james · 2008-07-09 · b. Luke 6:43-45 c. John 15 7. "I seek the fruit that abounds to your...

James

Study Outline

Jeff Blake

Copyright © 2003-2006

by

Jeff Blake

Ox Brook Ministries

http://www.oxbrook.org/

All Rights Reserved.

No part of this book may be used or reproduced for commercial purposes in any

manner whatsoever without written permission except in the case of brief

quotations embodied in critical articles or reviews.

All printed copies require that a royalty payment be made to

Ox Brook Ministries

in accordance with the schedule found at the above web site.

Most Scriptures are taken from the Modern King James Version of the Holy Bible

Copyright © 1962-1998

By Jay P. Green, Sr.

Used by permission of the copyright holder

Courtesy of Sovereign Grace Publishers and Christian Literature World

Scriptures taken from the New King James Version®

Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc.

Used by permission. All rights reserved.

Scripture quotations taken from the New American Standard Bible®,

Copyright © 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973,

1975, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation

Used by permission. (www.Lockman.org)

This edition:

October 2006

I am sincerely grateful to Chuck Missler

(Koinonia House -- www.khouse.org)

for lighting a fire under me regarding God's Word.

The Holy Spirit used his uncompromising, scholarly, and in-depth approach to

Bible Study to speak to me in a way that has never happened before.

Within me has now been ingrained a passion to know and understand the Bible,

to deeply respect and honor it for what it is, and to treat it very seriously because

it is indeed the very Words of God.

Table of Contents

Lesson 1: Introduction + James 1:1-11 .....................................................................................................................1

Lesson 2: James 1:12-27 .............................................................................................................................................7

Lesson 3: James 2 .....................................................................................................................................................13

Lesson 4: James 3 .....................................................................................................................................................17

Lesson 5: James 4 .....................................................................................................................................................21

Lesson 6: James 5 .....................................................................................................................................................27

These notes were written for use in our Home Bible Study. They were developed to encourage a

regular verse-by-verse study of the Bible: this is the best way to immerse ourselves in God's

Word. It needs to be read and studied "c-2-c", that is, "cover-to-cover." We need to involve

ourselves with the "whole counsel of God" (Acts 20:27), not just the popular or favorite passages.

In addition, it is essential to document how the Lord speaks and instructs us as we study His

Word. We are responsible to know His Word, and make it a part of our everyday life.

These notes are being made available to encourage you to engage in a daily, personal, and serious

study of God's Word.

"Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path." -- Psalm 119:105

"Your word I have hidden in my heart, that I might not sin against You." -- Psalm 119:11

"I went by the field of the lazy man, and by the vineyard of the man devoid of understanding; and

there it was, all overgrown with thorns; its surface was covered with nettles; its stone wall was

broken down." -- Proverbs 24:30-31

"Because of laziness the building decays, and through idleness of hands the house leaks."

-- Ecclesiastes 10:18

© Jeff Blake 1 http://www.oxbrook.org/

Lesson 1: Introduction + James 1:1-11

I. Introduction

A. author

1. James: James 1:1

2. probably the brother of Jude (Jude 1:1), and the blood-brother of Jesus

3. James is English version of Jacob

4. four James' listed in New Testament

5. probably not the brother of John because he was an early martyr: Acts 12:2

6. list of Jesus family

a. Matthew 13:55-56

b. Mark 6:3

c. Mary did not remain a virgin after Jesus was born: Matthew 1:25

7. list of the 12 disciples

a. Matthew 10:2-4

b. Mark 3:16-19

c. Luke 6:13-16

d. Acts 1:13

e. Thaddaeus=Judas

f. Bartholomew = Nathaniel

8. Jude (Judas) and James named in both lists, but they're not the same people

a. Jesus' brothers (and others in His family?) didn't believe in Him until after the resurrection

(i) Matthew 13:57

(ii) Mark 6:4

(iii) John 7:3, 5

(iv) Psalms 69:8

b. Jesus appeared to James separately from the "disciples": 1 Corinthians 15:7

(i) hence, he became an apostle: Galatians 1:19

(ii) qualifications of an Apostle: Acts 1:21-22

- there from the beginning with John the Baptist to the ascension

- to be a witness of the resurrection--the resurrection separates Christianity from all other

religions

9. James became very influential in the early church: Acts 15

10. leader of the church in Jerusalem (?), not Peter

B. message

1. practical Christian ethics

a. the Christian walk is more than just a bunch of rules and regulations, or "do's" and "don'ts"

