Lesson 3:God’s Explanation for Unfaithfulness (James 1)

Based on two books by Tom Holland

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)