Living Out James: Five Imperatives for Faithful Living

Devotional

Day 1: True Security in God, Not Wealth

James warns us about the dangers of wealth and urges us to be content with what we have. True security comes from God, not material possessions. This is a call to shift our focus from accumulating wealth to trusting in God's provision and purpose for our lives. Embracing contentment means recognizing that material wealth is fleeting and can lead us away from our true source of security and peace. Instead, we are encouraged to find our satisfaction and security in our relationship with God, who provides for all our needs.

James reminds us that the pursuit of wealth can lead to greed, envy, and a false sense of security. By embracing contentment, we acknowledge that everything we have is a gift from God and that He is our ultimate provider. This perspective helps us to live generously, share with others, and focus on what truly matters—our relationship with God and our service to others. [44:24]

Hebrews 13:5 (ESV): "Keep your life free from love of money, and be content with what you have, for he has said, 'I will never leave you nor forsake you.'"

Reflection: In what areas of your life are you seeking security in material possessions rather than in God? How can you begin to shift your focus to trust in God's provision today?

Day 2: Living with an Eternal Perspective

James emphasizes the importance of waiting patiently for the Lord's return. This involves living with an eternal perspective and making decisions that reflect our hope in Christ's second coming. Patience is not just about enduring delays but about maintaining faith and courage as we await God's promises. By living with an eternal perspective, we are reminded that our current struggles and challenges are temporary and that our ultimate hope lies in the return of Christ.

James uses the example of farmers waiting for their crops to illustrate the importance of patience. Just as farmers must wait for the right season to harvest, we too must wait for God's timing in our lives. This patience is rooted in our trust in God's faithfulness and His promises. As we wait, we are called to live faithfully, making decisions that reflect our hope in Christ and our commitment to His kingdom. [54:05]

2 Peter 3:8-9 (ESV): "But do not overlook this one fact, beloved, that with the Lord one day is as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day. The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance."

Reflection: How can you cultivate patience in your daily life as you wait for God's promises? What decisions can you make today that reflect an eternal perspective?

Day 3: The Power of Faithful Prayer

Effective prayer involves faith, the power of the Holy Spirit, and alignment with God's will. James encourages us to pray for healing and to use the name of Jesus, emphasizing that prayer is a powerful tool for both physical and spiritual well-being. Effective prayer is not complicated but requires faith and a heart aligned with God's purposes. When we pray in faith, we invite the Holy Spirit to work in and through us, bringing about God's will in our lives and the lives of others.

James highlights the importance of praying with faith, believing that God hears and answers our prayers. He also encourages the practice of anointing with oil as a symbol of the Holy Spirit's power. This act of faith demonstrates our reliance on God's power and our trust in His ability to heal and restore. By praying effectively, we participate in God's work and experience His presence and power in our lives. [01:02:29]

James 5:15-16 (ESV): "And the prayer of faith will save the one who is sick, and the Lord will raise him up. And if he has committed sins, he will be forgiven. Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working."

Reflection: What specific area of your life do you need to bring before God in prayer today? How can you align your prayers with God's will and invite the Holy Spirit to work in that situation?

Day 4: The Healing Power of Confession

Confessing our sins to one another brings healing and accountability. This practice helps us overcome persistent sins and strengthens our community. It's not just about seeking forgiveness from God but also about creating a support system that helps us grow in holiness. By confessing our sins to one another, we open ourselves to God's healing and the support of our Christian community, which helps us to overcome our struggles and grow in our faith.

James emphasizes the importance of regular confession as a means of healing and accountability. When we confess our sins to one another, we break the power of secrecy and shame, allowing God's grace to bring healing and restoration. This practice also fosters a sense of community and mutual support, as we bear one another's burdens and encourage each other in our walk with Christ. [01:06:28]

1 John 1:9 (ESV): "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness."

Reflection: Is there a sin or struggle you need to confess to a trusted friend or mentor today? How can you create a habit of regular confession to experience God's healing and accountability in your life?

