Scripture Reading – Psalm 15

Opening Prayer

Living God,
As we gather together in time and space that belongs to You,
as warmly invited but somewhat wary guests,
we recognize that you are a holy God:
righteous,
full of truth,
kind to Your people,
but not blind or ignorant to our many faults.
You keep your word, at all times, no matter the cost, and it is into Your presence that we now come.
In the name of God the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.
Amen.

Giving Thanks and Offering

James 1:17 says, “Every generous act of giving, with every perfect gift, is from above, coming down from the Father of lights.”

Set your timer to 1 minute. Write down as many gifts that you have received from the Father as you can. Share them with each other.

Do you have a long list? Is your list short? Is it just certain kinds of gifts as coming from the Heavenly Father? Do you see your hard work as primarily responsible for the good things in your life?

It is a curious thing that those who are generous tend to also be the kinds of people who are grateful and who have come to know the source of every good and perfect gift!

As you give your offering do so with a conscious awareness that you are simply returning a part of the gift that was so graciously given to you.

To God, the Father of Lights, be all the glory! Amen.

Song of Response – “Psalm 23”

Psalm 23

The Lord is my shepherd I have all I need
Oh plant me by waters where vain strivings cease
Lord set me in pastures where souls will be free
Where all who were proud now find rest on their knees
Where all who were proud now find rest on their knees

Restore my soul and remark the right path
And guide me through darkness with your shepherds staff
The Lord is my comfort still help my eyes see
Though evil encroaches you’re still shading me
Though evil encroaches you’re still shading me

Surely your love and your goodness will sustain my life
Surely your love and your goodness will sustain my life
Surely your love and your goodness will sustain my life
Surely your love and your goodness will sustain my life

The fare has been set now a gift of great price
But will you choose goodness or fear’s hollow vice
The enemy tries to entice you away
Oh reset your eyes now let God be your strength
Oh reset your eyes now let God be your strength

Surely your love and your goodness will sustain my life

Game for Kids – “Doing the Word”

Scripture Reading – Matthew 7:24-27

Sermon – James 1:22

Reflection on the Sermon

Take some time to reflect upon the sermon, specifically giving attention to one or two ways that you have come up short as a “doer” of the word. Use the first slide below to guide you through some areas to which James points his audience. Then, reflect upon the question in the second slide about what next steps you could take. If you’re feeling bold, talk about this with others (in your small group, from your church, with a friend or a pastor).

Call to Confession of Sin – From James 1:12-16

God 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. And 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. Temptation comes from our own desires, which entice us and drag us away. These desires give birth to sinful actions. And when sin is allowed to grow, it gives birth to death. So don’t be misled, my dear brothers and sisters

Spend a few moments getting honest about how sin is at work bringing death in your life and relationships. Listen to this piece of instrumental music as you pray and confess.

Assurance of God’s Saving Work – From James 4:7-10

So give yourselves to God. Stand against the devil and he will run away So humble yourselves before God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Come close to God, and God will come close to you. Wash your hands, you sinners; purify your hearts, for your loyalty is divided between God and the world. 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. Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up in honor.

Friends, because of Christ’s amazing love for us: know that you are forgiven, and live in peace.

Interceding for Others

James draws to a conclusion reflecting on the importance and effectiveness of prayer. In James 5, it says:

Are any of you suffering hardships? You should pray. Are any of you happy? You should sing praises. Are any of you sick? You should call for the elders of the church to come and pray over you, anointing you with oil in the name of the Lord. Such a prayer offered in faith will heal the sick, and the Lord will make you well. And if you have committed any sins, you will be forgiven.

Before we close this time of worship and reflection, take a couple minutes to pray for those who know who are suffering and sick, and give thanks with those you know who are experiencing happiness.

Benediction – 1 Peter 1:3-5

All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. It is by his great mercy that we have been born again, because God raised Jesus Christ from the dead. Now we live with great expectation, and we have a priceless inheritance—an inheritance that is kept in heaven for you, pure and undefiled, beyond the reach of change and decay. And through your faith, God is protecting you by his power until you receive this salvation, which is ready to be revealed on the last day for all to see.

Doxology

Praise God from whom all blessings flow
Praise Him all creatures here below
Praise Him above ye heavenly host
Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost
Amen

Missional Challenge

James 1:19 says, “My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry…”

The challenge is this: in your conversations this week focus more on the listening part than the speaking part. Notice your own tendencies to jump in and usurp another in conversation. It has been said that there is a “ministry of listening others to life…” Try to listen others to life. Show them you care about what they say and engage with their life, not just your own. If you tame your tongue in this way, even in the midst of a heated situation your anger won’t be permitted to come out in unhealthy ways!