Context of James

The Epistle of James is a practical and deeply challenging letter that calls believers to demonstrate genuine faith through faithful living. Unlike many New Testament letters that focus primarily on doctrine and theology, James emphasizes the visible evidence of faith through actions, character, endurance, wisdom, speech, and relationships. The central message of James is that true faith is living faith—it produces obedience, perseverance, and a transformed life.

Author and Background

The letter identifies its author simply as “James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ” (James 1:1, ESV). The most widely accepted identification is James, the brother of Jesus and a leader of the Jerusalem church. Although Jesus’ brothers initially did not believe in Him (John 7:5), James became a devoted follower of Christ after witnessing the resurrected Lord (1 Corinthians 15:7). He later became a respected leader among Jewish believers in Jerusalem and played a significant role in the Jerusalem Council (Acts 15).

James describes himself not by his family relationship with Jesus but by his humble position as “a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ,” emphasizing devotion and submission rather than personal status.

Date and Place of Writing

James is considered one of the earliest New Testament writings, likely written between AD 45–50, before the Jerusalem Council of Acts 15. The letter was probably written from Jerusalem, where James served as a leader of the early church.

The early date is supported by the absence of references to the destruction of Jerusalem (AD 70) and the simple organization of the church reflected in the letter. James addresses elders and teachers but does not mention later church structures.

Original Audience

James writes to “the twelve tribes in the Dispersion” (James 1:1, ESV). This phrase refers primarily to Jewish Christians who had been scattered throughout the Roman Empire because of persecution and social pressures.

These believers faced:

• Trials and suffering (James 1:2–4)
• Poverty and economic oppression (James 2:6; 5:1–6)
• Favoritism toward the wealthy (James 2:1–7)
• Conflicts and divisions within the church (James 4:1–3)
• The temptation to compromise their faith in a hostile world

James writes to encourage them to remain faithful and to show that their faith must influence every part of their lives.

Historical Setting

The early Jewish-Christian believers lived in a difficult environment. Many had experienced persecution because of their faith in Jesus as Messiah. They were scattered from their homes and often faced financial hardship.

Within these communities, James observed a disconnect between professing faith and practicing faith. Some believers claimed to follow God while displaying anger, partiality, selfish ambition, and uncontrolled speech. James confronts this inconsistency by teaching that faith without corresponding works is dead (James 2:17).

His message is not that works earn salvation, but that authentic faith naturally produces obedience. A person who truly belongs to Christ will demonstrate that faith through transformed conduct.

Relationship to Jesus’ Teaching

James contains many similarities to the teachings of Jesus, especially the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5–7). Themes that echo Jesus’ teaching include:

• Trials producing spiritual maturity (James 1:2–4; Matthew 5:10–12)
• Being doers of the Word (James 1:22; Matthew 7:24)
• Mercy toward others (James 2:13; Matthew 5:7)
• Warning against judgment and pride (James 4:11–12; Matthew 7:1–5)
• Trusting God rather than worldly wealth (James 4:13–17; Matthew 6:19–34)

James presents practical Christianity rooted in the words and example of Jesus.

Purpose of the Letter

James writes to accomplish several purposes:

1. To encourage believers to endure trials with faith
   • Trials are not meaningless but are instruments God uses to develop spiritual maturity (James 1:2–4).
2. To teach that genuine faith produces righteous living
   • Faith is demonstrated through actions, obedience, and love for others (James 2:14–26).
3. To correct sinful attitudes within the church
   • James addresses favoritism, selfishness, pride, anger, and destructive speech.
4. To call believers to spiritual wisdom
   • True wisdom comes from God and produces purity, peace, gentleness, and righteousness (James 3:13–18).
5. To encourage humble dependence on God
   • Believers are called to submit their plans, desires, and future to the Lord (James 4:6–10, 13–17).

Major Themes

• Faith That Works — Genuine faith is revealed through obedience and action.
• Endurance Through Trials — God uses difficulties to mature believers.
• Wisdom From Above — Godly wisdom produces humility and peace.
• The Power of Words — Speech reveals the condition of the heart.
• Humility Before God — Believers must resist pride and submit to God.
• Justice and Compassion — Followers of Christ must care for the poor and oppressed.
• Prayer and Dependence on God — Faithful prayer reflects trust in God’s power and purposes.

Central Message

The central message of James is:

A genuine relationship with Jesus Christ produces a transformed life. Faith is not merely something believers claim; it is something they demonstrate through endurance, obedience, love, humility, and righteous living.

James challenges every believer to examine whether their faith is only spoken or whether it is actively shaping their daily life. True faith does not remain hidden—it becomes visible through the way believers think, speak, serve, and live.

1. Faith That Produces Works

Key Idea: Genuine faith is demonstrated through obedient action.

The central message of James is that true faith is not merely intellectual agreement but a living trust in God that produces visible obedience. James challenges believers to examine whether their faith is active and transformative. Works do not save a person, but authentic faith will always produce works that reflect God’s character.

Key Verses (ESV):
James 2:17 – “So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead.”
James 2:26 – “For as the body apart from the spirit is dead, so also faith apart from works is dead.”

2. Enduring Trials Through Faith

Key Idea: Trials strengthen faith and develop spiritual maturity.

James teaches that difficulties are not meaningless but are opportunities for God to refine believers. Christians are called to respond to trials with perseverance, trusting God’s wisdom and purpose.

Key Verse (ESV):
James 1:2–3 – “Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness.”

3. Seeking God’s Wisdom

Key Idea: God generously gives wisdom to those who seek Him with faith.

James contrasts earthly wisdom, which produces jealousy and disorder, with heavenly wisdom, which produces purity, peace, humility, and righteousness.

Key Verses (ESV):
James 1:5 – “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him.”

James 3:17 – “But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits…”

4. Controlling the Tongue

Key Idea: Spiritual maturity is revealed through disciplined speech.

James identifies the tongue as a powerful influence that can either bless God and encourage others or cause destruction. Believers are called to use their words carefully and consistently reflect their relationship with Christ.

Key Verse (ESV):
James 3:5–6 – “So also the tongue is a small member, yet it boasts of great things. How great a forest is set ablaze by such a small fire!”

5. Humility Before God

Key Idea: God opposes pride but gives grace to the humble.

James calls believers to submit themselves fully to God, resist worldly pride, and draw near to Him with a repentant heart.

Key Verses (ESV):
James 4:6 – “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.”

James 4:10 – “Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will exalt you.”

6. Living Separate from Worldly Values

Key Idea: Friendship with the world conflicts with devotion to God.

James warns believers against adopting selfish desires, materialism, and prideful ambitions. A faithful life requires choosing loyalty to God over the values of the world.

Key Verse (ESV):
James 4:4 – “Do you not know that friendship with the world is enmity with God?”

7. Justice and Care for the Vulnerable

Key Idea: God desires compassion, fairness, and concern for those in need.

James strongly condemns favoritism and the mistreatment of the poor. Faith must be expressed through love, mercy, and practical care for others.

Key Verses (ESV):
James 2:1 – “My brothers, show no partiality as you hold the faith in our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory.”

James 1:27 – “Religion that is pure and undefiled before God the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their affliction…”

8. Prayer and Dependence on God

Key Idea: Believers should continually turn to God in prayer.

James emphasizes prayer as the believer’s response in suffering, sickness, confession, and every circumstance. God hears and responds to faithful prayer.

Key Verses (ESV):
James 5:16 – “The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working.”

James 5:13 – “Is anyone among you suffering? Let him pray. Is anyone cheerful? Let him sing praise.”

Summary of the Major Themes of James

The book of James presents a practical picture of mature Christian faith. True believers endure trials with perseverance, seek God’s wisdom, control their speech, reject pride and worldly desires, care for others, and demonstrate their faith through obedient actions. James teaches that a transformed heart will always produce a transformed life.

Central Theme of James:
“Living faith is demonstrated through a life transformed by obedience to God.”

James 1 introduces the practical nature of genuine faith by teaching that believers are to view trials, temptations, and everyday challenges through the perspective of God’s wisdom and purpose. James, identified as a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, writes to believers scattered among the nations, encouraging them to remain steadfast in faith as they face difficulties. The chapter begins by explaining that trials test faith and produce spiritual maturity, endurance, and completeness in Christ. James then contrasts God’s goodness with the destructive nature of temptation, reminding believers that every good and perfect gift comes from the Father above. He emphasizes that true faith is demonstrated through obedience, calling believers to be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to anger. The chapter concludes with a powerful reminder that hearing God’s Word is not enough; believers must put it into practice. Pure and undefiled religion is revealed through a transformed life marked by self-control, compassion for others, and faithful devotion to God. James 1 establishes the foundation for the entire letter: authentic faith is not merely professed with words but demonstrated through actions that reflect the character of Christ.

With this lesson we begin a verse-by-verse study of James, written by James the brother of Jesus. In Matthew 13:55 the brothers of Jesus are listed as: James, Joseph, Simon, and Judas (not the Judas who betrayed Jesus). James was a leader of the Jerusalem church, as we will see when we study Acts 15. There are a few who challenge the authorship of James, but the general consensus believe it is James.

The letter was most likely written in the early to mid-40’s and has for its primary theme the living out one’s faith by being a doer of the word and not just a hearer. This theme rises out of two conflicts that had divided people at that time. One of those conflicts was social and was between the rich and the poor, and the other conflict was spiritual and was between factions within the church. In our study we will witness James rebuking his readers for their worldliness and will challenge them to seek wisdom from God in working out these problems.

This letter is addressed primarily to Jewish readers as evidenced by the designations of “the twelve tribes in the Dispersion” (verse 1:1) and “your assembly” (verse 2:2), frequent references to the Torah, and Jewish reasoning found throughout the letter.

As with other studies, it has been decided to follow the outline given in the ESV Study Bible.

It is my prayer that you will enjoy this study as much as I look forward to writing the lessons.

P.S. I taught from James when in China and at that time I was using the NASB translation. For this series of lessons, I am going to edit that China material and as a result, for this study, the verses will be from the NASB translation.

^1:1 James, a bond-servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, To the twelve tribes who are dispersed abroad: Greetings. (James 1:1 NASB)

In the previous lesson we introduced the letter of James. With this lesson we will begin our study of that letter and will look at the greeting James has for his readers. The greeting is very short but suggests several very important topics that we should consider as we begin our study. The word “bond-servant” (NASB), “servant” (ESV), or “slave” (NET), suggests a lifestyle of humility through which grace is received. The name Lord Jesus Christ contains meaning that needs to be understood in order to obtain the most out of these lessons and out of life. Being “dispersed “(NET), or “in the Dispersion” (ESV) suggests persecution and that provides the reason for a major section on trials. Even the word greeting is important as it suggest that we are to rejoice or be glad no matter what we are experiencing in life. Let us consider in more detail the message contained in this greeting from James.

James begins by referring to himself as “a bond-servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ.” But what is a bond-servant? A servant is a person who voluntarily serves another, as Joshua was the servant of Moses (Joshua 1:1). When a servant is brought wholly under the control of another and has no will of his own that person is then called a slave. If a person who has chosen to be a servant subjects him or herself to the authority of another, resulting in restraint, then that person is called a bond-servant. A further extreme is a bond slave who is a person in a state of slavery and whose person and liberty are subjected to the authority of a master. Of these four, James identifies himself with the term bond-servant, which allows choice but also signifies absolute obedience, total surrender, and complete loyalty. James could have called himself a servant of the Lord, but he goes further and refers to himself as a willing slave or a bond-servant. He has submitted himself to the Lord but desires His restraint. This is a position that each of us who are in Christ should humbly consider and take.

As one carefully reads the greeting and considers what James could have said about himself we sense that he is indeed a humble person. Pride is associated with the value one gives to the things and accomplishments obtained in life, and James left this out of his greeting. In contrast, humility is associated with the value one gives to the things that come from someone else, generally from God. Paul said, “More than that, I count all things to be loss in view of the surpassing value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them but rubbish in order that I may gain Christ” (Philippians 3:8 NASB). Paul saw little value in his position and great learning when compared to the value of gaining Christ. We should more often consider that “When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom” (Proverbs 11:2 NASB). James seems to understand this well as he does not identify with one of greater stature by drawing attention to the fact that Jesus was his brother. He desired to stand on his own merit. James does not identify with his position by drawing attention to the fact that he is an apostle. He desires to be known for who he is as a person. He prefers to identify with the lowly by referring to himself as simply a willing slave.

In addition to wisdom, that is associated with humility, what might be other reasons for desiring it? Later in his book, James explains to us that God gives grace to the humble but opposes the proud (James 4:6). Grace is that free unmerited love and favor of God that we experience in the form of benefits that we receive from him. One of those benefits, according to Paul, in Hebrews 12:15, is preventing the root of bitterness from forming in our lives. Without grace there is a good chance that we will have problems with resentment, bitterness, and anger. The greater our humility, the greater will be the measure of grace and thus the greater freedom we will have from the bondage of resentment, bitterness, and anger. Other benefits of grace include His presence, the gift of His Son and the Holy Spirit and the gifts of salvation, redemption, and the fruit of the Spirit. God guides the humble in what is right and teaches them His ways (Psalm 25:9). Humility is a choice not something we request as Peter tells us to clothe ourselves with humility toward one another (1 Peter 5:5).

We will continue to study the greeting in the next lesson.

^1:1 James, a bond-servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, To the twelve tribes who are dispersed abroad: Greetings. (James 1:1 NASB)

We came to realize, in the previous lesson, that James seems to understand the value of humility by the words he uses to describe himself. Having looked at only part of the first verse we already sense that humility is very important to him and should be important to us. I wonder if maybe he learned this by his relationship with Jesus.

James refers to himself as a bond-servant of the Lord Jesus Christ. Now that we understand what it is to be a bond-servant, we must now consider the meaning of the phrase Lord Jesus Christ. Let us consider each word and see what it means or conveys.

The Holy Spirit came upon Mary resulting in the conception of Jesus. Then an angel informed Joseph that “She will bear a Son; and you shall call His name Jesus, for it is he who will save His people from their sins” (Matthew 1:21 NASB). As a man, Jesus lived a perfect life and became our sacrificial lamb, and because of His death and resurrection, Jesus became our redeemer and our savior. As a redeemer he paid our debt resulting from our sin and as our savior he set us free from the penalty of the law. Jesus is therefore a call to salvation. Because of the life Jesus lived and His death on the cross, we are to claim him as our redeemer and our savior. Without this relationship with Jesus we are eternally lost and without any hope.

James had known the Lord according to the flesh as Jesus, but as he spent time with him he came to know him as the Lord Jesus Christ. This is an important transition to make as the outcome of our salvation is determined by it. The name Lord means Master and implies obedience and one to whom things belong. Since Jesus Christ is Lord of all, he is thus Master of all, and as a result he should have our complete obedience. Jesus, by his death on the cross, acquired a special ownership of mankind and thus the position of being their Lord. As Jesus is a call to salvation so then Lord becomes a call to obedience. We must not stop at salvation but grow to maturity as we humble ourselves in obedience to him as our Lord.

The third name James gives is Christ, which refers to him as the anointed one or Messiah. The Old Testament predicted the coming of the Messiah. This was fulfilled in the birth of Jesus, which to this day is very difficult for some to accept. The leaders of the first century Jews rejected Jesus as their Messiah, as God in the flesh that had come to deliver them from their sin. We must be careful that we are not guilty of doing the same thing. “Whoever believes that Jesus is the Christ is born of God; and whoever loves the Father loves the child born of him. By this we know that we love the children of God when we love God and observe His commandments” (1 John 5:1 – 2 NASB).

We will continue to study the greeting in the next lesson.

^1:1 James, a bond-servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, To the twelve tribes who are dispersed abroad: Greetings. (James 1:1 NASB)

James is writing to Jews who understand and have embraced the meaning of the name “Lord Jesus Christ” and as a result have been persecuted and dispersed or scattered abroad.  These Jews, like many of us, have been brought up to understand the importance of keeping the law or doing certain activities. Their religious experience, as it is for many of us, was more works than faith oriented. James is writing to them to explain that a relationship with Jesus Christ through faith must come before activities. He will show them that good works will result from a proper relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ. Good works by themselves do not merit any favors from God and are seen as simply works of the flesh.

James concludes his greeting with the word greetings, which means to rejoice or to be glad. It is interesting to note that he begins the next section with the statement, “Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials” (James 1:2 NASB). It appears that James is using his greeting to introduce his readers to a proper attitude to have during trials.

From this simple, short opening statement James demonstrates that he is a bond-servant by his choice of words. He also introduces the topics of humility, obedience, redemption, salvation, and relationship. These are very deep topics to draw from a simple salutation, but they are there. As we go through the study of this letter, we will keep them before us, and we will gradually come to a fuller understanding of them and how they are to be integrated into our lives as a believer.

In conclusion, a Christian is to be a bond-servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ and is to be humble and experience the joy God provides and is to be satisfied in him, “For God is most glorified in us when we are most satisfied in him” John Piper. From this position we will experience many blessings from him that will greatly enhance our lives.

Sin separated us from a relationship with God, but he provided a way to reestablish it. We must see Jesus as the Eternal Word, the living Christ that has come in the flesh and be willing to humble ourselves before him and accept him into our lives and establish an obedient relationship in love with him. This established relationship with the living God of the universe through the Lord Jesus Christ then allows for the establishment of right relationships with people around us.

Developing these lessons over the years has proven to be a life changing experience for me. As I teach others, using these lessons as instructional materials, I have noticed that their lives have changed also. I look forward to every class I teach from these materials to see what the Lord is going to do. I know that as you faithfully read and study these lessons that your life will change also and your walk with the Lord will become much deeper and richer. You will find that time spent working through these lessons will be time well spend.

^1:2 Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, ³ knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. ⁴ And let endurance have its perfect result, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing. (James 1:2 – 4 NASB)

In his greeting James introduced himself, identifies his readers and then tells them to rejoice and be glad.  He then introduces his first topic, which was to consider it all joy when encountering various trials. How is that possible? How can God ask us to experience joy in the midst of a trial? That is an answer we need to find and one that James would like to help us find.

We will look at four points that James makes in verses 2 – 4 in trying to obtain a satisfactory answer to how we can experience joy in the midst of a trial. Those four points are: (1) the trials that test us, (2) our response to these trials, (3) the endurance that is produced when trials test our faith, and (4) the results of this endurance. We will cover the first point in this lesson and the remaining points in upcoming lessons.

Verse 2 contains a promise that we will experience trials in life, a fact that each of us can confirm. Are these trials that James speaks of just unfortunate events that intrude into our lives or do they have some purpose? Is there some good that can come from them?

First, we need to determine what James meant by these “various trials” that we would encounter. In lesson James03, we saw the importance of a relationship that is to be established with God by faith through the Lord Jesus Christ. As a result, we become children of God the Father, and as a father he has the responsibility to see that we grow to maturity. Hebrews 12:5 – 7 indicates this and in verse 6 are the words “For those whom the Lord loves he disciplines.” We learn more about God’s objective for us by looking at Romans 8:28 – 29 NASB:  “And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to his purpose. For whom he foreknew, he also predestined to become conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the first-born among many brethren.”

It appears then that God will allow and even, in some cases, bring trials into our lives for the purpose of training us and to mature us into becoming more and more like his Son. Our parents worked at preparing us to become adults. We went through or are going through the trials of schooling to learn how to cope and succeed in life. If I made the decision to commit my life to Christ by faith then there is the responsibility on the part of God and me to see that I become more like his Son as I live this life on earth. These trials that James has in mind, will test the faith we have in God as he conforms us into that mature person he wants us to be and that we should want to become before we enter heaven.

What might these trials be? 1 Peter 1:6 describes them as situations that bring distress into our life. These trials could include ill health, disappointed friendships, sorrow due to the loss of loved ones, financial losses, failure on the part of family members and friends who do not live up to our expectations, to name a few. It is these kinds of things that bring distress into our lives. Later James makes reference to the faith Abraham displayed when he was asked by God to offer up Isaac his son on the altar. Can a trial be much greater than that?

God made a promise to Abraham concerning his son and then He asks him to end his life. Why would God do that? Because there is something God believes needs to be accomplished in Abraham’s life. The question is, “Will Abraham exercise faith and believe the promise he was given about his son Isaac and at the same time be obedient and offer up his son as a sacrifice?” This trial takes us beyond human reason, for it seems that if Abraham were obedient then the promise made could not be fulfilled. But God’s ways are not man’s ways. All God is asking Abraham to do is be obedient and believe. It is God’s responsibility to fulfill the promise. In chapter 2 we will study this incident in which we see that Abraham was obedient, and at the proper time God intervened, provided a substitute sacrifice so that he could keep His promise.

^1:2 Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, ³ knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. ⁴ And let endurance have its perfect result, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing. (James 1:2 – 4 NASB)

As a father, I caused trials for my children as they were growing up as a meant of directing their growth. As a teacher I, provided trials in the form of homework and test for thousands of students to encourage them to learn the material I felt they needed to learn while sitting under my instruction. As a child of God, I have experienced many trials in my life and I will experience many more as God, in His love, is committed to conform me into the image of His Son. This brings me to a very important and maybe difficult question that each of us needs to answer. Is the focus of our life on preparation for eternal life, or on experiencing pleasure in this life? The lessons that follow are designed to help us understand that question and make the correct decision with the proper attitude.

For many, trials are just unfortunate events that are encountered in life, which we have to put up with. For others they become times of evaluation and growth. How do you view trials? Make a list of some trials you have experienced. How did you respond to those trials? As you think about them, what did those trials reveal about you as a person? Did they reveal any weaknesses where you needed more strength or changes that needed to be made? Is there an understanding of what God was trying to do in your life, or are you still in the growth stage of asking God why these things are happening to you? The teen years of life are a very difficult time of transition from being a child to becoming an adult. As a child of God, we also go through the difficult teen years when we transition from asking God “Why are you allowing this to happen to me?” to “What can I learn and how can I grow from this trial?” It is my prayer that these studies will help you make this transition if it is needed.

As if it wasn’t enough to know that trials are a permanent part of life, James tells us that as brethren we are to experience a state of joy during them. How is that possible? We will learn that the answer to that question is found in relationship.

In a previous lesson, we were introduced to God and to the Lord Jesus Christ. In this lesson we learn that trials are to be an expected part of our lives. Between these two topics James places the phrase “Consider it all joy”. We will find that a relationship with God through the Lord Jesus Christ will provide the joy as we experience trials. As we proceed through these lessons we will learn about our focus, and we will see it change. There is a good chance that when a trial comes it draws our focus and a related response. If, however, something existed within us that prevented or limited the shift of focus to the trial, then our response might be more positive. If that something were a deep desire and love for God and if we were abiding in His love and grace then it might be possible, and in fact is possible, to experience joy in the midst of trials.

^1:2 Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, ³ knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. ⁴ And let endurance have its perfect result, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing. (James 1:2 – 4 NASB)

In lesson 1.5, we listed four points that James makes in verses 2 – 4 in trying to obtain a satisfactory answer to how we can experience joy in the midst of a trial. Those four points are: (1) the trials that test us, (2) our response to these trials, (3) the endurance that is produced when trials test our faith, and (4) the results of this endurance. We covered the first point in the previous two lessons and in this lesson, we will begin the second point.

James says that we are to “Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter trials.” Paul says in Romans 5:3, we are to “exult in our tribulation.” Paul further says in Philippians 4:4, we are to “Rejoice in the Lord always” and that would include those times of trial. Peter explains in 1 Peter 1:6 – 7 that “our faith, even though tested by fire, may be found to result in praise and glory and honor.” As I review my life I realize that these responses do not happen naturally but are goals that I am working toward as I mature in Christ.

John describes three kinds of Christians in 1 John 2:12 – 14. They are: (1) little children, (2) young men, and (3) fathers. As little children we tend to complain when things do not go our way. As young men we matured from the complaining level to that of asking, “Why this is happening to me?” As we continue to grow the question changes to “What can I learn about myself from this” and “How can I become more like Christ from what I am going through?”

As children we tend to complain or grumble when things do not go our way, but we find from 1 Corinthians 10:10, this is a dangerous thing to do as the verse points out that some of those Israelites were destroyed because they grumbled. In John 6:43 NASB, Jesus said, “Do not grumble among yourselves.” In Philippians 2:14 NASB, Paul said that we are to “Do all things without grumbling.” When you complained or grumbled as a child, did it inspire your parents to enjoy you more or did it tend to cause a form of discipline to be formed against you. I am sure you all experienced this at one time or another as you were growing up. If our response stirred up their anger against us it will also hinder us from experiencing their mercy and grace toward us. We are reminded in Hebrews 12:15 to not fall short of the grace of God because if we do a root of bitterness may spring up within us causing trouble. After a while we may begin to realize that an improper response to these trials tends to make life more difficult for us and maybe a more positive response would actually be more beneficial for us. I believe this is the understanding that is taking place during the “young men” years.

As we grow we come to realize that “God is opposed to the proud but gives grace to the humble” (James 4:6 NASB). We learn that we are to  “draw near with confidence to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and may find grace to help in time of need” (Hebrews 4:16 NASB). I am learning that when trials come I can, with thanks, turn with confidence to the throne of grace and there receive grace, which will be sufficient for my need, to make it through the trial with a God desired response. This is the goal of a spiritual father and one that I find provides a great deal of satisfaction and joy.

James says, “Consider it all joy . . .” How is joy and happiness different? Happiness as we know it is related to external things, things that happen to us. These things affect our feelings and may produce a state of happiness. Joy is independent of happenings and is based on our relationship with God and is listed with the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22 – 23). To experience joy during difficult times is like loving your enemy or like expressing any part of the fruit of the Spirit during adversity. To do so requires a resource from outside of ourselves that we draw upon by faith. That resource is grace and its source is God.

Joy is based upon what goes on within the heart, not on what is experienced from the outside. It is the result of obedience. Consider what the following verses say about the source of joy. “Just as the Father has loved Me, I have also loved you; abide in My love. If you keep My commandments, you will abide in My love; just as I have kept My Father’s commandments and abide in His love. These things I have spoken to you, that My joy may be in you, and that your joy may be made full. This is My commandment, that you love one another, just as I have loved you” (John 15:9 – 12 NASB).

^1:2 Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, ³ knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. ⁴ And let endurance have its perfect result, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing. (James 1:2 – 4 NASB)

In the previous lesson we considered the possibility of experiencing joy in the midst of a trial. James said, “Consider it all joy, my brethren when you encounter various trials.” In a previous lesson, we saw that happiness was related to the external and joy to the internal. Happiness requires activities that are pleasurable. Joy requires an internal presence of grace, which is obtained through a humble relationship with God. A group of people, God’s family, who should clearly understand this, James refers to as “my brethren.” “My brethren” are those people, like James, who have experienced salvation in Christ and are now spiritually alive. These are the ones who in the midst of a trial we would expect to see a response of joy because of this relationship to God through the Lord Jesus Christ.

When we design a product, it must be tested to see if the design was good. If the test fails, further design and testing will be required. When the product passes the test, we rejoice that it is now worthy and can be trusted. The objective of the test is to verify that we have a good product. Likewise, we are tested to verify that our faith can be trusted and that we are indeed being conformed into the image of the Son. When we are tested do we complain or grumble and become bitter because of inconvenience and pain or do we look forward with joy because of our relationship with God to the expectation of a life that is maturing and being proven to be worthy?

In a previous lesson you were asked to make a list of trials you had experienced and indicate how you responded to them and what they revealed about you as a person. Look back over that list and see if there is any growth trend in your response and in your becoming more like Christ. The application of this lesson is to become more conscience of how we are responding to trials and learn through the application of the word of God and the grace God gives to us, to mature in our response. What can you do to grow in your response and are you willing to make this an important part of your life? Relationships require time and effort and a relationship with God is the source of joy in the midst of a trial.

In conclusion, a person can experience joy in the midst of a trial. This is the expected response from a person who is walking with the Lord by faith. When such a person is going through a trial and you go to encourage them, you find they have an inner strength and grace to be a blessing to you. You leave your visit with them with a greater blessing than maybe you were able to give to them. These are the people that have learned to experience joy in the midst of a trial by being open to receive the grace that God would like us to enjoy and benefit from.

Think about how your response to a trial can affect your relationships. Would you rather be around a person who is responding out of bitterness or a person who is responding out of joy? The difference in response and the effect on relationships is all related to grace, which is the result of another relationship. As we humble ourselves before God He will extend grace to us which will be more than enough to overcome the heaviness of the trial that we may be enduring. A right relationship with God will provide the benefits, under any circumstance, to have a right relationship with people. Jesus Christ died on the cross and paid the price required by the law so that we could have this quality of relationship with God to ensure that we can experience joy in the midst of a trial. It is our responsibility to accept His offer and then walk with Him by faith and enjoy the fruit of that relationship.

In the next lesson we will learn that as we properly respond to our trials, that bring distress into our lives, we will grow in endurance.

^1:2 Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, ³ knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. ⁴ And let endurance have its perfect result, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing. (James 1:2 – 4 NASB)

In lesson James05 ( https://anchormyfaith.com/blog/james05 ), we listed four points that James makes in verses 2 – 4 in trying to obtain a satisfactory answer to how we can experience joy in the midst of a trial. Those four points are: (1) the trials that test us, (2) our response to these trials, (3) the endurance that is produced when trials test our faith, and (4) the results of this endurance. We covered the second point in the previous two lessons and in this lesson we will begin the third point.

In Hebrews 10:36 we read,  “For you have need of endurance, so that when you have done the will of God, you may receive what was promised.” In Hebrews 12:1 (NASB) is the statement,  “Therefore, since we have so great a cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us also lay aside every encumbrance, and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us.” To do the will of God and to run the race will require endurance if we are not to grow weary and drop out. James tells us in verse 3 that if your faith is real it will when tested produce endurance.

To have endurance is to be durable, to have the quality of lasting or continuing long at something, without perishing or wearing out. To endure is to bear or to suffer without yielding. In Esther 8:6 (NASB), Esther said, “For how can I endure to see the calamity which shall befall my people, and how can I endure to see the destruction of my kindred?” Esther realizes that she cannot endure or to continue to accept the calamity or destruction of her people without taking the stand that God had prepared her for. She must not endure or continue at doing nothing when it is within her power to move into action.

To endure means to sustain or to support something without breaking or yielding to force or pressure and to do it with patience. In 2 Timothy, Paul indicates the importance of being strong in grace and willing to suffer hardships. He tells us in 2 Timothy 2:10 NASB: “For this reason I endure all things for the sake of those who are chosen, that they also may obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus and with it eternal glory.” While Esther was not to endure under present conditions but to take a stand and make a difference, Paul was to endure or to continue to remain in the stand that he had taken. In both cases the testing of faith had produced the ability for both Esther and Paul to do the work God was asking them to do.

What is this faith that is being tested? What is real faith? In Hebrews 11:1 we read,  “Now faith is the assurance (or substance) of things hoped for, the conviction (or evidence) of things not seen.” There is substance to real faith as it has properties that serve to characterize or identify something. This essence of faith provides the evidence of possession of things not seen. For example, if you own a piece of property you will have a piece of paper called a title deed. The title deed is evidence that you do own the property, even when you or I can’t see it. The title deed is the substance or evidence of something not seen. That is what faith is. The endurance that it produces when tested is the evidence of possessing things, which cannot be seen. It is a guarantee of that which is to come. Faith is the assurance that we do possess what God has given to us even when we can’t see it. It is our evidence or legal guarantee of our possession.

How does one obtain real faith? Hebrews 12:1 – 2 (NASB) provides us with a guideline and reads,  “Therefore, since we have so great a cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us also lay aside every encumbrance, and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.”

We are to lay aside every encumbrance which entangles us. One of the greatest encumbrances of mankind is our self talk that constantly plays in the mind. These mental conversations with self are stories of meaning that rose out of past events, some of which were very painful. Many of these stories are lies about those events that were formed at a time when we didn’t understand what was happening. These stories we have come to accept as true and thus we have encumbered our lives with them. As long as these stories, these lies, occupy our mind our faith will be greatly limited. As self talk formed from past events encumber and entangle us today, so does our sin.

We are to run the race by the rules because when we don’t we create situations that hinder us and take time and effort to clean up, causing a poor performance for the race. We are to clear our life of the things, which hinder us in running the race that God sets before us. We are to adjust our focus on Jesus Christ and as James points out later, not on the things of the world. Faith that is real has its source in Jesus Christ, as He is its author. As the perfecter of faith He is the One responsible in seeing that our faith grows or matures. As it does we will grow in endurance and will thus be able to run better the race that God wants us to run as we are conformed into the image of His Son.

^1:2 Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, ³ knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. ⁴ And let endurance have its perfect result, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing. (James 1:2 – 4 NASB)

In the previous lesson we looked at the importance of endurance. In this lesson we will see that trials are used to test our faith to produce endurance.

This faith, which produces endurance, has its beginning in Jesus Christ, so we must come to him and understand who he is and then believe in him and receive Him as our Savior. John 1:12 (NASB) says,  “But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, even to those who believe in His name.” As children of God we are to grow in our knowledge and understanding of Jesus Christ. As we do our faith grows and as it does our endurance grows providing us the ability to continue to live out his word. This is the process that results in one being conformed to His image.

Many translations use the word patience in place of endurance. To acquire endurance and then to stay under it will require patience. Patience and endurance work together, as you cannot have one without the other. For example, let us say that you or I were planning to run a marathon. If we do not train for the event we will not run a very good race. We begin our training with easy jogging to work through our soreness and to begin to develop endurance. Anyone who has gone through such training knows that great patience is needed as the body tends to complain at first to the change in lifestyle. As we continue to train there will be times we will ask the question, “Why am I doing this?” But as we continue the body continues to harden and we can endure more miles and actually begin to experience some excitement about what we are able to accomplish. As we continue with patience in training we grow in endurance as we continue to test ourselves through our training. Then comes the big day when the faith we began with that we could run a marathon delivers its result. If that initial faith was not real or alive, as James will later explain, it would not have subjected itself to the daily testing required to develop the endurance required to run the race and finish well.

Life is like training for a marathon. The strength of our finish is related to the patient exercise of our faith to produce endurance. As we train, Hebrews 12:11 becomes very meaningful to us. It reads, “All discipline for the moment seems not to be joyful, but sorrowful; yet to those who have been trained by it, afterwards it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness.” What is our focus? Is it on happiness or pleasure of this life or the joy that is ours by being in Christ and experiencing the endurance that is being formed in our life as our faith is tested? Job, who experienced such great testing, said it so well in Job 23:10 NASB, “But he knows the way that I take; when he has tested me, I will come forth as gold.”

