Topic: Dont Overlook These

Text: James 4-5

Introduction:
James continued his writing by reminding the saints the things that they should know about how they behave
toward one another, toward the world and toward God. Sometimes we forget these things when we are
occupied with so many things- most especially with the affairs of our lives and of this world. As we pass
through this earth these things should be part of our lives, our thoughts, our confessions and our deeds. We
should not overlook these. Let us learn from apostle James the Lords brother and leader of the church at
Jerusalem.
Body:
I. Relationship with God
1. Ask with right motives (Verse 4:3) 1Jn 3:22
2. We belong only to Him (Verse 4:5) 2Cor 6:14-18
3. Humble before Him (Verse 4:6) Ps 138:6
4. Submit and draw near to God (Verses 4:7-10) Jn 15:4-10
5. Resist the devil (Verse 4:7) Eph 4:27 1Pet 5:8
6. Dont boast (Verses 4:13-16) Act 18:21
7. Do what is right (Verse 4:17) Rom 14:23 1Jn 5:17
8. Wait patiently for His Coming (Verses 5:7-8) 2Pet 3:3-9
9. Dont swear (Verse 5:12) Mt 5:34-37
10. Pray, sing praises (Verse 5:13) Ps 50:15, 69:30 Col 3:16
11. Pray earnestly (Verses 5:17-18) 1King 17:1-16 Mk 11:23
II. Relationship with the Brethren
1. Dont envy (Verses 4:1-2) 1Pet 2:1
2. Dont quarrel (Verses 4:1-2) Prv 17:14 2Tim 2:24
3. Dont speak against (Verse 4:11) Prov 15:1 2Cor 12:20
4. Dont judge (Verses 4:11-12) Mt 7:1
5. Dont complain against (Verse 5:9) 1Cor 1:10
6. Pray for the sick (Verses 5:14-15) Mk 6:13
7. Confess sins and pray for (Verse 5:16) Act 19:18
8. Turn back a sinning brother (Verses 5:19-20) Mt 18:15 Gal 6:1
III. Relationship with the World
1. Not a friend of the world (Verse 4:4) 1Jn 2:15-17 2Cor 6:14-18
2. Misuse of riches (Verses 5:1-5) Lk 6:24, 12:16-21
3. Dont condemn the innocent (Verse 5:6) Ams 4:1-2
4. Endure (Verses 5:10-11) Jb 1:21-22 1Pet 3:14
Conclusion:
There are times when believers are busy with the work of the Lord, do many things for the church and are
involved with various activities; we overlooked our good relationship with the brethren and the world. When
disagreement arises we speak against one another and we judge one another. This is not the way it should be.
Rather we confess our sins to one another. Pray for one another so we can be healed. We should turn a
sinning brother back to the Lord. When we are not in the ministry activity there are times we become friends
of the world. Those who are not involved with the church and are not conscious with their walk with the Lord
are more prone to be tempted and sin. James in his letter admonished the saints to hold our faith in Christ
with utmost care. We should not speak against our brethren. We should not be like the world with its evil
desires and evil works. We should not love the world and become an enemy of God. We should endure
everything while waiting patiently for the coming of the Lord. We receive from the Lord if we ask and ask
according to His will and not ask amiss. Let us draw near to God and resist the devil for the days are evil and
the enemy does not sleep. Humble ourselves before the Lord and He shall exalt us. Therefore brethren let us
not overlook these things- our relationship with God, relationship with the brethren and with the world for in
doing so we shall be fruitful in our knowledge and service to God.