AVBC - Sunday - 11/08/26 - Sermon Title: “Taming the Tongue” - The power of speech in relationships” - James 3:1-18 - “The Book of James” – Sermon Series – (Part 4 of 6)

 Sunday 11/08/26 – Adams Village Baptist Church

Sermon Title: “Taming the Tongue” - The power of speech in relationships” - James 3:1-18 - “The Book of James” – Sermon Series – (Part 4 of 6)

(Cover Picture – James 3:1-18- Taming the Tongue - Picture)  

 

          So, I remember hearing as a young child, this rhyme: 

“Sticks and stones may break my bones
But words will never hurt me” (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sticks_and_Stones). 

Has anyone here ever heard this famous British rhyme before? Just a little bit of the history behind the “Sticks and Stones” rhyme, is this:

-         Alexander William Kinglake in his Eothen (written 1830, published in London, John Ollivier, 1844) used "golden sticks and stones".

-         An article by F.R. Horner in Liverpool's Northern Times on July 23, 1857, included the phrase (as quoted text): Sticks and stones (says the schoolboy’s rhyme) may break men’s bones, but bad names will not hurt me.

-         An article in The Coleraine Chronicle and North of Ireland Advertiser on January 18, 1862 included the phrase (also as quoted text): Sticks and stones break one’s bones, but names will never hurt one (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sticks_and_Stones).

The general idea behind this famous English rhyme is that we can be physically hurt, but mere words alone, well they can never hurt us. How many of us here reject the idea completely that words can never hurt us? My mother Susan went to a Christian Women’s conference once, where a woman that spoke there told the attendees that “words wound.” It is amazing to me that this little thing in our mouth called our tongue is used to help us speak and say words. If you do not believe me, then try to say something while at the same time holding your tongue when you speak. If anything, you will sound really funny and get a good laugh.

          The general idea around the famous “sticks and stones” rhyme is that words are something that we can just forget, and that just bounce off us. It is a great thought, but sometimes “words wound.” For the past three weeks we have been walking through the Book of James in the New Testament, where we are challenged to have both faith in Christ, and to live and love like Christ. If we are seeking Jesus, if we are seeking God, are we also challenging ourselves through the Holy Spirit to live and love more like Jesus? This can be seen in how we love our neighbors, how we serve others, how help in the world, how we give, and this morning how we “tame our tongue.” This morning’s message is called “Taming the Tongue” - The power of speech in relationships.”

          I said in my weekly Wednesday check-in video that I make on our church Facebook Page, that when I first thought about this sermon based on the Book of James chapter 3, I thought of the Bounty paper towel commercials on tv. There is a spill and the spill is getting closer to falling on the floor or something else. The person who accidentally spilled a drink or some other liquid says the word no in slow motion, saying “Noooooooooooo!” suddenly then, they have a bounty paper towel that saves the day and contains the spill. Has anyone here ever said something, and within a fraction of a second in your head you thought “Noooooooooo!” Maybe in the same second you realized that what just came out of your mouth has likely just gotten you into big trouble, and unfortunately a Bounty paper towel will not fix it! All of us, if we are honest, have mis-spoken, and perhaps we have said things that we regret and wish we could take back.

          As we have been hearing the past three weeks of this Book of James sermon series, and this morning, this book of scripture calls us to not just have faith, but to live that faith out. Or as we like to say here at Adams Village Baptist Church, to “Live It Out Loud!” When what we believe though, when our faith in Christ, connects to how we live and love every day, then we are living the fullness of the gospel of Jesus Christ, and our Christian faith. This, however, is not always easy, but we are called to not just have faith in Christ, but to continue to strive after and be like Christ. Coming to Christ is forgiveness, salvation, and eternity, but sanctification is our continued pursuit and longing to be fully like Jesus. For the goal of the Christian life is to be like Jesus.

(James 3:1-9- Scripture Picture) 

          In looking at our scripture for this morning from the Book of James chapter 3, which is also James 3:1-18, we hear about the need to “Tame our Tongues,” but there is more to this chapter, as well. So, let us walk through this scripture again. Starting in James 3:1, we hear, once again:

Taming the Tongue

3 Let not many of you become teachers, my brethren, for you know that we who teach shall be judged with greater strictness. ² For we all make many mistakes, and if any one makes no mistakes in what he says he is a perfect man, able to bridle the whole body also (Jas. 3:1-2, RSV).