This endurance that is produced in our life by the testing of our faith does not stand alone. James tells us to “let endurance have its perfect result.” In the next lesson we will look at the results of this endurance that is being formed as a result of our faith being tested. Until then, consider your endurance. Is it growing and what evidence do you have that it is? How do you measure this growth? How well are you running the race of life? Will you finish strong?

In conclusion, the testing of our faith produces endurance. Our behavior when experiencing a trial will be a reflection of our faith in and walk with the Lord Jesus Christ. By having a close relationship with him we will receive sufficient grace to experience joy during those tough times. But if we have been living for ourselves and are proud of it then when trials come instead of expressing joy with praise and thanks, we will probably express ourselves with complaint and bitterness.

It is one thing to study and become informed but by itself that information is usually of little value. It must become working knowledge by being applied and made a part of our life experience. Even then without a source of energy the information may not produce many results. Jesus said in John 15:5 NASB, “I am the vine, you are the branches; he who abides in Me, and I in him, he bears much fruit; for apart from Me you can do nothing.” Paul indicates in Philippians 4:13 that he can do all things through Christ who strengthens him. In Genesis 2:18, God tells us that it is not good to be alone. As we die to self and reach out in relationships to others we will be strengthened and will bear much fruit. Thus, by our relationships with God and others we are strengthened to endure the trials that test our faith and to experience joy in the midst of them.

^1:2 Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, ³ knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. ⁴ And let endurance have its perfect result, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing. (James 1:2 – 4 NASB)

In lesson 1.5, we listed four points that James makes in verses 2 – 4 in trying to obtain a satisfactory answer to how we can experience joy in the midst of a trial. Those four points are: (1) the trials that test us, (2) our response to these trials, (3) the endurance that is produced when trials test our faith, and (4) the results of this endurance. We covered the third point in the previous two lessons and in this lesson, we will begin the fourth point.

As we approach this lesson we will begin by asking several questions to focus our thinking. How long do you think it will take to adequately test your faith? You might respond that it would take a lifetime because faith should continue to grow and as it does it will continue to be tested. If faith does continue to grow then how long do you think you will experience the development of endurance? You might answer that as your faith grows so should your endurance. When do you think this endurance that is continuing to grow should exhibit its perfect results? It would seem that the answer would be when endurance is complete which would be at the end of our life. That is a question that many have wrestled with for a long time.

Let us look at several verses to help us arrive at a possible answer. In Matthew 5:48 (NASB) Jesus says, “Therefore you are to be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect.” In Leviticus 19:2 (NASB) the Lord spoke to Moses, saying, “Speak to all the congregation of the sons of Israel and say to them, ‘You shall be holy, for I the Lord your God am holy.’” Going to 2 Corinthians 7:1 (NASB), Paul gives us something more to think about when he says, “Therefore, having these promises, beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all defilement of flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.” In Colossians 4:12 (NASB), Paul is writing about Epaphras and says, “Epaphras, who is one of your number, a bond slave of Jesus Christ, sends you his greetings, always laboring earnestly for you in his prayers, that you may stand perfect and fully assured in all the will of God.” One more verse is found in Philippians 1:6 (NASB) where Paul says, “For I am confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus.”

When are we to be perfect, when shall we be holy and when may we stand perfect and fully assured? Is it during our lifetime or at the end of our life? Words like “perfecting holiness” and “will perfect it,” used in the above verses, indicate a growing or maturing process. What is the perfect result that endurance is to produce and when does it occur? James says, “That you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.” It appears that endurance is in the process of producing something that in the end may be perfect and complete according to design.

When we are born again we become a new creature in Christ (2 Corinthians 5:17) and according to 1 John 3:9 NASB, “No one who is born of God practices sin, because His seed abides in him; and he cannot sin, because he is born of God.” From the human side we have a choice concerning sin. We can choose to sin if we wish, but if we are born of God we will do our best not to sin. From the eternal side, the new eternal creature would have to decide to sin just as Jesus, when He lived in the flesh on earth, would have to decide to sin. This creates a real struggle within us when part of us, the flesh, has to decide not to sin and the other would have to decide to sin.  It appears that this new creation in Christ is sinless, but it was conceived within flesh that will continue to sin until death parts the two. Until then there will be a struggle between the two. As these two continue to wage war, the new creation is to grow to maturity and the old being is to die to self. During this struggle, faith will constantly be tested, producing endurance, which enables the person to draw closer and closer to the perfect results of endurance.

It is clear that our goal is to become conformed to the image of the Son of God (Romans 8:28 – 30). It is possible that we might get sidetracked along the way and not meet our full potential, but being conformed to the image of His Son is our goal.

What does this perfect result not include? As we have already seen it does not mean that we will be flawless or sinless. As long as we live in this fallen physical body we will continue to exhibit flaws and we will continue to sin. So then, what does James mean when he says, “you may be perfect”? It means that we should be progressing along the path to maturity. In Romans 5:3 – 5, Paul explains to us that perseverance produces character.

Trials test our faith to see if it is real and that we are learning to trust Jesus Christ in meeting our needs. When our faith is tested it is revealed to others by how we respond. This testing produces a result within us known as endurance or patience. Patience expresses acceptance and endurance the ability to press on to the end and along this difficult path of life we become more and more like Jesus Christ. Often I get excited to see the likeness of Christ forming in me, resulting in changed behavior. I also confess that there are times when I go through trials that God seems very far away, and I feel so alone. That is when faith is really tested for Paul says in Philippians 4:5 that “The Lord is near.” Like a storm, the trial passes, and the sun shines again and we check for damage and make repairs, preparing for the next one. This is the process of growth.

^1:2 Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, ³ knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. ⁴ And let endurance have its perfect result, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing. (James 1:2 – 4 NASB)

I have an agricultural background, which has helped me understand this principle that James is teaching us. The farmer prepares the ground and plants the seed, which then begins to grow. If the soil of our heart has been prepared and the seed of God is placed in it, it will result in salvation and we begin to grow spiritually. If the plant growing from the seed finds proper nutrients in the soil, has proper moisture, receives proper heat units from the sun and is protected from weeds and bugs, then it should grow properly and produce a harvest. As the plant is growing it crosses growth points to maturity, which is noted by the farmer. These points of measurement include, for example with corn, its height on a given day, when does it begin to tassel and the ears form and are the ears growing fast enough to be mature before the first killing frost.

We are no different. From spiritual birth to being present with the Lord we cross growth points in our character development. Are we on course in our development of Christ likeness? At each measuring point are we found to be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing for that level of development? Our expectations of a young child are different than for a teenager. So are our expectations of an adult as he or she grows in spiritual years. When we come to the end of life, how far along the path of maturity will we be? Will we be ashamed to stand before the Lord or will there be rejoicing because we understood the purpose of those trials that tested our faith and we asked God to bring about the growth that each could produce in our life. Trials will always be stressful and can have a harmful effect on us if we are not careful. Our goal is to reduce their negative effect on our bodies and increase their positive effect on our spiritual maturity.

There are at least two more things that are needed and one of these is covered in our next lesson and that is the need of wisdom. The other is found in Philippians 4:4 – 9 where Paul describes five things that relate to reducing anxiety when going through a trial.

First, no matter what happens we are to always rejoice in the Lord. To rejoice in the Lord requires that we be in Him and that we maintain a growing relationship with Him. The rejoicing comes from knowing him and learning more and more about him and getting excited when we do.

Second, we are always to demonstrate a forbearing or patient spirit. As we encounter trials we may want to react in ways that might not be proper, but we are to be restrained and be patient and willing to be long suffering.

Third, we are to make our request known to God, but we are to do it with thanksgiving. As we maintain a growing relationship with him we better understand the kind of request that is appropriate for the trial we are enduring.

Fourth, we are to always maintain proper thoughts as these thoughts determine how we will respond. An evaluation of these thoughts, which we have during a trial, may reveal what is to be learned from the trial. If, for example, an event becomes a trial because of fear, your self talk may reveal what you are afraid of. It may be a fear of failure. So, what is there in your life from the past that this event reminds you to think of and to be afraid of failure? More often than you think, an event is a trial simply because of your self talk that has evolved out of past experiences that were not understood at the time and have not yet been resolved.

Fifth, we are always to practice a proper lifestyle. No matter how we feel or what our thoughts are we are to stay focused on the Lord and progress toward that perfect result of endurance and become like Jesus Christ.

In conclusion, endurance produces mature character. The trials we experience in life will have an effect on us. Will that effect be positive or negative? Will our behavior honor or disappoint the Lord? Will the results of the trial build us and others up or tear us down? The answer to these questions may be determined in our relationship with the Lord.

Most people make it through trials without the Lord just as they make it through life without him. But with him, both experiences are so much more meaningful, enjoyable, and beneficial. With our focus on him everything else tends to falls into place and has meaning.

We will need wisdom because it transforms knowledge into proper behavior, and we will need the instruction from Philippians because it provides the steps to a healthy mental and emotional state. An excellent illustration of this is found in Acts 16:25 where Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns of praise to God after they had been beaten with rods and placed in stocks in the inner prison.

^1:5 But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him. ⁶ But he must ask in faith without any doubting, for the one who doubts is like the surf of the sea, driven and tossed by the wind. ⁷ For that man ought not to expect that he will receive anything from the Lord, ⁸ being a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways. (James 1:5 – 8 NASB)

A person of wisdom is one who has a wise outlook, a plan, or course of action, especially when in the midst of a trial. James implies that it is important to have wisdom when he says, “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God.” Let us consider what James has to say about wisdom.

There are three words that stand out when reading the above verses. They are (1) lack, (2) ask, and (3) receive. James says if you lack something, you must ask for it if you are to receive it. To lack something is to not have enough of what is needed. Two examples of this come to mind. The first is found in Hebrews 12:15 (NASB) where it says, “See to it that no one comes short of the grace of God; that no root of bitterness springing up causes trouble, and by it many be defiled.” In this case, being short of grace may result in a root of bitterness forming within a person causing trouble for that person as well as for those around that person. The second example is found in Hebrews 4:1 (NASB) where we read,  “Therefore, let us fear lest, while a promise remains of entering His rest, any one of you should seem to have come short of it.” In this case we lack because we fall short. We did not do what was needed to find rest for our souls when we had the opportunity.

When we are overtaken by a trial, James tells us that we will need wisdom to provide us with the proper outlook and course of action. Wisdom helps us transform a trial from something we dread and is getting us down to something we can rise above and even benefit from. When we lack wisdom, we are in danger of doing what is wrong when afflicted like saying things we shouldn’t, exercising bad judgment, and showing wrong behavior. Without wisdom we may miss the lessons of growth the particular trial might have for us. Therefore, it is important that when we experience a trial that we have wisdom.

In Proverbs 2:2 – 7 (NASB) we read: ² Make your ear attentive to wisdom, incline your heart to understanding; ³ For if you cry for discernment, lift your voice for understanding; ⁴ If you seek her as silver, and search for her as for hidden treasures; ⁵ Then you will discern the fear of the LORD, and discover the knowledge of God. ⁶ For the LORD gives wisdom; from His mouth come knowledge and understanding. ⁷ He stores up sound wisdom for the upright; He is a shield to those who walk in integrity.

It might appear from James 1:5 that we simply ask God for wisdom and He gives it to us. But as we continue to read we realize that we receive from God on the basis of faith, which involves a level of assurance that what we ask for will be given and a conviction that we will actually receive it. The passage from Proverbs, shown above, provides additional insight. We are not to come to the Lord and simply say that we need wisdom and that is all there is to it. We are to come before Him and be attentive and carefully listen to him because wisdom is something that he forms in the heart as we patiently and quietly sit with him. As we listen with an attentive ear we are to prayerfully incline our heart to understand. We are to put forth great effort in listening and in thinking about what we are hearing and begin to understand how it applies to the trial we are experiencing.

To “cry for”, to “lift your voice”, to “seek her” and to “search for her” that we see in the above passage all indicates that it takes full commitment to establish wisdom. This passage from Proverbs gives two more conditions that are needed when receiving wisdom. We are to be upright and we are to walk in integrity. To be upright is to be honest and just. To have integrity is to be in an unimpaired state of mind which produces moral soundness or purity, incorruptness, uprightness, and honesty. It appears that when we ask God for wisdom we are entering into a process, under particular moral and ethical conditions, with him that will use a particular trial to move us a little closer to being perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.

^1:5 But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him. ⁶ But he must ask in faith without any doubting, for the one who doubts is like the surf of the sea, driven and tossed by the wind. ⁷ For that man ought not to expect that he will receive anything from the Lord, ⁸ being a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways. (James 1:5 – 8 NASB)

Applying wisdom to a trial provides us with an opportunity for growth in Christ likeness. Wisdom is the process of receiving discernment and understanding from the Lord in relationship to the trial that results in character formation. The trial is the event that exercises us, and wisdom is the vehicle of transformation.

We begin a trial at a particular level of character and hopefully finish it at a higher level. Since this process involves the Lord it will require faith on our part, faith that he will meet our needs during the trial and produce the desired growth. This process over time produces patience and endurance, patience to wait for the process to unfold and endurance to withstand the distress of going through the process. As we spend time with him we receive joy and wisdom to draw from the trial growth in character. In Romans 8:28 – 29 (NASB) Paul summarizes this for us. “And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose. For whom He foreknew, He also predestined to become conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the first-born among many brethren.”

Let us start at the beginning. The first step toward receiving wisdom from God is to recognize our need for it. Next, we are to ask God because we lack, and he gives generously to all that ask and without reproach. When God gives he will always give enough, he will never hold back and when he gives, he is not a respecter of persons and he shows no partiality. He also gives without reservation and ungrudgingly. He gives in a gracious manner, but he expects that our walk will be worthy of the wisdom being asked for.

When we ask God, we are to ask in faith, without any doubting. We are not to question God’s ability or willingness to do what he says he will do. John 14:13 – 14 (NASB) states,  “And whatever you ask in My name, that will I do that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If you ask Me anything in My name, I will do it.” In John 15:7 (NASB) we read,  “If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it shall be done for you.” In 1 John 5:14 – 15 (NASB) we are given further assurance where it says,  “And this is the confidence which we have before Him, that, if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us. And if we know that He hears us in whatever we ask, we know that we have the requests which we have asked from Him.” James is telling us that it is God’s will that we have wisdom in the midst of a trial and so we should have the assurance and be confident that if we ask, God will provide, and we will receive.

It is true that we should have the assurance and be confident that if we ask, God will provide, but in reality, when trials come we find it so easy to focus on the circumstances rather than upon God and his provision. We fail to be patient and listen for his message from which wisdom will be formed. As a result, we experience discouragement and feel that God does not care. If this occurs we must remember that the Lord is near no matter how we feel. We must be patient and continue to look to him with expectancy, and listen for instruction and encouragement, knowing that he cares for us and that he will provide. How better can we learn to be patient and grow in endurance than to wait and learn about what God has for us and is doing in our lives? Growth is not easy, but his word assures us and is confirmed by our experience that he loves us and when we need his help he will be there for us.

We ask God to provide, but are we ready to receive and use what we lacked and asked for? Are we willing to sit still and listen to what God has to say and then are we willing to follow the instruction that God has given to us? Wise is the man who in the face of a trial will humble himself before God to receive grace and by faith ask God for instruction and for the willingness and strength to follow them. This proper conduct from a godly heart and mind is an expression of wisdom.

What kind of lessons is God teaching you through trials that enter your life? Do we view trials as an inconvenience that we want to have end or as a learning, growing experience? Is our perspective of life pleasure or growth? During a trial, what is our relationship or partnership with God like? Do we experience the quiet peace of God’s love in our heart or the root of bitterness because things are not going, as we would like? Do we ask God for wisdom so we can turn a difficult situation into a growing experience? Take some time and ponder over these questions and see what God has for you.

^1:5 But 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. ⁶ 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. ⁷ For let not that man expect that he will receive anything from the Lord, ⁸ being a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways. (James 1:5 – 8 NASB)

James says, “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God.” But he tells us that we are to “ask in faith without any doubting.” The one who doubts cannot expect to receive anything from God and is called a double-minded man, one who is considered to be “unstable in all his ways.” In this lesson we will look at some of the characteristics of a double-minded man.

James describes one who doubts as being double-minded or one with fluctuations of mind. This uncertainty of mind arises from a defect of knowledge or evidence concerning truth. A person can present to another what to them is truth, but unless the person hearing the truth possesses assurance and is convicted he or she will not be able to experience the impact of the truth being delivered. The person hearing the truth may for various reasons not trust the source of the truth or the one who is delivering it. Maybe due to lack of understanding the statement of truth is rejected.

The one who doubts is always in an unsettled state of opinion. Based on the conditions of the moment, whatever makes the most sense at the time is held as being true. But as conditions change so does what is considered as being true. James describes this kind of person as being like the surf of the sea, driven and tossed by the wind.

The surf of the sea is under the control of the wind and goes the way the wind pushes it. In Ephesians 4:14 NASB, Paul helps us understand this when he says,  “As a result, we are no longer to be children, tossed here and there by waves, and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, by craftiness in deceitful scheming.” In this context, a child is one who is weak in knowledge, experience, and judgment. As a result of this weakness a child can be easily influenced to believe something else depending upon the circumstances or the one presenting the information. This is why it is so important that we train young children in the ways of the Lord before harmful philosophies are established in their minds. Children in this formative stage are like small boats that are tossed here and there by the waves. As the wind blows it creates the waves, but it also pushes the boats along a particular course. Within the water there are currents that also cause the boats to drift in a particular direction. As the boats experience the forces of the waves, the wind and the currents so do we as we experience life. Paul says we are to be careful about the effects of doctrine, the trickery of men and by craftiness in deceitful scheming. Children are vulnerable to these forces and need protection and guidance provided by those mature in the faith of Jesus Christ. The one who doubts is like these children and is immature in their understanding and is easily influenced by different things they experience in life.

The one who doubts God is one who is immature in the things and ways of God. A doubting person has not spent sufficient time with God to know Him well enough to have established confidence and assurance in Him to the point of sufficient trust and as a result is easily influenced by other factors. These factors can be false doctrine or ways of the world. In 2 Timothy 2:15 NASB, Paul tells Timothy to “Be diligent to present yourself approved to God as a workman who does not need to be ashamed, handling accurately the word of truth.” As a workman begins a career in a particular trade, he is not very skilled with his tools and is unable to produce high quality results. As he works with his tools under a variety of conditions he becomes skilled with them producing a greater quality of work. This is true in relationship with the word of God. I look at the materials I have written over the years and I see how much more mature the work is than when I first started. When I first began I was unsure about certain interruptions, but as I studies, prayed, and spent time with the Lord an understanding and wisdom formed. The unstable person lacks this maturity and like a child is tossed here and there.

^1:5 But 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. ⁶ 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. ⁷ For let not that man expect that he will receive anything from the Lord, ⁸ being a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways. (James 1:5 – 8 NASB)

As we mature from children to adults in the faith, we must grow in our understanding of the word of truth. As we grow in this understanding we gain wisdom and we find freedom (John 8:32) from the things that would draw us away from God and enslave us.

As children we begin by studying the word of truth and grow in knowledge. As we spend time with God and think about this knowledge, we grow in understanding of what it means. As we spend further time with God, this understanding influences our behavior, which is an expression of wisdom. As this process continues in our life, our faith grows, and we become more and more stable in the ways of God. The trials that enter our lives are to encourage us in this growth process. We are to grow from one who doubts and is thus unstable to one who believes and is anchored to God Himself. The one who knows God and is in love with him is not easily distracted by other influences. This kind of person takes hold of the promises of God with firmness, has assurance and does not hesitate or waver. He is a man of integrity who is determined and steadfast in his plans. He has the kind of character we can understand and confide in. On the other hand, a double minded-man is one who wavers or is inconsistent. He is one who is easily influenced by his feelings or the opinions of others. He is hesitant and undetermined in all things and thus cannot be counted on for anything.

Why should an unstable man not expect to receive anything from the Lord? Let us look at two reasons: faith and investment. To cause a transfer of something, like wisdom, from the unseen to the seen requires a living focused faith. In later lessons we will study the characteristics of a living faith and learn about the work and its fruit that is associated with it. The faith of an unstable person is not sufficiently strong to produce a result. God is not touched and as a result power is not released and nothing materializes from the unseen world.

The second reason for not receiving anything has to do with investment. As a person would you be willing to invest time and money in an unstable person as part of a business venture? You want to invest where there is a minimum of risk and the potential of a good return. This is true with the Lord. He has a kingdom to build and he is searching for those who will produce a good return. To those he will give, but to the double-minded the risk is too great. Jesus says in Matthew 7:6 NASB, “Do not give what is holy to dogs, and do not throw your pearls before swine, lest they trample them under their feet, and turn and tear you to pieces.” This is true with the double-minded person. One moment they may be your friend but the next they may be your enemy.

Let us review what we have covered to this point. In the greeting James introduced us to the Lord Jesus Christ, the one we are to have a growing relationship with if we are to experience fullness of joy. Through our spirit to deep within the recesses of our soul, God meets with us. It is here that joy has its source in him and is that which we enjoy as we suffer the distress of a trial. Supported by this joy we reach across the trial into the unseen by faith and ask for wisdom so that we can grow from this trial and not be set back or destroyed by it.

As the connection is made to God by faith and we listen intently and follow instructions we grow in understand and experience a change in character toward becoming perfect and complete, lacking in nothing like the Lord Jesus Christ. As we are exercised by the trial and stay focused on the goal, we grow in patience and endurance. We must maintain our conversation with the Lord, which involves listening and praying. If we don’t we will become more aware of our distress and then we open up ourselves to our self-talk, which is often time inspired by lies out of our past and we begin to waver on what we might receive from God. If this breakdown continues the distress will grow along with the characteristics of a double-minded person.

Trials can be a great blessing in life when under the transforming power of God. Let us not lose sight of that by trying to avoid going through them. To do so, we might lose out on an important aspect of life required for a fuller life in eternity.

^1:9 But the brother of humble circumstances is to glory in his high position; ¹⁰ and the rich man is to glory in his humiliation, because like flowering grass he will pass away. ¹¹ For the sun rises with a scorching wind and withers the grass; and its flower falls off and the beauty of its appearance is destroyed; so too the rich man in the midst of his pursuits will fade away. (James 1:9 – 11 NASB)

James now turns his attention to two groups of people, those who are poor in terms of things of the world and those who are rich. Those in the middle class can be placed in one of these two groups. If you look down to those who have less that you, then your attitude will be like the rich. If you look up to those who have more than you, then you can be grouped with those who are poor. So, we end up with two groups and James has a message for each of them and that is the focus of this lesson.

James is suggesting that there is a possible attitude problem in these two groups. Those who are poor or of humble circumstances may feel discouraged or that life is not fair to them. By focusing on their humble circumstances their behavior or response to life may be one of bitterness or resentment. Those who are rich have another problem and that is their pride. This type of person may be arrogant and exhibit disdainful conduct or treatment of others. Both groups have a problem they need to overcome, and James makes some comments to both.

Those of humble circumstances, those who do not have many of the world’s goods, are to realize who they are and what they have in Christ and glory in their high position. They are to remember what Paul told the Ephesians in 2:4 – 7 NASB: “But God, being rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, even when we were dead in our transgressions, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved), and raised us up with Him, and seated us with Him in the heavenly places, in Christ Jesus, in order that in the ages to come He might show the surpassing riches of His grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus.”

They are to remember this great love and this great position they have with Christ and glory in it. The brother or sister of humble circumstances must remember that God gave them his Son. God does not give just little gifts. He gives everything.  “He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how will He not also with him freely give us all things” (Romans 8:32 NASB). They should be further encouraged by remembering what is found in 1 John 3:2 (NASB) where we read,  “Beloved, now we are children of God, and it has not appeared as yet what we shall be. We know that, when he appears, we shall be like him, because we shall see him just as he is.” Those who are in Christ are children of the King and the living God of the universe is their Father. They are not to feel sorry for their humble circumstances but are to focus on all they have and are in Christ and as they do their complaints will change to praise.

The rich man, the one with money who can buy things must be careful about his attitude toward money and his possessions. Paul in 1 Timothy 6:6 – 10 (NASB) says,  “But godliness actually is a means of great gain, when accompanied by contentment. For we have brought nothing into the world, so we cannot take anything out of it either. And if we have food and covering, with these we shall be content. But those who want to get rich fall into temptations and a snare and many foolish and harmful desires, which plunge men into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is a root of all sorts of evil, and some by longing for it have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many a pang.”

Money may provide a false sense of value and allow one to have things and do things that take time and focus away from the things of Christ. If not careful, an attitude may form like the one the rich man had in the following parable where he said, “I will say to my soul, ‘Soul, you have many goods laid up for many years to come; take your ease, eat, drink and be merry.’ But God said to him, ‘You fool! This very night your soul is required of you; and now who will own what you have prepared?’” (Luke 12:19 – 20 NASB). His riches did not make him any better than anyone else and they did not prepare him for his meeting with God.

The rich person must remember that like the flowering grass he will pass away, and he must be ready when that time comes. He is to be humble and realize that whatever he is or has in this life; it will come to an end. We all will grow old and die, if an accident or a health problem doesn’t take us before. The rich are to learn to be humble in view of their material goods and worship God, not their things.

^1:9 But the brother of humble circumstances is to glory in his high position; ¹⁰ and the rich man is to glory in his humiliation, because like flowering grass he will pass away. ¹¹ For the sun rises with a scorching wind and withers the grass; and its flower falls off and the beauty of its appearance is destroyed; so too the rich man in the midst of his pursuits will fade away. (James 1:9 – 11 NASB)

In the previous lesson we saw that there was a possible attitude problem with both the rich and the poor. The poor tend to feel discouraged and the rich are proud, resulting in possible sin for both.

The brother of humble circumstances is very aware of the uncertainties of life. For them, the basics of life may be in short supply and they struggle just to live. For the rich man, these things are of little concern. The basics of life are always more than covered and he has money left to gather much around him, to do many things or to travel to many places. Since the rich man may be so focused on his assumed success, James has an extra message for him. No matter how successful he is now, he like the brother of humble circumstances will pass away.

There are two passages in Scripture that James draws his message from. The first is found in Psalm 90 verses 1 – 12 and the second is in Isaiah 40 verses 6 – 8. In Psalm 90 verses 1 – 2, God is seen to exist before the earth was formed. In fact, his existence is from everlasting to everlasting. In verse 4, a thousand years in God’s sight is like one day or as a watch in the night, but for man it is different. In verse 3 man returns back to dust and in verse 5 he is seen as being swept away in the sleep of death. In verses 5 and 6, man is further described like grass that puts forth new growth in the cool of the morning but as the day turns into evening it fades and withers away. In verse 10 we may live to seventy years or due to strength, eighty years. This is such a short time when compared with God’s time frame. Because of our brief life, in verse 12 we are told to remember our days and use them in such a way that we may gain a heart of wisdom.

In the Isaiah passage, man is again compared to grass and the flowers of the field. They quickly grow and show their beauty but just as quickly the grass withers and the flower fades. The duration of man’s life is like the grass and the flower, but the word of God stands forever. James reminds the rich man that like flowers of beauty that accent a grassy field but quickly fades away so will a rich man in the midst of his pursuits fade away. Life for man on earth is rather short and we must not lose sight that its end will come quickly, and we may stand before God empty handed.

Let the one who has little remember how much he has in Christ and praise Him for that. Let the one who has much realize it won’t last long and not be proud of it but bow before God and worship Him. As the despised poor are to learn self-respect, so the proud rich are to learn humility.

Which category do you tend to fall in? Do you look up to someone who has more and covet or do you look down to one who has less and feel a bit proud? Maybe, which way you look depends on the circumstance at the time. Remember, what God thinks of us is not based on whether we are poor or rich but what our heart is like and what kind of a relationship we have with Him and with one another.

In conclusion, whether we are rich or poor we will pass away.

If we are of humble circumstances we can choose to focus on our lack and be discouraged, bitter and resentful or we can focus on the Lord and glory over all He has given to or done for us. The rich man also has a choice. He can focus on his wealth and be proud and arrogant or he can realize that what he has won’t last long and he needs to choose to be humble and reach out to God for the things that will last and to worship him.

Whether you are poor or rich, fullness of life can only be obtained by a growing relationship with the Lord. For the poor he can meet all their needs. For the rich they must learn that only the things that God provides will last. It is not important what we relate to but who we relate to. If our relationship with God is correct all other relationships with people and things will fall into place.

^1:12 Blessed is a man who perseveres under trial; for once he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him. (James 1:12 NASB)

No matter how we live, we will experience trials. Those who are poor may experience different kinds of trials than those who are rich. There are, for sure, many trials that are common to both groups. No matter which group we find ourselves in, or which trial we are facing, James has a word of encouragement for us.

Those who persevere under trials and are approved will receive the crown of life. Consider that in someone’s mind a design for a particular product begins to form and then maybe with the help of others a complete design is developed, and a prototype is made. But will the prototype meet the conditions of the design or will it fail? The only way to find out is to apply a test to it, according to the guidelines of the design, and see how it endures. Consider further that we are the product that has a design located in the mind of God. His goal is to produce a finished product that will stand the required test for approval. It is His objective to follow a procedure and take us through steps of development to obtain the finished product that is according to plan.

Trials are not necessary for growth, but testing is usually perceived as being a trial because of the associated distress. James says, “Blessed is a man who perseveres under trial.” The Greek word for blessed means happy and so we could say, “Happy is the person who perseveres under trial.” That person is happy because of previous preparations; passing marks are now being obtained for the test being endured. Maybe the person has been working on a particular personal weakness, like some bad habit, and now the trial is revealing victory in that area of life. This results in a feeling of satisfaction that a maturing process is taking place.

To persevere is to have patience to continue on under adversity, to have the strength to keep going when you would like to give up. For example, by staying in good physical shape one can enjoy completing a road race or a long hike in the mountains. There is that state of satisfaction over the accomplishment and not the sadness of being unprepared and having to drop out. James is saying, “Satisfied is the person who was patient during the time of preparation and is now patient and able to endure the trial that is testing his faith.”

Consider several other verses that relate to the idea of enduring and the results that can be obtained. In James 4:11 we learn that those who endure will receive compassion and mercy from the Lord. 2 Timothy 2:12 indicates that if we endure, we shall reign with Him. Hebrews 12:7 – 8 tells us that as a son it is for discipline that we endure. According to 1 Peter 2:20, to patiently endure suffering finds favor with God. Finally, Romans 5:3 – 5 insures us that to endure tribulation brings us into a loving relationship with God.

To endure or persevere under trial puts us in a position to experience the compassion and mercy of God, to later reign with Him, to mature as a son, to find favor with God and to experience His love in our heart. This should help ease the pain a little as we realize who we are and what we have in Christ, what He is doing for us, and what we mean to Him. These blessings should encourage our heart and help kindle the joy that should radiate from us as we endure trials in our lives.

To be continued in the next lesson.

^1:12 Blessed is a man who perseveres under trial; for once he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him. (James 1:12 NASB)

Continued from previous lesson.

At various times in our life we are tested to see if we have matured to a particular point, to see what level of faith has been integrated into it or is active in our life. If we pass the test, we receive a reward. Our chance of passing is related to our skill and endurance level. In life we enhance our skill level through education and experience. As a Christian we need to study the word of truth and gain experience with it as we experience trials. In 2 Timothy 2:15 (NASB), Paul tells us to  “Be diligent to present yourselves approved to God as a workman who does not need to be ashamed, handling accurately the word of truth.”

To persevere under trial gains approval, which results in a reward called the crown of life. A crown represents royalty, victory, dignity, and life. The crown of life for each test passed may mean a higher degree of life in heaven, because of growth in Christ likeness, than if you had failed. Paul says in 1 Corinthians 9:25 that we are to exercise self-control in all things and run the race of life with endurance. Those who do and who love the Lord will be rewarded. In 1 Corinthians 2:9, Paul says, “But just as it is written, ‘Things which eye has not seen and ear has not heard, and which have not entered the heart of man, all that God has prepared for those who love him.’” Are we working toward those unseen things God has for us or are we satisfied with the things we can see in this life, which are passing away?

How are you spending time to become a skilled workman and what are you doing with that skill? How are you preparing for trials you have yet to experience so that when they come you will have a better chance to be approved and receive a reward? As I write this, I think of the joy I experienced when at the end of a grueling road race that I had prepared for with many hours of jogging I was called to come forward and receive a reward for a race well run. How much greater will be the joy when we are called to come forward in heaven and receive the crown of life which was fashioned from trials that we completed successfully in this life.

In conclusion, those who persevere under trial and are approved will receive the crown of life.

A person may design and code a computer program to perform a particular task or series of tasks. Before the program is put into production it must go through a unit test in which all of its parts or logic is tested to see if it functions according to design. As each part is tested it either passes or fails. That is true in life. As God works with us there will be a continual testing process to measure the progress.

As we go through a trial or experience a time of testing, let us not forget that joy comes from our relationship with the Lord as does the development of wisdom. Without a growing relationship with him our faith will waver, and we will find it difficult to develop patience and endurance. In fact, without a right relationship with him, nothing of any significance will develop. Anything that does will only be temporary as only what he develops will be lasting.

^1:13 Let no one say when he is tempted, “I am being tempted by God”; for God cannot be tempted by evil, and He Himself does not tempt anyone. ¹⁴ But each one is tempted when he is carried away and enticed by his own lust. ¹⁵ Then when lust has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and when sin is accomplished, it brings forth death. (James 1:13 – 15 NASB)

We have learned from James that God does subject or allow people to experience trials. These trials have the purpose of testing or stimulating character development and they determine how we exercise faith in relationship to the particular trial we are experiencing. James now introduces another form of trial which has its roots in the lust of our heart and is called temptation. When we are tempted we must and will make a decision to be either enticed by our lust and fall into sin or to turn and walk away from the bait that is drawing us. The trial is the struggle at the point of decision.

As we approach this passage there are four words that we need to look at first that will help us understand what James wants us to learn. Those words are (1) desire, (2) lust, (3) bate, and (4) tempt or temptation.

(1) Desire

Desire is an emotion or excitement of the mind that is directed toward obtaining or possessing an object from which pleasure is expected. It is an internal stimulus which influences the will to move us into action. In the Scriptures desire is seen as an appetite, as something we want, wish, or crave for. Depending upon the nature of the person, desire can be for good or it can be for evil. In either case it becomes an internal force that many times moves us into action.

What is our desire? Can we say, “And besides Thee, I desire nothing on earth.” (Psalm 73:25 NASB). Do we desire truth (Psalm 51:6) that we might be set free? (John 8:32). Do we desire earnestly spiritual gifts (1 Corinthians 14:1) that we might effectively serve Him? Are the desires of our heart the desires of the righteous (Proverbs 11:23) that will be granted (Proverbs 11:24), because the Lord promised that as we delight ourselves in him, he will give us the desires of our hearts? (Psalm 37:4). As we think about desire we must be careful about our attraction to the world and its things (1 John 2:15).

