James is a practical book about the Christian life that emphasizes the need for integrity. According to James, genuine faith will make a genuine difference in the way people live. When faith and actions align, we live with integrity, which is essential for following Jesus. Personal integrity enables us to be effective witnesses to a lost world; spiritual integrity enables us to be in a right relationship with God.
According to the teachings of James, only believers with integrity will persevere in persecution, resist temptation, respond obediently to God’s Word, overcome prejudice, produce good works, control their tongue, follow God’s wisdom, depend on God rather than wealth, wait patiently for the return of Christ, and make prayer, not personal effort, their spiritual resource.
James will confront us, challenge us, and call us to commitment. While those three C’s of James may be unsettling at first, the benefits will far outweigh the temporary discomfort. Join us as we study the life-changing truths from the epistle of James.
August 07, 2022 AM
Paul Gotthardt
(#1 in series)
James 1:1
Four reasons I’m excited about walking through the book of James with you:
1) James is a book of __.
2) James is a book of practical __.
3) James is a book of spiritual __.
4) James is a book that leads to __ (being undivided).
THE CONTEXT
Who’s the __?
Who’s the __?
What’s the __ and purpose?
August 14, 2022 AM
Paul Gotthardt
(#2 in series)
James 1:2-4
“For momentary, light affliction is producing for us an eternal weight of glory far beyond all comparison.” – 2 Corinthians 4:17
Key Thought: Trials are incredibly __ when you have the right __.
Our values determine our __.
If God __ it, He’s using it. If He’s using it, I need it. If I need it, I can be __ for it.
God allows His people to go through trials for numerous reasons:
Conclusion/Reflection
What is God teaching you through your pain?
How is God using your current trials to accomplish His perfect result in you?
August 21, 2022 AM
Paul Gotthardt
(#3 in series)
James 1:2-4
“A faith that cannot be __ is a faith that cannot be __.”
Question 1: __ being tested?
Question 2: What happens when your __ is tested?
Question 3: __ is faith being tested?
If Satan can __ our faith, he can __ our lives.
The enemy uses circumstances and forgetfulness to create cracks of doubt in our very basic beliefs about God.
Prior to placing saving faith in Jesus, every Christian believes at least four things about God.
1) God is __.
2) God has truthfully and accurately __ Himself.
3) God sovereignly created the world and __ governs His creation.
4) God is personal and desires to be __.
Question 4: What do you __ when your faith is tested?
August 28, 2022 AM
Paul Gotthardt
(#4 in series)
James 1:2-4
Spiritual maturity involves __, behaviors, and __.
Four great myths of spiritual maturity that are prevalent in the church in America today:
1) We mistake Christian __ for spiritual maturity.
2) We __ the role of the Holy Spirit, and we overestimate our own role in the process.
3) We view trials as __ to our life when God views trials as the main event for our maturity.
4) We equate __ as a Christian with maturity as a Christian.
Big Truth:
Spiritual maturity requires a submissive __ with the Holy Spirit’s work in the context of trials.
In the first eight verses of James 1, two lives are contrasted:
“…we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; and perseverance, character; and character, hope.” – Romans 5:3
“After you have suffered for a little while, the God of all grace, who called you to His eternal glory in Christ, will Himself perfect, confirm, strengthen and establish you.” – 1 Peter 5:10
Trials build __.
Reflection/Response:
1) List several of the trials/problems you’re experiencing today.
2) Ask God, “What are you teaching me or developing in me through this trial?”
3) How has your attitude been so far? What does God want your attitude to be?
4) Will you let endurance have its perfect result?
September 04, 2022 AM
Paul Gotthardt
(#5 in series)
James 1:2-4
Verses 3 and 4 speak of enduring __ trials.
Verse 12 speaks of persevering __ trials.
Key Truth:
God gives __ blessings to believers who __ under trials.