Striving to be holy and trying to live and love like Jesus. We hear that teachers are to be judged with “greater strictness” than others. Are we able to make no mistakes and be perfect? In fact, James 3:3-4, then says:

³ If we put bits into the mouths of horses that they may obey us, we guide their whole bodies. ⁴ Look at the ships also; though they are so great and are driven by strong winds, they are guided by a very small rudder wherever the will of the pilot directs (Jas. 3:3-4, RSV). 

In the way that a bit in a horse’s mouth might make the horse obey, and in the same way ships are guided by a rudder, so are we called to be holy, righteous, and be like Christ.

          Specifically, picking up James at 3:5, James then takes us in the direction of what we speak, and the things that we say. Of course, our tongues allow us to speak and allow our words to make sense when we speak. Picking up in James 3:5, we hear:

⁵ So the tongue is a little member and boasts of great things. How great a forest is set ablaze by a small fire! ⁶ And the tongue is a fire. The tongue is an unrighteous world among our members, staining the whole body, setting on fire the cycle of nature, and set on fire by hell. ⁷ For every kind of beast and bird, of reptile and sea creature, can be tamed and has been tamed by humankind, ⁸ but no human being can tame the tongue—a restless evil, full of deadly poison. ⁹ With it we bless the Lord and Father, and with it we curse men, who are made in the likeness of God (Jas. 3:5-9, RSV).

          James is telling us that our tongues, that our mouths, can get us into a lot of trouble, can do a lot of damage, but can also do a lot of good. What we say, how we say, and when we say it, with our tongues can do great and terrible things.

(Taming the Tongue – James 3 – Fire Picture) 

          In looking at our slide for this morning on “Taming the Tongue,” and the potential fire of our tongues, we see the power of the tongue. We also see other scriptures that speak to power of the tongue and the power of our words in this slide.

 

In this slide, we really see how the tongue can create a forest fire of trouble and problems. As we look at this slide, we can see the power, once again of our tongues, of our words. We can do so much good, but we can also quickly cause a lot of harm. What do we do with our words, with our tongues?

(James 3:10-18- Scripture Picture) 

 

Picking up in the second half of James 3:10-18, we hear, once again:

 

¹⁰ From the same mouth come blessing and cursing. My brethren, this ought not to be so. ¹¹ Does a spring pour forth from the same opening fresh water and brackish? ¹² Can a fig tree, my brethren, yield olives, or a grapevine figs? No more can salt water yield fresh (Jas. 3:5-9, RSV).

As we saw in the slide, from our same mouths, we can bring forth blessings and curses. James says that this should not be the case, and we should use our mouths to bless only, and not curse. Using another analogy, James then says, picking up in 3:11, once again, ¹¹ Does a spring pour forth from the same opening fresh water and brackish? Brackish water is a mixture of fresh water and sea water. How can a freshwater spring have both fresh water and a mixture of fresh water and salty water at the same time? I guess it could technically happen, but James is talking about two things that do not coincide with one another. James then gives another analogy of a fig tree. Can a fig tree produce olives and grapevine figs? A fig tree only produces figs, and not olives. In the same way, salt water cannot yield fresh water.

          All of this then is to remind us that our mouths, our tongues can be both used for good and for evil. God designed our tongues, our mouths to speak and talk like Jesus would. James then finishes chapter three with verses 13-18, discussing two kinds of wisdom. Once again, this is duality of good and evil. In looking at the last portion of James 3, we hear in 13-18, this, once again:

Two Kinds of Wisdom

 

¹³ Who is wise and understanding among you? By his good life let him show his works in the meekness of wisdom. ¹⁴ But if you have bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast and be false to the truth. ¹⁵ This wisdom is not such as comes down from above, but is earthly, unspiritual, devilish. ¹⁶ For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there will be disorder and every vile practice. ¹⁷ But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, without uncertainty or insincerity. ¹⁸ And the harvest of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace.

In the same way that the tongue or the mouth can do good and do harm, James tells us, once again, about “Two Kinds of Wisdom.” James asks us, who is wise and understanding among us? James says by our lives let us show the world our works in the meekness of wisdom. This is to say giving, displaying, and showing wisdom through humility, gentleness, and controlled strength. On the other hands, James tells us in 3:14 if we have “bitter jealousy and selfish ambition” in our hearts, that we are not to be boastful and be false to the truth. True wisdom James tells us comes down from above, but fake and evil wisdom is earthly, unspiritual, and devilish. There is difference or dichotomy from what is holy and what is evil. Good wisdom, versus fake or evil wisdom. Specifically, James tells us that if we have jealousy and selfish ambition, we have disorder and bad things will happen in every vile or evil practice. On the other hand, though, wisdom from God, wisdom from above is pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, without uncertainty or insecurity.

