Sermon Tone Analysis

Secular -

(Previous Video)

Historical/Cultural Context -

The book of James was written by the half-brother of Jesus.

The Son of Joseph and Mary.

Written in the early 40s.

He wrote to primarily Jews who were Christians, as at this time it was so early in the spread of Christianity that it had not been widely adopted by non-jews, also known as Gentiles.

James encouraged his readers to live consistent Christian lives in the midst of persecution for their faith in Christ.

He says he writes to the “12 tribes in dispersion” which is likely due to the fact that Christians in and around Jerusalem were being persecuted for their faith in Jesus and were being driven out of the area and were settling in farther and farther regions.

Biblical Text -

-[Prayer]-

Life Principle - The Christian Should Be Ruled By Purity, Not Selfishness & Wrath

Life Point- Don’t Be Ruled By Wrath

Exegetical -

Homiletical -

This section begins with So then, which means James is referring to what he wrote before, which as you know was about trials and temptations.

He calls them the beloved brethren

who are the beloved?

By God.

God the father, God the son, and God the Holy Spirit.

Jesus says to His disciples that they are not just mere servants, but are friends.

Not only that He says the disciples didn’t choose Him, He chose The disciples.

So by this we know James is talking about the saved, the Christians.

Those that have been regenerated by the Holy Spirit.

Now James gives us the best piece of advice for dealing with trials, temptations and people that he could have possibly given.

Be quick to Hear, slow to speak, and slow to wrath

Things don’t always go our way.

Did you notice that?

A lot of times it is because we want it our way, like Burger King.

Well the kingdom of God is not Burger King, you can’t get it your way.

So in the midst of dealing with others we should be quick to hear, slow to speak and slow to wrath.

They say don’t discipline in anger when dealing with children.

The same is true when dealing with others.

This can be hard, train yourself to do it.

Make it a matter of prayer.

There have been many times, I wished I had followed this command in scripture.

Then, not only would things not blow up, I wouldn’t have had to repent before God and apologize to others.

Do you really think your angry outburst is going to bring God’s righteousness?

You aren’t God.

Don’t try take care of anything right at the time you are angry

It is not up to you.

Leave it to God.

Now if we look in James 1:21 it says:

Because we need to act right before each other, as Christians, we should lay aside all filthiness in our character.

This includes losing your temper, saying dirty jokes, wrong language, etc. and receive with meekness.

What is meekness?

too many times people associate meekness with weakness.

NO, it strength under control in humility before God.

Only through meekness which includes humility can we receive and have the implanted word of God.

What is this implanted Word?

Notice implanted.

Meaning it has been given and has taken root in our lives.

This goes beyond knowing the Bible, but putting the principles and commands found therein into daily use.

How awesome it is that this scripture was fulfilled in Christ!

Now we have the Holy Spirit in us, quickening our lives to make these laws come alive and active in us.

The person who says they are a Christian but there is not fruit, you know

I mean none at all.

They have an attitude that Holiness is not something to be attained.

They want their fire insurance so they say a prayer and tell people they’re good and move on.

These people aren’t Christians because there is no sign of the working of The Holy Spirit in their lives.

These kinds of people can hide in a church, but not from God.

These people need Jesus to save their souls.

Only the implanted word of God can do this.

To save our souls and straighten out or rotten minds.

Speaking of rotten minds.

Remember Romans 12:2

Illustration -

Speaking of wrath, here are the top comments you shouldn’t say to someone when you are angry:

Your kid is so annoying, he makes his Happy Meal cry.

I’m not insulting you, I’m describing you.

You are like a cloud.

When you disappear it’s a beautiful day.

I’ve seen people like you before, but I had to pay admission.

I was hoping for a battle of wits but you appear to be unarmed.

Jealousy is a disease.

Get well soon.

This one is for the ladies: Don’t hate me because I’m beautiful.

Hate me because your boyfriend thinks so.

People like you are the reason I’m on medication.

Who ate your bowl of sunshine this morning thundercloud?

You fear success, but you really have nothing to worry about.

Life Point - Don’t Be Ruled By Self

Exegetical -

Homiletical -

Verse 22 says to actually do what the Word of God commands.

Can you imagine if every person in every church all over the world did what the Bible said?

This world would have a ton of Christians, and no church would be low in attendance.

Jesus said:

People focus a lot on just converting others, but we forget about discipleship.

Why?

I believe it comes down to one thing.

Selfishness.

First, We don’t want to do what the scriptures say in our lives, our character, and our actions because that causes us to give ourselves up and embrace Christ’s life, His Character, and His actions.

Second, discipleship takes time.

It requires a person to be with you.

Think about the 12 disciples.

They traveled with Jesus, ate with Jesus, did ministry with Jesus, and were taught by Jesus.

They were with Jesus pretty much everyday, all day.

Today people don’t want to give up their time, so here we are.

If you want to grow as a Christian and a church then it is past time to give ourselves, yourself and myself.