HOW TO BE BLESSED BY GOD

James 1:12-18, 22-25

  Introduction:

       A.  To the Epistle of James

            Author:  James, the half brother of Jesus

            To:  The Jewish Christians scattered among the Gentiles, v1

            Theme:  Practical instructions in the duties of life.  Has been called, “ The

                         book bound in shoe leather, “ because of its practicality.

            Date:  A.D. 44 to 62, probably A.D. 46

            From:  Jerusalem

       B.  To this morning’s lesson

            Sin’s goal is our ___________ and  _______________. vv 14-15; Ro.6:23a

            God’s goal is ___________ and __________________ .vv 17-18; Ro.6:23b

   How to be blessed by God:

   I.  By receiving a ________________ from above.  v18; John 3:1-8

  II.  By welcoming God’s _________ in our lives. v18; vv22-25

       A.  God’s word will give __________when we are wrong (2 Timothy 3:16; Heb.

            12:4-10), ______________ from danger (2 Tim. 3:16), and ____________

            direction for living (2 Tim. 3:16).

  III.  By doing God’s _____________.  vv22-25; Eph. 2:8-10

  Conclusion:

       A.  God blesses us by giving us a new birth and  providing His word as direction

            for our lives leading to eternal life.