Bible study Daily, explanation and encouragement - James

James 1:2-3

This text teaches us that we should rejoice in difficult situations, knowing that through them God tests our faith to elicit patience. Trials produces eventually patience, but first they bring all kinds of garbage to the surface, such as pride, anger, rebellion, self-pity, and complaining. We need to face and deal with these ungodly characteristics before patience can be generated.

The Bible talks about cleansing, sanctification, sacrifice, and suffering. These are not popular words; nevertheless, if we want to be like Christ in our character, sometimes we need to go through difficult circumstances to learn His ways. Many times God does not do things exactly the way we want. He puts people and situations in our lives that make us want to give up on the whole process, and He does not want us to argue. He just wants to hear, “Yes, Lord, Your will be done.”

James 1:5

THE NATURE OF WISDOM - What kind of wisdom does James exhort his brothers to ask for? Besides it is more than knowledge and goes beyond any natural human achievement. What James means by wisdom is that it is the gift of the soul through which the believer recognizes and perceives the divine rule of life called righteousness. The wisdom of which James speaks is the gift of God that equips man for every good work and is not unlike the gift of the Holy Spirit (Luke 11:13).

THE GIFT OF GOD - The wisdom of which James writes is God's best gift to His people. In fact, it is from Himself through the Holy Spirit. The wisdom that a follower of Christ should ask for is the promised gift of the Holy Spirit.

A GIFT RECEIVED BY FAITH - But when you ask, do so in faith, without wavering (verse 6). If someone feels that they lack the power to face their trials with joy, they need to ask God for it. HOWEVER, ASK WITH FAITH. In order for our request to be fulfilled, we need to be sincere. Do we really want the kind of help that God has chosen to give us, or are we secretly hoping to find an easier way? Do we have enough faith in God’s wisdom and love to allow Him to transform us into people like Him through the gift of His own life? This gift, like every spiritual gift of God, comes by faith: FOR WHOEVER WOULD DRAW NEAR TO GOD MUST BELIEVE THAT HE EXISTS AND THAT HE REWARDS THOSE WHO SEEK HIM (Heb 11:6).

James 1:6

OBEY TO THE WORD OF GOD, GOD'S WORK IS PERFORMED!

EVALUATE! In what areas do you claim to have faith? While your actions declare disbelief?

Recognize and acknowledge these areas. Leave the areas of disbelief.

DECIDE TO ACT in your faith.

PRACTICE TODAY what you are proclaiming.

Listening and not doing is a sign of a deceived heart.
God blesses the hearers and practitioners of the word!

So faith by itself, if it has no works, is dead. But some one will say, "You have faith and I have works." Show me your faith apart from your works, and I by my works will show you my faith (James 2:17-18).

If you do not practice what you say aloud and use Bible texts, unbelievers and fellow believers will attack you on your faith and satan will sue you before God!

If God's Word is NOT fulfilling in your life, investigate for yourself, ask the Holy Spirit why, until you have the answer.

Some people have very big struggles. They say they are looking for faith or trying to believe. However, all that is needed, is to put into practice what God says.

I use the term "practicing the Word of God" more than having faith or believing, because faith is exactly that.

That is what faith is: to act at the height of God's word.

James 1:6

A divided heart is not the way to triumph in trials. If we are divided in heart, we will receive only half — or less! We will be like the wave of the sea that one moment rushes toward the shore of faith and hope and the next moment turns back toward the ocean of unbelief. In our attitude toward God there must be no fickleness, wanting things partly our way and partly God’s way. This instability is the mark of a double-hearted man (double comes from the Greek dipsychos, which is two-souled), a man or woman of divided affections and an unsubdued will, desiring to hold both worlds. It is this fickleness that prevents a person from finding joy in his trials, and it is this very disposition that will block him from receiving the help he needs from God. A person must believe with all his soul that there is help from God. It is on the basis of this unwavering faith that a person can expect the gift he is seeking — to be given to him.

James 1:13

The author makes it clear that no man who feels the urge to sin should say, "I AM TEMPTED BY GOD." God allows trials to make us strong, but He never tempts us to do evil. God is a holy God; His plan of redemption was designed to destroy sin. Because of His nature, God cannot be tempted by evil; to tempt one of His creatures to sin would be a violation of His purpose in sending His only Son. God allows the possibility of evil in its attractive forms in the moral world, but He does not want us to fall into temptation.

