WALKING IN WISDOM- Prepare to Move Forward // Sunday, October 12, 2025 // Jeff Hines, Lead Pastor

/
Printable sermon notes

Sunday, September 28, 2025

 

 

Real People

Living in the Real World

Loving the Real God

 

Prepare to Move Forward

 

Preparation mistakes to avoid:

 

1.              Planning without God.

 

James 4: 13 (NLT)

   Look here, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we are going to a certain town and will stay there a year. We will do business there and make a profit.

 

Solution:  Consult with God.

 

James 4: 15 (NLT)

    What you ought to say is, “If the Lord wants us to, we will live and do this or that.”

 

Proverbs 16: 1 & 3 (NLT)

   We can make our own plans, but the Lord gives the right answer…    3Commit your actions to the Lord, and your plans will succeed.

 

2.              Presumption about tomorrow.

 

James 4: 14 - 16 (NLT)

   How do you know what your life will be like tomorrow? Your life is like the morning fog—it’s here a little while, then it’s gone. What you ought to say is, “If the Lord wants us to, we will live and do this or that.” 16 Otherwise you are boasting about your own pretentious plans, and all such boasting is evil.

 

Isaiah 56: 12 (NLT)

   “Come,” they say, “let’s get some wine and have a party. Let’s all get drunk. Then tomorrow we’ll do it again and have an even bigger party!”

 

Proverbs 27: 1 (NLT)

   Don’t brag about tomorrow, since you don’t know what the day will bring.

 

Solution: Make the most of today.

 

Matthew 6: 34 (NLT)

   So don’t worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring its own worries. Today’s trouble is enough for today.

 

3.              Procrastination: Putting off the good we KNOW we ought to do.

 

James 4: 17 (NLT)

   Remember, it is sin to know what you ought to do and then not do it.

 

Solution: Do it NOW!

 

Proverbs 3: 27 & 28 (NLT)

   Do not withhold good from those who deserve it when it’s in your power to help them. 28 If you can help your neighbor now, don’t say, “Come back tomorrow, and then I’ll help you.

 

Three things you can do with your life:

 

1.              Spend it.

 

2.              Waste it.

 

3.              Invest it.

 

Luke 12: 16 – 20 (NLT)

  … “A rich man had a fertile farm that produced fine crops. 17 He said to himself, ‘What should I do? I don’t have room for all my crops.’ 18 Then he said, ‘I know! I’ll tear down my barns and build bigger ones. Then I’ll have room enough to store all my wheat and other goods. 19 And I’ll sit back and say to myself, “My friend, you have enough stored away for years to come. Now take it easy! Eat, drink, and be merry!”   20 “But God said to him, ‘You fool! You will die this very night. Then who will get everything you worked for?’

 

Luke 12: 21 (NLT)

   Yes, a person is a fool to store up earthly wealth but not have a rich relationship with God.

 

 

 

 

WALKING IN WISDOM- Give Grace // September 28, 2025 // Jeff Hines, Lead Pastor

/
Printable sermon notes

Sunday, August 21, 2025

 

 

Real People

Living in the Real World

Loving the Real God

 

Give Grace

  

James 4: 11 & 12 (NLT)

   Don’t speak evil against each other, dear brothers and sisters. If you criticize and judge each other, then you are criticizing and judging God’s law. But your job is to obey the law, not to judge whether it applies to you.  12 God alone, who gave the law, is the Judge. He alone has the power to save or to destroy. So what right do you have to judge your neighbor?

 

Why do we like to judge others?

 

1. To excuse our faults.

 

Romans 2: 3 (NLT)

   Since you judge others for doing these things, why do you think you can avoid God’s judgment when you do the same things?                                                         

 

         A. How do we excuse our sins?

 

1) Re-label

 

2. It feeds our ego.

 

Proverbs 26: 22 (ESV)

   The words of a whisperer are like delicious morsels; they go down into the inner parts of the body.                                                                                            

 

Why we shouldn’t judge others

 

1. It’s not Christ-like!

 

John 8: 44 (NLT)

   ...you are the children of your father the devil, and you love to do the evil things he does. He was a murderer from the beginning. He has always hated the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he lies, it is consistent with his character; for he is a liar and the father of lies. 

