A Study In The Book Of James.  By Pastor Dave 

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A Practical Study In The Epistle Of

JAMES

The Epistle of James

 

 

Introduction

 

 

 

The writer of this letter Identifies himself as James.

 

Although there are several persons named James that are mentioned in the NT, by deductive study

of the references, it can be almost certain that this is James, the brother of Jesus.

 

Most interesting to me is that James, along with his brothers, (Jude was one) was skeptical of Jesus

while he was on earth (John 7:5),  but was converted after he was an eyewitness to the resurrected

Christ (1Cor. 15:7).

 

Indeed, such a transformation took place in the life of James, that I have read that James's knees

were so calloused from prayer, that they looked like "camel's knees". The Jewish historian Josephus,

reports that James was martyred in A.D.62.  Bishop Eusebius (the "father of church history"), reports

that after being thrown from the pinnacle of the temple, he was beaten to death with clubs, rather than

deny his faith in (his brother) Jesus.  MAN!!!

 

One of my heroes, Martin Luther, used to call this letter, a "right strawy epistle". He had problems with

what at first appeared to be conflicts with the doctrines that were taught by Paul.  Namely, that we are

saved by faith alone.

                       

This letter is however an awesome complement to the doctrines taught by Paul. Paul emphasized faith;

James stresses conduct.

 

My favorite paraphrase that addresses this problem, is the saying: "It is faith alone that saves, but the

faith that saves, is not alone".  James, in chapter 2 particularly, stresses the outward fruit of our salvation. 

Compare Eph 2:8-10. (We are saved "unto" good works, not by them�)

 

James, like the epistles of Peter and Jude, is addressed not to individual churches or persons, but to a

larger sphere of Christian believers.

 

Clearly addressed to "the 12 tribes scattered among the nations", this letter is definitely to a Jewish

audience. The question may arise, "we are Gentile believers, how shall we interpret this?

 

Well, I would like to take a brief side track and answer this question.

 

At this point, let's read from Pauls letter to the Galations, Ch 3; v26-29:  "For you are all sons of God

through faith in Christ Jesus. For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ.  There

is neither Jew nor Gentile, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female; for you are

all one in Christ Jesus.  And if you are Christ's, then you are Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise" (NKJV) 

 

Jesus is the seed of Abraham  (Galations 3:16,19).

Therefore, being in Christ, makes the believer part of that seed.

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Epistle of James

Intro

 

Look up the following passages, and note what you learn about the apostle.

 

 

 

1Cor 15:7

 

 

 

 

Gal 1:19

 

 

 

 

 

Gal 2:9

 

 

 

 

 

Acts 12:17

 

 

 

 

 

Acts 15:13

 

 

 

 

 

Acts 21:18

 

 

 

 

 

 

Jude 1:1

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Epistle of James

1:1-11

 

As some of you may have noticed, there are some interesting parallels between James in this letter,

and his brother Jesus in the Sermon on the Mount recorded in Matthew 5-7. This section in particular,

is loaded. I think it would be interesting to make note of these references.

 

Now James doesn't give exact quotes, but what I think is very significant, is that James obviously had

written the Lord's words on his heart, internalized them if you will, and then reproduced them, showing

powerful application.

 

The first one we come to, is in the second verse. James writes:

"Consider it pure joy my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds". (NIV)

 

Now when we read Matthew 5:10-12, we read the words of God, the Son:

"Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you

because of me.   Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven�". (NIV)

 

Now we must keep in mind, that James is trying to impress on us, that we must view suffering with

confidence in the sovereignty of God.

 

In return, we can consider trials "pure joy" when we know that they are designed by God for a purpose.

They are tests of our faith which develop perseverance, "and perseverance, character; and character,

hope". (Rom 5:3,4)

 

Remember, if God is sovereign, all things are under His control. God works all these things together for

His purposes, as He chooses, with no limitations imposed on Him by circumstances, or human choices. 

Even events that are said to be "allowed by God", still, without exception, work together for His eternal

and immutable purposes, without exception.

 

In English?  God is Sovereign.  If there were even one random molecule in the universe that was out of

God's immediate control, God would not be sovereign.

 

One of God's greatest gifts is realized when we accept this truth. Then we are free to "trust and obey";

even in the things that God does not allow us to understand. (And that is for His purpose, too�).

 

OK� the next parallel comes in verse 4.

James writes:  "But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking

nothing". (NKJV)

 

 

Now, lets go back to Jesus' Sermon on the Mount, and read Matthew 5:48:

"Therefore you shall be perfect, just as your father in heaven is perfect". (NKJV)

 

Are we, or can we be perfect, as God is perfect?

No,  but God demands a standard from us, His children. That standard is His own perfect character.

Although perfection will not be attainable before we are glorified, it is the goal of all of us who are

children of God. (Phil 3:12-14)

  

OK, the next one comes in James verses 5-6. We read:

"If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all men generously and without reproach,

 and it will be given to him. But let him ask in faith without any doubting, for the one who doubts is like

 the surf of the sea driven and tossed by the wind" (NASB).  (Wisdom, not "stuff"...).

 

Now lets read the words of Jesus in Matthew 7:7-8:

"Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you.  

For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened".

(NIV)

 

Do we want wisdom? You bet. Ask Him!

 

I like how Jesus continues,

If we ask for bread, He won't give us a stone�

William Barclay comments beautifully on this passage in Matthew. He writes: "God will always answer

our prayers; but He will answer them in His way, and His way will be the way of perfect wisdom and love."

 

The next parallel between one brother and another, comes at verse 9 in James.

Here we read:

"The brother in humble circumstances ought to take pride in his high position". (NIV)

(We are positionally perfect before God)

 

The NLT renders the same verse this way:

"Christians who are poor should be glad, for God has honored them".

 

Now, Matthew 5:3:

"Blessed are the poor in spirit, For theirs is the kingdom of heaven".

 

Here, besides "attitude adjustment", we have a reference to the Christians state, and standing.

Our state is fallen, "radically corrupt"�pathetic.

Our standing is perfect, declared righteous before God.

 

 

 

Let us learn, grow, and serve Him together, for in this life (or the next), nothing else matters!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

James 1: 1-11

    

What is the difference between trials and temptations.  (One had several top 10 hits)  Is there a difference? 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

It is common to say that God will never give us more than we can handle.  Is this scriptural?  If we are in financial trouble, emotional struggles, physical pain, has God deserted us?      (Romans 8:35-39)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

What is the purpose of being in the spiritual "shredder"?     (2Cor 4:7-10 ;  James 1:2-4)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

James 1: 12-13

 

This week we will continue in chapter one. Let's expect to be camped here for a while.  There is so much wisdom and practical teaching here, and I am excited in advance, for all that we will learn during this study. Aren�t you!

 

Let's get started with verse 12, and compare it with Jesus' Sermon on the Mount.

 

James begins verse 12 with,  "Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial�" (NIV)

When we read the Beatitudes in Matthew 5:3-12, his brother Jesus, begins each of His points with the same words. Nine out of these ten verses begin with "Blessed are�" (Which means "happy", or "fortunate".) 

 

Now lets continue in verse 12:  "Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial,  because when he has stood the test,  he will receive the crown of life�"  (NIV)

 

"The crown of life" is one of several crowns promised to Christians, but I'd like to give one sure interpretation for our application;  we are encouraged to be faithful, and trust God in what awaits us after death,..which is eternal life with our King! 

 

Now the rest of the verse:

"�the crown of life  that God has promised to those who love Him". (NIV)

 

This has been God's promise from the beginning. From Genesis to Revelation.

Adam got the promise.

               Abraham got the promise.

                    The Israelites got the promise.

            What did they do? Did they trust God?�

God sent the Prophets� They rejected the Prophets.

God sent his Son� They killed His Son.

 

Hebrews 11:1 reads;  "Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen". (NASB)

I think the evidence is abundantly clear: God is faithful. We are not.

What's the logical choice� Trust GOD?,  or trust in our own brilliance?

 

Back to James:

Verse 13 reads:  "When tempted, no one should say, "God is tempting me." For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does He tempt anyone;�" (NIV)

I think it is important that we have a clear understanding of the source of our temptations.

 

It's also important that we understand the difference between "test", and "tempt". God will test us, but He will never tempt us to sin.  In the wilderness, Jesus was tested by God, but tempted by Satan.

  

There is also a difference between internal temptation that comes from our fallen nature, and external temptation that comes from without.  Jesus, being free from original sin, was only tempted externally.

 

In other words, consider our sin nature as being a pile of dead twigs. And let's consider sin as a flamethrower. (I don't know about you, but sin feels like a flamethrower to me..)  Without the combustible matter, Jesus was "dead" to sin.

 

Hence, when Paul declares that a Christian is "dead to sin", that is what we are positionally, being clothed in the righteousness of Christ.

 

Does that change our fallen state?  No, but there will be a day when our corruptible bodies will be replaced with that which is incorruptible, that is, our glorification.

 

Can you see the vulnerability of every one of us to temptation?

If we are all naturally inclined to evil, and temptations come our way, don't we tend to follow the natural inclination of our heart?

 

(Thanks be to God that, through regeneration, we have a choice!

We all too often make poor choices.  But we do have a choice�)

 

This week, as we study this portion of Scripture, let us confess our weakness. Let us then with confidence, declare that "not by strength, nor by power (or determination), but by HIS Spirit", we may serve the Lord!

 

Let us serve Him together - HE RULES!

 

 

 

 

 

 

James 1:12-13

 

Read 1Cor 9:24-27

If the Apostle Paul was sitting in with us today, what suggestions do you think he would give us for building our endurance?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

What have you found helpful when enduring trials?  (Or not helpful?)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

From the notes-

What are some examples of external temptations?

 

 

 

 

 

       Internal temptations?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(Although we can do nothing apart from God..) What suggestions can you share to help win the battle over temptations?

