James 4

Apparently, these people were having trouble relating to one another. James, here, explains why they were having these problems. It began in their own lusts. They lusted for things that they didn't have. They couldn't get the things that they wanted. So, they envied and fought to get what they wanted. James tells us that the real reason that they didn't have was because they didn't ask God. Or, if they did ask God, they were asking for wrong reasons and God did not give them what they wanted. They had committed spiritual adultery with God. He wanted to be their Husband and Provider, but they had left Him, and so, He left them. James tells them to repent of their pride, submit to God, draw nigh to God and He would draw nigh to them. If they would humble themselves, God would lift them up. James goes on to instruct them not to speak evil of each other and judge each other. That is God's job. Next, James addresses those who thought that they were in control of their own lives. They were planning as if God had no control over their lives. They didn't think of the possibility that God might have other plans for them. Instead, he says, that we should make our plans and say, "If the Lord will." For, we don't know what will come tomorrow. Only God does. Lastly, he tells us that we should do what we know. We can have all the knowledge in the world, but it won't do us any good unless we put it into practice in our everyday lives.

James 3

The Tongue

 
 

Our tongues are an amazing creation. God has given them to use to use for good. However, it requires the grace of God and a great deal of self discipline to bridle the tongue. It is only a very small part of our body, but it can control the eternal destiny of our soul. On the Judgment Day, we will be judged, in part, by what we have said. James describes all the evil that it can do if it is not controlled. He then describes the necessity of controlling it, but that is something that cannot be done without the help of God. Many wild animals have been tamed, but our tongues cannot be tamed with those techniques. It requires the indwelling of the Holy Spirit and the grace of God. Our tongues can be used for much good, and if we allow the Holy Spirit to control our speech, we will be useful to God and His kingdom. He also warns us to be consistent in our speech. We bless God. We should not curse men. We need to guard our speech carefully no matter who we are with or what situation we are in.

 
 

Wisdom

 
 

James begins this discourse by establishing how a man must show himself wise. He must show a good conversation (manner of life)with meekness of wisdom. True wisdom is not proud and boastful. It is meek and mild. It does not spar with others or argue continuously. Wise men get their wisdom from heaven not from earth. I wise person is easy to get along with. He will not make you feel inferior if you are not as wise as he. He will be willing to listen and learn more. He is peaceful and sows righteousness. He will be blessed with a great harvest of good things.

James 2

In this chapter, James addresses a problem the believers were having: respect of persons. He gives an example of a meeting where they were judging between two people. One was poor and one was well-dressed, and they began the proceedings by giving the wealthy man a good seat and the poor man a lower seat. James alluded to the Jewish law that when there was an arbitration, both people were to sit or stand in the same position so as not to influence the decision of the congregation. He applies this principle to the Christian church. He instructs them not to be partial because, often, the poor in this world are rich and faith and the rich in this world are often drawn away from true Christian faith by their riches. How often are we tempted to be influenced by a person's wealth or social status. Or, maybe we are impressed by someone who is a good speaker. Let's remember to look as people as God does. He cares about their character and their actions, not their wealth and prestige.

 
 

Next, James addresses a problem in the early church that we face very much today: faith without works. There are many people in our world today who attend church and have a wonderful testimony for the Lord but it is nearly impossible to see any difference in their everyday lives from someone who is not a Christian. They ignore the practical teachings of the Bible. They claim that they were for those in the early church, but not for us today. What kind of faith is that? It is not faith. It is only a profession and so, it does no good for them or those they meet. It actually is a hindrance to the true church. It turns away true seekers because they have no reason to join a church that has no affect on the lives of its members. Let's be challenged to follow James's advice and let the world see our faith by our works.

Ten Shekels And A Shirt

http://www.charityministries.org/audio/1827.mp3

James 1

The book of James was written to the Jews who were scattered abroad. They were scattered because of persecution. Some had never returned from captivity hundreds of years before. These people were no strangers to temptation and difficulty, but James tells them to count it all joy when they fall into temptation because it strengthens their patience. And, if they left patience have her perfect work, they would become perfect and entire.

 
 

Then, James addresses those who lack wisdom. He says that if we ask God for wisdom, believing that He will answer, we will receive liberally. James also tells us not to worry about our financial or social status because wealth is fleeting. Next, he pronounces a blessing on those who endure temptation because they will receive a crown in heaven. He also warns us not to feel that we are tempted of God. Our temptations come from our own lusts. If we yield to that lust, then we have sinned.

 
 

In verse 22, he tells us to be doers of the word and not hearers only. It does not do us any good to hear the word if we do not do it. It is like looking in a mirror and realizing that we should wash our face and comb our hair, but then going away and forgetting what we looked like. It didn't do us any good to look in the mirror. But, if we look into the word of God and remember what we have seen and we act on that knowledge, God will bless us for our obedience.

Philemon

The book of Philemon is very short, but it is packed with inspiration. Now for some background: Onesimus was Philemon's slave. He had run away to Rome where he met Paul and was converted. Paul asked him to return to his rightful master, but he sends a letter along with him to intercede for him. Philemon had every right to punish Onesimus and force him to become a slave again, but in this letter, Paul, very eloquently, asks Philemon not to punish him or hold him responsible for anything he had stolen. He even hints at freeing him, which tradition says that Philemon did. It seems that Onesimus then went on to become a bishop. What an amazing story! This reminds me of what Christ did for us. We had forsaken him and were useless servants. Yet, He forgave our debt and brought us back as His sons and daughters. What a blessing! Our God is so merciful. We could never do right on our own. He has made a way for us to be saved. Let's take full advantage of His wonderful plan of salvation.

Titus 3

In chapter 3, Paul gives some closing remarks and advice for our Christian lives. We should obey our rulers, not just for wrath's sake but for conscience sake. This will help us maintain a good testimony to those around us. We should also be careful how we speak about others. If we cannot say something good or useful, then we should not say it at all. We should also be forbearing with others, remembering that we were once sinners as well. It was only the kindness of God that allowed us to be saved. And, it is no credit to us that we were saved. We could not save ourselves by good works. It is only through God's mercy and our acceptance of His plan of salvation that we can be saved.

 
 

Just as Paul warned Timothy, he now warns Titus to avoid foolish questions and genealogies. He also tells Titus how to deal with heretics in the church. Paul closes this short letter with a plea for Titus to come to him as soon as possible and greetings to the faithful Christians.