SCRIPTURE: JAMES 1
INTRODUCTION:
The book of James may be the earliest book of the New Testament. It was written by James, the half brother of Jesus addressed to all Christians. It had practical advices on living the Christian life. The central theme of James’ letter is genuine faith will produce good deeds. He wanted every believer to become a doer of the Word.
BIBLE VERSES:
“Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters,[a] whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.” (James 1:2-4)
“If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you. But when you ask, you must believe and not doubt, because the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. That person should not expect to receive anything from the Lord. Such a person is double-minded and unstable in all they do.” (James 1:5-8)
“Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him.” (James 1:12)
“Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows” (James 1:17)
“My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires. Therefore, get rid of all moral filth and the evil that is so prevalent and humbly accept the word planted in you, which can save you.” (James 1:19-21)
“Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says” (James 1:22)
“Those who consider themselves religious and yet do not keep a tight rein on their tongues deceive themselves, and their religion is worthless.” (James 1:26)
TRIALS AND TEMPTATIONS (vs. 2-18)
Whenever you have trials, consider it pure joy because the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance enables you to be complete and mature (vs. 2-4). Anyone who lacks wisdom should ask from God without doubt. Otherwise he will not be able to receive anything from God because doubt is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind (vs. 6-8). Those who are rich must be humble because he will pass away like a wild flower.
Those who persevere under trial and stood the test will receive the crown of life (v. 12). Temptation is not from God. It is by his own evil desire which conceives and gives birth to sin which will result to death (vs. 13-15) God is unchanging. he gives us every good and perfect gift through the word of truth (vs. 16-18)
LISTENING AND DOING (vs. 19-24)
TEACHINGS OF JAMES:
- Be quick to listen, slow to speak and slor to become angry (v. 19)
- Ge rid of all moral filth and accept the Word (v. 21)
- Do not merely listen to the Word. Do what it says (v. 20)
- Keep a tight rein on your tongue (v. 26)
- Look after orphans and widows in their distress (v. 27)
THOUGHTS:
ILLUSTRATIONS FROM NATURE:
- Doubt is compared to the waves of the sea (v. 65)
- Riches are compared to fading flowers (vs. 9-11)
- Sin is compared to pregnancy (vs. 13-15), wqeeds (v. 21) and dirt (v. 27)
DEMONSTRATION OF GOD’S PERFECTION:
- His perfect work (v. 4) – His purpose to mature us.
- His perfect gift (v. 16) – His goodness to us in times of testing
- His perfect Word (v. 21) – His Word to strengthen and sustain us
When we have trouble, have a positive outlook by turning our hardship into opportunities for growth. Ask God to help solve our problems and sustain us with His strength. Be patient and wait for God’s time.
We need to ask wisdom from God for us to discern right from wrong. But we must ask with faith without doubting.
It is not enough for us to listen to God’s Word. It is important to obey and do what it says. The effectiveness of Bible study is measured by the effect of our behaviour and attitudes. Do you put action to what have learned in His Word?