TEMPTATION COMES FROM WITHIN - verse 14 says: Temptation comes from our own desires. Here James seeks to emphasize man’s personal responsibility in committing sin. The lure of evil is in our own nature. And lustful desires, as our Lord so clearly taught (Matt. 5:28), are sinful even when they have not yet manifested themselves in lustful actions. Wrong desires can be wrong not only because they are uncontrolled, but because, leaving aside the sanctifying presence of the Spirit, they are carnal.

VERSE 15 - These desires give birth to sin, and when sin is fully developed it brings forth death. James uses verse 15 to trace the course of evil, beginning with a wrong thought, which results in a sinful act, and ending with God's judgment. A wrong thought gives birth when we give it the consent of the will. Then follows the act itself. AND SIN WHEN IS FULL-GROWN BRINGS FORTH DEATH - DO NOT BE DECEIVED, MY BRETHREN!

James 1:16-18

GOD GIVES ONLY GOOD THINGS - Do not wander so far in your thinking that any trial or temptation, with an evil purpose, comes from God. God only gives what is good - And He is the source of all good things. God made us the kind of people we are and when creation was complete He saw that everything was "very good" (Gen. 1:31).
WITH HIM THERE IS NO VARIATION, NO SHADOW DUE TO CHANGE - James here contrasts the changing hours of the sun and moon with the unchanging character of God. It follows as a sure consequence of God's unchanging character that in His dealings with us "there is no variation, no shadow of inconsistency."

OF HIS OWN WILL HE BEGOT US - God made us the way we are - ACCORDING TO HIS WILL. The reason for our freedom, trials, perplexity, and moral problems involving choice is that we should be like Him. He created us with freedom to choose evil or with freedom to choose good.
God is our Father through creation, and also our Father through redemption.
God’s ultimate purpose is to bring us through our trials to victory, to become like Him in holiness and love.

James 1:19

In verse 18, James mentions the "word of truth" by which men are born of God. Since this divine word has brought us to God, we must continue to be guided by it as we live for Him. An open and receptive spirit to the word of God and to the guidance of His Holy Spirit is always the way to make progress in the things of God. A rebellious, combative, and complaining spirit DOES NOT WORK THE RIGHTEOUSNESS OF GOD.

QUICK TO HEAR, SLOW TO SPEAK, SLOW TO ANGER - It seems more right to consider hearing and speaking in a general sense, rather than restricting the meaning (as some do) to hearing and speaking the gospel message. A man has two ears but only one mouth; he should therefore hear twice as much as he speaks. There is an intimate connection between hearing and speaking; also between speaking and anger. He who listens most attentively understands his neighbor best; Understanding leads to thoughtful speech and a gentle answer that "turns away wrath". Thoughtless speech, on the other hand, often produces harsh words that "stir up anger" (Prov. 15:1).

Verse 20 says: HUMAN ANGER DOES NOT PRODUCE GOD’S RIGHTEOUSNESS. Anger almost always hurts our neighbors as well as ourselves. Carnal anger always hurts. Divine justice means right conduct, doing what God wants. Carnal anger not only leads to unloving conduct and displeasing God, but such angry behavior in a professing Christian raises doubt in the minds of observers and thus hinders the advancement of God’s kingdom. The only anger that man can have is the anger that Christ felt (Mark 3:5). This anger is a public resentment against behavior and actions that cause others to suffer through no fault of the angry person.

James 1:22

Nowhere James comes closer to the teachings of his brother and Lord than in his emphasis on this passage. Jesus declared, "Not every one who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of my Father who is in heaven" (Matthew 7:21). James echoes this teaching in the imperative form: BUT BE DOERS OF THE WORD, AND NOT HEARERS ONLY. We must increasingly show ourselves to be doers of the Word. The person who hears the Word of truth but does not accept and shape his life according to that truth is like a man who looks at his image in a mirror but does not pay attention to what he sees. The purpose of the mirror is to show us what we are — to reveal any stain or dirt that needs to be cleaned away. The mirror of God’s Word reveals man as he is; it shows that there is something seriously wrong with the nature he brought into the world with him. The mirror of God's Word goes further, it shows both what our human nature is and what the divine ideal is for us.

VERSE 25 - But he who looks into the perfect law, the law of liberty, and perseveres, being no hearer that forgets but a doer that acts, he shall be blessed in his doing. God's law for man is not enforced by external compulsion, but is freely accepted as the desire and goal of those who are guided by it. We are assured that whoever looks closely ( ... ) and perseveres ( ... ) will be blessed.