 

                    Revelation 12: 10 (NKJV)

   ...the accuser of our brethren…

 

   2. It’s unloving.

   Anyone who...judges, speaks against the law… (James 4:11)

James 2: 8 (NLT)

   Yes indeed, it is good when you obey the royal law as found in the Scriptures:  

   “Love your neighbor as yourself.” 

                                                            

3. It’s unjustified.

 

James 4: 12 (NLT)

   God alone, who gave the law, is the Judge... So what right do you have to judge your neighbor?

 

When is it wrong to judge others?

 

    1. When I’m guilty of the same sin.

 

Romans 2: 1 - 3 (NLT)

   You may think you can condemn such people, but you are just as bad, and you have no excuse! When you say they are wicked and should be punished, you are condemning yourself, for you who judge others do these very same things. 2 And we know that God, in his justice, will punish anyone who does such things. 3 Since you judge others for doing these things, why do you think you can avoid God’s judgment when you do the same things? 

  

2. Basing my judgment on outward appearance.  

 

                   John 7: 24 (ESV)

    Do not judge by appearances, but judge with right judgment.

 

3. When I condemn someone before I know all the facts.

 

John 7: 51 (NLT)

    Is it legal to convict a man before he is given a hearing?

 

4. Based on external religious observances.

 

Colossians 2: 16 (NLT)

   So don’t let anyone condemn you for what you eat or drink, or for not celebrating certain holy days or new moon ceremonies or Sabbaths. 

 

How to break the habit of judging others?

 

1. Remember that I will be judged in the same manner that I judge others.

 

                    Matthew 7: 1 & 2 (NLT)

   Do not judge others, and you will not be judged.  2 For you will be treated as you treat others. The standard you use in judging is the standard by which you will be judged.

                                          

     2. We are accountable to God.

 

              Romans 14: 12 & 13 (NLT)

   Yes, each of us will give a personal account to God. 13 So let’s stop condemning each other. Decide instead to live in such a way that you will not cause another believer to stumble and fall.

          

3. Remember God’s mercy to me!

 

James 2: 13 (NLT)

   There will be no mercy for those who have not shown mercy to others. But if you have been merciful, God will be merciful when he judges you.                                    

SPEAKING THE TRUTH IN LOVE // Sunday, August 10, 2025 // Jeff Hines, Lead Pastor

/
Printable sermon notes

Sunday, July 27, 2025

 

 

Real People

Living in the Real World

Loving the Real God

 

 

Speaking the Truth in Love

 

When Someone You Love

is Making Bad Decisions

 

 

We must be aware of the Exploitation of Christian compassion

 

Ephesians 4: 11 - 15 (NLT)

    Their responsibility is to equip God’s people to do his work and build up the church, the body of Christ. 13 This will continue until we all come to such unity in our faith and knowledge of God’s Son that we will be mature in the Lord, measuring up to the full and complete standard of Christ. 14 Then we will no longer be immature like children. We won’t be tossed and blown about by every wind of new teaching. We will not be influenced when people try to trick us with lies so clever they sound like the truth. 15 Instead, we will speak the truth in love, growing in every way more and more like Christ, who is the head of his body, the church. 

 

Distorted Views that Prevent us from Speaking the Truth in Love

 

1.              A distorted view of grace and love.

 

Proverbs 28: 23 (NASB)

   One who rebukes a person will afterward find more favor than one who flatters with the tongue.

 

2.              A distorted view of the Christian life.

 

Ephesians 4: 25 (ESV)

   Therefore, having put away falsehood, let each one of you speak the truth with his neighbor, for we are members one of another.

 

3.              A distorted view of the bible.

 

Matthew 7: 1 – 3 (NLT)

   “Do not judge others, and you will not be judged. 2 For you will be treated as you treat others. The standard you use in judging is the standard by which you will be judged.   3 “And why worry about a speck in your friend’s eye when you have a log in your own?

 

Why is it so hard to confront someone I love?

 

Because it’s hard!

 

Why should we speak the truth in love?

 

1.              It follows the example of Jesus.

 

2.              Love requires it.

 

1 Corinthians 13: 6 (ESV)

   Love… does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth.

 

3.              It produces growth.

 

Ephesians 4: 15 (NLT)

 …we will speak the truth in love, growing in every way more and more like Christ, who is the head of his body, the church. 