          Lastly, James chapter three ends with 3:18, telling us, once again, this:

 

¹⁸ And the harvest of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace     (Jas. 3:18, RSV). 

James is telling us in chapter three that what we say and what we do can yield peace, hope, love, and righteousness, or evil, harm, and destruction. What great power then, God has given to us all. In summarizing James 3 or James 3:1-18, I have this slide that explains the whole third chapter of the Book of James:

(James 3:1-18- Explained - Picture) 

We see again about teachers being judged strictly and held to hirer standard than others. We see again, about “Taming the Tongue,” and how the tongues we have are small, but can do great good and great damage. We see again about holy and heavenly wisdom, and earthly wisdom that is jealous, selfish, and disorderly. We also see the fig tree that cannot produce both figs and olives and remember that a freshwater spring cannot produce both fresh and brackish or saltwater at the same time. We are then given this prayer in this slide summarizing James 3 that says, “Lord, help us to tame our tongues and fill our hearts with Your wisdom. Amen.”

          To then summarize this message “Taming the Tongue” - The power of speech in relationships,” we have heard how our mouths, our tongues can cause great good or harm, and we have also heard in various ways how we should not do good and not do evil. That good and evil are not compatible. Given all of this then, how can we take this message on James chapter three with us out of this church, and into Adams and the world? Here is our application slide for James chapter three for this morning.

(Closing Picture – James 3:1-18 – How Can We Better Tame Our Tongues - Picture) 

 

When we stay surrendered to God, to Jesus, when we are quick to listen and slow to speak, when we speak life, hope, and love, when we seek God’s wisdom before we speak, and when we practice self-control, then our mouths, our tongues can be used for holy, righteous, and Godly reasons. Or we can use our mouths or tongues for evil, but we must choose which one we will pursue. So, brothers and sisters who will we use our mouths and our tongues to do good or to do evil? Amen.

AVBC - Sunday - 10/25/26 - Sermon Title: “Doers, Not Hearers” - Moving from listening to active obedience” - James 1:19-27 – Sermon Series – (Part 2 of 6)

 Sunday 10/25/26 – Adams Village Baptist Church

Sermon Title: “Doers, Not Hearers” - Moving from listening to active obedience” - James 1:19-27 - “The Book of James” – Sermon Series – (Part 2 of 6)

(Cover Picture – “Doers, Not Hearers” - Moving from listening to active obedience” – “The Books of James” – James 1:19-27- Picture)  

 

          Who here has ever been guilty of complaining about something, but unwilling to do anything about it? Who here has been concerned about a problem, but did not want to actually get directly involved in helping the problem? Some folks, and this is a good thing, will give money to help with a problem, and this is doing something. I have found in my young life though, that it is much easier to talk the talk, then to walk to walk the walk. You see, I could stand up here every single Sunday and talk about what Jesus wants us to do. I could then go home and do little to nothing I said. I could then come back next Sunday and do the very same thing. Yet, my guess is, is that the good people of Adams, and beyond would eventually say, “That Pastor Paul talks a good game, but I do not see him doing anything about all the things he said we should do something about.”

          I do not know about you brothers and sisters, but I do not want to be a Christian and pastor that just stands up here every Sunday and says flowering words. I want to be a Christian and a pastor that is eagerly striving to be more like Jesus. I want to be a Christian and a pastor that longs to walk to the walk, to be doer, not just a speaker. For I am convinced in this culture that we live in 2026, there can be a fine line between a preacher and pastor. A fine line between a speaker and shepherd.

          In continuing our six-week sermon series on the Book of James, we are reading a challenging, awesome, encourage, and convicting Book of scripture. James, the brother of Jesus, challenges us to love out the faith we profess. James, the brother of Jesus this morning calls us to be “Doers, Not Hearers” - Moving from listening to active obedience.” You see, once again, it is so easy for me to stand up here and say what we should all do and what we should all believe, but all of those things also require doing. So, if God calls us to be “Doers, Not Hearers” - Moving from listening to active obedience,” what do we do?

