Day 320, Chronological Bible Study Timeline. Map. Go to today’s Bible reading (use your browser arrow to return): James
Because of this book’s short length and various topics, we will cover its highlights in this Bible study. (note: James was the half-brother of Jesus. He was also a church leader in the Jerusalem church. He may have written this letter as early as A.D. 45, following the church’s dispersion from Jerusalem (Acts 8-9, James 1:1-4) and before the Jerusalem councils mentioned in Acts 11 and 15.Practical Christianity
What is Christianity—is it a list of dos and don’ts? No, it's a relationship with Jesus Christ. He forgives our sins and gives us peace and spiritual life. He makes us righteous so that we want to do what is right (more...).
James says, “Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world” (James 1:27, NIV, emphasis mine). We can do a lot of things, but doing these two are essential. Our relationship with Christ is shown by compassion and personal morality.
God is not so impressed by people who know their Bible as he is with those who live it! This is practical Christianity!
James’s book was primarily written to Jewish believers, who scattered upon the death of Stephen, the first martyr (Acts 7:59–8:4).The rock of persecution had been thrown into the lake of over 5,000 new believers in Jerusalem. They scattered in concentric circles into other nations. In the beginning, only Jews were evangelized, and they formed their own little congregations. Because of their culture, they were prejudiced against all non-Jewish people (gentiles). The rich also considered themselves superior to the poor.
James wrote a practical letter to stop their bad behavior and encourage godly habits. Here are some things he had to say that are so useful we can apply them.
Grow through your trials
In the context of today’s Bible reading, the Jewish religious leaders hated Jesus, and now they hate his disciples. They pursue them and punish them for their Christian message, which is viewed as a cult, a perversion of the Jewish faith. Other Jews view the disciples with suspicion. James encourages the new Jewish Christians to grow spiritually as they learn to persevere through trials they suffer.
Perhaps, like them, we don’t understand why we suffer. Where is God when we are experiencing emotional and physical pain?
Ask God for understanding
James says if they are confused about what they are going through, they should ask God for wisdom to understand. God may allow trials and persecutions to refine them (and us). However, temptations are not the same thing as trials, and they don’t come from God. The Lord does not tempt anyone; it is against his nature. Let's ask for God's help. He may want us to stand against or flee from the temptations.
Believe that God will answer
James urges his audience to ask God in faith, believing we will receive an answer (1:6). If we ask God without confidence that he will respond, it is offensive to him. In that case, don’t expect anything from him. Although we may not see our Lord, he is present and cares about us in all our circumstances. The answer we get may not always be “yes.” It could be “no, that is not good for you,” or “Let’s wait a while until everything is ready.” Silence usually means “no” or “not yet.” When God answers “yes,” be prepared…things could go fast.Obey God’s Word
To ask a person to be patient and grow through their trials begs the question, how? James tells them, “Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says” (3:13, NIV).
Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like a man who looks at his face in a mirror and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like. But the man who looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues to do this, not forgetting what he has heard, but doing it—he will be blessed in what he does (James 1:23-25, NIV).
James says, “If anyone considers himself religious and yet does not keep a tight rein on his tongue, he deceives himself and his religion is worthless” (1:26, NIV). What applies to them also applies to us. We shouldn’t speak angry, hasty, or insulting words, gossip, slander, or even pass on information that others don’t need to know. All of these things could cause unnecessary trouble or pain. Instead, we should speak words of encouragement, sympathy, kindness, and love. Even when speaking the truth, we should be gracious.
Don’t Play Favorites
James warns Christians not to act with favoritism toward their brothers and sisters in Christ. A person's place in society should make no difference; we should love each other equally. James instructs them to “speak and act as those who are going to be judged by the law that gives freedom” (2:12, NIV). No cliques! Show grace and love.
Do good deeds as an expression of love
James says, “Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show it by his good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom” (3:13, NIV). Boasting is inappropriate because everything we have is from God, even our faith (Ephesians 2:8). The Apostle Paul writes in a letter to the Corinthian church, “Therefore, as it is written [in Jeremiah 9:24]: ‘Let him who boasts boast in the Lord.’” (1Corinthians 1:31, NIV)
Live in peace and godliness
James urges Christians to submit themselves to God. “Come near to God,” he invites, “and he will come near to you.” We should genuinely repent of all ungodliness and wickedness, humble ourselves before the Lord, and live in peace. (James 4:6-10, NIV)
A final set of instructions
- Don’t fight, slander, judge, or grumble against each other
- Stop boasting about yourselves
- Be patient in times of persecution and trials, and live with integrity.
- Love your brothers and sisters in Christ: take care of one another, pray for one another, minister to one another, and save one another from slipping morally.
- Don’t let sin rule your life.
- Be a genuine Christian with your words and deeds; let them be the proof of your faith.
EndNote: ( The Bible Knowledge Commentary of the N.T, by Walvoord and Zuck, © 1985, p.816)
Discussion
What is practical Christianity? How is it shown?
Focus Verses
James 3:16-17 (NIV)
For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice.
But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere.
Write a private prayer response to today’s Bible study:
My prayer response: Dear LORD and Heavenly Father, we worship you. Through Christ, you forgive us and make us righteous. You also give us practical guidance about how to live your Word. Thank you. Give us this day a daily bread of encouragement--please help us make changes to perfect what is lacking in our character, even our faith. We want to be authentic followers of Christ, not nominal believers. Complete your will in us. Forgive us for any sins of prejudice, favoritism, or pride. I pray that we will be forgiving and keep no records of wrongs done against us. Lead us away from temptations to use our mouth for evil and not for good, to hurt, not heal. Let us instead do good works as an expression of love. We want you to use us to glorify yourself, for you are God and our King. We praise you. In Jesus name, Amen
Please send your comments to me, Rod
Looking Ahead: When we are attacked or threatened by our enemies, what do we do? Plan a defense? Seek retribution? Quit? Some of us may do these things. Others may see this as an opportunity for Launching our Faith. Find out more as we return to the book of Acts in our Next Lesson.
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