WEBVTT 00:00:00.480 --> 00:00:05.400 So we're turning for the last time in our Sunday mornings to the book of James. 00:00:05.940 --> 00:00:13.560 And just take one minute to share with your neighbor what has been the big theme of James as we've gone through. 00:00:13.620 --> 00:00:20.300 If you're visiting for the first time, then the person sitting next to you has a great responsibility to get you up to speed. 00:00:20.859 --> 00:00:25.140 And if they get it wrong, then tell me afterwards and we'll put them under church discipline. 00:00:25.980 --> 00:00:28.679 Just take one minute to do that. 00:00:30.000 --> 00:00:33.079 Okay, that's great. 00:00:34.100 --> 00:00:39.679 I would invite answers from the floor, but I'm nervous about getting lots of different answers. 00:00:40.799 --> 00:00:43.320 I want to show you a clip from a German sitcom. 00:00:44.159 --> 00:00:47.659 It's one of my favorites. I'm afraid the quality is not very good. 00:00:48.000 --> 00:00:50.620 But I put some subtitles in it for you. 00:00:50.760 --> 00:00:51.960 So watch this. 00:00:53.980 --> 00:00:57.079 Okay, just in case your eyesight wasn't as sharp as it used to be. 00:00:57.079 --> 00:01:00.420 The daughter asked her dad, how are you getting on with the iPad? 00:01:01.479 --> 00:01:02.820 And he says, fine. 00:01:03.060 --> 00:01:04.859 And then she says, what apps have you got? 00:01:04.980 --> 00:01:07.659 And he says, what do you mean by apps? 00:01:08.060 --> 00:01:10.500 And he's been using the iPad as a chopping board. 00:01:10.500 --> 00:01:16.799 And I think, in some kind of roundabout way, that is like James. 00:01:18.400 --> 00:01:23.900 Because James, two weeks ago when Graham took us through the first bit of chapter 4, 00:01:24.939 --> 00:01:29.840 James gave us the stunning solution to the double-mindedness of his people. 00:01:29.840 --> 00:01:37.299 But he wants to make sure before they close the letter and put it on the shelf, 00:01:37.600 --> 00:01:42.280 that they know exactly what to do with the instructions that he's given them. 00:01:43.200 --> 00:01:45.079 As we come to the end of James, 00:01:45.180 --> 00:01:50.320 James kind of spent the first three chapters of the letter kind of sparring with his readers. 00:01:50.319 --> 00:01:54.359 He tells them things like, don't waste your trials, 00:01:54.519 --> 00:02:00.500 but ask the Lord for wisdom that you might persevere in a way that brings glory to God. 00:02:00.759 --> 00:02:03.219 He says, don't give in to your temptations. 00:02:04.719 --> 00:02:09.799 Don't use, when hard times come, an excuse to sin. 00:02:09.919 --> 00:02:13.900 Don't give up or don't give in to your temptations. 00:02:14.719 --> 00:02:17.359 And then in chapter 3, he told them two things. 00:02:17.360 --> 00:02:20.660 He says, hear and do God's words. 00:02:21.080 --> 00:02:25.900 Don't be like a guy who looks in a mirror and then walks away and forgets what he looks like unchanged. 00:02:26.900 --> 00:02:29.080 He says, don't show favoritism. 00:02:29.840 --> 00:02:33.340 Don't give good seats to rich people and bad seats to poor people. 00:02:34.400 --> 00:02:38.880 But show equity, show love to all. 00:02:40.680 --> 00:02:43.240 He says, don't retreat to easy believism. 00:02:43.720 --> 00:02:47.160 Make sure that your faith is working out in good work. 00:02:47.360 --> 00:02:52.000 He says, faith without deeds is debt. 00:02:52.920 --> 00:02:56.920 So make sure that your faith is working in your life. 00:02:57.920 --> 00:03:01.260 And then that really uncomfortable passage in chapter 3. 00:03:02.200 --> 00:03:03.460 Keep control of your tongue. 00:03:04.860 --> 00:03:09.140 It's a very small organ, but it does a great amount of damage. 00:03:09.940 --> 00:03:14.420 For the first three chapters, James has been sparring with his readers. 00:03:14.419 --> 00:03:16.979 But in chapter 4, the gloves come off. 00:03:18.179 --> 00:03:21.639 In chapter 4, James addresses them. 00:03:21.839 --> 00:03:25.979 As Graham so helpfully said, it's like he's gone from the hug to the headlock. 00:03:27.179 --> 00:03:28.539 And he calls them out. 00:03:28.599 --> 00:03:30.560 He says in chapter 4, verse 4, 00:03:30.560 --> 00:03:37.319 Don't you know that friendship with the world means enmity with God. 00:03:38.120 --> 00:03:42.319 Therefore anyone who chooses to be a friend of the world becomes an enemy of God. 00:03:43.960 --> 00:03:46.240 That is our big theme of the book. 00:03:48.240 --> 00:03:49.840 Two-timing God. 00:03:49.840 --> 00:03:54.060 Being two-faced, double-souled. 00:03:54.819 --> 00:03:59.500 Doing one thing on Sunday and something else, Monday through to Saturday. 00:04:00.439 --> 00:04:06.659 Singing Jesus, all for Jesus, all I am and have and ever want to be at the top of your voice. 00:04:07.659 --> 00:04:12.539 But living life Monday to Saturday, thinking that it is all about you. 00:04:12.539 --> 00:04:18.539 These people are leading double lives. 00:04:20.779 --> 00:04:26.500 Going to church, singing all the right songs, listening to all the right sermons, believing all the right things. 00:04:27.099 --> 00:04:29.379 But there is no fruit in their lives. 00:04:29.800 --> 00:04:32.019 No faithfulness to their faith. 00:04:32.800 --> 00:04:36.740 And no import from Sunday into the working week. 00:04:36.740 --> 00:04:43.800 They are saying, God we love you, but at the same time sneaking all sorts of lovers up the stairs. 00:04:45.280 --> 00:04:48.800 And you know, people are people are people, aren't they? 00:04:49.600 --> 00:04:53.460 That James' audience are kind of like us. 00:04:54.220 --> 00:04:59.160 That we can so easily retreat into a veneer of respectability on a Sunday, 00:04:59.660 --> 00:05:03.500 but look just like the world the rest of the time. 00:05:03.500 --> 00:05:09.500 And so James gives the proper medicine to their double-mindedness. 00:05:11.000 --> 00:05:12.779 Submit yourselves to God. 00:05:13.339 --> 00:05:15.819 That is living total submission to God. 00:05:16.319 --> 00:05:19.360 Let him call the shots, drive the ship. 00:05:20.000 --> 00:05:21.220 Let him be the captain. 