(2) Lust

Lust is a burning or longing desire and is often associated with that which is evil. It is desire that lies outside the will of God and is for the purpose of satisfying our selfish and often sensual appetite. Lust like desire is something that takes place within us.

(3) Bait

Bait is an allurement, an enticement, or a temptation to or about something that lies outside us. An object becomes bait when it is seen by something else that finds something about it that is attractive. If seeing the object stimulates an interest in the one beholding it then the process of it becoming bait has begun. The object may be modified in some way to give it more appeal to the one who would see it, but the thing becomes bait only if it stimulates something within the one seeing it causing it to move toward the object.

(4) Tempt or Temptation

Tempt or temptation conveys the idea of being drawn into evil by plausible or convincing arguments or by the offer of some pleasure or apparent advantage. By adding words with particular meaning to the one who hears increases the effectiveness of the bait. But like the bait discussed above these words in themselves have no power. They, like the bait, must stimulate a desire by the meaning being associated with the words by the one hearing. When the communication can raise the level of interest from desire to lust then evil has clearly entered the picture. The words of the bait may have evil intent but the response to them lies within the one who hears.

To be continued in the next lesson.

^1:13 Let no one say when he is tempted, “I am being tempted by God”; for God cannot be tempted by evil, and He Himself does not tempt anyone. ¹⁴ But each one is tempted when he is carried away and enticed by his own lust. ¹⁵ Then when lust has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and when sin is accomplished, it brings forth death. (James 1:13 – 15 NASB)

Continued from previous lesson.

This brings us back to what James had to say. “Let no one say when he is tempted, ‘I am being tempted by God’; for God cannot be tempted by evil, and He Himself does not tempt anyone.” The experience of temptation can be very distressful as we argue with ourselves in our self talk as to what we should do. This can be seen as another form of trial in which our faith is being tested resulting in growth of patience and endurance, which has as its result that we will become perfect and complete, lacking in nothing, if we seek and respond to wisdom as we should. God may present us with various trials for the purpose of growth or to measure our growth, but James tells us that He will never temp us to do anything. He may encourage us but never temp us as this is not His nature. Because of His character and view of evil, God could never tempt anyone to do anything that was evil.

Satan, on the other hand, would like nothing better than to encourage us to follow through with those desires that please us and are contrary to the will of God. An example of this is found in 2 Samuel 24:1 – 9, where it says in verse one, “Now again the anger of the Lord burned against Israel, and it incited David against them to say, ‘Go, number Israel and Judah.’” The question that this verse raises is, “Did the anger of the Lord cause David to sin by counting the soldiers?” To answer that question we need to look at 1 Chronicles 21:1 (NASB) where we read,  “Then Satan stood up against Israel and moved David to number Israel.” The anger of the Lord against Israel provided Satan with an opportunity to stand against Israel and to encourage David to make a count of how big an army he was commander of. Satan may have encouraged David, but it was David that made the choice to number Israel.

When desire enters our heart to do something that would not please God, as it did in this illustration with David, what protection do we have against Satan moving against us and encouraging us to sin as David did? Do we have any hope in our stand against Satan? First, we need to submit ourselves to God and when our relationship with Him is correct, then we will be able to resist the devil and he will flee from us. As we draw near to God He will draw near to us and the devil will then not enjoy being near to us. As we look at God there will be much less chance of our looking away and then being drawn away to do something or to obtain something that we should not do or have.

Temptation is inevitable and is experienced by everyone. The question is not if you will be tempted, but when. James says, “But each one is tempted when he is carried away and enticed by his own lust.” The problem is not the bait that lures us but the inner lust that makes the bait desirable. There will always be something external that will attempt to attract our attention, but it is the lust which is inside that makes what we see desirable. Jesus is working at drawing people to Himself, but so is the world. John says ¹⁵ “Do not love the world, nor the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father in not in him. ¹⁶ For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh and the lust of the eyes and the boastful pride of life is not from the Father but is from the world.” 1 John 2:15 – 16 NASB

What is our desire or our love? What do we want that we think will satisfy us? The source of man’s temptation, then, lies within. It is our inner passion that makes the external bait appear desirable. This lust draws the tempted individual toward that which is desired. We are moved toward it or carried away by our own lust. We must be very careful that we do not follow after our own lust but instead we are to “put on the Lord Jesus Christ and make no provision for the flesh in regard to its lusts” (Romans 13:14 NASB).

Trials may enter our lives, not as a result of testing, but as the result of desire found within that has a wrong motive. We believe that by obtaining the bait or going to it and embracing it, that it will fill a need that we have and that we will be better off for it. If we lack strength and yield to temptation what will be the results?

The inner desire or craving demands an action. It must either be indulged in or turn away from. If we turn away in time the desire will pass and leave us alone, but if it is indulged it will grow like a malignant tumor. James says it is like a sexual relationship. There is a desire for intercourse and if the bait impregnates lust it will give birth to sin. Prior to birth, the conceived sin can be terminated by repentance. If the developing embryo, that was conceived, which is sin, is left to mature it will go full term and give birth. The child that is born is death. All forms of death, which mean separation, are the results of sin. Separation of the soul from the body is physical death. Separation of the spirit of man from God is spiritual death and separation of the self-conscience personality from God forever is eternal death. Consciousness does not cease in eternal death, but the life of fellowship with God does forever.

To be continued in the next lesson.

^1:13 Let no one say when he is tempted, “I am being tempted by God”; for God cannot be tempted by evil, and He Himself does not tempt anyone. ¹⁴ But each one is tempted when he is carried away and enticed by his own lust. ¹⁵ Then when lust has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and when sin is accomplished, it brings forth death. ¹⁶ Do not be deceived, my beloved brethren. (James 1:13 – 16 NASB)

Continued from previous lesson.

Verse 16 seems to apply to the material being covered in this lesson as well as the next, and so will be covered in both. In relationship to this lesson, James is giving us a warning about being deceived over what we will receive if we allow desire to be indulged. As we look at the bait, we see fulfillment and pleasure. These things may last for a moment but in reality James says you will experience the pain of death. We must be very careful that we are not led astray or caused to wander by desire. To go astray or to wander away means greater distance between God and us. What can you do or what are you doing to keep from being led astray by the power of desire?

As we end this lesson, consider the following temptation: ² “Now when evening came David arose from his bed and walked around on the roof of the king’s house, and from the roof he saw a woman bathing; and the woman was very beautiful in appearance. ³ So David sent and inquired about the woman. And one said, “Is this not Bathsheba, the daughter of Eliam, the wife of Uriah the Hittite?” ⁴ David sent messengers and took her, and when she came to him, he lay with her; and when she had purified herself from her uncleanness, she returned to her house. ⁵ The woman conceived; and she sent and told David, and said, “I am pregnant.” (2 Samuel 11:2 – 5 NASB).

“David saw a woman bathing and the woman was very beautiful in appearance.” David sees the “bait” as the beautiful woman bathing. David has “desire” to be with her. David’s desire grows and becomes “lust.” David does not act wisely and turn away, but allows desire to grow into lust, and temptation becomes action and David sent for her and the beautiful woman was enjoyed for a time, but in the process she gets pregnant and life becomes difficult for both of them as David commits murder and the woman’s husband is killed and her child dies.

If David had gone to war with his men this would not have happened. If David had made wise choices after seeing the woman bathing on her roof the temptation would have passed.

In conclusion, God cannot be tempted by evil, and He Himself does not tempt anyone. Temptations will come and we need to make wise choice.

Trials and temptations are much alike but still quite different. They both are stressful and unpleasant to experience. Trials come into our lives and we learn how to deal with them and as we do we can focus on the pain they cause or on the joy we have because of our relationship with the Lord. Temptations come into our lives like trials, but they are different as we can choose to stop them and be free of them. With trials we need endurance to get through them. With temptations we need strength to stop them. Both require wisdom to end with proper results.

Our relationship with the Lord is our source of joy that we can experience when going through trials. Out of our relationship with Him comes patience, endurance, and wisdom. But also, out of that relationship comes the strength we need to make the right decisions when being tempted.

In the next lesson we will see the importance of staying close to God because he has some really wonderful gifts He wants to give to us.

^1:16 Do not be deceived, my beloved brethren. ¹⁷ Every good thing given, and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shifting shadow. ¹⁸ In the exercise of His will He brought us forth by the word of truth, so that we would be a kind of first fruits among His creatures. (James 1:16 – 18 NASB)

In the last lesson we looked at the topic of temptation and learned that there may be something within us that becomes stimulated when we see and or hear something that we perceive as attractive and desirous to have. This stimulation sets into motion our self-talk, which is a conversation with our self over whether we should obtain that which we desire. We saw this struggle as being a form of trial, but one that we could end by simply making a decision to change our focus. This lesson has to do with this change of focus by seeing the importance of desiring the gifts God wants to give to us instead of the things we want to obtain. This is a lesson about learning what things have real value.

We are not to make the mistake of thinking or to be deceived into thinking that God tempts us to do evil. We are to be accountable for our actions that result from the lust that resides within that leads us to do evil. Paul says, “Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, this he will also reap” (Galatians 6:7 NASB). We are not to be deceived about the character of God. He does not tempt us but instead desires to give perfect gifts to us.

 James tells us that God is the true source of all good gifts, gifts that are useful and beneficial to the recipient. The gifts he gives are perfect and therefore complete in meeting the needs of the one receiving them. Consider the gift that is available as described in each of the following verses:

God’s Son: “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish, but have eternal life.” John 3:16 NASB

Wisdom: “But if any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all men generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him.” James 1:5 NASB

Grace: “But He gives a greater grace. Therefore, it says, ‘God is opposed to the proud, but gives grace to the humble.’” James 4:6 NASB

Strength: “That He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with power through His Spirit in the inner man.” Ephesians 3:16 NASB

Desires: “Delight yourself in the Lord and He will give you the desires of your heart.” Psalm 37:4 NASB

Eternal Life: “For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Romans 6:23 NASB

Peace: “Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you; not as the world gives, do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, nor let it be fearful.” John 14:27 NASB

Needs Met: “And my God shall supply all your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:19 NASB

We can see from the above verses that God is a most gracious giver as He gives His Son, wisdom, grace, strength, our desires, eternal life, peace and meets our needs, and as we read the word of God, we find the list to be much longer. There is no one who can give more than God and his gifts are all perfect and beneficial.

If our relationship with God has not been very close and if we have not been in a position to receive his gifts then our experience with their value will be limited. As a result, our desire for them may not be very great when compared to the perceived value of the things we can obtain or would like to obtain in the world. When our sin nature and our desire come together to form lust, we may win out on the side of ignoring the gifts that God would like to give us and going for what the world has for us. Little do we know that we have been deceived into desiring that which is second best. Let us be sure that we are not living for second best.

^1:16 Do not be deceived, my beloved brethren. ¹⁷ Every good thing given, and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shifting shadow. ¹⁸ In the exercise of His will He brought us forth by the word of truth, so that we would be a kind of first fruits among His creatures. (James 1:16 – 18 NASB)

In the previous lesson we considered some of the perfect gifts available to us from God. In this lesson we will consider further the value of these gifts.

To those who could receive these gifts from above, to them their value is only as good as the value they assign to the giver. If they do not treasure their relationship with God they probably will not think much of his gifts and therefore will not be too eager to receive that which they have not seen. There is so much that God wants to bless our lives with but because of deception and our ignorance we are willing to pay the price the world is asking for its things. Things that requires continuous input to keep up and no on-going satisfaction because there is always something better to take its place. In comparison, the gifts that God gives are perfect and free and last forever. They never go out of style and never wear out or require upkeep. They are designed to satisfy our deepest needs not our surface wants.

These good and perfect gifts James describes as coming down from the Father of lights. These lights above that were created by God can be clearly seen. As we look above “The heavens are telling of the glory of God; and their expanse is declaring the work of His hands” (Psalm 19:1 NASB). These lights that shine from above produce shifting shadows and vary in intensity as we experience them here on earth. But God is not like that, for “God is light, and in him there is no darkness at all” (1 John 1:5 NASB). God is the creator and sustainer of the variable lights we experience in daily life, but in him there is no variation of light, and no variation of character.

The light of God’s holiness never changes and thus we see that he could not possibly tempt us to do evil, but instead gives to us gifts that are good and perfect. God’s only desire is for our good and what he does for us or to us and what he gives to us or withholds from us is for our good. He desires that we be  “perfect and complete, lacking in nothing” (James 1:4) when it comes time for us to leave earth and enter into His holy presence.

James next gives an illustration of a good gift that God has made available to us, the gift of life. James tells us that it is God’s will that we be saved from our sins and have eternal life and by exercising his will he makes this possible. He makes the gift available to us and puts it in a secure place until we come to receive it. Once we hear about the gift, it is then our responsibility to learn where the gift is located and then come and receive it. As we hear the word of truth we learn that this gift of eternal life is found in Christ Jesus our Lord (Romans 6:23) and that the way to him is through faith. Since the gift can’t be seen, we must accept it by faith, believing that God has actually given it to us. As we receive the gift we are actually receiving an “imperishable seed” (1 Peter 1:23), which results in a new life with a new nature within us. The nature of this new life is like that of Jesus Christ and is eternal but as with conception and new birth, there must be growth to maturity, and that brings us back to trials and their purpose of encouraging and monitoring our growth.

So, God exercised His will and gave us life, as we trusted Him, by the word of truth. The Bible is the word of truth and all that come to God must come by means of what he has said in his word. His word is true, and John says, “You shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free” (John 8:32 NASB).

James is writing to Jewish Christian readers and refers to them as “the first fruits among His creatures.” From the Old Testament we learn that a first fruit is that first portion of the harvest that is designated to belong to God. A first fruit is used in Scripture as a pledge of a full harvest. James refers to those he is writing to as “first fruits” of the harvest that is to include believers of the church age.

God is indeed a gracious God and gives gifts that are good and perfect. Even we, who have been given the gift of life, will be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing when God is finished with us. This life we have in Christ is obtainable only as a gift “For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God: not as a result of works, that no one should boast” (Ephesians 2:8 – 9 NASB). Have you come to the Lord Jesus Christ and received the precious gift of life? If you have how is your growth in Christ likeness going? If it is not as it should be, why is that?

With this lesson we come to the end of the major section, titled, “The Testing of Faith.”

^1:19 This you know, my beloved brethren. But everyone must be quick to hear, slow to speak and slow to anger; ²⁰ for the anger of man does not achieve the righteousness of God. (James 1:19 – 20 NASB)

With the previous lesson we finished a major unit of study about the testing of our faith. With this lesson we will start a shorter unit of study about being hearers and doers of the word.

Quality relationships are in the decrease today as we have become a society of people busy doing things and not developing relationships. We are a generation of people seeking pleasure and entertainment and as a result we spend little time with one another exploring the meaningful and deep things of life. Many people spend all day at work and then watch TV or surf the internet at night waiting for the weekend to come so they can spend time doing the things they want to do. As a result, husbands and wives become estranged and their children are neglected and left to their own ways. Today COVID-19 is really isolating people. Under these conditions various negative feelings develop toward one another and unhealthy self-talk, or thoughts in our mind, begins to develop. This leads to behavior that is offensive to others, which stimulates responses that inflame the situation leading to people being hurt. This hurt stimulates further thought development and if left unresolved, it develops into bitterness or anger. Under these conditions people are slow to listen and are quick to speak and as a result anger develops very quickly.

In view of this picture James is concerned as to how we might respond. As intelligent responsible people he believes that we are to respond properly. He says, “But let everyone be quick to hear, slow to speak and slow to anger.” In regard to anger he further says that “the anger of man does not achieve the righteousness of God.” Let us look at this instruction from James and consider how it applies to our lives.

To hear is to give audience or allowance to someone to speak. We are to be attentive, to listen to what is being said with the idea to learn. When we are upset our natural tendency is to be impatient and not attentive. We want to express our opinion and not care about what others thinks or how they feel. James wants us to stop and listen so as to get in touch with their feelings and their thoughts. But we often just hear some of their words and attach our meaning to selected ones and quickly form in our minds a response that we are quick to express. James is telling us not to do that but to listen carefully with desire to learn from the speaker and to be sensitive to the message being communicated.

Listening is a very important responsibility. By listening we learn about people and how we can minister to them. By listening we can learn about ourselves and how we may need to change. By listening we also determine our faith for Paul says in Romans 10:17, “So faith comes from hearing, and hearing by the word of Christ.” Our faith, or what we believe, comes from what we hear. If we are to have true faith, then we need to hear the word of truth. If we are listening to that which is not true, then our faith will not be the living faith that it should be.

In the next lesson we will look at the importance of being slow to speak.

^1:19 This you know, my beloved brethren. But everyone must be quick to hear, slow to speak and slow to anger; ²⁰ for the anger of man does not achieve the righteousness of God.  (James 1:19 – 20 NASB)

In the previous lesson we looked at the importance of being quick to hear. In this lesson we will consider the importance of being slow to speak.

Associated with a speaker is an audience, usually of people who may actually be listening. If they are, what the speaker has to say may influence the course of their lives. Because of the power of words, James tells us to be slow to speak and think about what we are going to say before we speak. It is quite natural to speak without first thinking and if we do the effect of our words may not be pleasing to God and may result in misdirection for the listener.

Wise is the person who listens carefully, thinks about what is being said and why it is being said, and then consider how God would have him or her respond. How often a quick response can hurt others and get us into much trouble. Think about the following verses and what they have to say about what we say.

“When there are many words, transgression is unavoidable, but he who restrains his lips is wise” (Proverbs 10:19 NASB).

“Do you see a man who is hasty in his words? There is more hope for a fool than for him” (Proverbs 29:20 NASB).

“He who gives an answer before he hears, it is folly and shame to him” (Proverbs 18:13 NASB).

²⁷ “He who restrains his words has knowledge, and he who has a cool spirit is a man of understanding. ²⁸ Even a fool, when he keeps silent, is considered wise; when he closes his lips, he is counted prudent” (Proverbs 17:27 – 28 NASB).

“Death and life are in the power of the tongue” (Proverbs 18:21a NASB).

“For we all stumble in many ways. If any one does not stumble in what he says, he is a perfect man, able to bridle the whole body as well” (James 3:2 NASB).

Think about those times when someone said something to you that hurt. How did you reply, and have you hurt others with your words? Remember that the words we speak are like capsules of power that can build up a person or tear them down. Your words can be a blessing to others, or a curse and our words can result in sin for us.

Are you pleased with your hearing and speaking characteristics? Do you think the Lord is pleased or might this be an area where, maybe, a little work is needed?

We have considered “be quick to listen” and “slow to speak.” In the next lesson, we will look at the third concern James has and that is about our anger.

^1:19 This you know, my beloved brethren. But everyone must be quick to hear, slow to speak and slow to anger; ²⁰ for the anger of man does not achieve the righteousness of God.  (James 1:19 – 20 NASB)

In the previous three lessons we considered “be quick to listen” and “slow to speak.” In this lesson, we will look at the third concern James had and that was about our anger. He said, “be slow to anger.” It is so easy to quickly express our thoughts and it is also easy to become angry, but we are to keep both under control.

Anger is a violent passion of the mind, which is triggered by a variety of stimuli. It is usually accompanied with the desire to take vengeance or in some way obtain satisfaction from the offending party. Vengeance can be in the form of words or physical force.

We have all been around an angry person and found it to be an uncomfortable experience, maybe even scary. Consider each of the following verses as it relates to anger.

“Do not be eager in your heart to be angry, for anger resides in the bosom of fools” (Ecclesiastes 7:9 NASB).

“A fool always loses his temper, but a wise man holds it back” (Proverbs 29:11 NASB).

“He who is slow to anger has great understanding, but he who is quick-tempered exalts folly” (Proverbs 14:29 NASB).

“Be angry, and yet do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger” (Ephesians 4:26 NASB).

Anger is an emotion, and like others, is an expression of what is in our heart. Anger is not evil, but its expression can become sin. We will all experience the emotion of anger and when we do we need to properly handle it. Paul said it was ok to experience anger, but when we do don’t let it result in sin and keep it short (Ephesians 4:26 NASB). Anger kept in the heart destroys it and results in walls being built up between us and people that we should have relationships with.

James tells us that “the anger of man does not achieve the righteousness of God.” God is love and love reconciles. Anger does not reconcile but destroys a relationship and therefore does not achieve the righteousness of God. Jesus spoke very plainly of this in the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5:22 – 24 NASB). Those who are angry with a brother are guilty and should not present their offering until they have reconciled with the brother.

The one who is a follower of Jesus Christ is to exhibit the qualities of being quick to hear, slow to speak and slow to anger. If we have these qualities we are probably doing well, building effective relationships with those around us.

In the next lesson we will look at the importance of hearing the word of truth.

^1:21 Therefore, putting aside all filthiness and all that remains of wickedness, in humility receive the word implanted, which is able to save your souls. (James 1:21 NASB)

In the previous lesson we considered the importance of being slow to anger. In this lesson we will consider the importance of listening to the word of truth.

When you hear the word of truth, how do you respond to it? Consider what Paul had to say in 1 Thessalonians 2:13 NASB: “And for this reason we also constantly thank God that when you received from us the word of God’s message, you accepted it not as the word of men, but for what it really is, the word of God, which also performs its work in you who believe.” In Hebrews 4:2 (NASB) we read, “For indeed we have had good news preached to us, just as they also; but the word they heard did not profit them, because it was not united by faith in those who heard.” When we hear the word of God, we can decide to do nothing with it, or we can unite it with our faith in God and profit from it.

Being quick to spend time in the Word or being attentive to what is being said could be one of the most important thing you will ever do. For example, consider the benefit you can experience by responding to the following verses:

²⁴ “Truly, truly, I say to you, he who hears My word, and believes Him who sent Me, has eternal life, and does not come into judgment, but has passed out of death into life. ²⁵ Truly, truly, I say to you, an hour is coming and now is, when the dead shall hear the voice of the Son of God; and those who hear shall live” (John 5:24 – 25 NASB).

“Behold, I stand at the door and knock; if anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him, and will dine with him, and he with Me” (Revelation 3:20 NASB).

“Be diligent to present yourself approved to God as a workman who does not need to be ashamed, handling accurately the word of truth” (2 Timothy 2:15 NASB).

It is so important that we read or listen carefully when spending time with the word of truth that we might gain an understanding, but what might hinder us from receiving the word of God? We will consider that in the next lesson.

^1:21 Therefore, putting aside all filthiness and all that remains of wickedness, in humility receive the word implanted, which is able to save your souls. (James 1:21 NASB)

In the previous lesson we considered the importance of being slow to anger. In this lesson we will consider the importance of listening to the word of truth.

When you hear the word of truth, how do you respond to it? Consider what Paul had to say in 1 Thessalonians 2:13 NASB: “And for this reason we also constantly thank God that when you received from us the word of God’s message, you accepted it not as the word of men, but for what it really is, the word of God, which also performs its work in you who believe.” In Hebrews 4:2 (NASB) we read, “For indeed we have had good news preached to us, just as they also; but the word they heard did not profit them, because it was not united by faith in those who heard.” When we hear the word of God, we can decide to do nothing with it, or we can unite it with our faith in God and profit from it.

Being quick to spend time in the Word or being attentive to what is being said could be one of the most important thing you will ever do. For example, consider the benefit you can experience by responding to the following verses:

²⁴ “Truly, truly, I say to you, he who hears My word, and believes Him who sent Me, has eternal life, and does not come into judgment, but has passed out of death into life. ²⁵ Truly, truly, I say to you, an hour is coming and now is, when the dead shall hear the voice of the Son of God; and those who hear shall live” (John 5:24 – 25 NASB).

“Behold, I stand at the door and knock; if anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him, and will dine with him, and he with Me” (Revelation 3:20 NASB).

“Be diligent to present yourself approved to God as a workman who does not need to be ashamed, handling accurately the word of truth” (2 Timothy 2:15 NASB).

It is so important that we read or listen carefully when spending time with the word of truth that we might gain an understanding, but what might hinder us from receiving the word of God? We will consider that in the next lesson.

^1:21 Therefore, putting aside all filthiness and all that remains of wickedness, in humility receive the word implanted, which is able to save your souls. (James 1:21 NASB)

We ended the previous lesson with a list of two things we need to do: (1) lay aside the old self, and (2) mature the new self.

(1) Lay aside the old self

One aspect of laying aside the old self requires that we be able to reduce and even eliminate the effects of our negative thoughts from out of the past. A process that is very effective is to bring into focus a past painful event and as we experience the full depth of its pain, invite Jesus to bring truth against the lie in our mind. We are not to try to come up with the truth ourselves. We are to invite and allow Jesus to speak the truth, to give us understanding. He can do that because He was there during the original event and He knows what all the circumstances were. As this truth is received we are set free and through his comfort our pain is removed. Through this process this area of the old self is laid aside to never have power over us again. When we are reminded of that past event it will no longer have any power over us. We will now be free and at peace in relationship to that story out of our past.

A more general aspect is to recognize the characteristics of our old nature and crucify them with Christ as we put on the new self. It is God that brings about change and by faith we turn over an area of life that needs to be changed and allow it to be nailed to the cross with Jesus.

(2) Put on the new self

The process of putting on the new self requires that we be transformed into his image. Through our study of the word of God and a living growing relationship with him, His mind and attitude are to be formed within us. The thoughts that we have are to be focused on that which is true, honorable, right, pure, lovely, of good repute, excellent and worthy of praise. As we put on the new self others see us as being more like Jesus.

Is change needed in our lives? Yes, because change is a lifelong process. We need to come before the Lord and ask him to,  “Examine me, O Lord, and try me; test my mind and my heart” (Psalms 26:2 NASB) and to,  23 “Search me, O God, and know my heart; 24 try me and know my anxious thoughts; and see if there be any hurtful way in me, and lead me in the everlasting way” (Psalms 139:23 – 24 NASB). If change is needed are we willing to change? God is ready and able to bring about change if we are willing. Why might we not be willing? We might be afraid to change because change often involves pain. It means that part of our old self that we may be comfortable with must die and in its place an unknown new self will be born. In a very real sense we grieve the loss of what we are used to as we labor through the painful birth of a stranger that we are to learn to live with. If we are not willing to accept change as a part of life then life will not be as enjoyable or as full as it could be. Our unwillingness to change may result in even more pain because God is committed to conform us into the image of His Son (Romans 8:29 – 30).

James then says, “In humility receive the word implanted, which is able to save your souls.” The idea is that of taking life from another source and implanting or grafting it into a particular plant. The meaning is that of taking the principles of the word of God and implanting them into our nature and producing, along with the fruit of the old nature, the fruit of righteousness. We then prune out the old and stimulate the new. As Paul says in Philippians 1:21 NASB: “For me to live is Christ and to die is gain.” The new self, which is implanted, contains eternal life and as we are parented by the word of God and mentored by Jesus Christ our Lord we experience life in fullness of depth and meaning.

We come to the end of the section on being hearers of the word and are ready to apply what we have heard to become doers of the word, the topic of the next section.

^1:23 For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man who looks at his natural face in a mirror. (James 1:23 NASB)

In the previous lesson we were instructed to prove ourselves doers of the word and not merely hearers who delude themselves. If we simply listen to the word and do not do what it says, James says we are deceived. He says we are like the one who goes to look at himself in the mirror with no intentions of making any changes. But what about the person who takes a close look at himself in God’s mirror and then abides by what it tells him to do? What are the benefits if he does that? That is what James wants to share with us next.

Stop and think, for a moment, about your relationship with your mirror. You stand before it and it accurately and faithfully reflects back to you what it sees. You look at the reflection and you make note of what you see, and you respond in some way. You may decide that you look ok and do nothing or you may notice something that needs attention and make an adjustment. There are also times that we would like to change what we see but we cannot. The point is we always use a mirror to see how we look with the intent of making an adjustment if we can. We don’t use a mirror to look at ourselves and then walk away and do nothing when something should have been done. If that were our intent, we would not have gone to the mirror in the first place.

How is the word like the mirror? From the mirror we learn what we look like. From the word we learn what we are like. Consider the following examples:

“The heart is more deceitful than all else and is desperately sick; who can understand it?” (Jeremiah 17:9 NASB).

²¹ “For from within, out of the heart of men, proceed the evil thoughts and fornications, thefts, murders, adulteries, 22 deeds of coveting and wickedness, as well as deceit, sensuality, envy, slander, pride and foolishness. ²³ All these evil things proceed from within and defile the man.” (Mark 7:21 – 23 NASB).

“For all of us have become like one who is unclean, and all our righteous deeds are like a filthy garment; and all of us wither like a leaf, and our iniquities, like the wind, take us away.” (Isaiah 64:6 NASB).

“For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” (Romans 3:23 NASB).

⁸ “If we say that we have no sin, we are deceiving ourselves, and the truth is not in us. ⁹ If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. ¹⁰ If we say that we have not sinned, we make Him a liar, and His word is not in us.” (1 John 1:8 – 10 NASB).

“For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (Romans 6:23 NASB).

As we look in the mirror of God’s word we learn about our sin nature, but we also learn about God’s love and the new creation we can become in Christ. Do we understand that God loves us very much and that he wants us to continue the process of becoming like His Son. Each day when we look into God’s mirror, we need to be diligent to work on that which needs attention. Confess to God what you see that needs change and give him permission, in fact, ask him to go to work and make any necessary changes. You will rejoice over the results that will occur even as you experience the pain of change as the old dies and the new is created within you.

^1:23 For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man who looks at his natural face in a mirror; ²⁴ for once he has looked at himself and gone away, he has immediately forgotten what kind of person he was. ²⁵ But one who looks intently at the perfect law, the law of liberty, and abides by it, not having become a forgetful hearer but an effectual doer, this man will be blessed in what he does. (James 1:23 – 25 NASB)

In the previous lesson we considered our relationship with the mirror. In this lesson we will begin by thinking about the following verses as we consider being a doer of what we hear.

¹ “How blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked, nor stand in the path of sinners, not sit in the seat of scoffers! ² But his delight is in the law of the Lord, and in His law he meditates day and night. ³ And he will be like a tree firmly planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in it seasons, and its leaf does not wither; and in whatever he does, he prospers.” (Psalms 1:1 – 3 NASB).

⁸ “This book of the law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it; for then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have success. ⁹ Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous! Do not tremble or be dismayed, for the LORD God is with you wherever you go.” (Joshua 1:8 – 9 NASB).

How do you relate to “The Man in the Mirror”? Do you see anything that needs changing and are you actively spending time with God working on those changes? Remember the trials we experience may be our homework, in the school of life, which has been designed to help us overcome the negative we see in the mirror. As we faithfully do our homework God has promised us that we will become perfect and complete, lacking in nothing. There is no greater goal in life to achieve than to become like God’s Son.

Let us not be like the person that looks in the mirror and then walks away without any concern about change. But instead let us look with eagerness and intentness to determine what is being revealed. Allow that which is seen to grip at the heart and continue to do so until some action toward making a change takes place.

The mirror that is to be intently looked into is called “the perfect law, the law of liberty.” James refers to this word as “law” because it is that body of truth that Christians accept as the authoritative standard by which life is to be regulated. It is called “perfect” because it is from God and it is complete. As a person looks into this mirror, there is no chance of getting a distorted view. What you see is what you are and you can tell what needs changing.

This “perfect law, the law of liberty” is a law that gives freedom to those who voluntarily observe it. Consider what Jesus had to say about this in John 8:31 – 36 NASB: ³¹ “Jesus therefore was saying to those Jews who had believed Him, “If you abide in My word, then you are truly disciples of Mine; ³² and you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.” ³³ They answered Him, “We are Abraham’s offspring, and have never yet been enslaved to anyone; how is it that You say, ‘You shall become free’?” ³⁴ Jesus answered them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, everyone who commits sin is the slave of sin. ³⁵ And the slave does not remain in the house forever; the son does remain forever. ³⁶ If therefore the Son shall make you free, you shall be free indeed.”

The one who finds freedom is a “hearer” like the first person, but unlike him, he does something about what he hears. He does not go away and forget what was heard but becomes “an effectual doer.” He is the kind of person that continues with persistence to do what he has learned from hearing God’s word. As he continues to be obedient to God’s known will, James says, “This man shall be blessed in what he does.” The secret of true happiness is thus found in a consistent life style devoted to doing the will of God. Jesus said,  “Therefore everyone who hears these words of Mine, and acts upon them, may be compared to a wise man, who built his house upon the rock. And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and burst against that house; and yet it did not fall, for it had been founded upon the rock” (Matthew 7:24 – 25 NASB).

As we close this lesson, consider the following verses and think about what they have to say about our relationship or obedience to the word and the results that will follow.

“Be diligent to present yourself approved to God as a workman who does not need to be ashamed, handling accurately the word of truth.” (2 Timothy 2:15 NASB).

“A faithful man will abound with blessings, but he who makes haste to be rich will not go unpunished.” (Proverbs 28:20 NASB).

⁸ “Will a man rob God? Yet you are robbing Me! But you say, ‘How have we robbed Thee?’ In tithes and contributions. ⁹ You are cursed with a curse, for you are robbing Me, the whole nation of you! ¹⁰ Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, so that there may be food in My house, and test Me now in this,” says the Lord of host, “if I will not open for you the windows of heaven, and pour out for you a blessing until there is no more need.”” (Malachi 3:8 – 10 NASB).

⁷ “Blessed is the man who trusts in the LORD and whose trust is the LORD. ⁸ For he will be like a tree planted by the water, that extends its roots by a stream and will not fear when the heat comes; but its leaves will be green, and it will not be anxious in a year of drought nor cease to yield fruit.” (Jeremiah 17:7 – 8 NASB).

Have you been faithful to the word of God or are you are not quite ready to be the “doer” that God would like you to be? If you have been faithful, how has he blessed you? If you have been slow to respond, what can you do to become more faithful?  “There is a way which seems right to a man, but its end is the way of death” (Proverbs 14:12 NASB). God has a way and it leads to a life of blessing.  “He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God” (Micah 6:8 NASB). We can’t go wrong by walking in obedience with the Lord and responding to what we see in the mirror, the perfect law, the law of liberty, God’s eternal word.

26 If anyone thinks himself to be religious, and yet does not bridle his tongue but deceives his own heart, this man’s religion is worthless. 27 Pure and undefiled religion in the sight of our God and Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their distress, and to keep oneself unstained by the world. (James 1:27 – 27 NASB)

With this lesson we begin a short section on what true practical religion is. If a person possesses true religion, what is he or she like? James presents three characteristics that should be present. They are (1) the ability to control the tongue, (2) be engaged in active service, and (3) exhibit proper daily conduct. Is it possible for a person to display these characteristics of true religion and not have eternal life? Let’s take a closer look at what James has to say.

