James Chapter 1
James starts out with a greeting and identifying himself and his relationship to Christ. Then he explains that when we fall into trials it should be counted as joy for testing of the faith produces patience. We need to allow patience to its perfect work that the believer might become perfect and complete lacking nothing (1:1-4).
If any of us lack wisdom we are to ask God for it for He gives it liberally and without reproach. We do need to ask in faith though, without doubts. James explains the doubting man like a wave of the sea tossed about by the wind. The doubting man should not suppose he will receive anything from God for he is unstable in his ways (1:5-8).
The lowly brother should glory in his exaltation and the rich brother in his humility. The riches can pass away quickly as a flower in a field on a hot afternoon soon withers (1:9-11).
We are warned not to say, “I am tempted by God” for God cannot be tempted by evil nor does He Himself tempt anyone. But instead each of us are tempted when drawn away by our own desires and enticed. Once we have the desire it becomes sin and when sin is full blown it brings about death. Through enduring temptation we are blessed and receive the crown of life that has been promised. We are also reminded that every good gift and every perfect gift is from above from the Father who doesn’t change and keeps His word (1:12-18).
James offers us three ways to respond in trials; be swift (quick) to hear, slow to speak, and slow to wrath (anger), for man’s wrath does not produce the righteousness of God (1:19-20).
We are instructed to get rid of the filthiness and abundance of wickedness and receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save our souls. To be doers of the Word not only hearers of it. A man who is not a doer soon forgets. The one that looks into the perfect law of liberty and continues in it is not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work and is blessed in what he does (1:21-25).
James warns us that if one does not bridle and calls himself religious, his religion is useless and he is deceived in his own heart. Pure and undefiled religion before God is one that visits orphans and widows in their time of need and keeps oneself unspotted from the world (1:26-27).So….What does this say to me?
Trials can come in many forms being rich and being poor are 2 examples. Trials should be endured and thought of as joy because through trials we become more mature in Christ our relationship with God grows. If we are lacking wisdom or don’t understand God is there for us to ask for the wisdom and He is willing to give it if we ask believing He will give it. Instead of doubting, for when we doubt we are like a wave in the sea tossed about by the wind or easily distracted by other things and unstable in our ways.
We need to be careful when we respond to trials because what I say out of anger does not bring glory to God. If I am not willing to bridle my tongue or think before I speak then most likely the good I speak will be destroyed by the words spoke in anger.
I need to get rid of the sin and look into God’s Word, which is there for me. As I look into it and read it I need to apply it to my life, for it does no good to read or hear the words and not apply them in my life and the words are soon forgotten. The word applied is not soon forgotten.
God does not tempt us, but it is our own desires that lead us away into temptation. James warns us not to fall into this deception of thinking it is God that tempts us. God provides all that is good for us.
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James Chapter 2
James warns us not to show partiality or favor one over another in the glory of God. God chooses rich and poor to be rich in faith and heirs to His kingdom. When we look more highly toward one (James used the rich man as the example) not showing partiality we become judges with evil thoughts. By doing this we fall into sin. We are commanded to love thy neighbor as thyself (2:1-12).
James explains that faith without works is dead. It does no good to tell the naked and hungry to depart in peace be warmed and filled, then not supply the physical need. James goes on to tell us to show our faith by our works. Believing is good, but even the demons believe that God exists.
Abraham was justified by his works. His faith and works worked hand in hand, by his works his faith was made perfect.
The same as the body is dead without a spirit so it faith without works. So, what does this say to me???
That when we begin looking at the outward appearance and status of people we begin to make wrong assumptions not being able to get to know the real person and what is actually in their hearts. We begin judging, and sinning.
God uses all people. He has given the rich and the poor the same rights as far as faith and salvation, neither is better qualified. God looks at the heart of people not the outward appearance. This is something we should all practice doing.
Our works are the outward expression of our Faith. It is how we display our faith. If we keep our faith hidden inside it is not worth much, others must be able to see it. Works is showing what is felt on the inside.
back to topJames Chapter 3
James begins here by telling us that teachers will receive a stricter judgment (3:1).