00:05:21.860 --> 00:05:28.399 Resist the devil who would love to trip and ensnare and distract and deflect us 00:05:28.399 --> 00:05:30.800 from single-minded devotion to Jesus. 00:05:30.800 --> 00:05:37.699 Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded. 00:05:38.120 --> 00:05:43.460 That is what we're to do when we're caught in this trap. 00:05:45.379 --> 00:05:49.519 And so what he wants to do is he wants to flesh that out for us. 00:05:50.879 --> 00:05:53.699 In all sorts of areas of life. 00:05:53.699 --> 00:05:59.159 He wants to talk about double-mindedness in our speech, in our diaries, 00:05:59.300 --> 00:06:04.779 in the way that we use our wealth, in our prayer lives, in our persistence. 00:06:07.060 --> 00:06:13.659 And so let me read chapter 4, verse 11, to chapter 5, verse 6, and we'll see this picked up. 00:06:13.660 --> 00:06:18.320 Brothers and sisters, do not slander one another. 00:06:19.240 --> 00:06:25.120 Anyone who speaks against a brother or sister or judges them speaks against the law and judges it. 00:06:25.520 --> 00:06:29.440 When you judge the law, you are not keeping it but sitting in judgment on it. 00:06:29.760 --> 00:06:34.900 There is only one lawgiver and judge, the one who is able to save and destroy. 00:06:35.360 --> 00:06:38.960 But you, who are you to judge your neighbor? 00:06:38.959 --> 00:06:45.899 Now listen, you who say today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city, 00:06:46.259 --> 00:06:48.939 spend a year there, carry on business and make money. 00:06:49.599 --> 00:06:53.279 Why? You do not even know what will happen tomorrow. 00:06:53.899 --> 00:06:55.560 What is your life? 00:06:56.079 --> 00:07:00.839 You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes. 00:07:01.419 --> 00:07:07.479 Instead, you ought to say, if it is the Lord's will, we will live and do this or that. 00:07:07.480 --> 00:07:10.620 As it is, you boast in your arrogant schemes. 00:07:11.040 --> 00:07:17.460 All such boasting is evil, is if anyone there knows the good they ought to do and doesn't do it, 00:07:17.500 --> 00:07:19.040 it is sin for them. 00:07:19.780 --> 00:07:25.560 Now listen, you rich people, weep and wail because of the misery that is coming on you. 00:07:25.879 --> 00:07:29.080 Your wealth has rotted and moths have eaten your clothes. 00:07:29.360 --> 00:07:31.180 Your gold and silver are corroded. 00:07:31.259 --> 00:07:35.319 Their corrosion will testify against you and eat your flesh like fire. 00:07:35.319 --> 00:07:38.819 You have hoarded wealth in the last days. 00:07:39.339 --> 00:07:44.779 Look, the wages you failed to pay the workers who mowed your fields are crying out against you. 00:07:45.659 --> 00:07:50.659 The cries of the harvesters have reached the ears of the Lord Almighty. 00:07:51.180 --> 00:07:55.060 You have lived on earth in luxury and self-indulgence. 00:07:55.539 --> 00:07:58.360 You have fattened yourselves in the day of slaughter. 00:07:58.360 --> 00:08:05.600 You have condemned and murdered the innocent one who was not opposing you. 00:08:06.720 --> 00:08:09.199 It's quite strong words, isn't it? 00:08:09.199 --> 00:08:14.939 And what he's saying in essence is, make your life not about you. 00:08:15.699 --> 00:08:21.240 Make your life not about you because at the center of those three distinct passages 00:08:21.240 --> 00:08:27.139 is the idea that you're at the center of your universe and you're calling the shots. 00:08:27.800 --> 00:08:29.240 You're sitting in judgment. 00:08:29.459 --> 00:08:31.639 You're in control of your diary. 00:08:31.879 --> 00:08:35.980 You're the one who's worth all the money that you earn. 00:08:35.980 --> 00:08:39.080 And he's prodding them. 00:08:40.080 --> 00:08:44.680 And he's illustrating for them what this pride-filled, self-centered life looks like. 00:08:45.500 --> 00:08:48.659 And he's already quoted Proverbs 3 verse 34. 00:08:49.440 --> 00:08:50.720 God opposes the proud. 00:08:52.600 --> 00:08:56.139 But shows grace, gives grace to the humble. 00:08:57.759 --> 00:09:00.460 And that's what he's calling on each of us today. 00:09:00.460 --> 00:09:07.280 To not be pride-filled, puffed up, big-headed, full of our own importance. 00:09:08.379 --> 00:09:12.460 But to become less so Jesus can become more. 00:09:13.680 --> 00:09:17.320 The first thing he talks about is speaking slanderously. 00:09:18.860 --> 00:09:22.100 James warns them not to speak against one another. 00:09:22.780 --> 00:09:26.620 Not to tear strips off their brothers and sisters in Christ. 00:09:26.620 --> 00:09:35.240 Not to retreat to the quiet, dark corners of the church and dish the dirt that you've come to find out. 00:09:36.460 --> 00:09:42.480 James has taken a great deal of time in chapter 2 to elevate the royal law in our lives and say, 00:09:42.840 --> 00:09:46.100 the royal law is summed up, love your neighbor as yourself. 00:09:47.980 --> 00:09:52.960 And when you're behind closed doors to chastise and criticize and tear down, 00:09:52.960 --> 00:09:55.860 it's not loving your neighbor as yourself. 00:09:55.940 --> 00:09:58.240 In fact, you've got the law here. 00:09:59.740 --> 00:10:02.840 And you say, well, Jesus, you said that, but I think this is better. 00:10:04.040 --> 00:10:10.440 I think feeding people tasty morsels of this and that is a better idea. 00:10:11.480 --> 00:10:17.040 When your tongue goes feral and you lose control, why is this pride in action? 00:10:17.039 --> 00:10:20.759 Well, because gossip is tasty, isn't it? 00:10:22.719 --> 00:10:27.399 Getting actually angry at someone kind of vents your anger quite quickly. 00:10:28.559 --> 00:10:30.459 But why do we really do it? 00:10:31.839 --> 00:10:35.139 So we can push people down in order that we might rise up. 00:10:36.159 --> 00:10:37.059 Pride, isn't it? 00:10:37.799 --> 00:10:42.519 He said, didn't he, in chapter 4, why do you get angry with people? 00:10:44.319 --> 00:10:46.059 Because of what's going on in here. 00:10:47.039 --> 00:10:48.719 And not what's going on out there. 