SERMON GUIDE
The Book of James Part 3 - James 1:12-18
Order of Service
Welcome - Pastor Jason & Andrea
Worship - Grace on top of Grace
Scripture Reading - James 1:12-18 (please stand)
Sermon - Pastor Jason
Communion
Worship - In Christ Alone
Worship - Worthy
Worship - Great Things
Dismissal - Pastor Joe
James 1:12-18
12God 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. 13And 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. 14Temptation comes from our own desires, which entice us and drag us away. 15These desires give birth to sinful actions. And when sin is allowed to grow, it gives birth to death. 16So don’t be misled, my dear brothers and sisters. 17Whatever is good and perfect is a gift coming down to us from God our Father, who created all the lights in the heavens. He never changes or casts a shifting shadow. 18He chose to give birth to us by giving us his true word. And we, out of all creation, became his prized possession.
Congregational Prayer
Jesus, here I am again,
Desiring a thing that were I to have it
would birth death against my soul.
Given the choice of shame or glory,
let me choose glory.
Given the choice of this moment or eternity,
let me choose what is eternal.
Given the choice of this easy pleasure, or the harder road of the cross,
give me grace to follow you,
Let obedience build something beautiful,
Let the faithful progression of small choices,
become like stones laid end to end,
creating a path that leads me closer to you.
Oh Lord, in the furnace of temptation,
do not let me be deceived,
believing that I might find the piece and satisfaction I long for,
apart from your presence
Faced with this temptation,
I would rather choose You, Jesus.
But I am weak.
So be my strength.
I am shattered.
So be my life.
I am selfish.
So remake me now,
Create in me new desires according to the better designs of your love.
Amen
*Parts of this prayer were taken from Douglas Kaine McKelvey: Every Moment Holy pg.165