 

4.              Because the stakes are high.

 

James 5: 19 & 20 (NLT)

   My dear brothers and sisters, if someone among you wanders away from the truth and is brought back, 20 you can be sure that whoever brings the sinner back from wandering will save that person from death and bring about the forgiveness of many sins.

I must care more about their relationship with God than their response to me.

Am I willing to be misunderstood or even rejected?

Practical steps to speaking the truth in love:

1.              Be clear about the issue.

Is the issue unbiblical, unwise, or unimportant?

2.              Discern if you are the one to address the issue.

Proverbs 27:6 (NLT)

   Wounds from a sincere friend are better than many kisses from an enemy.

3.              Pray that they will be open and receptive.

 

4.              Address the issue in person.

 

5.              Be gentle and wise in your approach but be truthful.

 

Galatians 6: 1 (NLT)

 Dear brothers and sisters, if another believer is overcome by some sin, you who are godly should gently and humbly help that person back onto the right path. And be careful not to fall into the same temptation yourself. 

6.              Realize you may not be able to save them from the consequences of their actions.

 

7.              Assure them of God’s forgiveness.

1 John 1: 9 (ESV)

   If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins                                                                               

   and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

WALKING IN WISDOM - Peace In The Family // Sunday, August 3, 2025 // Jeff Hines, Lead Pastor

/
PRINTABLE SERMON NOTES

Sunday, August 3, 2025

 

Walking in Wisdom

God’s Guidance for Daily Living

 

Healthy People Grow

Growing People Change

Changed People, Change People

 

Real People

Living in the Real World

Loving the Real God

 

Peace in the Family

 

Romans 12: 18 (NASB) 

   If possible, so far as it depends on you, be at peace with all people.

 

The cause of quarrels: 

Conflicting Desires

 

James 4: 1 (NLT)

   What is causing the quarrels and fights among you? Don’t they come from the evil desires at war within you?         

                                                                         

A.              Three basic desires that cause quarrels:

1.              The desire to have (possessions)

James 4: 2 (NLT)

   You want what you don’t have...You are jealous of what others have…                                                            

   

      2. The desire to feel (pleasure).

James 4: 3 (NLT)

 ...you want only what will give you pleasure.

  

3.     The desire to be (pride)

Proverbs 13: 10 (NLT) 

 Pride leads to conflict; those who take advice are wise.

 

B.  Why aren’t our desires fulfilled?

James 4: 2 & 3 (NLT)

   You want what you don’t have, so you scheme and kill to get it. You are jealous of what others have, but you can’t get it, so you fight and wage war to take it away from them. Yet you don’t have what you want because you don’t ask God for it. 3 And even when you ask, you don’t get it because your motives are all wrong —  you want only what will give you pleasure.

 

B.              Conflict with God.

James 4: 4 - 6 (NLT)

   You adulterers! Don’t you realize that friendship with the world makes you an enemy of God? I say it again: If you want to be a friend of the world, you make yourself an enemy of God. 5 Do you think the Scriptures have no meaning? They say that God is passionate that the spirit he has placed within us should be faithful to him. 6 And he gives grace generously. As the Scriptures say, “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.”                                                                                                                              

II. The cure for quarrels:  Humility

 

James 4: 6 & 10 (NLT)

   ...“God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble...” 10 Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up in honor.             

                                            

A.    Steps to defusing quarrels:

 

1.              Give in to God.

 

James 4: 7 (NLT)

   So humble yourselves before God.                      

 

Colossians 3: 15 (NLT)

   And let the peace that comes from Christ rule in your hearts. For as members of one body you are called to live in peace. And always be thankful.                       

 

2.              Get wise to Satan.

 

James 4: 7 (NLT)

  ...Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.

 

2 Corinthians 2: 11 (NLT)

     So that Satan will not outsmart us. For we are familiar with his evil schemes.  

 

3.              Grow closer to God.

James 4: 8 (NLT)

   Come close to God, and God will come close to you.

 

Isaiah 26: 3 (NLT)

   You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in you, all whose thoughts are fixed on you!    

 

4.              Gain God’s grace.

 

James 4: 8 & 9 (NLT)

   …Wash your hands, you sinners; purify your hearts, for your loyalty is divided between God and the world.  9 Let there be tears for what you have done. Let there be sorrow and deep grief. Let there be sadness instead of laughter, and gloom instead of joy. 