00:10:49.000 --> 00:10:51.000 Don't be pride-filled. 00:10:51.159 --> 00:10:52.699 Control your tongue. 00:10:53.980 --> 00:10:54.819 He humbles them. 00:10:54.899 --> 00:10:56.559 He says, who are you to judge your neighbor? 00:10:57.279 --> 00:10:59.159 There is one lawgiver and judge. 00:11:00.599 --> 00:11:04.299 And he would have every right to tear shreds off each of us. 00:11:05.399 --> 00:11:06.259 And yet he doesn't. 00:11:06.339 --> 00:11:10.799 He speaks grace and life and hope and joy. 00:11:10.799 --> 00:11:20.019 So whenever we think actually criticism is a good thing, let's remember Jesus could criticize each of us but doesn't. 00:11:22.059 --> 00:11:23.459 Then he talks to them. 00:11:23.719 --> 00:11:25.079 Make your life not about you. 00:11:25.159 --> 00:11:26.799 Don't plan presumptuously. 00:11:26.799 --> 00:11:34.379 He turns to a different case study and points out how pride can turn up in our diary. 00:11:35.419 --> 00:11:41.979 He illustrates using the businessman who plans well in advance without any reference to God. 00:11:41.980 --> 00:11:48.700 But the person who plans like they are the center of the universe, they know everything that's to happen. 00:11:48.820 --> 00:11:53.120 And even a year ahead, they say we're going to emigrate here. 00:11:53.600 --> 00:11:54.840 We're going to open a shop. 00:11:54.920 --> 00:11:55.960 We're going to have a nice business. 00:11:56.080 --> 00:11:57.080 We're going to make some money. 00:11:57.440 --> 00:11:58.440 It's going to be great. 00:11:58.440 --> 00:12:05.320 And James wants to say that's a ridiculous state of affairs. 00:12:06.340 --> 00:12:10.120 Now I don't think James is condemning planning. 00:12:11.260 --> 00:12:15.480 He's not saying planning is evil and spontaneity is good. 00:12:15.540 --> 00:12:16.500 That's not what he's saying. 00:12:17.180 --> 00:12:23.080 Nor is he saying we need to follow every sentence we ever say with the kind of mantra, God willing. 00:12:23.780 --> 00:12:27.680 We don't have to finish every Christmas card we ever write with DV. 00:12:28.440 --> 00:12:33.180 Although that might be helpful in reminding us that we are not the center of the universe. 00:12:35.140 --> 00:12:37.700 What he's saying is don't plan your diary. 00:12:37.880 --> 00:12:40.120 Don't fill your diary with stuff. 00:12:43.220 --> 00:12:45.220 And fail to consult God. 00:12:46.700 --> 00:12:49.360 Don't fill your diary in a self-reliant way. 00:12:50.440 --> 00:12:55.780 That says actually I can spend my time how I want on what I want in ways that make me feel important and good. 00:12:58.440 --> 00:13:01.700 Verse 17 is a real warning. 00:13:03.620 --> 00:13:07.460 Or verse 14 brings us to the very problem of life, isn't it? 00:13:07.480 --> 00:13:08.200 We are a mist. 00:13:09.560 --> 00:13:11.140 We appear and we go. 00:13:14.400 --> 00:13:16.240 Here one minute gone the next. 00:13:16.240 --> 00:13:24.460 Whenever we think we're at the center of the universe, let's remind ourselves of our own mortality. 00:13:27.419 --> 00:13:29.419 We don't know what tomorrow holds. 00:13:29.419 --> 00:13:37.000 But James is saying make sure you're in a relationship and consulting the one who does. 00:13:38.000 --> 00:13:39.339 And the one who controls. 00:13:40.620 --> 00:13:46.639 Verse 17 says, if anyone then knows the good they ought to do and doesn't do it, it is sin for them. 00:13:46.639 --> 00:13:48.399 That seems like a little strange add-on. 00:13:48.399 --> 00:13:59.740 But what he's referring to is having a diary that's so jammed full of activity and stuff that it means when you see something that needs doing, you go, I don't have time. 00:14:00.740 --> 00:14:03.100 I don't have time to go to the prayer meeting. 00:14:04.159 --> 00:14:07.179 There's no space in my diary for an evening service. 00:14:07.179 --> 00:14:37.159 I don't have time to go to the prayer meeting. 00:14:37.179 --> 00:14:39.739 anything that's of eternal importance. 00:14:40.939 --> 00:14:43.399 We are mist. 00:14:45.159 --> 00:14:59.439 And so our only hope is to have a dependence and on a real reliance on the one who is eternally permanent, who never changes. 00:15:01.299 --> 00:15:05.240 And then he wants to talk about indulging indiscriminately. 00:15:05.240 --> 00:15:13.799 Lots of commentators think that when we get to chapter 5, verses 1 to 6, that he's referring to a different group outside the church. 00:15:14.519 --> 00:15:16.220 Well, that seems ridiculous to me. 00:15:17.180 --> 00:15:19.639 How many times have you got a letter that says, 00:15:19.899 --> 00:15:24.220 Dear John, well, I bet not many of you have had that, because you'd be reading my post. 00:15:24.799 --> 00:15:25.360 Dear John, 00:15:25.360 --> 00:15:31.320 I'd now like to finish this letter by writing to your brother Edward. 00:15:31.460 --> 00:15:32.720 Please pass it across to him. 00:15:33.919 --> 00:15:36.039 You know, some of my relatives are quite tight. 00:15:36.039 --> 00:15:40.839 But I'm sure they could afford two stamps if it was really that important. 00:15:41.319 --> 00:15:43.860 James is writing to people in the church. 00:15:43.860 --> 00:15:52.519 He confronts his hearers with the real litmus test of pride and counsels them about their checkbook. 00:15:53.740 --> 00:15:55.879 About how they're using their resources. 00:15:56.580 --> 00:15:58.000 Now listen, you rich people. 00:15:58.000 --> 00:16:02.080 We would all be in this category in James' church. 00:16:04.480 --> 00:16:07.240 He warns them about stockpiling their riches. 00:16:08.659 --> 00:16:14.159 That in the light of eternity, it will just prove to be corroded vanity. 00:16:15.539 --> 00:16:17.240 They've got lots of wealth. 00:16:18.159 --> 00:16:22.820 They've got wardrobes that are bursting at the seams with clothes that they never wear. 00:16:22.820 --> 00:16:25.720 They've spent their money on themselves. 00:16:26.580 --> 00:16:27.780 For themselves. 00:16:28.420 --> 00:16:30.740 In order to make themselves look good. 00:16:31.720 --> 00:16:33.040 They stored it away. 00:16:33.160 --> 00:16:36.100 It became their security and the focus of their lives. 