Five heavenly crowns mentioned that will be awarded to believers in eternity:
1) The __ Crown (1 Corinthians 9:24-25)
For those who run the race exercising self-control and self-discipline
2) The Crown of Rejoicing (1 Thessalonians 2:19)
For those who share the gospel and lead others to Christ
3) The Crown of __ (2 Timothy 4:8)
For those who run the race, keep the faith, and set their eyes on their heavenly home
4) The Crown of Glory (1 Peter 5:4)
For those who faithfully lead and shepherd God’s people
5) The Crown of __ (James 1:12; Revelation 2:10)
For those who faithfully follow Jesus while enduring persecution, temptation, and trials.
First the cross, then the __. First the suffering, then the __.
September 18, 2022 AM
Paul Gotthardt
(#6 in series)
James 1:5-8
Our __ of prayer is only as good as our __ in God.
__ God’s promises in prayer is an attack against God’s __.
Don’t ever put a __ mark where God placed a __.
Big Truth: Trials require __, wisdom requires asking, asking requires faith, and __ gets you nothing.
What does this text teach us about acquiring wisdom in trials?
“But…”
“…if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him.”
“But he must ask in faith without any doubting…”
“…for the one who doubts is like the surf of the sea, driven and tossed by the wind. For that man ought not to expect that he will receive anything from the Lord, being a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways.”
Paul’s answer to __ Christians in Ephesians 4 is, “Be grounded in the __.”
James’ answer to __ Christians in James 1 is, “Be grounded in __.”
September 25, 2022 AM
Paul Gotthardt
(#7 in series)
James 1:9-11
James confronts the unethical __ of Christians and shows how wisdom and spiritual __ are essential for right living.
How does a person gain spiritual maturity and wisdom?
We gain both in the context of __.
There is purpose in the __.
The Christian life is not a call to __ and spiritual __.
We’re called to live as salt and light so that the __ may see our good works and glorify our Father who is in heaven.
There has to be something about our lives that is __ and __ if unbelievers are to glorify our Father who is in heaven.
A more comprehensive picture of spiritual maturity is found in Ephesians 2:8-10.
That’s the work God does __ us.
That’s the work God does __ us.
That’s the work God does __ us.
Reflection:
Are you glorying in, rejoicing in, or praising God in your trial?
October 09, 2022 AM
Paul Gotthardt
(#8 in series)
James 1:9-11
Wealth does not bring God __, nor does poverty keep Him __ away.
The text reminds us that…
When you go through hard times, does the billboard of your life tell the story of God’s __?
Trials give us the opportunity to show how the gospel changes __ and __.
The world wants to know…
Trials put the __ message on full display for the world to see.
KEY THOUGHT: Each __ needs current examples of what it looks like to faithfully follow Jesus and live the gospel under your exact __.
BIG QUESTION: Today, are my __ clearly telling the world that God is my __ and the gospel changes everything?
February 12, 2023 AM
Paul Gotthardt
(#9 in series)
James 1:12-18
Temptation is anything that influences you to __ God. Temptation is an opportunity to accomplish a __ thing in a __ way.
The word for “trials” has the basic meaning of trying, testing, proving, or temptation. It can have positive, negative, or neutral connotations (depending on the context).
In verses 1-12, James speaks of __ on the outside.
In verses 13-27, James speaks of __ on the inside.
James describes the process of sin in four stages:
Stage 1: __ (v. 14)
Stage 2: __ (vv. 14, 16)
Stage 3: __ (v. 15)
Stage 4: __ (v. 15)
James provides steps for resisting temptation:
Step 1: Do not be deceived. Think with the __ in mind.
Step 2: Do not be deceived. If it’s good and perfect, God will __ it.
Step 3: Do not be deceived. Good is always good, regardless of __.
Step 4: Do not be deceived. The __ are born from above and have His nature.
February 19, 2023 AM
Paul Gotthardt
(#10 in series)
James 1:19-21
“He who has ears to hear, let him hear.”
When God speaks, we need to listen. The question is, “Do we have ears to hear?”
James shows believers how to live undivided lives in response to __. (1:2-12)
James shows believers how to live undivided lives in response to __. (1:13-18)
James shows believers how to live undivided lives in response to __. (1:18-27)
Verse 18 speaks of __ through the Word.