2. getting saved is just the beginning of a whole new life

3. emphasizes our walk, our living the faith

4. bear fruit by our walk

5. we're to be fruit inspectors, not gift inspectors

6. a tree is known by its fruit

a. Matthew 7:15-20; 12:33-35

b. Luke 6:43-45

c. John 15

7. "I seek the fruit that abounds to your account": Philippians 4:17

8. compliments, does not contradict the doctrine of salvation by faith alone (Ephesians 2:8-10)

9. cults interpret this book as preaching that works are required for salvation, and not by faith alone

10. teaches that a true, saving faith will result in a changed life

11. works based on that faith will result

a. not works out of a sense of obligation

b. but works out of love for the Lord and yielding to His direction

c. response to the opportunities that come our way: they're predestined or pre-ordained

(i) "…I have chosen you and ordained you that you should go and bring forth fruit": John 15:16


II. "Greetings": James 1:1

A. "James, a bondservant"

1. voluntary servant ("doulos")

2. not unwilling slave

3. just like his brother, Jude: Jude 1:1

4. just like his brother, Jude, he didn't identify himself with Jesus, as being earthly brothers

B. "of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ"

1. His entire title

C. "to the twelve tribes"

1. to the believers in these tribes

a. most of the church at that time was made up of Jews

b. salvation came to the Jews first: Romans 1:16, et. al.

2. there aren't any "lost tribes"; they're all still intact

D. "in the Dispersion" or "scattered abroad"

1. commonly refers to the Jews

2. 1 Peter 1:1

3. John 7:35

III. Trials produce patience: James 1:2-3

A. not temptations to do evil

B. normal, daily tasks and events that will test our faith and commitment

C. experiments to test it, and its authenticity

D. not God's punishment because of His displeasure with us

E. fiery darts from Satan

1. "take the shield of faith, with which you shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one":

Ephesians 6:16

2. Satan is the "accuser of the brethren": Job 1:6-11; 2:5; Zechariah 3:1; Revelation 12:10

3. the Lord may allow them, but only to a certain point

a. Job 1:12; 2:6

b. 1 Corinthians 10:13

4. "…your adversary the Devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking someone he may devour":

1 Peter 5:8

F. many different types (also in 1 Peter 1:6)

1. simple exercises to major hurdles

2. adversity to outright persecution

a. Matthew 5:10-12; 10:16-18, 21-23

b. Luke 21:12-19

c. John 15:18-21; 17:14

d. 2 Timothy 3:12

G. they're nothing unusual, common to everyone: 1 Corinthians 10:13; 1 Peter 5:8-9

H. the Lord will take us through them: 1 Corinthians 10:13; 2 Peter 2:9

1. He doesn't want us to fail in our daily walk

I. consider it "all joy", not "some joy"

1. "in everything give thanks": 1 Thessalonians 5:18

2. because they'll produce patience: James 1:3

a. longsuffering… to people

b. perseverance… to circumstances

3. they'll cause us to grow

4. prepares us to be able to minister to others facing similar problems

a. "so that we may be able to comfort those… with the comfort with which we ourselves are

comforted by God": 2 Corinthians 1:4

b. "comfort"="to call near" or "to call to one's aid"

c. preparation for ministry does not come from schooling or a book, but from experience