00:16:37.140 --> 00:16:40.680 And with the end in mind, which is all the way through this passage. 00:16:42.100 --> 00:16:44.300 It proves to be worthless. 00:16:45.879 --> 00:16:47.760 It's just rotted and corroded. 00:16:48.500 --> 00:16:49.780 And become nothing. 00:16:49.779 --> 00:16:54.339 James doesn't just criticize their accumulation. 00:16:54.879 --> 00:16:56.279 He confronts their acquisition. 00:16:57.579 --> 00:17:01.779 Because it seems they've made themselves rich on the backs of others. 00:17:05.240 --> 00:17:09.740 They've prospered at the expense of diddling their workers. 00:17:11.200 --> 00:17:13.019 That check they forgot to write. 00:17:13.139 --> 00:17:14.920 That contract they failed to honor. 00:17:15.420 --> 00:17:17.019 That corner they cut. 00:17:17.019 --> 00:17:20.099 And it says, 00:17:20.279 --> 00:17:26.740 The cries of the oppressed have reached the ears of God. 00:17:27.579 --> 00:17:29.920 Verse 5 hits them square in the face. 00:17:30.839 --> 00:17:33.900 You have lived on earth in luxury and self-indulgence. 00:17:35.359 --> 00:17:37.720 Self-indulgence with you at the center. 00:17:38.599 --> 00:17:40.680 Because you thought you were worth it. 00:17:41.879 --> 00:17:45.559 Chapter 5, the end of verse 5 is grotesque, isn't it? 00:17:45.559 --> 00:17:50.099 You've fattened yourself in the day of slaughter. 00:17:50.879 --> 00:17:53.819 All that stuff you consumed and bought. 00:17:54.819 --> 00:17:57.539 All that stuff that you thought you were worth. 00:17:58.319 --> 00:18:00.500 Just proved to be crackling in the end. 00:18:02.539 --> 00:18:07.980 You've fattened yourself as on the day of slaughter. 00:18:07.980 --> 00:18:11.900 And verse 6 humbles us. 00:18:12.900 --> 00:18:15.940 You have condemned and murdered the innocent one. 00:18:17.200 --> 00:18:20.059 A reference explicitly to the Lord Jesus. 00:18:22.140 --> 00:18:24.819 The one who really did deserve it all. 00:18:26.019 --> 00:18:30.180 The one who had countless riches, eternal wealth. 00:18:30.180 --> 00:18:34.940 And yet he gave it up to come down for us. 00:18:36.940 --> 00:18:41.560 And we, out of our self-centered pride, murdered him. 00:18:44.140 --> 00:18:46.000 But in the glory of God, 00:18:47.440 --> 00:18:51.180 though we murdered and condemned the Lord Jesus, 00:18:51.340 --> 00:18:53.460 he died to save us. 00:18:53.460 --> 00:18:58.279 For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ. 00:18:59.000 --> 00:19:00.980 That though he was rich, 00:19:01.840 --> 00:19:04.220 yet for your sake he became poor. 00:19:05.059 --> 00:19:09.039 So that through his poverty you might become rich. 00:19:10.000 --> 00:19:13.420 James shows us and his readers what pride looks like. 00:19:14.620 --> 00:19:18.620 He says it's not necessarily going around with the t-shirt that says, 00:19:18.779 --> 00:19:19.559 I am the greatest. 00:19:19.559 --> 00:19:24.319 He says, actually, pride can turn up in our speech, 00:19:24.980 --> 00:19:26.279 in our diaries, 00:19:26.839 --> 00:19:28.279 and in our wallets. 00:19:29.399 --> 00:19:31.139 And he gives us that great verse, 00:19:31.259 --> 00:19:32.440 God opposes the proud, 00:19:33.339 --> 00:19:36.599 but he gives grace to the humble. 00:19:38.000 --> 00:19:41.200 I wonder, is double-mindedness something that's now affecting us? 00:19:42.480 --> 00:19:44.440 As we look at our burgeoning eye count, 00:19:45.700 --> 00:19:48.000 as we look at the bills on our desk, 00:19:48.000 --> 00:19:50.759 as we look at the desires of our hearts, 00:19:50.819 --> 00:19:52.519 and the way that we speak about others. 00:19:53.039 --> 00:19:55.279 Have we made our life about us? 00:19:56.579 --> 00:19:57.640 Or are we committed, 00:19:57.940 --> 00:19:58.779 as we've sung, 00:19:59.420 --> 00:20:00.019 to say, 00:20:00.079 --> 00:20:01.079 Jesus, be the center. 00:20:02.259 --> 00:20:04.619 Be the wind in these sails. 00:20:04.740 --> 00:20:06.339 Be the fire in this heart. 00:20:07.400 --> 00:20:08.440 Be the reason 00:20:08.440 --> 00:20:10.220 that I live. 00:20:11.759 --> 00:20:13.839 He then goes on to talk about patience. 00:20:13.839 --> 00:20:15.839 He says, 00:20:15.919 --> 00:20:16.799 Be patient then, 00:20:16.919 --> 00:20:17.659 brothers and sisters, 00:20:17.659 --> 00:20:18.939 until the Lord's return. 00:20:20.379 --> 00:20:24.319 See how the farmer waits for the land to yield its valuable crop, 00:20:24.759 --> 00:20:27.579 patiently waiting for the autumn and spring rains. 00:20:27.899 --> 00:20:30.079 You too be patient and stand firm, 00:20:30.659 --> 00:20:32.299 because the Lord's coming is near. 00:20:32.379 --> 00:20:34.220 Don't crumble against one another. 00:20:34.879 --> 00:20:35.679 Brothers and sisters, 00:20:35.779 --> 00:20:37.059 or you will be judged. 00:20:38.240 --> 00:20:40.139 The judge is standing at the door. 00:20:40.140 --> 00:20:41.759 Brothers and sisters, 00:20:41.920 --> 00:20:45.680 and as an example of patience in the face of suffering, 00:20:45.800 --> 00:20:48.180 take the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord. 00:20:49.300 --> 00:20:50.060 As you know, 00:20:50.140 --> 00:20:54.080 we count blessed those who have persevered. 00:20:54.860 --> 00:20:56.380 You have heard of Job's perseverance, 00:20:56.560 --> 00:20:59.460 and have seen what the Lord finally brought about. 00:21:00.040 --> 00:21:02.200 The Lord is full of compassion and mercy. 00:21:03.040 --> 00:21:03.560 Above all, 00:21:03.620 --> 00:21:04.600 my brothers and sisters, 00:21:04.720 --> 00:21:05.500 do not swear, 00:21:06.000 --> 00:21:06.820 not by heaven, 00:21:06.940 --> 00:21:07.680 or by earth, 00:21:07.720 --> 00:21:09.040 or by anything else. 00:21:09.039 --> 00:21:12.139 All you need to say is a simple yes or no. 00:21:12.799 --> 00:21:13.180 Otherwise, 00:21:13.399 --> 00:21:14.440 you will be condemned. 00:21:15.319 --> 00:21:18.220 James has already spoken about trials at the very beginning. 