          The answer to this is whatever God has called us to. Sometimes, I think God has called me to everything, then our Church Council reminds me that this is not the case. We are also called to keep each other from doing too much. Whether it is prayers, working with kids and youth, church leadership, ministries within the church, etc., as we are called to be doers and not just hearers. When wall answer God’s call, even if just a little it can do some much. Kids with cancer, are prayed for, receive help, and love. Kids in another country can get an education and hear about the love of Jesus. Brothers and sisters in Christ and friends in Nepal get help when a terrible flood and mudslide happens in moments notice. Our beloved Rhode Center gets the funding the resources are needs to make sure our community is fed. Our South Jeff School District has clothing giveaways, and the backpack program. Adams Village Baptist Church helps again but assisting in adopting one of our great US Army Platoons at Fort Drum. We have a Trunk-or-Treat to reach out to our community, a Memorial Service to remember those who have gone before us in the past year, and a Christmas Bazaar so kids can get Christmas gifts for there family, all while experiencing the love of Jesus. Brothers and sisters, if we want to know why Adams Village Baptist Church is growing, it is because we are a church that are not only hearer and speakers, we are doers! Will I probably need to be reigned in from time to time as I could be doing to much as your pastor, and I hope our leaders are on some level thrilled about. Someone might ask, “how are things going with you pastor?” You might reply, “Well he just constantly wants to help everyone and do a lot for others!”

          Also, it is not just about running in overdrive, doing, and doing. The ministries of our church are intentional, specific, and meet the needs of not only our church, but others, as well. The best way I can put it is this, if we have truly been transformed by Jesus Christ, and if He has forgiven us and filled us with love and grace, wouldn’t we want to serve Christ in a variety of ways?

          In looking at our scripture reading for this morning once again, here again in James 1:19. this

(#1 – James 1:19 Winter Scene – Picture)

Hearing and Doing the Word

 

¹⁹ Know this, my beloved brethren. Let every man be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger, (Jas. 1:19, RSV).

 

          Does anyone here speak more than they talk? I struggle with this myself. Does anyone here get angry or aggravated too easily?

(#2 – James 1:19-27 Scripture – Picture) 

In looking at slide with the whole scripture for this morning, we then hear in James 1:20-21, this, once again:

²⁰ for the anger of man does not work the righteousness of God. ²¹ Therefore put away all filthiness and rank growth of wickedness and receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls                                                       (Jas. 1:20-21, RSV). 

(#3 – James 1:22 Reading and Helping Scene – Picture)

          Then James, the brother of the Lord, quickly pivots, as he often does in the five books of the Book of James, and tells in 1:22-24, once again:

²² But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. ²³ For if any one is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man who observes his natural face in a mirror; ²⁴ for he observes himself and goes away and at once forgets what he was like (Jas. 1:22-24, RSV).

          James says, when we look into the mirror, do we see what we want to see, or do we see everything? I want people to know the love of Jesus, but I also to be the love of Jesus. If we preach Christ, and if people come to Christ, which we want, do we care about there present reality? Or are we only concerned about eternity? I believe that eternity matters, but Jesus taught us to do our best to build heaven here, until we go there, or until Jesus brings it here. One of my heroes, Saint Mother Theresa of Calcutta understood this and still understands this so well. We are called preach faith and then go out and do all the stuff we just preached.

(#4 – Hearers and Doers – Picture)

          In fact, James tells us that we look at ourselves in the mirror honestly and go and do, this in 1:25:

²⁵ But he who looks into the perfect law, the law of liberty, and perseveres, being no hearer that forgets but a doer that acts, he shall be blessed in his doing                 (Jas. 1:25, RSV).

One of the hardest things I have ever had to do is accept myself and my strengths and weakness. I also try to see the realities of the world, not just what I want to see. When I am able to do this well, and I can better a doer for Christ. In fact, here is a picture that talks about “What Doing Looks Like Today.”

          Further, repentance and faith in Jesus is enough. Meaning that there is nothing that we have to do, to earn salvation, eternity, and heaven. Jesus is enough. Yet, if we are truly changed by Jesus Christ through the power of the Holy Spirit, would not make sense that would want to live more like Jesus? Or to ask it another way, do good works get us to heaven? I believe that the answer is no, as the great reformer Martin Luther said it like this:

(#5 – Martin Luther Good Works Quote – Picture)

“God does not need your good works, but your neighbor does.” We do not labor for heaven, for salvation, for eternity, we labor for love of Christ and love of each other. We do what we do, because our neighbor needs us, and we need our neighbor.

