Series Details
“Practice what you preach!”
Nobody trusts a phony or a hypocrite. As representatives of Christ, we sully His name when we live hypocritically. We’re called to a higher standard.
Hypocrisy existed even in the early days of Christianity. In this series Chuck Swindoll encourages you to pursue authentic faith in God, provides you a clear and biblical how-to for authentic living as he exposits the book of James, and explains how to live without hypocrisy in your speech, actions, and relationships.
This series will assist you to live what you believe.
“Practice what you preach!” is the underlying theme of the book of James. While other New Testament books focus on deep theology, James addresses the “hands-on” reality of daily Christian living. In this 16-part series, Chuck Swindoll provides a clear, biblical roadmap for authentic faith. We learn how to handle persistent troubles, control our tongues, overcome prejudice, and respond to unfair treatment. James challenges us to move past a merely intellectual belief to a life where our actions, speech, and relationships consistently reflect the character of Christ.
A Case for Practical Christianity
Sermon Summary While books like Romans lay the theological foundation, James builds the practical structure of the Christian life. This opening message introduces James—the half-brother of Jesus—as a leader who valued reality over religious theory. Chuck establishes the “case” for why our faith must be visible and active, setting the stage for a study that moves from the head to the hands.
Key Facts & Themes
- The Identity of James: Understanding the unique perspective of the Lord’s brother.
- Authenticity vs. Hypocrisy: Why the world rejects a “phony” faith.
When Troubles Won’t Go Away
Sermon Summary Life is full of “various trials” that often seem to linger far longer than we’d like. This message explores how to respond when troubles won’t go away. Chuck discusses the purpose of trials—to produce endurance and maturity. We learn that joy in the midst of suffering is not an emotion, but a conscious choice to trust that God is doing a perfect work through our persistent difficulties.
Key Facts & Themes
- The Purpose of Trials: Recognizing that God uses pressure to develop character.
- Choosing Joy: Understanding joy as a matter of perspective, not circumstances.
Primary Scripture Reference
- James 1:2–12
Plain Talk about Temptation
Sermon Summary Temptation is a universal struggle, but its source is often misunderstood. This message provides “plain talk” on where temptation comes from and how it leads to sin. Chuck warns against blaming God for our struggles, showing instead that temptation takes root in our own desires. We learn the practical steps to resist the pull of the flesh by focusing on the “perfect gifts” that come from the Father.
Key Facts & Themes
- The Anatomy of Temptation: How desire leads to sin and sin to death.
- God’s Character: Why the Father of lights only gives good and perfect gifts.
Primary Scripture Reference
- James 1:13–18
The Great Divorce
Sermon Summary There is a “great divorce” that often occurs in the lives of believers: the separation of hearing the Word from doing the Word. This message addresses the danger of self-deception—listening to truth but never allowing it to change our behavior. Chuck encourages us to look into the “perfect law of liberty” and become “effectual doers,” proving that our religion is not worthless.
Key Facts & Themes
- Hearing vs. Doing: The danger of being a “forgetful hearer.”
- Pure Religion: Defining authentic faith as compassion for the vulnerable and moral purity.
Primary Scripture Reference
- James 1:19–27
Bridling the Beast in Your Body
Sermon Summary The smallest member of our body—the tongue—can cause the greatest destruction. This message focuses on James’ vivid imagery of bits, rudders, and fires. Chuck discusses the impossibility of taming the tongue by human effort alone. We learn the necessity of bringing our speech under the control of the Holy Spirit to avoid “restless evil” and “deadly poison” in our relationships.
Key Facts & Themes
- The Power of Words: Recognizing the impact of our speech for good or evil.
- Spiritual Discipline: Why taming the tongue is a mark of true maturity.
Primary Scripture Reference
- James 3:1–12
The Power of Effective Kneeling
Sermon Summary The book of James concludes with a powerful emphasis on prayer. This message explores what it means to be a “righteous person” whose prayers are effective. Using the example of Elijah, Chuck shows that prayer is not about religious formula, but about fervent, sincere communication with God. We learn that “effective kneeling” can change circumstances, heal the sick, and restore the wandering.
Key Facts & Themes
- The Prayer of Faith: Trusting God’s power to intervene in physical and spiritual needs.
- Elijah as Example: Why a person “with a nature like ours” can see miraculous results.
Primary Scripture Reference
- James 5:13–18