00:21:18.980 --> 00:21:21.339 And he's telling us now that in the midst of trials, 00:21:21.460 --> 00:21:22.500 don't get distracted. 00:21:24.399 --> 00:21:25.700 Patiently persevere. 00:21:26.700 --> 00:21:30.680 It's a common theme in the Bible that waiting time is testing time. 00:21:31.339 --> 00:21:31.799 Actually, 00:21:31.920 --> 00:21:33.039 when life is really good, 00:21:33.819 --> 00:21:35.579 or when life is really bad, 00:21:35.619 --> 00:21:37.920 we find our relationship with God good. 00:21:37.920 --> 00:21:42.180 But what about in the humdrum mediocrity of life? 00:21:44.019 --> 00:21:47.200 Waiting time is testing time. 00:21:48.640 --> 00:21:51.440 James knows that when people are waiting, 00:21:51.680 --> 00:21:54.279 the temptation is to either get distracted, 00:21:54.920 --> 00:21:57.380 or become economical with the truth. 00:21:58.380 --> 00:21:58.600 He says, 00:21:58.700 --> 00:21:59.380 be patient, 00:21:59.640 --> 00:22:00.480 be consistent, 00:22:01.380 --> 00:22:04.140 be wholehearted in your waiting. 00:22:04.140 --> 00:22:07.360 Israel were never good at waiting. 00:22:07.960 --> 00:22:09.360 While Moses is up the mountain, 00:22:09.480 --> 00:22:10.120 and Sinai, 00:22:10.320 --> 00:22:12.120 they're down building the golden calf. 00:22:12.800 --> 00:22:14.080 When we get to the judges, 00:22:14.220 --> 00:22:16.020 there is this cycle where it gets good, 00:22:16.160 --> 00:22:17.440 and then it gets bad. 00:22:18.740 --> 00:22:19.680 Even Malachi, 00:22:19.860 --> 00:22:21.560 the last book in the Old Testament, 00:22:22.180 --> 00:22:23.380 when the people are back, 00:22:23.420 --> 00:22:24.520 and things are going great, 00:22:25.060 --> 00:22:26.340 they neglect the Lord, 00:22:26.440 --> 00:22:28.560 because waiting time is testing time. 00:22:28.559 --> 00:22:32.480 And James sees this as a clear and present danger. 00:22:34.019 --> 00:22:35.679 Are you going to persevere? 00:22:36.980 --> 00:22:40.279 Is your Christian faith just going to be a season of your life? 00:22:42.579 --> 00:22:44.019 James says it can't be so. 00:22:44.559 --> 00:22:45.859 Patiently endure. 00:22:46.419 --> 00:22:47.700 Patiently suffer. 00:22:49.599 --> 00:22:52.359 Patiently keep on keeping on. 00:22:52.359 --> 00:22:54.259 And he gives them three encouragements. 00:22:55.299 --> 00:22:55.879 He says, 00:22:55.959 --> 00:22:56.959 think of the farmer, 00:22:57.659 --> 00:22:59.579 who come rain or shine, 00:23:00.679 --> 00:23:03.559 come gale or calm. 00:23:04.439 --> 00:23:05.419 He's out there, 00:23:05.639 --> 00:23:06.459 long days, 00:23:06.619 --> 00:23:07.219 tirelessly, 00:23:07.459 --> 00:23:07.859 toiling, 00:23:08.079 --> 00:23:08.500 tilling, 00:23:08.659 --> 00:23:08.939 drilling, 00:23:09.240 --> 00:23:09.619 sowing, 00:23:10.179 --> 00:23:11.019 fertilizing, 00:23:11.439 --> 00:23:11.979 harvesting, 00:23:12.979 --> 00:23:15.619 doing it in every season, 00:23:16.159 --> 00:23:17.279 through every weather, 00:23:17.399 --> 00:23:18.639 without distraction, 00:23:19.000 --> 00:23:19.979 or deviation. 00:23:20.119 --> 00:23:20.979 And why does he do it? 00:23:20.980 --> 00:23:23.440 Because he has harvest day in mind. 00:23:24.220 --> 00:23:25.920 The day where he cuts it down, 00:23:26.000 --> 00:23:26.900 and brings it in, 00:23:26.940 --> 00:23:28.740 and it's a happy day. 00:23:29.920 --> 00:23:30.920 James says to his farmers, 00:23:31.039 --> 00:23:31.960 be like the farmer. 00:23:33.200 --> 00:23:34.420 Work and toil. 00:23:34.799 --> 00:23:35.860 Don't be distracted. 00:23:36.380 --> 00:23:38.819 Because there's an eternal harvest coming. 00:23:40.000 --> 00:23:41.980 And unless you have your eye on that day, 00:23:42.039 --> 00:23:44.059 then you'll get lost this day. 00:23:44.880 --> 00:23:46.819 Then he talks about the Old Testament prophets. 00:23:46.819 --> 00:23:51.159 These people that God appointed to speak up for him, 00:23:51.419 --> 00:23:52.819 amidst great persecution. 00:23:53.879 --> 00:23:55.059 The likes of Jeremiah, 00:23:55.399 --> 00:23:55.879 and Elijah, 00:23:56.039 --> 00:23:56.579 and Elisha, 00:23:56.659 --> 00:23:57.179 and Ezekiel, 00:23:57.279 --> 00:23:57.740 and Hosea, 00:23:57.839 --> 00:23:58.279 and Micah, 00:23:58.359 --> 00:23:58.779 and Malachi, 00:23:59.259 --> 00:24:00.220 and Obadiah. 00:24:01.679 --> 00:24:03.480 And even though it was unpopular, 00:24:03.659 --> 00:24:04.480 and they were imprisoned, 00:24:04.599 --> 00:24:05.599 and they were hurt, 00:24:06.379 --> 00:24:08.079 they were thrown in wells, 00:24:08.200 --> 00:24:09.559 they were cut in half. 00:24:09.559 --> 00:24:12.359 They didn't get distracted, 00:24:12.899 --> 00:24:15.299 because they knew God was worth it. 00:24:15.359 --> 00:24:16.579 And then we think of Job. 00:24:18.839 --> 00:24:19.279 Job, 00:24:19.359 --> 00:24:21.119 who for 42 long chapters, 00:24:21.220 --> 00:24:22.519 is utterly despairing. 00:24:24.559 --> 00:24:26.919 It couldn't have gone any worse. 00:24:28.659 --> 00:24:29.960 His wife says to him, 00:24:30.039 --> 00:24:31.159 curse God and die. 00:24:32.000 --> 00:24:33.539 That's the kind of wife you're looking for. 00:24:33.539 --> 00:24:38.000 But for 42 chapters, 00:24:38.359 --> 00:24:39.379 at the very end, 00:24:39.440 --> 00:24:40.879 God commends him, 00:24:41.500 --> 00:24:44.000 because he's spoken what is right of the Lord. 00:24:44.859 --> 00:24:47.539 That even amidst great suffering and persecution, 00:24:47.720 --> 00:24:52.299 he's not become despairing or distrusting of God. 00:24:54.420 --> 00:24:55.059 And so, 00:24:55.359 --> 00:24:56.420 don't be double-minded. 00:24:56.420 --> 00:24:59.560 When it gets tough and difficult, 00:24:59.700 --> 00:25:01.240 when it's hard and tiring, 00:25:02.460 --> 00:25:03.580 patiently endure. 00:25:05.500 --> 00:25:06.279 Patiently endure. 00:25:06.400 --> 00:25:07.100 Don't retreat 00:25:07.100 --> 00:25:10.519 to just a functional relationship with the Lord. 00:25:12.080 --> 00:25:13.680 Satisfactory working relationship. 