anger does not bring about the righteous life that God desires. (20)
Summary
We long for justice and righteousness in a world filled with injustice. This is true for all people in all countries. Even with advances in technology and many other fields of study, human beings have not found a way to rid the world of injustice. The Bible, however, offers a solution: following Jesus Christ. The words of Jesus Christ, revealed to us in the Bible, can teach us how to follow him. Today's passage teaches how to approach life in pursuit of peace and justice. We do not have the power to live justly or peacefully in our own strength, but God gives us strength and wisdom as we walk with him. Let us work to bring God's justice into this world by remaining close to Jesus so that he can change us and change the world around us.
For Discussion
1) What is the source of your temptation?
2) How does anger get in the way of righteousness?