Humility and Riches Plan
Preach the rebuke of pride and wealth with God's call to humility and submission.
Text Block Plan for James
Preach the rebuke of pride and wealth with God's call to humility and submission.
- Series Type
- Text Block Plan preaching approach
- Sermons
- 5 planned movements
- Outlines
- 5 preparation guides
- Formation
- 0 pastoral aims
Sermon Sequence
- 1Sermon 1 James 1:1-18
Trials, Wisdom, and New Birth
James begins by teaching believers how to endure trials, seek wisdom, and remember God's good gifts.
Prayer for this passage
Father, as I hear James introduce himself as your servant, make me willing to receive his instruction as one who belongs to you and to the Lord Jesus Christ. Though I am scattered and displaced in this world, remind me that I am not adrift but gathered into your kingdom under the rule of Jesus. Help me listen to the wisdom you send through those who serve you, trusting that your authority flows through Christ to guide and transform me.
- 2Sermon 2 James 1:19-2:26
Hearing, Doing, and Living Faith
The letter insists that obedient hearing, impartiality, and living faith belong together.
Prayer for this passage
Lord, teach me to be quick to listen and slow to speak, that I might hear your word without the barrier of my own angry defensiveness standing in the way. Strip away the filth and rampant malice that choke out your truth in my heart, and make me humble enough to receive the implanted word you offer—the word that alone can save my soul. I surrender my readiness to react in anger and commit instead to the receptive silence of a learner, trusting that your word works its sanctifying power only when I stop fighting it and let it take root.
- 3Sermon 3 James 3:1-18
Wisdom, Speech, and Peace
James contrasts earthly wisdom with the peaceable wisdom from above and addresses the tongue with force.
Prayer for this passage
Lord, I confess that my tongue often ignites destruction like a spark, setting ablaze far more than I intend or comprehend, and I ask for your grace to guard my words with the discipline they demand. If I teach or speak into others' lives, remind me that I will give account for every careless word, and help me tremble at the weight of that responsibility. Bridle my tongue today—not through my own strength, but through the Spirit's power—so that my words might reflect your wisdom rather than kindle flames of harm. I surrender my speech to you, trusting that as I submit to your authority over my lips, you will work in and through me to build others up rather than tear them down.
- 4Sermon 4 James 4:1-5:6
Humility, Riches, and Submission to God
The church is called away from pride, rivalry, and oppression into humble dependence on God.
Prayer for this passage
Father, forgive me for the quarrels that spring from my own desires within—the cravings that wage war in my heart and turn me toward the world instead of toward you. Break my pride that resists your ways, and soften my heart to receive the grace you freely give to the humble. I surrender my selfish ambitions to you and commit to seeking your kingdom above the fleeting desires of this world, trusting that as I humble myself before you, your grace will transform both my heart and my relationships.
- 5Sermon 5 James 5:7-20
Patience, Prayer, and Restoration
James closes with patience in suffering, prayer in weakness, and restoration for the wandering believer.
Prayer for this passage
Lord, when my circumstances press hard against me and patience feels impossible, anchor my hope in Your nearness and the promise of Your coming. Like the farmer who waits for the precious crop and the prophets who endured for Your sake, grant me a steadfast heart that refuses to grumble against You or my brothers and sisters. I surrender my timeline to You, trusting that You see my suffering with infinite compassion and will complete the good work You have begun in me through this patient endurance.
About This Series
Preach the rebuke of pride and wealth with God's call to humility and submission.