00:25:14.259 --> 00:25:15.640 Look, I'll do the Sunday thing, 00:25:15.800 --> 00:25:17.240 but you know you've let me down. 00:25:18.460 --> 00:25:19.380 It's too tough. 00:25:20.259 --> 00:25:22.720 I want to go it my own way. 00:25:22.720 --> 00:25:26.779 And then I think we get to the most confusing parts 00:25:26.779 --> 00:25:28.960 of the letter. 00:25:29.880 --> 00:25:31.940 I think it's a passage that we take 00:25:31.940 --> 00:25:34.059 greatly out of context. 00:25:35.059 --> 00:25:36.940 Like 1 Corinthians 13. 00:25:38.440 --> 00:25:40.259 Is anyone among you in trouble? 00:25:40.380 --> 00:25:41.059 Let them pray. 00:25:41.180 --> 00:25:42.039 Is anyone happy? 00:25:42.559 --> 00:25:44.120 Let them sing songs of praise. 00:25:44.220 --> 00:25:45.660 Is anyone among you ill? 00:25:46.100 --> 00:25:48.000 Let them call the elders of the church 00:25:48.000 --> 00:25:48.860 to pray over them 00:25:48.860 --> 00:25:51.120 and anoint them with oil in the name of the Lord. 00:25:51.119 --> 00:25:53.079 And the prayer offered in faith 00:25:53.079 --> 00:25:54.659 will make the sick person well. 00:25:55.139 --> 00:25:56.399 The Lord will raise them up. 00:25:56.479 --> 00:25:57.279 If they have sinned, 00:25:57.299 --> 00:25:58.179 they will be forgiven. 00:25:58.779 --> 00:25:59.059 Therefore, 00:25:59.259 --> 00:26:01.000 confess your sins to each other 00:26:01.000 --> 00:26:02.679 and pray for each other 00:26:02.679 --> 00:26:03.979 so that you may be healed. 00:26:04.479 --> 00:26:06.119 The prayer of a righteous person 00:26:06.119 --> 00:26:07.339 is powerful and effective. 00:26:08.779 --> 00:26:10.259 Elijah was a human being, 00:26:10.699 --> 00:26:12.719 even as we are. 00:26:13.759 --> 00:26:14.779 He prayed earnestly 00:26:14.779 --> 00:26:15.919 that it would not rain 00:26:15.919 --> 00:26:17.439 and it did not rain on the land 00:26:17.439 --> 00:26:18.839 for three and a half years. 00:26:18.839 --> 00:26:20.259 And he prayed 00:26:20.259 --> 00:26:21.539 and the heavens gave rain 00:26:21.539 --> 00:26:23.159 and the earth produced its crops. 00:26:24.359 --> 00:26:25.339 My brothers and sisters, 00:26:25.339 --> 00:26:27.279 if one of you should wonder from the truth 00:26:27.279 --> 00:26:29.779 and someone should bring that person back, 00:26:29.859 --> 00:26:30.679 remember this, 00:26:31.259 --> 00:26:32.759 whoever turns a sinner 00:26:32.759 --> 00:26:34.899 from the error of their way 00:26:34.899 --> 00:26:36.519 will save them from death 00:26:36.519 --> 00:26:39.519 and cover over a multitude of sins. 00:26:39.519 --> 00:26:41.559 As we've seen, 00:26:41.920 --> 00:26:42.680 at first glance, 00:26:42.779 --> 00:26:44.700 James looks like a bit of a pick and mix letter 00:26:44.700 --> 00:26:47.639 where he's kind of put loads of blog posts together. 00:26:48.579 --> 00:26:49.720 And it would be so easy, 00:26:49.799 --> 00:26:50.119 wouldn't it, 00:26:50.160 --> 00:26:50.519 to think, 00:26:50.819 --> 00:26:51.619 oh, James thinks, 00:26:51.720 --> 00:26:52.900 oh, I'm getting to the end. 00:26:53.220 --> 00:26:54.039 Oh, I'm nearly finished. 00:26:54.099 --> 00:26:55.960 I should probably put something in about prayer. 00:26:56.900 --> 00:26:57.799 Just like drop it in, 00:26:57.839 --> 00:26:58.819 make sure they're praying. 00:26:58.819 --> 00:27:03.279 But I think this whole thing 00:27:03.279 --> 00:27:05.700 is specifically to a group of people 00:27:05.700 --> 00:27:07.819 and he's still addressing double-mindedness. 00:27:09.279 --> 00:27:11.039 And I think the absolute key 00:27:11.039 --> 00:27:12.579 is verses 17 and 18. 00:27:12.679 --> 00:27:13.480 Look at them with me. 00:27:15.159 --> 00:27:16.819 Elijah was a human being 00:27:16.819 --> 00:27:19.679 and he's talking about the prayer he prayed 00:27:19.679 --> 00:27:20.759 and there was no rain. 00:27:22.759 --> 00:27:24.579 I don't think many of us in Scotland 00:27:24.579 --> 00:27:26.220 have ever prayed a prayer like that. 00:27:26.220 --> 00:27:28.359 But I think that's not a thing. 00:27:28.819 --> 00:27:32.220 There was no rain. 00:27:33.220 --> 00:27:34.980 Now, if he was really talking about 00:27:34.980 --> 00:27:37.159 answered prayer and healing, 00:27:37.559 --> 00:27:39.939 if he was really talking about the prayer of prayer, 00:27:40.019 --> 00:27:41.220 why would he talk about that? 00:27:42.819 --> 00:27:46.179 Surely, if we were talking about people being ill 00:27:46.179 --> 00:27:48.159 and praying for them and them getting well, 00:27:48.279 --> 00:27:50.619 we'd be better going a few verses, 00:27:50.859 --> 00:27:52.839 a few chapters later to maybe Elisha 00:27:52.839 --> 00:27:53.879 and the healing of Naaman. 00:27:54.960 --> 00:27:57.539 Or the raising of the dead son 00:27:57.539 --> 00:27:58.720 of the widow of Zarephath. 00:27:58.819 --> 00:28:00.039 That would make more sense. 00:28:01.980 --> 00:28:03.839 But what is it about this prayer? 00:28:04.980 --> 00:28:07.359 Well, Elijah is praying 00:28:07.359 --> 00:28:11.220 at a time when Israel is at its most 00:28:11.220 --> 00:28:12.579 double-minded. 00:28:14.220 --> 00:28:16.220 The whole of Israel 00:28:16.220 --> 00:28:18.319 is worshipping Baal 00:28:18.319 --> 00:28:20.019 and Yahweh. 00:28:20.019 --> 00:28:24.460 Israel is kind of two-timing God 00:28:24.460 --> 00:28:26.079 and it's the whole nation. 00:28:27.220 --> 00:28:27.779 And therefore, 00:28:28.119 --> 00:28:29.500 Elijah prays and says, 00:28:29.740 --> 00:28:30.879 God, let it not rain. 00:28:31.819 --> 00:28:32.940 And then at the end of that, 00:28:33.000 --> 00:28:33.559 what do they do? 00:28:33.619 --> 00:28:34.680 Well, they go up a mountain 00:28:34.680 --> 00:28:36.400 and have a bonfire competition. 00:28:38.139 --> 00:28:39.720 And what does Elijah pray? 00:28:39.920 --> 00:28:40.759 Say to the people, 00:28:41.139 --> 00:28:42.559 how long will you waver 00:28:42.559 --> 00:28:43.759 between two opinions? 