Verses 19-21 speaks of __ the Word.
Verses 22-27 speaks of __ the Word.
Key Truth: Christians receive God’s Word through __, by purity, and with __.
How do we continue to grow in the Word and how can the Word continue to change us?
True disciples have an __ for truth and a desire to obey God’s Word.
True disciples recognize that abiding in God’s Word impacts the __ of our prayers.
True disciples understand that belief in God’s Word and belief in Jesus are __.
True disciples want the __ that come to those who labor in the Word.
We cannot really hear God’s __ when our minds are on our own __.
A loose __ will greatly affect a faithful __.
We are to be slow to __.
February 26, 2023 AM
Paul Gotthardt
(#11 in series)
James 1:22-27
Key Truth: One of the best ways to determine what you truly __ is by assessing what you actually __.
“By this the children of God and the children of the devil are obvious: anyone who does not practice righteousness is not of God…” – 1 John 3:10
“By this we know that we have come to know Him, if we keep His commandments.” – 1 John 2:3
“The one who says, ‘I have come to know Him,’ and does not keep His commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him.” – 1 John 2:4
“Why do you call Me, “Lord, Lord,” and do not do what I say?” – Luke 6:46
Character is evidenced by __. And conduct is the visible measure of true __.
Living God’s Word will change our life. James provides three examples for us to evaluate:
March 05, 2023 AM
Paul Gotthardt
(#12 in series)
James 2:1-9
A “__ church” (one practicing discrimination and partiality) does not __ the grace of God or adequately reflect the glory of God.
TAKE-AWAY THOUGHTS:
March 12, 2023 AM
Paul Gotthardt
(#13 in series)
James 2:10-13
KEY IDEA: Judgment is __; how we’re judged depends on our __ to Jesus.
THE BIBLE REFERS TO TWO SEPARATE JUDGMENTS THAT ARE TO COME:
THESE TWO JUDGEMENTS CAN BE COMPARED HERE:
Who is judged?
Great White Throne – __
Judgment Seat of Christ – Believers
What is the role of works?
Great White Throne – Evidence for condemnation and suffering
Judgment Seat of Christ – Basis for __ or denial of rewards
What is the issue?
Great White Throne – __ in Jesus as Savior
Judgment Seat of Christ – Faithfulness to Jesus as Lord
What is the result?
Great White Throne – Eternal condemnation
Judgment Seat of Christ – Rewards __ or withheld
Where is this mentioned in Scripture?
Great White Throne – Daniel 12:1-3; John 5:22-29; Revelation 20:11-15
Judgement Seat of Christ (Bema) – Romans 14:10; 1 Corinthians 3:11-15, 5:1-5; 2 Corinthians 5:10; 2 Timothy 4:8
__ does not mean __.
HOW WILL BELIEVERS BE JUDGED?
March 19, 2023 AM
Paul Gotthardt
(#14 in series)
James 2:14-26
Key Truth: It’s __ to have works without saving faith, but it is __ to have saving faith without works.
What does this passage teach us about faith that works?
Saving faith involves the whole person (mind, emotions, and will). The mind __ the truth; the heart __ the truth; and the will __ upon the truth.
Warren Wiersbe taught this section by describing 3 different kinds of faith:
1. __ faith (v.17,20,26): (“faith without works is dead”) A type of faith that impacts the mind alone.
2. __ faith (v.19-20): (“the demons also believe, and shudder”) Faith that impacts the mind and emotions.
Belief in the God of Deuteronomy 6:4 without __ to the God of Deuteronomy 6:5 is what __ do. That’s NOT saving faith.
3. __ faith (v.21-26): (“faith was working with his works, and as a result of the works, faith was perfected”) Dynamic faith is a faith that impacts the mind, the emotions, and the will.
John Calvin wrote, “It is faith alone that justifies, but faith that justifies can never be alone.”
Current __ is a stronger indicator of salvation than past __.
