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Based on two books by Tom Holland. Lesson 3: God’s Explanation for Unfaithfulness (James 1). A Brief Examination of James 5:19-20. “Truth” – Some Can Err from It Can wander from truth in doctrine and/or morals Wandering is a gradual, “soul erosion” “Truth” – It Is God’s Criterion
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Based on two books by Tom Holland Lesson 3: God’s Explanation for Unfaithfulness (James 1)
A Brief Examination of James 5:19-20 • “Truth” – Some Can Err from It • Can wander from truth in doctrine and/or morals • Wandering is a gradual, “soul erosion” • “Truth” – It Is God’s Criterion • God’s word is absolute truth (Jn. 8:31-32, 44-46; 14:6; 17:17-19) • Accepting relativism is a rejection of absolute truth • “Truth” – Shows God’s Love for His Erring Children • God wants His erring children to be converted (Jas. 5:19-20) • God wants His erring children to be restored (Gal. 6:1; Rev. 2:4) • God wants His erring children to be saved (Jas. 5:20)
God’s Explanation of Why Some Fall Away:TRIALS(James 1:2-3) • Trials will come and will put your faith to the test • Heartbreaking difficulties of life • Heartbreaking sources of trials • Heartbreaking results of trials • Trials can and must be handled properly • “Count it all joy” (1:2) • There are potential blessings from experiencing trials (cf. Rom. 5:3-4) • There is the promise of God’s providential care (cf. Rom. 8:28) • “Ask God for wisdom” (1:6)
God’s Explanation of Why Some Fall Away:Two-Mindedness(1:6-11, 21-27) • Some Christians struggle with being double-minded (6-11) • Riches and material things can so dominate one’s thoughts and values that the spiritual emphasis is crowded out • Some Christians struggle with being distracted (1:22-27) • Look at Scripture and even examine themselves in light of Scripture, then lay it aside and go about their business
God’s Explanation of Why Some Fall Away:TEMPTATIONS(1:12-17) • Temptations are different from the trials in verses 2-6 • Temptations are solicitations to sin • Temptations can be overcome • By loving God (1:12-13) • By understanding temptation (1:14-15) • By heeding the warning (1:16-17)
God’s Explanation for How to Avoid Falling Away • Expect Suffering (Jas. 5:10) • Be Patient and Don’t Give Up on God (Jas. 5:7-12) • Pray Fervently(Jas. 5:16-18) • Stick to God’s Truth Yourself (Jas. 5:19) • Be Mindful of Brethren’s Spiritual Condition (Jas. 5:19-20) • Turn Back the Precious Souls Who Have Wandered Away (Jas. 5:19-20)