James begins by describing a person who “thinks himself to be religious.” Such a person apparently has a list of religious requirements that are important for him to keep if he is to feel accepted by God. Items on the list could include regular church attendance, listening to Christian radio, reading Christian material including the Bible, spending time in prayer, and even witnessing for his faith. These are people who feel satisfied that their activities make them acceptable to God. These are people who may in the name of Jesus, prophesy, cast out demons and perform miracles (Matthew 7:22 NASB). But Jesus will say of them, “I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness” (Matthew 7:23 NASB). What they were doing was not bringing glory to the Lord but was meeting their own needs of feeling satisfied and accepted. They were not true believers and they were deceived into thinking that their works made them right with the Lord.

These people, who think they are religious, and in many ways they are, belong to a group of people that practice certain rules and customs or traditions. If you watch them and listen to them you will see certain outward appearances and hear things that are often quite revealing of a heart that has not really changed for God. They speak without first thinking about how their words reflect who they are. They continue to speak, like a horse without a bridle that is free to run. The words they speak reflect that which is in the heart. Jesus said, “But the things that proceed out of the mouth come from the heart, and those defile the man” (Matthew 15:18 NASB). The one with true religion may at times say something that is improper, but when he does he will be convicted of wrong. He will confess this wrong and with the help of the Lord, will continue to grow in his ability to “bridle his tongue” as the Lord changes his heart. The one who lacks conviction and does not bridle his tongue is deceived into thinking his religion is true religion. His religion may give him some degree of satisfaction, but James says, “This man’s religion is worthless.”

The person, who is deceived, lacks understanding. That person doesn’t seem to realize that what they think and what they say is not consistent. They think they are ok in their relationship to God, but their speech indicates that they are not. A deceived person is controlled by what he or she thinks is true, when it actually isn’t. Jesus said, “You shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.” “If therefore the Son shall make you free, you shall be free indeed” (John 8:32, 36 NASB). Even if we think we are not deceived in any area of our thinking, we need to be sure we ask the Lord from time to time, to check out our thoughts and reveal to us any problem area. This possibility of deception is one of the important reasons we should take time for a daily Bible study. The word of truth has a way of exposing that which we hold to be true but is actually false. It is a mirror into which we look that reveals what we are like.

^1:26 If anyone thinks himself to be religious, and yet does not bridle his tongue but deceives his own heart, this man’s religion is worthless. ²⁷ Pure and undefiled religion in the sight of our God and Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their distress, and to keep oneself unstained by the world. (James 1:26 – 27 NASB)

In the previous lesson the question was raised about whether your religion was true or not. We considered the possibility that you were deceived into thinking it was but in reality it wasn’t.

The religion of the deceived person comes in many forms, but in all cases, James says, it “is worthless.” This religion may have much to offer a person and in many ways be very attractive, but it tends to center on the external and leaves the inner nature unchanged. It is an activity that may be very enjoyable, but it lacks the regenerating power of the gospel. Outward expressions are an important aspect of personal faith, but they are of little importance if they are not connected to an inner work of the Holy Spirit. A deceived person’s religion is worthless because it is an empty religion. It is a religion without a life and without a living relationship with God. True religion is a living religion in relationship with Jesus Christ. It is a life changing religion, transforming one into the image of Christ. How has your religion changed your life into becoming more like that of Christ?

Religion is important, but it is to be pure and undefiled and it must unite the effects of the gospel on the inner and outer aspects of the person. It is a religion that relates to the personal, growing relationship with God as well as helping those in need, and it does so by keeping an unstained relationship by the world.

If your religion is true then your life will produce an obedience to the word that is “pure and undefiled” before the Lord. To be pure is to be free of contaminates such as moral pollution. To be undefiled implies that you have not become soiled or stained by contact with moral evil. If your religion is to be acceptable to God it must be more than just ritual. It is to be what you do and think in a moral response to God. Anything short of that is considered worthless to God. Our God and Father is looking at our religion from a position of his nature and so the standards are high. He is the Lord God, the Almighty, but He is also our loving Father. He has an eternal, unconditional love for each of us and He wants our religion to be all that it can be to make us like he is and to stimulate a personal relationship with him, a relationship you have to experience in order to understand it.

True religion goes beyond our relationship with God. It also includes our relationship with others and our relationship with the world. Concerning our relationship to others, James lists two needs that were important at the time and still are today. The point James is making is that we should be concerned enough about social issues to be involved directly in some way. When James says we are “to visit” he doesn’t mean just pray about the social problem, he means to get involved is some direct and tangible way. Paul said, “Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind let each of you regard one another as more important than himself; do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others. Have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 2:3 – 5 NASB). Today this might result in our involvement with children or families of prisoners through Prison Fellowship. There are the homeless and children from broken families. There are single parents in need of help. There are so many that we could encourage by showing some interest in them with a loving helping hand.

In addition to being concerned and having contact with and helping those in need or distressed in some way, we are “to keep oneself unstained by the world.” James is saying that there is a philosophy and a morality in the world that can contaminate us. We must be careful that we don’t become positioned in such a way that we become infected. Health care workers are constantly among the sick but manage to stay healthy. Likewise, we can reach out to those, in the world, who are in need and not become infected if we apply proper protection and use caution.

^1:26 If anyone thinks himself to be religious, and yet does not bridle his tongue but deceives his own heart, this man’s religion is worthless. ²⁷ Pure and undefiled religion in the sight of our God and Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their distress, and to keep oneself unstained by the world. (James 1:26 – 27 NASB)

In the previous lesson we saw the importance of our religion being connected to Jesus Christ, and if our religion is true, then we will do all we can to keep ourselves from being stained by the world. One way to protect ourselves is not to become friends with the world. James says, “You adulteresses, do you not know that friendship with the world is hostility toward God: Therefore, whoever wishes to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God” (James 4:4 NASB). In future lessons we will learn about this relationship with the world and why it hurts us and God.

Another way to keep from being stained by the world is to control our worldly desires. In Titus 3:11 – 13 (NASB) Paul says, “For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all men, instructing us to deny ungodliness and worldly desires and to live sensibly, righteously and godly in the present age looking for the blessed hope and the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Christ Jesus.” Television is a reflection of the world. You don’t have to watch long to realize how foreign it is to the nature of God. Programming and advertising have their message and except for a small percentage, it is not the message that God would have us follow. We must be very careful that we don’t become corrupted by it or by what it represents in the world. As you continue to listen to television what subtle effect is it having on the formation of your thoughts? What comes into your mind will eventually become a part of your heart and soon it will begin to determine your behavior. This was a serious problem for the Jews of the Old Testament and resulted in their downfall time and time again.

We may lust after these worldly desires and fall into serious trouble. In 2 Peter 1:4 (NASB) Peter says:  “For by these He has granted to us His precious and magnificent promises, in order that by them you might become partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world by lust.” We have seen how lust can join up with those perceived, attractive things in the world called bait. Remember, when they join there will be conception and the child that is born is death. The corruption that is in the world is sin, and the wages of sin is death. (Romans 6:23 NASB).

We must be careful not to become entangled in the defilements of the world. In 2 Peter 2:20 (NASB) Peter has additional advice for us when he says: “For if after they have escaped the defilement’s of the world by the knowledge of the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, they are again entangled in them and are overcome, the last state has become worse for them than the first.” We must be careful of the things we do or promise to do because of becoming entangled in the defilements of the world. Proper living requires a heads-up attitude and the wisdom we need comes from God through the study of the word of truth. Without this we have a good chance of becoming entangled in and defiled by the world.

What is your heart really like? Listen to what the mouth says and to what you think. Consider your desires, your thirst, and see how you are trying to satisfy them. Are you building broken cisterns (Jeremiah 2:13) or trusting the Lord? Are you willing to have the Lord reveal your heart in the light of the word and have Him change it so that we would have his attitude of service and sacrifice as we develop deeper relationships with others?

This lesson brings us to the end of chapter one, so let us take a moment and summarize what we covered. To ensure reliability, a product must undergo testing. As the importance of the product increases so will the level of testing. Like a product, God is preparing us for an important mission. He is preparing us to live forever after a short period of growth ministry here on earth. This brief period of testing and growth requires wisdom, faith, and help from God if it is to be successful. Along this path to maturity we will encounter many obstacles and distractions that could hinder us. Wise is the person who understands and can handle the lust that lies within, who keeps clean by regular washings with the word, who is learning the truth and being molded and set free by it and with it is reaching out to touch others, and who can control what he says. Is our religion pure and undefiled or does our heart deceive us and lead us astray from becoming what God desires of us?

1. Who wrote the book of James, and how does he introduce himself?

Answer:
James identifies himself as “a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ” (James 1:1). Although several men in the New Testament were named James, this letter is traditionally attributed to James, the brother of Jesus and a leader of the Jerusalem church. Rather than emphasizing his family relationship with Jesus, James humbly describes himself as a servant, showing that his authority comes from his devotion to God and Christ.

2. To whom was James writing, and what situation were they facing?

Answer:
James wrote to “the twelve tribes in the Dispersion” (James 1:1), referring to Jewish believers in Christ who had been scattered outside Jerusalem. These Christians were experiencing trials, persecution, and difficulties because of their faith. James writes to encourage them to remain faithful and to demonstrate that genuine faith produces endurance and spiritual maturity.

3. Why does James tell believers to “count it all joy” when they meet trials?

Answer:
James explains that trials test faith and produce steadfastness (James 1:2–3). Trials are not joyful because of the suffering itself, but because God uses them to strengthen believers. Through difficulties, Christians learn perseverance, dependence on God, and spiritual maturity.

4. What does James mean when he says that steadfastness should “have its full effect”?

Answer:
James teaches that endurance must be allowed to complete its work so that believers may become “perfect and complete, lacking in nothing” (James 1:4). Spiritual growth requires patiently trusting God through difficulties rather than seeking immediate escape. God uses perseverance to shape believers into mature followers of Christ.

5. What should a believer do when lacking wisdom?

Answer:
James instructs believers to ask God, who gives generously and without reproach (James 1:5). God desires His people to seek His guidance, especially during trials. His wisdom enables believers to understand their circumstances and respond in ways that honor Him.

6. Why must a person asking God for wisdom ask “in faith, with no doubting”?

Answer:
James explains that the person who doubts is like “a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind” (James 1:6). Faith involves trusting God’s character and promises. Doubt reveals instability and divided loyalty, while genuine faith confidently depends on God.

7. What does James teach about the rich and the poor?

Answer:
James reminds believers that earthly status is temporary. The humble believer should rejoice in being exalted by God, while the rich should recognize that wealth fades away like a flower in the heat (James 1:9–11). True value comes from one’s relationship with God, not possessions or social position.

8. What is the source of temptation according to James?

Answer:
James teaches that temptation does not come from God. Instead, each person is tempted when carried away by his or her own desires (James 1:13–14). God is holy and does not entice people to sin. Temptation begins within the human heart when sinful desires are allowed to grow.

9. What progression does James describe from temptation to sin?

Answer:
James describes a progression:

1. Desire is conceived.
2. Desire gives birth to sin.
3. Sin grows and produces death (James 1:15).

This shows that sin often begins with an internal desire before it becomes an outward action. Believers must guard their hearts and surrender their desires to God.

10. What does James teach about God’s character?

Answer:
James teaches that God is the giver of every good and perfect gift (James 1:17). Unlike changing shadows, God does not change. He is faithful, generous, and completely trustworthy. Everything good in a believer’s life ultimately comes from Him.

11. What does James mean by saying believers are brought forth by “the word of truth”?

Answer:
James teaches that God gives new life through His truth, referring to the gospel message (James 1:18). Salvation is not produced by human effort but by God’s gracious work through His Word. Believers become a kind of “firstfruits” of His creation, belonging to Him in a special way.

12. What three attitudes does James encourage believers to have when receiving God’s Word?

Answer:
James teaches believers to be:

1. Quick to hear — eagerly listen to God’s truth.
2. Slow to speak — respond carefully and humbly.
3. Slow to anger — control emotions because human anger does not produce God’s righteousness (James 1:19–20).

These attitudes demonstrate humility and spiritual maturity.

13. Why must believers “put away all filthiness and rampant wickedness”?

Answer:
James teaches that receiving God’s Word requires a willing heart. Sin creates barriers between people and God’s truth. Believers must remove sinful attitudes and behaviors so they can receive the Word with humility and allow it to transform their lives (James 1:21).

14. What does James mean by “be doers of the word, and not hearers only”?

Answer:
James teaches that true faith produces obedience. Simply hearing Scripture without applying it leads to self-deception (James 1:22). God’s Word is meant to change how believers think, speak, and live.

15. What illustration does James use to describe someone who hears but does not obey God’s Word?

Answer:
James compares such a person to someone who looks at his face in a mirror and immediately forgets what he saw (James 1:23–24). A person who hears God’s truth but refuses to act on it fails to recognize the need for change.

16. What does James mean by “the perfect law, the law of liberty”?

Answer:
The “law of liberty” refers to God’s revealed will that brings freedom through obedience to Him (James 1:25). God’s commands do not enslave believers; they guide them into the life they were created to live. True freedom comes from living according to God’s design.

17. How does James describe pure and undefiled religion?

Answer:
James defines pure religion as:

1. Visiting or caring for orphans and widows in their distress.
2. Keeping oneself unstained from the world (James 1:27).

True worship involves both compassion toward others and personal holiness before God.

18. What is the central message of James 1?

Answer:
James 1 teaches that genuine faith is revealed through perseverance, dependence on God, obedience to His Word, and practical love for others. Trials strengthen faith, wisdom comes from God, temptation must be resisted, and true believers demonstrate their faith through transformed lives.

19. How can believers today apply the lessons of James 1?

Answer:
Believers can apply James 1 by:

• Viewing trials as opportunities for spiritual growth.
• Seeking God’s wisdom through prayer and faith.
• Recognizing and resisting sinful desires.
• Listening carefully to Scripture and obeying it.
• Demonstrating faith through acts of love and compassion.

James reminds Christians that authentic faith is not merely spoken—it is lived.

Key Understanding of James 1:

Faith that is genuine will endure trials, seek God’s wisdom, overcome temptation, obey God’s Word, and demonstrate love through action.

James 2 emphasizes that genuine faith in Jesus Christ is demonstrated through actions that reflect God’s character. James begins by addressing the sin of partiality, warning believers not to show favoritism toward the wealthy while neglecting the poor, because all people are created in the image of God and are equally valued in His kingdom. He then explains that faith without works is dead, not because works earn salvation, but because true saving faith naturally produces obedience, compassion, and a transformed life. Using examples from Abraham and Rahab, James shows that faith is proven authentic when it acts upon God’s commands. This chapter challenges believers to examine whether their faith is merely expressed in words or is visibly demonstrated through love, mercy, and faithful obedience to God.

James 2:1–13 — Faith Must Reject Partiality

1. What warning does James give believers in James 2:1?

Answer:
James warns believers not to show partiality or favoritism while holding faith in Jesus Christ. True faith in the Lord Jesus cannot exist alongside treating people differently based on outward appearance, wealth, status, or social position. Since God shows no favoritism and values every person made in His image, His people are called to reflect the same attitude.

2. What example does James give to illustrate the sin of partiality?

Answer:
James describes a gathering where a rich person wearing fine clothing and a poor person wearing shabby clothing enter the assembly. If believers honor the rich person by giving him a good seat while telling the poor person to stand or sit on the floor, they have judged people by worldly standards. James shows that such behavior reveals a heart that values possessions and status more than God’s view of people.

3. Why does James say showing favoritism makes believers judges with evil thoughts?

Answer:
James explains that favoritism comes from judging people according to external appearances rather than God’s righteous standards. When believers elevate the wealthy and ignore the poor, they reveal misplaced values and sinful motives. God looks at the heart, but favoritism focuses on temporary worldly advantages.

4. Whom has God chosen according to James 2:5?

Answer:
James says that God has chosen the poor in the world to be rich in faith and heirs of the kingdom promised to those who love Him. This does not mean all poor people are automatically saved or all wealthy people are rejected. Rather, James emphasizes that earthly wealth does not determine spiritual worth. Those who depend on God and love Him receive the true riches of His kingdom.

5. How had some wealthy people treated believers in James’ time?

Answer:
James reminds his readers that some wealthy people had oppressed believers, dragged them into court, and blasphemed the honorable name by which Christians were called. He challenges the inconsistency of honoring those who often opposed them while dishonoring those whom God values.

6. What does James mean by “the royal law” in James 2:8?

Answer:
The royal law is the command: “You shall love your neighbor as yourself” (Leviticus 19:18). James calls it “royal” because it comes from the King and expresses the heart of God’s will for relationships. Love fulfills God’s purpose by treating others with dignity, compassion, and fairness.

7. Why is showing partiality considered sin?

Answer:
James teaches that favoritism violates God’s command to love others. When believers judge people based on wealth, appearance, or social position, they fail to recognize the equal value God gives every person. Partiality is not merely a personality weakness; it is a direct violation of God’s law.

8. What does James mean when he says whoever keeps the whole law but fails in one point is accountable for all of it?

Answer:
James is teaching that God’s law reflects His perfect character. Breaking even one command makes a person a lawbreaker because sin is ultimately rebellion against God Himself. This shows humanity’s need for God’s mercy and salvation through Jesus Christ rather than dependence on personal righteousness.

9. What does James mean by “the law of liberty”?

Answer:
The law of liberty is God’s perfect law that brings freedom rather than bondage. Through Christ, believers are freed from sin’s power and enabled to live according to God’s will. True freedom is not doing whatever we desire but becoming the people God created us to be.

10. Why does James emphasize mercy in relation to judgment?

Answer:
James teaches that those who have received God’s mercy should extend mercy to others. Since believers have been forgiven by God, they should not act with harshness, pride, or favoritism toward others. Mercy demonstrates that a person understands and has embraced God’s grace.

James 2:14–26 — Faith Must Be Demonstrated Through Works

11. What question does James ask about faith without works?

Answer:
James asks, “What good is it, my brothers, if someone says he has faith but does not have works?” He challenges the idea that a person can claim genuine faith while showing no evidence of that faith through their actions.

12. What example does James use to show that words alone are insufficient?

Answer:
James describes a brother or sister who lacks clothing and daily food. If someone simply says, “Go in peace, be warmed and filled,” but does nothing to meet their physical needs, those words accomplish nothing. James uses this example to show that genuine faith expresses itself through compassionate action.

13. Does James teach that people are saved by works instead of faith?

Answer:
No. James is not contradicting salvation by faith. Instead, he explains that genuine saving faith will produce works. Works do not earn salvation, but they reveal whether faith is real. A faith that never changes a person’s life is empty and ineffective.

14. What does James mean by saying “faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead”?

Answer:
James means that a claim of faith without evidence of obedience and transformation is not living faith. True faith produces spiritual fruit, including love, obedience, generosity, and service. Works are not the root of salvation but are the evidence that faith is alive.

15. What example does James give regarding demons and belief?

Answer:
James says that even demons believe that God is one—and they shudder. This demonstrates that intellectual agreement alone is not saving faith. True faith involves trusting God, submitting to Him, and living in obedience to Him.

16. How does Abraham demonstrate that faith and works belong together?

Answer:
Abraham demonstrated his faith by obeying God when he offered his son Isaac on the altar. His action revealed the reality of his trust in God. Abraham’s obedience did not create his faith; rather, it proved that his faith was genuine.

17. What does James mean when he says Abraham’s faith was “completed” by his works?

Answer:
James means that Abraham’s obedience brought his faith to maturity. Faith grows stronger and becomes visible through action. A faith that never produces obedience remains incomplete because it has not been fully expressed.

18. How was Abraham called a friend of God?

Answer:
Abraham was called God’s friend because he trusted God and lived in faithful obedience. His relationship with God was not based merely on knowledge but on a life of dependence, trust, and submission.

19. What example does James give from Rahab’s life?

Answer:
James points to Rahab, who demonstrated faith by protecting God’s messengers and helping them escape. Her actions showed that she trusted the God of Israel even though she came from a different background.

20. What conclusion does James reach about faith and works?

Answer:
James concludes that “faith apart from works is dead.” Genuine faith cannot remain hidden or inactive. A living relationship with God produces visible evidence through obedience, love, and righteous actions.

Major Understanding of James 2

21. What is the central message of James 2?

Answer:
The central message of James 2 is that authentic faith transforms how believers treat others and how they live. True faith rejects favoritism, practices mercy, and produces obedient actions that demonstrate a changed heart.

22. How does James 2 connect belief and behavior?

Answer:
James teaches that what a person truly believes will be reflected in how they live. Faith is not merely a statement of belief but a relationship with God that changes priorities, attitudes, and actions.

23. What does James 2 teach about how Christians should view other people?

Answer:
Christians should view others according to God’s perspective rather than worldly standards. Every person has value because they are created by God, and believers should show love, dignity, and compassion to everyone.

24. How should believers respond to James’ teaching about faith and works?

Answer:
Believers should examine whether their faith produces visible spiritual fruit. They should seek opportunities to serve others, obey God’s commands, and demonstrate the reality of their faith through loving actions.

25. What lasting truth should believers remember from James 2?

Answer:
A living faith is not merely something we profess—it is something we practice. Because Christ has shown us mercy, we are called to live with mercy, love others without partiality, and allow our actions to reveal the transforming power of faith in Jesus Christ.

James 3 focuses on the power of words and the evidence of true spiritual wisdom. James begins by warning teachers that they will be judged more strictly because of the influence their words have on others. He compares the tongue to a small bit controlling a horse and a small rudder guiding a large ship, showing that although the tongue is small, it can direct the course of a person’s life and produce either great good or great harm. James then exposes the inconsistency of using the same mouth to praise God while also cursing people made in His image. He calls believers to a life where speech reflects a transformed heart. The chapter concludes by contrasting earthly, selfish wisdom with the wisdom that comes from above, which is pure, peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy, and characterized by good fruit. James 3 teaches that genuine faith is revealed not only by what we believe but also by how we speak and by the wisdom that guides our daily actions.

^3:1 Let not many of you become teachers, my brethren, knowing that as such we will incur a stricter judgment. (James 3:1 NASB)

A living faith is to produce results, which can be in one of two forms: (1) the results can be external in which faith reveals itself in the production of works, as was illustrated in the previous section (James 2:14 – 26), or (2) the results can also be internal where faith is to result in self-control.

James believes that our speech is an accurate measure of how effective faith is in the internal realm and is the focus of chapter three. This is supported by a statement Jesus made when He said: “The good man out of the good treasure of his heart brings forth what is good; and the evil man out of the evil treasure brings forth what is evil; for his mouth speaks from that which fills his heart” (Luke 6:45 NASB). The words we speak contain great power for “death and life are in the power of the tongue” (Proverbs 18:21a NASB). The words we speak can destroy a person or can build them up. If our faith is a living faith, James insists that our tongue will be under control.

I have been a teacher for many years and have come to understand how important my words are. They are like little capsules of influence that go forth from me that can have an effect on those who hear or read them. My words can provide understanding and can even change the course of a student’s walk-through life. The intent of my words in these lessons is to influence your life, hopefully toward Christ likeness.

As a result of a teacher’s potential influence, James is concerned about qualifications. He says, “Let not many of you become teachers.” This is not to discourage you from becoming a teacher but to be a qualified teacher. There are many teachers today, but some are not qualified because they have not prayerfully studied the material they teach, to gain a proper understanding of it themselves. Because of this improper preparation a teacher may mislead his students and cause them to stumble.

In Matthew 28:19 – 20 (NASB), Jesus gives the command: “Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I commanded you.” Jesus instructs us to go and teach but He also implies that we understand the command He has given to us about how we are to teach. We are to “Be diligent to present yourself approved to God as a workman who does not need to be ashamed, handling accurately the word of truth” (2 Timothy 2:15 NASB). Do we know the word of truth? Do we understand what it is he wants us to teach and how we are to apply it, and do we teach it to his glory?

In addition to being informed teachers, we are to be believers, as James refers to teachers as “my brethren.” We are to be members of the family of God and when we teach do we meet the conditions of 1 Timothy 1:5 NASB: “The goal of our instruction is love from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith.” The concern of both James and Timothy is that “some men, straying from these things, have turned aside to fruitless discussion, wanting to be teachers of the Law, even though they do not understand either what they are saying or the matters about which they make confident assertions” (1 Timothy 1:6 – 7 NASB). As teachers let us be sure we are established in our faith and are informed about that in which we give instruction.

James continues with a warning that as teachers “we shall incur a stricter judgment.” A teacher stands in a position of authority and with his words he can influence those sitting under his instruction. Will God be pleased with the effects our words will have on those who heard or read them? Did we speak or write the truth and in the proper manner or attitude? If not we should be concerned because we will all stand before the judgment seat of Christ and as a teacher our judgment will be more severe because of the position of authority from which we speak.

“If we teach because of the desire to show off, without living Christ before we preach Him, the judgment of God will be severe condemnation; but if our teaching is motivated by a sincere and honest love for the Lord and the edification of those who hear us, then we can welcome this judgment, for it will mean a great reward” (Spiros Zodhiates, The Labor of Love, p. 78).

If God has called you to teach you should not shirk the responsibility because of higher standards. God gives sufficient grace to those he calls if we remain humble in his presence. If we are called to teach, let us teach the truth and live by what we teach. The more opportunity we have to teach the Word, the greater is our responsibility to God.

^3:2 For we all stumble in many ways. If anyone does not stumble in what he says, he is a perfect man, able to bridle the whole body as well. (James 3:2 NASB)

In the previous lesson we saw that Jesus instructed us as believers to go and teach. James elaborates on that and instructs us to be prepared and then to teach with the right motive and attitude. He also made it very clear that teachers, because of their position of authority, are judged under a stricter judgment.

In this lesson, James broadens his scope in verse 2 by saying, “For we all stumble in many ways”. Teachers are not the only ones that can stumble by an improper choice of words. We, unfortunately, all have that potential. To stumble is to trip over something you didn’t notice. I remember one day when I was jogging down a lonely country road early in the morning while it was still dark and stumbled over something. I quickly discovered to my chagrin that it was a skunk. I didn’t plan to trip over him, as I didn’t expect anything to be on the road, so I wasn’t as focused as I should have been. James is telling us that it is just as easy to become inattentive in what we say and sin as it was for me to trip over the skunk in the dark and cause a great stink. If we are so alert that we do not stumble in what we say then James says we are a “perfect man, able to bridle the whole body as well.”

What resides in our heart will eventually manifest itself in the words we speak and if left there it will next be seen in our behavior. If our words don’t reflect something it probably won’t be seen in our behavior. Thus, if our words are under control, so will be our behavior. If the words used to express our thoughts reflect no stumbling then we are considered to be perfect. This suggests the ability to control our tongue is of great significance as it validates our character as a believer. The degree to which we can control our speech indicates the degree to which we can control our life. If we never stumble in what we say, the implication is we will never stumble in our walk with the Lord. We know that this is a goal that will not be reached in this life, but only worked toward. It, however, is a goal worthy of great effort.

God has given man the ability to communicate with words. If we are a teacher let us use our words with great care because of our influence over our students. If we are not teachers, let us still use our words wisely because they not only reflect our character but also influence the lives of others. The image people have of God is based on the words people express concerning Him. We indeed have an awesome responsibility concerning the words we speak.

To help his readers understand the importance of controlling the tongue, James gives two familiar illustrations of control. His first illustration is of a horse, which is brought under control by placing a bit in its mouth. His second illustration is of a ship, which the pilot can control, with the use of a rudder. The tongue is small like the bit and the rudder and like them it can have a great effect. The rider controls the horse with the bit and the pilot controls his ship with the rudder but who controls the tongue?

^3:3 Now if we put the bits into the horses’ mouths so that they will obey us, we direct their entire body as well. ⁴ Look at the ships also, though they are so great and are driven by strong winds, are still directed by a very small rudder wherever the inclination of the pilot desires. ⁵ So also the tongue is a small part of the body, and yet it boasts of great things. (James 3:3 – 5a NASB)

In the previous lesson it was made clear that we all stumble in many ways and must pay particular attention to what we say. The lesson ended with the introduction of two examples of something small that controls something big: the bit in the mouth of a horse and the rudder of a ship.

A bit is a properly shaped, small piece of metal, which when placed in the mouth of a horse and connected to the bridle in a proper manner, can control a high-spirited horse and could actually mean the difference between life or death to the rider. As pressure is applied to the mouth through the bit, the horse responds and its whole body is brought under control. The implication that James is making is that pressure of some sort may be required to control the tongue.

A rudder is a thin flat object connected vertically with a hinge to the stern of the ship. As the rudder is swung off center the flow of water going by it produces pressure against it causing the ship to change course. As the pilot moves the rudder, in a precise fashion, he is able to maintain a steady course. As in the first example the application of pressure is required for control, strengthening the implication that maybe the tongue will also require some form of pressure to control it. The “strong wind” is like the will of the horse. Both are forces than can threaten disaster if control is not maintained. The horse needs a will to keep going, but that could cause it to go astray. The ship needs a “strong wind” to push it along, but that wind can also push it off course to its ruin.

In both examples a very small object, in comparison to the body it is attached to, is able to maintain control. For the horse it is the bit in its mouth and for the ship it is a very small rudder. As the rider of the horse controls the bit in the mouth of the horse, he controls the horse. In like manner, as the pilot of the ship controls the rudder he controls the ship. Both the rider of the horse and the pilot of the ship express their desire and their control by applying the correct pressure at the correct point. As long as the horse and the ship are in motion their control along a desired course must be and can be maintained by the application of proper pressure.

James says the tongue is no different. In comparison to the body it is small, just like the bit in the mouth of the horse is small compared to the size of its body and the rudder of the ship is small compared to the size of the ship. Even though small, each controls the whole. Like the horse and the ship, the tongue when it is being used, must be kept under control, because if it not it can bring ruin to the whole body and to others. In each case the pressure applied is determined by the skill of the person in control. An untrained person will not obtain the results with the horse or ship as a trained experienced operator. This is true concerning the tongue. The person who does not spend time in training with the word of God under a growing relationship with the Lord will not demonstrate a controlled tongue. The quality of our heart determines the pressure that controls the tongue. Without proper direction from a pure heart the tongue will say what it wants. It seems to take on a personality of its own as “it boasts of great things.” Illustrations of this can be found throughout the Scriptures. As examples, consider the following verses.

² They speak falsehood to one another; with flattering lips and with a double heart they speak. ³ May the LORD cut off flattering lips, the tongue that speaks great things; ⁴ who have said, “With our tongue we will prevail; our lips are our own; who is lord over us?” Psalms 12:2 – 4

⁸ They mock, and wickedly speak of oppression; they speak from on high. ⁹ They have set their mouth against the heavens, and their tongue parades through the earth. Psalms 73:8 – 9

The above verses give the impression that the tongue is conscious of its tremendous power and uses it as it seems fit. Its “great boasts” are so out of proportion when compared to its size, but yet in reality it does possess great power. The words that are spoken can change the course of human history. Is there any question that it must be kept under control when in use? There is an old saying that applies here. “Before using the mouth, be sure to engage the brain.” Before we use the tongue, let us be sure it is under control or as we shall see in the next lesson, the results can be disastrous.

^3:5b See how great a forest is set aflame by such a small fire! ⁶ And the tongue is a fire, the very world of iniquity; the tongue is set among our members as that which defiles the entire body, and sets on fire the course of our life, and is set on fire by hell. (James 3:5b – 6 NASB)

James continues to compare the small and the great by indicating that a small fire can get out of control and set a great forest on fire. Just as a small fire can be disastrous and cause great destruction, so can the tongue. In fact, the course of our life can be set on fire or destroyed by our tongue. James also says that many different creatures can be tamed and have been tamed, but those who can tame other creatures are unable to tame the tongue. Does this mean there is no hope to control the tongue?

As a child I can remember when a small fire was a very important part of life. A small fire in the furnace of the farmhouse kept us warm during cold weather. A small fire in the stove in the kitchen cooked food for a hungry family. We would use a small fire to burn our trash outside or toast marshmallows in the fireplace. But if the small fire got out of control, it was no longer useful but destructive. A small fire burning trash near a forest can get out of control and set a great forest on fire, destroying it. The tongue, like a small fire, can be very useful when under control, but out of control it can result in great damage to self and others.

James says, “the tongue is a fire” and like a fire it can be used for good or for evil. It all depends on how it is controlled. There is great power in the tongue as  “Death and life are in the power of the tongue” (Proverbs 18:21a NASB).  “Like apples of gold in settings of silver is a word spoken in right circumstances” (Proverbs 25:11 NASB).  “A man has joy in an apt answer, and how delightful is a timely word” (Proverbs 15:23 NASB).  “A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger. The tongue of the wise makes knowledge acceptable, but the mouth of fools spouts folly” (Proverbs 15:1 – 2 NASB). In Psalms 57:4 the tongue can be like a sharp sword, in Psalms 120:4 it can be deceitful, and in Proverbs 16:27 its words are as a scorching fire.

“The tongue is a fire” that can be used for good or evil and when used for evil, James continues by saying that it is like “the very world of iniquity.” It becomes like that of the world of evil. It is like a landscape filled with brush before a fire. The fire continues to spread and burn as long as it can get to more fuel. Human nature is like the world of iniquity. It is filled with flammable material which allows the tongue like a fire to continue to burn, scorching the landscape, as it is doing today in California. How important it is to contain the fire and prevent further destruction. It is equally important to control the tongue or its words like flames of fire will burn the lives of innocent people.

When compared to other parts of our body, the tongue is unique in terms of power and range of influence. It is true that the hand can be used to kill but the spoken word can cause many to rise and use their hands to kill. The hand can be used to serve, but the spoken word can motivate many to serve. Man has a choice. He can use the tongue as God intended for His glory or it can be used to support the world of iniquity.

James says, the words we speak, if evil “defiles the entire body.” This is in agreement with Jesus when He said,  “The things that proceed out of the mouth come from the heart, and those defile the man” (Matthew 15:18 NASB). The words we speak reflect who we are, and they can defile or pollute us. They are like moral leprosy that continues to eat away at our flesh, destroying it bit by bit until we are destroyed. How powerful and destructive our words can be in affecting others, but at the same time these words pollute and destroy our inner being that which is to be holy for the Lord.

