Mirror

Andras Tamas

James 1:22-23• “Do not merely listen to the word, and so

deceive yourselves. Do what it says. Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like someone who looks at his face in a mirror and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like.

• But whoever looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues in it—not forgetting what they have heard, but doing it—they will be blessed in what they do”.

The man with the mirror

The believer with the word

Glance (23) Look carefully/intently (25)

Goes away (24) Continues (25)

Forgets (24) Acts (25)

Deceived himself Blessed

THREE ARENAS

• TRIALS

• TEMPTATION

• TONGUE

I. Trials

• James 1: 2-4 Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles of any kind come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete, needing nothing”

• James 5:11--We give great honor to those who endure under suffering. For instance, you know about Job, a man of great endurance. You can see how the Lord was kind to him at the end, for the Lord is full of tenderness and mercy

• The example of Job

• The devil attacked his

• Family

• Fortune

• Flesh

Practical applications

• I am a child of God, I will not give up in times of trials

• Rejoice—not denial, self pity or complaining

• Endure—trust in Him, pray for wisdom

2. Temptation

• The Greek words for temptation (peirazo) and trial (petramos) share the same root.

Testing---perseverance---maturity

• Trial

Temptation—sin—death

 

• James 1:13-15 And remember, when you are being tempted, do not say, “God is tempting me.” God is never tempted to do wrong, and he never tempts anyone else. Temptation comes from our own desires, which entice us and drag us away. These desires give birth to sinful actions. And when sin is allowed to grow, it gives birth to death.

-Drugs -Alcohol-Peer approval-Sex and romance-Gaming -Service

Drag away

Entice

Practical applications

• Run from temptations

• Be accountable

• Deal with any unresolved issues

Tongue

• James 1:19—“be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to get angry…

• James 1:26—“if you claim to be religious but don’t control your tongue, you are fooling yourself, and your religion is worthless”