The Driven Church

Study 13: James 5: 1-6 Trent Evans

More for the Kingdom

The study of James 5:1-6 challenges believers to examine their hearts regarding wealth and possessions, emphasizing that the issue is not money itself but the love of it. James warns against hoarding wealth, oppressing others for financial gain, and placing trust in material riches rather than God. The passage urges self-reflection, calling believers to generosity, justice, and responsible stewardship. The study highlights that wealth should be a tool for God's purposes rather than an idol that corrupts the heart. Ultimately, the message calls for aligning financial decisions with faith, ensuring that possessions do not possess us.

 

Study 12: James 4: 13-17 Trent Evans

 If it is Gods will

 

The study of James 4:13-17 warns against the arrogance of self-sufficiency and the presumption of future certainty, calling believers to align their plans with God's will. James rebukes the mindset that confidently declares personal plans without seeking God's direction, reminding believers that life is but a mist—temporary and fleeting. Instead of making plans independent of God, James urges a posture of humility, where every action and decision is submitted under the phrase, “If the Lord wills.” This study highlights the importance of trusting God's sovereignty, embracing daily dependence on Him, and recognizing that true success is found in aligning with His purposes. The final verse, James 4:17, reminds us that knowing the right thing to do and failing to do it is sin, emphasizing that obedience in the present moment is more important than an unknown future. This study challenges believers to live with eternal purpose, make decisions through prayer, and steward each day as a gift from God.

Study 11: James 4: 11-12: Trent Evans

The study of James 4:11-12 confronts the issue of slander and judgment within the body of Christ, warning believers against speaking against one another with harmful intent. James emphasizes that there is only one Lawgiver and Judge—God Himself—who alone has the authority to save or destroy. When we judge others with a condemning heart, we elevate ourselves above God’s authority and take on a role that belongs to Him alone. The study explores the difference between righteous discernment, which is beneficial, and judgmental condemnation, which is destructive. Jesus' encounter with the woman caught in adultery (John 8) serves as an example of how grace, mercy, and restoration should be our approach rather than condemnation. True believers reflect the grace they have received, extending love, patience, and encouragement rather than tearing others down. The challenge is to examine our motives—are we judging to restore or to elevate ourselves? This study calls us to embrace humility, guard our words, and leave final judgment to God while being agents of His grace and truth.

 

 

 

 

Study 10:James 4: 1-10: Trent Evans

Humble yourselves

The study of James 4:1-10 reveals that conflict, both internal and external, stems from misplaced desires. James confronts believers, urging them to recognize that their quarrels and struggles originate within their hearts—a battle between earthly passions and godly submission. He warns against friendship with the world, which makes one an enemy of God, and calls for deep repentance, humility, and submission. The passage emphasizes that true peace and spiritual victory come not by pursuing self-serving desires, but by surrendering fully to God’s authority. The key to overcoming sin and strife is humility—choosing to “go low” in submission so that God may lift us up. Through this study, believers are challenged to examine their motives, desires, and allegiances, ultimately leading them to embrace God’s grace and resist the enemy through full dependence on Christ.

Study 9: James 3:13-18 Trent Evans

The study of James 3:13-18 contrasts two kinds of wisdom—earthly wisdom and heavenly wisdom. Earthly wisdom, rooted in selfish ambition and bitter envy, leads to disorder and every evil practice. James warns that this wisdom is unspiritual and even demonic, as it feeds on pride and self-promotion. In contrast, heavenly wisdom is pure, peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy, impartial, and sincere. It produces righteousness and peace. The study emphasizes that true wisdom is not about intellect or status but is demonstrated through a humble life aligned with God’s truth. Jesus, as the embodiment of God’s wisdom (1 Corinthians 1:23-25), removes guilt and shame, leading believers to live transformed lives. The study challenges listeners to examine whether their decisions are based on worldly thinking or divine wisdom, calling them to surrender to Christ and walk in His wisdom daily.

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.