 

 

 

 

 

 

James 1:14-20

 

As we come to this section, let's be reminded that there is nothing in the nature of God that we may lay the blame on when we yield to temptation. (v13)

 

With that said, let's jump right in with verse 14-15:

"but each one is tempted when, by his own evil desire, he is dragged away and enticed.   Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full grown, gives birth to death". (NIV)

 

I can't help but be reminded here of the story of David and Bathsheba. (2Sam 11)

David was tempted, dragged away by his own evil desire and enticed, and it gave birth to sin. He committed adultery with a married woman.

 

Then, when the sin became full grown, it gave birth to death. He murdered her husband in an effort to "fix" things.

 

James is talking about our own spiritual death,  but what an illustration!

(By spiritual death, he doesn't mean we lose our salvation, we just for that time render ourselves unfruitful. ("spiritual poverty".)

 

Reading this passage, it makes me glad I'm reading my Bible!

We need to become entrenched in the Word of God.  We need to be studying  the Word of God, much as we would a textbook.  Casual reading will make little impact on our lives.

 

Here, let me share a quote I ran across a while back. It's by Charles R. Erdman:   "The higher estimate placed upon the Bible, the more it will be read. It is also true that the more continually you read, the more certain you will be of its unique and divine character".

 

As we will see in a few minutes, we owe our very lives to the Word of God.

It should never be just something we read now that we are Christians. We should never read it just to make our lives more convenient, there's an abundance of self-help books out there that will do a far better job of that, in this world

 

Let us not fall into the same trap of the Jews that Jesus spoke of, who "studied the Scriptures daily", but missed the whole point.  If we're not seeking Jesus as we study, we will miss the point.  Only then will we be "transformed by the renewing of our minds".

 

Let's continue, starting in verse 16:

"Don't be deceived, my dear brothers.   Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows". (v16-17 NIV)

Thank God, that He is immutable. He does not change either His character, or His mind!

  

Can we look forward to the sun every day? The moon at night? (Not in Warshington, anyway�)  As often as the clouds block the sun and moon, or one "rock" eclipses another, we can trust God to be constant.

 

Let me point out, that the Greek form of the word "gift" in verse 17 above, pertains to the act of giving, not the gifts themselves.

 

With that said, James goes on to state God's greatest act of giving, as we read in verse 18:

"He chose to give us birth through the Word of Truth, that we might be a kind of firstfruits of all He created". (NIV)

 

He gave us birth. He chose to give us birth!

And how did He choose to do this? Through His very Word.

 

That was my point on the previous page. We didn't arrive here because of the words of a man, or a Christian book, or radio broadcast, rather, we owe our very lives to The Word God gave us in the Bible. Nothing can bring a dead heart to life other than the Word of God.

 

Let's move on to verse 19:

"My dear brothers, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry�" (NIV)

One of the Bible's greatest words of wisdom�

(I wonder why the thing that is the hardest is mentioned first, and the thing that is the easiest is mentioned last? Hmmmm)

 

Finally, let's compare verse 20, with Jesus' Sermon on the mount:

Let's read Matthew 5:22 first:

"But I tell you that anyone who is angry with his brother will be subject to judgment. Again, anyone who says to his brother, 'Raca', is answerable to the Sanhedrin. But anyone who says, 'You fool!' will be in danger of the fire of hell." (NIV)

 

James 1:20- "..for man's anger does not bring about the righteous life that God desires". (NIV)  Here, James refers to the goal of which his epistle is committed.

 

May we glorify and enjoy Him forever!

 

 

 

 

 

James 1:14-20

   

James 1:14-15

In the quietness of your heart, identify at least one area in your life where sin can tend to become full-grown. This week, commit to asking a brother or sister (or husband or wife) to pray for you in this area.

 

 

 

 

In turn, pick at least one person from our class and pray for them during your week.

 

 

 

 

 

James 1:16-18

Give an example of when God has proven faithful, when you felt deceived, or God has felt "dimmed" to you

 

 

 

 

 

James 1:19-20

What makes verse 19 so darned logical?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

____________

 

Thomas Jefferson believed,  "When angry count to ten, if very angry count to a hundred".  Mark Twain said, "When angry count to four, if very angry swear".

____________

 

People today still have murder (anger) in their heart. Take for example this classified ad:

                          Wedding dress for sale, never worn.

                            Will trade for .38 caliber pistol��

 

____________

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

James 1:21-27

  

Here we come to our last section in chapter one. Starting in verse 21, we come upon the word "Therefore".  Well, whenever you come upon this word, you need to find out what it is  there, for.

 

Therefore.., I think we will recap James' teaching so far in chapter 1, and review the points he will be referring to.

 

In the first 12 verses, we learned that we should consider our trials with joy.

Typically, our first reaction is to object and complain, but this response does not encourage our Christian growth.  In reality, it makes matters worse.

 

Trials are to be seen as tests.  "A test is given to see if a student can pass, not pass out". (jrb)   How do we get a high score on our tests? James gives 3 suggestions:

 

1.       The right attitude. (v2,3)

2.       Understand the advantages of the trials. (v4)

3.       Know where we can get help. (v5-)

 

Our response to the various trials and temptations we may encounter are key to our spiritual growth and maturity.

 

From verses 13-18, we learn that  "temptations are to be avoided like the plague", and that nothing but good can come from God.

 

In verses 19 and 20, James caps off a sermon on our frailty and a prescription for holiness,  with three qualities needed in trials:

 

1.       Quick to hear, particularly to what God's Word teaches us.

2.       Slow to speak, we must govern our tongues.

3.       Slow to anger. Unrestrained anger is a human thing, not a God thing.

The anger of man stands opposed to the righteousness of God.

 

Now,� therefore, in verses 21 through 25�, we are asked to be doers of the Word, and not hearers only.

 

Read verse 21: "Therefore,  get rid of all moral filth and the evil that is so prevalent and humbly accept the Word planted in you, which can save you." (NIV)

 

Interesting, is the word "planted". It is used only here in the NT, and it is contrasted with the word "ingrafted".  James is here saying,  the Word that is planted in us is ingrown, inborn, rooted in our hearts.

 

Now, we come to the key verse in this passage (v22):

"Do not merely listen to the Word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says." (NIV)

  

It is not enough to just receive the Word. We must respond to it in active obedience.

 

Is obedience required for salvation?  No, but if you receive the Word through faith, that faith that saves will result in obedience.

James will fully develop that idea in the next chapter.

 

Also interesting, is the word "deceive" above in verse 22. It is used only twice in the NT (Here and Col. 2:4) and it means "to cheat or deceive by false reasoning".

 

Many Christians sit in church every Sunday deceiving themselves by thinking that they've done all they need to do by just listening to the Word. ("Sermon-sippers"�)

 

Verses 23-25 gives us a cool mirror analogy.

    ( "As a mirror shows the spots and blemishes on our faces,

           �so the Word of God shows us our sins". (mh))                

 

James rightly uses men in his analogy.  Why do we guys usually just take a quick glance in the mirror every morning?  (We don�t care!)

 

Verse 25 reads:." "But the man who looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues to do this, not forgeting what he has heard, but doing it - he will be blessed in what he does" (NIV)

 

As the ceremonial law brought bondage, and certain condemnation,

the Gospel brings freedom. It is the perfect law.

 

If we receive the Word, and respond to the Word, we will have a new approach to life. We will resign to the obedience of Christ.

 

James ends this chapter with words that should cause us all to examine ourselves. Is our religion worthless? Is what we show to others, or our impressive verbal skills worth anything in God's sight?

 

Read verses 26-27.

James uses orphans and widows to measure our conduct as Christians.

James uses the world to measure our character.

 

By the way, James uses the word translated as "from being polluted" in verse 27, that means "spotless" in the Greek. I point this out for one reason:

 

How is your conduct? How about your character?  Well, does it sound like sometimes we're about the worst bunch of wretched candidates around for the Kingdom of God?  Well, so right you are, but that is the beauty of the Gospel of Jesus Christ as I understand it.  We are spotless in the eyes of God because of Christ.  Did you attain it by obedience? Did you just "get the Gospel right"? Or maybe you earned it?

 

Nope. It was purely a gift.

As we will see in chapter 2, It's how we respond to that gift that shows whether we are possessors,  or merely professors.

 

Let us respond to Christ out of gratitude. Not to get anything,  but for what we already have!

 

 

 

 

 

 

James 1:21-27

  

James 1:21

What is the Word planted in you?  What Gospel truth do you hold particularly precious, or verse that has been on your mind lately?

 

 

 

 

James 1:22-25

How does the term "Sunday Christian" illustrate James' point in verses 22-24?

 

 

 

Describe a Sunday Christian.

 

 

 

 

How can we be a positive influence to those in our congregation who may be missing the point?

 

 

 

 

 

James 1:26-27

Give examples of genuine Christian conduct (Doers of the Word).

 

 

 

 

How do you, or how can you limit the pollution of the world from crippling your Christian growth?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

_________

 

"The best way to show that a stick is crooked is not to argue about it or to spend time denouncing it,  but to lay a straight stick alongside it".

-        D.L. Moody

 

 

 

 

 

James 2:1-7

 

This week we will discuss the incompatibility of our faith in Jesus Christ, and personal favoritism.  This is a natural tendency of fallen man, I'm sure we all can admit.  As I look within myself, I can wonder why God chose such a loser as I, and called me to Himself.  It is then that I can relate with Paul, and say "Thanks be to God through Jesus Christ our Lord!"

 

James begins chapter 2 with a command not to disgrace the character of God with favoritism.

 

"My brothers, as believers in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ, don�t show favoritism." (2:1 NIV)

 

Keep in mind that in the last chapter, James had just made it clear that true religion (how we "walk the talk"), is defined by service.