He goes on to tell us that we all stumble in many things and anyone that doesn’t is a perfect man able to bridle the whole body. He explains we put bits in horse’s mouths, that they obey us and that we may turn their whole body. He also uses ships as an example that a very small rudder is used to turn even the largest of ships. The tongue of man is but a small member, but boasts great things and is a fierce fire. The tongue is so set among our members that it defiles the whole body (3:2-6).
All kinds of animals, in nature can be tamed by man. But, no man can tame the tongue. It is deadly poison. With it we bless our God and Father. With it we also curse man who is made in the likeness of God. Both blessings and cursing from the same mouth. This should not be. For a spring can not send forth, fresh water and salt water from the same opening (3:7-12).
Let the wise and understanding among you, show by good conduct that his works are done in meekness of wisdom. James warns that if you have bitter envy and self-seeking in your hearts not to lie against the truth for this wisdom is not from above, but rather is earthly, physical and demonic. Where envy and selfishness is present confusion and every evil thing is there (3:13-16).
Wisdom from above is pure and peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits. It is without partiality and hypocrisy. The fruit of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace.So….. What does this say to me???
Teachers need to be sure that they are teaching for the purpose of glorifying God and not for selfish reasons. They are going to be judged even stricter because they are responsible not only for themselves, but for those they teach as well.
Our tongues are a very powerful tool. It can be used for good or evil. We should do our very best to use it for good by controlling what comes out of our mouths and being sure what we are saying is glorifying God.
What we do we should do for God. It is obvious by the way we do it with love and caring etc... But when we do things out of selfish reasons it is not from God, but for our own glorification so others see just how “good” we are.
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James continues on with the idea of worldly wisdom (being wise to things of the world and desiring the worldly things) verses Godly wisdom. Worldly wisdom produces in the person pride, coveting and selfishness causing the them to ask God for things out of selfish desires not for His glory. We are warned that by befriending the world we become and enemy to God (meaning to put the worldly things above God, or willing to sacrifice your relationship with God before giving up worldly things.) (4:1-4)
God provides grace to those that humble. James quotes Proverbs 3:34 “God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble.” (4:5-6)
James goes on to offer ways of fighting against worldliness (4:7-10):
We are also advised not to speak evil of other believers. For there is one law and one judge, which is God (4:11-12).
We are warned not to boast about tomorrow, for our time is not ours, but God’s. What we do should be according to His will not ours (4:13-17).So, What does this say to me???
That as believers we need to place God first in our lives and approach Him with a humble attitude. Not to be proud or boastful. When we ask Him for something be sure to ask for the right reasons not for selfish ones.
We should also remember that God is in control of our days, we are not. So when we start making plans we better be consulting Him about them or they just may end in a mess!
back to top James Chapter 5
In James closing chapter he warns the rich oppressors that misery will come to them, and of the corruption that can come of the riches (5:1-6).
We are to be patient till the coming of the Lord, James compares our patience with that of a farmer awaiting the fruit of the land. We are to prepare our hearts for the Lord’s return, instead of grumbling at one another. We are also reminded by James of the suffering of the prophets who spoke in the Lord’s name; they who endure are counted blessed. We are specifically reminded of Job’s perseverance. He saw the end intended by the Lord and that He is very compassionate and merciful. We are warned not to swear by heaven or earth, but our yes should mean yes and our no should me no, lest you fall into judgment (5:7-12).
James tells us that if one is suffering, let him pray. If one is cheerful, let him sing psalms. If one is sick, let him call the elders of the church and let them pray over him anoint him with oil in the name of the Lord. And the Lord prayer of faith will save the sick, the lord will raise and if he has committed sins they will be forgiven (5:13-15).
We are instructed to confess our sins to one another and pray for one another that they may be healed. “The effective fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much.” (5:17-18).
James closes his letter by stating that when one wanders from the truth and someone turns him back, “Let him know that he who turns him back from sin and his error has saved a soul from death and covers a multitude of sins (5:19-20).
S0….What does this say to me???
Our focus should remain on God not our “things”. We need to prepare our hearts, in anticipation of our Lord’s return remembering the sufferings and blessings of those before us.
We should always remember to turn to God in any situation, sickness, suffering, happiness, etc. Also, don’t forget about people that wander from God for they can be drawn back and God uses us to meet the needs of those people and point them back toward Him sometimes.
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