Wisdom From Above - Part 2 | Message from Pastor Mel
July 7, 2024
Wisdom From Above - Part 2 | Message from Pastor Mel
Life Changing Faith - The Book of James
Bottom Line: Believers in Jesus Christ are to love the wisdom that comes from above and to reject any infiltration of the wisdom of this world into their lives because it only leads to separation from God and His amazing plan.
Intro:
1. God's wisdom leads ultimately to good outcomes. James 3:13; Proverbs 1:7; Proverbs 2:6-8; Proverbs 3:5-6
a. God's wisdom naturally "shows up" in real life. v.13
b. God's wisdom is done in meekness v.13
Meekness:
-not weakness
-not about a prideful display of your intelligence or your "superiority"
-Biblical meekness is seen in a person's desire that all the glory must go to God.
2. God's wisdom fights against jealousy and selfish ambition. James 3:14-18; 1 Corinthians 1:25; James 1:5
Adopting the wisdom of the world results in....
Loss of Focus | Lack of Perseverance | Not Serving | Avoiding Personal Time w/the Lord |
OK w/ Offensive Actions | Reduced Desire for Teaching | Ignoring Internal Toxins |
Numb to Sin & False Teachings Around You
The Beautiful Qualities of Wisdom from Above: James 3:17
Sincere | Impartial | Full of Mercy... good fruits | Open to Reason | Peaceable | Pure
Danger of Discontentment | Message from Pastor Mel
July 14, 2024
Danger of Discontentment | Message from Pastor Mel
Bottom Line: Discontentment is as old as sin itself. We must find in Christ all that we need and be content in every situation we find ourselves in as God moves us toward becoming a better person that is passionate about accomplishing God's goals for our lives.
1. Discontentment puts you in conflict with others and God. James 4:1-3
"Contentment": Being satisfied, thankful, and joyful
for what you have through Christ with no need or
demands for more. It is a powerful quality that
aids a person in conquering all the
circumstances of life.
If Jesus Christ is your preeminent (superior to
all others) passion, then it…
A. Resolves the war within you v. 1
B. Reduces the war with others. v. 1
C. Reveals the way we should pray. v. 2-3
2. Discontentment is fueled when we align ourselves with the thinking of this world.
James 4:4-6
“Friendship with the World” (Worldliness):
When a believer exhibits actions, attitudes, or opinions that violate principles or commands in
God’s Word.
A. Friendship with the world = compromising what is right. v. 4
B. Compromising what is right = opposing God. v. 4
C. Opposing God = restricting the work of the Holy Spirit in us. v. 5
D. Restricting the work of the Holy Spirit = developing destructive pride. v. 6
3. Our contentment in Christ will be fueled by a humble, submissive spirit! James 4:7-10
Plan of Action:
A. Submit to God.
B. Resist the devil
C. Draw near to God.
D. Take steps toward purity
E. Be willing to move from "brokenness"
F. Remember the reward
Taming The Tongue | Message from Pastor Mel
May 5, 2024
Bottom Line: We, as believers with genuine faith, must be committed to honoring and obeying God in WHAT we say and the WAY in which we communicate with those around us.
Intro:
1. Get your communication under God's control... completely! James 3:1-2
a. Teachers - Realize your _________________ v. 1
b. Believers - Realize your _________________ v. 2
2. Consider the impact of how you communicate... soberly. James 3:3-5
3. Identify the destructive tendencies in your communication.. humbly. James 3:6-8
4. Deal with your n eeded "speech changes"... aggressively. James 3:9-12
Now What?
1. Pray humbly asking the Lord to convict you of changes you need to make in your communication.
2. Ask a spouse or close friend which tendency exist in your life reassuring them that you won't become retaliatory or defensive.
