NOW, ABOUT THAT [BUCKET] LIST…

JAMES 3:13-18

Pastor Rick Jackson

I don't want to slide into the grave in a well-preserved body. I'd rather skid in sideways, ripped up, scratched, scarred, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, screaming, “What a ride!” – Steven Tyler [musician, GQ]


I. THE WICKED LIST

1. Unreasonable Without the Faith [2 Th. 3:2, cm. Rm. 12:1]

And that we may be delivered from unreasonable and wicked men: for all men have not faith.
I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.

2. Filthy “Deathstyle” [2 Pet. 2:7-8, Col. 1:21, Eph. 2]

And delivered just Lot, vexed with the filthy conversation of the wicked: (For that righteous man dwelling among them, in seeing and hearing, vexed his righteous soul from day to day with their unlawful deeds;)
And you, that were sometime alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now hath he reconciled

3. Twisting the Scripture [2 Pet. 3:15-18, 2 Tm. 2:15]

And account that the longsuffering of our Lord is salvation; even as our beloved brother Paul also according to the wisdom given unto him hath written unto you; As also in all his epistles, speaking in them of these things; in which are some things hard to be understood, which they that are unlearned and unstable wrest, as they do also the other scriptures, unto their own destruction. Ye therefore, beloved, seeing ye know these things before, beware lest ye also, being led away with the error of the wicked, fall from your own stedfastness. But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen.
Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.

II. THE WORLDLY LIST [James 4]

1. Futile Fighting [v. 1-2]

2. Foolish Friendship [v. 3-4]

3. Final Frustration [v. 5-6a]

III. THE WISE LIST [James 4]

1. God’s Way [v. 6b-10]

2. God’s Word [v. 11-12]

3. God’s Will [v. 13-17]