“We All Stumble in Many Things”
James 3:2 (NKJ)

Introduction:
    A. A fact that every Christian must face. (cf. 1 John 1:8,10)
    B. A fact that provokes different reactions
        1. Some use it as an excuse to continue in sin.
        2. Others use it as a reason to strive against sin.
    C. Facing this fact should make us better Christians three important ways:

Discussion:
I. It Should Make Us All More Reassured.
    A. Knowing that we are not alone in this matter.
    B. Knowing that we do not have to be absolutely perfect to be saved - just forgiven.
        1. “Perfect” is sometimes relative. (Acts 24:22; Acts 18:26 -KJV).
        2. “Perfect” is sometimes “complete”, “mature” or “whole” (Mt. 5:48; 19:21; Phil. 3:12,15; James 2:22)
    C. Knowing that stumbling people can be saved and used by the Lord.
        1. The twelve. (“O ye of little faith.”)
        2. Peter.
        3. Paul.

II. It Should Make Us All More Reserved.
    A. Enough to know that we need help.
        1. From the Lord. (Heb. 4:16).
            a. To be saved.
                (1) Saved by His power, not ours. (Rom. 1:16; 1 Cor. 15:1).
                (2) Saved by His wisdom, not ours. (1 Cor. 1:29-31).
                (3) Saved by His grace, not our goodness. (Eph. 2:8-10).
            b. To stand as Christians. (1 Cor. 15:1; cf. Rom. 14:4).
            c. To succeed as Christians. (1 Cor. 15:9, 10; cf 3:5-7)
        2. From faithful brethren. (Eph. 4:16; 1 Cor. 12:21).
            a. One reason we meet together. (Heb. 10:25).
            b. One reason we worship and work together. (1 Cor. 14:16,17; Eph. 5:19)
    B. Enough to effectively teach others.
        1. All Christians ought to become teachers in due time. (Heb. 5:12).
        2. All teachers ought to be properly equipped.
            a. With necessary wisdom and knowledge. (v. 13).
            b. With “the meekness of wisdom” - Modesty, humility, reserve (v. 14-18, cf. Gal. 6:1).
            c. With an awareness of their own weakness (Matt. 7:1-5).

III. It Should Make Us All More Resolved.
    A. To improve our lives.
        1. Always going toward perfection (Heb. 6:1; Phil. 3:12-15).
        2. Always growing. (2 Pet. 3:18).
    B. To strive against sin (cf. Heb. 12:4)
        1. By always trying to avoid sin. (Rom. 6:1; 1 Cor. 9:27; 1 John 2:1).
        2. By always repenting and turning from sins. (1 John 1:7-9).
        3. By always trying to help others overcome sin (Prov. 24:24-25; Lk. 17:3; Jas. 5:19, 20)
        4. By always refusing to let “nobody is perfect” be an excuse.

Conclusion:
    A. Let us profit from knowing that “we all stumble in many things”:
        1. By letting it keep us humble.
        2. By letting it cause us to seek forgiveness.
        3. By letting us seek to forgive.
        4. By letting it keep us on guard against sin.
    B. Let us have our sins washed away in the blood of Christ (cf. Acts 22:16; 1 John 1:7-9).