How do we suffer well together? By patiently anticipating the coming of the Lord.

Jesus' imminent return fuels us to:

-Work diligently (like the farmer) [5:7]

-Speak with integrity (consider the prophets) [5:10]

-Hold fast (remember Job) [5:11-12]

James addresses our tendency to be controlled by bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in two specific areas of life: our plans and our possessions.

OUR PLANS

James offers a correction to pride-filled boasting:


1. With humility, acknowledge and embrace our frailty


2. Acknowledge and embrace a daily dependence on God

OUR POSSESSIONS

Two things happen when we perpetually fixate on what we want:

1. We arrogantly believe that we deserve what we want.


2. We become blind to the needs of others.


In light of this:

1. Pray for eyes to see and respond to the injustice all around you.

2. Give generously and creatively to those around you.


3. Receive God’s grace - his gift of undeserved kindness and forgiveness that we don’t deserve.

What is the source of conflict between Christians?

-The war within (internal): Taking pleasure in what I want vs. what God wants.

-Desires (lust): Strong craving for that which we don’t have.

-Friendship with the world: Adultery against God

What is the solution to conflict between Christians?

1. Turn to God

-Submit to God

-Resist the devil (and he will flee)

-Draw near to God (and he will draw near)

-Cleanse hands/ purify hearts

-Grieve our selfishness and jealousy

-Approach God with humility (and he will lift you up)

2. Stop Criticizing Others

-Trust God as Judge

-Start loving others

James' burning question: Who’s really got life figured out?

Two Ways of Living:

According to the world (3:14-16)

-Source: Earthly, unspiritual, demonic, false 

-What it looks like: Bitter jealousy, selfish ambition, boasting, deceitfulness

-The result: Disorder, every vile practice

According to wisdom (3:17-18)

-Source: From above, from God (Father, Son, Spirit), true

-What it looks like: Humbleness, purity, peacemaking, gentleness, submissiveness, mercifulness, fruitfulness, impartiality, genuineness

-The result: Peace, a harvest of righteousness

Life-giving living in Christian community (the Church)

Life-giving living in the world

On behalf of the elders, Pastor Jon shares an update regarding the challenging financial situation we are in.