James 1:1-3:18
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Whoo-hoo! Today we begin the book of James!
~ James ~
Author: James
Place: Uncertain
Date: A.D. 45-49
Content: The book of James was written to Jewish Christians in order to provide them with some practical instructions in the Christian life. It contains many short proverbial sayings and reflects in a remarkable way the teachings of Jesus and the Sermon on the Mount. The problems addressed show the kind of difficulties that were troubling the church. We read of pride, discrimination, greed, lust, hypocrisy, worldliness, and backbiting. James writes to correct these evils by showing that faith without works is dead; that is, mere profession of faith is not enough. True faith will issue forth in a good life as surely as a good tree bears good fruit and not thistles.
Theme: James stresses the need for Christian living both to show the reality of one’s inner faith and to show the world that the Gospel does in fact change lives. If a person says he is a Christian but is no different than when he was an unbeliever, what benefit has there been either for him or for the needy world? But in fact the Gospel does change lives and if we will commit ourselves to Jesus, we will find that from our living faith will flow living deeds of love and kindness. (Above commentary is from Tyndale Publishers “The One Year Bible Companion” pp. 31-32) A great overview of the book of James and the other “Non-Pauline Epistles” by J. Hampton Keathley is at this link. (scroll down just below his commentary on Hebrews to get to his commentary on James)
Today in James chapter 1 verses 2 – 4 we read: “Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.” Are you facing a trial of some kind in your life today? Do you see the wisdom in considering this trial pure joy? Do you think it is possible that this trial will develop perseverance in your life? Maturity? Completeness? Will you persevere in this trial? Will you persevere with pure joy?
I like verse 17 today – “Whatever is good and perfect comes to us from God above, who created all heaven’s lights. Unlike them, he never changes or casts shifting shadows.” Think about this for a bit – God is a God of no shadows. Pure light. Unchanging. No shadows. I like that thought of no shadows a lot… Of course, this means we can’t hide out in God’s shadows either! 🙂 Praise God for his unchanging, un-shadowed & pure Light!
And verse 18 is an awesome closing to the James readings today – “In his goodness he chose to make us his own children by giving us his true word. And we, out of all creation, became his choice possession.” Congratulations to you for diving into God’s true Word today – the Bible! Please continue to accept the gift of God’s true word by reading the Bible each day…. this will bless and change your life immensely. Do you realize that you are God’s choice possession? Do you realize that you are a child of God?
James’ verses today again are all so powerful… I am enjoying this book immensely. Chapter 1 Verse 27 is a great reminder to care for the poor amongst us – “Pure and lasting religion in the sight of God our Father means that we must care for orphans and widows in their troubles, and refuse to let the world corrupt us.” Are you caring for those in their time of trouble? Are you refusing to let the world corrupt us? Do you care for orphans and widows?
James chapter 2 verse 17 is a famous one – “So you see, it isn’t enough just to have faith. Faith that doesn’t show itself by good deeds is no faith at all–it is dead and useless.” Or, paraphrased, faith without works is dead. It’s important of course to remember that works alone do not save us – only faith does through the grace of God. But, works naturally come through that saving faith. They are a natural by-product and demonstrate that we have a true and living faith.
James chapter 2 today continues in the strong words about good deeds accompanying a living faith. James’ arguments are summed up in verse 26: “Just as the body is dead without a spirit, so also faith is dead without good deeds.” Another very interesting verse in this chapter that always jumps out at me is verse 19 – “Do you still think it’s enough just to believe that there is one God? Well, even the demons believe this, and they tremble in terror!” I had someone once tell me that they believed in God – but that they realized that so do the demons. The difference of course is that the demons are not indwelled by the Holy Spirit, as are those who have faith in Jesus as their Lord and Savior. Still, a bit of a scary verse to think about, no? Not necessarily for our own lives, perhaps, but maybe for others we know. Let us pray that we and others we know not only know God, but know Jesus and are filled with the Holy Spirit!
James 3 verses 9 and 10 are powerful reminders on the danger of what can come out of our mouths: “Sometimes it praises our Lord and Father, and sometimes it breaks out into curses against those who have been made in the image of God. And so blessing and cursing come pouring out of the same mouth. Surely, my brothers and sisters, this is not right!” How true is this… Reminds me of the old saying of being “two-faced”. Or maybe having a forked-tongue? The key here to how we can control the tongue I believe is answered in verse 13 – “If you are wise and understand God’s ways, live a life of steady goodness so that only good deeds will pour forth. And if you don’t brag about the good you do, then you will be truly wise!” If we can focus on wisdom and what’s going on inside our hearts and minds, we won’t have to worry about what comes out of the mouth!
Worship Video: Today’s readings in James reminded me of the fantastic song “Blessed Be Your Name” by Matt Redman!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0fudMFN9M8s
Do you know our God of blessing? Click here and praise his name!
Please join us in memorizing and meditating on two verses of Scripture today: “Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.” James 1:2-3 (NIV)
Prayer Point: Pray for joy in the Lord when trials come your way, knowing that the the trials – though they may test your faith – will produce perseverance in you.
Comments from You: What verses or insights stand out to you in today’s readings? Please post up by clicking on the “Comments” link below!
God bless,
Mike
p.s. Download our monthly Small Group study notes for our Chronological Bible readings at this link.
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