James 1
For some, it sounds ridiculous – James’ command to be joyful when things get painful…but that’s exactly what he says. We can praise God for the problems and the pain, but only because we can trust God for the purpose He has behind it all. He wants to work in us and through us. God allows troubles, trials, and tribulations – not to impair us but to improve us.
Sandy Adams, “Spiritual maturity sprouts from the soil of suffering.”
I’m grateful for God’s promise to grant us wisdom when we need it – because not only do I lack wisdom, I lack common sense! Let’s make sure to believe and receive this promise – otherwise we become doubting disciples driven by the waves of wickedness.
Sandy Adams, “Faithless prayers are futile prayers,”
Being rich is not a sin, but it IS “hard” for the wealthy to enter the Kingdom, Jesus said in Matthew 19:23. It requires extra effort not to trust in those riches or be distracted by those dollars, for those purchased possessions that follow, can easily possess us.
James reveals that the godless rich man must consider his future humiliation, and the godly poor man must remember his future exaltation. It brings things into perspective.
James promises blessings and even crowns for those who “endure” temptation; friend don’t give in! You don’t need that drug or drink; you’re empowered to turn the other cheek; some guy or gal tries to lead you astray, but you stay faithful to your spouse, to your God. You’re frustrated or humiliated, you might even be angry, but don’t sin (Ephesians 4:26). That’s how we win! The opportunity arises, the devil woos, and the flesh feels like falling, but you don’t go down. Praise God for those times we “endure” temptation. It’s not a sin to be tempted – even Jesus was tempted, but He didn’t give in.
Greg Laurie, “Temptation is not a sin, it’s simply the bell that rings, telling us it’s time to fight.”
One last thing on this, it’s important to realize that God doesn’t tempt us to sin. Some people like to blame God.
Most of you know, “Our first parents blamed God for the first sin.” (Genesis 3:12) But God never tempts us to sin!
Benson said this about God, “He does not persuade or incline, much less constrain any one to sin by any means whatever.”
No, it’s not God’s fault; if we’re ever to win over sin, we must take personal responsibility for our attitudes and actions. (We need this understanding) It’s not God, and it’s not “the Devil made me do it,” no, it’s actually me. My flesh goes fishing, my fallen heart goes hunting (that’s the meaning of those two concepts, “drawn away,” “enticed”). We can’t eliminate sin altogether, but we can stifle it by starving the flesh and doing our best to put it to death every day.
I must confess that James 1:19-20 is one of my favorite Scriptures in all the Bible. I honestly believe it’s one of the most important principles in all of life! God gave us two ears, but only one mouth to emphasize listening more than speaking. If only we’d be slow to speak, to truly listen to that person sharing those words with us, and then listen to the Lord – BEFORE we start talking, life would be much better. Sometimes we speak foolishness – it leads to a fight – next thing you know there are arguments and yelling – anger and wrath. Nothing good ever comes out of that! James will have more to say about taming the tongue, as well as the temper.
The Word of God is used by the Spirit of God to conceive a child of God, and conform us into the image of God – therefore, we are to ask God to soften and open our hearts, to receive with meekness, the seed of His Word. But when we hear that Word, we must not merely be hearers of it, we must be doers of it. We can’t just be “talkie-talkies,” we need to be “walkie-talkies.” Some people deceive themselves into thinking it’s sufficient to hear the Word of God, or to know the Word of God, or to even teach the Word of God (I think that sometimes). No way…God wants us to LIVE the Word of God! We must guard ourselves from mere profession, we need to DO all we can to live out our faith, by doing things like helping the helpless.
James 2
I like to tell people that, “God loves everyone, but I’m His favorite.” But it’s just me being funny, for although God loves me as if I were the only one to love, the truth is, God has no favorites, He loves everyone equally. With that understanding, God has called us to be like Him and show no partiality. And yet it can happen at any church. What if a millionaire strolled into the sanctuary, a famous actor or actress…would I treat him or her better than the poor man, or the one I’ve known for years (the common man)? James wants us to check our hearts and make sure we love everyone equally; let’s not bend the rules for some because of their fame or wealth – such behavior is sin.
James reminds the recipients of his letter that the rich often times oppress the poor, dragging them to court. Generally speaking, the rich don’t realize their need for Jesus, but the poor do, which prompted James to ask, “Has God not chosen the poor of this world to be rich in faith and heirs of the kingdom…?” (James 2:5). James dealt with this earlier in (James 1:9-11) and repeats himself for emphasis, that the godless rich man should beware of his future humiliation, while the godly poor man should look forward to his future exaltation.
Getting back to the poison of partiality, James alludes to it in his comment on the Royal Law, how we’re to love our neighbor as ourselves, if we do this we do well, it’s the fruit of salvation…partiality is completely contrary to love.
