How do we keep our eyes on Jesus? | September 21, 2026

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Let’s Find Out Together 7 min 2 speakers 7 chapters transcribed 11 hours ago

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Transcript generated automatically by AI and may contain errors.

What is the opening greeting and purpose of today’s study?

Randy Spacht 0:00

Today is September the twenty fourth. Where do we find wisdom? Well let's see what the book of James says. We're gonna read James one from verse one to verse eighteen. James a servant of God and the Lord Jesus Christ to the twelve tribes in the dispersion greetings. My brothers and sisters, whenever you face various trials, count it all joy because you know that the testing of your faith is It produces endurance. Let endurance complete its work so that you may be complete and whole, lacking in nothing. If any of you is lacking in wisdom, ask God who gives to all generously and ungrudgingly, and it'll be given you. But ask in faith, never doubting, for the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, driven and tossed by the wind.

Randy Spacht 0:49

For the doubter, being double-minded and unstable in every way, must not expect to receive anything from the Lord. let the brother or sister of humble means boast in having a high position, and the rich in having been humbled,

How does James introduce the theme of trials and endurance?

Randy Spacht 1:05

because the rich will disappear like a flower in the field, for the sun rises with its scorching heat and withers the field. Its flower fails and its beauty perishes. It's the same way with the rich, in the midst of a busy life, they will wither away. Blessed is anyone who endures temptation. For such a one has stood the test and will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him. No one, when tempted, should say, I am being tempted by God, for God cannot be tempted by evil and he himself cannot. attempts no one. But one is tempted by one's own desire being lured. and enticed by it, then When desire is conceived it engenders sin, and sin, when it's fully grown, brings birth to death.

Randy Spacht 2:05

Don't be deceived, my beloved brothers and sisters. Every generous act of giving with every perfect gift is from above.

Why does James say we must ask God for wisdom with unwavering faith?

Randy Spacht 2:15

coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change. In fulfillment of his own purpose he gave birth to us by the word of truth, so that we would become a kind of first fruits of his creatures. We're starting the book of James. Different from the other epistles that we've studied, all of which seem to be directed at one specific church. James, in its introduction, is to a wide variety of churches, to all of the churches located in the dispersion. It's a collection of writings, a collection of of sermons for the church. Now James is apparently a The half brother of Jesus, a leader of the early church. Here in the first eighteen verses, he jumps from topic to topic, but each topic that he hits, he will develop later in his book.

Randy Spacht 3:23

Verses two to four talk about tests or trials or He says trials produce maturity, so be glad when you have them. Verse five talks about wisdom.

What contrast does James draw between humility and pride, especially for the rich?

Randy Spacht 3:37

He says Ask God for it. Verses six to eight talks about faith. When you ask God for wisdom, do it in faith, because if you have faith, you'll receive. If you don't have faith? You're wishy washy, you won't get anything. Verses nine to eleven was Talk about the distinction between the humble and the proud, the poor and the rich. The one who appears humble. should be proud, the one who appears proud. Should be humble. Verse twelve. say that says that trials

How does James differentiate between God‑sent trials and personal temptations?

Randy Spacht 4:15

brings their own reward. And then verses thirteen to fifteen. say that a trial is different from a temptation. Now The same word can be translated as trial or temptation. He makes a difference here. He says, When God sends it, it's a trial, it's not a temptation. A trial is not a temptation. Temptation leads to sin. But a trial on the other hand would It produces a reward for those who endure it. Verses sixteen to eighteen talk about receiving God's good gifts.

What practical wisdom does Proverbs 2 offer for seeking understanding and the fear of the Lord?

Randy Spacht 4:59

It comes by the word of truth. so that we can flourish among God's creatures. Now you get the idea this is very much like the book of Proverbs. The opening of the book of Proverbs also jumps around. Let's read Proverbs 2, 1 to 15.

Emily Herrera 5:22

My child, if you accept my words and treasure up my commandments within you, making your ear attentive to wisdom, and inclining your heart to understanding, If you indeed cry out for insight and raise your voice for understanding, if you seek it like silver and search for it as for hidden treasures, then you will understand the fear of the Lord, and find the knowledge of God, for the Lord gives wisdom.