Sermon text

James 1:12–15

[12] Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him. [13] Let no one say when he is tempted, “I am being tempted by God,” for God cannot be tempted with evil, and he himself tempts no one. [14] But each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire. [15] Then desire when it has conceived gives birth to sin, and sin when it is fully grown brings forth death. (ESV)

Call to Worship

Psalm 84:1–4

[1] How lovely is your dwelling place,
O LORD of hosts!
[2] My soul longs, yes, faints
for the courts of the LORD;
my heart and flesh sing for joy
to the living God.

[3] Even the sparrow finds a home,
and the swallow a nest for herself,
where she may lay her young,
at your altars, O LORD of hosts,
my King and my God.
[4] Blessed are those who dwell in your house,
ever singing your praise! (ESV)

Prayer of Confession

All: Hear our words and our groanings, O Lord. Give attention to our cry for mercy.

Leader: You are not a God who delights in wickedness; evil may not dwell with You. The boastful shall not stand before Your eyes; You hate all evildoers. You destroy those who speak lies; You abhor the bloodthirsty and deceitful.

All: But, O Lord, we are evildoers. We are boastful, deceitful and bloodthirsty.

Leader: By Your mercy alone, by the abundance of Your steadfast love may we enter Your house.

All: Because of Your Son, O Lord, let us find refuge in You. Take away our sins and let us sing for joy. Cover us with Your favor as with a shield. For the sake of our Savior, Jesus Christ. Amen.