 

Let's now continue in chapter 2, with verse 2:

"Suppose a man comes into your meeting wearing a gold ring and fine clothes, and a poor man in shabby clothes also comes in.  3.If you show special attention to the man wearing fine clothes and say, "Here's a good seat for you," but say to the poor man, "You stand there" or "Sit on the floor by my feet,"  4.have you not discriminated among yourselves and become judges with evil thoughts?  (NIV)

 

Are we guilty? Verse 4 is a question that assumes an affirmative answer- (before you are asked to raise your hand, like when the Pastor does that in his sermon� What does it mean if you don't raise your hand?..)

 

I think it is also interesting to note that the Greek word for "shabby" is the root word used in James 1:21 for "moral filth". I mention this only for comparison, however, note a few of the choices God made:

 

            Abraham was a liar.

            Jacob was a cheat.

Judah had sex with a prostitute (who was really his daughter-in-law).

Moses was a murderer.

David had an affair, and was also a murderer.

So was Paul.

 

Consider also, the kind of people Jesus gravitated to; sinners, the sick,  the unclean.

 

Let us pray that God would help us to see others as Christ would, with love, as worthy, and created in His image.

 

As we continue, James poses four questions, again anticipating an affirmative answer.  (He doesn't ask us to raise our hands�) These four questions explain why this favoritism is wrong.

  

Starting in verse 5, we read:

           

"Listen my dear brothers: Has not God chosen those who are poor (status) in the eyes of the world to be rich (spiritually) in faith and to inherit the kingdom He promised those who love Him?  6.But you have insulted the poor.  Is it not the rich who are exploiting you?  Are they not the ones who are dragging you into court?  7.Are they not the ones who are slandering the noble name of Him (Jesus) to whom you belong?  (NIV)

 

It is so easy for us to conform to the pattern of this world, but in light of this portion of Scripture we can see how utterly sinful and foolish favoritism is.

In view of God's great gift, how can we exalt that which pulls us down, and dishonor the One by whom we are called?

 

As we study this week, let us seek the mind of Christ. Let us ask to see others with the eyes of Christ.

 

James begins this passage with a specific situation. The "your meeting" he is talking about in verse 2, is the synagogue.

 

So let us reach out to the lowly and poor in our congregations� Better yet - invite them to     church!

 

  

 

 

 

 

James 2:1-7

 

James 2:1-4

What are some of the ways we show favoritism?  Why?

 

 

 

 

 

 

How have you been hurt by favoritism?

 

 

 

 

 

 

Read Leviticus 19:15

Since the Levitical law paints a picture of God's character, what does this verse teach us about God?

 

 

 

 

 

 

James 2:5-7

What does it mean to be poor in the eyes of the world?

 

 

 

 

 

 

Give an example of how you have been dissed because of your faith.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

_________

 

"The only hope of a decreasing self is an increasing Christ". (fbm)

_________

 

 

 

 

 

James 2:8-13

 

What a great book this is!  May I encourage you to periodically read through this whole epistle. It can easily be done in about 20 minutes, and will not only give context to our studies, but you will begin to see the writer's structure without the help of an outline.

By the way, it's always better to get a "telescopic view" of the book your studying before you zoom in on particulars like we are.

 

As we continue in chapter 2, let's read verse 8:

"If you really keep the royal law found in Scripture, "Love your neighbor as yourself," you are doing right."  (NIV)

 

Note the term "Royal Law".  This Royal Law, "Love your neighbor as yourself" was given by God the Father in Leviticus 19:18, and was reaffirmed by God the Son in Matthew 22:39.

 

This law is royal, (which in the Greek comes from the root word meaning, "King".) because it was given by the King of Kings, and is considered the king of laws.

 

Follow that up with verse 9;

"But if you show favoritism, you sin and are convicted by the law as lawbreakers."  (NIV)

 

Obviously, obedience to this royal law is the answer to prejudicial favoritism. 

 

How guilty we are!  Roll these verses around in your heart a few times and if you're like me, you will see and understand the truth, that the purpose of the law was to condemn,  to convict us of our sin. It was not a simple standard of conduct to follow, that pleases our God, that we, little men and women, could possibly live up to�

 

Hold that thought, and let's read Romans 7:24-8:1:

"What a wretched man I am! Who will rescue me from this body of death?  Thanks be to God- through Jesus Christ our Lord!

So then, I myself in my mind am a slave to God's law, but in the sinful nature, a slave to the law of sin.

Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus�

 

The law condemns, Christ redeems. HE RULES!!!

 

 

OK, back to James. Let's read verse 10:

"For whoever keeps the whole law, and yet stumbles at just one point, is guilty of breaking all of it."  (NIV)

 

It is made clear that to be righteous in light of the law, you couldn't mess up in even the slightest degree. It is interesting that James uses what some might consider trivial, such as favoritism, and contrasts that with extremes such as murder and adultery, in verse 11.

  

So what do we do? James tells us that the key is total obedience.

Read verse 12:

"Speak and act as those who are going to be judged by the law that gives freedom, " (NIV)

 

Obedience to God's law brings freedom.  Disobedience to God's law brings bondage.

 

Easier said than done, right?

Well, why bother, when if we even show favoritism, we go to jail?

Don't we want the freedom that obedience brings?

 

We must follow Christ.  We must unconditionally surrender our efforts to obey God, to Him.  Only then will we begin to experience the freedom that obedience to the perfect law will bring. Only Christ, in us, gives us the ability to obey. (Or maybe a better statement,  Christ is our ability to obey.)

 

Finally, verse 13 reads:

" because judgement without mercy will be shown to anyone who has not been merciful.  Mercy triumphs over judgement!"  (NIV)

 

Let us acknowledge the great mercy God has demonstrated to us through Jesus His Son.  He was born a real baby, who cried in His mothers arms. A real child who played, and laughed. He was a real young man who made His parents proud, asked questions, and had real feelings. In the end, He had real fears.

 

Consider God's act of mercy for us. A Fathers love for His Son as His Son is put to a horrible death� The Son's agony, as He willingly endures His own murder.  All this, for you and me.

 

 

 

 

Let us in return, accept our brothers and sisters with courtesy, compassion, and always with mercy. For:

            "It is no longer I (us) who live,  but Christ lives in me (us)!!"

 

 

 

 

 

 

James 2:8-13

  

James 2:8-9

What are some practical ways we can "love our neighbor as ourselves"?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

James 2:10-11

Give examples of "small sins' that we commit, that we often don't acknowlege.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

James 2:12-13

How does obedience give you freedom?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

__________

 

"How many prodigals are (discouraged against) the kingdom of God by the unlovely characters of those who profess to be inside!"  (hd)

__________

 

 

 

 

 

James  2:14

 

Here we get into the meat and potatoes of James' epistle.

We will spend the next few sessions examining the rest of chapter 2. There has been much dispute over this epistle through church history, largely due to this particular passage.

 

Faith and works� Are we saved by faith alone, as Paul teaches, or, are we saved by faith and works, as it seems James is teaching?

I believe that when we get a clear understanding of the relationship between faith and works, the doors fly open to enjoy the life that God has intended for you, and for me, fallen as we are.

 

Let us pray, as we always should, that God the Holy Spirit will illuminate His truths in scripture as we study. Do it now, then let's dig in!

 

Let's read James 2, verse 14:

"What good is it, my brothers, if a man claims to have faith but has no deeds?  Can such faith save him?"  (NIV)

 

Here we are introduced to the crucial issue of the relationship between faith and works.  James' questions here again ask for an obvious answer.

 

Note the words "claims" and "such".  The obvious answer James is looking for is "no":  Faith without works cannot save.  The kind of faith that does not yield works, is not saving faith.

 

James is here trying to distinguish between a mere profession of faith, and the possession of real faith.  Anyone can say he has faith.  God tells us through His Word, that we are capable of honoring Christ with our lips, yet our hearts can be far from Him.

 

With the possession of true faith, sanctification will follow.

Does this sound technical?  Well, it's not. In fact it is so simple, that Jesus once remarked that unless we have the faith of a child, we will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven.  There's nothing technical about it. No formula to follow. No "special" prayer. Just simple faith. That is where God takes over. He takes over instantly. Sanctification is done by Him, not by us.

 

This issue is so simple, I can't believe it is so often labored to the ground.

 

"But, do I produce good works? O my gosh, I'm so selfish with my time, and oh yea, all that other wickedness. Maybe I'm not saved!  Am I saved?�And you call this simple?"

 

Yes. Simple faith. 

"Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved" (Acts 16:31)

That's it!

Do you want to serve God?  Do you want to be a man or woman that pleases God? If you do, trust me: YOU ARE SAVED!  You would not want to, if you weren't. Those of us who are �work-less�, are just more stubborn than others. But trust me, you will please God. Works follow faith. Works are an inevitable fruit of faith.

 

Before we move on, I want to share a personal favorite verse of mine.

Philippians 1:6 reads:

"being confident of this, that He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus." (NIV)

 

When we trust Christ, God takes over.  What He starts, He will continue. What He starts, He will complete.  This verse bleeds of confidence and assurance.

 

So, do we want to please God? Do we want to produce works?

Well, after we give simple trust as even a child can, it gets even easier�

We just resign to Him. We surrender.  It's then not what we do. It's what He does through us.

 

What a powerful lesson that God, through the pen of James, is teaching us.

This teaching of James is the only logical compliment to Paul's teaching of the essential, the only essential element of salvation: Faith alone.

 

 

It's faith alone that saves, but the faith that saves, is not alone.

Saving faith that does not produce good works, is indeed dead.