d. edification

J. "…so that the genuineness of your faith… may result in praise, glory, and honor…": 1 Peter 1:6-8

K. "we should not lose heart in well-doing… we shall reap, if we do not loose heart": Galatians 6:9


L. "knowing that afflictions produces patience; patience, experience; and experience, hope": Romans 5:3-4

M. "the lightness of our present affliction works out for us a far more excellent eternal weight of glory":

2 Corinthians 4:17

N. "Rest in the Lord, and wait patiently for Him; do not fret yourself because of him who…": Psalm 37:7

O. "the patient in spirit is better than the proud in spirit": Ecclesiastes 7:8

P. "For the eyes of the Lord run to and fro throughout the whole earth to show Himself strong on behalf of

those whose heart is loyal to Him": 2 Chronicles 16:9

IV. Let patience do its thing in you: James 1:4

A. its "perfective" work

B. let it bring us to maturity, the ultimate goal

C. "…having heard the Word, keep it and bring forth fruit with patience": Luke 8:15

D. "teaching every man in all wisdom, that we present every man perfect in Christ Jesus": Colossians 1:28

E. "may the God of peace… make you perfect in every good work to do His will, working in you that which is

well pleasing in His sight through Jesus Christ": Hebrews 13:20-21

F. "All Scripture is given by inspiration of God… that the man of God may be perfected, thoroughly furnished

to every good work.": 2 Timothy 3:16-17

V. Ask God for wisdom: James 1:5

A. wisdom = the practical use of knowledge

B. He's not stingy about giving it to us

C. James will discuss earthly vs. heavenly wisdom in James 3:13-18

D. Holy Spirit to guide us to all truth: John 16:13

E. "as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God": Romans 8:14

F. "…professing to be wise, they became fools…": Romans 1:18-32

G. "…the foolishness of God is wiser than men…": 1 Corinthians 1:18-31

H. "…your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God… we speak… not the

wisdom of this age… but the wisdom of God…": 1 Corinthians 2:4-16

I. "…we conducted ourselves in the world in simplicity and godly sincerity, not with fleshly wisdom but by

the grace of God…": 2 Corinthians 1:12

J. "the wisdom of their wise men shall perish…": Isaiah 29:14

K. "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom…": Psalm 111:10

L. Proverbs 2:1-5

M. "the Lord gives wisdom; from His mouth come knowledge and understanding; He stores up sound wisdom

for the upright": Proverbs 2:6-7

N. "…lean not to your own understanding… do not be wise in your own eyes…": Proverbs 3:6-8

O. "Blessed is the man who finds wisdom, and the man who gets understanding.": Proverbs 3:13

P. "The way of a fool is right in his own eyes, but…": Proverbs 12:15

Q. "There is a way which seems right to a man, but…": Proverbs 14:12; 16:25

R. "Every man's way is right in his own eyes, but…": Proverbs 21:2

VI. Ask for wisdom in faith, without doubting: James 1:6-8

A. doubting is a form of unbelief

1. doubting Thomas: John 20:25-28

a. Zechariah 13:6?

2. Is the Lord in charge? Is He in control? (Romans 8:28)

B. "he who doubts is like a wave of the sea, driven and tossed by the wind": James 1:6

1. Jude 1:12-13

2. "…unstable as water, you shall not excel…": Genesis 49:4

3. "If you have faith and do not doubt, you shall…": Matthew 21:21-22; Mark 11:22-24

4. "we should no longer be children, tossed to and fro and carried about with every wind of doctrine":

Ephesians 4:14

5. "Let us hold fast the profession of our hope without wavering": Hebrews 10:23


6. "do not be carried about with different and strange doctrines, for it is good for the heart to be

established…": Hebrews 13:9

a. "established" = stabilized; have a good footing

b. speaks of depth, being firmly rooted

c. contrast to those not having good root in the parable of the sower

(i) Matthew 13:5-6, 20-21; Mark 4:5-6, 16-17; Luke 8:6, 13

7. "establish your hearts": James 5:8

a. "established" = turn resolutely in a certain direction

b. speaks of having a good direction or course

c. 1 Thessalonians 3:2, 13

d. 2 Thessalonians 2:17; 3:3

8. "Ezra had prepared his heart to seek the Law of the Lord, and to do it, and to teach…": Ezra 7:10

a. "prepared" = be established, set up, stable, firm, fixed, secure

9. Colossians 2:6-8

10. Ephesians 3:16-19

C. doubters shouldn't expect to get anything: James 1:7

1. we must ask in accordance to His will: 1 John 5:14; John 14:13-14

2. "You ask and receive not, because you ask amiss, that you may spend it upon your lusts.": James 4:3

D. "double-minded": James 1:8

1. this term is in the NT only here and in James 4:8

2. "you cannot serve two masters…": Matthew 6:24; Luke 16:13

a. "mammon" is a Chaldean word, speaks of idolatry

3. "…choose for yourselves today whom you will serve…": Joshua 24:14-15

4. "Elijah came to all the people and said, 'How long are you limping over two opinions?'":

1 Kings 18:21

5. "Their heart is divided; now they shall be guilty.": Hosea 10:2

6. Jesus said, "…let him not return to the things behind. Remember Lot's wife.": Luke 17:31b-32

a. she looked back with favorable regard: Genesis 19:26

b. "…looking back… not fit for the kingdom of God": Luke 9:62

7. "I know your works, that you are neither cold nor hot. I would that you were cold or hot. So because

you are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will vomit you out of My mouth.": Revelation 3:15-16