 

WALKING IN WISDOM- An Honorable Life // Sunday, July 27, 2025 // Jeff Hines, Lead Pastor

/
printable sermon notes

Sunday, July 20, 2025

 

Walking in Wisdom

God’s Guidance for Daily Living

 

 

Healthy People Grow

Growing People Change

Changed People, Change People

 

Real People

Living in the Real World

Loving the Real God

 

An Honorable Life

 

James 3: 18 (NLT)

   ... those who are peacemakers will plant seeds of peace and reap a harvest of righteousness.                   

 

How do we sow seeds of peace in relationships?   Wisdom!

 

¨ Wisdom is a lifestyle.

 

James 3: 13 (NLT)

   If you are wise and understand God’s ways, prove it by living an honorable life, doing good works with the humility that comes from wisdom.

 

¨ Lack of wisdom causes problems.

 

James 3: 14 - 16 (NLT)

   But if you are bitterly jealous and there is selfish ambition in your heart, don’t cover up the truth with boasting and lying.  15 For jealousy and selfishness are not God’s kind of wisdom. Such things are earthly, unspiritual, and demonic.16 For wherever there is jealousy and selfish ambition, there you will find disorder and evil of every kind.

 

How can you relate wisely with others? 

 

1.              I won’t compromise my integrity.

 

James 3: 17

   ...the wisdom from above is first of all pure …

 

1 John 3: 3 (NLT)

   ...all who have this eager expectation will keep themselves pure,

   just as he is pure…                               

 

Proverbs 10: 9 (ESV)

   Whoever walks in integrity walks securely, but he who makes his ways crooked will be found out.

 

2. I won’t antagonize your anger.

 

James 3:17 (NLT)

   ...the wisdom from above is...also peace loving ...

 

Proverbs 20: 3 (NLT)

   Avoiding a fight is a mark of honor; only fools insist on quarreling.                  

 

 

     A.  Three agitators of anger:

 

             1) Comparing 

 

       2) Condemning

  

             3) Contradicting

 

3. I won’t minimize your feelings.

 

James 3: 17 (NLT)

   ...wisdom from above is ...gentle at all times …

 

Proverbs 15: 4 (ESV)

   A gentle tongue is a tree of life, but perverseness in it breaks the spirit.   

 

4. I won’t criticize your opinion.

 

James 3:17 (NLT)

  ...wisdom from above is...willing to yield to others.

 

Proverbs 12: 15 (NLT)

   Fools think their own way is right, but the wise listen to others. 

 

5. I won’t focus on your mistakes.

 

James 3: 17 (NLT)

   ...wisdom from above is ...full of mercy and the fruit of good deeds.                                                                  

 

Proverbs 17: 19 (ESV) 

   Whoever loves transgression loves strife…

 

6. I won’t disguise my own weaknesses.  

 

James 3: 17 (NLT)

   ...wisdom from above is ...shows no favoritism and is always sincere. 

 

Proverbs 28: 13 (NLT)

   People who conceal their sins will not prosper, but if they confess and turn from them, they will receive mercy.

       

If I lack wisdom, I need to ask God for it.

 

James 1: 5 & 6 (NLT) 

   If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and he will give it to you. He will not rebuke you for asking. 6 But when you ask him, be sure that your faith is in God alone. Do not waver, for a person with divided loyalty is as unsettled as a wave of the sea that is blown and tossed by the wind. 

 

If I lack wisdom, I need Jesus in my life.

 

Colossians 2: 3 (NLT) 

In him lie hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.

 

WALKING IN WISDOM -Taming Your Tongue // Sunday, July 20, 2025 // Jeff Hines, Lead Pastor

/
printable sermon notes

Sunday, July 20, 2025

 

Walking in Wisdom

God’s Guidance for Daily Living

 

Healthy People Grow

Growing People Change

Changed People, Change People

 

Real People

Living in the Real World

Loving the Real God

 

Taming Your Tongue

 

James 3: 1 & 2 (NLT)

      Dear brothers and sisters, not many of you should become teachers in the church, for we who teach will be judged more strictly. 2 Indeed, we all make many mistakes. For if we could control our tongues, we would be perfect and could also control ourselves in every other way.                   

  

Why must I watch what I say?

