“Mindset Over Matter” (James 1:1-18)
James: Background Info
Who was the author? James, the
But I saw none of the other apostles except James the Lord’s brother. —Galatians 1:19
“He appeared to Cephas, then to the twelve. Then he appeared to more than five hundred brothers at one time, most of whom are still alive, though some have fallen asleep. Then he appeared to James, then to all the apostles. Last of all, as to one untimely born, he appeared also to me.” —1 Corinthians 15:5-8
Who was the audience? “To the
“And there arose on that day a great persecution against the church in Jerusalem, and they were all scattered throughout the regions of Judea and Samaria” —Acts 8:1
When was it written? Most likely prior to
What was the occasion for the writing? To increase the
Questions for Reflection
Why is our witness important?
What have you seen and heard?
How is that making a difference in your life?
Mindset Over Matter (James 1:1-18)
Mindset #1:
2 Count it all joy, my brothers,[b] when you meet trials of various kinds, 3 for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. 4 And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing. —James 1:2-4
Mindset #2:
5 If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him. 6 But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind. 7 For that person must not suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord; 8 he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways. —James 1:5-8
Mindset #3:
9 Let the lowly brother boast in his exaltation, 10 and the rich in his humiliation, because like a flower of the grass[c] 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 also will the rich man fade away in the midst of his pursuits. —James 1:9-11
Mindset #4:
13 Let no one say when he is tempted, “I am being 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 fully grown brings forth death. —James 1:13-15
Mindset #5:
16 Do not be deceived, my beloved brothers. 17 Every good gift 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.[d] 18 Of his own will he brought us forth by the word of truth, that we should be a kind of firstfruits of his creatures. —James 1:16-18
“Faith In Action” Plan
- Identify a challenge in your life
- Choose a mindset that can help with that challenge
- Pray over it
- Apply it!