James – First Baptist Scott City, MO

Three Acts of Faith (James 5:12-20)

Throughout our study of the book of James we have learned about genuine faith. For example, it produces steadfastness when tested (1:3). It does not show partiality (2:1). It reveals itself in love for God and others (2:8). It produces good works (2:26), it tames the tongue (3:8), draws you closer to Christ (4:8), andContinue reading “Three Acts of Faith (James 5:12-20)”

Idolatry: Diagnosed, Defined, & Defeated (James 4:1-10)

The irritation you have with those around you is usually the result of the idolatry you have within you. But, someone may object: “Wait a minute! It’s not my fault! My fights are because of other people. They mistreat me, they hurt me, and they malign me.” While it is true that other people canContinue reading “Idolatry: Diagnosed, Defined, & Defeated (James 4:1-10)”

Taming the Tongue (James 3:1-18)

Sticks and stones may break my bones but words may break my heart. You may have been taught that “words can never hurt me”, but words may actually hurt a lot more than sticks and stones. A broken leg takes six to eight weeks to heal, but a broken heart usually takes much longer. ThisContinue reading “Taming the Tongue (James 3:1-18)”

Faith and Works (James 2:14-26)

Jesus called His followers “the salt of the earth” (Matt 5:13) and “the light of the world“ (Matt 5:14). The effectiveness of salt is demonstrated in its ability to improve the taste of food and slow the decay of food. Bad salt is worthless. The effectiveness of light is demonstrated in its ability to giveContinue reading “Faith and Works (James 2:14-26)”

The Sin of Favoritism (James 2:1-13)

You will never get a second chance to make a first impression; but don’t worry, first impressions can be deceiving. This is why you shouldn’t judge a book by its cover. It is foolish to judge someone by outward appearances alone because you fail to see who they really are. Previously, James wrote that ChristiansContinue reading “The Sin of Favoritism (James 2:1-13)”

Heart, Head, Hands (James 1:19-27)

Authentic Christianity has profound implications for your heart, head, and hands. In other words, authentic Christianity is a supernatural change of heart that fuels a desire to know (head) more about Christ that in turn motivates the faithful work of your hands. James says it this way in James 1:22, “be doers of the wordContinue reading “Heart, Head, Hands (James 1:19-27)”

God is Good! (James 1:17-18)

Everything God gives and allows is designed for your good. He gives wisdom to those who ask in faith (v. 5). He allows trials as a testing of your faith (vs. 3) in order to build endurance (v. 3) and spiritual maturity (v. 4). He promises eternal life to those who endure (v. 12). HeContinue reading “God is Good! (James 1:17-18)”

When Tempted (James 1:13-16)

It is not a matter of “If” but “when”. In verse 13, James does not say, “If” you are tempted, but “When” you are tempted. Jesus said, “Temptations to sin are sure to come” (Luke 17:1) and we must always be diligent to resist every temptation. When we are tempted, we need to remember threeContinue reading “When Tempted (James 1:13-16)”

God’s Purpose for Trials (James 1:2-12)

God never promised that He would keep you from trouble and trials; He promised to keep you through trouble and trials. What is a trial? According to James 1:3, trials are the testing of your faith. When we embrace that God’s good purpose for trials is to mature us in the faith, we will findContinue reading “God’s Purpose for Trials (James 1:2-12)”

Too Many Hypocrites (James 1:1)

The book of James is an invaluable indictment against hypocrisy. James exhorts the children of God to have an active faith: this is, faith consistent with our actions. In other words, genuine faith is demonstrated in our actions and our actions reveal our faith. In fact, this is why our statement of Faith (Baptist FaithContinue reading “Too Many Hypocrites (James 1:1)”