 

1. My tongue directs where I go.

 

A.              The tongue is small,

but powerful!

 

James 3: 3 (NLT)

   We can make a large horse go wherever we want by means of a small bit in its mouth.  

 

B.              My tongue determines the

course of my life!

  

James 3: 4 (NLT)

   ...a small rudder makes a huge ship turn wherever the pilot chooses to go,   

   even though the winds are strong.

 

Proverbs 18: 21 (NASB)

   Death and life are in the power of the tongue, And those who love it will eat its fruit.

 

Proverbs 18: 21 (AMP)

   Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it and indulge it will eat its fruit and bear the consequences of their words.

 

2. My tongue can be destructive!

  

A.              A careless word can destroy

my blessings.

 

James 3: 5 & 6 (NLT)

   ...a tiny spark can set a great forest on fire. 6 And among all the parts of the body, the tongue is a flame of fire.

                                                                           

B.              My tongue can create a chain

reaction!

 

James 3: 6 (NLT)

   …It (the tongue) is a whole world of wickedness, corrupting your entire body. It can set your whole life on fire, for it is set on fire by hell itself.                                                    

 

God’s advice:

 

Proverbs 21: 23 (NLT)

   Watch your tongue and keep your mouth shut, and you will stay out of trouble. 

 

C.              I must rely on God to help me

tame my tongue.

 

James 3: 7 & 8 (NLT)

   People can tame all kinds of animals, birds, reptiles, and fish, 8 but no one can tame the tongue. It is restless and evil, full of deadly poison.

 

3. My tongue displays who I am. 

    

A.              I am inconsistent.

 

James 3: 9 & 10 (NLT) 

   Sometimes it praises our Lord and Father, and sometimes it curses those who have been made in the image of God.   10 And so blessing and cursing come pouring out of the same mouth. Surely, my brothers and sisters, this is not right!

                               

B.              What’s in the well comes out in

the water.

 

James 3: 11 & 12 (NLT)

   Does a spring of water bubble out with both fresh water and bitter water? 12 Does a fig tree produce olives, or a grapevine produce figs? No, and you can’t draw fresh water from a salty spring.

 

 The root of the problem is my heart!

 

Matthew 12: 34 & 35 (NLT) 

    You brood of snakes! How could evil men like you speak what is good and right? For whatever is in your heart determines what you say.  35 A good person produces good things from the treasury of a good heart, and an evil person produces evil things from the treasury of an evil heart.                                                                                                      

What is the solution? 

 

1. I need a new heart.

 

Ezekiel 18: 31 (NLT) 

   Put all your rebellion behind you, and find yourselves a new heart and a new spirit…

 

 How do I get a new heart?

  

2 Corinthians 5: 17 (NKJV)

   ... if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.

                                                        

2. Ask God for help every day!

 

Psalm 141: 3 (NLT) 

   Take control of what I say, O Lord, and guard my lips.

                                                         

 3. Think BEFORE you speak!

 

James 1: 19 (NLT)

   Understand this, my dear brothers and sisters: You must all be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to get angry.

WALKING IN WISDOM- Authentic Christianity // Sunday, July 13, 2025 // Jeff Hines, Lead Pastor

/
Printable sermon notes

Sunday, July 13, 2025

 

Walking in Wisdom

God’s Guidance for Daily Living

 

Healthy People Grow

Growing People Change

Changed People, Change People

 

Real People

Living in the Real World

Loving the Real God

 

Ephesians 2: 8 - 10 (NIV)

    For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith — and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God — 9 not by works, so that no one can boast. 10 For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.

  

  1. Authentic Christianity is NOT    

     something you say.

 

James 2: 14 (NLT)

 What good is it, dear brothers and sisters, if you say you have faith but don’t show it by your actions? Can that kind of faith save anyone? 

 

  1. Authentic Christianity is not  

     something you feel.

 

James 2: 15 & 16 (NLT)

    Suppose you see a brother or sister who has no food or clothing, 16 and you say, “Good-bye and have a good day; stay warm and eat well” —but then you don’t give that person any food or clothing. What good does that do?

 

Authentic Christianity is practical!

 

1 John 3: 17 (NLT)

    ...if anyone has the world's goods and sees his brother in need,

    yet closes his heart against him, how does God's love abide in him?

 

Authentic Christianity is generous!

