James
The Lips Need to Bear Spiritual Fruit
James issued a warning: a fountain cannot give forth two kinds of water, and a tree cannot bear two kinds of fruit. From this, two pictures of controlled speech are given: a fountain & a tree (vv. 9-12). The fountain provides the water man needs to stay alive. Water is life-giving, and our words …
Faith is Proved by Works
It might come as a shock that demons have faith, “Even the demons believe and tremble” (v. 19). But it is not a saving experience to believe and tremble. The following are some things they believe: The existence of God (They are neither atheists or agnostics)The de …
Humility Cures Worldliness
It is easy to find ourselves telling God what we want Him to do and then get angry at Him if He doesn’t do it. James now gives seven steps for victory in this warfare. Submit to God (v. 7)Resist the devil (v. 7)Draw near to God (v. 8)Clean your hands (actions v. 8)P …
Heavenly Verses Demonic Wisdom
The question is asked, “Who is a wise man and equipped with knowledge among you†(v. 13)? Whoever is, will show that in his daily living that God is in control of His life. Godly wisdom produces meekness, which is power under God’s control. In this passage w …
Don’t Boast about Tomorrow
This passage should be understood as an illustration of what happens in a life void of humility (vv. 11-12). In fact harsh criticism of fellow Christians is one of the worst expressions of pride. The person who does it sets himself above the person he criticizes and the div …
Loving God In Spite of Trials
In this passage James reminds Christians who are going through trials that God rewards those who remain steadfast. The reward is twofold: The possession of an inner blessedness (v. 12a). Happiness is not affected by outward circumstances. It is for those who are poor, …
Qualities Needed in Trials
The thought of this scripture passage, as it pertains to the Word of God, may be described as follows: (1) It demands attention (vv. 19-20). We don’t hear enough because we are too quick to speak. The Lord gave us two ears and one mouth for a reason. (2) It demands reception (v. 21) …
Be Patient and Persevering
In today’s passage James teaches that Christians are to be patient and long-suffering in the hardships and injustices which they may experience. He simply suggests that suffering is to be expected by Christians in this hostile world. When it comes it should be borne val …
How to Profit from Trials
James, the half-brother of Jesus Christ and a key leader in the Jerusalem church wrote to scattered Jewish believers (v. 1). These were thriving Jewish-Christian communities in Rome, Alexandria, Cyprus, and cities in Greece and Asia Minor. Many were severely persecuted and even died …
The Tongue that Needs Tamed
The Christians that James wrote to were apparently having problems with their tongues. James had warned them to be “swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath” (1:19). The power of speech is one of the greatest powers God has given to us. In order to impress upon …