Some might categorize partiality as a minor sin, but James teaches us that sin is sin, that all sin is against God, that we might keep the whole law, but if we stumble in one point, we’re guilty of all and therefore in need of a Savior. When I read James 2:10-13 I’m reminded that the law can never save me, it only proves my guilt and need of salvation. Thank God for Jesus and the merciful law of liberty. The Bible teaches us from Genesis to Revelation – salvation by faith (not law), faith in Jesus, who is the substance of the shadows, the Figure in all the figures of the Old Testament.
James emphasizes the fact that faith-works – that faith without works is dead. Imagine someone comes to you, a brother or a sister, naked, and on the brink of starvation, and rather than helping them in a practical way, we say, “God bless you, I’ll be praying for you,” and leave them there to die. The pitiful prayer doesn’t profit. James teaches us that that kind of “faith” is 100% dead…it’s not true faith.
The key to this section on faith and works is:
James 2:18b (NKJV) “…I will show you my faith by my works.”
How do we know, from a human perspective, that a person is saved? By their works.
Warren Wiersbe put it this way, “James and Paul do not contradict each other (Romans 4:1–5; 5:1); they complement each other. We are justified (declared righteous) before God by faith, but we are justified before men, by works. God can see our faith, but men can see only our works.”
We can’t be saved by acknowledging the gospel intellectually, (belief in the brain – the demons believe and tremble), no, we’re saved by faith in the heart (Romans 10:9). Such faith will lead to love and works of benevolence and obedience.
Sandy Adams, “Your faith is not a faith that saves, unless it is a faith that works.”
James 3
James 3 ssuess a heavy warning that a teacher of God’s Word will receive a stricter judgment, therefore such a “title” and even task, must be pursued with caution and care.
I agree with Sandy Adams who said, “A Bible teacher must be accurate and authentic.”
So this warning has to do with my entire life, and my every word.
We all stumble, (which is different from falling) but we need to tame that tendency to stumble in speech. The person who does good in this area, manifests spiritual maturity.
As a teacher I need to make sure that God has tamed my tongue, for no man can tame it. The tongue is a relatively small member of my body, but boy does it pack a punch! It’s like a bit in the mouth of that strong stallion, so small yet used by the rider to steer the beast. Or that little rudder under that massive ship…is it controlled by the captain? If so, the ship and people aboard will reach their destination. The tongue can do so much good, but it can also do infinite evil. James compares it to a little spark (just a few uncontrolled words or sentences) that in the end…burns down an entire forest.
I’m getting a little older now, and it never ceases to amaze me how every conversation, every teaching, every WORD is critical – and not only what I say but how I say it, the tone of voice is an essential part of communication.
It’s such a terrible thought to think that with this mouth we can bless God and then proceed to curse people created in the image of God. If this happens frequently, consistently, unapologetically, James instructs that person to check their heart (their salvation). Can the same spring give both fresh and bitter water? Can a fig tree bear olives, or a grapevine bear figs? As Jesus said, “You will know them by their fruits…” (Matthew 7:16, 20).
What a clear contrast James give in 3:13-18 between the wisdom from above and the wisdom from below. James returns to the concept that if we’re saved it’ll show. Such ugly characteristics are listed in James 3:14 – “bitter envy,” and “self-seeking.” Lord, do I have any of this in my life? Do I get jealous when others get blessed? Do I have a hard time when someone else is acknowledged, complimented, or appreciated? How ugly is that? That’s not only earthly evil it’s downright demonic. The wisdom from above is so beautiful – it’s pure, it wants peace, it’s gentle, willing to yield (a surrender of our rights).
I like the way the NLT translates:
James 3:18 (NLT) “And those who are peacemakers will plant seeds of peace and reap a harvest of righteousness.”
Am I a peacemaker as Jesus called me to be? I hope so (Matthew 5:9).
James 4
The wars around us take place because of the wars within us. Our flesh fights for our rights, we long for our lusts, we pout for our pleasures. This is how all wars begin, whether it be a battle at home or World War III, it always begins in the heart because of “world-war-me.”
How can we expect God to move if we don’t pray, or if we pray amiss, with marred motives? (James 4:2-3)
Warren Wiersbe, “If we are not careful, even our prayers can become selfish!”
May God give us that heart for holiness, to be set apart for Him, but may He also give us that heart for the lost, to “go out” for Him. When James condemns friendship with the world, he’s not saying we can’t have any friends who are unsaved, he’s simply saying we should not love and live for the fallen world system (1 John 5:19). It’s okay for the boat to be in the water, but it’s not okay for too much water in the boat, otherwise it sinks. My friend, let’s beware of worldliness, the enemy is doing all that he can to conform us to this world (Romans 12:2) – even to make us an enemy of God!
James’ quote from Proverbs 3:34 is also referenced in 1 Peter 5:5, emphasizing this point with a three-fold witness – how God resists (stiff-arms) the proud, but gives grace to the humble, therefore, we should humble ourselves. If we humble ourselves, God will lift us up (give us victory and use our lives). To humble ourselves means we say “yes” to God and “no” to the devil.
