Rebooting Our Lines - Reboot Week 3

Some of us have determined that we are better than others. We have decided that either because of talent, money, or fame we are to be considered greater than others around us. Because of that we act like we don’t belong in certain environments because we are above that class. But let me remind you this, not a single one of us is better than another, we are all created equally, and it is seen in how Christ lived his life.

Bottom Line

Stop drawing lines in the sand.

___________________________

Context

Now, before we continue into tonight’s message lets take a look back at who James is, and who he is writing this to. James was the half-brother of Jesus. Can you imagine that, your brother continues to claim and repeat that he is the Son of God, and your brother is “always perfect”, literally. James grew up with Jesus day to day, and then eventually watched his older brother go and die on the cross for the sins of humanity. James, probably more than anybody else in the world had a front row seat to watch the Son of God repeatedly deny himself to allow God to show through his life. And now, just 10 years after His brother has died he is writing to the 12 tribes which are scattered throughout Israel. He is writing to his fellow persecuted Christians. Starting in James chapter 2 tonight lets read what he has to say.

Bible Verse

James 2:4–13 NIV

have you not discriminated among yourselves and become judges with evil thoughts? Listen, my dear brothers and sisters: Has not God chosen those who are poor in the eyes of the world to be rich in faith and to inherit the kingdom he promised those who love him? But you have dishonored the poor. Is it not the rich who are exploiting you? Are they not the ones who are dragging you into court? Are they not the ones who are blaspheming the noble name of him to whom you belong? If you really keep the royal law found in Scripture, “Love your neighbor as yourself,” you are doing right. But if you show favoritism, you sin and are convicted by the law as lawbreakers. For whoever keeps the whole law and yet stumbles at just one point is guilty of breaking all of it. For he who said, “You shall not commit adultery,” also said, “You shall not murder.” If you do not commit adultery but do commit murder, you have become a lawbreaker. Speak and act as those who are going to be judged by the law that gives freedom, because judgment without mercy will be shown to anyone who has not been merciful. Mercy triumphs over judgment.

James 2:4 NIV

have you not discriminated among yourselves and become judges with evil thoughts?

* We were not called to be divided.

Breakdown

Each one of us strives to be better, we crave growth. But sometimes we allow that growth and those achievements to separate us from what we were really called to – community. You guys, whether you want to admit it or not, community is integral in our growth as a believer! And I know some of these introverts sitting in here tonight are like yea… right… BUT I AM SERIOUS, and so is the Bible.

Bible Verse

1 Corinthians 12:25–27 NIV

so that there should be no division in the body, but that its parts should have equal concern for each other. If one part suffers, every part suffers with it; if one part is honored, every part rejoices with it. Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it.

Breakdown

Did you read verse 26? “If one part suffers, every part suffers with it; if one part is honored, every part rejoices with it.” Students, the movement and motion of the future of the Church is dependent on you! You are not future leaders, you are current leaders! That is the challenge that we must overcome. It is not that some do the job for all, but that each part serves and works equally. We were not called to be divided but rather united. It is the reason why here at Calvary Youth, we pursue unity. It’s Scriptural. It’s our mission.

Bottom Line

Stop drawing lines in the sand.

___________________________

Bible Verse

James 2:8 NIV

If you really keep the royal law found in Scripture, “Love your neighbor as yourself,” you are doing right.

1 John 4:16 NIV

And so we know and rely on the love God has for us. God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in them.

* We were called to love.

Breakdown

In reality, a life that is unified with other believers cannot be quantified by any other characteristic other than love! Jesus was love, God is still love, and since we were created in His image to bear his likeness, so too were we called to love. We serve, in love, we praise him, in love, we seek him, in love, we share him, in love. Are you getting the idea, we do all things, in love, it is our calling.

We, pastors, leaders, parents, students, cousins, teammates, each and every one of us was called to love those around us! We were called to stop focusing on who we are and who we want to be and start focusing on who called has called each of us to be – a vessel that carries his message, one of love. But before we can start loving those around us, we must be determined that we will stop drawing lines in the sand that dictate a precursor for our ability to love others.

Bottom Line

Stop drawing lines in the sand.

___________________________

Bible Verse

James 2:9–12 NIV

But if you show favoritism, you sin and are convicted by the law as lawbreakers. For whoever keeps the whole law and yet stumbles at just one point is guilty of breaking all of it. For he who said, “You shall not commit adultery,” also said, “You shall not murder.” If you do not commit adultery but do commit murder, you have become a lawbreaker. Speak and act as those who are going to be judged by the law that gives freedom,

* We have broken God’s commands.

Breakdown

You see, every one of us are lawbreakers students. Each one of us, at some point or another, have gone against the boundaries that God has set before us. Whether it be partiality, theft, adultery, you name it! Whatever it is that you do that breaks the commands of God, it has separated you from God. None of us are better than the other, so stop acting like it. We are all broken and in need of saving! We must stop drawing lines in the sand that create a false dichotomy that our sin is less offensive to God than somebody else’s, he sees them all the same.

Bottom Line

Stop drawing lines in the sand.

___________________________

Bible Verse

James 2:13 NIV

because judgment without mercy will be shown to anyone who has not been merciful. Mercy triumphs over judgment.

* God’s mercy made a way back to Him.

Breakdown

Mercy is when you don’t receive something you deserved. You guys, lets stop playing around here. Not a single one of us deserved the mercy that he has given us. Do you guys know what we deserved?? We deserved a separation from God that would never end! It would go on forever. We would be in hell. We would be burning and weeping, haunted by our poor decisions that we made time and time again! BUT WE DIDN’T GET THAT! Instead, we got his love! He sent his only Son to the earth so that we might have a way to know him again! BUT ITS YOUR CHOICE! YOU HAVE TO MAKE THAT DECISION! Stop drawing lines in the sand about why tonight isn’t the right night to place your faith in Him! With all heads bowed and eyes closed…

Bottom Line

Stop drawing lines in the sand.

Related Media

Related Sermons