Date: 07-06-2025
Sermon Title: Living with a Whole Heart in a Split World
Sermon Series: James
Anchor Verse:
James 1:8 – “He is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways.”
I. Introduction: What Are You Following?
Luke 9:23-25 (NLT)
23 Then he said to the crowd, “If any of you wants to be my follower, you must turn from your selfish ways, take up your cross daily, and follow me. 24 If you try to hang on to your life, you will lose it. But if you give up your life for my sake, you will save it. 25 And what do you benefit if you gain the whole world but are yourself lost or destroyed?
II. James 1:9–11 – What You
Reveals Who You Serve
James 1:9-11 (NLT) 9 Believers who are poor have something to boast about, for God has honored them. 10 And those who are rich should boast that God has humbled them. They will fade away like a little flower in the field. 11 The hot sun rises and the grass withers; the little flower droops and falls, and its beauty fades away. In the same way, the rich will fade away with all of their achievements.
III. James 1:12 –
is Fueled by
, Not Just Grit
James 1:12 (NLT) 12 God blesses those who patiently endure testing and temptation. Afterward they will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him.
IV. James 1:13–15 – Temptation is not a Test of
– it’s a Test of
.
James 1:13-15 (NLT) 13 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. 14 Temptation comes from our own desires, which entice us and drag us away. 15 These desires give birth to sinful actions. And when sin is allowed to grow, it gives birth to death.
V. James 1:16–18 – God Doesn’t Bait and Switch – He
and
.
James 1:16-18 (NLT) 16 So don’t be misled, my dear brothers and sisters. 17 Whatever is good and perfect comes down to us from God our Father, who created all the lights in the heavens. He never changes or casts a shifting shadow. 18 He chose to give birth to us by giving us his true word. And we, out of all creation, became his prized possession.
VI. Conclusion: A Wholehearted Response
Luke 9:23-25 (NLT)
23 Then he said to the crowd, “If any of you wants to be my follower, you must turn from your selfish ways, take up your cross daily, and follow me. 24 If you try to hang on to your life, you will lose it. But if you give up your life for my sake, you will save it. 25 And what do you benefit if you gain the whole world but are yourself lost or destroyed?
Response Challenge:
• Evaluate your heart: Am I a cultural Christian or a true follower?
• Name one area where you’re living divided—between God and the world.
• Take one step this week to align your heart with God’s truth.
1. What is your relationship with Jesus?
Cultural Christian: Knows about Jesus, but there’s little personal dependence on Him day-to-day. Jesus is admired, but not followed.
Follower of Christ: Has surrendered to Jesus as Savior and Lord. Walks with Him daily through prayer, obedience, and trust.
“If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.” – Luke 9:23
2. What shapes your decisions and values?
Cultural Christian: Values are often driven by comfort, culture, or tradition. God may be consulted but not obeyed if it’s inconvenient.
Follower of Christ: Scripture and the Holy Spirit guide life decisions—even when costly. Obedience matters more than opinion.
“Why do you call me ‘Lord, Lord,’ and not do what I tell you?” – Luke 6:46
3. Why do you go to church (if you do)?
Cultural Christian: Church is about tradition, social connection, or moral teaching. It’s a box to check, not a body to belong to.
Follower of Christ: Church is family. Worship is a joy. They come to grow, serve, and live on mission with others.
“They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship…” – Acts 2:42
4. What is your relationship to God’s Word?
Cultural Christian: May know some verses or stories, but rarely engages Scripture for transformation.
Follower of Christ: Regularly seeks God’s voice through His Word. The Bible is a mirror and guide—not just a symbol.
“If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples.” – John 8:31
5. Are you making disciples?
Cultural Christian: Faith is private. There’s little urgency to share the gospel or invest in others.
Follower of Christ: Faith is lived out publicly. They are being discipled and discipling others—intentionally.
“Go and make disciples of all nations…” – Matthew 28:19
6. What do you love most?
Cultural Christian: May love God, but often more devoted to success, family, politics, comfort, or personal freedom.
Follower of Christ: Jesus is their first love. Other loves are shaped by their commitment to Him.
“Anyone who loves father or mother more than me is not worthy of me…” – Matthew 10:37