00:28:43.759 --> 00:28:46.480 If Yahweh is God, 00:28:46.579 --> 00:28:47.099 worship him. 00:28:47.180 --> 00:28:48.059 If Baal is God, 00:28:48.559 --> 00:28:49.099 worship him. 00:28:49.180 --> 00:28:50.720 The God who answers by fire, 00:28:50.819 --> 00:28:51.519 he is God. 00:28:51.519 --> 00:28:54.819 And so James still has in mind 00:28:54.819 --> 00:28:56.319 this double-mindedness. 00:28:56.700 --> 00:28:57.619 And he finishes 00:28:57.619 --> 00:28:59.160 with the greatest example 00:28:59.160 --> 00:29:00.879 of Israel being double-minded. 00:29:05.879 --> 00:29:07.879 Israel has a foot in two camps. 00:29:08.039 --> 00:29:09.279 James' readers have a foot 00:29:09.279 --> 00:29:10.059 in two camps. 00:29:11.460 --> 00:29:12.700 And it seems 00:29:12.700 --> 00:29:16.059 that some of James' readers 00:29:16.059 --> 00:29:19.399 have so committed adultery 00:29:19.399 --> 00:29:20.139 against the Lord, 00:29:20.240 --> 00:29:21.119 they're becoming ill. 00:29:22.720 --> 00:29:24.379 There's a present judgment 00:29:24.379 --> 00:29:25.200 falling on them 00:29:25.200 --> 00:29:27.519 because of their adultery, 00:29:27.639 --> 00:29:29.059 because of their idolatry. 00:29:30.179 --> 00:29:32.799 Like Ananias and Sapphira, 00:29:34.039 --> 00:29:35.419 who lied to the Holy Spirit 00:29:35.419 --> 00:29:37.220 and were cut down dead. 00:29:38.159 --> 00:29:39.819 Or like the people 00:29:39.819 --> 00:29:41.099 in 1 Corinthians 11 00:29:41.099 --> 00:29:42.899 who were selfishly indulging 00:29:42.899 --> 00:29:44.819 at the Lord's Supper. 00:29:46.059 --> 00:29:47.200 And therefore, 00:29:47.399 --> 00:29:48.460 James is talking 00:29:48.460 --> 00:29:49.700 to the church 00:29:49.700 --> 00:29:51.200 and saying, 00:29:51.319 --> 00:29:52.139 if you're double-minded, 00:29:52.379 --> 00:29:52.720 pray. 00:29:54.339 --> 00:29:55.159 And more than pray, 00:29:55.259 --> 00:29:56.179 call the elders 00:29:56.179 --> 00:29:58.500 to anoint you with oil. 00:29:58.659 --> 00:29:59.720 Why do you anoint 00:29:59.720 --> 00:30:00.679 someone with oil? 00:30:01.159 --> 00:30:02.220 Well, you always do it 00:30:02.220 --> 00:30:03.700 to consecrate someone. 00:30:04.579 --> 00:30:05.819 To bring them back, 00:30:05.899 --> 00:30:07.700 to set them apart for God. 00:30:08.619 --> 00:30:09.919 That would be a great remedy 00:30:09.919 --> 00:30:10.899 for people that have 00:30:10.899 --> 00:30:12.099 been caught in this 00:30:12.099 --> 00:30:13.179 double-mindedness. 00:30:14.859 --> 00:30:15.960 Anoint them with oil 00:30:15.960 --> 00:30:16.759 draw a line 00:30:16.759 --> 00:30:17.799 under all of that 00:30:17.799 --> 00:30:19.460 and bring them back. 00:30:21.920 --> 00:30:23.259 These people are wandering 00:30:23.259 --> 00:30:24.200 from the truth 00:30:24.200 --> 00:30:25.319 and James says, 00:30:25.420 --> 00:30:26.240 bring them back. 00:30:27.340 --> 00:30:28.160 Don't let them 00:30:28.160 --> 00:30:29.240 go off on a tangent. 00:30:29.480 --> 00:30:30.620 Let them be gods 00:30:30.620 --> 00:30:32.120 and gods alone. 00:30:35.720 --> 00:30:36.759 Confess your sins 00:30:36.759 --> 00:30:37.480 to one another. 00:30:37.620 --> 00:30:38.740 We're all to look out 00:30:38.740 --> 00:30:40.039 for each other. 00:30:40.039 --> 00:30:42.920 looking out for where 00:30:42.920 --> 00:30:43.879 we've got distracted 00:30:43.879 --> 00:30:45.000 and deflected, 00:30:45.500 --> 00:30:46.779 for where we've started 00:30:46.779 --> 00:30:47.879 devoting ourselves 00:30:47.879 --> 00:30:49.779 to other things. 00:30:52.359 --> 00:30:52.799 I don't know, 00:30:52.859 --> 00:30:54.180 but James is decidedly 00:30:54.180 --> 00:30:55.180 an uncomfortable letter. 00:30:55.319 --> 00:30:56.259 So many people have said, 00:30:56.339 --> 00:30:57.159 I love James. 00:30:57.659 --> 00:30:58.859 I used to love James 00:30:58.859 --> 00:30:59.740 before we looked at him 00:30:59.740 --> 00:31:00.279 this week 00:31:00.279 --> 00:31:02.240 and last week 00:31:02.240 --> 00:31:03.139 and the week before. 00:31:03.140 --> 00:31:05.140 because when we really 00:31:05.140 --> 00:31:05.980 get him, 00:31:07.100 --> 00:31:08.100 he makes us wiggle 00:31:08.100 --> 00:31:10.140 and sweat 00:31:10.140 --> 00:31:12.460 and look at our lives 00:31:12.460 --> 00:31:12.960 and think, 00:31:13.440 --> 00:31:15.020 am I just playing 00:31:15.020 --> 00:31:15.620 at this? 00:31:16.900 --> 00:31:18.080 Is this just 00:31:18.080 --> 00:31:19.480 Sunday respectability? 00:31:20.560 --> 00:31:21.759 Is God at work 00:31:21.759 --> 00:31:22.780 in every area 00:31:22.780 --> 00:31:23.640 of my life? 00:31:24.440 --> 00:31:25.900 Am I consulting him 00:31:25.900 --> 00:31:27.060 in every area 00:31:27.060 --> 00:31:28.640 of my life? 00:31:28.640 --> 00:31:31.300 God is calling us 00:31:31.300 --> 00:31:32.020 through the letter 00:31:32.020 --> 00:31:32.660 of James 00:31:32.660 --> 00:31:34.420 to lay it all down 00:31:34.420 --> 00:31:35.080 for God, 00:31:35.380 --> 00:31:36.960 to resist the devil 00:31:36.960 --> 00:31:38.340 and keep on persevering 00:31:38.340 --> 00:31:38.920 and to have 00:31:38.920 --> 00:31:39.960 clean hands 00:31:39.960 --> 00:31:41.420 and a pure heart. 00:31:42.860 --> 00:31:44.140 But a word to you 00:31:44.140 --> 00:31:45.160 if you're not 00:31:45.160 --> 00:31:46.860 trusting Jesus 00:31:46.860 --> 00:31:47.500 this morning. 00:31:48.780 --> 00:31:50.020 There's a real warning 00:31:50.020 --> 00:31:50.780 here, isn't there, 00:31:50.780 --> 00:31:51.500 about what life 00:31:51.500 --> 00:31:52.220 is all about. 00:31:53.860 --> 00:31:55.140 It's not about people 00:31:55.140 --> 00:31:56.060 speaking well of you. 00:31:56.120 --> 00:31:56.640 It's not about 00:31:56.640 --> 00:31:57.759 accumulating as much 00:31:57.759 --> 00:31:58.320 as you can 00:31:58.319 --> 00:31:59.019 well you can 00:31:59.019 --> 00:31:59.839 for yourself 00:31:59.839 --> 00:32:01.439 because James is clear 00:32:01.439 --> 00:32:02.059 it's all going to 00:32:02.059 --> 00:32:02.779 rust away. 00:32:04.740 --> 00:32:05.639 It's just going to be 00:32:05.639 --> 00:32:06.579 iron oxide 00:32:06.579 --> 00:32:07.460 and good for nothing. 