 

 

 

 

 

James 2:14

 

James 2:14

Give examples of how faith is demonstrated by works.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Read Matthew 7:21-23

What are the similarities between Jesus' teaching here, and His brother James?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Read Matthew 21:28-32

What lessons do we find here?  How can we tie these lessons into James 2:14.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

____________

 

C.S Lewis, in The Screwtape Letters, vividly describes Satan's strategy:  He gets Christians to be preoccupied with their failures; from then on, the battle is won�

____________

 

 

 

 

 

James 2:15-19

 

Today, as we continue in chapter two, we will begin to look at works as evidence of our faith. Last week in verse 14, James proposed an interesting trick question. If I may paraphrase James, the question is:

Can we be saved by the kind of faith that produces no works?

 

Jesus Himself made the comment that you can tell a tree by its fruit. This, my friend, is the principal behind the relationship of faith and works.

 

We, as believers are saved by grace, by faith alone, because of Christ alone. This is what justifies a man before God. This was Paul's point. The faith that saves comes from the heart, but only God knows a man's heart.

 

James is addressing the evidence of our faith before men. James was dealing with people who stressed faith, yet were antinomian, which means "against the law". They would not honor works, even as evidences, and believed that grace means "anything goes, it's covered". The latter in particular, is a concern even in the Church today.

 

We are about the business of God. We need practical teaching to help us evaluate our Church, our fellow workers, even ourselves.

 

Let us pray, that God the Holy Spirit will illuminate the great truths that He has written for us here through the pen of James, as we now continue in chapter 2:

 

Starting at verse 15, we read:

Suppose a brother or sister is without clothes and daily food.  16.If one of you says to him, "Go, I wish you well; keep warm and well fed," but does nothing about his physical needs, what good is it? (NIV)

 

Again James uses the phrase "what good is it?", as he started this paragraph (James 2:14).  I believe this is added for emphasis.

What good is it?�(I think we�d be raising our hands a lot to the most obvious answers to his questions, if James came to preach at our church�)

 

Read verse 17:

In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead. (NIV)

 

I love what J. Ronald Blue has to say about this verse:

 

"Workless faith is worthless faith; it is unproductive, sterile, barren, dead!  Great claims may be made about a corpse that is supposed to have come to life, but if it does not move, if there are no vital signs, no heartbeat, no perceptible pulse, it is still dead. The false claims are silenced by the evidence."

 

The greek word for dead here, is "Nekros", and means; "a corpse, dead, useless." It is also interesting that this word is also used in the N.T. to mean spiritual death, separated from God, with no hope of eternal life.

 

This will all come together as we continue with verse 18:

But someone will say, "You have faith; I have deeds." Show me your faith without deeds, (how?)  and I will show you my faith by what I do." (NIV)

 

It is more than obvious that anyone can profess faith in Christ and not have saving faith. We must possess true faith, that will by natural consequence produce deeds.  James ends this passage with the classic illustration, continuing in verse 19:

 

You believe that there is one God.  Good! Even the demons believe that- and shudder." (NIV)

 

The demons could easily score 100% on any systematic theology exam. Knowledge alone saves no one.

 

"Intellectual assent", is a phrase you may hear frequently. It is not enough.

Sure, anyone must evaluate the information, accept it or reject it, and if you accept it as true, you intellectually assent to that truth.

 

Luther insisted that saving faith is a living faith. To believe in God requires personal trust.  It goes beyond intellectual assent, it goes to personal trust and submission.

 

As Jesus said, "You can tell a tree by it's fruit."  Let us not strive for works, but let us instead water the "tree' living inside of us with The Word, prayer, and fellowship. I'm telling you, it's not how hard we try to do good works that produces them, it is submission to His Spirit which indwells us and compels us to good works.

 

We can easily pour too much energy on our own efforts, and actually be skipping down a path that leads nowhere. Relax. Trust God. And let Him do the work.

 

Let me end with an illustration from Matthew.

 

Matthew 7:22-23 Reads:

Many will say to me on that day, 'Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and in your name drive out demons and perform many miracles?  23Then I will tell them plainly, 'I never knew you. Away from me you evildoers!" (NIV)

 

This is the flip-side of the coin. Works with the eyes fixed on the self. The desire is not for the Master, but for what is on the Master's table.

They obviously believe the truth, but not in the truth. The truth of the Gospel is rooted in submission to Him, a love for Him, and a heart that is open to His will. Do you want to seek Him? Do you want to feast on His truths? 

 

These are the things that we need to be focused on.

Psalm 37:4 reads as follows:

"Delight yourself in the Lord

                    And He will give you the desires of your heart" (NIV)

 

As we seek Him, His desires become our desires. You will begin to produce fruit as a natural order. The desires of our heart will be to please Him.

 

 

Let us seek the Lord with all our heart. Let us not strive to do good works for good works sake. Let us rather strive to submit to Him and rejoice in the good works He performs through us.

dp

 

 

 

 

 

James 2:15-19

  

James 2:15-17

What are some of the ways we can sound like we have great faith but have no works to back it up.  Give examples.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

This question asks for needs to be laid on the table. Prayerfully consider offering a need to someone, or to be the one who will pick one up that another lay�s down.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

James 2:18-19

Give some examples of living faith in action that you have witnessed.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

How can we be a witness to our local congregation that faith without works is dead?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

____________

 

"Joy is a winsome magnet that draws people in because it is the one thing they do not have."

____________

 

 

 

 

 

James 2:20-26

 

Today, we will finish chapter two. I hope you have learned as much as I have!  As we all know, this subject of faith and works seems to be debated everywhere. As living witnesses for the Gospel that we have been called to proclaim, we must be equipped to shed light on such matters.

 

Perhaps my greatest concern is the crippling effect that the mis-application of these verses can, and often have, had on the Church. We have all probably heard these verses misquoted with the emphasis on the works as securing our salvation rather than the works being evidence of our salvation, which is what James is really teaching here.

 

Let's state the facts. Why? Well, just because!

 

First.                 We are saved by GRACE: ("Unmerited favor")

God chose to save us. It is a gift. He didn't have to.

(Titus 3:3-7)

 

Second.            We are saved through FAITH: (Trust, based on "the assurance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen."(Hebrews 11:1) ALONE: "not as a result of works, so that no one may boast" (Ephesians 2:8-9)

 

Third.                We are saved because of Christ: ("�the Lord Jesus Christ who gave Himself for our sins to rescue us�� Galations 1:3-4)

 

Now, as we come to the text, James gives evidentiary proof to his

premise; that faith without works is dead.  He gives two examples:

Abraham, the father of Isreal, and Rahab, the redeemed prostitute.

 

Let's start with a little background on Abraham. Back in Genesis 12, we            

read of his great call. In summary, he was called to leave his homeland, and was promised that through him, all the people of the earth would be blessed. This was his initial call, and really, in verses 1-4, the Abrahamic Covenant is revealed in umbrella form. All the details of this great covenant are revealed by God in subsequent chapters.

 

Moving ahead to chapter 15, Abraham, who was childless, was promised a son (Isaac), and that his offspring would be uncountable. Now, It is here recorded that Abraham "believed the Lord, and He reckoned it to him as righteousness." (15:6)  (Note: This verse is "foundational" for the Abrahamic Covenant, and is not necessarily implying the exact moment of Abraham's conversion.)

 

Paul quotes this exact verse in Romans 4:3 to support the truth that man is saved by faith alone, apart from works.

 

Now, we move ahead to Genesis, chapter 22, and we read the story of Abraham's offering of Isaac. Here, Abraham's faith was evidenced in works. His works were to serve and obey (glorify and enjoy�) God, as all of our works should be.

  

This now, is the example James uses to support the truth that faith apart from works is dead. As we read in James 2:22:

"You see that his faith and his actions were working together, and his faith was made complete by what he did." (NIV)

 

Faith procedes works. The Greek word for the verb "was made complete", means to "carry to the end".

 

James and Paul quote the same passage (Genesis 15:6) in their presentations. Paul presents the indisputable truth that we are saved (Justified) by faith ALONE. No works can add to, or take away; works are of no meritorious value towards our salvation.  James just takes this point to it's logical conclusion!

 

Do you see how awesome this is? It's the kind of faith we claim to have, that's it� What kind of faith do you have? A living faith, as Luther describes it, or a dead faith?

 

Faith finds fulfillment in action. So was the case with Abraham.

 

Finally, James presents Rahab. In the midst of a wicked town such as

Jericho, a prostitute turns to God in faith and finds salvation. Rahab

sought mercy, Jericho chose to fight Israel.

 

Rahab's faith was followed with action. The conclusion is clear:

                        "As the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without deeds is dead." (James 2:26, NIV)

 

Though our deeds add no merit to our standing before God, and though

the sole condition of our salvation is our faith in Christ, if good works do

not follow our profession of faith, it is a clear indication that we do not

possess saving faith.

 

When one reads this letter, you can't help but notice that James writes

with authority, and this chapter particularly, reads as a lecture. I believe

James was quite concerned with the "big talkers" of his day.

This chapter is his call to action.

 

 

 

 

 

 

James 2:20-26

 

Read Romans Chapter 4.

On what basis was Abraham justified before God?

 

 

 

 

 

 

Read Romans 8:5-8;  12:1

What is the relationship between our justification and deeds?

 

 

 

 

 

 

Read Romans 7:14-25

How effective is our self-effort?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

True or false:

I show tons of good works. Does that mean I'm saved?

 

I show little, if any, good works. Does that mean I'm not saved?

 

Works are an outward sign of an inward condition.

 

Works are the evidence, not the basis of our justification.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

____________

 

"The chains of habit are too weak to be felt until they are too strong to be broken."  -lc

____________

 

 

 

 

______________________________________________________________________________________________________

 

James 2:24

"Justified"

 

 

 

 

"You see that a person is justified by what he does and not by faith alone." (NIV)

 

ENGLISH:  Justified.

 

GREEK:  Dikaioo.

 

1.  Root Word:  Dikaios;  meaning "just, or, righteous."

 

2.  This verb, in this tense, and as used in this verse,

     changes to: "To demonstrate or show to be just or righteous."