The tongue can be touched in one of two ways. A person can be touched with a burning coal taken from the altar and can have his iniquity taken away and his tongue then used to glorify God (Isaiah 6:5 – 7) or he can allow the tongue to be set on fire by the fire from hell. For you will it be the burning coal from God or the fire from hell? The choice is extremely important, as it will determine the course of our life. The burning coal is a fire under control and when we are touched by it our lives are changed and the words we speak go forth as life. If the tongue is touched and set ablaze by the fire from hell, our words will go forth bringing about death and destruction of others and the pollution and destruction of our own selves. What is the source of the fire that controls your tongue?

^3:7 For every species of beasts and birds, of reptiles and creatures of the sea, is tamed and has been tamed by the human race. ⁸ But no one can tame the tongue; it is a restless evil and full of deadly poison. (James 3:7 – 8 NASB)

In the previous lesson we compared the tongue to a fire and found that when under control the fire could be very useful. In this lesson we will see great difficulty in controlling or taming the tongue.

A person, who says his religion is true, James says must have a tongue that is under control. If his faith is true and living, it will be validated by a tongue that brings honor and glory to God by what it says. It will be a tongue that has been touched by a burning coal from God’s altar not from the fire of hell.

In the beginning of creation “God said, ‘Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness; and let them rule over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the sky and over the cattle and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth.’ And God created man in His own image, in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them. And God blessed them; and God said to them, ‘Be fruitful and multiply, and fill the earth, and subdue it; and rule over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the sky, and over every living thing that moves on the earth’” (Genesis 1:26 – 28 NASB).

This control that God gave to man over the animal world is stated again in Psalms 8:6 – 8 (NASB) where we read: “Thou dost make him to rule over the works of Thy hands; Thou hast put all things under his feet, all sheep and oxen, and also the beasts of the field, the birds of the heavens, and the fish of the sea, whatever passes through the paths of the seas.” The point being made is that God has placed man above the animal kingdom and given him dominance over them. In this context, James is saying that man can chose those he wants to tame and train for his enjoyment as pets or for his use as beasts of burden. It is true that some are more easily controlled than others. The point is that man is the one in control. It is man who captures the creature and puts it in a cage or in a tank, not the other way around.

After pointing out the control man has over the creatures, James now introduces a sad contrast when he says, “But no one can tame the tongue.” It is more elusive and powerful than all the creatures and cannot be contained. But this has not always been the case. If man were created in the image of God then in the beginning he would have had control over his tongue. But after he sinned he no longer possessed the moral will to control it. In his fallen position, man’s tongue seemed to take on a will of its own and seems to speak as it wished. Man alone cannot control that will. By his own unaided efforts, he cannot render the tongue useful and beneficial. Its control is only possible by God’s grace and power.

James then describes the tongue as being a “restless evil and full of deadly poison.” That which is restless is unsettled or always moving about. It cannot be trusted, as it is unreliable. It is impossible to know when it will speak and what it will say and when it speaks on its own; its words are so often vicious and destructive. James is describing the tongue as a vicious wild animal that cannot be brought under control but is free to attack and consume its prey.

 “Death and life are in the power of the tongue” (Proverbs 18:21a NASB). When under control, the tongue can speak words that encourage and build up, but when it is not its words can be like “deadly poison.” When we hear these words, they seem to bite and leave their poison within, like being bitten by a poisonous snake. Here James may be alluding to the scene given in Psalms 140:1 – 3 where evil men who devise evil things in their hearts, continually stir up trouble. “They sharpen their tongues as a serpent; poison of a viper is under their lips.” The work of the tongue can be deadly, like receiving “deadly poison.” To a degree the vicious tongue of the old Serpent, the devil, is found in each of us. With the Lord’s help the tongue needs to be kept under control.

^3:9 With it we bless our Lord and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in the likeness of God; ¹⁰ from the same mouth come both blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not to be this way. (James 3:9 – 10 NASB)

James now points out another characteristic of the tongue, one that should concern each of us. It has an unnatural nature. In one moment, it is used to bless and then in the next it is used to curse. When compared to other things in nature, this dual nature is not found to be normal. Let us look at what James has to say about this condition.

James has pointed out, in previous verses, the importance of controlling the tongue because of the damage it can do with the words that are spoken. We must remember, however, that the tongue is only an instrument that we use to express ourselves. The words spoken by the tongue are the words we give it, even if at times it seems like it spoke on its own or had a will of its own. We are responsible and are held accountable because we are the ones who use it for our expression. As Jesus said, “The good man out of the good treasure of his heart brings forth what is good; and the evil man out of the evil treasures brings forth what is evil; for his mouth speaks from that which fills his heart” (Luke 6:45 NASB).

Those who have come to Christ for salvation and have been born again have a dual nature. Paul tells us in 2 Corinthians 5:17 NASB: “If any man is in Christ, he is a new creature; the old things passed away; behold, new things have come.” It would be nice if at the moment we come to Christ the old nature would be replaced by the new, but unfortunately it is not. It is a growth process and during this time of struggle we will direct our tongue to “bless our Lord and Father” and unfortunately we will also use it to “curse men.” It is because of this dual nature that “from the same mouth come both blessing and cursing.” James is telling us in this passage that this is not acceptable. It should be one or the other but not both. Can a heart contain both good and evil? Can a lake contain both fresh and salt water? One rotten apple in a basket of good ones will cause the good ones to spoil also.

The most important thing we can use our tongue for is to “bless (or praise) our Lord and Father.” To bless is to praise and to praise is to speak well of or commend him for who he is as well as what he does. With our praise we express our gratitude and appreciation for his presence and work in our lives, but more than that we praise him for just who he is. We lift up His attributes such as his greatness, his majesty, his power, his goodness, etc. As Lord we praise him for being powerful and sovereign. We also praise and thank him for His daily protection and care for us. As Father we praise him as his children. As our Father, he loves and provides for us in so many ways and means so much to us and for this we praise him. But we also show him respect and honor with our words by praising him for being creator, good, right, and trustworthy. I can’t think of anything more beautiful and meaningful than to assemble together with his children and worship and praise him in song. With our praise we ascribe to God respect and honor for his glory. This is indeed a marvelous use for our tongue.

But alongside this noble use of our tongue there is a dark side because “with it we curse men.” The tongue is simply expressing what is in the heart. Our focus may be on God and His love and care for us and then we give thanks and praise. But if our focus is on some wrong a person has done to us we may be tempted to and actually express words of harm and not praise toward this person.

To curse is to express an attitude that we are better than the one we are putting down, but James reminds us that they also “have been made in the likeness of God.” It is true that man has fallen in sin but those in Christ are being restored. To a degree every person has a likeness to God and when we curse that person we insult God who created us in his likeness. He who curses man curses the image of God and thus his work. Maybe a particular image has offended us, and we are displeased with it and may be tempted to utter harsh words toward it. But if we do then we are condemning something God has had a part in making and I don’t think that is a position we want to put ourselves in.

^3:11 Does a fountain send out from the same opening both fresh and bitter water? ¹² Can a fig tree, my brethren, produce olives, or a vine produce figs? Nor can saltwater produce fresh. (James 3:11 – 12 NASB)

In the previous lesson, James informed us that we sometimes use the tongue to bless God and to curse men, and that should not be. Blessing and cursing should not come from the same source anymore that both salt and fresh water would come from the same fountain.

Jesus said: “But the things that proceed out of the mouth come from the heart, and those defile the man” (Matthew 15:18 NASB). Man has a fallen nature and his speech can reflect that, but he can also be a new creature in Christ and his speech can reflect that and so “from the same mouth come both blessing and cursing.” To bless is noble, but to curse disqualifies the praise. How can one truly praise while being angry with someone. Those words of praise are only words and not expressions of our heart and are thus empty. When we assemble together and offer up praise to our Lord, what is its value? Is its quality reduced because of our words outside of the assembly, which reflects our attitude?

“My brethren, these things ought not to be this way.” With gentleness and affection, James is pointing out that this inconsistency is not right. If we are in Christ then we must see sin for what it is and any attempt to put a person down is a reflection against God and is sin. Remember the extension of grace to us from God. Is this not an example for us to follow for the one who has offended us?

To point out the abnormality of our speech inconsistency, James again uses illustrations from nature. “Does a fountain send out from the same opening both fresh and bitter water? Can a fig tree, my brethren, produce olives, or a vine produce figs?” The answer to both of these questions is clearly no. Jesus made the same point when He said, “For there is no good tree which produces bad fruit; nor, on the other hand, a bad tree which produces good fruit. For each tree is known by its own fruit. For men do not gather figs from thorns, nor do they pick grapes from a briar bush” (Luke 6:43 – 44 NASB). When you go to a fountain for a drink of water you expect the same tasting water each time. You would be quite shocked if it was not and would suspect that something was seriously wrong. Whether the source was a fountain, a well or a spring, you would not expect fresh water one time and then salt water the next. In nature no source is so inconsistent, and neither should the words that come from our mouth.

Trees or vines, like the fountain, cannot be so inconsistent. Each produces the kind of fruit associated with the specific species. It is absurd to expect a fig tree to produce anything except figs and you sure wouldn’t expect to find figs growing on a vine. Again, the application is that the tongue should either speak good or evil but not both.

In nature a fountain produces only one kind of water and in nature a fig tree produces only figs. In nature each plant was designed to produce a certain kind of fruit. Water is either fresh or it is salty. In a lake it is not both because it would soon mix and become salty. From man both good and bad words can come from him. Words of life and words of death and that should not be. Man should be consistent and produce either good or bad words, but not both and better if they were good. The person with true religion is expected to be consistent in what is said and that it is to honor God in every way.

^3:13 Who among you is wise and understanding? Let him show by his good behavior his deeds in the gentleness of wisdom. (James 3:13 NASB)

James again asks his readers a question in an attempt to touch the conscience of each. He asks each to consider if he or she is wise and has understanding. If we were to examine ourselves, what would be our answer?

If we look at just the question, we might think that James is asking if you are wise and have understanding, but when joined with the sentence that follows we see a different meaning. James is not asking if you have but if you think you have. If you think you have wisdom and understanding then it should be demonstrated by your “good behavior.” As works validates our faith, here we will see that our behavior validates if we are wise and have understanding.

This is the only place in the New Testament that “wise and understanding” are used together. They are used together several times in the Old Testament. In Deuteronomy 1:13 they were seen as qualities of leadership: “Choose wise and discerning (understanding) and experienced men from your tribes, and I will appoint them as your heads.” Later as Israel prepares to enter the Promise Land, Moses urges the people to keep the statutes and judgments he taught them. He says to them: “So keep them and do them, for that is your wisdom and your understanding in the sight of the peoples who will hear all these statutes and say, ‘Surely this great nation is a wise and understanding people’” (Deuteronomy 4:6 NASB). Their obedience and behavior demonstrates to others that they are a people of wisdom and understanding. We find the combination again in Hosea 14:9 (NASB) as they relate to our walk with the Lord. “Whoever is wise, let him understand these things; whoever is discerning, let him know them. For the ways of the Lord are right, and the righteous will walk in them, but transgressors will stumble in them.” As believers in Christ it is important that we possess wisdom and understanding because without them our behavior will probably be undesirable, as we will see later.

One who is “wise” is one having wisdom or discernment for that which is true, right, or lasting. For the Christian there is an extra dimension relating to morality as viewed from God’s perspective. A wise person is thus one who can decide on practical issues of conduct with moral insight. The one with “understanding” is the one who perceives and comprehends the nature and significance of something. It is the ability to grasp or comprehend the meaning intended or expressed by another. It is to know and be tolerant or sympathetic toward someone or something and is gained by close contact or long experience. By putting these two words together, James is expressing the necessity of both intellectual and moral insight when making decisions and our behavior will demonstrate it if we did.

 “Let him show” is a phrase which demands that wisdom and understanding, claimed by a person, be validated by their conduct. Proof must be demonstrated by how we live, by our “good behavior.” Our behavior is important. Peter says, in 1 Peter 2:12 NASB: “Keep your behavior excellent among the Gentiles, so that in the thing in which they slander you as evildoers, they may on account of your good deeds, as they observe them, glorify God in the day of visitation.” Peter continues in 2:15 by saying, “For such is the will of God that by doing right you may silence the ignorance of foolish men.” Our behavior not only validates our possession of wisdom and understanding but the attractiveness of the Christian life to those who observe us and that to the glory of God.

Our good behavior is to be done “in the gentleness of wisdom” or done “in the humility that comes from wisdom” (NIV). A gentle person is one who is considerate or has a kind disposition, one that is amiable and tender. One who is humble is one who displays meekness or modesty in behavior, attitude or spirit and is not arrogant or prideful. Being gentle and humble does not imply weakness but power which is under control. In Matthew 11:29, Jesus who has the power to perform miracles, describes himself as being “gentle and humble in heart.” The one who is meek is submissive and does not feel the need to contend for recognition. He is one who understands how unworthy he is apart from God and is truly thankful for what God has done for him. As a result, his view of fellowmen is with humility. So, the one who has wisdom and understanding will display a gentle and humble behavior toward his fellowmen. This is not seen in some that identify themselves with Christ and it surely is not embraced by the non-Christian world as a worthy attribute. What does our behavior demonstrate about our wisdom and understanding?

^3:14 But if you have bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your heart, do not be arrogant and so lie against the truth. (James 3:14 NASB)

Just as works validates our faith, we learned in the previous lesson that our behavior validates if we are wise and have understanding. If you say that you have wisdom and understanding but your behavior demonstrates that “bitter jealousy and selfish ambition” exist in place of gentleness and humility, then James explains that your wisdom is false and as we will see in a later lesson is not from God.

“But if you have bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your heart” seems to imply a condition that existed among his readers. It was a condition of the heart in which two evil elements existed. The first of these was “bitter jealousy” or as some translations say, “bitter envy.” Is there a difference between jealousy and envy? Envy is a feeling of discontent and resentment that is aroused by and in conjunction with desire for the possessions or qualities of another. What you have that I like might make me feel envious. If one is jealous then that person is fearful or wary of being supplanted or is apprehensive of losing affection or position to another. If I have something that you envy then I might become jealous because of fear that you might remove it from me. Envy and jealousy could stimulate one to greater achievement but adding the word “bitter” implies the darker side of them. The situation here is thus one of unrest or discontentment, which results in bitter antagonism, a behavior that is not very Christ like.

The second evil mentioned is “selfish ambition,” which is an eager or strong desire to achieve something. But when done in an unethical manner and for personal advantage it becomes evil. Those who are selfishly ambitious tend not to obey the truth but obey unrighteousness (Romans 2:8). Paul tells us in Philippians 2:3 – 4 NASB: “Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind let each of you regard one another as more important than himself; do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interest of others.” The following verses might give some insight to what James had in mind. “Some, to be sure, are preaching Christ even from envy and strife, but some also from good will; the latter do it out of love, knowing that I am appointed for the defense of the gospel; the former proclaim Christ out of selfish ambition, rather than from pure motives, thinking to cause me distress in my imprisonment” (Philippians 1:15 – 17 NASB).

James says that these two evil elements exist within the heart and it is from the heart that our behavior comes. These elements will then, sooner, or later, demonstrate that you do not possess wisdom and understanding. You can claim that you are wise and have understanding but it is your behavior that will show the truth. A continued claim in the face of such evidence is to “lie against the truth” and is a demonstration of arrogance. We must stop and say “Search me, O God, and know my heart; try me and know my anxious thoughts; and see if there be any hurtful way in me, and lead me in the everlasting way” (Psalms 139:23 – 24 NASB). But to continue to claim inspiration by God’s wisdom and understanding in view of unworthy conduct is to lie against the truth and is sin. It is displeasing to God and hinders the acceptance of the truth of the Gospel. True wisdom is from God and reflects God, but what about this wisdom that is associated with bitter jealousy and selfish ambition? We will look at that in the next lesson.

^3:15 This wisdom is not that which comes down from above, but is earthly, natural, demonic. ¹⁶ For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there is disorder and every evil thing. (James 3:15 – 16 NASB)

In the previous two lessons we saw that wisdom is validated by behavior and if that wisdom is from God it will express itself with a gentle and humble behavior toward others and it will demonstrate both intellectual and moral insight when making decisions. We also saw some people who say they have wisdom, but their behavior shows bitter jealousy and selfish ambition. James refers to these people as being arrogant and lie against the truth. In this lesson we will look at the first of two kinds of wisdom, a wisdom that is not from God.

Wisdom that is associated with bitter jealousy and selfish ambition is not of God. “This wisdom is not that which comes down from above, but is earthly, natural, demonic.” Wisdom that is from above is characterized by good behavior done in deeds of gentleness. The wisdom being proclaimed in verse 14 is from another source. It is a wisdom that is created here on the earth by the world. It is a wisdom that contains an element of “foolishness” (1 Corinthians 1:20) and lacks the “power of God” (1 Corinthians 2:5). It is a wisdom that denies the existence of God even when evidence of Him is clearly seen in His creation (Romans 1:20). They may say they know God, but they do not honor Him as God, or give thanks. As a result, they become futile in their speculations and their foolish heart becomes darkened. “Professing to be wise, they became fools” (Romans 1:22 NASB).

It is a wisdom that is “natural,” that which pertains to the human nature of man. It is a wisdom that comes from people who lack the Spirit of God. Paul spoke of these people in 1 Corinthians 2:14 NASB: “But a natural man does not accept the things of the Spirit of God; for they are foolishness to him, and he cannot understand them, because they are spiritually appraised.” Wisdom from this source will not include the ways or mind of God but will include the ways and mind of a fallen depraved nature.

Finally, it is wisdom that is “demonic” in character. It will be a wisdom containing a deception of wickedness (2 Thessalonians 2:10) and will pay attention to deceitful spirits and doctrines of demons (1 Timothy 4:1). It is a wisdom that is tolerant of immorality (Revelation 2:20). Taking advantage of man’s fallen nature are demons working to influence men in their thinking and their behavior in an attempt to disrupt the proper function of the body of Christ.

So, what are the results of the kind of wisdom that is associated with “jealousy and selfish ambition?” James declares that it will lead to “disorder and every evil thing.” This disorder is confusion in one’s thinking, which may lead to a breach of civic order or peace, a disturbance of social relationships. This is not of God “for God is not a God of confusion but of peace” (1 Corinthians 14:33 NASB). The wisdom from above leads to unity, but that, which includes jealousy and selfish ambitions, leads to confusion and disunity.

In addition to “disorder,” James says that it is at the root of “every evil thing.” In Romans 1:28 – 32, Paul spoke about people who embrace such wisdom and provides us insight about the world in which we live.

“And just as they did not see fit to acknowledge God any longer, God gave them over to a depraved mind, to do those things which are not proper, being filled with all unrighteousness, wickedness, greed, malice; full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, malice; they are gossips, slanderers, haters of God, insolent, arrogant, boastful, inventors of evil, disobedient to parents, without understanding, untrustworthy, unloving, unmerciful; and, although they know the ordinance of God, that those who practice such things are worthy of death, they not only do the same, but also give hearty approval to those who practice them.”

^3:17 But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, reasonable, full of mercy and good fruits, unwavering, without hypocrisy. ¹⁸ And the seed whose fruit is righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace. (James 3:17 – 18 NASB)

In the previous lesson we saw that false wisdom is “earthly, natural, and demonic,” but in this lesson we will see that true wisdom is “from above” and is from God. It is wisdom with particular characteristics and fruit. This wisdom has characteristics that are “first pure, then peaceable, gentle, reasonable, full of mercy and good fruits, unwavering, without hypocrisy.”

Wisdom that is pure is not mixed with anything that would adulterate it. It is free of defilement and contains nothing that is inappropriate or extraneous. It is free of improper morals, envy, jealousy, anger, resentment, strife, factions, etc. It however contains love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. It is a wisdom that brings purity into one’s life or heart (1 John 3:3, James 4:8), and a pure heart produces pure thoughts, which produce pure actions. Paul says, “Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, let your mind dwell on these things” (Philippians 4:8 NASB). The one who has wisdom from above will have pure thoughts and motives.

“Peaceable” is the next characteristic and has to do with relationships. Peace is the absence of hostilities. It is freedom from quarrels and disagreement. Peace with man begins with peace with God. Jesus said that we are to first love the Lord our God with all of our heart, soul, and mind and then we shall love our neighbor as ourselves (from Matthew 22:37 – 39 NASB). A right vertical relationship is necessary if a person is to have a correct horizontal relationship. Wisdom that is from above is constantly at work to remove divisions, to establish peace.

“Gentle” is another characteristic and includes forgiveness, allowance, and compassion. The idea here is to temper justice with mercy. We are to be mild and inoffensive. We may have the right to punish someone but maybe helping him or her would be more appropriate. Gentleness helps relationships as, “A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger” (Proverbs 15:1 NASB). To walk in a worthy manner is to walk with gentleness. “I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, entreat you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling with which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, showing forbearance to one another in love, being diligent to preserve the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace” (Ephesians 4:1 – 3 NASB).

To be “reasonable” is not to be stubborn or rigid but easily persuaded and compliant; submissive. We are to be willing to listen and then to yield if a better solution or idea is presented. We are to be willing to obey that which is right. For example, we may be willing to accept Christ as Savior, but are we willing to obey Him as Lord or does pride cause stubbornness? Stubbornness can be dangerous as we learn from Paul. “Or do you think lightly of the riches of His kindness and forbearance and patience, not knowing that the kindness of God leads you to repentance? But because of your stubbornness and unrepentant heart you are storing up wrath for yourself in the day of wrath and revelation of the righteous judgment of God” (Romans 2:4 – 5 NASB).

We will cover the remaining characteristics in the next lesson.

^3:17 But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, reasonable, full of mercy and good fruits, unwavering, without hypocrisy. ¹⁸ And the seed whose fruit is righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace. (James 3:17 – 18 NASB)

In the previous lesson we covered the first four characteristics of wisdom from above. In this lesson we will cover the remaining four.

“Full of mercy and good fruits” is the only double characteristic in the list. To show mercy is to show compassion, especially to those under one’s power. It is a disposition of being kind and forgiving, especially to those in trouble. We are to be merciful just as our Father is merciful and not pass judgment. Jesus said: “Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful. And do not pass judgment and you will not be judged; and do not condemn, and you shall not be condemned; pardon and you will be pardoned. Give, and it will be given to you; good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, they will pour into your lap. For whatever measure you deal out to others, it will be dealt to you in return” (Luke 6:36 – 38 NASB).

When we studied James 2:13, we learned that God prefers mercy to judgment. What does God require of us? Micah tells us by saying, “He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?” (Micah 6:8 NASB). Jesus pointed out the importance of mercy in our relationships when He reprimanded the Pharisees by saying, “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you tithe mint and dill and cumin and have neglected the weightier provisions of the law: justice and mercy and faithfulness; but these are the things you should have done without neglecting the others” (Matthew 23:23 NASB).

As we show mercy toward one another by our behavior and the spoken word, the results produced are called “good fruits.” Mercy goes beyond feeling. It is action that produces “good fruits” by motivating one to do something positive and practical to the one who is less fortunate. These practical helps are described as “fruit of the righteous” and referred to as “a tree of life” in Proverbs 11:30.

“Unwavering” indicates a chosen course. “We are no longer to be children, tossed here and there by waves, and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, by craftiness in deceitful scheming” (Ephesians 4:14 NASB). One who is wise is mature and does not let various forces toss him here and there or carry him about. He moves along a chosen course without any doubting. He is unwavering in reaching out to others.

The last characteristic is “without hypocrisy” or being honest. We do not profess something we are not like professing a level of maturity that we have not yet obtained. It is a wisdom that is sincere and is genuine.

James now closes this chapter with an emphasis on the relationship between righteousness and peace. Those who have wisdom from above are determined to be peacemakers and as they go about stimulating a peaceful environment they are found sowing seeds, which will bear the fruit of righteousness. In Hosea 10:12 (NASB), we are reminded to “Sow with a view to righteousness, reap in accordance with kindness; break up your fallow ground, for it is time to seek the Lord until he comes to rain righteousness on you.” It is a “righteousness which comes through Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God” (Philippians 1:11 NASB). What a contrast there is in the behavior of and the environment around those possessing wisdom from above as compared to those without. Let each of us be diligent to seek the wisdom that God provides.

1. Why does James begin by warning that not many should become teachers? (James 3:1)

Answer:
James warns that teachers will be judged more strictly because those who teach God’s Word influence the faith and understanding of others. A teacher carries the responsibility of accurately representing God’s truth and guiding others toward spiritual maturity. Because words have great power, those who instruct others must carefully guard their own lives and doctrine.

2. What does James mean when he says, “we all stumble in many ways”? (James 3:2)

Answer:
James acknowledges that every believer struggles with sin and imperfection. No person is completely free from failure. However, he emphasizes that controlling one’s speech is a sign of spiritual maturity because the tongue reveals the condition of the heart. A person who can discipline their words demonstrates self-control in other areas of life as well.

3. Why does James compare the tongue to a bit placed in a horse’s mouth? (James 3:3)

Answer:
A small bit can control the direction of a powerful horse. In the same way, the tongue is a small part of the body, yet it can influence the direction of a person’s life. Words can encourage, teach, and bless others, or they can harm relationships, damage reputations, and lead people away from God’s purposes.

4. Why does James compare the tongue to the rudder of a ship? (James 3:4)

Answer:
A ship’s rudder is small compared to the entire vessel, yet it determines the direction of the ship. James teaches that our words, though small, can determine the course of our relationships, decisions, and spiritual influence. Wise speech guides life toward righteousness, while careless speech can lead toward destruction.

5. Why does James describe the tongue as “a fire”? (James 3:5–6)

Answer:
James uses fire as a picture of the destructive power of uncontrolled speech. Just as a small spark can destroy a great forest, a few harmful words can create tremendous damage. Gossip, anger, lies, and criticism can spread quickly and destroy trust, unity, and peace.

6. What does James mean by saying the tongue is “a world of unrighteousness”? (James 3:6)

Answer:
James explains that sinful speech reflects the brokenness of human nature. Words can express pride, hatred, deception, and selfishness. The tongue becomes a channel through which sinful desires influence others. Therefore, believers must seek God’s help to bring their speech under the control of the Holy Spirit.

7. Why does James say that humans can tame animals but cannot tame the tongue? (James 3:7–8)

Answer:
James is not saying that controlling speech is impossible, but that human effort alone is insufficient. The tongue is difficult to control because it is connected to the heart. Only through God’s transforming work can believers consistently speak words that honor Him.

8. What contradiction does James identify about the way people use their tongues? (James 3:9–10)

Answer:
James points out that people often use the same tongue to praise God and then speak harmful words against others who are made in God’s image. This inconsistency reveals a lack of spiritual maturity. Worship of God should transform the way believers speak to and about other people.

9. Why is speaking against others especially serious according to James? (James 3:9)

Answer:
Every person is created in the image of God. Therefore, words that demean, insult, or destroy another person’s dignity are ultimately an offense against the Creator. Respect for God should lead believers to treat others with kindness, compassion, and grace.

10. What illustrations does James use to show that a source produces consistent results? (James 3:11–12)

Answer:
James asks whether a spring can produce both fresh and salt water, or whether a fig tree can produce olives. His point is that what comes from a person’s mouth reveals what is within the heart. A life transformed by God should produce words that reflect God’s character.

11. What is the difference between earthly wisdom and wisdom from above? (James 3:13–17)

Answer:
Earthly wisdom is characterized by selfish ambition, jealousy, pride, and disorder. Wisdom from above comes from God and is marked by purity, peace, gentleness, humility, mercy, and good works. True wisdom is not merely knowledge but a way of living that reflects God’s character.

12. How can a person demonstrate true wisdom according to James? (James 3:13)

Answer:
True wisdom is demonstrated through a life of good conduct and humble actions. A wise person does not seek attention or prove superiority but shows the character of Christ through patience, kindness, and obedience.

13. What attitudes reveal earthly wisdom? (James 3:14–16)

Answer:
Jealousy, selfish ambition, pride, and a desire for personal recognition reveal earthly wisdom. These attitudes create conflict and confusion rather than unity. James teaches that where selfish desires rule, spiritual disorder will follow.

14. What are the characteristics of wisdom from above? (James 3:17)

Answer:
Wisdom from above is:

• Pure — morally clean and devoted to God
• Peaceable — seeking harmony rather than conflict
• Gentle — patient and considerate toward others
• Open to reason — willing to listen and learn
• Full of mercy — showing compassion and forgiveness
• Full of good fruits — producing righteous actions
• Impartial — fair and consistent
• Sincere — genuine and without hypocrisy

These qualities reflect the life of Christ.

15. What does James mean by “a harvest of righteousness is sown in peace”? (James 3:18)

Answer:
James teaches that peaceful relationships create an environment where righteousness can grow. Those who pursue peace and live according to God’s wisdom produce spiritual fruit that blesses others and honors God.

16. How does James 3 connect speech and spiritual maturity?

Answer:
James teaches that our words reveal our spiritual condition. A mature believer learns to submit their speech to God, using words to encourage, teach, restore, and bless rather than harm. Control of the tongue is evidence that God is transforming the heart.

17. How does James 3 point believers toward Christ?

Answer:
Jesus perfectly demonstrated wisdom from above. His words brought truth, healing, forgiveness, and life. Unlike human speech that often causes harm, Christ’s words reveal God’s grace and righteousness. Believers grow in maturity as they become more like Him in both their words and actions.

Summary Truth from James 3

The tongue is small but powerful. Spiritual maturity is revealed not only by what we believe but by how we speak. True wisdom comes from God and produces humility, peace, mercy, and righteous living.

James 4 continues James’ practical teaching on authentic Christian living by addressing the conflicts that arise when worldly desires compete with devotion to God. He explains that quarrels and divisions often come from selfish passions within the heart rather than from external circumstances. James calls believers to resist pride, submit themselves to God, draw near to Him, and reject friendship with the values of the world. He emphasizes the need for humility before God, warning against judgmental attitudes toward others and reminding believers that God alone is the true Judge. The chapter concludes with a challenge to live with dependence upon God rather than presuming control over the future, teaching that every plan should be made with the recognition that life is under the Lord’s authority. James 4 presents a powerful call to humble faith, wholehearted obedience, and a life that reflects complete trust in God.

^4:1 What is the source of quarrels and conflicts among you? Is not the source your pleasures that wage war in your members? (James4:1 NASB)

Worldliness is where we find jealousy and selfish ambition, which produces disorder and every evil thing (James 3:16). It is where wisdom, which is earthly, natural, and demonic, controls the mind of man. In this lesson we will see that it is also where quarrels and conflicts exist.

The opening question makes a statement about the conduct of the people James is writing to. They are experiencing “quarrels and conflicts.” The question points to their behavior and asks them what they think its source might be. While they are thinking about their response, James makes a suggestion by asking, “Is not the source your pleasures that wage war in your members?”

This second question is a challenge to the reader to acknowledge the source being suggested as the correct response, that there is something within them that is the root of the problem. Remember James 1:14 – 15, which describes the struggle that goes on inside us as a result of lust or desire for something? Add to this struggle “jealousy and selfish ambition” (James 3:16) and the turbulence inside a person breaks forth through behavior and spoken words that rub others the wrong way, causing a reactive response from them. The results are “quarrels and conflicts.”

What are the steps that go from pleasure to quarrels and conflicts? Consider the following:

• You desire something.
• You think about it in the daytime and dream about it at night.
• You develop imaginary plans and schemes of how to obtain your desire.
• This process continues and forms a ruling passion within you.
• Then one day the passion becomes so intense it breaks forth into action and you find yourself taking steps to fulfill your desire.
• These steps may affect others and result in quarrels and conflicts.

Consider a simple example. As a family member, you desire to do something and when you do, it causes another family member some discomfort or concern. That person may express their feeling or concern, which you interpret as resistance against your desire and you react with some words. The exchange continues and you experience “quarrels and conflicts” firsthand.

The phrase “wage war in your members” suggest soldiers that are engaged in battle to secure something desired by an inner craving. As we execute these desires we end up in “quarrels and conflicts” because of their impact on others. In verse 7 we find the solution to this problem, and that is submission to God. Getting what we want our way does not take into account how it affects others and leads to problems. If we ask God for what we want and wait for Him to fill that need, we will not have these quarrels and conflicts among us.

^4:2 You lust and do not have; so you commit murder. You are envious and cannot obtain; so you fight and quarrel. You do not have because you do not ask. ³ You ask and do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, so that you may spend it on your pleasures. (James4:2 – 3 NASB)

In the previous lesson we looked at the cause of quarrels and conflicts. In this lesson we will look at how serious these conflicts can become?

James says: “You lust and do not have; so, you commit murder.” To lust is to desire to have something, which you do not now possess and to which you have no just claim. I know of a church that accepts nominations each year to fill positions on their board of deacons and their board of elders. Elections are then held, and candidates are chosen to fill the various positions. Consider the possibility that one of these candidates who lost, had the spirit of the world operating in his heart, desired to have the personal glory and the praise of people by having that particular position in the church. Having lost what he wanted he now shares things with others that have the effect of killing or assassinating the character or reputation of the one who won. In this context he is guilty of what James is referring to as “murder.” Assassinating the character or reputation of someone we don’t like can cause deep scars, like picking up a weapon to harm someone.

Next James says, “And you are envious and cannot obtain; so, you fight and quarrel.” We are envious of what another has or has achieved that we do not have or cannot have or obtain so we become troublemakers and we quarrel and fight. James is pointing out that when a Christian allows worldliness into his life his words and actions promote disorder and every evil thing.

Two reasons are now given for their undesirable behavior. First, “You do not have because you do not ask” and second, “You ask and do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, so that you may spend it on your pleasures.” Every good and perfect gift is from God (James 1:17) and when we lack he wants us to come to Him and ask him for what we want. For many this seems to be the least certain and least direct way to fulfill their desire. It seems easier to use our own strength and ways to get what we want, no matter who is hurt instead of wrestling with God on the matter. Are you afraid He might say no or that he is unable to provide you with what you want? Maybe you are afraid there might be some strings attached. Whatever the reason, you do not ask and so you do not receive.

Maybe “you ask and do not receive.” There may be good reasons why. Maybe what you asked for is not good for you and it would be best if you did not have it and so it is not given. Maybe it is not given to you “because you ask with wrong motives.” Maybe there is within you an emotion, or a desire, or some physiological need, or impulse that acts as an incitement to action, but it is wrong. It is wrong because it is self-centered. It is something you want “so that you may spend it on your pleasures.” That which is being asked for may not be bad, but the intended use may not be good and thus you may not be given what you asked for. There is an interesting parallel between those who come to God and ask with wrong motives and the prodigal son who came to his father and asked for his inheritance; in both cases that being asked for usually ends up being wasted.

Wisdom from God is so important, because without it we have no hope to avoid being guilty of “quarrels and conflicts” or to properly respond to the offence of others. God tells us that if you lack wisdom, ask him for it and it will be given to you.

