The world is filled with sights and sounds and people to distract us from our walk with the Lord. Focus on the Good things of God.

1. www.rossvillechurch.com 781 Salem Road, Rossville, GA 30741 June 19, 2011 James 1 8 A double-minded man is unstable in all his ways.

2. Four By Grace will be leading worship for us Sunday morning, July 24 at 11:00.

3. Romans 16:17 Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them. 18 For they that are such serve not our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly ; and by good words and fair speeches deceive the hearts of the simple. Paul had just commended a number of good men and women to the churches at Rome. But now -- a warning !

4. Mark them which cause divisions (dissension, disunion) and offenses (occasions to fall) Mark 9 42 And whosoever shall offend one of these little ones that believe in Me, it is better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and he were cast into the sea.

5. How do they cause these troubles? By teaching doctrine contrary to the Bible. If the Bible says it's sin, it is sin.

6. Those who teach or live contrary to the Word of God , which we have learned, will lead us astray. 1 Timothy 5 22 Lay hands suddenly on no man, neither be partaker of other men's sins: keep thy-self pure. To lay hands on generally refers to setting aside for service in the church.

7. A church must be careful of who is given a position of leadership in the congregation, Either formally with ordination , Or informally by speaking or gaining followers.

8. 18 For they that are such serve not our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly ; and by good words and fair speeches deceive the hearts of the simple. Simple = innocent or unsuspecting. Strong's Greek Dictionary Be on guard; we pick up bad habits so easily.

9. The mindset of such people is not to serve , but to be served; not to give , but to be given unto. Instead of being devoted servants to Christ , they are slaves to their own appetites. Be on guard against such people.

10. 19 For your obedience is come abroad unto all men . I am glad therefore on your behalf: but yet I would have you wise unto that which is good , and simple concerning evil . Even the most diligent Christian can be deceived, if we let down our guard against evil. Be wise (knowledgeable and clear) about good. Focus on good; strive for good; know and do good. It is good to be simple (innocent and naïve) about evil.

11. 20 And the God of peace shall bruise Satan under your feet shortly. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Amen. The battle at times seems long and hard. We get tired ; we want to lay down our armor. But in the scheme of God's Plan, it won't be long . When we finish and look back , it will seem but a moment in time. Learn to be patient ; good things are coming. Impatience will drag us into sin.

12. 20b The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Amen. Grace = graciousness -- marked by kindness and courtesy. Grace is also the Divine influence upon the heart, and its reflection in the life. (Strong's Greek) Grace includes such traits as gratitude ; a grateful heart is a gentle and kind heart.

13. 21 Timotheus my work-fellow, and Lucius, and Jason, and Sosipater, my kinsmen, salute you. 22 I Tertius, who wrote this epistle, salute you in the Lord. 23 Gaius mine host , and of the whole church, saluteth you. Erastus the chamberlain of the city saluteth you, and Quartus a brother. 24 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen.

14. 25 Now to Him that is of Power to stablish you according to my Gospel, and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery, which was kept secret since the world began, 26 but now is made manifest, and by the Scriptures of the prophets, according to the Commandment of the everlasting God, made known to all nations for the obedience of faith: 27 To God only wise , be glory through Jesus Christ forever. Amen.

15. 25 Now to Him that is of Power to stablish you according to my Gospel, and the preaching of Jesus Christ, Stablish = to set fast; to turn resolutely in a certain direction; to steadfastly set. Strong's Greek We won't be distracted.

16. 26b made known to all nations for the obedience of faith : Faith and obedience can not be separated. True faith will produce willing obedience . A divided mind is the mind of one who wants to have faith in God, but has not yet fully trusted. Not yet trusted God to bring joy into his life; he seeks happiness in his own way . Not yet trusted God to provide everything that he needs; he seeks what he wants in his own way .

17. James 4 7 Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. 8 Draw nigh to God, and He will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double-minded. We choose, either to walk after the things of God, living life God's Way ; Or, we choose to walk after the lusts of the flesh , living life our own way .

18. James 1 8 A double-minded man is unstable in all his ways.