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James Conclusion part 2
I. Real Faith Perseveres
12 Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him. James 1:12
“Suffering brings discouragements, because of our impatience. ‘Alas!’, We lament, ‘I shall never get through such a trial.’ But if God brings us into the trial, he will be with us in the trial, and at length bring us out, more refined. We shall lose nothing but dross. From our own strength, we cannot bear the least trouble, but by the spirits assistance, we can bear the greatest.” -Richard Sibbes
II. Real Faith Resists
13 Let no one say when he is tempted, “I am being tempted by God,” for God cannot be tempted with evil, and he himself tempts no one. 14 But each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire. 15 Then desire when it has conceived gives birth to sin, and sin when it is fully grown brings forth death. 16 Do not be deceived, my beloved brothers. James 1:13-16
21 Therefore put away all filthiness and rampant wickedness and receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls. James 1:21
“The word of the gospel, therefore, is fully able to sustain and mature us, from the beginning of our relationship with Christ to the culmination of salvation in the age to come.” -Craig L. Blombberg
III. Real Faith Waits
7 Be patient, therefore, brothers, until the coming of the Lord. See how the farmer waits for the precious fruit of the earth, being patient about it, until it receives the early and the late rains. 8 You also, be patient. Establish your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is at hand. James 5:7-8
7 I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. 8 Henceforth there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will award to me on that day, and not only to me but also to all who have loved his appearing. 2 Timothy 4:7-8
Do your best to come to me soon. For Demas, in love with this present world, has deserted me and gone to Thessalonica. 2 Timothy 4:9
IV. Real Faith Prays
13 Is anyone among you suffering? Let him pray. Is anyone cheerful? Let him sing praise. 14 Is anyone among you sick? Let him call for the elders of the church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord. 15 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.16 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. 17 Elijah was a man with a nature like ours, and he prayed fervently that it might not rain, and for three years and six months it did not rain on the earth. 18 Then he prayed again, and heaven gave rain, and the earth bore its fruit. James 5:13-18
Speaker: Will Pavone
February 16, 2025