Day 5: Pursuing the Lost with Love

James urges us to go after those who have strayed from the faith. This is a call to be proactive in our relationships, showing love and concern for those who have wandered away. It's about being a part of their rescue and helping them return to a life of faith. By pursuing the lost with love, we demonstrate the heart of God, who desires that none should perish but that all should come to repentance.

James highlights the importance of community and mutual care in the Christian life. When we see someone straying from the faith, we are called to reach out to them with love and compassion, guiding them back to the truth. This pursuit is not about judgment but about restoration and reconciliation, reflecting God's desire for all His children to be in a right relationship with Him. [01:11:04]

Galatians 6:1-2 (ESV): "Brothers, if anyone is caught in any transgression, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness. Keep watch on yourself, lest you too be tempted. Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ."

Reflection: Who in your life has strayed from the faith and needs your love and support? How can you reach out to them today with the goal of guiding them back to a relationship with God?

Sermon Summary

### Summary

Good morning, CLC! Today, we delved into James chapter five, focusing on five key imperatives that James emphasizes as he concludes his letter. These imperatives are not just commands but essential practices for living a genuine Christian life. The first imperative is to "embrace contentment." James warns us about the dangers of wealth and urges us to be content with what we have, reminding us that our true security should be in God, not in material possessions. The second imperative is to "wait patiently" for the Lord's return. James uses the example of farmers waiting for their crops to illustrate the importance of patience and living with an eternal perspective.

The third imperative is to "pray effectively." James encourages us to pray in faith, anointing with oil as a symbol of the Holy Spirit's power. Effective prayer is not complicated but requires faith and alignment with God's will. The fourth imperative is to "confess regularly." James highlights the importance of confessing our sins to one another, not just to God, for healing and accountability. This practice helps us overcome persistent sins and strengthens our community.

The final imperative is to "rescue the wandering." James urges us to go after those who have strayed from the faith, emphasizing the importance of community and mutual care. As we close, I felt led to pray for two groups of people: those who feel distant from God and those who know someone who has wandered away. Let's commit to drawing closer to God and reaching out to those who need to be brought back into the fold.

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Key Takeaways

1. being. [01:02:29]
4. Confess Regularly: Confessing our sins to one another brings healing and accountability. This practice helps us overcome persistent sins and strengthens our community. It's not just about seeking forgiveness from God but also about creating a support system that helps us grow in holiness.

5. Rescue the Wandering: James urges us to go after those who have strayed from the faith. This is a call to be proactive in our relationships, showing love and concern for those who have wandered away. It's about being a part of their rescue and helping them return to a life of faith.

### [62:29]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[41:21] - Introduction to James Chapter 5
[42:55] - Embrace Contentment
[44:24] - The Danger of Wealth
[46:04] - Generosity vs. Hoarding
[49:53] - Global Perspective on Wealth
[51:25] - Avoid Unnecessary Acquisition
[52:45] - Contentment is a Choice
[54:05] - Wait Patiently
[54:58] - The Lord's Return
[56:12] - Urgency of the Second Coming
[58:12] - Living with Eternity in Mind
[60:22] - Examples of Patience in Suffering
[62:29] - Pray Effectively
[64:08] - The Power of the Holy Spirit in Prayer
[66:28] - Confess Regularly
[69:23] - The Power of Confession
[71:04] - Rescue the Wandering
[72:34] - Prayer for Those Distant from God
[74:47] - Prayer for Those Who Know Wanderers

Bible Study Guide

Observation Questions

What does James warn about in James 5:1-3 regarding wealth and material possessions?
How does James illustrate the importance of patience in James 5:7-8?
According to James 5:14-15, what are the steps involved in praying for someone who is sick?
What does James 5:19-20 say about rescuing those who have wandered from the faith?

