FAITH THAT WORKS (1)

(Message by Tanny Keng)

0. Introduction

a) James offers a larger number of similarities to the Sermon on the Mount than any other book in the New Testament. James relied heavily on Jesus' teachings.

1. Lesson: "When your life is full of difficulties and persecutions, be glad."

a) Text reference: James 1:2

i) ² My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials. (James 1:2 NKJV)

2. Lesson: "A reward awaits you."

a) Text reference: Matthew 5:10-12

i) ¹⁰ Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, For theirs is the kingdom of heaven. ¹¹ “Blessed are you when they revile and persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely for My sake. ¹² Rejoice and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you. (Matthew 5:10-12 NKJV)

3. Lesson: "You are to be perfect, mature, and complete, not lacking anything."

a) Text reference: James 1:4; Matthew 5:48

i) ⁴ But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing. (James 1:4 NKJV)

ii) ⁴⁸ Therefore you shall be perfect, just as your Father in heaven is perfect. (Matthew 5:48 NKJV)

4. Lesson: "Ask God, and he will answer."

a) Text reference: James 1:5; 5:15; Matthew 7:7-12

i) ⁵ If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him. (James 1:5 NKJV)

ii) ¹⁵ And the prayer of faith will save the sick, and the Lord will raise him up. And if he has committed sins, he will be forgiven. (James 5:15 NKJV)

iii) ⁷ “Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. ⁸ For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened. ⁹ Or what man is there among you who, if his son asks for bread, will give him a stone? ¹⁰ Or if he asks for a fish, will he give him a serpent? ¹¹ If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask Him! ¹² Therefore, whatever you want men to do to you, do also to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets. (Matthew 7:7-12 NKJV)

5. Lesson: "Those who are humble (who don't to much by the world's standards) should rejoice in their position as those whom God loves."

a) Text reference: James 1:9; Matthew 5:3

i) ⁹ Let the lowly brother glory in his exaltation. (James 1:9 NKJV)

ii) ³ “Blessed are the poor in spirit, For theirs is the kingdom of heaven. (Matthew 5:3 NKJV)

The End ...