Series: The Practical Expression of Our Faith in Daily Living
Sermon 1: When Temptation Comes
Text: James 1:1–4 NKJV
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Prayer
Heavenly Father, as we come before Your Word today, we ask for Your Spirit to illuminate our hearts. Teach us how to endure trials and overcome temptation with faith and joy. Let us leave here not only as hearers of the Word, but as doers also. In Jesus’ mighty name we pray, Amen.
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Introduction
The Christian life is a life of faith, but not of theory—it is meant to be lived out daily. That is why the book of James is such an important letter for us. Unlike Paul, who often writes in-depth theology, James writes about the practical expression of our faith in daily living.
James was a half-brother of Jesus, and during Christ’s earthly ministry he did not believe. But after the resurrection, James’ life was transformed. He rose to become the leader of the Jerusalem church, respected for his wisdom, his prayer life, and his devotion to God. His nickname in church history was “Camel Knees” because he spent so much time kneeling in prayer.
James wrote this letter to Jewish Christians scattered across the Roman world—people facing persecution, hardship, and daily temptations. His purpose was not to give them more doctrine, but to teach them how to live faithfully in the middle of real struggles.
And where does he begin? With trials and temptations. James wastes no time in telling believers that faith is not proven in comfort, but in conflict. Our faith must be tested if it is to be trusted.
Let’s read together James 1:1–4 from the Amplified Bible.
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Scripture Reading: James 1:1–4 (AMP)
“James, a bond-servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ,
To the twelve [Hebrew] tribes [scattered abroad among the Gentiles] in the dispersion: Greetings (rejoice)!
2 Consider it nothing but joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you fall into various trials.
3 Be assured that the testing of your faith [through experience] produces endurance [leading to spiritual maturity, and inner peace].
4 And let endurance have its perfect result and do a thorough work, so that you may be perfect and completely developed [in your faith], lacking in nothing.”
Until next time
Stay in the Blessings
I really want to encourage you to be diligent with your Bible study time, because God has so much more for us than we can get from just going to church once or twice a week and hearing someone else talk about the Word.
When you spend time with God, your life will change in amazing ways, because God is a Redeemer.
Theres nothing thats too hard for Him, and He can make you whole, spirit, soul and body!
You’re important to God, and you’re important to us at The Refinery.
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2025 IS A YEAR OF NEW BEGINNINGS.
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