James 1:23

Some people have really big struggles. They say they are seeking faith or trying to believe. However, all that is needed is to put into practice what God says.

I use the expression practice the word of God more than having faith or believing, because faith is just that.

Raymond T. Richley said, "faith is simply putting the word of God into practice"

Smith Wigglesworth said, "Faith is an act."

That's what faith is: acting on the word of God.

OBEDIENCE TO GOD'S WORD DOES THE WORK FROM GOD!

RATE IT! In what areas do you claim to have faith? While your actions declare disbelief?

Recognise and admit these areas. Leave the areas of disbelief.

DECIDE TO ACT on the faith you have.

PRACTICE TODAY what you proclaim.
Listening and not doing is a sign of a deceived heart.
God bless the hearers and doers of the word!

So also faith, if it does not have works, is dead in itself. But someone will say, You have faith, and I have works; show me your faith without your works, and I will show you my faith by my works (James 2:17-18).

If you don't practice speaking out loud and using Bible texts , unbelievers and believers will attack you for your faith and Satan will sue you in God!

If the Word of God is NOT fulfilling in your life, investigate for yourself, ask the Holy Spirit why, until you have the answer.

James 1:26

"If anyone says he is a Christian and does not control his tongue, he is only deceiving himself and his religion is worthless." The text does not need much explanation, of course.

IF ANY OF YOU CLAIM TO BE RELIGIOUS - That is, according to his own assessment. James is not speaking to hypocrites, but to the self-deceived, the one who thinks he is that James is writing. RELIGIOUS refers to religion in its outward forms and ceremonies. The author is concerned with those whose religion consists of rituals but lacks holiness.

Verse 27 says: PURE AND UNDEFILED RELIGION IN THE EYES OF GOD THE FATHER IS THIS: TO CARE FOR ORPHANS AND WIDOWS IN THEIR TROUBLESHOOTING, AND TO NOT BE DEFILED BY THE WORLD. In the previous verse the problem is the uncontrolled tongue. Here in verse 27 the problem is indifference to human needs and the slow spread of the world's taint. James is not here giving a complete definition of the Christian religion. What he is discussing is not the whole, but rather two indispensable parts of the PURE and UNDEFILED religion. Social concern and holy living are the body of which the living Christ is the living soul.

TOWARDS THE FATHER - to visit orphans and widows.
TOWARDS GOD - to keep oneself unspotted from the world.

These two titles for God balance the proper way we should go about having a living and effective religion and not just words and ceremonies.

James 2:12

We cannot please God in this life if our conduct violates the royal law. When we face the day of judgment, the same law will be in force. That is why James exhorts: So speak and so act as those who are to be judged under the law of liberty (v. 12).

The Christian is not under the law of Moses. Since Christ came, we are under the LAW OF LIBERTY. We are freed from the trivial details of the old law, but we will be judged by the law of Christ - "YOU SHALL LOVE THE LORD YOUR GOD WITH ALL YOUR HEART, AND WITH ALL YOUR SOUL, AND WITH ALL YOUR MIND. (...) YOU SHALL LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR AS YOURSELF" (Matthew 22:37,39). This law is both stricter and more lenient than the Mosaic law.

It will be a deeper judgment than the judgment of man, because it will not be contained by particular precepts or even by outward action, whatever the case may be, but will penetrate to the inner motivation. On the other hand, it will sweep away all anxious questioning as to the exact fulfillment of each particular precept. If the true spirit of love to God and man is in you, this is accepted as real fulfillment of the law.

The harsh side of the New Testament judgment is clearly stated: FOR JUDGMENT IS WITHOUT MERCY TO ONE WHO HAS SHOWN NO MERCY (v. 13). Jesus confirms this position in Matthew 6:15 "IF YOU DO NOT FORGIVE MEN THEIR TRESPASSES, NEITHER WILL YOUR FATHER FORGIVE YOU YOUR TRESPASSES." But even in this case, God remains a God of mercy, YET MERCY TRIUMPHS OVER JUDGMENT (v. 13).

In light of these truths, we can only pray: "Search me, O God, and know my heart! Try me and know my thoughts! And see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting!" (Ps. 139:23-24).

James 2:14

The faith that James rejects is not recognized by him as true faith. It is a confession or declaration, but it is not a reality. CAN THIS KIND OF FAITH SAVE ANYONE? When we read this part of the text we may be in doubt because it seems to contradict the teaching of the apostle Paul regarding the issue of faith and works. In his epistles to the Romans and Galatians, Paul teaches that we cannot be saved by works; we receive salvation by faith alone. In this passage, James states that faith alone is not enough for salvation; faith must be accompanied by works.