 

3.       Adding the suffix (oo), generally means, "to consider, or express, or treat as." (With the root word being the what, or substance.)

 

A. Just.

B. To demonstrate as just.

C. To consider demonstrated as just.

 

 

Comparing Scripture with Scripture, we find other examples of the same verb used the same way:

 

Matthew 11:19  "But wisdom is proved right by her actions."

______

           

Luke 7:29  "�when they heard Jesus' words, acknowledged that God's way was right because they had been baptized by John."

______

 

Luke 7:35  "But wisdom is proved right by all her children."

 

(Note the key descriptor here is validate. In this context, the people validated the Gospel, as fruit of their salvation).

______

 

Romans 3:4  "So that you may be proved right when you speak�"

______

 

 

Allow me to now read the verse again in my amplified version:

 

James 2:24:  "You see that a person is (proven) justified by what he does (by demonstration), and not by (a claim of, as in v14) faith alone."

 

 

 

 

 

______________________________________________________________

 

James 2:26

 

"As the body without the spirit is dead,

so faith without deeds is dead."

 

Many people assume that they are good enough to get to heaven. They believe in God, live a good life, even go to church.

 

They trust in a "God of love", and have confidence that their own goodness has satisfied the demands of God's justice.

 

This trust is futile. God's justice requires perfection, and we are all far from perfect. No amount of righteous living will get us into heaven.

 

Only by trusting in the righteousness of another, of Christ Himself, will do.

His righteousness and merit is applied to us only through faith alone.

 

We must be able to distinguish between faith and good works, but they should not be separated.

 

Even though our good works add no merit to our faith before God, and the only way we are justified is our faith in Christ, if good works do not follow our claim of faith, we have a clear indication we do not possess saving faith.

 

"We are saved by faith alone, but the faith that saves, is not alone."

 

When we have saving faith, we are justified. When we are justified, the process of sanctification will follow. This is where good works become evident.

 

If sanctification does not follow, it is certain that saving faith was not present.

 

Justification depends on faith alone. This will inevitably result in works of obedience.

 

Saving faith, or, "living faith", as Luther called it, produces good works, but these good works have absolutely no bearing on our justification.

 

James is clearly talking of the claims of man,  "claims" to have faith. (2:14)

These guys were all talk and no walk.

 

You cannot have faith without deeds. "�so faith without deeds is dead."

But don't be mistaken, you can have tons of good deeds, be a king Christian on the outside, and fool everyone, even ourselves.

 

Therefore, good deeds are merely an outward sign of an inward condition as far as we are concerned, because only God knows the heart.

 

James saw no sign in these guys. All he's saying is, "prove it."

 

Although our good works add no merit to our salvation, the Bible is clear that they are the basis upon which God distributes rewards in heaven.

 

We get into heaven by faith alone, but our rewards in heaven will be according to our good works.

dp

 

 

 

_______________________________________________________________

 

 

James 2:14-26

Conclusion

 

 

 

 

Now let's hear from some of the giants:

 

 

R.C. Sproul:

When James says that faith without works is dead, he is describing a faith that knows the gospel and even agrees with it, but has fallen short of trust in God.  Failure to grow, develop, and bear the fruits of righteousness shows that the free gift of God has never been received."

 

 

J.R. Blue:

"The emphasis is not on the true nature of faith but on the false claims of faith.  It is the spurious boast of faith that James condemned."

 

 

M. Poole:

"But James, in dealing with loose Christians, who magnified faith, and slighted good works, not only as having no influence on justification, but as not necessary at all to salvation; James takes upon him to maintain good works, not as necessary to justification, but as the effects, signs, and evidences of it�Paul and James take faith in different senses: Paul speaks of a true, lively faith, which purifies the heart; whereas James speaks of a profession, or presumption of faith, barren, and destitute of good fruits, such a faith is dead (v17), such as the devils may have (v19), and consists only in a belief of God's being, not a consent to His offer, or relying on His promises."

 

 

Hottel:

"Faith and works are of divine appointment, they are both needful to the true believer. Without faith one is not a believer, and apart from works one cannot evidence his faith to others."

 

 

M. Henry:

"Paul dealt with those who depended on the merit of their work in the sight of God. James dealt with those who stressed faith, but would not allow works to be used even as evidences. Those who stress the gospel as to set aside the law, and those who stress the law so as to set aside the gospel, are both in the wrong. The justification of which Paul speaks is different of that spoken of by James; the one speaks of our persons being justified before God, the other speaks of our being justified before men:

"Show me your faith by your works," says James. Paul speaks of justification in the sight of God."

 

 

W. Barclay

"So the difference between James and Paul is a difference of the starting- point.  Paul starts with the great basic fact of the forgiveness of God which no man can earn or win or deserve; James starts with the professing Christian, and insists that unless a man proves his Christianity by his deeds he is not a Christian at all.  We are not saved by deeds;  we are saved for deeds; these are the twin truths of the Christian life."

 

 

       ______________________________________________________________________________________________

 

 

 

 

James 3:1-2

 

Now as we move in to chapter three, we will deal with the matter of the tongue. I think it is obvious why Scripture spends so much time addressing the power of our words:  "The tongue has the power of life and death" (Pr 18:21, NIV) 

 

We will study this chapter in five sections. I think James rightly gives the intro to this chapter the way he does. We are all in the teaching business, whether you know it or not, and like the secular world stresses to  "drink responsibly",  we will here stress the need to speak responsibly.

 

Let's jump into the text and read verse 1:

"Not many of you should presume to be teachers, my brothers, because you know that we who teach will be judged more strictly." (NIV)

Please note that the word for "judged more strictly" can also be translated as "incur a greater condemnation".

 

I don't know about you, but these verses drive home the serious business of teaching to me. I don't mean serious as in important, which it is, rather, I mean seriousness as in dangerous.  My life is sinful enough, let alone to be judged more strictly.

 

Doing a little research, we find that there were many new Jewish converts back in James's time that wanted to teach. With the "teaching status" came rank and prestige, much like the Rabbis. Here, the reference isn't for the official, or apostolic teachers,  but rather lay teachers, as we call them today.

 

James's main concern here was for the many new believers who were too anxious to speak up. (Or show off large brains full of vast amounts of spiritual knowledge�)

 

Those who teach have a greater, stricter judgment, because they claim to have a clear and sound knowledge of the Scriptures. Therefore, they are more bound to obey it.

 

As we continue, it is cool to notice that as James may be pointing fingers, he is not above including himself, as we read verse 2:

"We all stumble in many ways� ("Nothing seems to trip a believer more than a dangling tongue"-jrb)�If anyone is never at fault in what he says, he is a perfect man, able to keep his whole body in check." (NIV)

 

Spiritual maturity is evidenced in a controlled tongue�

 

Let's close by reading the words of James's brother Jesus:

"�a tree is recognized by it's fruit.  You brood of vipers, how can you who are evil say anything good? For out of the overflow of the heart the mouth speaks.  The good man brings good things out of the good stored in him.  But I tell you that men will have to give account on the day of judgment for every careless word they have spoken." (Matt 12:33b-36, NIV)

 

Today, let us examine ourselves and understand that our words, even the careless ones we speak, are eternally important.

 

 

 

 

 

 

James 3:1-2

  

Make a list of why teaching should have a stricter judgment.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

How can our speech build up?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

How can our speech tear down?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

____________

 

"On another occasion Winston Churchill and Lady Astor engaged in verbal sparring when she told him, "If I were your wife, I'd put arsenic in your tea." He responded, "If I were your husband, I'd drink it".

____________

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

James 3:3-6

  

Continuing on in chapter three, James now expands on the power of the tongue.

 

Today, I tuned in to J. Vernon McGee. He was teaching out of the book of Exodus, and he said something that I think can apply here.

 

He was talking about how Pharaoh wanted a compromise with Moses, negotiating for the Israelites to stay in his country to worship, rather than be allowed to leave into the wilderness.

 

Moses would not compromise, and Dr. McGee impressed that we as Christians should also never compromise our faith. When we make some things "OK" out of relativism, or allow our church to function like a country club rather than a house of prayer, we are slipping into that trap. We must take care.

 

Likewise It made me wonder why I think my style of talk is OK when I'm around my worldly friends, yet when I'm around my Christian brothers, It is much different.

 

I may justify it with the defense that I NEVER use four letter words (well, maybe not never�), or I don't use the Lord's name in vain, and that all the other words and expressions aren't inherently evil in themselves, but then why do I clean it up on Sunday mornings?

 

Compromise, That�s why!!  When we're dealing with something that has the potential for life or death, we must be idiots sometimes.

 

James uses three illustrations to make his point clear in this passage:  the horse and the bit, the ship and the rudder, and the forest and the spark.

 

James' illustrations that use the forces of nature for examples, are also quite similar to his Brother.  Jesus would often use nature in His parables.

 

I have read that this type of imagery is a characteristic of Jewish thought, and here, it makes James' argument quite clear: Just as small bits, small rudders, and small sparks can have great power over large things, our tongues likewise are small, but very powerful!

 

Read verse 6:

 

"The tongue also is a fire, a world of evil among the parts of the body. It corrupts the whole person, sets the whole course of his life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell".

 

Small� influential�  yes,  but what's far worse than that, is that the tongue can be infectious and even satanic.

 

So let us take care how we speak. We will have to give an account for every word whether at home, at work, or at church.

 

Something tells me, that if God has numbered every little hair on my head, than even the littlest things I say matter at home, at work, and at church.

 

 

 

 

 

 

James 3:3-6

 

How is your speech different at work than at home, or church?  What's the big deal?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

What does James' example of the bit, rudder, and spark teach about the importance of what we say?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Give examples of the little ways our words can be evil, or cause a brother or sister to stumble (or fall�).