 

2 Corinthians 9: 7, 10 & 11 (NLT)

    7You must each decide in your heart how much to give. And don’t give reluctantly or in response to pressure. “For God loves a person who gives cheerfully.” 10For God is the one who provides seed for the farmer and then bread to eat. In the same way, he will provide and increase your resources and then produce a great harvest of generosity in you. 11Yes, you will be enriched in every way so that you can always be generous. And when we take your gifts to those who need them, they will thank God.

 

Luke 6: 32-33 (NLT)

“If you love only those who love you, why should you get credit for that? Even sinners love those who love them! 33 And if you do good only to those who do good to you, why should you get credit? Even sinners do that much!

 

Galatians 6: 8 – 11 (NLT)

    Those who live only to satisfy their own sinful nature will harvest decay and death from that sinful nature. But those who live to please the Spirit will harvest everlasting life from the Spirit. 9 So let’s not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don’t give up. 10 Therefore, whenever we have the opportunity, we should do good to everyone—especially to those in the family of faith.

 

We’re better at verbalizing our faith than practicing it!

 

  1. Authentic Christianity is not something you think!

 

James 2: 18 (NLT)

 Now someone may argue, “Some people have faith; others have good deeds.” But I say, “How can you show me your faith if you don’t have good deeds? I will show you my faith by my good deeds.”                                                

 

Authentic Christianity is visible, apparent… You can see it!

  

2 Corinthians 5: 17 (ESV) 

   ...if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away;

behold, the new has come.

 

Authentic Christianity ALWAYS produces a changed life!

 

  1. Authentic Christianity is not something you believe!

 

James 2: 19 (NLT)

 You say you have faith, for you believe that there is one God.  Good for you!

Even the demons believe this, and they tremble in terror.                                                        

 

  1. Authentic Christianity is something you do!

 

James 2: 20 (NLT)

   How foolish! Can’t you see that faith without good deeds is useless?

 

James 2: 21 - 26 (NLT)

Don’t you remember that our ancestor Abraham was shown to be right with God by his actions when he offered his son Isaac on the altar? 22 You see, his faith and his actions worked together. His actions made his faith complete. 23 And so it happened just as the Scriptures say: “Abraham believed God, and God counted him as righteous because of his faith.” He was even called the friend of God.

24 So you see, we are shown to be right with God by what we do, not by faith alone. 25 Rahab the prostitute is another example. She was shown to be right with God by her actions when she hid those messengers and sent them safely away by a different road. 26 Just as the body is dead without breath, so also faith is dead without good works.               

 

Authentic Christianity is demonstrated by our actions!

WALKING IN WISDOM How Should We Treat People? // Sunday, July 6, 2025 // Jeff Hines, Lead Pastor

/
Printable Sermon Notes

Sunday, July 7, 2025

 

 

 

Last week…

 

1.              Tuttle Twins

 

2.              Brave Books

 

3.              Prager U.

 

4.              Wall Builders

 

 

The Hebrew Republic

 

The concept:

God

1.              Is watching me.

2.              Wants me to be fair.

3.              Will hold me accountable.

 

Creates conviction of the Holy Spirit

 

Walking in Wisdom

God’s Guidance for Daily Living

 

How Should We Treat People

 

 

Outreach, July 17th

  

James 2: 1 (NLT)

   My dear brothers and sisters, how can you claim to have faith in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ if you favor some people over others?    

  

 

1.              The Principle:  Don’t show    

                          favoritism!

 

           A.  Favoritism:

           B. Common areas of    

          discrimination:

 

1)  Appearance          2)  Ancestry

  

3)  Age                       4)  Achievement 

 

5)  Affluence

 

James 2: 2 - 4 (NLT)

   For example, suppose someone comes into your meeting dressed in fancy clothes and expensive jewelry, and another comes in who is poor and dressed in dirty clothes. 3 If you give special attention and a good seat to the rich person, but you say to the poor one, “You can stand over there, or else sit on the floor”  —well,4 doesn’t this discrimination show that your judgments are guided by evil motives? 

  

2. The Problem. 

 

            A.  Favoritism is ungodly!

 

Romans 2: 11 (NLT)

   ...God does not show favoritism.