Salvation does not produce immediate __, but it does bring a new __.
April 02, 2023 AM
Paul Gotthardt
(#15 in series)
James 2:14-26
Key Truth: It’s possible to have works without saving faith, but it is impossible to have saving faith without works.
What does this passage teach us about faith that works?
Warren Wiersbe taught this section by describing three different kinds of faith:
Current obedience is a stronger indicator of salvation than past profession.
Saving faith has three essential aspects: __, conviction, and __ resulting in reliance.
August 06, 2023 AM
Paul Gotthardt
(#16 in series)
James 3:1-12
Review of James 1-2:
The __ is linked to the __.
Jesus said, “Out of the abundance of the heart, the mouth speaks.” (Matthew 12:34)
BIG TRUTH: What we say reveals __ we are, the direction we take, the __ we make, the one we trust, and the __ of our witness.
The tongue only __ what the heart __.
Who you __ will inevitably be disclosed by what you __.
“Let not many of you become teachers, my brethren, knowing that as such we will incur a stricter judgment.”
August 13, 2023 AM
Paul Gotthardt
(#17 in series)
James 3:1-2
Big Truth: What we say reveals who we are, the direction we take, the impact we make, the one we trust, and the clarity of our witness.
Teachers of Scripture bear a greater responsibility and will receive a stricter judgment. (v. 1)
“Let not many of you become teachers, my brethren, knowing that as such we will incur a stricter judgment.”
What we say reveals who we are… (v. 2)
“For we all stumble in many ways. If anyone does not stumble in what he says, he is a perfect man, able to bridle the whole body as well.”
The book of James shows 10 contexts or pathways of maturity.
We mature through…
James presents the tongue as the __ to self-control and vital to a __ life of faith.
What we say reveals…the direction we take… (vv. 3-5a)
“Now if we put the bits into the horses’ mouths so that they will obey us, we direct their entire body as well. Look at the ships also, though they are so great and are driven by strong winds, are still directed by a very small rudder wherever the inclination of the pilot desires. So also the tongue is a small part of the body, and yet it boasts of great things.”
Bits in the __ bring obedience to the __.
August 20, 2023 AM
Paul Gotthardt
(#18 in series)
James 3:1-12
BIG TRUTH: What we say reveals who we are, the direction we take, the impact we make, the one we trust, and the clarity of our witness.
__ ends when it hits the ears of a __ person.
Verse 6 presents four major elements that speak of the tongue’s danger.
1) The tongue is the very world of __.
2) The tongue defiles the entire body.
3) The tongue sets the __ of our life on fire.
4) The tongue is continually set on fire by hell.
People cannot tame their tongue, but God can tame it if they submit to Him. Ultimately, do we trust ourselves or do we trust God?
Are we making it __ or __ for people to believe the gospel based on what we say?
REFLECTION: Ask God to help you honestly answer these questions. What are your next steps?
August 27, 2023 AM
Paul Gotthardt
(#19 in series)
James 3:13-18
BIG QUESTION: “Who among you is wise and understanding?”
The __ of true wisdom is seen in the __ of a godly life.
Big Truth 1: When __ wisdom, our claims are evaluated by our __. (v. 13)
Big Truth 2: When __ wisdom, our course is determined by our __. (vv. 14-18)
In both the Old and New Testament, we are to __ wisdom.
(Proverbs 4:7; Ephesians 5:15)
In both the Old and New Testament, __ is the source of wisdom.
(Proverbs 2:6; James 1:5; 1 Corinthians 1:24, 30; Colossians 2:3)
In both the Old and New Testament, __ wisdom and __ wisdom are mentioned.
(Proverbs; Ecclesiastes; James 3:13-18)
James lists three characteristics of those who are “wise and understanding.”
September 03, 2023 AM
Paul Gotthardt
(#20 in series)
James 3:14-16
BIG QUESTION: “Who among you is wise and understanding?”