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

____________

 

 

"The tongue is the only tool that grows sharper with constant use"

 

____________

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

James 3:7-12

 

As we move on, we will see how difficult it is to control the tongue. In fact, James says: "but no man can tame the tongue." (3:8, NIV))

 

That's a pretty powerful statement. (Maybe those monks who take a vow of silence can please God more than us�) But I think that if I understand Scripture correctly, man is naturally inclined to evil.

 

Yet even after regeneration, there is that struggle between the two natures that we all have to deal with. I think there can be no better illustration than verse 9, where we read:

With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in God's likeness." (NIV)

 

How absurd it sounds that we will use our tongue to worship and praise God, and yet also use these same tongues to cuss, lie, insult, and slander our neighbor!  "My brothers, this should not be."! (3:10, NIV)

 

But, is it?  Unfortunately, it is. But why?

Let's go back and read verses seven and eight:

"All kinds of animals, birds, reptiles and creatures of the sea are being tamed and have been tamed by man,  but no man can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison." (NIV)

 

Let's review several facts:

First, animals (v7) were created by God. (Gen 2:19)

Second, animals are cared for by God. (Ps 145:15-16)

Third, animals are under God's control. (Dan 6:22)

Fourth, animals have been placed under man's care. (Gen 1:26, 28)

 

"Animals, birds, reptiles and creatures of the sea" were created by God and given to us ultimately as a gift. God also gave us dominion over animal life. But why can't we tame our mouths? It's part of our own body, fer cryin' out loud!  Is it gravity??�

 

William Barclay said this:  "Man's ingenuity, as James sees it, has tamed every wild creature, the tongue alone is beyond taming.  To tame means to control, and to render useful and beneficial; that, says James, is what no man by his own unaided efforts has ever been able to do with the tongue."

 

As with many things, we do have the ability to control external objects, yet the tongue is internal. In Matthew we read: "For out of the overflow of the heart, the mouth speaks." (Mat 12:34, NIV)

James answers the question, why we can't tame our own tongues, in verse eight when he says, "it is a restless evil." (NIV)

 

What I'm trying to get at, is that while our standing before God is perfect, our state is still fallen. Our hearts are still sinful, and as Matthew said, our hearts express themselves through our mouths.

 

But we're not gutter-mouths are we? I know I don't talk as bad as I used to before I became a Christian, but we will always have to contend with the flesh verses the spirit thing. I believe James alludes to this in verses 11-12.

 

Even though sanctification was begun in us the minute we believe, we must contend with this constant warfare between the flesh and the spirit as long as we live. Even the best are still striving for perfection. (Rom 7:7-26; Gal 2:20, 5:17)

 

It also must be true that we must co-operate to some degree in this work of sanctification, obviously, due to Scripture's repeated warnings against evil and temptation.

 

I think Mr. Barclay hit the head on the nail (?)�with the words: "�no man by his unaided efforts has ever been able (to tame) the tongue."

 

"Unaided"�that's it.

 

Yes James, you're right - it should not be. We must admit before a holy God that we are unable to do good. We can't even control our own tongues. God must have control of our heart, all of it.

 

Let us be people that will give up. Give up and surrender our own "big man" efforts.  I assure you, that you will see the power of God in your life if you do.

 

 

 

 

"I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me."  (Galatians 2:20, NIV)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

James 3:7-12

 

In light of verse 8, what hope do we have with respect to controlling our tongues?

 

 

 

 

 

This week, commit to sharing with your spouse if you are married, or a trusted brother or sister if not, one area that you believe the Spirit is convicting you with respect to your tongue. Ask for prayer.

 

 

 

 

 

Share with the class an area of healing, or how your speech has changed since you've become a Christian.

 

 

 

 

 

Explain "(The tongue) is a restless evil, full of deadly poison"  Give examples.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Compare verses 2 and 10.  How should they prompt us to pray?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

____________

 

"Prayer is surrender-surrender to the will of God and cooperation with that will. Prayer is not pulling God to my will, but the aligning of my will to the will of God."

____________

 

 

 

 

 

James 3:13-16

 

 

We are now coming to the end of chapter 3.  As you started to read this passage, did you think James took you back to chapter 2?  Here he is talking about deeds again.

 

In chapter 2, we learned that good deeds result from true faith. Here, we learn of deeds that should result from common sense.

 

At this point, I would just like to add a side note. Anyone can perform good deeds. Even the best of deeds can be done by the worst of people. But I'm telling you, those "best of deeds" done by the unsaved (in God's eyes) are no deeds at all.

 

What I mean is, any good deed that you can do that is not to the glory of God, can just be flushed down the toilet� Hold on, just read on.

 

When you become saved, all your good deeds are to the glory of God, whether you know it or not. Our salvation alone is to His glory.

 

The bottom line then, is that God's answer to even the best of people, who did the best of deeds, who refuse to embrace the Gospel, will still be; "�I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!" (Mt 7:23, NIV)

 

OK�, now it's about deeds that should result from common sense. What did I mean by that?

 

Let's read the text at James 3, verse13:

"Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show it by his good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom." (NIV)

 

Keep in mind, that James is writing to professing Jewish-Christians. James is also applying the term "wise and understanding" to the true Christians.

 

It is also important to note that the word used for "wisdom", includes the idea of sound judgment and good sense.

 

If you keep this in mind, the rest of this passage remains crystal clear. In fact, I found it interesting to read through this passage once and substitute the term common sense every time I read the word wisdom.

 

Moving on, let's read verse 14:

"But if you harbor bitter envy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast about it or deny the truth." (NIV)

 

Do you, at least to some extent, harbor any bitter envy or selfish ambition? I know I do�

 

The word used here for truth at the end of the verse means "reality", or "fact".  So what is James saying? Well, he's telling me that I shouldn't brag about it, or lie about it!

 

Now read verse 15.

Such "wisdom" does not come down from heaven but is earthly, unspiritual, of the devil." (NIV)

 

If I may paraphrase it, God is saying that if I do harbor bitter envy and selfish ambition in (my) heart, don't call it wisdom, not real wisdom. (It even seems like He's mocking the word "wisdom"!).

 

In this passage, James is building on the truths of chapter 2. There, James spoke on the test of good deeds, deeds that are visible to man.

 

Here he moves into the role of the teacher, (which we all are, to some extent), and speaks on the test of character, deeds that are also visible to man.

 

We will spend next week examining the last two verses of chapter 3. But to sum things up, I see that James is describing the transformed character of the true believer in chapter 2, and the transformed character of the teacher in chapter 3, which should be elevated in a sense, for;

 

"�we who teach will be judged more strictly." (3:1, (NIV))

 

Therefore, let us pray, that our Lord Jesus would humble our hearts, and cut us to the quick when we are proud.

 

Let us be an unmistakable witness for the joy in our hearts. Let us die to our selves, Father God, and make us live for Christ.

 

Lord, make me a servant. Make us servants, humble, and meek.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

James 3:13-16

 

Define wisdom, in light of this passage.

 

 

 

 

 

How honest are you with yourself when it comes to your character?  How about to others?

 

 

 

 

What' s the encouragement in verse 14?

 

 

 

 

 

Read James 1:5 and 17.

Wisdom-are we born with it?

 

 

 

 

 

Read Romans 12:9-16

From this passage, make a list of character traits that describe a believing teacher. (However, they do apply to all of us�)

 

 

 

 

 

 

  

____________

 

The best protection one can have from the devil and his schemes is a humble heart.

____________

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

James 3:17-18

 

These days, we are all (too) busy. We have families, jobs, and a multitude of things that seem to suck the life out of us. Let me be the first to say that even if I do find some free time, my first tendency is to fill it with nothing...

 

That, I have found, is a surefire way (when being busy isn't enough) to escape the things, actually, the only things that really matter:

The things of God.

 

Then I remember; "O, the depth of the riches, both of the wisdom and knowledge of God..."  and I realize that I'm missing out. I am then drawn to meditation, study, and prayer.

 

Yes, we are all called to be faithful stewards of what God has laid before us, but we all can tend to obsess over our own agendas. The things of God are eternal. This is all temporary. It will all burn.

 

I am never happier, than when I sense that feeding in my heart that I get when I read the Word, study the Word, and meditate on the Word. It's that spark, or touch, as a friend of mine once described it to me, that I'm talking about.

 

It's the sense of joy that you get, just as if you had a direct contact with God, and my friend, that is exactly what it is!

 

So let's pray, pray like heck, for the renewing of our minds; for our (your) class; and for our Church. Let's get serious, and get on with the things that really matter:

 

 

The things of God!  HE RULES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

  

 

"Professing to be wise, (we) become fools" (Rom 1:22)

 

Yup, that about sums up what we studied last week. "envy", "selfish ambition", "disorder", "every evil practice"� All the elements that cause division.

 

May we conclude from last week, that all the forces that can cause division are forces that:  are against the will of God,  and further advance the cause of the enemy.

 

OK, now let's look at real wisdom.

 

Eight terms to describe a real man's (or woman's) wisdom.

Let's identify them as we read verses 17-18:

"But the wisdom which comes from heaven is first of all pure; (cleansed);

then peace-loving, (relational, between man and God),

considerate, (above and beyond the call of duty),

submissive, (ever willing to yield),

full of mercy and good fruit, (kind of like, "walk the talk"),

impartial (literally: "committed")

and sincere. (true, without hypocrisy).

Peace-makers who sow in peace raise a harvest of righteousness. (back to "peace-loving" above;.. without the right relationships, there be no harvest).

 

Doesn't sound very tough, does it?  Well,.. this is a real man's (or woman's) wisdom.

 

This chapter identifies it's target, as teachers. As previously stated, we are all in the teaching business, though the roles may vary.