^4:4 You adulteresses, do you not know that friendship with the world is hostility toward God? Therefore, whoever wishes to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God. ⁵ Or do you think that the Scripture speaks to no purpose: “He jealously desires the Spirit which He has made to dwell in us”? ⁶ But He gives a greater grace. Therefore, it says, “God is opposed to the proud, but gives grace to the humble.” (James 4:4 – 6 NASB)

The desires of our heart draw us into worldliness where we end up quarreling and having conflicts with one another. We seem to think that we will be satisfied with what the world has to offer and do not take time to consider what God has to offer or to come to God and ask him for what we need. As we spend time with the world a friendship is established and the heart that God wants for himself, He now has to share with the world and that deeply hurts him. In this lesson we will look at the rebuke James makes to the worldly-minded. A rebuke that points out that friendship with the world is spiritual adultery, that it disregards the warning of Scripture and causes God to be displeased.

James begins his rebuke with a very strong statement by referring to those he is addressing as “adulteresses.” An adulteress is a woman who commits adultery, who has an intimate relationship with a man who is not her husband. In this example the woman is the Christian or member of the bride of Christ. The husband is God and in particular the person of Jesus Christ. The man, that the woman is having an improper intimate relationship with, is the world. As a Christian, we have become an adulteress by our relationship with the world and have broken our marriage covenant with God. In 2 Corinthians 11:2 – 3 (NASB), Paul is very clear about this when he says: “For I am jealous for you with a godly jealousy; for I betrothed you to one husband, that to Christ I might present you as a pure virgin. But I am afraid, lest as the serpent deceived Eve by his craftiness, your minds should be led astray from the simplicity and purity of devotion to Christ.”

“Do you not know that friendship with the world is hostility toward God?” Both God and the world require our service and as Jesus said, “No servant can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one, and love the other, or else he will hold to one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and mammon” (Luke 16:13 NASB). One can find many attractive and pleasurable things in the world that can be enjoyed, but as we look at or spend time with those things, can we be looking at and spending time with the Lord and enjoying him also? If we are not careful we will be deceived into believing that what the world has to offer is all we need. We become used to second best and are willing to accept it without even thinking about something better that God might have to give us.

As we spend time with the world, a “friendship with the world” develops. This “friendship” implies an attachment to it and as a friend we patronize with it and sympathize with its philosophy. As a friend with the “world” we develop an attitude that shows favor toward it and it becomes the focus of our affection. That “world” is an unsaved humanistic world with its earthly, natural, and demonic wisdom and by our friendship with it we become contaminated. It is a contamination that results in hostility toward God and draws our focus away from Him to self.

This “friendship with the world is hostility toward God.” This hostility is feeling or showing enmity or ill will toward God, especially when trials enter our life. We can become irritated when God desires to be Lord of our life and for us to become more Christ like because this conflicts with the philosophy of the world that we now embrace. Paul made this point very clear in Romans 8:5 – 8 NASB: “For those who are according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who are according to the Spirit, the things of the Spirit. For the mind set on the flesh is death, but the mind set on the Spirit is life and peace, because the mind set on the flesh is hostile toward God; for it does not subject itself to the law of God, for it is not even able to do so; and those who are in the flesh cannot please God.” As we allow the flesh to yield to the spirit of the world we are in essence taking a position that is opposed to God.

^4:4 You adulteresses, do you not know that friendship with the world is hostility toward God? Therefore, whoever wishes to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God. ⁵ Or do you think that the Scripture speaks to no purpose: “He jealously desires the Spirit which He has made to dwell in us”? ⁶ But He gives a greater grace. Therefore, it says, “God is opposed to the proud, but gives grace to the humble.” (James 4:4 – 6 NASB)

In the previous lesson we saw, “whoever wishes to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God.” When it comes to making friends, the choice is always ours. One looks at what the world has to offer and then looks again, each time being drawn more closely to it, like a game on your PC or surfing on the Internet. You decide to play a game or browse before you do that which you should be doing. But one game leads to another or you browse further and before long there is no time left to do what should have been done in the first place. As you spend time with the games you become knowledgeable about it and your performance improves or you find more attractive places to visit. In a way you become a friend with your indulgence at the expense of other things that should be taking place in your life, like time with the Lord. The world in many ways is like those games or Internet browsing. You become involved in it and you decide to spend more time with it and as a result you develop a friendship with it and as you do you become unfaithful to God.

This decision to spend time with the world and not with God “makes himself an enemy of God.” There are three choices we can make as described in Revelation 3:15 – 16 by John in his` letter to the church at Laodicea. He said, “I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot; I would that you were cold or hot. So, because you are lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of My mouth.” In reality, there is only one correct choice and that is the Lord. Any other choice is a choice against God and that makes us “an enemy of God.”

A question is now asked to cause one to think about their behavior in light of the Scriptures and in terms of how God might feel. “Or do you think that the Scriptures speaks to no purpose: ‘He jealously desires the Spirit which He has made to dwell in us’?” The structure of this sentence is kind of awkward and would be better if it were two sentences, a question, and a statement. The question pertains to the Scriptures as a whole. Do they not clearly indicate that worldliness and godliness cannot exist together anymore that salt water and fresh water can exist together in the same container? You must therefore choose whom you will serve. Will it be the world or the Lord?

The second part or sentence has to do with the relationship between our attitude and God’s response. When we come to Christ at salvation, God places His Spirit in us. At salvation, a transaction takes place and God takes ownership (Acts 20:28) as we surrender our life to Him. From then on his Spirit becomes very concerned with whom we spend time with. It is the Holy Spirit’s desire that total loyalty and devotion be given to God. Involvement with the world results in the Holy Spirit becoming jealous, as he wants all of our affection. He loves us with such a passion that he cannot bear any rival love within our heart.

How can we resist the draw the world has on us? Is there any hope? The answer lies in the grace of God. The grace he gives is greater and so much more filling than the pleasures or the status the world has to offer. It is with great compassion that he reaches out to us and gives us what we don’t deserve and what he has for us is so much more than the world has to offer. But who can be recipients of His grace? Are there any conditions? “Therefore, it says, ‘God is opposed to the proud, but gives grace to the humble.’”

Pride is the attachment of undue importance to oneself because of something and it must be set aside if we are to be humble. We are to recognize that any good thing about me is not because of what I have done, but instead is because of what God has done for me or has given to me. If we are proud we will not receive his grace but instead we will experience opposition from God, which will make life more difficult for us. Instead, God desires that we be humble so that he can extend to us grace. This grace that God gives can only be received and experienced by those individuals who are humble; those who feel they need his favor, who welcome his teaching and value his friendship over the friendship of the world.

^4:7 Submit therefore to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you. (James 4:7 NASB)

Worldliness is turning from God and becoming friends with the world and as we do we become a part of it by collecting its things, enjoying its pleasures, and embracing its philosophy. By its nature, worldliness promotes selfish strife and resistance to the influence of God in our life. It is a condition that is displeasing to God and is unhealthy for us. It is a condition that we need to separate ourselves from and replace with a right relationship with God. In the next four lesson, we will look at the process of returning to and maintaining a right relationship with God.

For those Christians who have been living for themselves, James now gives some helpful instructions. The first of seven is “Submit therefore to God.” To submit is to yield or to surrender oneself to the will, power, or authority of another. As a Christian, to submit to God is to humble ourselves before him and respond to him. Peter said, “Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you at the proper time” (1 Peter 5:6). When we go to a doctor for medical care, we submit ourselves to him by accepting and following his advice and taking prescribed medications. When we submit ourselves to God we make him sovereign in our life by placing ourselves under his control. Then when under his control we will be quick to ascribe glory to him and not to ourselves and we will be satisfied with his will for our life.

The second instruction is “Resist the devil.” To resist is to strive to fend off or offset the actions, effects, or force of that which is opposing us. We are to remain firm against any actions, effects, or force that would push us off course. We are to withstand or keep from giving into any temptation set before us. To effectively resist we must understand that he is a real threat and be alert to his whereabouts and his tactics. Peter tells us to  “Be of sober spirit, be on the alert. Your adversary, the devil, prowls about like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour” (1 Peter 5:8 NASB). Paul warns us not to “give the devil an opportunity” (Ephesians 4:27) by what we do, where we go, or what we look at that is not proper in view of God’s will. We should be prepared for spiritual warfare by being strong in the Lord and to have on the full armor of God so that we can stand against the schemes of the devil (Ephesians 6:10 – 11). As Jesus did when he was tempted, we are to know how to use the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. Against this word the devil cannot stand and will flee from it when presented by one who is sure of his authority in the Lord.

The second instruction comes with the promise that the devil will flee from us if we resist him. Through His death and resurrection, Jesus obtained victory over the devil and since we are in Christ we also share that victory and authority. When we stand against him in faith, properly prepared, he is unable to prevail against us and must retreat. He is, however, a persistent foe and will return and will continue to attack us to see if he can somehow break through our guard. But as long as we stand firm in the Lord and are free of internal lies, he has no chance against us.

These two instructions go hand in hand. They cannot be separated, as you cannot resist without first submitting to God and as you submit to him you will find that you will immediately have to fend off the devil. The more completely you submit, the more intense will be his attacks against you, but greater will be your ability to resist.

^4:8a Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. (James 4:8a NASB)

In the previous lesson we considered the first two instructions of seven James gave for overcoming worldliness. They were submit to God and resist the devil.

The third instruction is “Draw near to God.” Having turned from the Lord and become friends with the world, one must now seek out the Lord, return and draw near to him. Consider the following verses as they relate to seek, return, and draw near.

“And if you seek Him, He will let you find Him; but it you forsake Him, He will forsake you.” (2 Chronicles 15:2b NASB)

“Therefore, say to them, ‘Thus says the Lord of host, “Return to Me,” declares the Lord of hosts, “that I may return to you,” says the Lord of hosts.” (Zechariah 1:3 NASB)

“Hence, also, He is able to save forever those who draw near to God through Him, since He always lives to make intercession for them.” (Hebrews 7:25 NASB)

Each of these verses contains an encouragement but also a responsibility. God will not force Himself on us, but if we seek him he will reveal himself to us so that we can find him. The Lord may come all the way to the door of our heart and knock (Revelation 3:20) but we must open the door, as He will not force his way in. As we return to him, he moves toward us and as we draw near to him he will be there to respond on our behalf. God desires to know that we want to return to him and when we make that move he is ready to accept us back and have fellowship with us and care for us.

How are we to draw near to Him? Are there any conditions that need to be met? Consider the following verses.

“Since therefore, brethren, we have confidence to enter the holy place by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way which He inaugurated for us through the veil, that is, His flesh, and since we have a great priest over the house of God, let us draw near with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water.” (Hebrews 10:19 – 22 NASB)

As you draw near to God, “He will draw near to you.” As you “draw near with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith,” you know that He will respond to you in a favorable way. Consider how the father of the prodigal son responded to the return of his son (Luke 15:11 – 24).

The younger of two sons came to his father and requested his inheritance. Taking it and all that he had, he went off into the world to live-it-up, but after a while he found that he was not doing so well and thoughts of what life was like with his father began to occupy his mind. After sufficient suffering he came to his senses and decided that he would return to his father, not as his son but as a hired man. With that in his mind he began his journey home.

While the younger son was off living a life of sin, his father never gave up hope as he continued to look for the return of his son. Then one day he sees his son coming and in his heart he felt compassion for him, and he ran to meet him and to embrace him affectionately, welcoming him back. The son explained that he had sinned against God and him and that he was no longer worthy to be called his son. But his father explained that he was still his son and would always be his son and took him home to a great celebration.

Would our Father in heaven do any less for one of his prodigal children? No! He will be there waiting to give his comfort and his love when we decide to return. But like the prodigal son in the parable, we must come to the point of conviction and decision and see our sin for what it is and to be willing to humbly confess it and accept the consequences. We like his son must put ourselves completely at the disposal of our Father to reestablish the broken relationship. As we “Draw near to God . . . He will draw near to (us).”

The fourth instruction relates to that pollution we received while being friends with the world and will be covered in the next lesson.

^4:8b Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double-minded. ⁹ Be miserable and mourn and weep; let your laughter be turned into mourning and your joy to gloom. (James 4:8b – 9 NASB)

In the previous lesson we considered the third instruction James gave for overcoming worldliness, which was “Draw near to God and He will draw near to you.”

The fourth and fifth instruction relates to that pollution we received while being friends with the world. “Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double-minded.” Figuratively speaking we reached out with our hands to get the things we wanted in the world and in the process they became soiled and in need of being cleansed. With these dirty hands we come to church and we lift them up to the Lord (Psalms 28:2; 134:2; 1 Timothy 2:8) to praise him, but what is the sincerity of our praise if the hands we lift to him are unclean? We sinned when we turned from God and became friends with the world and now we stand before him, condemned. We are to repent of our sin and cleanse our hands before we offer them to God.

When one turns to the world, the contamination extends from the hands to the heart. It is like when someone, who is sick with the flu, coughs into their hand and then turns a doorknob to open a door. You come along and open the same door, using the contaminated doorknob, and then without thinking stick your finger in your nose or in your mouth or rub your eye. A day or so later, what was on your hand from the door knob is now at work inside of you making its presence well known. Friendship with the world is like that. It is spiritual adultery and it contaminates the heart. If we approach God in worship we must first purify the heart. We are to come to him with our sin, for “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9 NASB).

Why are these with unclean hearts referred to as “double-minded?” They are double-minded because they have been trying to divide their affection between the Lord and the world, a condition that is not unlike many Christians in our modern world. The double-minded are guilty of trying to serve two masters and that cannot be done because in the end you will either hate one and love the other, or you will hold to one and despise the other (Matthew 6:24). This “double-minded” attitude on the part of Christians have left them so contaminated with the world that it is difficult to tell them apart from the world. As a result their lives are in turmoil, their witness to the world is ineffective and their relationship with the Lord is broken. God wants us to live a meaningful, victorious life filled with joy. That is possible only if the focus of our affection is fully on the Lord.

If the kingdom of God is righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit (Romans 14:17) then what does James mean when he says, “Be miserable and mourn and weep?” As we draw near to God we see our sin for what it is and we feel miserable about it and we mourn and weep because of what we have done. As our love for the Lord grows and our desire to serve Him increases, so does our feeling of misery or grief when we sin. We feel this way because we understand His heart and how our sin hurts Him.

As this inward sense of misery and grief builds it leads to an outward expression in which we “mourn and weep” over what we have done. We used to have fun in our sin, for it was a great time with much laughter and great feelings, but now we mourn over our behavior. Remember when Peter said to the Lord, “Even though all may fall away, yet I will not” (Mark 14:29 NASB). But when people identified that he was with Jesus he would deny it. Then after denying Jesus three times the cock crowed again and Peter realized his sin and “he began to weep” (Mark 14:72). Peter loved the Lord very much and when he understood how his denial hurt Him he felt miserable and he mourned and wept.

^4:10 Humble yourselves in the presence of the Lord, and He will exalt you. (James 4:10 NASB)

In the previous lesson we looked at the fourth and fifth instruction given for overcoming worldliness. The sinner was to cleanse his hands and the double-minded was to purify his heart. We also saw when we become conscious that we have done wrong then our state of amusement, excitement or pleasure turns to sorrow. We may have thought we were doing right when we were living in sin, but we were deceived.

In this lesson we will look at the sixth instruction given by James for overcoming worldliness, which is to humble ourselves in the presence of the Lord.

If we were honest we would have admitted that while we laughed we felt pain. Just around the corner of realization, our happiness, pleasure, and laughter turns to mourning. “There is a way which seems right to a man, but its end is the way of death. Even in laughter the heart may be in pain, and the end of joy may be grief” (Proverbs 14:12 – 13 NASB).

As we pray and study the word of God, the Holy Spirit convicts us about our sin. What we used to do and enjoy for a season we now begin to see in a different light and we weep and mourn over what we have done. “Folly is joy to him who lacks sense, but a man of understanding walks straight” (Proverbs 15:21 NASB). When wisdom from above takes hold of us then our “laughter will be turned into mourning, and our joy to gloom.”

When we arrive at the point of conviction of verse nine, we should be ready to humble ourselves in the presence of the Lord. When we see the results of the pride of jealousy and of selfish ambitions and see the conflicts of seeking our desire of pleasure, we should be humbled to the point of saying, “Lord, forgive me a sinner.” Consider the following verses and as you read them think about which of the two attitudes you want operating in your life: humility or pride.

“A man’s pride will bring him low, but a humble spirit will obtain honor.” (Proverbs 29:23 NASB)

“Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before stumbling.” (Proverbs 16:18 NASB)

“When pride comes, then comes dishonor, but with the humble is wisdom.” (Proverbs 11:2 NASB)

“Before destruction, the heart of man is haughty, but humility goes before honor.” (Proverbs 18:12 NASB)

“Whoever exalts himself shall be humbled; and whoever humbles himself shall be exalted.” (Matthew 23:12 NASB)

Pride is related to stumbling, falling, destruction and dishonor, while humility is associated with honor, wisdom and being exalted. The proud does not recognize his own sin, does not know his own need, and cherishes his own independence. But the humble knows the availability of God’s power, knows they have access to him, and have courage needed to approach Him.

Verses 7 – 10 provide us with six points of instruction to guide us in preventing or overcoming worldliness. These instructions are to stand before us as a guide for proper living. Each one involves growth and requires commitment. For example, how completely and how determined are we in submitting to God? Are there areas in our lives where we are holding back from Him? How effective are we in resisting the devil? Are we gaining experience in spiritual warfare and becoming more knowledgeable of his tactics and how to counter them? How close is our walk with God and what are the desires of our heart or lies that we hear in our minds that are drawing us away and reducing our time spent with Him? Are we maintaining a clean heart and removing from our lives that which draws us into sin? Do we see our sin for the wickedness it is and see how it hurts God who loves us very deeply and who desires a close intimate relationship with us? And last but not least is the issue of pride. Pride is an ugly wall that stands between God and us and prevents the flow of grace from him in reaching us. Any kind of blessing from God requires that we be humble to be received. God has so much to offer us. Let us not miss it by foolish living.

In the next two lessons, covering verses 11 and 12, we will look at a seventh instruction, which is about judging others. The first six instructions encouraged us in our relationship with God. The seventh pertains to our relationship with people as affected by what we say about them.

^4:11 Do not speak against one another, brethren. He who speaks against a brother or judges his brother, speaks against the law, and judges the law; but if you judge the law, you are not a doer of the law but a judge of it. ¹² There is only one Lawgiver and Judge, the One who is able to save and to destroy; but who are you who judge your neighbor? (James 4:11 – 12 NASB)

So far we have covered six of the seven instructions given by James in overcoming worldliness, which are (1) submit to God, (2) resist the devil, (3) draw near to God, (4) cleanse your hands and purify your heart, (5) see our sin for what it is, (6) and be humble. In this lesson we will complete this section on overcoming worldliness by covering the seventh and last instruction, which relates to acting as a judge.

The instructions outlined in verses 7 through 10 have their focus toward God. Those instructions encouraged us in our relationship with Him. Verses 11 and 12 focus on man and point out what we should not do if we are to have a proper relationship with God. James makes it clear that we are not to “speak against one another” and then he explains why.

In an earlier lesson we considered the source of quarrels and conflicts and found it to be rooted in our desire for pleasure. It appears that James is now making reference to things said to one another during those times of quarrels and conflicts and the things said to others about those they have not been getting along with. They are saying things with the intent of degrading the character of the one spoken against. The things they say may be true, but they are one’s failures of life, or they may be mixing truth and untruth, or maybe what is being said is not true at all. In any case the intent is to destroy the credibility of the other person and that is evil and is not to be done for any reason.

“He who speaks against a brother, or judges his brother, speaks against the law, and judges the law.” He who speaks” includes anyone who is tempted to say or who has formed the habit of saying anything derogatory about another, especially if he is your brother. We are not to watch our brother for the purpose of judging what he does. Jesus said, “Do not judge lest you be judged yourselves” (Matthew 7:1 NASB). Jesus is not talking about judging for the purpose of maintaining law and order. He is also not referring to our forming an opinion about the conduct of another. What he is concerned about is our habit of forming a judgment of another, based on insufficient evidence or only on the evidence we want to see, and then expressing an opinion of our biased findings in a harsh and critical manner, for the purpose of disgracing him before others. This James says we are not to do. He who does “speaks against the law and judges the law.”

There is a difference of opinion about what the law relates to in this passage. In our context, it appears to relate to and include the “perfect law, the law of liberty” (James 1:25) and “the royal law” (James 2:8). This law is that which governs Christian life, and in our context Christian relationships. Jesus said, “You are to love your neighbor as yourself” (Matthew 22:39). Paul expands on this in Romans 13:8 – 10 NASB:  “Owe nothing to anyone except to love one another; for he who loves his neighbor has fulfilled the law. For this, ‘You shall not commit adultery, You shall not murder, You shall not steal, You shall not covet;’ and if there is any other commandment, it is summed up in this saying, ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ Love does no wrong to a neighbor; love therefore is the fulfillment of the law.” Therefore, one cannot “speak against a brother” and keep the law for to do so is to “speak against the law” by implying that the law is not correct and therefore is evil. Your implied evaluation of the law, concerning its value in governing relationships, makes you a judge of the law, a position God has not given to you and is evil.

^4:11 Do not speak against one another, brethren. He who speaks against a brother or judges his brother, speaks against the law, and judges the law; but if you judge the law, you are not a doer of the law but a judge of it. ¹² There is only one Lawgiver and Judge, the One who is able to save and to destroy; but who are you who judge your neighbor? (James 4:11 – 12 NASB)

In the previous lesson we looked at the sin of speaking against one another. In this lesson we will see that one that speaks against one another is acting as a judge of the law and not a doer of the law. What is a “doer of the law”?

A doer of the law is one who studies the law to gain an understanding of its requirements, then judges himself by its standard, and then lives his life according to it. As a doer of the law, one does not use it in an attempt to control someone else, because if that is done then that person has become a “judge of it.”

A “judge of the law” is one who observes others for the purpose of evaluating their conduct or behavior based on the law. That person then attempts to help God keep their lives straight by speaking against them. If we judge, then according to Matthew 7:1 – 5, the standard which we use to judge others will be used to judge us and generally we cannot live up to the standard we set for others.

The only sensible and right thing to do is to love the brother and encourage him through those difficult times in life when they come. To speak against or to judge our brother puts us in a rather perilous position with God and that is not where we want to be.

James then reminds his reader that “there is only one Lawgiver and Judge” and that is not you or me. It is God alone as he is the one who gave the law, and he is the One who enforces it. he is “the One who is able to save and to destroy.” He is the One with the qualifications and he has the authority and the ability to save or destroy those he pleases, based upon the law he has established. In view of this, who do we think we are who judges our neighbor? Can we not expect God to judge and discipline us if we do?

James has given us seven very useful instructions in how to overcome worldliness. They are (1) submit to God, (2) resist the devil, (3) draw near to God, (4) cleanse your hands and purify your heart, (5) see our sin for what it is, (6) be humble, (7) and do not act as a judge of our brother. If we faithfully follow them, we will experience a life of spiritual abundance that God desires us to have in relationship with him and with others.

^4:13 Come now, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we will go to such and such a city and spend a year there and engage in business and make a profit.” (James 4:13 NASB)

With this lesson we begin a new section that relates to future planning. James is concerned over his reader’s involvement in presumptuous planning. In place of a living faith guiding their lives, they are determining and then boasting about what they are going to do in the future. These individuals are guilty of acting in a self-willed independence of God in their daily activities. We will see that this is just another form of worldliness and is also evil.

“Come now” marks the transition to a new form of worldliness that James wants his readers to consider. This phrase brings attention to a particular group of individuals, who he next identifies as “you who say.” James is identifying a group of individuals who have a particular attitude of heart. It is an attitude that is prompting them to say something that is not appropriate for one who claims to have true religion, a religion that has its focus centered in a personal relationship with God through the person of Jesus Christ.

This group of individuals, with the attitude problem, has given great thought to the plans they have. This is clear by their statement when they say, “Today or tomorrow, we shall go to such and such a city, and spend a year there and engage in business and make a profit.” They have determined when they will do something and what they will do, and then they boast that they will be successful in their endeavors. Their statement clearly demonstrates their assurance and self-confidence that they are in control and that they don’t need any outside help, especially from God, as he in not even considered in their plans. This attitude is clearly a form of worldliness.

In an earlier lesson, I mentioned that I was raised on a dairy farm. It was a difficult time for me, because of my allergies, but a very rewarding time. In many ways it was like the Christian life. As a young person, I lived with and worked for my dad on his farm. Each day at breakfast I would ask him what his plans were for that day and how they involved me. Sometimes we would work together, but there were many times when we had separate jobs to do. It was a time when my dad provided for all my needs. It was a time of opportunity, training, learning, failure, success, sadness, joy, and discipline to name a few. Everything I did had a relationship to my dad and his work. No matter how hard the work was at times, I never considered going off and doing my own thing because the benefit of the relationship with my dad was so important and so valuable to me.

The people being described by James were not experiencing a beneficial relationship with the Father that was strong enough to keep their focus on him. Instead of asking him what he wanted them to do, they made up their own minds and went their own way to determine their own future. They were not concerned about their part in the Father’s work, but just about the work they wanted to do for themselves.

What is our focus? Is it our Father in heaven and all He has to offer or is it what we plan to accomplish by ourselves? Are we going about building cisterns, broken cisterns, that can hold no water (Jeremiah 2:13) or are we coming to the source of living water (John 4:13 – 14) to satisfy our thirst while we work for our Father? Whose work are we doing? Is it our Father’s work or our own? When the results of our work are placed in the fire (1 Corinthians 3:10 – 15) in the end, will they then burn up or will they then come out refined as gold?

^4:14 Yet you do not know what your life will be like tomorrow. You are just a vapor that appears for a little while and then vanishes away. (James 4:14 NASB)

In the previous lesson we looked at people who were living and making plans without considering God’s plans for them. That raises a question for us to consider.

Are we like the one in the example James gives, with selfish ambition where we play God with ourselves and allow presumptuous confidence about the future, form and control our lives? If we do, then we have lost the proper sense of the uncertainty of life and the importance of absolute dependence on God. In this state of mind our focus will be to lay up treasures for ourselves and not grow in richness toward God.

Let us not forget the instruction given by Paul to Timothy, which was, “Instruct those who are rich in this present world not to be conceited or to fix their hope on the uncertainty of riches, but on God, who richly supplies us with all things to enjoy. Instruct them to do good, to be rich in good works, to be generous and ready to share, storing up for themselves the treasure of a good foundation for the future, so that they may take hold of that which is life indeed” (1 Timothy 6:17 – 19 NASB). Let’s be careful to include God in our plans so that the profit we lay up can be enjoyed in the next life.

In verse 13 we saw the businessman boasting about what he was going to do without including God in his planning. His goal was to make money and he bragged about how he was going to do it. This kind of man is a practical atheist. As a Christian how do you plan your life? Do you sit down and make plans, implement them, and then as an afterthought ask God to bless you? Do you and God possibly have different plans for your life? As a Christian, if you make plans without seeking the mind of God, then you are involved in worldliness as a practical atheist.

Don’t misunderstand, we are to make plans, for “The mind of man plans his way, but the Lord directs his steps” (Proverbs 16:9 NASB). Out part is to make plans but as we do we are to ask the Lord to direct our steps, to result at times in a change of plans when they aren’t quite as they should be. It is this partnership with God that as we make plans we actively ask God to direct our steps. That is what James is talking about.

To those who were making plans for the future, independent of God, James now points out their ignorance concerning that future: “Yet you do not know what your life will be like tomorrow.” Will your life change tomorrow because of an accident, a heart attack, death of a loved one, loss of a job, or numerous other situations? As we walk in faith with God, we can face an uncertain future with calmness and when the storm strikes we can endure it with God’s provision. Tomorrow is uncertain and leaving God out of it when planning for it is not a good choice.

As for each of us, James says, “You are just a vapor that appears for a little while and then vanishes away.” God says that life “is a mere breath” (Psalms 39:5), that “his days are like a passing shadow” (Psalms 144:4). If life is only temporary, then what is its purpose? What about the last tomorrow you will experience? Is it not eternity? What plans have you made for it? To live your life with the recognition that God, not you, is in control is to choose a life of humility before him. When I lived on the farm, at the start of each day, I would ask my dad what his plans were for that day. Now that I no longer live with my dad I now ask my Father in heaven what his plans are and how do they involve me. No matter what those plans might include or allow, the only place to be found is about our Father’s business, not just ours. 

^4:16 But as it is, you boast in your arrogance; all such boasting is evil. ¹⁷ Therefore, to one who knows the right thing to do and does not do it, to him it is sin. (James 4:16 – 17 NASB)

In the previous Lesson we saw the importance of including God and others is our plans. In this lesson we will consider the emptiness of our pride.

“But as it is” directs attention back to their evil attitude concerning the future and what they were saying they were going to accomplish. They took pride in what they were going to do, and they boasted about it. But as they did, they were not taking into consideration the uncertainty of life. That uncertainty should have caused them to at least consider God’s grace and provision for them. Instead, they were acting as though they were in complete control and had no need for God and then arrogantly boast of what they were going to accomplish.

James says, “You boast in your arrogance.” Arrogance is an overbearing pride. It is a condition of heart in which one makes or is disposed to make claims to events of unwarranted importance or consideration. Jeremiah tells us that such people are deceived by the arrogance of their heart (Jeremiah 49:16). This attitude concerning the future and their accomplishments is evil as James says, “all such boasting is evil.” Many years ago Lucifer had an attitude problem and he also boasted and said, “I will ascend to heaven; I will raise my throne above the stars of God, and I will sit on the mount of assembly in the recesses of the north. I will ascent above the heights of the clouds; I will make myself like the Most High” (Isaiah 14:13, 14 NASB).

One must not forget that  “Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before stumbling” (Proverbs 16:18 NASB). Of Lucifer, God said, “Your heart was lifted up because of your beauty; you corrupted your wisdom by reason of your splendor. I cast you to the ground; I put you before kings, that they may see you” (Ezekiel 28:17 NASB). We can boast in our arrogance, but all such boasting is evil and will result in our being brought low. We can choose to be humble and thus not boast or we can boast and experience the pain of being humbled. Will we choose God’s plan, or will we select the more painful road, because maybe it is more macho. The choice is ours to make.

“Therefore, to one who knows the right thing to do, and does not do it, to him it is sin.” In the learning process, there will always be a gap between what we know and what we practice. The goal is to keep the gap as small as possible as we continue to learn. As we exercise, our knowledge will become wisdom and our behavior will reflect what we have learned. If we don’t exercise, our knowledge does not become wisdom and our behavior remains unchanged or grows worse. Unless our behavior shows a growth in Christ likeness and unless we are applying what we are learning, we are living in a state of sin.

I received an e-mail one day from one of my students, commenting on James 4:17. He said, “I struggle with certain biblical truths and principles as they are revealed to me. Some of the most discouraging and frustrating moments I experience are when truths are brought into my life, but I hesitate to fully embrace them for fear and lack of faith that God will not do what he says he will do. Such pride! Not surprisingly, it is only when I take his promises on faith that my life provides more fullness, less confusion, and an inner peace that I cannot explain.” We are to place ourselves in a position where we can learn the truth and then we are to put forth the effort, as this reader indicates is needed, to convert that knowledge into wisdom and to trust God with it by allowing it to modify our behavior. As James says, “To one who knows the right thing to do, and does not do it, to him it is sin.”

If we know that we should not boast about tomorrow and what we will accomplish, and do so anyway, then we sin. To know what to do and to have the ability to do it creates the obligation to do it. Failure to do what we know we should do leaves one without excuse and open to punishment. It would be appropriate to consider a statement Jesus made about a particular slave. He said,  “And that slave who knew his master’s will and did not get ready or act in accord with his will, shall receive many lashes, but the one who did not know it, and committed deeds worthy of a flogging, will receive but few” (Luke 12: 47 – 48 NASB). To know what to do and not do it is sin. If you do something that is wrong without knowing it, it is still sin, but a lesser sin. Therefore, let us learn what we are to do and then let us go about doing it.

James 4:1–5 — The Source of Conflict and the Danger of Worldliness

1. What does James identify as the source of quarrels and conflicts among believers?

Answer:
James explains that conflicts come from the passions and desires that wage war within people’s hearts. The problem is not merely external circumstances or other people’s actions; it begins with selfish desires, pride, and the pursuit of personal satisfaction. When sinful desires control the heart, they produce jealousy, anger, division, and conflict with others.

2. Why does James say people do not receive what they desire?

Answer:
James says that people often do not receive what they want because they do not ask God. Instead of depending on God, they attempt to satisfy their desires through their own efforts and worldly methods. True fulfillment comes when believers seek God’s will rather than being controlled by selfish ambition.

3. What problem does James identify with the prayers of some believers?

Answer:
James teaches that some prayers are offered with wrong motives. They ask God for things so they can spend them on their own pleasures rather than using God’s blessings for His purposes. Prayer is not a way to obtain selfish desires; it is a means of aligning our hearts with God.

4. Why does James call friendship with the world “enmity with God”?

Answer:
James teaches that loving the values of the world places a person in opposition to God. The world’s system often promotes pride, self-centeredness, materialism, and independence from God. A believer cannot fully embrace worldly values while remaining devoted to God.

5. What does James mean when he says that God “yearns jealously over the spirit that he has made to dwell in us”?

Answer:
James is describing God’s deep desire for His people to remain faithful to Him. God created humanity for relationship with Him, and He does not want His people to give their love and devotion to the world. His jealousy is not sinful selfishness but the righteous love of a faithful God.

James 4:6–10 — Humility Before God

6. What does God give to the humble according to James?

Answer:
James teaches that God gives greater grace to the humble. While pride causes people to resist God, humility opens the heart to receive God’s forgiveness, strength, wisdom, and guidance.

7. Why does James warn against pride?

Answer:
James states that “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble” (James 4:6). Pride places people in opposition to God because it causes them to rely on themselves rather than submit to Him. Humility recognizes our dependence on God and allows Him to work in our lives.

8. What are the steps James gives for drawing near to God?

Answer:
James instructs believers to:

• Submit themselves to God.
• Resist the devil.
• Draw near to God.
• Cleanse their hands and purify their hearts.
• Humble themselves before the Lord.

Drawing near to God requires repentance, obedience, and a sincere desire to live according to His ways.

9. What does it mean to “resist the devil”?

Answer:
To resist the devil means to reject temptation, oppose sinful desires, and stand firm in faith. Believers resist Satan by relying on God’s truth, seeking His strength, and choosing obedience rather than following sinful impulses.