Our scripture from James 1:19-27 concludes this morning with 1:26-27 that says:

²⁶ If any one thinks he is religious, and does not bridle his tongue but deceives his heart, this man’s religion is vain. ²⁷ Religion that is pure and undefiled before God and the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their affliction, and to keep oneself unstained from the world (Jas. 1:26-27, RSV).

Anyone here ever speak without thinking? Does anyone here ever say anything that we have ever regretted? Anyone here, know that it is a biblical mandate to visit orphans and widows? I love to visit our folks at Samaritan’s Keep, Summit Village, etc., but I also do it because it is a biblical mandate. I cannot just choose the parts of the Bible that work just for me. I cannot profess Jesus and then not some of things that he expects of me. In other words, to live the Christian life does indeed require sacrifice, but there is nothing better than following Jesus.

          So, the question that I ask myself, and that we should ask ourselves is this:

(#6 – Are We Willing to Preach Jesus and Live Like – Picture)

“Are we willing to preach Jesus and live like Jesus?” One of the most powerful scriptures about the second coming to earth of Jesus Christ is from Matthew 25:31-46. This is what it says:

The Judgment of the Nations

³¹ “When the Son of man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, then he will sit on his glorious throne. ³² Before him will be gathered all the nations, and he will separate them one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats, ³³ and he will place the sheep at his right hand, but the goats at the left. ³⁴ Then the King will say to those at his right hand, ‘Come, O blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world; ³⁵ for I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, ³⁶ I was naked and you clothed me, I was sick and you visited me, I was in prison and you came to me.’ ³⁷ Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see thee hungry and feed thee, or thirsty and give thee drink? ³⁸ And when did we see thee a stranger and welcome thee, or naked and clothe thee? ³⁹ And when did we see thee sick or in prison and visit thee?’ ⁴⁰ And the King will answer them, ‘Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brethren, you did it to me.’ ⁴¹ Then he will say to those at his left hand, ‘Depart from me, you cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels; ⁴² for I was hungry and you gave me no food, I was thirsty and you gave me no drink, ⁴³ I was a stranger and you did not welcome me, naked and you did not clothe me, sick and in prison and you did not visit me.’ ⁴⁴ Then they also will answer, ‘Lord, when did we see thee hungry or thirsty or a stranger or naked or sick or in prison, and did not minister to thee?’ ⁴⁵ Then he will answer them, ‘Truly, I say to you, as you did it not to one of the least of these, you did it not to me.’ ⁴⁶ And they will go away into eternal punishment, but the righteous into eternal life” (Mt. 25:31-46).

          Do I think that good words earn us salvation, eternity, and heaven? No, but while God does not need our good works, our neighbor does. We are called to be “Doers, Not Hearers” - Moving from listening to active obedience.” If you have never heard of a sermon series out of the Book of James, this is why. It is a hard Book of scripture, and many people that I know avoid like the plague.

          To make this message that walks out the door with us this morning, here is how James 1:19-27 applies to our lives today:

James 1:19-27 applies to daily life by calling believers to turn passive listening into active obedience, emotional self-control, and practical service.

 

1. Be Quick to Listen, Slow to Speak, and Slow to Anger:

 

·         Daily Application: In a culture driven by rapid commentary, social media arguments, and instant reactions, James 1:19 urges intentional restraint.

 

·         The Practice: Pause before responding in conflicts, listen to understand rather than to reply, and reject uncontrolled anger or frustration because human temper does not produce God’s righteousness.

 

2. Put Away Moral Filth and Humbly Receive the Word:

 

·         Daily Application: James 1:21 compares God’s word to an "implanted word" that requires a clean and teachable heart.

 

·         The Practice: Actively strip away harmful habits, toxic consumption, or corrupt attitudes, and approach Scripture with meekness rather than arrogance.

 

3. Be Doers of the Word, Not Just Hearers (The Mirror Analogy):

 

·         Daily Application: James 1:22–25 uses the metaphor of a person looking in a mirror and walking away forgetting what they saw. Hearing sermons or reading the Bible without changing behavior is self-deception.

 

·         The Practice: Treat the Bible as the "perfect law of freedom". Follow through on what it teaches immediately in your home, workplace, and relationships rather than treating faith as a purely intellectual exercise.

 

4. Control the Tongue

 

·         Daily Application: James 1:26 notes that if someone considers themselves religious but fails to keep a tight rein on their tongue, their religion is worthless.