Warren Wiersbe asked a probing question, “Are you resisting the devil or resisting the Lord?”
James 4:8 (NKJV) “Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double-minded.”
What a wonderful promise, welded to a warning! If we draw near to God, He will draw near to us! Wow! Truth be told, some people are closer, (nearer) to God than others, because they’ve had that heart to draw near. But as we draw near to God, we cannot come with dirty hands, dirty hearts and double minds, we need to do our best to come clean, solely devoted to Him.
How sad it is when we speak evil of people who are loved by God. We can too flippantly shoot the lip, and cast judgment on others; in doing so, we consider ourselves above God’s law which forbids that type of carnal conversation. What’s good for the Proverbs 31 woman is good for us all, wouldn’t you say?
Proverbs 31:26 (NKJV) “She opens her mouth with wisdom, and on her tongue is the law of kindness.”
It’s okay to plan for tomorrow, but it’s not okay to plan on tomorrow, for none of us have tomorrow guaranteed. Jesus might come for His church globally and take us in the rapture, or Jesus might come for me, individually – today can be the day I die, I need to be ready. We read in:
Job 34:20 (NKJV) “In a moment they die, in the middle of the night; the people are shaken and pass away; the mighty are taken away without a hand.”
Let’s cherish each day as a gift but not take tomorrow for granted – this should change our ways as well as our words, “See you later…LORD WILLING.” (James 4:13-16)
There are sins of commission (things I thought, said or did that I shouldn’t have) and there are sins of omission (things I should have done, but I didn’t)
“Oh God please help us to be on a mission, to DO what You bid, and NOT TO DO what You forbid…in Jesus’ name amen!”
James 5
Once again James warns the unrighteous rich that the day is coming when they will be judged for the way they exploited the poor (see also James 1:10-11; 2:6). The temporal days of living in air-conditioned luxury would give way to the eternal judgment Jesus describes as being cast into a fire that shall never be quenched. God sees all that they do, how they condemn and murder the just, how they reject the Savior of the world, Jesus Christ, who elaborated on this Himself, in Luke 16:19-31.
Beware of the temptation to pursue riches, to focus on finances.
Warren Wiersbe said, “To live only to get wealth is to rob yourself of true riches (1 Timothy 6:6–10, 17–19). It is to worry instead of worship (Matthew 6:19–34). God knows you have needs, and He will meet them if you practice Matthew 6:33.”
James knows that between now and the coming of the Lord, there will be many, many trials, injustices, and persecutions. He repeatedly encourages us to be patient, establish and settle our hearts…for the coming of the Lord is at hand.
Whenever we complain, we’re actually complaining about the way God is overseeing our lives, we shouldn’t do that. Job should be an inspiration to us – for even though he lost all his wealth, his health, and worst of all, his children, he never lost his faith. He was honest with God, he poured out his heart, he asked some tough questions, but he didn’t waver in his commitment to God. We read his amazing words in:
Job 13:15a, (NKJV) “Though He slay me, yet will I trust Him.”
God help us to do the same, for there is a plan and a pupose in the pain, God really does have good intentions.
James reminds us that we shouldn’t need to swear so that others would believe us. I thought it was interesting that he prefaces his prohibition with the words “above all.” How important it is that our words carry weight, that our yes means yes, and our no, means no, and people know it – they know we’re true to our words, without having to promise, or swear to God, or on our mother’s grave, or anywhere else. Jesus also dealt with this in Matthew 5:33-37.
James tells us what to do if we’re suffering, cheerful, or sick. Very detailed yet basic instructions. After that, James points to the power of fervent prayer – through a righteous person. Allow me to pass on a few helpful quotes.
David Guzik, “Effective prayer is offered by a righteous man. This is someone who recognizes the grounds of his righteousness reside in Jesus, and whose personal walk is generally consistent with the righteousness that he has in Jesus.”
Warren Wiersbe, “Many kinds of prayer are named here: prayer for the sick, prayer for forgiveness, prayer for the nation, even prayer about the weather. There is no need that prayer cannot meet and no problem that prayer cannot solve.”
Sandy Adams, “When we get sick, the first person we usually turn to is the doctor. Do not stop going to the doctor. God uses modern medicine to heal but remember, the healing itself is always God’s work. Doctors are called practicing physicians. Jesus does not need to practice. He is an expert. Perhaps we do not see more miraculous healing because we had rather spend thirty dollars to sit in the doctor’s office than spend an extra thirty minutes seeking out the elders for prayer. The precise, passionate prayer of a pardoned person is powerful.”
The last two verses of James are a warning to wanderers, and an urgent revelation for us to go get ‘em, to search for them and lovingly bring them back to God (see Luke 15:1-7).