8. worse than unbelief?

a. unbelief can be cured by a miraculous work of God

b. we can't please the Lord by "sitting on the fence" or being a "mugwump" (our "mug" on one side

of the fence and our "wump" on the other)

(i) it avoids the issues and won't allow any kind of correction or guidance

9. hypocrisy

a. Isaiah 29:13

b. Matthew 15:7-9

c. Mark 7:6-9

E. "unstable in all his ways": James 1:8

1. "we should no longer be children, tossed to and fro and carried about with every wind of doctrine":

Ephesians 4:14

2. certainty of purpose: 1 Corinthians 9:26

3. "do not turn aside from following the Lord… do not go after futile things": 1 Samuel 12:20-21

4. "…enticing unstable souls": 2 Peter 2:14

5. "…springs without water and mists driven by a storm": 2 Peter 2:17

6. "they hurried… forgot His works… did not wait for His counsel": Psalm 106:13

7. "hold fast to the Lord your God": Joshua 23:8

F. "let the humble brother rejoice in his exaltation": James 1:9

1. humble or poor in circumstances, in contrast to the rich of verse 10

2. "God resists the proud, but He gives grace to the humble.": Proverbs 3:34; James 4:6; 1 Peter 5:5

3. "Humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time": 1 Peter 5:6

4. "Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and He will lift you up.": James 4:10

5. "He has put down rulers from their seats and exalted the lowly": Luke 1:52

6. Psalm 113:7; 145:14


G. "but the rich one in his humiliation": James 1:10

1. James will deal with the rich in James 2:6; 5:1-6

2. riches aren't the problem, but how they got rich, what they're doing with the wealth, and what the

wealth is doing to them

3. parable of the rich fool: Luke 12:15-21

4. do not worry: Luke 12:22-34; Matthew 6:19-21, 25-34

a. "where your treasure is, there your heart will be also": Matthew 6:21; Luke 12:34

b. "seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you":

Matthew 6:33; Luke 12:31

5. the rich man and Lazarus: Luke 16:19-31

H. "because he shall pass away as the flower of the grass…": James 1:10-11

1. "All flesh is as grass…": Isaiah 40:6-8; 1 Peter 1:24-25

2. "What is your life? For it is a vapor, that appears for a little time, and then disappears.": James 4:14

3. Job 7:6-7; 8:9; 9:25; 14:2

4. Psalm 39:4-6; 90:12; 102:11; 103:11-18

5. Ecclesiastes 6:12

VII. Further readings

A. Proverbs 26

B. Luke 12



Lesson 2: James 1:12-27

I. Passing The Test: James 1:12

A. Blessed are those who endure the trials and tests: James 1:12

B. "we count blessed those who endure": James 5:11

C. crown of life

1. here and also in Revelation 2:10

2. not eternal life, but a reward

3. commonly called the martyr's crown

4. crowns

a. crown of life: James 1:12; Revelation 2:10

b. crown of glory: Psalm 4:9; 1 Peter 5:4

c. crown of righteousness: 2 Timothy 4:8

d. crown of gold: Revelation 4:4

e. incorruptible crown: 1 Corinthians 9:25

f. don't let anyone take it: Revelation 3:11

g. cast at Jesus' feet: Revelation 4:10

h. crown of thorns: Matthew 27:29; Mark 15:17; John 19:2, 5

(i) was it somehow prophetic that Jesus spoke to Moses from a burning thorn bush?:

Exodus 3:2-16; Acts 7:30 (Heb. "cnah" = bramble; Gr. "batos" = briar shrub or bramble)

(ii) because of this, did Satan mock Jesus by using a crown of thorns?