 

·         The Practice: Guard your speech against gossip, slander, harsh criticism, or dishonesty, using your words to build up rather than tear down.

 

5. Care for the Vulnerable and Stay Unstained by the World

 

·         Daily Application: James 1:27 defines "pure and faultless religion" through tangible compassion and moral integrity.

 

·         The Practice: Actively look after society's overlooked and distressed—such as orphans, widows, or the poor—while resisting the ethical compromises and systemic selfishness of secular culture.

 

Friends, the Book of James is a tough book of scripture. How are we and how can we do better be “Doers, Not Hearers” - Moving from listening to active obedience”? Amen.

AVBC - Sunday - 10/18/26 - Sermon Title: “Joy in the Trials” - How to navigate tough times with faith” - James 1:1-18 – Sermon Series – (Part 1 of 6)

 Sunday 10/18/26 – Adams Village Baptist Church

Sermon Title: “Joy in the Trials” - How to navigate tough times with faith” - James 1:1-18 - “The Book of James” – Sermon Series – (Part 1 of 6)

(Cover Picture – “Joy in the Trials: How to Navigate Tough Times with Faith” – “The Book of James” – James 1:1-18- Picture)  

          This morning, we are beginning a six-week learning and preaching series on the Book of James, in the Bible. James is not only a book in the Bible, but James was also the brother of Jesus. Sometimes James has been referred to as, “Jesus, brother of the Lord.” James and the Apostle Paul also knew each other, and James was the first leader of the church in Jerusalem. According to the Roman Jewish historian Flavius Josephus, James was stoned to death for his faith in Christ in 62 AD. Another account claims that James was killed or martyred in 69 AD by being thrown off the great Jewish Temple in Jerusalem and then being clubbed to death. And you thought you had a hard week! Some claim that James was not a biological brother of Jesus, that he was one of Jesus’ cousins, a stepbrother of Jesus, or the son of Joseph and Jesus’s mother Mary. I personally believe that James was Jesus’s biological brother, but we may never know the truth on this side of heaven.

          Within the five chapters within the Book of James in the New Testament, we find a treasure trove of faith teachings, moral teachings, and us being challenged to be more and more like Jesus. The Book of James is not a passive book of scripture, because if we read it very carefully then we should be convicted in our hearts around areas of our own lives that we can improve for Jesus. Through out this six-week sermon series, we will be challenged, uplifted, and called to deeper love and relationship with Jesus Christ. Maybe, just maybe this is the perfect sermon series to preach through a critical election cycle in our country.

          Today’s sermon, in this first of six on the Book of James is called “Joy in the Trials: How to Navigate Tough Times with Faith.” In our reading this morning from the Book of James chapter 1:1-18 we hear how we can grow and rely on God during challenging and tough times. In going through our reading from the Book of James 1:1-18 for this morning, let us look again at what we just read together a few minutes ago. Starting in James 1:1, we hear once again:

Salutation

 

1 James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ,

To the twelve tribes in the Dispersion: Greeting. Faith and Wisdom                       (Jas. 1:1, RSV).

          James, is writing this letter to the Christians outside of Jerusalem or Palestine. These are the Christians that are dispersed, the way the twelve tribes of Jews are still dispersed around the world. Since Jesus had twelve disciples, and since Jesus is the New Covenant or new agreement between us and God, in a way we can consider the twelve disciples the patriarch of a new twelve tribes. James however, as this very early stage of the Christian faith is writing to Jews that have become Christians. So, these Jew of the twelve tribes of Israel that now believe in Jesus are believing in Christ whom he is addressing in this book or letter of James. James greets the dispersed Jews who are following “The Way” of Jesus and offers them faith and wisdom.

(#1 – James 1:2-3 – Picture) 

          Knowing that these Jewish converts to Christianity were largely being persecuted, James speaks into this reality. There are millions of Christians today in 2026 that are still being persecuted for their faith in Christ. Yet in James 1:2-3, James tells the various Jews who have converted to Christianity, and other Christian converts, this, once again:

² Count it all joy, my brethren, when you meet various trials, ³ for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness.

          As I said, the Book of James touches on various things, including suffering, sacrifice, and enduring in faith. The Book of James was written about 40-50 AD, which was about ten or more years after Jesus’ crucifixion and resurrection. Most believes within the first 10-20 of Christian were converted Jews. In going this new religion of Christianity and leaving Judaism, they were often a big price to pay for this. Yet. James is telling these mostly Jewish converts to Christian, I know you are struggling and often being mistreated. Within this though, James is saying have joy through these struggles and various trials, as this testing of your faith produces steadfastness. For many of us, we have grown as people and in faith through time of great trials, struggles, and hardships.