However, the contradiction is only apparent. Bible students agree that the two inspired authors were giving different meanings to the same words. When James uses the word faith, he refers to a merely intellectual assent. When Paul speaks of faith, he refers to the conviction that brings with it the assent of the will. When Paul speaks of works, he refers to the works of the law, the works of Jewish legalism that can never save the soul. When James speaks of works, he is referring to the good deeds that flow naturally from a heart filled with love for God and neighbor.

Paul clearly agrees with James, because he also emphasizes that knowledge without action is useless (Romans 2:13).

In this section, James deals with the interaction of faith and works in the Christian life. His basic thesis is this: If someone claims to have faith but does not have works, it is useless.

Such faith is dead (v. 17) — inwardly dead as well as outwardly inoperative. It is not only fruitless, but it does not have a vitality of its own capable of producing fruits of righteousness. Such faith is dead in itself, that is, there are no works that accompany it., O God, and know my heart! Try me and know my thoughts! And see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting!" (Ps. 139:23-24).

James 2:17

FAITH AND LOVE WITHOUT WORK IS DEAD

Jesus loved man, His job was to leave Heaven's home and go to earth and be born as a baby, leaving all His glory and richnesses in Heaven.

Jesus remains on the Cross of Calvary, despite all the taunts and challenges of getting off the Cross and showing His Deity.

Jesus took the punishment for the sin of man on the Cross.

The believer shows his/her love through obedience to the Will of God the Father under the guidance of the Holy Spirit.

The believer shows his/her love by voluntarily giving tithes and gifts, helping others, assistance in gospel preaching so that others can believe and receive eternal life.

James 3:1

Apparently the eagerness among early Christians to assume the role of teachers motivated James to write this section of his letter. For a better understanding we should remember that "in the early churches any member could speak in the meetings". The text of 1 Corinthians 14:26-34 is instructive: any brother can contribute a word. However, Paul places restrictions: this contribution should occur only for the purpose of edification; it should occur in due order; only two or three should speak. James presents the same ideas.

These admonitions are not intended to prohibit any Christian from doing what he can to guide others in Christian life and conduct. They are intended to remind us of our responsibilities rather than to prevent us from our obligations. The warning is directed to stubborn people and those who are seeking fame (Matt. 23:8-10). James is saying: DO NOT BE ANXIOUS ABOUT GUIDING OTHERS' LIVES, BECAUSE THIS TASK REQUIRES A GREAT RESPONSIBILITY. The teacher is supposed to have greater knowledge; this additional light requires a more intense life. If we fail, WE WILL RECEIVE HARDER JUDGMENT because we have fewer excuses for error.

The apostle reminds us that WE ALL MAKE MISTAKES. We can all stumble (1 Cor. 10:12); we are all likely to make mistakes and are prone to error; therefore, we run serious risks when we voluntarily assume the role of teacher. Do not take more on your shoulders than God has entrusted to you, since it is so difficult not to offend by speaking too much.

James 3:7-8

In verses 7 and 8 James wrote about the tongue and the human nature of fallen man.
The tongue is the expression of man's thoughts and the revelation of whether he is dominated by his own will or by obedience to God's will.

Verse 9 - SOMETIMES HE PRAISES GOD, OUR LORD AND FATHER, AND SOMETIMES HE CURSES THOSE WHOM GOD CREATED IN HIS IMAGE. Verse 10 - AND SO BLESSING AND CURSE COME OUT OF THE SAME MOUTH. MY BRETHREN, THIS IS NOT RIGHT!

The New Testament teaches that even a muttered curse or any angry disposition against one's neighbor is a contradiction of our Christian faith (Matthew 5:22). These attitudes and actions are contrary to God. This contradiction in conduct is as unnatural as it is immoral.

The orchard and the vineyard teach the same truth. “You can tell the fruit by its tree.” Jesus reminded His listeners that you do not gather "grapes from thornbushes or figs from thistles" (Matthew 7:16). James echoes this truth when he asks: Can a fig tree produce olives or a grapevine produce figs? (v. 12)

THE SOLUTION: "Seek wisdom from above" (v. 17). In this wisdom we find freedom from the fickleness that occurs when man asks in faith, without doubting. James is telling the truth when he says that no one can tame his own tongue—but God can! Jesus asked, "You brood of vipers! how can you speak good, when you are evil? For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks. 35The good man out of his good treasure brings forth good, and the evil man out of his evil treasure brings forth evil" (Matthew 12:34,35). In another text, our Lord's counsel is clear: "First cleanse the inside ... so that the outside may be clean also" (Matthew 23:26). When the inner life is clean and controlled by the Holy Spirit, the Christian's speech can be disciplined in a way that pleases God. The tongue, though stubborn and rebellious, is caged in the mouth, and God can give grace to close the cage when it needs to be closed!

James 4:1

THE INNER CAUSE OF CONFLICT - "EXTERNAL WARS COMES FROM INWARD WARS" The opening note of chapter 4 is in strong connection with the closing of chapter 3. There James speaks of the peace of divine wisdom: here he deals with the problem of fleshly conflict. James makes the following transition: "But how can I speak peace to you, you worldly fighters? Fall down on your knees before God!" The thunder of this call is clear from the very first verses.

These people to whom James is speaking were professing Christians, but they were not setting a good example as followers of Christ. In their fellowship, there was envy and divisiveness. In an appeal to conscience, James asks: WHERE DO WARS AND STRUGGLINGS COME FROM AMONG YOU? ARE THEY NOT WARS WAGED IN YOUR OWN SPIRIT?

WRONG DESIRES AND SPIRITUAL DISASTER - James gives an affirmative answer to his own question, but he knows it is the same answer his readers will hear from an accusing conscience. You have set your hearts on what the world can give you, and as a result you are in trouble. Worldly desires conflict with one another. THESE PLEASURES THAT WAR WITHIN YOU disturb your own peace of mind, so you fight and kill and spread the conflict to others. The main problem is that you allow unholy desires to possess your spirit. These desires, if impure and uncontrolled, lead to spiritual disaster. It is not likely that such things actually occurred in the Christian community. Both James and his Christian readers would have been familiar with Jesus' interpretation that harboring evil desire was, in God's eyes, breaking the commandments (Matt. 5:21-22). Most modern translators understand verse 2 to present two balanced sentences, namely: "You desire and do not have; therefore you murder; and you are envious and cannot obtain; therefore you fight and quarrel."

James 4:3

These Christians suffered inner tensions and conflicts because they refused to pray correctly. In their feverish struggle to get what they wanted, they had drifted so far away that they no longer took the time to talk to Him about it. James says, "YE HAVE NOT, BECAUSE YE ASK WRONGLY". No wonder a man filled with evil desires, envy, and hatred cannot pray. Even when they were performing the ritual of prayer, James says, “YE ASK AND DO NOT RECEIVE, BECAUSE YOU ASK WRONGFULLY.” Self-centered prayers that ignore God’s will do not result in lasting satisfaction. Had they prayed sincerely, God would have helped them. He would have changed their wrong desires. It is impossible to maintain a self-centered spirit in the presence of God. The closer we get to Him, the more we are inclined to say, “NOT MY WILL, BUT THINE, BE DONE” (Luke 22:42). But until we pray in the right way and surrender, we will continue with the inner war, the outer conflict, and complete unhappiness.

James 4:4

THE WORLD here, as elsewhere in the New Testament, means everything that people think and do that disregards God and is contrary to His will. James declares that God’s people must make a clear decision between God and all unchristian attitudes. If we belong to God, the friendship of the world must leave us.

WHAT DO YOU THINK THE SCRIPTURES MEAN WHEN THEY SAY THAT THE SPIRIT THAT GOD PLACED IN US IS JEALOUS?
God is a jealous God, who tolerates no rivals. When we are converted, He gave us a new spirit. God is moved by this new life in the soul. He tries in every way to analyze us when we begin to neglect ourselves. He wants this life to grow, because He wants us to be totally His.

God is grieved by our divided sympathies and our friendship with the world that results. He desires the fullness of His Spirit to control our lives; He invites us to come to Him and submit to His ministry. God gives this special help to those who humbly accept it.

BUT, HE GENEROUSLY GIVES US MORE GRACE (v. 6). The Spirit of God gives grace to those who submit to His will and surrender themselves completely to it, rich provisions of grace to make this complete surrender to the longings of His love and to count all things as loss in response to it.

GOD OPPOSES THE PROUD - because as long as we have confidence in the worth of our own unspiritual, worldly, and sinful attitudes - as long as we find them satisfactory - God can do nothing for us. BUT HE GIVES GRACE TO THE HUMBLE, because when we are humble we are ready to admit our spirit of deceit and our need for help.

James 4:7

THE WAY TO BLESSING

Having contrasted the proud and the humble and the divine attitude of resisting one and conferring grace on the other, James then describes the secret of lasting victory in the struggle against worldliness and sin. This secret consists of two activities: submission to God and resistance to the devil.

SUBMIT TO GOD - God is eager to draw us away from the love of the world and draw us into a deep and abiding love for Him. But as much as God wants to, He cannot create in us a spirit like His until we yearn for His Spirit. In this passage we are encouraged to strive for this deeper life.
SUBMIT YOURSELVES THEREFORE TO GOD - means to seek His will for our lives in a full and joyful way. But if we are to do this, we must RESIST THE DEVIL. The devil knows that his best hope of drawing Christians away from a sincere and willing submission to God is by appealing to their wounded pride. He is constantly saying to the Christian: Why stick so close to the narrow way and the humble path? Why not be more self-assured? Why not express yourself more fully and find power and joy in the expression of your own personality?

DRAW NEAR TO GOD - Draw near to God as those who desire to have the closest possible relationship with Him, in contrast to those who are His enemies and who remain far from Him. Then God will draw near to you and visit you with His salvation (Ps. 106:4).

James 4:8

STEPS TO DEVELOP HUMILITY

True faith and humility - And humility is the place of proud selfishness and self-centered ambition that characterize this evil century in which we live.

Self-centeredness is the essence of worldliness. Therefore, to be an egocentric person is to be an enemy of God.

James asks believers to be more humble.

Renounce conflicts! Refuse unnecessary speeches and personal fights. Try to be at peace with others.

Renounce rebellion! Surrender yourself to God. Renounce the devil and reject ALL his suggestions.

Hurry to confess your sin!

Renounce slander! Instead, speak well of others.

Express continued dependence on God!

Whoever knows what is right to do and fails to do it, for him it is sin! (James 4:17).

James 4:8

How should we approach God to obtain this precious salvation that God has prepared for His children? James answers: CLEANSE YOUR HANDS, YOU SINNERS; AND PURIFY YOUR HEARTS, YOU MEN OF DOUBLE MIND. This key term, 'sinners' (...), has the function of piercing the reader's heart, and this is also the intention of the other key term that balances it: you double mind. The double-minded are those who are divided in their love between God and the world. Hands soiled by acts of sin need cleansing; hearts stained with love for the world need to be purified. God has grace for both.

He who goes to meet God must go with a repentant and humble heart. The exhortation LET THERE BE TEARS, LAMENTATION, AND DEEP SORROW shows the correct attitude toward past infidelity. It is not a sin to be in a good mood. The laughter to which James refers "was the unseemly laughter and revelry of the world, the sport of fools." The author calls sinners to adopt the attitude of the tax collector. The tax collector had no choice but to confess that he was a sinner. He did not even dare to raise his eyes to heaven (Luke 18:13).

The door to God will always be open to those who follow James' exhortation: HUMBLE YOURSELVES BEFORE THE LORD (v. 10). Then we experience the effect of the gracious promise: AND HE WILL EXALT YOU.

James 4:11, 12b

When a Christian begins to turn away from God, he or she becomes more critical of his or her brothers and sisters. When love diminishes, our brothers and sisters suffer.

James warns us that anyone who speaks evil of his or her brother or sister is in serious trouble with God. The law the writer speaks of is the royal law. When I violate God’s law of love, I am setting myself up as a judge and saying, in effect, "God’s law is not a just law". Thus, the real evil of evil speaking lies in a sinful pride that refuses to accept and obey God’s law. In verse 12, James seeks to intimidate and shame the evil speaking person by showing them the seriousness of their sin: "ONLY HE WHO MADE THE LAW IS ABLE TO JUDGE RIGHTLY BETWEEN US. HE ALONE DECIDES TO SAVE US OR TO DESTROY US. SO WHAT RIGHT DO YOU HAVE TO JUDGE AND CRITICIZE OTHERS?" James' admonition echoes what Jesus had said: "JUDGE NOT, THAT YOU BE NOT JUDGED" (Matthew 7:11).

James 4:14

Do you like to plan everything down to the last detail? Some people seem to have their lives completely mapped out. They have a plan for their career, their family, their retirement, and their financial investments. While it is wise to prepare and plan, God’s Word reminds us that we truly do not know what tomorrow will bring (see James 4:13-15). However, we can depend completely on God and trust Him completely to take care of our lives.
Ask God to continue to reveal His will for your life — and be willing to adjust your plans accordingly.
The apostle reminds us: HOW DO YOU KNOW WHAT WILL HAPPEN IN YOUR LIFE TOMORROW? A small blood clot in the brain can cause instant and unexpected death. The heart can hide an unknown weakness or, when strained too much, it can stop beating. The psalmist wrote, "MY DAYS ARE LIKE AN EVENING SHADOW, I WITHER AWAY LIKE GRASS" (Psalm 102:11).
James echoes the truth: LIFE IS LIKE THE MIST IN THE MORNING: IT APPEARS FOR A LITTLE TIME AND THEN VANISHES. No Christian—indeed, no intelligent sinner — should be presumptuous about tomorrow. A man whose life is "hid with Christ in God" (Col. 3:3) always has this attitude: IF THE LORD WILLS, AND IF WE LIVE, WE WILL DO THIS OR THAT (verse 15). The boaster forgets that life depends on God’s will. The right feeling is: Both my life and my actions are determined by Him.

James 4:17

Did you know that you can sin by not doing something? It is possible, according to James 4:17. Committing evil acts is certainly a sin, but so is failing to do what you know God wants you to do.

But this truth is also emphasized elsewhere in the Bible. Similar words are given by Jesus: And that servant who knew his master's will, but did not make ready or act according to his will, shall receive a severe beating." (Luke 12:47). In a real sense, verse 17 can be applied to many aspects of the epistle so far. A paraphrase of this verse would be: "You will no doubt agree with the above theory. Well, remember that if a man knows what is right and does not do it, that failure to do it is considered a real sin."

So, spend time in prayer and reading the Word so that you can grow in your understanding of the sinful practices you should avoid and learn to actively engage in those things that please God.

James 5:8

James cites the imminence and reality of the Lord’s coming as a reason for Christians to remain steadfast: BE PATIENT UNTIL THE COMING OF THE LORD (v. 7).

Two types of patience are suggested. The first says: Be patient — do not be hasty in retaliating against injustices done to you. The second says: Be patient (v. 8) — patiently accepting God’s delay in the return of our Lord.

The illustration of planting and harvesting is taken from the Palestinian experience. The fruit of the land is the grain harvest. It was precious because the life of the farmer and his family depended on it. So the farmer waits patiently for the harvest.

James says: You also must be patient, and strengthen your hearts, because the coming of the Lord draws near. The coming of the Lord was a great source of hope for the early Christians. Do we have the same expectation regarding the coming of the Lord?

If the Lord’s return seems so far away, or if we relegate it to a future so remote that it has no effect on our outlook or our way of life, it is clear that it has ceased to be a living hope for us. We may have allowed the doctrine of his return in glory to judge the living and the dead to be drowned out by skepticism or to have become something else, perhaps like the gradual transformation of human society by Christian values, that it has ceased to have any influence on our lives.

To the extent that we allow this to happen, we cease to be New Testament Christians.

O Foco aqui muda da paciência com os pecadores fora da igreja para a paciência um com o outro dentro da igreja. Alguém escreveu o seguinte::

Caminhar em amor com os santos de cima
será uma maravilhosa glória;
Mas, caminhar com os santos aqui em baixo, bem, isso já é uma outra história!:

Em tempos de dificuldades, a paciência é provada e somos tentados a nos queixar uns contra os outros. Tiago adverte os cristãos para não apontarem para os erros de outra pessoa, para que não sejam julgados.. A proximidade da vinda de Cristo serve como advertência contra o fracasso do cristão bem como para a consolidação da sua constância. Além do mais, O JUIZ ESTÁ À PORTA (o tribunal de Cristo Rom. 14:10, 2 Cor. 5:10). O retorno de Cristo está próximo: Ele será o juiz de todos os homens, portanto, não devemos assumir o papel de julgar os outros, quer fora quer dentro da igreja (Mt 7: 1-5).

James 5:13-15

In trial, as in every circumstance of life, the Christian's highest duty and noblest privilege is communion with God. That is why James writes: IS ANY AMONG AMONG YOU SUFFERING? LET HIM PRAY. That his readers may have the right perspective and remember God in happy times, he adds: IS ANY CHEERFUL? LET HIM SING PRAISE. Praise should be on our lips when life brings us joy; and there should be praise even under pressure when we remember God's goodness. It is worth noting that "singing praises" is a means of expressing joyful feelings as well as more serious ones.

IS ANY AMONG AMONG YOU SICK? CALL FOR THE ELDERS OF THE CHURCH. Prayer in times of sickness is our duty and our privilege in Christ. We should probably observe this Christian practice more than we do.
Elders were recognized or appointed leaders in the local congregation from the 40s to the 50s AD. Their function was somewhat similar to that of a pastor today.
The practice of anointing with oil in connection with healing is mentioned only once more in the New Testament (Mark 6:13). For us, this anointing serves as a symbol of obedience to God’s word. However, James assures us that it is THE PRAYER OF FAITH WILL SAVE THE SICK MAN, AND THE LORD WILL RAISE HIM UP (v. 15).

The Bible teaches the prayer of divine healing and it is up to us to seek to pray the prayer of faith for the healing of the sick. However, providential resources and interventions, when necessary, should not be rejected. Those who do not know Christ resort to medicine and surgery without prayer. We who trust in Him must use all the salutary means that modern science has offered us and at the same time entrust our healing entirely to His Sovereign power. It is the Lord Who heals, not the doctor, whom God can use.

James 5:16

The prayer of a righteous man is mightier than the strength of his arm!

Prayer motivates and nurtures obedience, putting the heart in the proper “mindset” to desire obedience.

The Holy Spirit teaches, inspires and illuminates the Word of God for us.

Neglect of prayer is one of the main causes of stagnation in the Christian life.

Start with just a few minutes… IT WILL BE VERY SPECIAL!

James 5:16

Christians are commanded to confess their faults "one to another, and to pray one for another" (v. 16). Some expositors connect this with verse 14. It is as if sick persons who seek the ministers to pray for them should then confess their faults to them. Indeed, whenever a person is conscious that his sickness is a retributive punishment for some particular sin, and he cannot envisage the removal of his disease without a special petition to God for forgiveness of that sin, then it may be proper for him to acknowledge and tell his case, that those who are praying over him may know how to pray aright for his recovery. But the confession here required is that which is made among Christians to one another, and not, as the Romanists direct, to the priest, which in itself is not wrong. Whenever persons have offended one another, acts of injustice must be confessed to those against whom they were committed. And it may be well sometimes to confess our faults to some wise minister, or to a praying friend, that they may help us to beseech God for mercy and pardon. But then we must not think that James obliges us to tell all that we are conscious of as wanting in ourselves or others; but so far as confession is necessary for our reconciliation with such as are at variance with us, or for obtaining information in any part of the conscience, whereby we may make our own spirits calm and light, so far should we be willing to confess our faults. And sometimes it may be useful also for Christians to reveal their weaknesses and infirmities to one another, in cases where there is great intimacy and friendship, and where they can help each other by their prayers to obtain forgiveness of their sins, and power to fight against them.

Verse 13 directs people to pray for one another: IF ANY MAN IS AFFLICTED, LET HIM PRAY. Verse 14 directs them to seek prayer from ministers. And verse 16 directs individual Christians to pray for one another. So here we have the recommendation for all kinds of prayer (ministerial, social, and secret).

James 5:17

God's plan is to use men and women and use them a lot! MEN/WOMEN ARE GOD'S METHOD!

The church is looking for better methods, God is looking for better MEN/WOMEN!

POWERFUL MEN AND WOMEN IN PRAYER.

God calls you to “open the heavens” with prayer and move forward under the anointing!

James 5:19-20

This epistle concludes with an exhortation to do all we can to promote the conversion and salvation of others.

If someone makes a mistake and is converted by another, whoever has fulfilled such a good mission for another, in this he is an agent who saves the soul from death. Those whom the apostle here calls brethren, he still here presupposes as susceptible to error. If anyone errs, however great it may be, we must not be afraid to show him his error; and, however small or weak it may be, we must not despise it in order to make him wiser or a better man. If anyone strays from the truth, that is, from the gospel, either in opinion or in practice, we must endeavor to bring him back. If we are instrumental in the conversion of anyone, the text says that WE will have converted him, although this is primarily and effectively the work of God. And if we can do nothing more for the conversion of any, we can still do this: pray for grace and the working of the Spirit of God to convert and transform him.

People may cover or excuse their sins as they please, there is no other way to cover them definitively than by renouncing them. Then conversion will PREVENT a multitude of sins; this is true, and many sins may also be prevented in others over whom it has influence. When we labor for the salvation of sinners, it prevents much harm, and the diffusion and multiplication of sin in the world; it will be to the glory and honor of God; and it will result powerfully in our comfort and renown in the great day. "...and those who turn many to righteousness, like the stars for ever and ever" (Daniel 12:3).