II. Failing The Test: James 1:13-16

A. don't blame God; He doesn't cause anyone to fail or sin: James 1:13

B. a person is "dragged away" by his own desires and lusts, and then "baited" or "hunted with a snare":

James 1:14

1. "enticed" (deleazo) is a hunting and fishing term

2. "…your adversary the Devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking someone he may devour":

1 Peter 5:8

C. lust leads to sin, sin leads to death: James 1:15

1. "abstain from fleshly lusts which war against the soul": 1 Peter 2:11

2. "they lure through the lusts of the flesh": 2 Peter 2:18

D. "Do not be deceived": James 1:16

1. that phrase or thought is throughout Scripture

a. Deuteronomy 11:16; Jeremiah 29:8; Matthew 24:4; 1 Corinthians 6:9; 15:33; Galatians 6:7;

Ephesians 5:6; 2 Thessalonians 2:3; James 1:16; 1 John 3:7

2. don't let sin deceive you

3. Eve was deceived: Genesis 3; 2 Corinthians 11:3

4. "…the deceitfulness of sin": Hebrews 3:13

5. "put off the old man… who is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts": Ephesians 4:22

6. "a deceived heart has turned him aside": Isaiah 44:20

III. The Divine Source Of All Blessings: James 1:17-18

A. better translation: "Every generous act of giving and every perfect gift is from above": James 1:17

1. everything good comes from God; everything that comes from God is good

2. "For the Lord God is a sun and shield; the Lord will give grace and glory; no good thing will He

withhold from those who walk uprightly.": Psalm 84:11

B. "Father of lights": James 1:17

1. on the 4th

day of creation God created lights to separate light from darkness: Genesis 1:14-19

2. He wants us to be able to see: Jesus is the light

a. "God is light, and in Him is no darkness at all": 1 John 1:5

b. "In Him was life, and the life was the light of men.": John 1:4

c. "He was the true Light; He enlightens every man coming into the world.": John 1:9

d. "I am the light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness": John 8:12; 9:5

e. "Walk while you have the Light, lest darkness come upon you. For he who walks in darkness does

not know where he goes.": John 12:35-36

f. Psalm 27:1; 36:9


g. Isaiah 60:19

h. Revelation 21:23; 22:5

C. God doesn't change: James 1:17

1. He's not capricious

2. "The counsel of the Lord stands forever, the plans of His heart to all generations.": Psalm 33:11

a. "For I know the thoughts that I think towards you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil,

to give you a future and a hope.": Jeremiah 29:11

3. "I am the Lord, I change not": Malachi 3:6

4. "Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever": Hebrews 13:8

D. He did the work: James 1:18

1. "by the word of truth"

a. speaks of the Gospel: Ephesians 1:13

b. Jesus said to His father, "Your Word is truth": John 17:17

c. "word of truth": Psalm 119:43; 2 Corinthians 6:7; Ephesians 1:13

2. firstfruits: the first of a type, with more to come

a. "Christ has risen from the dead, and has become the firstfruit of those who slept.":

1 Corinthians 15:20

b. "each in his own order: Christ the first-fruit, and afterward they who are Christ's at His coming":

1 Corinthians 15:23

c. Jesus Christ was the first to rise from the dead and never to die again

d. Jesus Christ is the example, or model of the harvest that is to come

IV. He Doesn't Call Us To Violence Or Wrath, Nor To React With Our Own Power: James 1:19-20

A. "swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath": James 1:19

1. "the fruit of the Spirit is… self-control": Galatians 5:22-23

2. "add to your faith… self-control": 2 Peter 1:5-7

3. "Even a fool, when he is silent, is counted wise, and he who shuts his lips is counted as a man of

understanding.": Proverbs 17:28

4. "If one answers a matter before he hears, it is folly and shame to him.": Proverbs 18:13

5. "Hear advice, and receive instruction, so that you may be wise in your latter end.": Proverbs 19:20

6. "Whoever keeps his mouth and his tongue keeps his soul from troubles.": Proverbs 21:23

7. "A fool speaks all his mind; but a wise one keeps it in until afterwards.": Proverbs 29:11

8. "He who is slow to anger is better than the mighty, and he who rules his spirit is better than he who

takes a city.": Proverbs 16:32

9. "He who is slow to wrath is of great understanding, but he who is hasty of spirit exalts folly.":

Proverbs 14:29

10. "The desire of the righteous is only good; the hope of the wicked is wrath.": Proverbs 11:23

11. "He who has no rule over his own spirit is like a broken down city without a wall.": Proverbs 25:28

B. "Beloved, do not avenge yourselves, but give place to wrath, for it is written, 'Vengeance is Mine, I will

repay,' says the Lord.": Romans 12:19; Deuteronomy 32:35

1. "give place to wrath" = "step aside and make room for God's wrath"