Big Truth 1: When asserting wisdom, our claims are evaluated by our conduct. (v. 13)
Big Truth 2: When pursuing wisdom, our course is determined by our source. (vv. 14-18)
Four reasons people seek worldly wisdom:
1) __
2) Flexibility
3) __
4) Popularity
James mentions two motivating factors: bitter jealousy and selfish ambition.
“Bitter jealousy” describes the __ sort of jealousy. It’s jealousy that’s harsh, sharp, cutting, and destructive. It’s jealousy that has no concern for the feelings or welfare of others.
“Selfish ambition” describes a person who lives with __, contentiousness, and extreme __.
James presents three of the most distinct characteristics of worldly wisdom that coincide with the three great enemies of the believer. Worldly wisdom is…
– Earthly (of the __)
– Natural (of the __)
– Demonic (of the __).
Two broad terms cover a lot of bad results: disorder and every evil thing.
“Disorder” has a basic meaning of __. It was used of a state of confusion, disturbance, disarray, or tumult, and even anarchy.
“Every evil thing” is the __ possible category of the bad results produced by human wisdom. Evil means worthless, vile, contemptible.
September 10, 2023 AM
Paul Gotthardt
(#21 in series)
James 3:17-18
Big Question: “Who among you is wise and understanding?”
Big Truth 1: When asserting wisdom, our claims are evaluated by our conduct. (v. 13)
Big Truth 2: When pursuing wisdom, our course is determined by our source. (vv. 14-18)
According to verse 17, there are specific characteristics associated with godly wisdom.
– _____
(free from contamination or defilement)
– Peaceable
(_____ peace is always an outgrowth of purity.)
– _____
(equitable, fitting, moderate, forbearing, courteous, considerate)
– Reasonable
(without disputing, _____, compliant; willing to yield)
– Full of _____ and good fruits
(God’s wisdom makes life full, not empty.)
– Unwavering
(not parted or _____)
– Without _____
(The wisdom of God is not about appearance; it’s open and honest.)
We reap what we sow. The Christian who follows God’s wisdom will sow the fruit of righteousness and reap the _____ of God. The person who follows the world’s wisdom will sow the seeds of _____ and reap every evil thing.
April 14, 2024 AM
Paul Gotthardt
(#22 in series)
James 4:1-6
The book of James confronts the inconsistent behavior of Christians and shows how wisdom and spiritual maturity are essential for right living.
A Change Principle: __ don’t change when we focus on __ and not the source.
Key Truth: When worldly wisdom is embraced by Christians, it leads to __ in the church, unbridled __ in believers, and spiritual __ before God.
April 21, 2024 AM
Paul Gotthardt
(#23 in series)
James 4:1-6
Spiritual __ starts with diverted __.
A Change Principle: Problems don’t change when we focus on symptoms and not the source.
Key Truth: When worldly wisdom is embraced by Christians, it leads to disunity in the church, unbridled selfishness in believers, and spiritual infidelity before God.
Pursuing selfish desires will result in…
Self-centered pursuits lead to…
Reflection/Response: Take some time to prayerfully process these questions before God. If God prompts you with a concern, will you submit it to Him and ask for His guidance?
April 28, 2024 AM
Paul Gotthardt
(#24 in series)
Download a PDF of the sermon notes by clicking here.
Click here to download a PDF of the children’s sermon notes.
James 4:7-10
James encourages Christians to test your faith and see if it’s genuine or false.
Key Thought:
Repentance involves more than tears or __ over our actions; repentance includes a __ turning away from sin and towards God.
Command one: “Submit therefore to God.”
Command ten: “Humble yourselves in the presence of the Lord.”
Between commands one and ten are three groupings of commands with connecting thoughts:
1) Resist the devil… draw near to God (vv. 7b–8a)
What should we know about resisting the devil from Jesus’ encounter in Luke 4:1-13?
May 05, 2024 AM
Paul Gotthardt
(#25 in series)
James 4:7-10
Key Thought: Repentance involves more than tears or sadness over our actions; repentance includes a complete turning away from sin and towards God.
Command One: “Submit therefore to God.”