00:32:10.579 --> 00:32:11.579 It's not about 00:32:11.579 --> 00:32:12.779 making extravagant 00:32:12.779 --> 00:32:13.579 plans because 00:32:13.579 --> 00:32:14.519 we are a mist. 00:32:16.839 --> 00:32:17.779 And he's saying 00:32:17.779 --> 00:32:18.859 the only hope, 00:32:19.720 --> 00:32:20.879 the only 00:32:20.879 --> 00:32:22.039 certainty, 00:32:22.279 --> 00:32:23.200 the only way 00:32:23.200 --> 00:32:24.319 life has meaning 00:32:24.319 --> 00:32:25.480 and purpose 00:32:25.480 --> 00:32:26.619 and value 00:32:26.619 --> 00:32:27.379 and hope 00:32:27.380 --> 00:32:28.700 is if we will 00:32:28.700 --> 00:32:30.000 humble ourselves 00:32:30.000 --> 00:32:31.840 and come to 00:32:31.840 --> 00:32:32.600 the Lord Jesus 00:32:32.600 --> 00:32:33.580 and say 00:32:33.580 --> 00:32:34.900 I don't deserve it 00:32:34.900 --> 00:32:35.720 I could not 00:32:35.720 --> 00:32:36.140 earn it 00:32:36.140 --> 00:32:36.860 but you give it 00:32:36.860 --> 00:32:37.240 anyway. 00:32:38.500 --> 00:32:39.180 Because God 00:32:39.180 --> 00:32:40.360 opposes the proud 00:32:40.360 --> 00:32:41.060 the people that 00:32:41.060 --> 00:32:41.800 make it all about 00:32:41.800 --> 00:32:42.300 themselves. 00:32:43.340 --> 00:32:44.160 But he gives 00:32:44.160 --> 00:32:44.840 grace 00:32:44.840 --> 00:32:46.600 and eternal 00:32:46.600 --> 00:32:47.220 grace 00:32:47.220 --> 00:32:48.820 to the humble. 00:32:48.819 --> 00:32:51.039 can I say 00:32:51.039 --> 00:32:51.419 in closing 00:32:51.419 --> 00:32:51.859 that over 00:32:51.859 --> 00:32:52.480 our eight 00:32:52.480 --> 00:32:53.159 sessions in 00:32:53.159 --> 00:32:53.599 James 00:32:53.599 --> 00:32:54.759 I have felt 00:32:54.759 --> 00:32:55.379 the prompting 00:32:55.379 --> 00:32:55.759 of God 00:32:55.759 --> 00:32:56.359 in a way 00:32:56.359 --> 00:32:57.139 I have seldom 00:32:57.139 --> 00:32:57.879 felt before. 00:32:58.839 --> 00:32:59.439 I've been 00:32:59.439 --> 00:33:00.119 burdened by 00:33:00.119 --> 00:33:00.939 my life 00:33:00.939 --> 00:33:01.599 and our 00:33:01.599 --> 00:33:02.039 life 00:33:02.039 --> 00:33:02.879 as a 00:33:02.879 --> 00:33:03.200 fellowship 00:33:03.200 --> 00:33:05.559 and I worry 00:33:05.559 --> 00:33:06.119 just how 00:33:06.119 --> 00:33:06.659 compromised 00:33:06.659 --> 00:33:07.519 we've become. 00:33:09.159 --> 00:33:09.859 I've been 00:33:09.859 --> 00:33:10.839 convicted by the 00:33:10.839 --> 00:33:11.379 Holy Spirit 00:33:11.379 --> 00:33:11.960 of areas 00:33:11.960 --> 00:33:12.779 in my life 00:33:12.779 --> 00:33:13.539 that I have 00:33:13.539 --> 00:33:14.279 become far 00:33:14.279 --> 00:33:15.099 too comfortable 00:33:15.099 --> 00:33:16.219 in sharing 00:33:16.219 --> 00:33:16.859 with God. 00:33:19.259 --> 00:33:20.000 And God 00:33:20.000 --> 00:33:20.579 is saying 00:33:20.579 --> 00:33:21.859 give it all 00:33:21.859 --> 00:33:24.459 give it all 00:33:24.459 --> 00:33:24.899 so would you 00:33:24.899 --> 00:33:25.419 stand with me 00:33:25.419 --> 00:33:25.959 and let me 00:33:25.959 --> 00:33:27.199 pray for us. 00:33:34.159 --> 00:33:34.980 Let's pray. 00:33:37.099 --> 00:33:37.839 Father God 00:33:37.839 --> 00:33:38.240 as we have 00:33:38.240 --> 00:33:38.839 sat under 00:33:38.839 --> 00:33:39.399 your living 00:33:39.399 --> 00:33:40.059 and active 00:33:40.059 --> 00:33:40.659 word 00:33:40.659 --> 00:33:41.719 over this 00:33:41.719 --> 00:33:42.439 last season 00:33:42.439 --> 00:33:43.139 as a church 00:33:43.139 --> 00:33:43.740 we confess 00:33:43.740 --> 00:33:44.480 that it has 00:33:44.480 --> 00:33:45.279 searched us 00:33:45.279 --> 00:33:46.339 and found 00:33:46.339 --> 00:33:46.920 us wanting. 00:33:47.900 --> 00:33:49.339 Our infatuation 00:33:49.339 --> 00:33:50.099 with the world 00:33:50.099 --> 00:33:50.500 has been 00:33:50.500 --> 00:33:51.299 uncovered 00:33:51.299 --> 00:33:52.559 our 00:33:52.559 --> 00:33:53.799 heart-heartedness 00:33:53.799 --> 00:33:54.220 has been 00:33:54.220 --> 00:33:55.000 laid bare 00:33:55.000 --> 00:33:56.160 and our 00:33:56.160 --> 00:33:57.120 double-mindedness 00:33:57.120 --> 00:33:57.599 has been 00:33:57.599 --> 00:33:58.440 diagnosed. 00:33:59.900 --> 00:34:00.299 Father God 00:34:00.299 --> 00:34:01.299 purify our 00:34:01.299 --> 00:34:01.960 hearts 00:34:01.960 --> 00:34:03.099 that we may 00:34:03.099 --> 00:34:03.839 draw near to 00:34:03.839 --> 00:34:04.960 you once again. 00:34:06.400 --> 00:34:06.839 Father God 00:34:06.839 --> 00:34:07.940 bring us low 00:34:07.940 --> 00:34:08.840 that you 00:34:08.840 --> 00:34:09.780 might lift us 00:34:09.780 --> 00:34:10.199 up. 00:34:11.519 --> 00:34:11.880 Father God 00:34:11.880 --> 00:34:12.619 tame our 00:34:12.619 --> 00:34:13.179 tongues 00:34:13.179 --> 00:34:14.119 give us 00:34:14.119 --> 00:34:14.719 wisdom 00:34:14.719 --> 00:34:15.440 banish 00:34:15.440 --> 00:34:16.619 favoritism 00:34:16.619 --> 00:34:17.559 unleash your 00:34:17.559 --> 00:34:18.059 word 00:34:18.059 --> 00:34:19.279 to work 00:34:19.279 --> 00:34:19.739 in our 00:34:19.739 --> 00:34:20.239 lives 00:34:20.239 --> 00:34:21.400 and give 00:34:21.400 --> 00:34:21.920 us more 00:34:21.920 --> 00:34:22.400 grace. 00:34:23.339 --> 00:34:24.420 Father let 00:34:24.420 --> 00:34:24.980 us be 00:34:24.980 --> 00:34:25.659 yours 00:34:25.659 --> 00:34:26.639 and yours 00:34:26.639 --> 00:34:27.179 alone 00:34:27.179 --> 00:34:28.799 and we 00:34:28.799 --> 00:34:29.319 pray all 00:34:29.319 --> 00:34:29.940 this in 00:34:29.940 --> 00:34:30.659 and through 00:34:30.659 --> 00:34:31.219 the Lord 00:34:31.219 --> 00:34:32.119 Jesus Christ 00:34:32.119 --> 00:34:33.420 who loved 00:34:33.420 --> 00:34:34.219 us fully 00:34:34.219 --> 00:34:35.659 and gave 00:34:35.659 --> 00:34:36.460 himself for 00:34:36.460 --> 00:34:36.859 us 00:34:36.859 --> 00:34:37.699 totally. 00:34:38.699 --> 00:34:39.039 Amen. 00:34:39.039 --> 00:34:43.400 Let's 00:34:44.539 --> 00:34:45.639 . 00:34:45.639 --> 00:34:46.239 Amen. 00:34:46.239 --> 00:34:46.279 . 00:34:46.279 --> 00:34:46.639 . 00:34:46.639 --> 00:34:47.440 . 00:34:47.440 --> 00:34:48.559 .