10. Why does James call believers to “cleanse your hands” and “purify your hearts”?

Answer:
James uses these expressions to describe repentance. Cleansing the hands refers to turning away from sinful actions, while purifying the heart refers to removing sinful attitudes and divided loyalties. God desires both outward obedience and inward transformation.

11. What promise does James give to those who humble themselves before God?

Answer:
James promises that God will exalt those who humble themselves before Him. God lifts up those who surrender their pride, trust Him, and seek His will rather than pursuing their own glory.

James 4:11–12 — The Danger of Judging Others

12. Why does James command believers not to speak evil against one another?

Answer:
James warns that speaking evil against others is a form of destructive judgment. When believers slander or condemn one another, they place themselves in the position of judging God’s law rather than living under it.

13. How does speaking against a brother or sister become speaking against the law?

Answer:
The law commands believers to love others. When someone chooses hatred, slander, or condemnation instead of love, they are rejecting the very command God has given. They act as though they have authority above God’s standard.

14. Who is the only true Lawgiver and Judge?

Answer:
James teaches that there is only one Lawgiver and Judge: God. He alone has the authority to judge because He alone perfectly knows the heart, motives, and actions of every person.

15. Why should believers be cautious about judging others?

Answer:
Believers should remember that they also stand in need of God’s mercy and forgiveness. Judgment often reveals pride and a lack of humility. Christians are called to correct others with love and humility rather than condemn them with arrogance.

James 4:13–17 — Trusting God Instead of Presumption

16. What attitude does James criticize in those who make plans without God?

Answer:
James criticizes the attitude of those who confidently plan their future while ignoring God’s authority. They assume they control tomorrow and forget that every opportunity, ability, and moment of life depends on God.

17. Why does James compare life to a mist?

Answer:
James compares life to a mist that appears briefly and then disappears to emphasize the brevity and uncertainty of human existence. Because life is temporary, people should live with humility and dependence upon God.

18. What should believers say when making future plans?

Answer:
James teaches believers to say, “If the Lord wills, we will live and do this or that” (James 4:15). This expresses humble recognition that God is sovereign over every circumstance.

19. What is wrong with boasting about future plans?

Answer:
Boasting assumes control over the future and reflects pride. It ignores God’s sovereignty and places confidence in human ability rather than in God’s purposes.

20. What does James mean by saying, “Whoever knows the right thing to do and fails to do it, for him it is sin”?

Answer:
James teaches that sin is not only doing what is wrong but also failing to do what is right. When God reveals His will and a person chooses not to obey, that disobedience is sin. Believers are responsible to actively pursue righteousness.

Summary Understanding of James 4

James 4 teaches that spiritual maturity requires humility before God. Conflict comes from selfish desires, friendship with the world creates distance from God, and pride prevents spiritual growth. Believers are called to submit to God, resist temptation, avoid arrogant judgment, and recognize that every moment of life depends on God’s will. True faith is demonstrated through humble obedience and a heart fully surrendered to the Lord.

James 5 concludes the letter by addressing the proper use of wealth, the importance of patience and endurance in suffering, the power of prayer, and the responsibility believers have toward one another. James warns the wealthy who have gained riches through injustice that God sees their actions and will hold them accountable, reminding believers that earthly possessions are temporary while God’s justice is eternal. He then encourages Christians who are suffering to remain steadfast, looking to the prophets and to Job as examples of faithful endurance while awaiting the Lord’s return. James emphasizes the importance of prayer in every circumstance—whether in suffering, joy, sickness, or spiritual weakness—and teaches that the prayers of righteous believers are powerful because they are offered in faith. The chapter closes with a call to restore those who wander from the truth, highlighting the loving responsibility believers have to help one another remain faithful to God. James 5 presents a picture of a mature faith that trusts God’s justice, perseveres through trials, depends on prayer, and actively cares for the spiritual well-being of others.

^5:1 Come now, you rich, weep and howl for your miseries which are coming upon you. ² Your riches have rotted, and your garments have become moth-eaten. (James 5:1 – 2 NASB)

Social injustice is common in the world and is strongly opposed in all of its forms by Christianity. A source of social injustice is the oppressive rich who take advantage of the believer. In this lesson we will look at what James has to say about the wealth these rich people are accumulating at the expense of others.

“Come now, you rich” identifies a group of people that James is directing his focus on. He is calling attention to a group of people who are materially wealthy. He is not saying that wealth is evil. If we look ahead (verses 4 – 6) we see that he is concerned about their evil practices used to secure their wealth at the expense of others. These evil practices, which are a reflection of their ungodly character, will be the topic of a future lesson. As we have already said, there is nothing evil about wealth. The problem lies in our attitude toward wealth. It is not money but the love of money that is the problem,  “For the love of money is a root of all sorts of evil, and some by longing for it have wandered away from the faith, and pierced themselves with many a pang” (1 Timothy 6:10 NASB). Longing for money is like longing for drugs or another alcoholic drink or another pornographic picture for those who have an associated addiction.

Who are the rich in this section? Are they saved or unsaved? James starts this section by saying, “Come now, you rich…” The next section he starts by saying, “Be patient, therefore, brethren…” It appears that the Christian poor are suffering because of the unsaved rich who have an improper attitude about wealth. Another indication of this is that James does not call this group to repentance, but simply announces the fact that judgment is in their future. In this letter, James is speaking to believers and so here he is not speaking to the rich, in hope that they will hear him, but instead he is referring to them in an attempt to help believers understand this social injustice and then to properly respond to it.

Those who have obtained their wealth at the expense of others have placed themselves in a position of future judgment; a judgment, which will be quite uncomfortable as it, will cause them to “weep and howl.” When the time comes for them to stand before God, they will stand there with nothing and realizing their loss and their pending judgment, they “weep” and as the reality of their condition sinks in, the intensity of their despair is reflected in their “howling.” Their loss may not be just in the next life, but it could be in their own lifetime. In Luke 21:20 – 21, Jesus tells of a time when Jerusalem will experience desolation. Then in AD 70, Titus came and destroyed Jerusalem and when he finished there were no rich Jews left. They had either been killed or placed into slavery, and all their riches had been destroyed, lost, or confiscated.

“The miseries which are coming upon you,” justify the expression of lament. There will be a time when each person must give an account of his sin. We can come to the Lord and confess our sin and seek forgiveness or we can wait and receive just punishment. Men with hearts like these rich, expose themselves to the wrath of God and in time will experience his vengeance. It will be a time when their judgment will cause them great distress.

This coming judgment will not only affect them because of their sin but it will also affect their wealth. “Your riches have rotted” is the first item on the list. In their day grain was a form of wealth and like the rich fool in Luke 12:17 – 18, they would build barns that were bigger to enable them to store more grain. But as the rich hoard their grain the poor go hungry, the grain depreciates in quality and thus decreases in value. Their plan to store the grain, waiting for the market to go up, deprives the poor the food they need and in the end provides less return for the owner because of decreased quality.

“Your garments have become moth-eaten” is the second form of judgment. The rich would express themselves through their clothing of which they had a great collection. If they were not properly cared for while in storage, they would become moth-eaten and then be of no value, or as time passed they would go out of style and again be of little value to them.

The third form of judgment will be covered in the next lesson.

^5:3 Your gold and your silver have rusted; and their rust will be a witness against you and will consume your flesh like fire. It is in the last days that you have stored up your treasure! (James 5:3 NASB)

In the previous lesson we looked at two forms of judgment against the rich, which were: “Your riches have rotted, and your garments have become moth-eaten.” We will begin this lesson with the third form of judgment, which is “Your gold and silver have rusted.”

Some event may take place, which will cause the value of their gold and silver to decrease, just as if it had rusted, becoming of little value. God gives us wealth, not to own but to manage. We can wisely use only so much for our own needs. The rest should be invested in the work of his kingdom. These rich should not only look out for themselves but also for the interest of others (Philippians 2:3 – 4) and to help meet the needs that they have. But instead, for these rich people, wealth is like drugs to the drug addict, or alcohol to the alcoholic, or indecent pictures to the one into pornography. In each case the person is addicted to the item and gathers it to him or herself.

These addicted to wealth can’t bear to let it go but feel they need to accumulate even more.  These rich people may also regard their wealth as a source of security, but when the Day of Judgment comes they will find that their wealth has no value in helping them obtain entrance into Heaven. Jesus Christ has already paid the price of admittance and anyone willing to be humble enough to come to him and ask for and accept the gift of salvation can obtain free admission. The sum total of all the wealth of all the rich is not enough for even a down payment for entrance into heaven. The cost of admission required the death of a sinless person and only Jesus was able to meet that condition.

“And their rust will be a witness against you and will consume your flesh like fire” is an indication of how close the rich have wrapped their lives up with their wealth and as their property falls to ruin it is simply a reflection of their own personal ruin. In the end death will separate the rich from their riches and like their decaying bodies it will be of no value to them as the eternal fire of judgment overtakes them and eats into their soul like rust eats into their property.

“It is in the last days that you have stored up your treasure” indicates how foolish their hoarding is in view of coming judgment. Our attitudes and activities of today must be considered in light of coming judgment. Those who are misusing their wealth should consider what Jesus had to say to them in Matthew 6:19 – 21 NASB.  “Do not lay up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys, and where thieves do not break in or steal; for where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.” When we die we cannot take anything with us, but as we live we can invest in such a way that we add to our account in heaven. Then when we arrive there we will have something that will be of value to us. As we show that we can properly manage what God gives us in this life, we obtain the privilege to manage in the next life. That privilege of responsibility with the Lord will prove to be a tremendous eternal experience.

In this life the temptation is great to accumulate things, which we assign value to and as our collection grows and its perceived value increases, what do we accomplish with it? It requires effort to maintain and to protect and then when we die our collection gets passed on to someone else whose life may be encumbered by it. We must be careful that we are not deceived into believing that we need the things and the riches the world has to offer. They are only temporal and do not provide fullness of satisfaction.

We need to focus on God and the abundant wealth he has for us in Christ. The things he provides deeply satisfy and last for an eternity. We would be wise to put forth effort, not to accumulate wealth the world has to offer, but to be at work storing up treasure in heaven where it is protected and can be enjoyed forever. The philosophy of worldliness is one of self-sufficiency, but the truth is we need to be dependent on and accountable to God and others if we are to experience the fullness and meaning in life that He intended.

^5:4 Behold, the pay of the laborers who mowed your fields, and which has been withheld by you, cries out against you; and the outcry of those who did the harvesting has reached the ears of the Lord of Sabaoth. (James 5:4 NASB)

In the previous lesson, we considered the pending judgment against those who hoard their wealth and do not put it to practical use for the glory of the Lord. In this lesson we will look at the sinful practices of those who were accumulating wealth for themselves. Those practices included withholding pay from laborers, who worked for them, living in luxurious self-indulgence, and condemning and putting to death the righteous.

In the first illustration, the rich are landowners who have fields of grain, which are ready to harvest. To bring in the harvest the landowners need laborers who will go to the fields and cut and shock the stand of wheat or barley to later be thrashed. Laborers were hired and their pay was determined, as in Matthew 20:1 – 8, and they went out to the fields and completed the required work. Up to this point the employer-employee relationship is fine, but as the laborers come in from the fields they expect to be paid the agreed to price but they are not. For some unstated reason, their pay is withheld.

By withholding pay from the laborers, the rich were violating the Scriptures. In Deuteronomy 24:14 – 15 (NASB) we read,  “You shall not oppress a hired servant who is poor and needy, whether he is one of your countrymen or one of your aliens who is in your land in your towns. You shall give him his wages on his day before the sun sets, for he is poor and sets his heart on it; so that he may not cry against you to the LORD and it become sin in you.” Further instruction is given in Proverbs 3:27 – 28 (NASB), where we read,  “Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due, when it is in your power to do it. Do not say to your neighbor, ‘Go, and come back, and tomorrow I will give it,’ when you have it with you.” In that day, the accepted practice was to pay the laborers at the end of each day. By not paying at the end of the day, the rich were, in essence, borrowing from these laborers. Proverbs 22:7 (NASB) says,  “The rich rules over the poor, and the borrower becomes the lender’s slave.” It is interesting to note that these rich who were borrowing from the poor by withholding their wages, became slaves themselves when Jerusalem was conquered in AD 70.

“The pay . . . which has been withheld by you, cries out against you; and the outcry of those who did the harvesting has reached the ears of the Lord of Sabbath.” Like the blood of Abel that cries out (Genesis 4:10) as did the sin of Sodom (Genesis 18:20; 19:13), the pay due the laborers also cries out and is joined by the outcry of the laborers themselves. This injustice by the rich against these laborers is an evil that cries out to God for vengeance. It is an outcry that will not go unnoticed as it reaches the “ears of the Lord of Sabbath.” By withholding their pay the rich are forcing these laborers deeper into poverty and creating for them a greater disadvantage in the world in which they live. Because of their disadvantage, the poor have obtained a special place in God’s heart and a special blessing. Remember, God choose the poor of this world to be rich in faith and heirs of the kingdom (James 2:5). Anyone who would mistreat the poor will thus find God as their enemy. Their outcry has been heard by the “Lord of Sabbath” and will not be forgotten. In his time and in his way he will respond against these oppressive rich and he will provide rest for the mistreated poor.

^5:5 You have lived luxuriously on the earth and led a life of wanton pleasure; you have fattened your hearts in a day of slaughter. ⁶ You have condemned and put to death the righteous man; he does not resist you. (James 5:5 – 6 NASB)

In the previous lesson we looked at the sin of the rich against the poor who labor for them. In this lesson we continue by looking at the lifestyle of the rich.

“You have lived luxuriously on the earth and led a life of wanton pleasure; you have fattened your hearts in a day of slaughter” is a reference to the self-indulgence of the rich and their coming judgment. Their first sin was to withhold pay from the laborers. Their second sin is their self-indulgence at the expense of the poor. These rich were like the rich man who dressed in purple and fine linen that Jesus spoke about in Luke 16:19. They enjoyed the things of the earth, not the things of God. They lived for a life of pleasure, not for the meaning and the fullness of life that God can provide. They do not realize that while they give themselves to wanton pleasure, they are dead even while they live (1 Timothy 5:6).

Like farmers who feed their livestock for a day of slaughter, these rich are nourishing their hearts, by their lifestyle, for their day of slaughter. It will be a day when God will “Drag them off like sheep for the slaughter and set them apart for a day of carnage” (Jeremiah 12:3 NASB). It is wrong to live for riches, but it is not wrong to have riches if you recycle it. I believe the Bible teaches that tithing is part of that recycle process. One who does not tithe is stealing from God, by keeping their wealth to themselves, like the rich are stealing from the poor. That stolen money actually becomes an idol, which stands between God and us.

Not giving the tithe to God appears to be an indication that we have a divided heart and are not fully committed to Him. Consider what God told Malachi. ‘“From the days of your fathers you have turned aside from My statutes and have not kept them. Return to Me, and I will return to you,” says the LORD of hosts. “But you say, ‘How shall we return?’ Will a man rob God? Yet you are robbing Me! But you say, ‘How have we robbed You?’ In tithes and offerings. You are cursed with a curse, for you are robbing Me, the whole nation of you! Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, so that there may be food in My house, and test Me now in this,” says the LORD of hosts, “if I will not open for you the windows of heaven and pour out for you a blessing until it overflows.”’ (Malachi 3:7 – 10 NASB)

The text of our lesson has its focus on the rich employer who is robing from the poor laborer. But in light of the passage from Malachi consider the American Christian and how he or she relates to their wealth. The rich employer refuses to pay the laborers and the average American Christian refuses to pay their tithe to God. Are not both groups guilty of an improper attitude toward wealth and are not both groups guilty of stealing? How can one have a close relationship with the one he or she is stealing from? And if you desire to have a close relationship with God, does it not stand to reason that as Malachi says, you bring to him that which you were keeping from him as an expression of your commitment to him?

Looking at the passage above I don’t think the American Christian understands that his lack of blessing from God and lack of a dynamic Christian walk directly relates to how deeply they have hurt God by their attitude and relationship toward their idol of wealth. If we want a close relationship with God and desire to experience his blessing, overflowing in our lives, then we need to give to him everything we owe him. We are to give him our love, our praise, our worship, our service, and ourselves. And, yes, we are to manage our wealth in a way that benefits the kingdom of God and not the kingdom of the world and also demonstrates our love and commitment to the Lord.

“You have condemned and put to death the righteous man” is their third sin. As suggested in James 2:6, the rich are the ones who oppress the poor and personally drag them into court where they influence the pagan judges to rule in their favor, resulting in the death of the righteous. Why would the rich desire the life of the righteous? Why, across the ages, do evil people desire the life of the righteous? Is it not that their presence is a reminder of their evil? These cheated laborers cry out against the rich. To silence their cries, charges are filed against them, the verdict is fixed, and they are condemned to death. As the righteous man grows in righteousness, so the evil man grows in evil. What began as a desire for more wealth, results in robbery and now in murder.

Why does the righteous man not resist? Possibly it is because he does not have the resources to resist. A more probable reason is because as Christians under persecution, they were following the teaching of Jesus who taught, “Do not resist him who is evil” (Matthew 5:39). Is Jesus saying we are to let evil have its way and not resist it? No, we are to be good soldiers who fight the fight, but once we have been condemned to death, how we die is of great importance. Think of how Jesus died on the cross. Think of the message our death can send to others, especially to the wicked. Let us be sure that our death brings glory to our Lord. In James 4:2,  “You lust and do not have; so, you commit murder.” That is what the rich are doing as here in James 5:6, the righteous are put to death to silence their righteous cries because of what has been taken from them. As we approach end times, maybe you and I will one-day stand condemned to die and as a Christian we will then fully understand why the righteous did not resist. And if we do die for our faith, what kind of a witness will our death be to those we leave behind?

^5:7 Therefore be patient, brethren, until the coming of the Lord. The farmer waits for the precious produce of the soil, being patient about it, until it gets the early and late rains. ⁸ You too be patient; strengthen your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is near. (James 5:7 – 8 NASB)

In the last lesson, we looked at the three sinful practices of the rich. They were (1) withholding pay from laborers who worked for them, (2) living in luxurious self-indulgence, and (3) condemning and putting to death the righteous. In this lesson we begin with our focus on the brethren who were being afflicted by these self-indulging rich. James is concerned about their response and gives instruction on how they should properly respond. Let us consider what James has to say.

His instruction to the afflicted brethren consists of three points.

• They are to exercise patience during their affliction,
• They are to guard against the natural tendency to complain against those who are oppressing them, and
• They should consider godly examples of how others responded when afflicted.

The first point will be covered in this lesson and the next. Points two and three will be covered in the following lessons.

“Be patient” is the needed attitude when being oppressed by the rich or when experiencing trials of any kind. Patience is the ability to bear or endure pain, difficulty, provocation, or annoyance with calmness. Being patient does not mean we sit around doing nothing, resigning ourselves to one’s fate. It means we continue with life, demonstrating endurance in the face of difficult circumstances of life. We show the ability to tolerate a difficult situation for a long time by being long-tempered. Patience is a virtue that is not commonly found in natural man and so requires work if it is to become a part of one’s life. Patience is an attribute of God (Romans 2:4; 1 Timothy 1:16; 1 Peter 3:20), which he demonstrates in his relationship with sinful people (Romans 9:22; 2 Peter 3:9). Patience is something we are to attain (Colossians 1:11). It is found to be a characteristic of love (1 Corinthians 13:4). Therefore, if we as brethren are to demonstrate patience in a consistent manner, we must come to God, develop and maintain a close relationship with him, and receive his love into our hearts and allow it to manifest itself through us toward those who are oppressing us.

We are to be patient “until the coming of the Lord.” First is the assumption that Jesus Christ is deity and that he is going to return. This return is held before those who are suffering as an encouragement to continue to press on. In time there will be deliverance as the trial may end, the Lord may return, or maybe we will meet him by going through physical death. In any event there is the promise of rescue but it will require patience.  “The Lord knows how to rescue the godly from temptation” (2 Peter 2:9 NASB), but He often waits longer than we would like. Let us not forget that He will not allow a trial to become so intense that we will not be able to endure it (1 Corinthians 10:13).

^5:7 Therefore be patient, brethren, until the coming of the Lord. The farmer waits for the precious produce of the soil, being patient about it, until it gets the early and late rains. ⁸ You too be patient; strengthen your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is near. (James 5:7 – 8 NASB)

In the previous lesson we covered the importance of being patient when faced with some kind of trial. In this lesson James gives an illustration of a farmer.

James knows how difficult it is to be patient and so he gives an illustration to help them understand and to encourage them. “Behold” directs attention to the illustration: “Behold, the farmer waits for the precious produce of the soil, being patient about it, until it gets the early and late rains.” The illustration is that of the farmer who waits for proper rains to water his crop to encourage its growth to maturity. As he waits he is not inactive but is busy caring for his crop and making preparations for its harvest. Like the farmer, that can’t control the natural forces that effect his crop, we need to press on with life and take in stride those things we cannot control, but things that God is quite aware of and can use to our benefit (Romans 8:28 – 29).

Having been raised on a dairy farm, I know about this illustration first hand. Farming is filled with hard work and patience. You work hard when you prepare the soil, plant the seed, tend the crops and then harvest. But in between each step you must wait for the next step and as you wait you pray for the right weather. Sometimes the “early and late rains” do not come, or they are two heavy or too light, or they come at the wrong time. The early rains are important to establish a good stand and the late rains are needed to establish a good yield. There are times when the rains are not in sync with the growth cycle of the crop or the temperatures are not right, resulting in partial or complete failure of the crop. When one or more crops fail you tighten your belt and patiently wait for another season and try again.

“You too be patient; strengthen your hearts” takes the illustration and applies it to the reader. Like the farmer who patiently waits for his crop to mature, we must also be patient as we mature. The farmer had to work hard to do his part along with other external forces. We also have to work hard and as we do there will be external forces that will be involved. The secret is to work with God and allow him to use these forces to our advantage. It may be hard to allow him to continue without complaint when the pain is almost more than we can bear, but it is best, and the growth will be encouraging. As we work with God we are to be patient and strengthen our hearts by developing a deeper relationship with him. Growth requires change and that takes time, which requires patience. But as we wait, we are to stand firm and not to be pushed here or there by these external forces. We are to maintain our focus on becoming more like Christ no matter what the cost or how long it takes.

From my experience I have observed that if I am patient when afflicted I find that I am not anxious but am at peace with the situation. Then as I patiently endure the trial, in peace, I pray for wisdom and strength that I will demonstrate proper behavior and will understand what it is that I can learn from this time of distress that will benefit me in my quest for Christ likeness. I encourage you to give this some prayerful thought if you find that trials are more of a burden that a benefit in your life. Without patience, peace will allude you. It is my prayer that you will be “strengthened with all power, according to His glorious might, for the attaining of all steadfastness and patience; joyously” (Colossians 1:11 NASB).

“For the coming of the Lord is at hand” directs us to look for strength in the hope of Christ’s return. We should not look to Christ’s return as a means of escape but for the promise it contains for future glory with Christ for all eternity. Far too many people embrace the pre-tribulation rapture position because they believe it will spare them from experiencing difficult times, which lie ahead. If their position is incorrect, they may find themselves totally unprepared for the struggle, which they will later face and as a result they may become early casualties. The hope of Christ’s return should stimulate us to press on; to become more like Him and to be found busy doing His work in partnership with Him. 

^5:9 Do not complain, brethren, against one another, so that you yourselves may not be judged; behold, the Judge is standing right at the door. (James 5:9 NASB)

In the previous lesson, James gave an illustration of the farmer who must exercise patience as his crop grows, which he applied to our trials. We learned that when the going gets tough we are to exercise patience. In this lesson we will cover the next point, which is to guard against the natural tendency to complain against those who are oppressing us.

“Do not complain, brethren, against one another” indicates what we are not to do. To complain is to express to another feelings of pain, dissatisfaction or resentment. Our complaint becomes an expression of how we feel on the inside, a feeling that results from being afflicted. The picture here we are all too familiar with. A member of the family, for example, has a bad day and comes home irritated and begins to take out their feelings on other family members. Soon everyone is in a bad mood and the unity of the family has been broken. We have all had times when the feeling inside is such that we feel dissatisfied with or irritated at another and we begin to direct criticism and faultfinding toward them. When we do this as Christians it destroys the fellowship and unity between us and it affects our relationship as a local body of believers with the Lord.

As we experience spiritual warfare, the difficult circumstances can tend to make us irritable. James is concerned that we do not let our feelings erupt into complaints against our brethren who are not responsible for how we feel. James instructs us to exercise restraint and not be guilty of complaining against one another, “that you yourselves may not be judged.” To complain or grumble is a characteristic that God will not tolerate among us and it will not go unpunished. An example is referenced in 1 Corinthians 10:10 concerning those who were with Moses and complained and were “destroyed by the destroyer.” Numbers 16 and 17 reveal how strongly God feels about complaining:  “But the Lord said to Moses, ‘Put back the rod of Aaron before the testimony to be kept as a sign against the rebels, that you may put an end to their grumblings against Me, so that they should not die’” (Numbers 17:10 NASB). Complaining or grumbling is a serious matter if judgment against it can result in your death. Let us then  “do all things without grumbling or disputing” (Philippians 2:14 NASB) and  “be hospitable to one another without complaint” (1 Peter 4:9 NASB).

“Behold, the Judge is standing right at the door” is an indication of the imminence of judgment. Jesus Christ stands at the door of the judgment hall, ready to push open the door and enter in to judge. His coming may be closer than we think which should both encourage us and be a warning to get our lives in order. We do not know how much longer we have to live and so let us live as though the next heartbeat were the last. Let us not be guilty of complaining when we feel out of sorts, thus making others miserable and setting us up for an appointment with the judge. The Lord wants to provide and do many things for us. Let us not cause him, by our attitude, to withhold his grace from us and replace it with his judgment.

^5:10 As an example, brethren, of suffering and patience, take the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord. ¹¹ We count those blessed who endured. You have heard of the endurance of Job and have seen the outcome of the Lord’s dealings, that the Lord is full of compassion and is merciful. (James 5:10 – 11 NASB)

In the previous lesson we covered the second point about a correct response toward those oppressing us. We are to guard against the natural tendency to complain against those who are oppressing us. In this lesson we will cover the next point, which is the importance of considering godly examples of how others responded when afflicted.

James now draws their attention to godly examples of suffering and patience as a means of encouragement. For his first example he reminds us of the prophets of the Old Testament. Anyone who has read the Old Testament can bring to mind numerous examples of prophets who had to endure difficult situations. The point of the example is not their suffering but how they endured it, that they did it with patience. Jesus, in the Sermon on the Mount, extends the example to include us when he says,  “Blessed are those who have been persecuted for the sake of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you when men revile you, and persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely, on account of Me. Rejoice, and be glad, for your reward in heaven is great, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you” (Matthew 5:11 – 12 NASB). As followers of Christ, our lives are to demonstrate patience as we endure suffering. As we embrace the Lord during those times he will be found faithful in providing sufficient grace for the occasion.

God chose these prophets, as he chooses you and I, to go forth and speak “in the name of the Lord.” It was this witness that resulted in their maltreatment. Those who have truly experienced the grace and love of God, find their suffering to be a small price to pay to maintain a growing intimate relationship with him. Being encapsulated in his holiness and his presence provides an overwhelming strength and desire to patiently endure whatever the power of darkness can throw against us. Our patience and our desire to continue to “speak in the name of the Lord” in the face of persecution is an excellent measure of our relationship with the Lord. Let us not fall short of patience because of falling short in relationship to him.

“We count those blessed who endured” is a summary of how others viewed those who showed patience and endured in the face of suffering. They were held in respect or admired for this virtue they displayed. We will all suffer during our lifetime, but blessed are those who endure and blessed are those who suffer for the sake of righteousness. Consider what Jesus and Peter had to say.

“Blessed are those who have been persecuted for the sake of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you when people insult you and persecute you, and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of Me. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward in heaven is great; for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.” (Matthew 5:10 – 12 NASB).

“But even if you should suffer for the sake of righteousness, you are blessed. AND DO NOT FEAR THEIR INTIMIDATION, AND DO NOT BE TROUBLED.” (1 Peter 3:14 NASB).

James now makes a transition from those who endured to the particular example of Job by the statement, “You have heard of the endurance of Job.” In the first chapter, of the book of Job, we learn of his many afflictions and discover his true character where in Job 1:22 (NASB) is the statement:  “Through all this Job did not sin nor did he blame God.” As Job sat among the ashes having lost everything, including his health, his wife comes and says,  “Do you still hold fast your integrity? Curse God and die!” But he said to her, “You speak as one of the foolish women speaks. Shall we indeed accept good from God and not accept adversity? In all this Job did not sin with his lips” (Job 2:9 – 10 NASB). As we continue reading, we learn of his intense struggle as he tries to comprehend what is happening and why. But through it all we see his endurance and patience and his faith hanging on by the following statements:

“Though He slay me, I will hope in Him.” (Job 13:15a NASB).

“If a man dies, will he live again? All the days of my struggle I will wait, until my change comes.” (Job 14:14 NASB).

“And as for me, I know that my Redeemer lives, and at the last He will take His stand on the earth. Even after my skin is flayed, yet without my flesh I shall see God; whom I myself shall behold, and whom my eyes shall see and not another. My heart faints within me.” (Job 19:25 – 27 NASB).

As we continue to read to the end of Job, we learn that the Lord breaks his silence and brings things into perspective. He also deals with Job’s three friends and then shows compassion and mercy toward Job. Herein lies the application for us. Blessed are those who endure times of suffering with patience, because they will experience mercy and compassion from the Lord.

^5:12 But above all, my brethren, do not swear, either by heaven or by earth or with any other oath; but your yes is to be yes, and your no, no, so that you may not fall under judgment. (James 5:12 NASB)

In the previous lesson we finished the third point James was making about how we should behave when under some form of trial. In this lesson we will cover verse 12, which some think begins the next section.

James 5:7 – 11 is clearly about our conduct during times of suffering. Looking ahead to verse 13, James asks the question: “Is anyone among you suffering?” Thus, it appears that verse 12 can relate to the suffering experienced on both sides of it.

In this lesson and the next we will focus on two kinds of swearing that this verse might relate to. Verse 12 seems to relate to our response to someone who is causing us to suffer. James says, “Above all, my brethren, do not swear.” Apparently James is concerned about how they are responding or including God in their response concerning their affliction.

One day as I was leading a small group Bible study on a lesson previous to this one, a member of the group was moved to describe a very painful experience she was going through. As she described her experience the intensity of her pain became apparent in her choice of words and in her tone of expressing them. Then at the height of her expression in an attempt to convey the depth of her pain she included God in her expression. That is when I realized that was part of what James was alluding to. In the intensity of our pain, when we feel deep anger or resentment, we are not to include God in our description, in an attempt to make a stronger impact of how we feel. That would be a form of swearing and is I believe part of what James had in mind.

James continues by saying that we are not to swear with any oath. If anger and resentment are present at the time of suffering, there is not only the temptation of expressing your feelings using God’s name but to take an oath stating that the perpetrator will not get away with what they have done or are doing. To swear with any kind of oath as a form of revenge is rejecting the truth that mercy triumphs over judgment and sets you up to be judged by God.

There appears to be a truth here that should not be missed. When suffering at the hands of someone, as these workers were, they are to be very careful not to express their feelings using God’s name. And they are not to take an oath concerning their response. In fact, as we look ahead, James says, “Is anyone among you suffering? Let him pray.”

Another possible form of swearing, which I have observed among Christians, is an attempt to validate what they are doing or saying at the time of suffering by including God in their response. A premature spiritual explanation or reaction to their suffering may be a dishonest reflection. Until the period of suffering has ended and the whole picture can be seen, conclusions should not be drawn. If these premature conclusions somehow include God as being involved when in fact he is not, then they may be guilty of swearing. Only at the end of a period of suffering can we look back with insight and with honesty and say this is why it happened. Sometimes even that is not possible.

Some commentators reach outside this context of suffering and describe a different form of swearing. We will consider that in the next lesson.

^5:12 But above all, my brethren, do not swear, either by heaven or by earth or with any other oath; but your yes is to be yes, and your no, no, so that you may not fall under judgment. (James 5:12 NASB)

In the previous lesson we saw it to be inappropriate to swear when a trial of some form comes upon us, causing us to suffer. In this lesson we will consider what some commentators think about this verse.

Some commentators reach outside the context of suffering and describe a different form of swearing. That context is in regard to taking an oath and is described by Jesus in Matthew 5:34 where he said, “Make no oath at all.” In a society like ours, where truth in not revered, we seem to think that taking an oath that involves invoking the name of God, we ensure the truthfulness of what is being said. It is wrong to try to validate what we say by attaching to it anything that relates to God. We are not to swear, “either by heaven or by earth or with any other oath.” As a commentary on this, consider what Jesus said in Matthew 5:34 – 36 NASB: “But I say to you, make no oath at all, either by heaven, for it is the throne of God, or by the earth, for it is the footstool of His feet, or by Jerusalem, for it is the city of the great King. Nor shall you make an oath by your head, for you cannot make one hair white or black.”

You may be wondering if this forbids a believer from taking an oath in our courts of law. Down through history, views have been divided on this. Today, whether right or wrong, it has become an accepted formality in our courts to encourage a more truthful statement from a witness. If truth were embraced, as it should be, then an oath would not be necessary to intimidate one into giving the truth. As a Christian our testimony should always be truthful and so an oath would not be needed. Our truthfulness is implied by our simple response of “yes” this is so or “no” it is not.

We must be very careful if we swear an oath, because if we fail to uphold the truth we are then in danger of falling under the judgment of God. The unnecessary use of taking oaths is really another form of worldliness and should be avoided when possible.

Returning to the context which surrounds verse 12, we understand that when life becomes tough we are to be patient and strengthen our hearts and not complain. As we endure, let us remember the Lord for He is full of compassion and is merciful. And let us not come under judgment because of complaining or making spiritual statements about our suffering that may not be honest, or of lashing out in anger with harsh words. As we express ourselves let us be careful that the intensity of the moment does not tempt us to include God’s name in our statements or to make an oath in relationship to the one causing us to suffer. Either response would be improper for one having a right relationship with the Lord.

^5:13 Is anyone among you suffering? Then he must pray. Is anyone cheerful? He is to sing praises. (James 5:13 NASB)

James 5:13, gives a correct response we are to make when someone is causing us to suffer and opens a new section covering six verses (James 5:13 – 18) on the topic of prayer. In this section James points out that those who possess a living faith will consistently turn to God when encountering various experiences in life, whether they are good or bad.