 

It's just a matter of common sense. Without it we're nothing but fools. For the real Christian, common sense clearly demands we deny pride. We deny self-righteousness. We deny our "Pharisee" tendencies.

We deny ourselves.

 

 

            Summary:

A believer should be what God wants us to be (chapter 1).

A believer should do what God wants him to do (chapter 2).

A believer should speak as God wants him to speak (chapter 3).

 

 

 

 

 

 

James 3:17-18

 

Give examples of each of the descriptions of real Christian wisdom:

 

 

Pure

 

 

 

 

Peace-loving

 

 

 

 

Considerate

 

 

 

 

Submissive

 

 

 

 

Full of mercy and good fruit

 

 

 

 

Impartial

 

 

 

 

Sincere

 

 

 

 

Peacemakers who sow in peace raise a harvest of righteousness.

 

 

 

 

____________

 

"Be who you is, cause if you ain't who you is, then you is who you ain't."

____________

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

James 4:1-6

 

 

As we come to chapter four, notice the contrast as James ends chapter 3 with; "Peace-makers who sow in peace raise a harvest of righteousness," and now begins with; "fights and quarrels."

 

Perhaps at this point between chapters, James put his pen down and spent time with the Lord, seeking His wisdom before proceeding. Perhaps he blew out his candle and slept, and then got up early and went to a lonely place to pray, as his Brother used to do, before he continuing his writing.

 

At any rate, the contrast is noteworthy, and it is a great opportunity to ponder these things�

 

Let's read verse 1:

"What causes fights and quarrels among you? Don't they come from your desires that battle within you?" (NIV)

 

James answers his own question, in true James style. This type of conflict always is a result of our own selfish desires, lust, or pleasures.

 

From the word James uses for "desires", ('hedonon') we get the word "hedonism". This is a word you don't hear a whole lot, but hedonism is a philosophy in which the pursuit of pleasure is the purpose of life. These "desires" wage war in all our lives.

Fights and quarrels result from the frustration of not getting these desires.

 

The last part of verse 2 reads:

"You do not have because you do not ask God." (NIV)

 

This is brought into context in verse 3, when we read that we do not receive because we ask "with the wrong motives." (NIV)

 

James is not saying that the reason we don't receive these "desires", is because we fail to ask God; He is simply trying to reveal the source of conflict (with the nature of God) that we are all at war with. That source is found deep within our fallen human hearts.

 

Not to mention the disappointment. How often does your disappointment come between you and God? I know I have often found myself taking my eyes off Jesus and fixing them on what I want (and ain't got).

 

Listen to this. (OK, read this). Matthew Henry (an awesome commentator) wrote these words:

"Worldly and fleshly lusts are the disease which will not allow contentment or satisfaction in the mind."

 

Boy, do I know that all too well! There's only One's will that really matters, and it ain't mine. Believe me brothers and sisters, you're never happier than when you're walking in it. Only then will you have that satisfaction in your mind. His will is plain. It is simply to be obedient to His moral law as we find it in Scripture, and to keep Him on His throne. That's it.

  

Seeking, or knowing what His will is, is not some big mystery. Let's quit freaking out about it. It's right in front of us in black and white. (OK, maybe "red letter" too�) What's OK, it's in there. What's not, it's there too. If you have a choice of several OK's, take your pick!

 

However, His ultimate agenda (or 'hidden will') for our lives, is for His eyes only (Deut 29:29). We can't not be in that will�

 

OK, In verse 4, James begins with; "You adulterous people," (NIV)

Let's read Isaiah 54:5:

"For your maker is your husband - the LORD Almighty is His name�� (NIV)

 

Christ is my husband. I am His bride.

Oh, the pain I would have if I knew my wife had desires for another man. This is the sorrow we must deliver to God on a regular basis.  Israel was the most descriptive example of adultery in Scripture.  Adultery is the perfect word, always used in the perfect places in Scripture.

 

The only cure for this conflict is a humble spirit, and that, is rewarded by God's unmerited favor (grace).

 

Verse 6 contains a quote from Proverbs 3:34:

"God opposes the proud

but gives grace to the

humble." (NIV)

 

The key to a happy life?  Humble yourselves to God. Let us give our lives to Him. Let us surrender.  He has promised to give us the desires of our hearts if we just seek Him. Funny how that works. The desires of our hearts. Our true, our inner desire, is for our husband.

 

We shouldn't want it any other way.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

James 4:1-6

 

[ Please, after you read the notes, spend time in prayer with your God and Savior Jesus Christ, asking for discernment and teaching from His Spirit before beginning this study�    

  

                                (Ok, I know this very important blip should be written at the beginning of every week's lesson. We all should be making this a rule of thumb.  (But if you've been slacking,  don't worry, Jesus still loves you..) ]

 

 

 

 

 

Read James 4:1 and Romans 7:23

Since our sin nature is permanently rooted in this "body of death, what steps has God given us to battle this enemy while we "wait eagerly for our adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies." (Rom 8:23b)

 

            Psalm 119:11

 

            Matt 6:13

 

            Amos 5:14

 

 

 

 

Read James 4:3 and 1John 5:14

Discuss.

 

 

 

 

 

Read James 4:6

Give examples of what God is talking about here.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

____________

 

Pride is the only disease known to man that makes everyone sick except the person who has it.

____________

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

James 4:7-10

 

As we come now to verse seven, we come upon that great adverb (huh?) "therefore" again. The NIV uses the word then (that's an adverb too�) to give the same meaning.

 

Verse seven begins with these words-

"Submit yourselves, then, to God�"

 

So let's review, to see what the word then is there-for.

 

As I read over chapter four up to this point, I counted the word "you" or "your" used 18 times. I was reminded how personal the Bible can be. God didn't write this great book like, say, as one would write a newspaper, to just a general audience.

 

Just as Christ is my personal Savior, so the Bible is my personal book. Just as God speaks through His Word to many, He also speaks to each one of us personally, individually. Just as the Bible reveals Christ on every page, It also reveals His character, and often exposes mine.

 

Such is the case so far in chapter four. To read the Bible for all it's worth, you must read it personally. As I read verses one through six, I had to agree that God knew me all too well.

 

So why do you think we so often feel unfulfilled? Well, that is what the then is there-for. It's in verse six:

 

"God opposes the proud

   but gives grace to the

         humble." (NIV)

 

James goes on to give us three keys to harmony and fulfillment: Commitment, cleansing, and repentance.

 

We read in verse 7:

"Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.  8.Come near to God and He will come near to you..." (NIV)

 

Notice how the call to resist the devil is sandwiched in between a call to obey God and a call to approach God. Commitment is the key to submission. Here, this is a willing act of accepting the authority of God.

The Christian also knows that he has the greatest privilege of all, the privilege of access to God

Again, we see James making a call to action. We shouldn't be just coasting through life, sucked in by the world. Just listen to some of the words from the passage we studied last week;  fights, quarrels, battle, kill, covet, adulterous, and hatred.

  

This is all coasting will get you.

 

Let's wake up from our sleep!  Let's submit to God, and resist the devil!

Both of these are military terms meaning, "to be subordinated under", and "to take a stand against", so let's put on our spiritual armor and join the resistance!

 

Let us wash our hands, and purify our hearts through repentance, real repentance described by mourning and gloom. Then we will see, the way up is down, and the lowly become lifted, as we read in verse 10:

"Humble yourself before the Lord, and He will lift you up." (NIV)

 

There's the payoff!

�Only when we realize our own ignorance, will we ask for God's guidance.

Only when we realize our own weaknesses, will we rely on the strength of God.

Only when we realize that we can't cope with life on our own, will we kneel before the God that gave us life.

Only when we realize our own eternal poverty, will we pray for the riches of God's grace.

Only when we realize our own sinful nature, will we realize our need for a Savior�.

 

 

 

 

 

 

James 4:7-10

 

  

Since submission isn't the easiest thing in the world, what helps you -

 

Submit to God?

 

 

�     �     Superiors?

 

 

             �     �     Husbands? (I couldn't resist...)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

What are some ways we can resist the devil?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

How does God "lift us up"?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

____________

 

When grace changes the heart, submission out of fear changes to submission out of love, and true humility is born.

____________

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

James 4:7-10 Cont'd

 

What does it mean to be humble?

 

I think we all can agree that the act of humility is meaningless to God.

 

Humility isn't what we do; humility is a heart condition, -

 

Just as good works are a fruit of saving faith, true acts of humility spring from a humble heart.

 

Just as God said to Samuel, "The Lord does not look at the things man looks at.  Man looks at the outward appearance,  but the Lord looks at the heart." (1Sam 16:7, NIV)

 

Let's set up today's discussion by reviewing where we were last week, and briefly examine this concept of humility.

 

Let's read James 4:7-10,  but continue on through verse 12.                   

 

In summary, James, in verses 7-10 gives us a description of the heart condition that a holy God demands.

 

In verses 11-12, he describes the evidence of a humble heart in action.

 

Starting in verse 10, we read: "Humble yourselves before the Lord, and He will lift you up."

 

Let's look at the word "humble", and how it is used in 3 ways.

 

The root word for humble here in the Greek, is used particularly for, 'attitude, or social position'.

 

It is the same word used back in verse 6, (which is what the then, is there-for, in v7) when James quotes from Proverbs, where there it describes the humble heart condition, devoted to God.

 

So, the word James uses here, in verse 10 for humble, brings with it the idea of sorrow, and remorse toward God.

______

 

Now, read 1Peter 5:5-6.

 

The word for humility in verse 5, gives the meaning that we must keep a correct estimate of ourselves, as we interact with one another.

 

Next, in verse 5, we have the same OT quote James referred to.  Peter also uses that great adverb "therefore" again. 

  

Then notice the great parallel between 1Peter 5:6: and James 4:10

 

1Peter 5:6:  "Humble yourselves, therefore, under God's mighty hand, that He may lift you up in due time." (NIV)

 

James 4:10:  "Humble yourselves before the Lord, and He will lift you up." (NIV)

______

 

 

OK, now let's look at Isaiah.

