The Driven Church

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.

Study 34: Joshua 23: 1-16: Trent Evans

 Stay in the pocket 

This study of Joshua 23 emphasizes the theme of God’s faithfulness to Israel and the importance of steadfastness in obedience to Him. As Joshua approaches the end of his life, he gathers the leaders of Israel to remind them of God's fulfilled promises and urges them to continue holding fast to God, avoiding compromise with surrounding nations. Joshua highlights the grace and mercy of God, who has granted Israel peace and victory, but also warns that turning away from God will lead to destruction. The study calls listeners to stay in "the pocket" of God's presence and power, following His lead to experience true peace and fulfillment.

 

Study 33: Joshua 21-22: Trent Evans

Who are you listening to?    

This podcast invites listeners to dive deep into the study of God's Word, focusing on the themes of faithfulness, obedience, and unity found in the book of Joshua. As we explore the stories of the Levites' inheritance and the altar built by two and a half tribes, we uncover important lessons on trusting God's plan, the power of clear communication, and the dangers of acting on assumptions. Through thoughtful reflection, this study encourages believers to listen closely to God's voice, seek truth, and walk in unity with others, reminding us that God's presence is always with His people.

 

Study 32: Joshua 20: 1-9: Trent Evans

Cities of refuge

In this study of Joshua 20, we explore the concept of the cities of refuge and their significance in offering mercy and grace to those seeking protection. These cities, established by God, provided safety for individuals who unintentionally took a life, reflecting the deep grace and refuge available in Christ today. The study delves into how these cities serve as a foreshadowing of Jesus, our ultimate refuge, and how we must humble ourselves to enter into His protection. As we examine the text, we are reminded of the importance of seeking grace, confessing our need for redemption, and finding restoration through Christ, our High Priest and source of true peace.