“Is anyone among you suffering?” introduces this new section and the first experience that we are to consider. First we are to identify anyone who is suffering because that person is to respond in a certain way. If you are tired you get some sleep, if thirsty you get a drink, and if you are hungry you get something to eat. Likewise, if you are suffering the correct response is to pray.

To suffer is to feel pain or distress, which results from some misfortune or bad experience. It is a time of trouble that comes into our lives and creates a particular level of anguish. We have considered examples of such troubles in previous lessons. In James 2:6 – 7 some were dishonored and oppressed. In James 3:1 – 12 we learned about the tongue and how it can destroy the reputation of a person or hurt them in various ways. In James 5:1 – 6 we saw the affliction resulting from the oppressive rich as they withheld wages from those who worked for them and how they falsely accused the righteous. In James 5:10 we considered the prophets who were persecuted for being God’s spokesmen, and finally in James 5:11 we looked at the misfortunes of Job. These misfortunes that impact our lives are the results of evil in the world.

“Let him pray” is the proper response for each individual who is suffering. When a misfortune impacts our lives, it is easy to blame, or to complain, or to feel sorry for ourselves, but instead we are to approach God and share our hearts with Him and by faith experience his comfort. Christians who have not developed this kind of response to suffering are missing out on the greatest source of help available to them. This kind of response is not effective or meaningful unless you have maintained an active relationship with God. It is true that this response of prayer may not change the situation, at least not initially, but it will provide you with what you need to get through the situation and the opportunity to experience the provision of God. Psalms 50:15 (NASB) gives a word of encouragement:  “Call upon Me in the day of trouble; I shall rescue you, and you will honor Me.” God wants us to come to him when the going gets tough and when we do we honor him with our presence.

“Is anyone cheerful?” introduces the second experience, which is quite different than the first. To be cheerful is to be in good spirits. It is a time of experiencing joy or happiness. It is a feeling of comfort. This cheerfulness has its source in God, not in circumstances and as with suffering, our response is to involve God.

“Let him sing praises” is the proper response for one who is cheerful. There is definitely a time and a place for public praise, but here we are looking at the individual expression of praise. This praise may not be audible but music and words in the mind and heart. In our inner spirit where God dwells we can sing praises to him, but to do that requires that we slow down and find time for him. Time when we can focus on him and praise him for who he is, the living God of the Universe and the Lord of our lives. Maybe it is a time when we have a CD on and the music and song encourages us to enter into praise.

Don’t miss the clear distinction that James gives in this verse. If you are suffering you are to pray, but if you are cheerful you are to sing praises. Don’t get these mixed up because,  “Like one who takes off a garment on a cold day, or like vinegar on soda, is he who sings songs to a troubled heart” (Proverbs 25:20 NASB). It is not suggested that the one who is cheerful should not pray or the one who is suffering should not sing praises, but the suggestion given by James is the best match for our emotions.

When suffering do not complain but be found in prayer. When cheerful don’t just have a good time with your friends but remember to sing praises to God. The priority is when suffering, include God in prayer because you need his help and when cheerful, include God in your joy because he deserves your praise.

^5:14 Is anyone among you sick? Then he must call for the elders of the church and they are to pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord; ¹⁵ and the prayer offered in faith will restore the one who is sick, and the Lord will raise him up, and if he has committed sins, they will be forgiven him. ¹⁶ Therefore, confess your sins to one another, and pray for one another so that you may be healed. The effective prayer of a righteous man can accomplish much. (James 5:14 – 16 ESV)

In the last lesson we looked at the relationship between suffering and prayer and between cheerfulness and singing praises. In this lesson we will focus on a particular kind of suffering, which is internal. It is an experience, which everyone will have, and for some it will end their physical life. This experience is not an enjoyable one and it is not an easy one to write about. It is about sickness and what to do when we have that experience. Do we call the doctor or someone else or both?

“Is anyone among you sick?” calls attention to the experience James wants his readers to consider. Sickness is a defective or unsound condition of one’s health. It is a condition that prevents one from performing at normal strength. The weakness normally is physical, but it could result from mental, moral, or spiritual impairment. In this lesson we are concerned primarily with physical sickness, but with the possibility of a spiritual connection. If the impairment is serious enough to require help, who should one turn to for help and why? When you do present yourself for healing is it always God’s will or intention to bring physical healing? Let us consider the process outlined in these verses.

“Let him call for the elders of the church” is not a normal response for most Christians today, but is it an appropriate response. Has the health profession and the effect of worldliness changed how we respond today? Let’s evaluate what James wrote and see how it applies today. “Let him call” indicates that it is the responsibility of the sick person to make known his sickness by calling the elders and because of his weakness, they are to come to him. It is not the responsibility of the elders to know who is sick and it is not the responsibility for the sick to somehow go to a public meeting place to meet the elders. The elders are to be notified of a need and they are to go to where the need is and in the privacy of that person’s home they are to pray over that person.

The sick person is to call for “the elders of the church.” Since there are churches today that do not have elders, then who is to be called and those who are called, are they qualified to respond? Every church is to appoint elders (Acts 14:23) and they are to come together and look into matters of the church (Acts 15:6). Elders are to be the spiritual leaders of the local church in which they are members (1 Timothy 5:17). In a broad sense, elders are spiritual adults that can understand what is going on and can make decisions and give appropriate direction. It is these spiritual leaders that the sick are to call for help in their time of distress. But, because of the availability of doctors the sick have learned that they are a good source of help and have turned away from the church. But is this really the best choice?

If the sick person calls for the elders, when they arrive they are to do two things: “let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord.” These two activities raise two questions. How should the elders pray and what is the significance of the oil? Their prayer should be a prayer of faith, which is not to rest on human emotions, feelings, or desires.  The content of their prayer should be based on information gathered about the case and the Lord’s will for the sick person. His will is to be based on a word from him. It is important to determine why this person is sick. Is it because of some kind of virus or bacteria or is there a related lifestyle or sin problem causing the sickness? Maybe there is an attitude or relationship problem that needs to be considered. Maybe this sickness is somehow related to a past traumatic event that still has an effect on us today. Prayer may first be required to gain insight and to obtain a word from the Lord before actually praying for the person who is sick. Is it the Lord’s will to heal directly or is an indirect healing called for by changing the condition causing the sickness? Consider the following example.

A person with a skin condition called for the elders to pray for healing. She was a young woman who took great pride in obtaining a dark tan each summer. The long exposure to the radiation from the sun was causing skin damage, which was requiring medical attention and resulting in imperfections in her tan. Her request to us was to pray for healing so that she wouldn’t have to continue to see the doctor and would be able to continue to lay in the sun and obtain a dark uniform tan. For her, the elders sensed that prayer was not needed for healing as much as it was for her spiritual condition of pride. It would have been wrong for the elders to pray for her physical healing and ignore her spiritual needs because they knew that was not God’s will. His concern was to meet the need in her heart and encourage her to adjust her focus concerning things that were important. He wanted to heal more than just her body. He wanted to replace her pride with humility, a process that would take time and would be very painful. As elders, they sensed the Lord was going to use the skin condition as a trial to help her in her spiritual growth. The months that followed were difficult for her as she struggled with the Lord concerning this matter.

^5:14 Is anyone among you sick? Then he must call for the elders of the church and they are to pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord; ¹⁵ and the prayer offered in faith will restore the one who is sick, and the Lord will raise him up, and if he has committed sins, they will be forgiven him. ¹⁶ Therefore, confess your sins to one another, and pray for one another so that you may be healed. The effective prayer of a righteous man can accomplish much. (James 5:14 – 16 ESV)

In the previous lesson we considered who we should call when we are sick, and if we decide to call the elders then how should they process our request? We considered God’s will in the matter by looking at a request for healing and realized the importance of considering the context of the request. In the example the elders could not pray for healing but could pray for the persons attitude.

Other dynamics may come into play that may prevent healing. Consider several examples from the life of Paul. He left Trophimus sick at Meletus (2 Timothy 4:20). He learned that Timothy was not feeling well and instead of praying that he be healed or sending him to someone to pray over him, Paul advised him to “No longer drink water exclusively, but use a little wine for the sake of your stomach and your frequent ailments” (1 Timothy 5:23 NASB). Paul frequently mentioned his health problems and that he was unable to find physical relief from the thorn that tormented him. It is God’s compassionate desire to heal the sick but there may be valid reasons that we don’t understand that may prevent him from doing so. I believe that some of these reasons relate to our lifestyle. Consider the effects of smoking, drinking, drugs, improper diet, lack of sleep and exercise, stress, anger, resentment, excessive sun light, to name a few. Are we not to blame for much of our sickness because of an improper lifestyle?

“Anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord” presents us with additional questions. Questions like, what kind of oil and what is its purpose? The oil appeared to be olive oil, but it was not commonly used for healing. In the healing that Jesus did there is no mention of using oil and it is rarely spoken of in the New Testament. In Luke 10:34 the pouring of oil and wine on the wounds were for medical effects. Today that oil and wine may represent antibiotics and medical procedures. The anointing with oil (any medicine or medical procedures) is to be done “in the name of the Lord.” Medical means and prayer are to go together not separate as is so often the case today.

The anointing with oil, as requested by James, appears to have a faith connection for the sick. A small amount of olive oil applied, generally to the forehead, is seen as a symbol of the work of faith God was about to do. The sick person hopes to be healed and calls for the elders. The elders respond and are to discern the nature of the sickness by seeking a word from the Lord. The mind of the Lord is to be determined and the truth on which faith is established is to be understood.

I once was asked to pray for a person who was critically ill. As I considered this request I had a strong sense that I was not to pray for healing but to pray for a peaceful passage to the Lord. Within the hour her peaceful journey to the Lord was complete. Those left behind to grieve knew the Lord’s will had been done.

Once the Lord’s will is discerned, prayer is offered in faith for the work God is to do. His work may be to heal the physical body, or it may have a spiritual emphasis. It is important that the elders do their work with the patient to determine the mind of the Lord, then their prayer offered in faith will harmonize with the Lord’s work and his results. When our prayers are not according to the will of the Lord, then faith and the Lord are discredited by our ignorance. Part of the healing process may include a doctor. They can prescribe medication and/or perform certain medical procedures, but they cannot heal. The correct approach seems to be a wise combination of both.

^5:14 Is anyone among you sick? Then he must call for the elders of the church and they are to pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord; ¹⁵ and the prayer offered in faith will restore the one who is sick, and the Lord will raise him up, and if he has committed sins, they will be forgiven him. ¹⁶ Therefore, confess your sins to one another, and pray for one another so that you may be healed. The effective prayer of a righteous man can accomplish much. (James 5:14 – 16 ESV)

In the two previous lessons we considered what to do when sick. Do we go see a doctor, do we call the elders, or do we do both? If we call the elders how are they to pray and can we expect to be healed? We saw some examples where healing did not take place.

However, James said: “And the prayer offered in faith will restore the one who is sick, and the Lord will raise him up, and if he has committed sins, they will be forgiven him. Therefore, confess your sins to one another, and pray for one another, so that you may be healed.” What does this statement mean?

“And the prayer offered in faith” describes the attitude and belief of the elders. God’s will has been determined concerning the kind of healing the person needs and they offer a strong fervent petition on behalf of the sick person. Having sought out God’s will they fervently believe that God is going to answer their prayer now being offered in faith.  “Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen” (Hebrews 11:1 NASB). In other words, faith gives substance to things unseen so that we act upon the conviction of their reality. Faith is the bridge from hope to results, but it includes work on our part as well as God’s.

“The prayer offered in faith will restore the one who is sick, and the Lord will raise him up.” To restore is to bring back to an original condition. As a result of the prayer offered in faith, the sick person’s strength to perform previous tasks is restored. The restoration of the person is the result of the Lord’s work, for “the Lord will raise him up” from his sick bed. His strength will be restored so that he can carry on with daily activities as before.

“And if he has committed sins, they will be forgiven him” indicates the possibility that the sickness may be due to sin. This points out the importance that when sickness comes, each believer is to examine himself and with the Lord’s guidance determine if the sickness has a sin connection. If sin is involved it must be dealt with as part of the healing process. The sick person must recognize his sin, confess it and be willing to seek change that will prevent further sin. When sin is involved, both forgiveness and healing will be needed, and the Lord is able to do both. Not always is sickness related to sin, but when it is we must see the relationship and deal with the sin problem if we expect health to be restored. It is very difficult to pray for healing when sin is involved, because the “wages of sin is death” (Romans 6:23 NASB) and death is the opposite of being restored to health.

“Therefore, confess your sins to one another, and pray for one another, so that you may be healed” points out the importance of living a life that is as free from sin as possible. We would do well to look at our lifestyle and see if it is pleasing to the Lord. What are the effects of smoking, drinking, drugs, improper diet, lack of sleep and exercise, stress, anger, resentment, excessive sun light, to name a few. Are we not to blame for much of our sickness because of an improper lifestyle? If an improper lifestyle leads to a heart attack, then part of the healing process must include lifestyle changes. Confessing our sins to one another and praying for one another is a method of accountability that may keep sickness to a minimum and when sickness does occur we will be in a better position to obtain healing.

^5:14 Is anyone among you sick? Then he must call for the elders of the church and they are to pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord; ¹⁵ and the prayer offered in faith will restore the one who is sick, and the Lord will raise him up, and if he has committed sins, they will be forgiven him. ¹⁶ Therefore, confess your sins to one another, and pray for one another so that you may be healed. The effective prayer of a righteous man can accomplish much. (James 5:14 – 16 ESV)

In the previous lesson we considered the prayer offered in faith will restore the one who is sick. In this lesson we will look at an area of life that for many may need a healing touch. I know it did in my life. That area is related to our past.

In early life we may have experienced traumatic events to which we ascribed meaning as best as we could then. In most cases the story of meaning we created describes how we were to blame or were inadequate for the occasion. That story we create is usually a lie and with every lie is associated some form of emotional pain. As we encounter various experiences in life we are reminded of that past event and experience again the pain. This pain can have a powerful influence in how we live and how we relate and react with others. This I believe is a form of sickness that is in need of healing. But how do we approach this kind of healing? Consider the following.

Someplace back in our life there is an event from which the pain originated. We are to approach God and pray, “Search me, O God, and know my heart; try me and know my anxious thoughts; and see if there be any hurtful or painful way in me and lead me in the everlasting way.” (Psalm 139:23 – 24 NASB). He will guide our thinking back in time to where the event occurred. We are to look at the event and relive it and review the story we ascribed to it. This story is the lie with its associated pain that has bound and tormented us since then.

Next we are to understand the truth about the event, for “you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.” (John 8:32 NASB). But who is to reveal that truth? The Lord God, who was there, is to do that because “If therefore the Son shall make you free, you shall be free indeed.” (John 8:36 NASB). At this point we are to invite the Lord God to reveal to us the truth about the event so that we can understand what actually happened and who was responsible. Having the Lord deliver this truth sets us free from bondage and heals us of our pain. Elders who understand this process can prayerfully work with the Lord to facilitate the healing and delivery process.

I would like to close this lesson with a personal example. As an elder I have prayed for healing for others, but I have also requested prayer for myself. At a time in my past I was assigned or took on more work to do than was wise for me to handle. With the heavy workload came the pressure of meeting deadlines, resulting in increased stress. The stress load continued to grow to the point of being out of control. A personal event and a work-related event happened within a day of each other that brought me to a point where I knew something was going to happen to me. I was so sure that I stopped what I was doing and cleaned up my office, like I was preparing for a long vacation. Having finished, I stood at my desk and leaned forward just a little to move a pile of papers and felt a pop in my lower back. Falling to the floor in extreme pain, I called for my secretary who called 911. I was taken to a local ER where it was discovered that I had a severely ruptured disk, which was going to require surgery. I was transported home to rest and prepare for the operation. It was at this time that I called for the elders to come and pray for me.

How were they to pray? Were they to pray for healing to prevent an operation or was there another purpose? Was it not my lifestyle that caused the stress that created enough pressure on the disk to cause it to rupture? Should I not confess that lifestyle as being sin and make plans for adjustments? Should I not allow the surgeon to do his work and pray for his skill and that God would provide the necessary healing and return me to full strength again? The elders prayed for a successful operation, complete physical healing, a reduced workload and for God’s work in my life. Their prayers were answered. The surgeon found a worse condition that expected but had a strong feeling that the operation was going to be very successful. Time was to show that he was correct. My employer hired additional help to reduce my workload and God went to work in my life to help me adjust my focus. As I look back today, to that difficult time, I realize how important that trial was to my spiritual growth. I also had a firsthand experience in the importance of calling the elders when there is a need and involving God, through them, in that need. That was a very positive experience for me.

^5:17 Elijah was a man with a nature like ours, and he prayed earnestly that it would not rain, and it did not rain on the earth for three years and six months. (James 5:17 NASB)

In the last lesson we finished our study about praying for the sick, and there we saw the importance of the spiritual dimension in the healing process. This is especially true when the sickness has a sin connection. It is very possible that many failures in faith healing today are because those praying have not considered the background of the sickness and have not determined the mind of the Lord on the matter. As a result, they pray in their ignorance and court failure and a bad rap for the Lord. This lesson is also about prayer. We will consider what an effective prayer is and if it is prayed by a righteous man why it can accomplish much?

“The effective prayer of a righteous man can accomplish much.” What is the nature of an effective prayer? An effective prayer is a prayer of limited scope, restricted to a particular request. It is a fervent prayer to God for a particular personal request made by a righteous man. The righteous man is one who has laid aside the old self and has  “put on the new self, which in the likeness of God has been created in righteousness and holiness of the truth” (Ephesians 4:24 NASB). That new creation is accomplished by the process Paul outlines in Romans 10:9 – 10 NASB:  “If you confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you shall be saved; for with the heart man believes, resulting in righteousness, and with the mouth he confesses, resulting in salvation.” As a result, we have a person who stands acquitted before God, but from our study of James we need to add a second condition, a condition in which the person’s life demonstrates the existence of a living faith through his works. The righteous person who offers up the effective prayer is one who has trusted in the Lord Jesus Christ for his salvation and continues to demonstrate a living faith in life and has an intimate prayer relationship with God.

When a righteous man prays, his prayer “can accomplish much” because it is strong or powerful as it comes from a person of much exercise. A person becomes physically strong through much hard-physical work. Likewise, a person becomes strong at prayer through experience resulting from much prayer exercise. Such a person has learned how to take hold of God through faith and has experienced great results. This kind of person enjoys spending time with God and has a reservoir of energy for offering up prayer. When a righteous man is energized in prayer, his prayers are made effective by the work God does on his behalf. As a result, “The effective prayer of a righteous man (do) accomplish much.”

There are numerous examples of powerful and effective prayers in both the Old and the New Testament. Such examples are found at Joshua 10:12 – 14, 2 Kings 4:32 – 35, Isaiah 37: 15, 20, 36, and Mark 7:24 – 30. Another example, given by James, is about Elijah. But as we look at these Scriptural examples we might question if our prayers could ever achieve such importance. To remove this natural reaction, James says, “Elijah was a man with a nature like ours.” He was an ordinary human being with the same feelings, experiences, and weaknesses we all have, and if the Lord answered his prayers, why would he not answer ours?

Elijah, whose humanity was like ours, “prayed earnestly that it might not rain; and it did not rain on the earth for three years and six months.” He, who was just an ordinary man like us, prayed for something that seemed rather unrestrained, that would require a meteorological change to answer. But he asks for it and God answered his prayer and so why shouldn’t He answer ours?

“He prayed earnestly” conveys the intensity of his praying. Prayer was his focus and that he did it with undivided attention. His request was “that it might not rain.” An important point to make here, as we did with praying for the sick, is to know the mind of the Lord before we start praying for something. So often we pray for our own will, which may not be that of the Lord and we wonder why our prayers are not answered the way we expect. Apparently, Elijah had spent enough time with the Lord to know that it was the Lord’s will that there be a drought and that was what he was to pray for. Knowing his Father’s will Elijah went to work in earnest with his prayer focused on the desired result of the Lord.

As expected, since his will was aligned with that of God, “it did not rain on the earth for three years and six months.” Why did God involve Elijah in this matter? Why didn’t He produce the drought without Elijah’s prayer? God chose man to be involved in His work and this example demonstrates that if a person is in a right relationship with God, so that he knows his will, then that person can have the joy of seeing things happen through his involvement. It is a real privilege in life to know the Father’s will and to be a part of it. Knowing His will and being in it can lead to the experience of great prayer results.

^5:18 Then he prayed again, and the sky poured rain and the earth produced its fruit. (James 5:18 NASB)

In the previous lesson, God had Elijah pray that it would not rain for several years. He prayed and the rain ceased for three years and six months. Has God ever asked you to pray for something that overwhelmed you. Consider the following example.

One Sunday a person, who was a member of my Bible study, came to me and asked if I would visit her dad who was in the hospital suffering from internal bleeding that could not be located. How should I respond to this? What did the Lord want me to do? What was his will concerning her dad? As I spent time with the Lord concerning these questions, I sensed a plan forming deep within me. I knew I was to go to the hospital that evening after visiting hours and discuss with him the topic of healing and depending upon what he sensed the Lord wanted us to do I would then respond accordingly. I went and met him for the first time in my life and got acquainted and then we discussed the concept of healing. I sensed the Lord was directing us toward engaging him through prayer in the process of healing. I prayed that there would be healing and then left. I returned the following evening to see how he was doing and found his bed occupied by another person. I went to check on what had happened to him and learned that he had a quick recovery and was sent home. In a letter received from him several weeks later he shared how significant that time of prayer was to him and to the patient in the bed next to him who was listening to us.

Another example occurred several years later when a young couple gave birth to a very premature child. Over the next 18 months the child spent much time in the hospital as many prayed for healing. Then one day the doctors indicated that they could do no more and that he probably had only a short time to live. Since this young couple was in my Bible study I had become very involved in this situation. As I heard the prognosis from the doctors I sensed something that I felt was from the Lord that had to be done. I knew that I had to have the child’s mother agree with me that if I prayed for healing that it would occur. This created a time of intense wrestling for her, but she soon agreed. Now I needed time to further understand what the Lord was going to do and spent several days with him waiting for an answer. Finally, several days later, in the middle of the night I woke up sensing God’s presence in a powerful way and knew it was now time to pray for healing. I did and had the sense of great power going forth. Several days later the boy was released from the hospital and has lived a fairly normal life since then and has now graduated from high school.

Prayer should not be limited to one or two big events but should be something that is consistent. I would like to share an example of this that changed my view of global missions. Since I gave to numerous Christian mission organizations, I would receive much mail in return asking for more money. For a long time, I usually just threw the mail away, but then one day I sensed the Lord asking me to start reading it and pray about what I had read. I faithfully started doing that and then I began to notice my heart changing and I began to visualize the places and events being described as though I was there. It was becoming very exciting and I began to look forward to more mail that I could read and pray over and give as I could. As I did I began to notice that prayer was being answered and I wished I had more money to give and time to pray. This was becoming a real adventure with the Lord. One that I am afraid may Christians miss the joy of experiencing.

Prayer is a partnership with God in doing the work associated with His kingdom. It is because of this partnership that prayer accomplishes much. In faith we pray and then faith works. That faith is like the yoke the Lord asks us to take up. On one side of the yoke we are at work praying. On the other side of the yoke is God working in relationship to our praying. As we pray power is going forth to accomplish much. What an awesome and exciting experience this is.

It was awesome and exciting for Elijah and according to God’s will, it was now time for the rains to return and Elijah knew it “and he prayed again.” Because of an intimate relationship with God, Elijah knew what he was to do and so he prays “and the sky poured rain, and the earth produced its fruit.” As a teenager, when working with my dad on his farm, I would ask him each morning what my assignment was for the day and then I would go and do it. We are to approach our Father in prayer and through His word and learn what our assignment is. If He asks us to pray for something extraordinary, then pray for it and expect the results and enjoy working with the Father. God expects ordinary people like you and me to pray for extraordinary things that are according to his plan. Let us form the habit of doing that.

^5:19 My brethren, if any among you strays from the truth and one turns him back, ²⁰ let him know that he who turns a sinner from the error of his way will save his soul from death and will cover a multitude of sins. (James 5:19 – 20 NASB)

This lesson begins a new section containing just two lessons, which are the last ones in our study of James. Many hours have been invested writing these lessons and even if no one reads them, the benefit to my spiritual growth was worth every hour of time spent. It has been my prayer that what I have written has helped you in your walk with the Lord. Maybe I have even helped someone who has strayed from the truth find his or her way back, which is the topic of this lesson.

The book of James as a whole is about true religion, about a living faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. It is about walking in the truth and now at the end of his letter he is concerned about those who might stray from the truth. His desire is that there would be someone who would be willing to take time to personally encourage them back.

“My brethren” is a call of compassion to those who are walking in the truth. It is a call to bring to their attention, one more responsibility James believes is important for them to be aware of and involved in. He presents to them a hypothetical situation, which could occur among them. It is a situation that is not inevitable and happens more often than it should. “If any among you strays from the truth” will there be someone who will notice and will be willing to invest the time to turn him back. Jesus talks about this in Matthew 18:12 – 13 NASB: “What do you think? If a man has a hundred sheep, and one of them has gone astray, does he not leave the ninety-nine on the mountains and go and search for the one that is straying? And if it turns out that he finds it, truly I say to you, he rejoices over it more than over the ninety-nine which have not gone astray.” The picture is of a sheep feeding on the grass among the rocks and as it eats it unintentionally wanders away and becomes lost. As a Christian goes about his daily business, day after day, rubbing shoulders with those in the world, he may forget his reference to the truth. In the process he “strays from the truth” and begins to embrace the philosophy of worldliness. He gradually surrenders a vital relationship with the Lord and becomes friends with the world. It is this person the brother is to notice and put forth effort to turn back to the truth.

“And one turns him back” is the task set before the alert brother. The issue here is not that of salvation. It is a brother who has wandered away who needs to be restored. It is like the case with Peter in Luke 22:32 (NASB) when Jesus said,  “But I have prayed for you, that your faith may not fail; and you, when once you have turned again, strengthen your brothers.” The Lord knew that Peter was going to deny him and that he would go astray. Have you in your Christian experience not gone astray at one time or another? What would have happen to you if someone did not have compassion for you and take time to encourage you back? Each believer who has an intimate relationship with the Lord should have a strong desire to turn another brother or sister back to God, if he or she has strayed from the truth.

^5:19 My brethren, if any among you strays from the truth and one turns him back, ²⁰ let him know that he who turns a sinner from the error of his way will save his soul from death and will cover a multitude of sins. (James 5:19 – 20 NASB)

In the previous lesson we who are spiritual were instructed to notice those who wander from the truth and encourage them back. Those who do so will save his soul from death and “will cover a multitude of sins.”

James now gives encouragement for this work of restoration by pointing out the results to the person who reaches out to the one who is sinning. “Let him know,” points out the importance of this ministry of restoration. “He who turns a sinner” is the one who is reaching out with compassion to restore the one who is in trouble. This is the critical mission, to point out to the sinner “the error of his way” and encourage him to return to the truth. Along the way a person makes an error in judgment which causes him to wander from the truth and fall into sin. The alert brother sees this and does something about it and if successful it will produce great benefit for the one who has wandered away.

There are two benefits for the one who is restored: (1) his soul will be saved from death and (2) a multitude of sins will be covered. The first benefit is a difficult one to grasp. Does it mean premature physical death or death of the soul? Paul says, “The wages of sin is death” (Romans 6:23). For the Christian who sins, what is the meaning of death? It can’t mean loss of salvation, for if it did then our first sin after conversion would result in the loss of salvation. The work of grace has divided the population into two groups. The soul of the one who reject Christ will experience eternal death. Those who accept Christ and are saved, death for them is not death of the soul but separation from fellowship with God. Once grace performs its work in the life of a person, then death has a new meaning for that person. Death means broken fellowship with God and lack of spiritual growth. That which does not grow is dying or becoming less. If a true believer continues to sin, by not being restored, he will not lose his salvation but either through an accident or abuse with his body, he will physically die. As an elder I have seen this happen in enough cases to be convinced of this and I base my conviction for this on 1 Corinthians 11:28 – 31.

As a wanderer is restored a multitude of sins will be covered. In terms of Psalms 32:1, the covering of sin does not mean they are kept secret or are somehow hidden, but that they are forgiven. The blood of Christ covers the sins. On the cross Jesus died to pay the price for our sins as required by the law. His payment is sufficient to cover the cost of our sin, to pay our debt. As the wanderer is restored, he confesses his sin and is forgiven. Confession brings our sin to where it can be covered by the payment Jesus Christ made, thus setting us free from our debt. No matter how many sins were committed by the person, who has gone astray, the payment Christ made on the cross is sufficient to “cover a multitude of sins.”

It was the desire of James that his readers walk in the truth, showing daily evidence of a living faith. His writings were balanced. There was rebuke for various inadequacies, but his motive was not to condemn but to encourage and when someone does wander away from the truth that there would be someone who cared enough to reach out and help restore that one back. It is on this note that the book of James comes to an end and so we will close with a final comment.

The letter of James is indeed a most practical book and wise is the person who knows and lives by its principles.

James 5:1–6 — Warning to the Rich Who Oppress Others

1. Why does James warn the rich to “weep and howl” because of the miseries coming upon them? (James 5:1)

Answer:
James warns the rich because they have placed their trust in wealth rather than God and have used their riches in sinful ways. Their possessions will not save them from God’s judgment. The warning is not against having wealth itself, but against greed, pride, and using wealth selfishly while ignoring the needs and suffering of others.

2. What does James mean when he says that their riches have “rotted” and their garments are “moth-eaten”? (James 5:2)

Answer:
James uses these images to show the temporary nature of earthly possessions. Wealth, clothing, and material things that seem valuable eventually decay and disappear. He reminds believers that earthly treasures cannot provide lasting security because only the things of God have eternal value.

3. What sin does James identify regarding the wages withheld from workers? (James 5:4)

Answer:
James condemns the injustice of wealthy people who cheated laborers by withholding their rightful pay. God hears the cries of those who are oppressed and will hold accountable those who take advantage of others. This teaches that God cares deeply about justice, honesty, and the fair treatment of people.

4. How had the rich lived according to James 5:5?

Answer:
They had lived in luxury and self-indulgence while ignoring the suffering around them. James compares them to animals being fattened for slaughter, showing that their pursuit of pleasure without righteousness was leading them toward judgment.

5. What does James mean by saying they had “condemned and murdered the righteous person”? (James 5:6)

Answer:
James is describing the extreme injustice committed by those who used their power and wealth to harm innocent people. The righteous person may not have resisted because they trusted God’s justice. James reminds believers that God sees every injustice and will ultimately bring judgment.

James 5:7–12 — Patience in Suffering

6. What does James encourage believers to do while waiting for the coming of the Lord? (James 5:7)

Answer:
James encourages believers to be patient and steadfast. He uses the example of a farmer who patiently waits for the valuable fruit of the earth. In the same way, Christians should trust God’s timing and remain faithful while waiting for Christ’s return.

7. Why does James tell believers to “establish your hearts”? (James 5:8)

Answer:
James tells believers to strengthen their faith because the Lord’s coming is near. A firm heart is one that remains faithful despite difficulties, knowing that God’s promises are certain and His justice will ultimately prevail.

8. What warning does James give about complaining against one another? (James 5:9)

Answer:
James warns believers not to grumble against each other because the Judge is standing at the door. Since God sees and judges all things, Christians should respond to trials with patience and love rather than criticism and resentment toward others.

9. What examples does James give of patience and suffering? (James 5:10–11)

Answer:
James points to the prophets and Job as examples of endurance. The prophets remained faithful despite suffering, and Job demonstrated perseverance through severe trials. Their stories reveal that God is compassionate and merciful toward those who trust Him.

10. What does James teach about making oaths? (James 5:12)

Answer:
James teaches believers to be people of complete honesty whose words can be trusted. They should not need elaborate promises to convince others of their truthfulness. A faithful person’s “yes” should mean yes, and their “no” should mean no.

James 5:13–18 — Prayer and Faith

11. What should believers do when they suffer, are cheerful, or are sick? (James 5:13–14)

Answer:
James gives three responses:

• Those suffering should pray.
• Those who are cheerful should praise God.
• Those who are sick should call for the elders of the church to pray and anoint them with oil in the name of the Lord.

James emphasizes that every circumstance of life should bring believers to God.

12. What role does prayer play in healing according to James 5:15?

Answer:
James teaches that prayer offered in faith is powerful because God is the source of healing. Healing ultimately comes according to God’s will and purpose. James also connects spiritual restoration with physical healing by mentioning forgiveness of sins.

13. Why does James tell believers to confess their sins to one another? (James 5:16)

Answer:
Confession encourages humility, accountability, forgiveness, and spiritual healing within the community of believers. James reminds Christians that “the prayer of a righteous person has great power” because God works through faithful obedience and dependence on Him.

14. Why does James use Elijah as an example of prayer? (James 5:17–18)

Answer:
James uses Elijah to show that powerful prayer does not depend on being extraordinary but on faithfully trusting God. Elijah was an ordinary human being who prayed according to God’s will, and God answered by controlling the rain. His example demonstrates the effectiveness of sincere prayer.

James 5:19–20 — Restoring Those Who Wander

15. What should believers do if someone wanders from the truth? (James 5:19)

Answer:
Believers should lovingly seek to restore those who have turned away from God’s truth. Christianity is not only about personal faithfulness but also about caring for the spiritual well-being of others.

16. What does James mean by “turns him back”? (James 5:20)

Answer:
James refers to helping a person repent and return to faithful obedience to God. Such restoration can save a person from spiritual destruction and demonstrates God’s mercy and grace toward sinners.

17. What does James 5 teach about the relationship between faith and action?

Answer:
James 5 shows that genuine faith produces righteous actions. True believers demonstrate patience in suffering, honesty in relationships, compassion toward others, dependence on prayer, and a willingness to restore those who have fallen away.

18. What are the major lessons believers should remember from James 5?

Answer:
James 5 teaches several important truths:

1. Earthly wealth is temporary, but God’s judgment is eternal.
2. Believers should remain patient while waiting for the Lord.
3. God hears the prayers of His people and responds according to His wisdom.
4. Faith should produce honesty, compassion, endurance, and obedience.
5. Christians should help restore those who have wandered from the truth.

Summary Understanding of James 5

James 5 calls believers to live with eternal perspective. Those who misuse wealth and oppress others will face God’s judgment, while those who endure suffering faithfully will experience His compassion and mercy. Prayer is presented as a powerful expression of dependence on God, and believers are called to support, encourage, and restore one another. The chapter closes James’s letter by emphasizing that genuine faith is demonstrated through patience, prayer, righteousness, and love for others.