          For example, Melissa and I have always loved watching as much of the Olympics that we can. Whether it is the summer or the winter Olympics, these are best athletes in world competing in various sports and events. What some people might not know though, is that these athletes are constantly training. Some of these athletes start as small children, and every day they are committed to getting better and their sport or events. There are certainly other large competitions, other than the Olympics, but image days, weeks, months, and years, to prepare for such little window of competition time? To be an Olympic athlete, or an athlete in general requires great sacrifice, and sometimes so does our faith in Christ. Some of us might go to a South Jeff football game or lacrosse, or to see the cheerleaders leading the charge, and etc. Yet, what we do not see is the countless hours of preparation and training. The player that hit the turf or the grass in pain, yet finally get up to clapping as they hope off the field. The special diets, the weightlifting, the practices, muscle pains. Etc. If you really love your sport or event though, like James is saying to the Jews that converted to Christianity all over the Roman Empire, have joy. For when you succeed in your sport, your event, in your faith in Christ, you have steadfastness, hope, and joy.

          Our faith in Christ, our commitment to each other, allows us to go through whatever we go through in this life with joy, hope, support, love, and the ability to grow through it all. This is why James tells us in 1:4:

⁴ And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.

          Pursing our faith, staying grounded in the scripture, loving each other serving our neighbor, helping those who cannot help themselves, and growing stronger, know that we are fearfully and wonderfully made by God. We stay the course whether in sports or in our faith, because we believe in God and what He can do through us. That moment that you catch the pass and score the touchdown. The moment you kick the game winning field goal. Also though, the moment you fumble the football, or mess up a throw, miss that goal, drop your Lacrosse stick, trip, etc. In order to grown strong in Christ and in whatever we pursue, with gain, excitement, and joy, we will also always have struggle. We will always have naysayers, who tell us we cannot, we should not, etc. James says, brother and sisters, this, endure, and have steadfastness. This moment will not last, but the love of Christ will outlive everything! Our future is not just right now, for many things are always changing. Stay the course, and do not allow anyone to tear you down or to discourage you. Continue to be like Jesus, continue to pursue hope, mercy, and justice for a world that needs it now more than ever.

          You might be saying to this, “well Pastor Paul, that is easy to say from the pulpit!” This is true, but as a reminded James says this, once again in 1:5:

(#2 – James 1:5 – Picture) 

⁵ If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives to all men generously and without reproaching, and it will be given him.

          Friends, we are following Christ, we are the side of holiness, mercy, and the side of angels. Never stop being what God has called you to be and never let anyone tear you down. You are fearfully and wonderfully made according to the scripture, and God is faithful. I am grateful for this church, because I get to live out my faith a whole bunch of people that want to see me grow closer to Christ. We are here for each other, and I am here for you. We are strong together, and even when we suffer, even when we struggle, God is with us.

(#3 – James 1:4-8 – Picture)

⁶ But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for he who doubts is like a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind. ^{7, 8} For that person must not suppose that a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways, will receive anything from the Lord.

Ask God with a sincere heart, lean into your brothers and sisters, and together God will use us, and God will do amazing things.

          We are reminded in James 1:9-11, this, once again:

(#4 – James 1:9-11 – Picture)

Poverty and Riches

 

⁹ Let the lowly brother boast in his exaltation, ¹⁰ and the rich in his humiliation, because like the flower of the grass he will pass away. ¹¹ For the sun rises with its scorching heat and withers the grass; its flower falls, and its beauty perishes. So will the rich man fade away in the midst of his pursuits.

 

          This reading from James 1:12-18 for this morning ends once again, saying this:

(#5 – James 1:12-18 – Picture)

Trial and Temptation

 

¹² Blessed is the man who endures trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life which God has promised to those who love him. ¹³ Let no one say when he is tempted, “I am 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 full-grown brings forth death.

¹⁶ Do not be deceived, my beloved brethren. ¹⁷ Every good endowment and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change. ¹⁸ Of his own will he brought us forth by the word of truth that we should be a kind of first fruits of his creatures.

