JULY 5, 2020

FAITH THAT MARKS A MATURE PERSON
AN OVERVIEW OF THE BOOK OF JAMES
God’s will for every person is personal growth and maturity.
The book of James defines what maturity means

What Maturity Isn’t:
• It’s not: Age
• It’s not: Appearance
• It’s not: Achievement
• It’s not: Academics or ability
God says maturity is determined by your attitude.

5 Marks of Maturity

1. A mature person is Positive under pressure.
James 1:2-4 – Consider it pure joy, whenever you face trials of man kinds, because
you know the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish
its work so that you may be mature and complete,
not lacking anything.
James 1:12 – Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has
stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love Him.
2. A mature person is sensitive to people.
James 2:8 – If you really keep the royal law found in
the Scripture, “Love your neighbor as yourself,” you are doing right.

3. A mature person has mastered his mouth.
James 3:2 – We all stumble in many ways. If anyone is never at fault in what he says,
he is a perfect man, able to keep his whole body in check.
Ephesians 4:29 – Do not let any negative talk come out of your mouth but only what is
helpful for building up others according to their needs.
James 4:1 – If anyone considers himself religious yet does not keep a tight rein on his
tongue, he deceives himself and his religion is worthless.
4. A mature person is a peace maker, not a troublemaker.
James 4:1 – What causes fights and quarrels among you? Don’t they come from your
desires that battle within you?

2 Sources of Conflict

· (vss. 2-3) Selfishness
· (vss. 11-12) Judging
5. A mature person is patient and prayerful.
James 5:7,11 – Be patient then, brothers, until the Lord’s coming as you
know we consider blessed those who persevere.
James 5:16 – The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective.