THE BOOK OF JAMES
A BIBLE STUDY IN 11 LESSONS
2005:
Pastor Eric J. Hanson
77 Oxford Street
South Paris, ME
04281
207 890-5979 evenings
207 539-2295 daytimes
ehanson1@verizon.net
THE BOOKOF JAMES
A HOME FELLOWSHIP STUDY
Lesson 1: Introduction
By Eric J. Hanson
(Please look up each scripture reference and read it as you come to it in this piece.)
Who was James: There is more than one James in the New Testament. The first one most people think of is John’s Brother James, the son of Zebedee. That particular James, one of the inner circle of John, James, and Peter, was murdered by Herod Agrippa I in or about 44 AD. (Acts 12:1-2) He is not the author of this book. There was also another James in the Gospels. He is the son of Alphaeus. Little is mentioned about him beyond his being a follower of Jesus. He is also not the author of this book.
That leaves James, the half-brother of Jesus. In the Gospels, we can see that James, as well as Jesus’ other half brothers did not believe in him during his earthly ministry. See Matthew 13:54-58, Mark 6:1-6, John 7:2-5, and Mark 3:31-35. These clearly show that Jesus had younger half-brothers who were with Mary, his mother. These were sons of Joseph, not of God. This James, probably the oldest of Jesus’ younger brothers, is the author of the epistle of James.
After Jesus rose from the dead, his brothers became true believers in Him. James went on to become one of the elders of the Church in Jerusalem. He also became an apostle, as clearly stated in Galatians 1:19. Further insight into James can be gained by now reading Acts 15:13-22, in which James concurs, with Paul and with Peter, that Gentile converts should not be asked to keep the ceremonial and dietary Old Testament Law.
James’s epistle was written right around the year 50A.D. At that time, there were heresies within the Church to guard against, and persecution coming against the Church from outside. Some were saying that you can live any old way you please after becoming a believer. In some circles, this heresy persists even today. James brought forth the dynamic nature of true faith in Jesus Christ. It changes people! Some thought that trials meant God had abandoned them. This is not true. Some in the churches were tearing fellow believers down with their negative talk. There were other problems too.
James addressed a wide variety of concerns in this relatively short book. It is clear and very directive!
Special Note: Some have thought that Romans and James contradict each other. Martin Luther did not like the book of James at all. This is sad, because in reality, Romans and James are like two sides of the same coin. To some extent they are as follows: Romans lays out much theory and James instructs in practice. That oversimplifies things a little.
I believe that these two books should be taught together at the Bible College level in order to give balance and perspective to future preachers.
Closing thought for this week:
James was humble. He did not brag about being the Lord’s brother. He opened his epistle with a salutation identifying himself as the bond-servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ.
Blessings to you all!
-pastor Eric
THE BOOK OF JAMES
Lesson Two: Godly Living Introduced
(Chapter 1)
Read Verse 1.
This is a greeting to all believers everywhere. Calling them “the 12 tribes” is an oblique reference to a principle Paul touches on in Romans 2:28-9, namely this; circumcision of the heart (inner man) through true faith in Jesus Christ grafts us into the covenant people of God. We become part of Spiritual Israel in Christ. Note: in historic Israel, ten of the tribes had been “lost” for centuries at the time of the writing of this little book of James.
DEALING WITH TRIALS
(Read verses 2-4.)
Let’s look at trials, and/or temptations in a positive light! If we walk closely with God, during them, they help us become mature and complete.
(Read verses 5-8.)
In times of trial we need God’s wisdom, and we can have it, but unwavering faith is the key to this. Here is a mystery of the kingdom. We can’t “work up” unwavering faith. It is a work of God in us. We need to cry out to Him to increase our faith during times of trial. Then we need to ask for his wisdom for the situation, “nothing doubting”.
IF YOU ARE RICH
(Read verses 9-11.)
There are rich people who are believers in Jesus. All such people need to heed this advice. Money is nothing more than a tool. Having lots of it does not make anyone better than someone else. The rich fade away and die like everyone else.
(Read verse 12.)
This is a precious promise for all who are being persecuted or suffering through trials of any type. Remember: this letter was written to believers who were encountering increasing opposition to the Gospel.
TEMPTATIONS AND SIN
(Read verses 13-15.)
James is making something perfectly clear. God is not the tempter, and he cannot be tempted. The evil within us (the old nature) is easily enticed with sin of many kinds, both obvious and subtle. Beware! Sin, when it becomes full blown, kills us.
GOD IS GOOD-TOTALLY!
(Read verses 16-18.)
All that is good and perfect comes from God, the prime example being new life from above, birthed through the word of truth.
DIRECTIONS FOR GODLY LIVING
(Read verses 19-20.)
This is the opposite of living by the flesh. We tend, in the natural man, to jump to conclusions, become angry, and be quick to speak; if not to the people we are upset with, then to others about them later. (Oh dear)
(Read verses 21-25.)
The Word of God going deep and working down inside of us is the only thing that can change our basic approach to life. Only a quality commitment of obedience to God’s word will do. If we don’t have that, the word of God is quickly forgotten! When it exposes something evil in us, we must reject the evil thing and remove it from our life.
(Read verse 26.)
It is one of the hardest things in human experience to control our speech, but it is a real priority to do so. Only a deep and abiding conviction about this will drive us to God for His overcoming ability in this matter.
(Read verse 27.)
Religion is what we do as a result of what we believe. If we care for the least (widows and orphans), and we stay away from sinful temptations and practices, this is “pure and faultless” religion. Over the long haul, this can’t be faked. It comes from God’s own love (agape) working on the inside of us.
APPLICATION QUESTIONS
1. Was there any one thing in this wide ranging chapter that really struck you? If so, could you share it with the group?
2. Have you seen victory over any severe temptations in you life?
3. Have you ever received supernatural wisdom from God to deal with any particular situation?
4. Are you ministering to the least among us in some way? (Teaching a class, giving rides to church to those without a car, teaching financial wisdom, etc…
CLOSING THOUGHT: This chapter deals with so many things. Perhaps the heart of it, which makes all the rest work, is found in 20-24. Rooting out evil and letting the word of God abide and work deeply in us is key.
May you walk in the Lord’s own strength and light this week!
THE BOOK OF JAMES
Lesson Three: The Rich and the Poor in church…
(Chapter 2:1-16)
Thirty one years ago, in the early days of Hosanna Church, it became known as a church where the people had money. This was because people such as Stan Cornwall (Cornwall Industries, then Christian Enterprises), Chuck Guageur (Norway Veterinary Hospital), the Hobses, the Healys, and quite a few other business owners, managers, or superintendents were all part of this church family in those days. When I first came here, I was a single young adult with virtually no money at all. But I was welcomed onto the platform to play guitar in special music, and then in the worship band (the only one in this whole region) with such folks as Clarence and Sonny Remington, several other adults, and two or three teens with flutes or clarinets.
I soon noticed that there were other poor people here too besides me, and some who were not as well spoken as some of the others. There were “working poor”, widows, and single mothers too. Hosanna Church was a broad mix of the socio-economic spectrum in those days.
In the years since, the current elders have sought to maintain that same openness to everyone to come in here, meet the Lord Jesus Christ, and become a follower of Him and part of our church family. Income level, education level, and such things as stylishness of clothing are things we seek to look past, and see the person instead.
I have often prayed that Hosanna would not only continue to be a church where all people seeking to know God can feel welcome; but that we will also become a church where many poor come in, meet the Lord, then learn godly patterns of work and money management through mentoring and actual classes, and escape from poverty, becoming givers and blessing others.
To The Text
Read verses 1-4
The elders, having ministered in this geographic region for a long time, are very aware that there are indeed certain churches where this scenario is played out. It is not on so blatant a level as in the example given here by James, but it is real. This is borne out by the fact that certain churches are pretty much only upper middle class and rich people. The poor are just not made to feel welcome at these churches.
The poor tend to have their own churches where they feel welcome, but they tend to stay trapped in poverty cycles and choices there, because the financially wise and successful community members are not there to be role models and teachers. Most people, even church members, just don’t take James 1:9-11 or this passage as a dead serious, choice influencing injunction.
Read verse 5.
The truth of this verse is borne out by the incredible and real growth of Metro Ministries in Brooklyn, New York, and dozens of other ministries that have sprung up in Chicago, Los Angeles and other places where the poor are concentrated. This is even clearer in the Third World where millions are being swept into the Kingdom in our day.
Read verses 6-7.
It is worth noting that even true believers, to whom this was written, have a tendency to pander to the rich. It was happening in the early church.
Read verses 8-11.
Love (Agapao) your neighbor as yourself! This “royal law” cannot be kept if we are influenced in attitude, by how much money anyone has.
Read verses 12-13.
How important is mercy? Jesus was moved with “compassion” and had mercy on those who were suffering. Verse 13 really has a strong word.
Read verses 14-16.
Real faith produces something. If the love of the Lord is truly in us, we will do something about the needs of the truly poor, and homes where little ones are cold when heating oil runs out, etc.
Parting Thoughts
1. When the church gives “alms” help, we need to also give some guidance to repeat askers concerning wise use of money, because many people today actually get enough to get by on, and then use it very foolishly on cigarettes, lottery tickets, joy rides, etc. Then they can’t pay basic bills.
2. In ancient times, begging was actually an employment for those who could not find or do normal jobs. The Temple worship always included alms giving to help the poor. Additionally, good Jews would give to the poor in the street. However, this is to be done quietly, not making a show of it.
3. Those who say they are brothers in the Lord, but refuse to work (or always find an excuse to lose each job) are not to keep receiving help. II Thessalonians 3:6-10 addresses this very clearly. Hard work is imperative for men to do, in order to provide for their families and set a good testimony before the World.
Application Questions:
1. Do you struggle with the rich/poor thing? For instance, do you resent rich people, or poor people?
2. What is your reaction to Proverbs 23:4? Are you wearing yourself out in order to live at a certain standard that most of the World would call rich?
3. Do you understand that it is important to have all income levels learning to live together in the Lord here in our church family?
4. Has the Lord shown you anything to change in your thinking or practice through this lesson?
THE BOOK OF JAMES
Lesson Four: Genuine Faith is Active Faith.
(Chapter 2:17-26)
We have all heard it. “Oh me? Yes! I’m a Christian. I accepted Christ at VBS when I was 10. Church? No, I’m too busy for church… tithing? No, I don’t do that either. Telling others about Jesus? Well, I’m not comfortable telling others what they ought to believe or how they should live.”
There are many variations of this story. Some of them involve people who do go to church, but who don’t walk the Gospel out in any noticeable way. What about those who refuse to repent of clear ongoing sin, such as co-habitation and sexual involvement while not married? What about cheating in business and taxes, knowing that it is theft?
The Bible teaches that our good works cannot and do not produce salvation, but it also teaches that genuine saving faith produces a changed life. James dealt with this sticky and emotionally charged issue too. Let’s have a look into this matter as it was playing out in the first century Church.
Read James 2: 17.
This transitional verse uses the illustration from verses 15-16, of a person telling the destitute to be fed and warm, and then just sending them away. It makes the sobering point that faith, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead. That is another way of saying “True faith, which is living, produces right actions in people.”
Read James 2:18-19.
Apparently people in James’ experience had tried to dichotomize faith and works (or actions) into two independent, separate things. He strongly rejects that line of thought, countering it with the truth that his faith was revealed (put on display) by what he did.
Of course, what James did, was to help lead the Church in Jerusalem, and do everything possible to spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ. He was also very concerned for others, seeking to guide them well.
Verse 19 makes clear that mere “head belief” is not saving faith. James points out the fact that even demons have a head belief in Jesus, and they are doomed.
Read verses 20-23.
Here the proof was in the pudding so to speak. The reason Abraham obeyed God’s command was because he truly believed God’s promise “In Isaac shall your offspring be called”. His radical obedience to go so far as to give up his son of promise, released God to provide a ram for the sacrifice. This ram of course, foreshadowed the “Lamb of God” who would be the ultimate substitute, dying in our stead.
Read verse 24.
Here is the most controversial verse in James. It is, however, actually only a reinforcement of James’ theme. Living faith (God implanted faith) produces good in our choices and actions.
Read verse 25.
Rahab proved her faith by what she did. Her life radically changed from what it had been before. The people of Jericho were deathly afraid of Israel. They knew that they were going down. Rahab reached out in faith, and the blood red cord she displayed from her home represents the blood of Jesus Christ causing the wrath of God to pass by the person who is trusting in that blood sacrifice. Rahab had also shown her faith ahead of time by hiding the spies. Her life was so changed that she ended up in the genealogy of the Lord.
Read verse 26.
Summation verse: If it’s the real thing, it produces a changed life.
APPLICATION
1. Can you see the large difference between attempting to be saved by doing good, which is impossible, and the reality that genuine saving faith changes people? Discuss… Examples/stories.
2. Why is mere belief not the same as saving faith?
3. Is Jesus Christ on the throne of your heart, giving you new life and divine direction?
NOTE: This chapter does not imply that true believers walk in sinless perfection. Paul wrote extensively about his internal struggle against sin. What James makes clear is this: there is a positive, love motivated flow of good, in the lives of true believers.
THE BOOK OF JAMES
Lesson 5: Taming the Tongue
(Chapter 3:1-12)
Anyone who has lived very long, and has been sensitive enough to try to control what he or she says and to whom; knows that our words sometimes seem to take on a life of their own. It is just about the hardest discipline there is to be perfected in the choice of what we say. The natural tendency is to get into sharing negative things about others to third parties, putting ourselves down, pronouncing negative predictions, being insensitive in how we speak to those close to us, and just generally misusing the God given power of speech.
As people mature and make an effort to do right with our speech, we are less like this, but, there are still times when, even for genuinely born again believers, when we slip and really mess up, perhaps hurting people in the process.
Our mouths’ powers of speech were made to bless people, to instruct, to correct constructively, to pray, to praise, to sing, to confess God’s Word into situations, and other such positive uses. James knew something about the struggle involved in moving from the negative to the positive. Let’s consider these things now.
Read 3:1-2.
It is obvious from these verses that people of negative or destructive speech, disqualify themselves from being teachers of the Word. They may be very smart and knowledgeable, but that cannot negate the importance if having disciplined Godly speech usage. In the middle of this, James acknowledges “We all stumble in many ways.” He did not make himself an exception. He did not claim to be beyond further improvement himself. As in chapter two, he is speaking of principles and of progressing in the right direction.
Read 3-6.
The old saying “Sticks and stones can break my bones, but words can never hurt me.” is simply not truthful. Words can and do wreak great damage on people. These verses compare negative words with such things as the small spark that burns down a whole forest. James goes so far as to point out that our own words can corrupt us, even the whole person. Our words define us. They set limits, and they crash through barriers, for good or for ill. Much in life turns on what we are saying and why.
Read 7-8.
If no man can tame the tongue, then what hope do we have of obtaining excellence and godliness in what we say? James makes it clear that no one can really totally do this… in their own strength.
Read 9-12.
Here is a fine description of a common problem. Multiple similes are mentioned in this passage to show the wrongness, the strangeness of praising God and cursing men made in His image with the same tongue.
Jesus, the apostles, and the prophets addressed sin in no uncertain terms. They also used some pretty clear negative language to describe those who are in rebellion against God. James is not trying here to get people to gloss over wrongdoing and never confront and denounce it. After all, that can be redemptive as people come under conviction of sin, and change their behaviors.
It is, rather, the non-redemptive speaking of negative things to and over people such as saying “You will never amount to anything! You will always fail!” Other such curses include “My luck is so bad, nothing good will ever happen to me!” There are many other such things people say to or over themselves and others. These things are cursing men. Christians are often caught up in such speech and don’t realize that it is a serious wrong.
Of course even more flagrant is stuff like telling someone to “Go to Hell”. Think about what that is saying. Stop and think about what speaking words such as “G.D. this or that person or group.” is actually saying. Think about what misusing the name of Jesus Christ because something or someone has angered you is doing. These are the flagrant cursings that most believers don’t engage in, though the World constantly does so. Nevertheless the more subtle ones tend to trap believers.
We need to actively train our tongue to speak only redemptive things, even when a wrong situation is being corrected.
APPLICATION QUESTIONS: (Some of these are sensitive. Only share what you wish to, and/or speak in a general way about such things.)
1. Are there any things you say which are actually cursing (putting down, holding back) yourself or others?
2. Do you share negative things about other people with third parties who do not absolutely have to know these things?
3. Do you actively seek for God to help your speech to become ever more Godly, Word enriched, positive, and upbuilding.
4. How did God create the universe? That is, what action did he do as recorded in the Genesis creation narratives?
5. How about dirty jokes and put down humor? Are these a problem in your speaking?
THE BOOK OF JAMES
Lesson 6: Fools’ Wisdom & Godly Wisdom
(Chapter 3:13-18)
Selfish ambition has been the real cause of most wars. Somebody, be it Alexander the Great or Napoleon Bonaparte, wants to “get glory” for country and self. Saddam Hussein, between brutal murders and torture of innocent people, orders statues and wall size murals of himself to be set up all over Iraq, just as his hero and role model Josef Stalin had done in the Soviet Union 60 years earlier.
It is not only on this scale that bullying and self aggrandizement occurs. Thousands of neighborhoods are terrorized by boys who are a little bigger and stronger than the other boys there. Their wishes are dutifully carried out by the “toadies” who revel in the “protection” of such local “kingpins”. Among grown men who are not rulers, the same dynamics are operating, from Mafia shakedowns of local store owners, to the strong willed dominator at the office or the shipyard.
Unfortunately, churches are not exempt from the power based “wisdom of this world”. It is very common for churches to be under the thumb of a small group of power brokers who dominate pastors and do their best to get rid of them if they don’t bend to the will of the little group. Many pastors have incurred such wrath, simply by starting to win souls and bring “outsiders” into “our church”. In other places, dominating singular pastors plays this role of untouchable kingpin with people scurrying to make things go “pastor’s” way.
In the World, such maneuverings are inevitable. In the Kingdom of God, such things are sin. Let’s explore God’s thoughts on the matter now.
Read verse 13.
Here we see the dominant traits of the outworking of God’s wisdom in people. These are “good works” and “humility”. Jesus Christ was, of course, the perfect example of both. People sometimes wonder about the humility part since he confronted sin and even ordered the wind around. To avoid being puzzled, we simply need to remember that the very essence of humility is to always be under the control of the Holy Spirit, and therefore to always do God’s will. This is the opposite of selfish ambition.
Read verses14-16.
Here is a perfect description of the underlying dynamics which lead to everything from secret envy that rots the bones and makes the envious person’s life miserable, to spouse abuse, to church splits, to wars.
Read verse 17.
Does this marvelous description of supernatural goodness remind you of any other scriptures? Does it appeal to you? Such scriptures have the power to create a longing in the heart of the believer, for we were made to be like this by the grace of God.
Read verse 18.
Isaiah prophesied that “as a sheep before the shearers is dumb, so He opened not his mouth”. As the accusations rained down upon the Lord, and he was silent, the events of the passion were set into motion against the innocent one. He sowed in peace and raised a HUGE harvest of righteousness as millions of people have received His righteousness through faith in him. At other times Jesus confronted sin, but was still a peacemaker, because there is no peace where sin against God is going on. So it is with us. If we lay down our “rights” and simply seek to do God’s will by His enabling, we shall reap a harvest of righteousness.
Application Questions:
1. Which wisdom are you walking in? What dominates your secret inner agenda? Hint: Your secret inner emotions will reveal the true answer.
2. Can you see the connection between the international tyrant and the controlling spouse or sibling? Explain…
3. What do I Corinthians 13 and Galatians 5:16-26 have to do with this passage? Do you see any connection?
4. Are you ready to embrace God’s agenda of personal humility coupled with good works carried out in His strength?
THE BOOK OF JAMES
Lesson 7: Practical Applications of God’s Wisdom
(Chapter 4:1-12)
Last time we noted that the wisdom of God is peaceable and loving toward people. It is filled with the agape (selfless love) of God. We touched on the fact that the essence of true humility (see Jesus Christ’s life story) is in fact great power under the control of God.
True Biblical peacemakers do oppose sin, but they love the person(s) involved in it, and have his/her/the community’s best interests as a motive to take their stand. True peacemakers, of course, practice laying their lives down for others and being considerate of the needs of those around them, and those far away too.
This time, we will explore some “where the rubber meets the road” applications of the principles we looked at last time as we explore chapter four of this amazing book of James.
Read 4:1-3.
At the root of all conflicts, there are selfish desires. At the root of many unanswered prayers these can also be found. Such wrong desires can be anything from the raw lust for land and riches, to issues of control. They can be obvious to anyone, or they can be well hidden; even clothed with respectability…
Read 4:4-6.
Spiritual adultery consists of putting anything before God. Anyone who is a believer, but gets caught up in these wrong desires and their resulting power struggles and damage to people, is committing spiritual adultery. Such a person is indeed putting other things ahead of God and the knowledge of His love and providence in our lives. The Holy Spirit “envies intensely” our devotion to other things ahead of the Lord. BUT… if we humble ourselves, He gives MORE GRACE so that we can overcome these desires rather than being overcome by them!
Read verse 7.
This verse is considered alone, simply because it is one of the most famous in the Bible. Which comes first here? Resisting the Devil with success, or submitting to God? This verse does not exist in a vacuum. Consider the three verses just before it. Any person who is consumed with building and defending their own power base is not drawing near to God and cannot repel the Devil’s attacks. The results of such a state of affairs include divorce, friendships destroyed, churches split, and people who don’t know Jesus repelled rather than drawn to Him.
On the other hand, those who truly draw near to God, can avoid these traps, and can successfully battle the Devil on many fronts, because he has nothing in them to claim as his.
Read verses 8-10.
For those believers who have been worldly in their motives and operating in the modes warned against in this chapter, these three verses give a perfect guide to escaping the power of such self serving strongholds. This passage is HOW TO DRAW NEAR TO GOD. Genuine repentance is painful because of the awareness of how far short we have come compared to God’s ideal. It produces, however, a sweet newness and ability to operate in the dynamics of the Holy Spirit and His God honoring ways.
Read verses 11-12.
This passage does not contradict I Corinthians 5:12-13. (Read that now.) The judging we are commanded to do has to do with known and ongoing sin. The judging we are commanded to refrain from has to do with slander, that is to say, pronouncing damning conclusions against another believer. (Usually complete with sweeping negative generalizations.)
Newsflash: In the flesh, our tendency, almost always, is to avoid confronting known sin, because to do so is risky and uncomfortable. We also tend to engage in slanderous judgments against others, at least in our thinking and attitudes, and often in conversations with third parties. BOTH of these are works of the flesh. They are basically the opposite of God’s will in these matters.
APPLICATION QUESTIONS
(Remind people that they do not have to answer out loud if they are not comfortable.)
1. Have you ever been hurt, even damaged, by the actions, attitudes, and words warned against in this passage?
2. What can be done to heal such harm in you or others who confide in you of their own load of hurt?
3. Have you ever been on the other side of these issues; grabbing power,
undermining others, or slandering in your heart or words?
4. Do you need to repent in any of these matters? Do you need to go to anyone to make things right?
Have a wonderful week walking with the Lord this week! Blessings to you!
THE BOOK OF JAMES
Lesson 8: Planning for the Future
(Chapter 4:13-17)
How many times have all of us seen the vision of “retirement” which is shown to us by those who are trying to get us to invest our money through their securities company. Retirement seems to be an expansive and amazing future life of playing golf on championship courses, relaxing on exotic beaches, and eating the finest foods money can buy. If we only invest our money properly, the future is rosy indeed.
Planning ahead for retirement is, of course, a wise thing to do. We who are of working age need to do what we can to try not to become a burden to others in the years to come. The book of Proverbs is filled with wise insights about how lasting wealth grows little by little through hard work, the blessing of the Lord, and wise choices.
Nevertheless, James strongly reminds us that this World is not our home. All of our future planning needs to take into account the fact that we are just passing through. Only God can keep us here for even one more day. Let’s eavesdrop now on His first century advice that holds true even now in 2005.
Read verse 13.
This is what we seem to hear all the time from those in the business world. Those of us, who have worked with teens a lot, know that many of them are also given to these kinds of statements. If fact, it is easy, even without trying, for pretty much all of us to think or talk this way, especially ambitious go-getter types.
Read verses 14 & 15.
Regarding God’s will, Jesus said “I always do the will of Him who sent me.” The writers of the New Testament made it very clear that they aimed, above all other things, to do the will of God. All of our plans should be laid before God’s throne, and we need to listen to His voice carefully. It is of the utmost importance that we who name the Name of Jesus, follow Him in seeking to do only those things that please the Lord.
Does this mean that every tiny choice must be agonized over. I don’t think so. Remember, the Heavenly Father loves us. Just as we like to give a range of good and healthy choices to our own children, especially as they grow in their ability to think and weigh options, so it is with the Lord and us. So, will it be a vanilla shake or another cup of coffee? You have what Paul called “liberty” in such matters. Enjoy your liberty. Sometimes the Lord lets us joyfully choose in certain bigger matters too. Just remember that Paul and Peter also said “only do not use your liberty as an occasion to sin.” (Galatians 5:13, I Peter 2:16)
As to whether you will go to Miami next winter and make $100,000 in three months; ask God, then say what He says, not what you have “all figured out”.
Read verse 16.
This verse reveals a prideful root behind most statements of “I am going to go do this and accomplish that.” James calls it boasting and bragging. Let’s not talk or think this way.
Read verse 17.
If we are getting God’s guidance and carefully following His voice, then we will “do the good we ought to do”, and thus avoid sin. Does this mean we try to earn brownie points with God by running around doing “good” things? Not at all if we understand how to please God. The good we do will be growing out of our relationship with the Father and by responding to His guiding Holy Spirit.
LIFE APPLICATION QUESTIONS
1. Am I careful to listen to God and make my plans in tune with His wisdom and His leading?
2. Have I ever gotten “caught up” in big plans that later proved troublesome because I did not really listen to God first? Do I have a pattern of this in my choices?
3. Are there any particularly difficult choice matters for me where I need to be more in tune with God? Do I need any counsel/instruction in wise decision making?
4. Do I enjoy my Christian Liberty, walking free from fearfulness over every little choice?
5. Do I guard against using liberty as an excuse to indulge fleshy impulses and desires?
THE BOOK OF JAMES
Lesson 9: Terror Ahead for Evil Rich People
(Chapter 5:1-6)
A wrong relationship with money is a recurring theme of the scriptures. In many places, readers of the Bible are warned not to love money. We are told to pay workers fairly and also to be generous toward the poor. Paul, in I Timothy 6:10, warns us with these words: “The love of money is a root of all kinds of evil.”
God is not against riches. Some of His most honored servants have been rich, or grown rich during their years of serving God. Think of Abraham, Jacob, Joseph, David, Solomon, and others. God IS against trusting in riches. He is against hoarding riches. He is against stinginess in our dealings with others.
Let’s look now at the very sobering words of James 5:1-6.
Read verses 1-3.
If we were to try to keep our harvested food forever, it would rot in storage. If we hold onto money in such a way that we become a pool that has an inlet, but not an outlet, that money, like stagnant water, will rot. Things which are, in fact, good in themselves will end up corrupted. Silver and gold, which are gifts from God, become corroded; poisoned if you will, when they are hoarded selfishly.
Some Christian believers think that the money itself is evil. God’s word, however, indicates otherwise. Deuteronomy 8:18 & 19 inform us that it is God Himself who gives us the power to gain wealth, and so confirms His covenant with us. We are then instructed to use that wealth to spread the Gospel through the tithe and love offerings. We are also told in both the Old and New Testaments, to be generous to those who otherwise don’t have enough to get by. (Proverbs 22:9) Proverbs is, in fact, loaded with good and godly financial advice and promises from one end to the other.
Here is the bottom line of verses one through three: God hates hoarding of wealth, turning a blind eye to the poor, and leaving the work of the Gospel unfunded.
Read verse 4.
The exploiting and cheating of workers has been widespread all over the Earth and in every age. From slavery, to share cropping, to promising profits or benefits and then reneging on those promises, this has been, and is, a widespread evil. God says that the cries of the exploited workers have reached His ears.
Read verses 5 & 6.
These two verses remind me of the old, sailing ship based, African slave trade. Many innocent people were not only forced into life long servitude, but many of them were brutally murdered, worked to death, or otherwise treated unimaginably poorly. There are places on Earth where it is like that for many today. North Korea, Corners of the Dominican Republic, Sudan in Northern Africa, and probably other dark corners of the Earth are places of genuine slavery and chattel slaughter of human beings today. In our lifetimes, the Soviet Union and other places had great slave labor camps where prisoners of conscience were worked to death routinely.
In many places where slavery is outlawed, factories employ children and others for 12 or 16 hour days of drudge work for pennies each day. In such lands, the people stay in these sweatshops because the alternative is no income at all.
There are always some who grow rich in this grisly and evil enterprise of oppression. God sees and hears all of it. We must not be like this, even remotely. Even in little matters such as leaving a tip at a restaurant, we, as believers in Jesus Christ, must “do to others as we would have them do to us”.
Far from being a mere platitude, the Golden Rule is a guide for all of our dealings with others. This holds true in financial matters, attitude, and everything having to do with our treatment of others.
Conclusion:
God takes the proper use of money very seriously. So must we.
APPLICATION QUESTIONS:
1. Do I approach my financial choices with a Kingdom of God mentality consistently?
2. Do I love people and use money, and never love money and use people?
3. What do I get from looking at Matthew 6:24?
4. Are there any adjustments I need to make in my approach to and use of money?
5. Are there evil practices going on, related to these principles, that I should speak out against?
THE BOOK OF JAMES
Lesson 10: When Facing Persecution
(Chapter 5:7-12)
This book, like first Peter, was written just as the first organized persecution against believers was starting up. The Jewish religious establishment had opposed the Church from the beginning, but now, other forms of opposition were starting up, such as the wrath of rich pagans who disdained God’s standards. Soon, many generations of Roman sponsored official persecution of Christians would begin.
The advice contained in these verses begins with the connecting word “then” in the very first sentence. The use of this word links these verses back to the previous verses regarding evil rich people.
The suffering talked about in this new passage is not generic in nature. It is the suffering the Godly endure for righteousness’ sake. Let’s look into it now.
Read verses 7 & 8.
The admonition here ties our call to patience toward those who condemn and murder the innocent to a sure future event; the return of the Lord. Observe the patience of a farmer who sows his seed, then waits for seasonal rains to come and cause the seed to grow into a harvest. For months he is patient waiting for the “valuable crop”. We must be patient, even though there are evildoers doing evil. The reason given for this is: There is a valuable crop coming! The seed of the word of God in this world WILL produce a valuable crop for the owner of the land, who is the Lord.
Read verse 9.
This is a stern warning, yet that which is warned against here is one of the besetting sins of the Church in our age. Many believers seem to relish grumbling against each other. God’s word clearly says that this action brings judgment upon the person doing the grumbling. I’ve never known a person given over to grumbling who was either happy, or someone people love to be with. People given over to grumbling do not change their world or have a powerful impact for the Lord. Nothing great was ever built by people simply being against someone. Only the love and power of God moving through people can have real impact for good. Habitual grumblers reap a harvest of rejection and loneliness. Then they complain that people don’t like them.
Read verses 10-11.
If any of us was to do a study of all the prophets of God throughout the Bible, the record of suffering would include everything from being made fun of, to being murdered. Most of the prophets did not fare well in this life. Nevertheless, James points to the end of the story of Job as an illustration of how God regards those who are faithful to Him. Certainly those who have been tortured, imprisoned, exiled, and/or murdered for their testimony of Jesus Christ have obtained to a resurrection and reward that will be even better than the earthly blessings Job received. (See Hebrews 11:32-40)
The operation of the Grace of God in believers who are seeking to stay true to the Gospel in the face of persecution produces a supernatural level of both wisdom and courage. Church history is filled with fine examples of this truth. Jesus told his followers about this in Matthew 10:17-20.
Read verse 12.
Swearing as used in this text is the same as “taking an oath” to do something. Usually such swearing out of oaths had to do with revenge. Believers must be especially on guard against hatred and the desire for revenge taking root in us. Romans 12:19 informs us that vengeance belongs to God. Even the desire for it must be rooted out from our hearts. Swearing which is based in hatred often includes such words as “If it’s the last thing I ever do…” or “I’ll do this or my name isn’t…” or “By my last drop of blood I swear that I’ll make him pay!”.
Similarly, we are not to curse people with our words. See Romans 12:14, in addition to James 3:9-12. Only God can “damn” a soul. We should never seek to do so, but should shudder at such things.
Our yes should always mean yes, and our no mean no, without any extra added to them. Anything else is a lack of truthfulness. An honest person doesn’t need to resort to swearing by something when making a commitment.
Application Questions
1. Am I serious about obeying the Lord’s command in these difficult matters?
2. Do I: a. grumble against fellow believers? b. swear out oaths? c. curse out people?
3. Is my word a sure thing? Can people trust me when I say yes or no?
4. Am I patient if faced with persecution for the sake of the Gospel?
THE BOOK OF JAMES
Lesson 11: Concluding Instructions
(Chapter 5:13-20)
Unlike the longer epistles such as Romans, in which the entire last part of the book deals with greetings, personal updates, and future apostolic plans, this letter stays focused on precise instruction right to the last verse. Let’s finish up our journey through James now by absorbing these godly guidelines.
Read Verse 13.
Note that this verse deals with two seemingly opposite things, trouble and happiness. Yet, we know that in Acts 16, Paul and Silas were in trouble yet happy at the same time. If we are focused on doing the will of God in the Earth, staying close to the Lord and hearing His voice continually; making disciples and extending the Kingdom of God; responding to people according to scriptural guidelines, etc, a supernatural dynamic from the Holy Spirit enters into us. This is what happened for Paul and Silas in Philippi, when they were persecuted, whipped, and thrown in jail. Proof that they were not just a couple of nut cases came with the response of God in shaking apart the jail building and then bringing about the Christian conversion of the jailer and his family. Why were these wounded apostles happy? I believe that it was because, thanks to the abiding Holy Spirit’s empowering witness in them, they knew they were doing the will of God, regardless of the opposing will of sinful men.
James understood that our response to trouble must always be, first of all, prayer. Philippians 4:6 certainly backs this up. Singing songs of praise has strong Old Testament endorsement as well. Psalms 92, 95, 149, & 150; the stories of David with Saul (I Samuel 16) and king Jehoshaphat defeating the enemies of God’s people (2 Chronicles 20) show the power of godly music to break evil’s power.
Read verse 14.
Notice that this is an internal instruction for those who are believers already, and therefore are part of the church family. This is God’s design for dealing with sickness in His people. It is not wise to be sick and save this as a last resort. Some believers only have the elders pray over them with anointing oil after they have first been to doctors, spent a lot of money on medications, and have not gotten better. They wait until they can’t stand their condition any longer, and then call for this special healing prayer. By the way, the anointing oil here reminds us of the person of the Holy Spirit. It is He who carries God’s healing power in his person here on Earth. The elders are acting as His vessels or conduits in carrying out this matter.
Some dispensationalists have taught in books, and on the radio that the oil here simply means medicine, and that the elders have been superseded by doctors, thus this verse simply means to go to the doctor and get medicine. (These teachers also tend to be singular or “senior” pastors of churches that have no true I Timothy 3/I Peter 5 elders who pastor (shepherd) the church together. Some others have taught that Christians should never go to doctors; that it is a sin to do so. These extremes are both wrong teachings, distorting God’s word.
Read verse 15.
The word “well” in this verse is the Greek word “sozo”. This is an exceedingly strong statement of wholeness physically, emotionally, spiritually. Note the parallel promise of forgiveness. How great is that?!
Read verse 16.
We are to walk humbly together. Every believer needs to have a few close friends in the Lord that they can do this practice with. Too many Protestants teach that because the exclusive levitical priesthood was done away with upon the death of the Lord at Calvary; therefore, we don’t do any confession of sin except to God, period, end of story. That is only half the story. We no longer have to go through a priest in order to reach God, but we are all priests under the New Covenant (Revelation 1:6 & 5:10) and we are to walk together in openness, humility, trustworthiness, and mutual prayer support. Such an approach brings healing. We also recognize the power and value of each other’s prayers when living this way.
Read verses 17-18.
Knowing that people would have a hard time believing verse 16, James immediately gives this illustration, pointing out that Elijah was, in fact, just a man like any of us. James knew that people would tend to duck from the openness and vulnerability implicit in the true Body life in verse 16. Do you believe that the bumbling believer in your group, who pronounces certain words wrong, or who has some annoying trait or blind spot, has tremendous power in his or her prayers? Such folks do, but it will only be released for you as you obey verse 16.
Read verses 19-20.
Whatever happened to old Jim? We haven’t seen him in either church or Home Fellowship for a while. Has anyone talked to him about the importance of staying in vitally connected fellowship? Is he backsliding? Does anyone really know?
The tendency, especially in our culture of hyper independence, is to “not pry”, “not say anything”, not “rock the boat”. Many pastors even tend to feel sad, but leave the situation alone. Many pastors have known the sting of going after a “wandering sheep” and getting criticized or even rebuked for doing so.
Jesus said that a good shepherd (pastor means shepherd.) will leave the 99 sheep who are still in the sheepfold to go get the wandering sheep and bring him or her back. He was perfectly clear in Matthew 18:12-14 about this. The Kingdom answer to Cain’s question “Am I my brother’s keeper?” is yes.
It is every believer’s responsibility to go after a wandering friend in the Lord. (“and someone bring him back…”) Besides, who wouldn’t want to “save him from death, and cover a multitude of sins”? This is much more important than the risk of rejection and misunderstanding is.
Conclusion
The modern church in America and in “Yankee Independent Maine” is not so good at most of the things in today’s passage. Let’s be the exception, for there is power for living in obeying these instructions. There is pleasing God in obeying these instructions. There is healing, forgiveness, and turning from sin and death in this passage of scripture.
Application Questions
1. Do I practice a lifestyle of prayer and songs of praise to the Lord?
2. Do I humble myself when needed and confess my faults to others?
3. Do I call for the elders to pray and anoint me with oil for healing of sickness?
4. Do I hold the prayers of my fellow believers in high regard and seek those prayers out?
5. Am I willing to risk the rejection or criticism that may happen in order to call for wandering believers to return to following the Lord?
