NP Berean Sermons Podcast

Our desires need to be brought into alignment with the wisdom from above. As we do so, we'll recognize how two very common, and very presumptuous behaviors have no place in the life of a Christ-follower. What are these behaviors? That's what we'll explore as we conclude James 4 this week.

Don't be deceived, out of the overflow of our heart, our mouth speaks. The words (content and tone) that proceed from our mouth simply reveal the desires inside our hearts. So if we find our words are hurtful, untruthful, or unwholesome, we know our desires are disordered. And how do we address disordered desires? Can we alter these desires to align them with God's desires? And if so, how? Join us as we explore what James has to say about this!

With so many voices claiming they know the best way to live, how can we recognize the path that actually leads to life? Join in as we continue seeking True Wisdom.

Recall that one of the hallmarks of pure and undefiled religion in the Father's sight is to "bridle one's tongue." Practically, James has already called his hearers to be quick to hear and slow to speak. Now James really steps on toes as he calls his hearers to examine the use of their tongues. Jesus said that it is out of the overflow of the heart that the mouth speaks, and James fleshes out some practical implications of this. We'll consider our own use of our tongues and, where necessary, practice openhanded confession and repentance.

If we're saved through faith alone (as we saw in Galatians), why does James say "a person is justified by works and not by faith alone"? Join in as we explore perhaps the best-known challenge in the book of James and continue seeking to develop True Wisdom for living out our faith every day.

After our first two weeks of having introduced the topics James will cover in his letter, we'll turn our attention to a practice that is absolutely incompatible with faith in Jesus Christ. It's incredibly natural for us to act this way and it actually reveals our own self-interested hearts. It makes us judges with evil motives and just cannot fit with true faith. What is it? Join in as we learn about it and diagnose our own hearts!

James concludes chapter 1 by again getting in the business of his hearers and challenging them to turn from "double mindedness" and instead be whole people of integrity (the same throughout their lives). In responses, reflection of God, and religion, James will again introduce the topics he'll be expanding on in chapters 2-5. We'll have another opportunity to examine our own hearts and minds and practice repentance where needed.

Our dream is that everyone showing up at North Platte Berean would be growing in relationship with Jesus Christ through His word and prayer in community. As each of us consider what this looks like for us this school year, we'll take a look at Paul's words to the church in Colossae, as he calls them to make Christ central in every aspect of life, including their relationships (or community). With this, we'll consider some tangible steps and opportunities for everyone to consider as we pursue this mission together.