What if a trial that some are enduring is the trial of training and working hard for a sport, cheerleading, or something else like this? Whatever our current situation is, or our current stress, worry, etc., in the end is God. God was before us, and God will be God when we are no longer on this earth. Whatever we have for wealth and possessions, we cannot take it with us, and we will one day no longer be on this earth. We all do need to have food, clothing, shelter, etc., but the things of this world will not save us. Due to this, we should strive live like Jesus and work to make our communities and the world more like Jesus. Even though this life is temporary, we should still strive to be like Jesus and to create a world that not only looks like Jesus, but that Jesus would be proud of.

(#6 – James 1:12 – Graphic Picture)

          Wherever you are this morning then, know that you are welcome here. Know that you are loved. Know that in this place you can be who God has called you to be, and that we will love you. If the world around sometimes feels like a war, then come here to train, equip, strap on the spiritual army, and grow, so that in the world you can do battle against evil and stay grounded in Christ. As a pastor, sometimes I council and listen to people that feel so alone and so lonely, and because of that, I want this church to be a place where are excited to come to. That this place is your spiritual home. That this place is as a book title written by one of my seminary teachers a “Church Worth Getting Up For.” In a world that sometimes can seem like sinking ship, may this place be a lifeboat. In a world of spiritual suffering and suffering in general, may this place be a hospital for those who are spiritually sick and or suffering in general. A church where you are always welcome, where we are family, where we love each other with reckless abandon, and where stand together, laugh together, cry together, and seek Christ together.

          In closing then, here is a question for us all to consider as we will renter Adams in the world when this service and coffee hour is over:

(#7 – How do you Navigate Tough Times with Faith? James 1:1-18 – Picture)

Is your life just you, yourself, and no one else? Or do you have God, family, friends, and church that will love you, support you, and be in your corner, no matter what? I am grateful to lead and have a church that is all of those things, and more.

          To make this a message that walks out of the door with us, encourages us, and sticks with us all week, here are some application points to consider for this morning:

James 1:1–18 written by James (Jesus's half-brother) to dispersed Jewish-Christian believers explains how to view and handle trials, seek godly wisdom, resist internal temptation, and trust God's unchanging goodness.

 

Overview of James 1:1–18

 

·         Salutation & Identity (v. 1): James introduces himself humbly as a "servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ" writing to the "twelve tribes scattered abroad" (Jewish Christians living outside Palestine).

 

·         Joy in Trials (vv. 2–4): Believers are instructed to count facing various trials as "pure joy" because testing produces steadfastness (perseverance), which leads to spiritual maturity and completion.

 

·         Asking for Wisdom (vv. 5–8): Anyone lacking wisdom can ask God—who gives generously without finding fault—provided they ask in faith without doubting. Doubt creates an unstable, double-minded person.

 

·         Perspective on Wealth (vv. 9–11): The lowly/poor believer rejoices in spiritual exaltation, while the rich believer rejoices in being humbled (realizing worldly wealth is transient like grass).

 

·         Endurance and the Crown of Life (v. 12): Blessed is the person who remains steadfast under trial; they will receive the crown of life promised to those who love God.

 

·         Temptation vs. God’s Character (vv. 13–15): God never tempts anyone with evil. Temptation comes from a person's own internal evil desires, which give birth to sin, and sin—when fully grown—gives birth to death.

·         God’s Unchanging Goodness (vv. 16–18): Every good and perfect gift comes from the Father of lights, who does not change like shifting shadows. He brought believers to birth by the word of truth to be a kind of "first fruits" of His creation.

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Practical Application Points

 

·         Shift Your Perspective in Hardships: Do not expect a pain-free life; instead, view inevitable trials as a training ground. Anchor your joy not in the difficulty itself, but in the character and maturity God builds through it.

 

·         Trade Panic for Prayer (and Wisdom): When facing complex or confusing struggles, stop leaning solely on your own problem-solving or coping mechanisms. Immediately ask God for discernment and wisdom to navigate the situation honorably.

 

·         Reject Double-Mindedness: Examine where you split your loyalty between trusting God and hedging your bets with worldly comforts, control, or anxiety. Commit to a single-minded trust in God’s character.

 

·         Own Your Temptations: Stop blaming God, your circumstances, or other people when you are tempted to sin. Recognize that temptation starts internally; nip destructive desires in the bud before they give birth to sin.

 

·         Count on God’s Consistency: Remind yourself during dark or changing seasons that God never changes. Because He is a good Father who gives good gifts, you can trust His heart even when you cannot trace His hand.

May we all have joy in our trials, and we seek Christ and seek Him together. Amen.