Interpretation Questions

Why does James emphasize the dangers of wealth and the importance of contentment? How does this relate to our modern context? [44:24]
What does it mean to "wait patiently" for the Lord's return, and how can this perspective influence our daily decisions? [54:05]
How does effective prayer, as described in James 5:14-15, differ from other types of prayer? What role does faith play in this? [01:02:29]
Why is confessing our sins to one another important for healing and accountability, according to James 5:16? [01:06:28]

Application Questions

Reflect on your own life: Are there areas where you are relying on material wealth for security instead of trusting in God? How can you shift your focus to embrace contentment? [44:24]
Think about a situation where you are currently experiencing impatience. How can you apply the principle of waiting patiently for the Lord's return to this situation? [54:05]
When was the last time you prayed effectively for someone, including anointing with oil and praying in faith? How can you incorporate this practice more regularly in your prayer life? [01:02:29]
Is there a persistent sin in your life that you need to confess to a trusted friend for accountability and healing? What steps will you take to do this? [01:06:28]
Identify someone in your life who has wandered from the faith. What practical steps can you take this week to reach out to them and show them love and concern? [01:11:04]
How can you create a support system within your small group to regularly practice confession and accountability? What benefits do you anticipate from this practice? [01:06:28]
Reflect on the urgency of the Lord's return. How does this perspective change the way you live your daily life and interact with others? [54:05]

Sermon Clips

### Quotes for Outreach

1. "You see, God doesn't mind if you have wealth. He's not opposed to you being prosperous in that sense. But what is so dangerous for us is that when we start counting on our wealth, our money, our stuff, instead of counting on the word of God and what he wants for us." [46:04] (20 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

2. "Contentment is a choice. You choose to be content. You decide to be content. James is challenging all of us. I told you you're not going to want every one of these, but here's the first one. He's challenging us to embrace contentment. It's one of the essentials of the Christian faith. Embrace contentment." [53:34] (22 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

3. "The earnest prayer of a righteous person has great power. And that word power is the same word that we get our English word energy from. When you confess and now they're praying for you, there's some energy being released in their prayers and it produces wonderful results." [01:09:23] (19 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

4. "If you know people who have wandered off from God's truth, don't write them off. Go after them. Get them back and you will have rescued precious lives from destruction and prevented an epidemic of wandering away from God." [01:11:04] (23 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

5. "You need to live, you know, like Jesus is coming. You need to live with eternity in mind because he is coming. Let me ask you a question. I'm not going to tell you to talk to your neighbor. Just, I want everybody to think about this for a second and tell me, when was the last time you heard a message about the coming of the Lord?" [59:41] (28 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

### Quotes for Members

1. "I think there's examples around us even now. One of the real privileges that Chris and I have had in the last several years was the opportunity to meet a man that we prayed for before we met him. And the reason we prayed for him was churches all over America were praying. Pastor Farshid in Iran, he was a pastor there. And was imprisoned for his faith. Not because he had done anything wrong, but was sent to prison for five years in the worst prison in Iran." [01:00:22] (36 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

2. "I think we all understand that we confess our sins to God. You don't have to confess sins to someone else. You confess your sins to God and he will forgive you, okay? But we confess to each other in order to be healed. Sometimes I've prayed for the same sin. I've asked forgiveness repeatedly. Lord, here I am again. I blew it again. I said something I shouldn't have said. Did something I shouldn't have done and I need your forgiveness. And he's gracious and good to forgive." [01:07:20] (40 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

3. "Praying effectively is not complicated, but it's dependent on the oil of the Holy Spirit and using the name of Jesus, he points that out, and offered in faith according to God's will. That's what's involved when you pray for the sick. Amen." [01:04:08] (18 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

4. "Ordinary people can make a difference. And yet, when he prayed earnestly that no rain would fall, none fell for three and a half years. Then when he prayed again, the sky sent down rain and the earth began to yield its crops. That will work. Take that verse with you and use it regularly. Amen." [01:10:36] (23 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

5. "I believe that I'm talking to someone and there was a time in your life that you walked closer to the Lord than you are today. If you'll admit, if you'll be honest with yourself, you're not as close to God right now as you have been at some period in the past." [01:12:10] (18 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

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