C. we don't have "holy wrath": James 1:20

1. our wrath cannot produce Godly righteousness

2. only Jesus has the authority, honor, and privilege to redeem the earth: Revelation 5

3. "we are all as the unclean thing, and all our righteousnesses are as a menstruation cloth": Isaiah 64:6

4. "we do not present our prayers before You on account of our righteousnesses, but because of Your

great mercies": Daniel 9:18

5. "Joshua was clothed with filthy clothes": Zechariah 3:3

D. He can, and will fight for Himself

1. "According to their deeds, accordingly He will repay, fury to His adversaries, recompense to His

enemies; the coastlands He will fully repay.": Isaiah 59:18

2. "…their blood is sprinkled upon my garments… the day of vengeance is in My heart": Isaiah 63:1-6

3. Zechariah 14:3


V. Don't Just Sit There And Listen: Get Out And Do It!: James 1:21-27

A. understanding this fundamental of "doing" and not "just listening" is key to correctly interpret "faith

without works is dead" of James 2:14-26

B. "put aside all filthiness and overflowing of evil": James 1:21

1. "overflow" sounds similar to Matthew 12:34 and Luke 6:45: "out of the abundance of the heart the

mouth speaks"

a. James will deal with the tongue later, in chapter 3

2. "let us cleanse ourselves from all defilements of flesh and spirit": 2 Corinthians 7:1

3. "works of the flesh" vs. "fruit of the Spirit": Galatians 5:19-23

C. "receive with meekness the implanted Word": James 1:21

1. meekness = mildness, gentleness, humility, lowliness of mind, a calm temper of mind, not easily

provoked

a. "prautes" used in NT only in James 1:21; 3:13; 1 Peter 3:15

b. "anwah" in OT is from root meaning "suffering," "oppressed," or "afflicted"

(i) sometimes translated "poor," "meek," or "humble"

(ii) generally associated with some form of oppression

c. "the fruit of the Spirit is… meekness": Galatians 5:22-23

d. "seek the Lord, all you meek of the earth…": Zephaniah 2:3

e. meek is not weak; it's just the opposite

2. "they received the Word with all readiness of mind": Acts 17:11

3. "when you received the Word of God, you welcomed it not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the

Word of God, which also effectively works in you who believe": 1 Thessalonians 2:13

4. "implanted": the Word are the seeds in the parable of the sower

a. Matthew 13:3-9, 18-23

b. Mark 4:3-9, 13-20

c. Luke 8:4-8, 11-15

D. "which is able to save your souls": James 1:21

1. the Word of God is the only way of salvation

2. "How can a young man cleanse his way? By taking heed according to Your word": Psalm 119:9

3. Jesus said, "you are clean through the Word which I have spoken to you": John 15:3

4. Jesus said to His father, "Sanctify them through Your truth. Your Word is truth.": John 17:17

5. "Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every Word of God.": Deuteronomy 8:3; Luke 4:4

6. "Lord… you have the words of eternal life": John 6:68

E. doers of the Word: James 1:22

1. "it is not the hearers of the Law who are just before God, but the doers": Romans 2:13

2. "whoever hears these sayings of Mine, and does them, I will liken him to a wise man who built his

house on a rock…": Matthew 7:21-27; Luke 6:46-49

3. "blessed are they who hear the Word of God and keep it": Luke 11:28

4. "If you know these things, blessed are you if you do them.": John 13:17

5. Psalm 119

F. if we only listen, and don't do anything with what we've been taught, we're deceiving ourselves:

James 1:22-24

1. deceiving ourselves, in that we're following and obeying the Lord, that we're growing

2. "they hear your words, but they do not do them… with their mouth they show much love, but their

hearts pursue their own gain": Ezekiel 33:31-32

3. Parable of the Wedding Feast: Matthew 22:1-14; Luke 14:15-24

a. "…but not caring, they went their ways, one to his field, another to his trading": Matthew 22:5

b. indifference

4. be honest with yourself: James 1:22, 26

a. "he flatters himself in his own eyes": Psalm 36:2

b. "woe to those wise in their own eyes, and bright in their own sight": Isaiah 5:21

c. "do not be wise in your own eyes": Proverbs 3:7

d. "Do not be wise within yourselves.": Romans 12:16

e. "Let no one deceive himself.": 1 Corinthians 3:18

f. "if anyone thinks himself to be something, when he is nothing, he deceives himself":