 

Also:  Acts 10: 34 & 35; 

Ephesians 6:9;  Colossians 3: 25

 

1 Samuel 16: 7 (NLT) 

   …People judge by outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.                                                 

  

B.  Favoritism is unreasonable!

 

James 2: 5 - 7 (NLT)

   Listen to me, dear brothers and sisters. Hasn’t God chosen the poor in this world to be rich in faith? Aren’t they the ones who will inherit the Kingdom he promised to those who love him?  6 But you dishonor the poor! Isn’t it the rich who oppress you and drag you into court? 7 Aren’t they the ones who slander Jesus Christ, whose noble name you bear?

                                                                            

C.  Favoritism is unloving!

 

James 2: 8 (NLT) 

   Yes indeed, it is good when you obey the royal law as found in the Scriptures: “Love your neighbor as yourself.” 

 

1 John 4: 20 & 21 (NLT)

   If someone says, “I love God,” but hates a fellow believer that person is a liar; for if we don’t love people we can see, how can we love God, whom we cannot see?  21 And he has given us this command: Those who love God must also love their fellow believers.

 

D.  Favoritism is unlawful!

 

James 2: 9 - 13 (NLT)

   But if you favor some people over others, you are committing a sin. You are guilty of breaking the law.10 For the person who keeps all of the laws except one is as guilty as a person who has broken all of God’s laws. 11 For the same God who said, “You must not commit adultery,” also said, “You must not murder.” So if you murder someone but do not commit adultery, you have still broken the law.12 So whatever you say or whatever you do, remember that you will be judged by the law that sets you free.13 There will be no mercy for those who have not shown mercy to others. But if you have been merciful, God will be merciful when he judges you.

 

How can I live free from the sin of favoritism? 

 

Galatians 5: 14 (NLT) 

    ...the whole law can be summed up in this one command: “Love your neighbor as yourself.”             

 

3. The prescription.

 

A.              Accept everybody!

 

Romans 15: 7 (NLT)

   Therefore, accept each other just as Christ has accepted you so that God will be given glory.                     

 

    B.  Appreciate everybody. 

 

Philippians 2: 3 - 4 (NLT)

   Don’t be selfish; don’t try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves. 4 Don’t look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too.

 

B.              Affirm everybody.

 

1 Thessalonians 5: 11 (NLT) 

   ...encourage each other and build each other up…

Sunday, May 25, 2025 // Roger Coleman, Executive Pastor

/
printable sermon notes

Sunday, May 25, 2025

 

Walking in Wisdom

God’s Guidance for Daily Living

 

The Bible Didn’t Bless Me –

Until I Did It

 

Healthy People Grow

Growing People Change

Changed People, Change People

 

 

How to be blessed by the Bible: 

 

1.              Calm your spirit.

 

James 1: 19 (NLT)

   Understand this, my dear brothers and sisters: You must all be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to get angry.

 

 2. Clear your mind of worldly attitudes.

 

James 1: 20 (NLT)

   Human anger does not produce the righteousness God desires.                                                             

                               

 

3. Clarify your morality.

 

                                James 1: 21 (NLT)

   So get rid of all the filth and evil in your lives… 

 

Galatians 5: 19 - 21 (NLT) 

   When you follow the desires of your sinful nature, the results are very clear: sexual immorality, impurity, lustful pleasures,   20 idolatry, sorcery, hostility, quarreling, jealousy, outbursts of anger, selfish ambition, dissension, division, 21 envy, drunkenness, wild parties, and other sins like these. Let me tell you again, as I have before, that anyone living that sort of life will not inherit the Kingdom of God.      

                                                  

4.    I must receive God’s Word.

 

James 1: 21 (NLT)

   ...humbly accept the word God has planted in your hearts…                                                                          

 

I must be compliant / teachable / willing to change!

 

5.  I must reflect on God’s Word.

 

James 1: 22 – 25 (NLT)

   But don’t just listen to God’s word. You must do what it says. Otherwise, you are only fooling yourselves.   23 For if you listen to the word and don’t obey, it is like glancing at your face in a mirror. 24 You see yourself, walk away, and forget what you look like. 25 But if you look carefully into the perfect law that sets you free, and if you do what it says and don’t forget what you heard, then God will bless you for doing it.      

 

How do I reflect on God’s Word? 

 

   A.  Read it! 

   B.  Research it! 

   C.  Review it!  

   D.  Remember it!