The Driven Church

Study 8: James 3:1-12 Trent Evans

The study of James 3 focuses on the connection between the heart and the tongue, emphasizing that our words are a reflection of our inner condition. James warns that the tongue, though small, has immense power to guide our lives, much like a rudder directs a ship. He addresses the dangers of boastfulness, pride, and destructive speech, illustrating how a careless word can ignite great harm, much like a small spark can set a forest ablaze. However, the core issue is not the tongue itself but the heart behind it—only a heart mastered by God can produce speech that is life-giving. Jesus' words in Luke 6:45 affirm that what fills the heart overflows through the mouth. The study calls believers to seek daily renewal, asking God to fill them abundantly so that their speech consistently reflects His goodness, love, and wisdom.

 

Study 7: James 2:14-26 Trent Evans

The study of James 2 emphasizes that faith without deeds is dead, urging believers to live out their faith through action. James challenges the idea of a faith that is merely spoken, equating empty claims to lifelessness. Using examples from Abraham and Rahab, he illustrates that true faith is demonstrated by obedience and tangible works. This passage harmonizes with Paul’s teaching on salvation by faith, showing that genuine faith naturally produces good works as a response to God’s grace. The study calls for a transformative faith—one that not only professes belief but actively reflects God’s love and righteousness in daily life.

Study 6: James 2:1-13: Trent Evans

This study explores James 2:1-13, where believers are challenged to reject favoritism and see people as God sees them. James warns that partiality distorts our faith, leading us to value others based on worldly status rather than the heart—where God’s true measure lies.

Through biblical examples like Samuel anointing David (1 Samuel 16:7) and Peter’s encounter with Cornelius (Acts 10), we see that God does not play favorites. His kingdom is open to all who seek Him. Favoritism is a sin that dishonors the poor and elevates the powerful for personal gain, ultimately contradicting the gospel’s call to love our neighbors equally.

A powerful takeaway from this message is that mercy triumphs over judgment. As followers of Christ, we are called to extend grace, just as we have received it. And what better time to reflect on that than during the Christmas season—the ultimate display of God’s mercy, when He sent Jesus to redeem us all?

This study challenges us to examine our hearts, align our actions with God’s kingdom values, and live out a faith that reflects His love for all people.

Study 5: James 1: 19 -27: Trent Evans

Pure and faultless    

This sermon study focuses on studying James 1:26-27, emphasizing the distinction between worthless and pure religion. Worthless religion, marked by an uncontrolled tongue and self-deception, produces no real transformation or power in life. In contrast, pure religion, as described in Scripture, involves selfless actions like caring for orphans and widows—those who cannot repay kindness—and living unpolluted by the world. The study highlights the importance of authentic worship grounded in the truth of God’s Word, guiding listeners to align their lives with Scripture and pursue a faith that is actionable, holy, and pleasing to God.

Study 4: James 1:19-25: Trent Evans

Perfect law  

This study in the book of James focuses on the verses 1:19-27, emphasizing the transformative power of God's Word when actively applied to one's life. It highlights the importance of humility, urging listeners to approach Scripture with an open heart and a willingness to embrace its teachings fully. The speaker contrasts the futility of merely hearing the Word without action, likening it to building on sand, with the steadfastness of applying God's truth, which provides a foundation like solid rock. Key themes include self-deception, genuine faith expressed through obedience, and the freedom found in aligning one's life with God's perfect law. The discussion challenges listeners to move beyond passive listening to active doing, encouraging a commitment to spiritual growth and faithful living.

 

Study 3: James 1: 19-21: Trent Evans

Anger and the enemy      

The sermon focuses on James 1:19-21, emphasizing the transformative power of being quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to anger. These practices are not merely interpersonal but are foundational for cultivating God's righteousness within us. The passage calls for humility in receiving the Word of God, which can save us and direct our lives. The message also explores the destructive nature of unchecked human anger, contrasting it with the spiritual fruits of peace and self-control. Through reflection and surrender, believers are encouraged to let go of anger, moral filth, and distractions, allowing God's truth to guide their responses and relationships. This teaching underlines the importance of aligning daily actions with spiritual principles to experience genuine transformation and a deeper connection with God.

Study 2: James 1 : 5-18 : Trent Evans

 Firstfruits    

This sermon study focuses on James 1 and examines how trials and struggles are integral to spiritual growth. The speaker emphasizes that adversity, while challenging, serves as a tool for building perseverance and maturity in faith, highlighting the distinction between temporal challenges and eternal hope. Through vivid metaphors and scriptural references, the sermon underscores the believer's "high position" in Christ, unshaken by external circumstances. It encourages reliance on God for wisdom during difficulties and warns against succumbing to temptations that arise in seasons of struggle. This study reminds listeners of their identity as new creations in Christ, urging them to find strength and purpose in Him as they persevere through trials, with the ultimate hope of eternal life as the crown for those who love and trust God.

Study 1: James 1: 1-4: Trent Evans

Trials

In this sermon study on the Book of James, the focus is on understanding how trials in life serve as tools for spiritual growth, maturity, and reliance on God. By examining James 1:1-4, it emphasizes that while trials are often unexpected and varied, they are purposeful in cultivating perseverance and complete faith in believers. This process invites believers to shift their perspective, viewing trials not with resentment but as opportunities for deeper faith and endurance. James' exhortation is to allow these hardships to finish their work, producing spiritual maturity and full dependence on God, which, though challenging, leads to a refined and steadfast character. Through these reflections, listeners are encouraged to see trials as God’s means of nurturing growth, transforming challenges into joy through trust in His guidance.

Study 36: Joshua 24: 29 - 33: Trent Evans

What does your life reflect?

This study of the Book of Joshua, particularly the closing verses in chapter 24, emphasizes the enduring impact of a life lived in obedience to God. The message explores how Joshua’s identity as a “servant of the Lord” was evident through his actions and faithfulness, despite the title being formally mentioned only at the end of his life. The study encourages listeners to consider their own identity in Christ, not defined by titles but by the fruit of a life rooted in Him. Joshua’s legacy, marked by strength, courage, and commitment to God’s word, challenges believers to reflect on their paths and embrace a steadfast dedication to God's purposes. Through Joshua's life, we see a model of spiritual endurance and success, achieved by consistently aligning one’s life with God's guidance, demonstrating that true identity in God shapes actions and influences generations.

Study 35: Joshua 24: 1-28: Trent Evans

Burn the ship

This study focuses on Joshua 24, where Joshua reminds the Israelites of God's faithfulness throughout their journey and urges them to serve God wholeheartedly. Joshua recounts the history of God's deliverance, provision, and protection, emphasizing how God led their ancestors from idolatry to a covenant relationship. He challenges the people to abandon any lingering idols and fully commit to serving the Lord. Joshua makes it clear that serving God requires undivided loyalty and action, not mere words. He concludes by urging the Israelites to remember God's faithfulness and respond with a life of obedient devotion, symbolized by the act of burning the "ships" of their old ways to fully embrace God's purpose for their lives.