Galatians 6:3


g. "If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.": 1 John 1:8

G. our reaction to the Word: James 1:25

1. "perfect"

a. "The Law of the Lord is perfect…": Psalm 19:7-10

2. "law of liberty"

a. phrase unique to James; found only in James 1:25 and James 2:12

b. John 8:31-36

(i) "you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.": John 8:32

(ii) "if the Son shall make you free, you shall be free indeed.": John 8:36

c. "Stand fast therefore in the liberty with which Christ has made us free, and do not again be held

with the yoke of bondage.": Galatians 5:1

d. "brothers, you were called to liberty": Galatians 5:13

e. Jesus said that He was sent to "proclaim liberty to the captives": Luke 4:18; Isaiah 61:1

f. "the Law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has made me free from the law of sin and death":

Romans 8:2

3. "continues in it"

a. instead of "goes away" (James 1:24)

b. "blessed are they who hear the Word of God and keep it": Luke 11:28

c. "if you continue in My Word, you are My disciples indeed.": John 8:31

d. "If you keep My commandments, you shall abide in My love": John 15:10

e. "what you heard from the beginning, let it abide in you.": 1 John 2:24

4. "blessed in what he does"

a. "This book of the Law shall not depart out of your mouth, but you shall meditate on it by day and

by night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it. For then you shall

make your way prosperous, and then you shall act wisely.": Joshua 1:8

H. useless religion: James 1:26

1. religion: a system of faith and practice

2. lack of self-control: does not bridle his tongue

a. "I said, 'I will guard my ways, lest I sin with my tongue; I will restrain my mouth with a muzzle,

while the wicked are before me.'": Psalm 39:1

b. "Set a guard, O Lord, over my mouth; keep watch over the door of my lips.": Psalm 141:3-4

c. James will deal with the tongue later, in chapter 3

3. self-deception

4. summarizes what he's been talking about in James 1:19-25

I. useful religion is active obedience: James 1:27

1. real concern for others, in this example, the widows and fatherless

2. there appears to be a special place in God's heart for widows, the fatherless, and strangers: they're

often grouped together

a. Exodus 22:22-24

b. Deuteronomy 10:18; 14:28-29; 16:11-14; 24:17, 19; 26:12; 27:19

c. Job 22:9; 24:3; 29:12-13; 31:15-20

d. Psalm 68:5; 94:6

e. Isaiah 1:16-17, 23; 10:1-2

f. Jeremiah 7:6-7; 22:3

g. Ezekiel 22:7

h. Zechariah 7:10

i. Malachi 3:5

j. Matthew 25:34-46

k. James 1:27

3. walk in separation from uncleanness

a. "do not be conformed to this world, but…": Romans 12:2

b. "be diligent to be found by Him in peace, without spot and blameless": 2 Peter 3:14

c. "Do not love the world, nor the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the

Father is not in him": 1 John 2:15-17


VI. Other readings

A. Isaiah 59

B. Romans 12

C. Colossians 3



Lesson 3: James 2

I. Personal Favoritism and Partiality: James 2:1-13

A. a person's money, looks, personality, or social status has nothing to do with their relationship with God

B. "If someone says, 'I love God,' and hates his brother, he is a liar": 1 John 4:20

C. "He will surely reprove you if you secretly show partiality": Job 13:10

D. "Let me not, I pray, show partiality to anyone; nor let me flatter any man": Job 32:21

E. "Yet He is not partial to princes, nor does He regard the rich more than the poor; for they are all the work of

His hands.": Job 34:19

F. "God is not one to show partiality": Acts 10:34-35

G. "there is no partiality with God": Romans 2:11

H. "there is no distinction between Jew and Greek; for the same Lord is Lord of all, abounding in riches for all

who call on Him": Romans 10:12-13; Joel 2:32

I. "God shows no partiality": Galatians 2:6

J. "there is no partiality with Him": Ephesians 6:9

K. "the Father, who without partiality judges according to each one’s work": 1 Peter 1:17

L. partiality in judgment forbidden

1. "You shall do no injustice in judgment. You shall not be partial to the poor, nor honor the person of the

mighty. In righteousness you shall judge your neighbor.": Leviticus 19:15

2. "You shall not show partiality in judgment; you shall hear the small as well as the great":