 

Isaiah 66:2b reads:

"This is the one I esteem:

he who is humble and contrite in spirit,

and trembles at my word." (NIV)

 

 

Here, humble means "needy". 

 

Read along while I paraphrase from the Hebrew:

 

So what God is saying here, is;

 

1.       He values those-

2. who need Him; 3. are repentant in heart, and;

4. stand in awe in response to God.

 

____________________

 

 

  

 

 

 

James 4:7-10 Cont�d

 

Read and pray through through Psalm 139.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

James 4:11-17

 

Today we will finish chapter four. Please, take the time now to pray and seek the Lord's wisdom, both to find any heresy� I may teach in these weekly notes,  and most importantly, that as you study, the Lord will reveal His truths to you as only He can.

 

As we continue with the illness of worldliness, and it's antibiotic, humility,  James gives us the two main symptoms; one in relation to our brother, and one in relation to God.

 

Let's read from verse 11:

"Brothers, do not slander one another. Anyone who speaks against his brother or judges him speaks against the law and judges it�" (NIV)

 

The word used here for slander,  and  speaks against, is roughly equivalent to our modern phrase "to bad mouth."

 

Also, the word used in this context for judge, means "to judge against, or condemn."

 

I remember driving home from church one day, and I was talking about someone in this way to my wife, and I remember her cautioning me that the kid's were in the back seat, and it probably wouldn't be a good idea for them to hear, and maybe repeat what I was saying�

 

Was I guilty of what James is talking about? Of course I was, but I didn't even realize it until after she spoke up!

 

If we take it a step farther, James is saying that by doing so, we are judging the law.  Remember, that the law is a reflection of the character of God Himself, so when we are guilty of slandering or judging our neighbor, we are judging the holiness of God.  For we read from verse 12:

 

"There is only one Law-giver and Judge, the one who is able to save and destroy�" (NIV)

 

Not only do we sin against our brother, and hence sin against God, we often fail to acknowledge Him at all. Failure to acknowledge God may not be spiritual "adultery" directly, but it certainly would evoke feelings of jealousy if it were us.

Right?

 

With that in mind, let's read verses 13 and 14:

"Now listen, you who say, "Today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city, spend a year there, carry on business and make money."  Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes." (NIV)

  

Boy, I think this puts a lot into perspective. Compared to the vastness of eternity, whether we die tonight or God lets us live to be a hundred, our time is short. You are in this class, part of [your church], and hopefully possess saving faith.  But you and I should always examine our faith in light of Scripture for certainty and assurance.  Not out of fear, but with confidence and a clear sense of urgency, since whether we die tonight, or  tomorrow, the end is always at hand�

 

But getting back on track, James is here talking of our tendency to boast about tomorrow, and "such boasting is evil." Our humility should always, first of all, extend to our God.  Only by His will, will we even have a tomorrow.

 

James ends this chapter with verse 17, where we read:

"Anyone, then, who knows the good he ought to do and doesn't do it, sins." (NIV)

 

This type of statement doesn't mean that we should be above the ability to sin. It is similar to John's, 'he who is "born of God�cannot go on sinning." (1John 3:9, NIV)

 

Remember that this means habitually, deliberately, willfully, etc.

So let us pray that we be transformed by the renewing of our minds, and stop being conformed to the patterns of this world. (Rom 12)

 

We all can, and do to a degree, sin habitually, deliberately, and willfully.

But do you do it with "hearty agreement" and with thankfulness? I know that sounds absurd, but before you were regenerated, wasn't that how it was?

 

James indirectly reminded us of the urgency of time. So let us live our lives today, as we will wish we would have lived our lives, if tonight we would be standing before our "one Law-giver and Judge."

 

 

 

 

 

 

James 4:11-17

  

Give examples of how we slander or judge against one another, often without realizing it.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Why do you think we can often not realize it? (We're s'posed to be Christians, right?)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Find some good passages to share with the class that impresses the urgency of time, or that gives perspective to planning for tomorrow (because we know better), or anything related�

 

Give references.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

____________

 

"Those who know God will be humble. Those who know themselves cannot be proud"

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James 5

 

Well, here we are at the end of James.  This is another great chapter full of great teaching, but I think we will take it in one chunk.

 

As I read through chapter five, I agreed with my study bible that there are three great themes here: Warning to Rich Oppressors, v1-6; Patience in Suffering, v7-12; and The Prayer of Faith, v13-20.

 

Let's take a look at each of these great themes, and also deal with a few of the tricky passages. Take a moment now to pray for the Lord's discernment and insight as you study.

 

James begins chapter 5 by slamming the money worshippers. Verse 1 begins with these words:

"Now listen, you rich people, weep and wail because of the misery that is coming upon you." (NIV)

 

Remember that James is writing to Jewish Christians, the "twelve tribes scattered abroad" (1:1).  As a man of great authority in the church (Ac. 12:17; 15:13-29; 21:17-18), he shows great concern for those who trust in a mere profession of faith.

 

Keeping in mind James' theme of faith and deeds of chapter two, these are words of condemnation for the professors, and a valuable warning for the possessors.

 

Any of us can be led astray by the lure of riches if we aren�t defensively armed with the Word of God, and committed to storing up for ourselves treasure in heaven.

 

Compare what James has to say in verse 2 and 3 with the words of his brother and our Lord. As we continue with chapter 5, let's read verse 2-3a:

"Your wealth has rotted, and moths have eaten your clothes.  Your gold and silver are corroded." (NIV)

 

And now let's read the words of Jesus from Matthew 6:19-21:

"Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal.   But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal.   For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also." (NIV)

 

These are the things that really matter! There will be a day when our eyes will be opened and we will wonder why we wasted so much time (actually, we�ll probably know, but you know what I mean�). Jesus said that He came that we may have life, and have it to the full, or,  in abundance.

 

I'm reminded of an awesome book I have read by Hannah Whitall Smith, and the title sums it up perfectly: "The Christian's Secret of a Happy Life."

The secret, is in seeking God.

 

All our wealth and achievements will be meaningless in light of eternity.

 

 That leads us to verse 8, where we read:

"You too, be patient and stand firm, because the Lord's coming is near." (NIV)

 

"Stand firm" means to be resolute, to "just do it", as we so often hear today. But most importantly, it's to commit from the heart, not just to mean it, but to want it.

 

Trials will come. James started this epistle with phrases like; trials of many kinds, and the testing of our faith. These are and will be a reality, especially for us. But we can find patience in suffering, if we have our eyes fixed on our reason;  the Lord's coming.

 

(And time's going to fly by once we're dead�)

 

OK, lets jump ahead to verse 13:

"Is any one of you in trouble? He should pray." (NIV)

 

What is this prayer of faith?  Well, for one thing, it doesn't mean that we should forsake the use of medicine, as some of these modern day �faith healers� seem to interpret the next several passages.

 

In the apostolic church, one of the duties of the elders, were to care for the sick. Oil was commonly used for ancient medicine (Isa 1:6; Lk 10:34), balm (Jer 8:22; 46:11; 51:8) wine (Lk 10;34), and salve (Rev 3:18).

 

The word for "anoint" describes an act proceeding prayer. In other words, the elders rendered medical assistance, then prayed for the sick person.

 

It is God who heals, with or without medicine. Our God is a sovereign God, and He is also a prayer hearing (and prayer answering) God.

 

Prayer is how we exercise our faith and key to seeking His will in our afflictions.

James concludes his epistle with concern for our spiritual health. Let's conclude in like manner.

 

We can be saved, numbered with the elect,  yet walk as dead men. We can, and often do,  "wander from the truth" and need spiritual healing.  Let us encourage one another, commit to fellowship and concern ourselves with the spiritual health of our brothers and sisters.

 

"All creatures that have wings can escape from every snare that is set for them if only they will fly high enough; and the soul that uses it's wings can always find a sure "way of escape" from all that can hurt or trouble it.

What, then, are these wings? Their secret is contained in the words, "They that wait upon the Lord."  The soul that waits upon the Lord is the soul that is entirely surrendered to Him, and that trusts Him perfectly.  Therefore we might name our wings the wings of Surrender and of Trust. I mean by this, that if we will only surrender ourselves utterly to the Lord, and will trust Him perfectly, we shall find our souls "mounting up with wings of eagles" to the "heavenly places" in Christ Jesus, where earthly annoyances or sorrows have no power to disturb us.

The wings of the soul carry it up into a spiritual plane of life, into the "life hid with Christ Jesus in God," which is a life utterly independent of circumstances, one that no cage can imprison and no shackles bind."�

 

�"For the promise is sure: "They that wait upon the Lord SHALL mount up with wings as eagles."  Not "may perhaps mount up," but "SHALL."  It is the inevitable result.  May we each one prove it for ourselves!"

- Hannah Whitall Smith, from "The Christians Secret to a Happy Life."

 

 

 

 

 

 

James 5

 

This chapter contains three main themes;

 

 

1. The lure of Money;

2.  Patience in Suffering; and

3. The Prayer of Faith.

 

 

Everyone can relate to having, or having had a problem in one or all of these areas.

Be prepared to share with another brother or sister, an area that best describes where you are now, and take notes and commit to praying for another during the coming week.

 

 

 

 

 After studying this great book, I for one can admit to feeling like such a hypocrite (thanx James�) when it comes to faith and deeds. (Talking the talk, and walking the walk, etc.)

 

Be prepared to share with another brother or sister an area where you need the grace of God to give you the walk you truly desire.  And again, take notes and commit to praying for another during the coming week.

 

 

 

  

 

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We are all like the moon.  We have a dark side we don't want anyone to see.       -Mark Twain

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The End. To God Be The Glory.

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