Livin' in Victory

Taking a canoe through Fireman’s Park - “Mom, I’m just livin’.

As a believer in Jesus Christ, we aren’t called to simply believe in Him, but to live with Him.

People might not be able to tell if you believe in Jesus Christ, but they can sure tell when you are living for Him.

James is teaching us what Victory in Jesus is all about. We aren’t sitting in a situation where we believe in Jesus by reading about Him in our bibles and waiting on the end of the world.

We can wake up to Jesus as if He is the morning sun and feel the warmth on our bodies. We can live and breath the name of Jesus in a way where we don’t even have to defend Him. He is in us and we are in Him.

Are you “livin’” in the victory or are you hoping for victory?

Read James 1:19-27

1. Anger Can’t do What Love Did.

The Jewish leaders of religion were known as “fantastic arguers” and their “persuasive speech”.

The culture in Jerusalem was a place where debates and arguments were encouraged and even expected among the people.

James taught the people to be “slow to speak” which was a common Jewish fault.

“To be quick to hear” - Always open to hearing the word of truth.

To be “slow to speak” of such hasty things about God.

Two ears are given to us, but only one tongue: the ears are open and exposed, whereas the tongue is walled in behind the teeth.

“slow to wrath” - Slow in becoming heated by debate - another Jewish fault.

Hastiness of temper hinders man from hearing God’s word.

Man’s angry attitude in debating, as if defending the honor of God is far from working that which is righteousness in God’s sight.

True righteousness is sown in peace, not in wrath.

Young man in SA who hit the girl.

There is something to be said about the believer who decides to live God’s way instead of doing what seems right in our own eyes.

The word of God is available to make us wise beyond our own abilities to know and understand who God is calling us to be.

When we put aside all the junk that we have let define us so that their is room for God’s word to take effect, we can begin to operate in our fullest capacity to know and love our maker. We can begin to live in our salvation of freedom.

2. Living in Victory Expands our Capacity to Grow in Wisdom.

James presented three figures of speech that explained how God’s word could help believers.

James compared God’s word to a...

A seed that could be planted within each Christian to grow in salvation.

A mirror that clearly reflected the condition of the heart looked into it.

A law that provided freedom.

Listening to God’s Word could provide the strength to produce obedient living.

What makes all three of these examples come together? James is not simply telling people to hear God’s word alone.

We are called to be doers of the word.

I know that many of us have heard this before. I think that being a doer of the word gives people some misconceptions.

Misconceptions of being a “doer of the word”.

Bible-Thumper Bill - You know everything about the bible and you pray without ceasing even when you’re sleeping. Your spirituality is so high than people can’t identify with you.

Missionary Mark - If you aren’t willing to share the gospel across the entire world at the drop of a hat, than you obviously don’t love Jesus.

Patti Proverbs 31 - Your grace and elegance is so alluring that people hush when you walk into a room. Your gentleness makes everyone feel comfortable and terrible at the same time. You’re basically perfect.

Run for the Hills Ronnie - You will preach the gospel as loud as possible even when people aren’t asking you to do so. You’re bold as a lion and even preach to the people at the cemetery.

Obviously, I’m being ridiculous but don’t lie to me and say that you have never imagined a “character Christian” that intimidates who you think you are supposed to be in Jesus.

Being a doer of the word means you’re “livin’”!

You belong to Him in a relationship that cannot be rivaled to any other. You spend time in the presence of God in fellowship. You walk with Him, talk with Him, and go the places where He already is.

It’s not a pressure-filled relationship. It’s a purpose driven relationship. You just live with Him. We don’t become what we expect of a believer. We allow God to work in us to show us who we are meant to be in His plan.

3. We Live With Outward Activity and Inward Control.

James introduces the concept of controlling the tongue that we will talk about in chapter 3.

In the ancient times, orphans and widows were the most vulnerable people. It was even written in the law that orphans and widows were the most destitute.

“religion” - external service

“godliness” is the internal soul of it. James wasn’t saying that these two offices sum up everything in religion. He taught the very services of taking of the vulnerable match the gospel. They are acts of mercy and holiness.

When our religion is pure, there is no sin mixed in with it. In other words, we don’t simply take care of widows and orphans to gain Gods favor. We also keep ourselves from letting the world impact our life as well.

Running half marathon. - Following the pace setter.

We make so much of Christianity about “a little of this or a little of that”.

“If I serve a lot, than God won’t care that I hate to read my bible. (There are many other excuses.)”

This isn’t victorious living church. We aren’t checking boxes to show God our good behavior. We have a much greater goal in mind.

We are called to follow Him. He is our pace setter. When we focus on staying with Him and not going at our own pace, we won’t even have time to let the world have us. When our focus is on what it is supposed to be, we will serve where God serves and live where He lives.

It’s time to starting L-i-v-i-n-’