Between commands one and ten are three groupings of commands with connecting thoughts:
1) Resist the devil… draw near to God (vv. 7b–8a)
2) Cleanse your hands… purify your hearts (v. 8b)
3) Be miserable (mourn and weep)… let your laughter be turned to mourning (v. 9)
Command Ten: “Humble yourselves in the presence of the Lord.”
Thoughts and Reflections:
What leads to spiritual complacency?
June 23, 2024 AM
Paul Gotthardt
(#26 in series)
James 4:11-12
Two hidden areas of prideful sin:
Definition:
Slander (speaking evil of one another) describes many kinds of harmful speech: questioning legitimate authority (Numbers 21:5), slandering someone in secret (Psalm 101:5), bringing incorrect accusations (1 Peter 2:12; 3:16). It refers to mindless, thoughtless, careless, critical, derogatory, untrue speech directed against others.
The Bible records the devastating effects of slander.
Big Truth:
We will be __ about speaking evil of others ONLY when we see our sin from God’s __.
What does this text teach us about speaking evil of one another?
July 21, 2024 AM
Paul Gotthardt
(#27 in series)
James 4:13-17
Two common areas of prideful sin:
What does this text teach us about pridefully making plans without God?
This person confidently makes plans on 5 presumptions:
__ : (Today or tomorrow)
Location: (Such and such a city)
__ : (A year there)
Activity: (Engage in business)
__ : (Make a profit)
There are several ways that Christians approach God’s will:
1) __ : They don’t know about it, and therefore, don’t pursue it.
2) Indifference: They know it exists, but they’re not concerned to find it.
3) __ : They know it, but disregard it.
4) Submission: They know it and obey it.
July 28, 2024 AM
Paul Gotthardt
(#28 in series)
James 5:1-6
James presents multiple tests to help people see if they have genuine saving faith.
Three key statements for understanding finances from a biblical perspective:
1) God owns __.
2) God blesses us with work, resources, and the ability to make money.
3) We are __ of what God has entrusted to us.
James is not condemning wealth or rich people. He is condemning the __ of wealth, the __ of wealth, and the __ of wealth to get your own way.
Big Truth: How we handle wealth reveals our __ in this life and our type of __ in the next.
What are the sins of mishandling wealth?
Reflection/Response:
August 04, 2024 AM
Paul Gotthardt
(#29 in series)
James 5:7-12
Big Truth:
There’s value in waiting if we wait __. Waiting well includes __, trust, __, and obedience.
What should we remember while waiting?
The spiritual harvest is __ the momentary affliction. (vv. 7-8)
December 15, 2024
Paul Gotthardt
(#30 in series)
James 5:13-18
All prayer is not __ prayer. All prayer is not equally __.
Big Truth:
When a child of God pursues the __ of God (in faith, __, and righteousness), there is greater effectiveness in prayer.
The big truth gives multiple checkpoints to consider in our life of prayer and our struggles in prayer. We can ask questions like…
What can we learn about praying effectively in difficult contexts?
Praying while suffering may accomplish one of two things.
It can provide __ by removing the affliction (if it’s God’s will).
It can provide __ for enduring the affliction (while accomplishing God’s will).
December 22, 2024 AM
Paul Gotthardt
(#31 in series)
James 5:13-18
All prayer is not equal prayer. All prayer is not equally effective.
Big Truth:
When a child of God pursues the will of God (in faith, persistence,
and righteousness), there is greater effectiveness in prayer.
Ask questions like…
What can we learn about praying effectively in difficult contexts?
Praying while suffering may accomplish one of two things.
It can provide relief by removing the affliction (if it’s God’s will).
It can provide grace for enduring the affliction (while accomplishing God’s will).
__ living hinders our prayers.
When confessing sin, there needs to be __ honesty that sin was committed, but not a public __ of every detail of the act. (Psalm 51)
Elijah’s prayers were NOT powerful and effective because He was a spiritual superhero; they were powerful and effective because he was a __ man who prayed __.
