Sermon at the Haynes Street church of Christ on March 16, 2014. Topic: Lessons from James 4. Preacher: Steven Matthews

1. TIMES OF SERVICES
SUNDAY:
9:30 A.M. BIBLE CLASS
10:30 A.M. WORSHIP
WEDNESDAY:
7 P.M. BIBLE CLASS
Welcome to the Haynes
Street church of Christ

2. Lessons from James 4
James: The “how-to” book of the Christian life.
One of the most practical books in the New
Testament.
Offers instruction and exhortation to Christians
who are experiencing problems, which is all of us.
James 4:1-17
 Conflict: Our sinful desires and desire for God’s will.
 Do we not receive because we’re praying for the
wrong things?
 God is not obligated to grant all of our wishes.

3. Lessons from James 4
James 4:1-17 (continued)
 God does not give into our will. We submit to His.
 What is our attitude toward God?
 A jealous God is a concept prevalent throughout
scripture (Ex. 20:5, 34:14; Psalm 78:58, 79:5).
 When in sin, laughter and joy should be replaced
with genuine sorrow (II Cor. 7:9-10).
 A Christian should never laugh at sin.
 We’re not as important as we think we are (Matt.
23:12).

4. Lessons from James 4
James 4:1-17 (continued)
 God is the ultimate Judge.
 Our lips must be governed by the law of kindness.
 We break God’s commands when we speak evil.
 Problem is not planning; it’s leaving God out.
 God’s word places great importance on time.
 Is “Lord willing” part of your everyday speech?
 A stern warning against sins of omission (Luke
16:19-31).
 It is a sin to know what is right, and yet not do it.

5. Lessons from James 4
Angry outbursts: Why do they happen?
 Unmet desires (v. 1-3).
 We start to believe they are mandated rights.
 Is your desire God-based or self-based?
Let’s keep our plans in proper perspective.
 Plans are subject to the Great Planner (v. 13-17).
 We cannot, by our own power, assure we will live to
accomplish all of our plans.
 If we put off the right thing now, God will not uphold
any of our plans for the future.

6. The Plan of Salvation
Hear (Romans 1:16; 10:14, 17)
Believe (John 8:24; Mark 16:16; Hebrews
11:6)
Repent (Acts 2:38; 3:19; 17:30)
Confess (Romans 10:9-10; Matthew 10:32-33)
Be baptized (Acts 2:38; 22:16; Mark 16:16)
Live faithfully (Revelation 2:10; Matthew
6:33; Romans 12:1-2; I Corinthians 15:58)

7. The Plan of Salvation
Hear (Romans 1:16; 10:14, 17)
Believe (John 8:24; Mark 16:16; Hebrews
11:6)
Repent (Acts 2:38; 3:19; 17:30)
Confess (Romans 10:9-10; Matthew 10:32-33)
Be baptized (Acts 2:38; 22:16; Mark 16:16)
Live faithfully (Revelation 2:10; Matthew
6:33; Romans 12:1-2; I Corinthians 15:58)