SERIES: FAITH WITH BOOTS ON (1 OF 6)

NOTE: This sermon is part 1 and 2 of a 12 part sermon series. Two sermons outlines are included in this download.

PREVIEWS:

Part 1: Responding to Life's Testing Times
Series: Faith With Boots On
Stuart Briscoe
James 1:1-11

James' epistle has been the center of controversy throughout church history. Questions about authorship, date, recipients, and content abound. But on one thing there is agree-ment-James was essentially practical. His faith wore boots.

I. Testing Times Are Inevitable vv. 1-2

A. James' personal experience. v. 1
1. His brother had suffered.
2. His brethren were scattered.
3. His calling was to serve.

B. Normal Christian experience. v. 2
1. It is like being mugged. Luke 10:30
2. It is like being shipwrecked. Acts 27:41
3. It may be predictable, understandable, or inexplicable.
4. It is variable. (e.g. Poor Man v. 9; Rich Man vv. 10-11)

II. Testing Times Are Valuable vv. 3-4

A. Faith must go through fire.

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Part 2: Temptation-And What to Do About It
Series: Faith With Boots On
Stuart Briscoe
James 1:12-21

We sometimes say facetiously that we can resist everything but temptation. But this is hardly the way to deal with a problem that is behind innumerable personal and societal ills. We need to understand temptation in order to handle it better.

I. A Correct Perspective on Temptation.

A. It's a matter of meaning. "Peirasmos" = trial or temptation.
1. "Peirasmos" offers the opportunity to do right.
2."Peirasmos" presents the possibility of going wrong.

B. It's a matter of blessing. v. 12
1. Pressure.
2. Perseverance.
3. Prospects.
4. Promise.
5. Principle.

II. A Clear Perception of Temptation.

A. Theories which must be refuted.