Deuteronomy 1:17

3. "You shall not pervert justice; you shall not show partiality, nor take a bribe, for a bribe blinds the eyes

of the wise and twists the words of the righteous.": Deuteronomy 16:19

4. "It is not good to show partiality to the wicked, or to overthrow the righteous in judgment.":

Proverbs 18:5

5. "It is not good to show partiality in judgment": Proverbs 24:23-26

6. "you have not kept My ways but have shown partiality in the law": Malachi 2:9

M. Deck of cards illustration

1. open a new deck of cards

2. keep them face down

3. spread all of them out before you on the table

4. now choose your favorite; the one that is best; the special one; the one that stands out

a. you can't because they're all the same and of the same value

5. now choose which one to throw away

a. you can't because they're all the same and of the same value

b. you can't because then the deck wouldn't be complete

c. they're all needed to keep the deck useful and valuable

N. the poor are rich: James 2:5

1. "A little that a righteous man has is better than the riches of many wicked.": Psalm 37:16

2. "The blessing of the Lord makes one rich, and He adds no sorrow with it.": Proverbs 10:22

3. "There is one who makes himself rich, yet has nothing; and one who makes himself poor, yet has great

riches.": Proverbs 13:7

4. "Blessed are you poor, for yours is the kingdom of God": Luke 6:20

5. "provide yourselves money bags which do not grow old, a treasure in the heavens that does not fail…

where your treasure is, there your heart will be also": Luke 12:32-34

6. story of the rich young ruler: Matthew 19:16-30; Mark 10:17-31; Luke 18:18-30

a. he was earthly rich, but spiritually poor

7. "A father of the fatherless, a defender of widows, is God in His holy habitation.": Psalm 68:5

8. "not many wise… not many mighty… not many noble… are called": 1 Corinthians 1:26

9. "For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though He was rich, yet for your sakes He

became poor, that you through His poverty might become rich.": 2 Corinthians 8:9

10. "…the unsearchable riches of Christ": Ephesians 3:8

O. "the royal law": James 2:8

1. "you shall love your neighbor as yourself: I am the Lord.": Leviticus 19:18

2. the Good Samaritan: Luke 10:25-37

3. "Love does no harm to a neighbor; therefore love is the fulfillment of the law.": Romans 13:10


P. "law of liberty": James 2:12

1. as in James 1:25

2. "if you call on the Father, who without partiality judges according to each one’s work, conduct

yourselves throughout the time of your stay here in fear": 1 Peter 1:17

Q. mercy: James 2:13

1. one reference describes mercy as, "a form of love, especially directed toward the needy or unworthy"

2. "Whoever stops his ears at the cry of the poor, he also shall cry himself, but shall not be heard.":

Proverbs 21:13

3. "He has shown you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justly, to

love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God": Micah 6:8

4. "Blessed are the merciful! For they shall obtain mercy.": Matthew 5:7

5. "Judge not, that you be not judged. For with what judgment you judge, you will be judged; and with

the measure you use, it will be measured back to you…": Matthew 7:1-6

II. Purpose Of Works

A. before we enter into a very misunderstood passage of Scripture, let us first study the purpose of works

B. demonstrates faith, belief, or inward change and condition

1. a true, saving faith will result in a changed life; works based on that faith will result

2. good works will be a natural result of true, saving faith

3. not works out of a forced sense of obligation, but deeds out of love for the Lord and yielding to His

direction

a. "If you love Me, keep My commandments": John 14:15

b. "If anyone loves Me, he will keep My word": John 14:23

c. "If you keep My commandments, you will abide in My love": John 15:10

4. response to the opportunities that come our way: they're predestined or pre-ordained

a. "…I have chosen you and ordained you that you should go and bring forth fruit": John 15:16

b. "we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared

beforehand that we should walk in them": Ephesians 2:10

5. "you will know them by their fruits"

a. Matthew 7:15-20; 12:33-35

b. Luke 6:43-45

6. if you claim to be a Christian but have no desire to change your life, then…

7. our earthly employer expects work from us; in the same way our heavenly employer expects work

from His "ambassadors" (that's us!)

a. "He said to them, 'Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature'": Mark 16:15

b. "As the Father has sent Me, I also send you.": John 20:21

c. "…as ministers of the new covenant": 2 Corinthians 3:6

d. "we are ambassadors for Christ": 2 Corinthians 5:20

e. "I am an ambassador in chains": Ephesians 6:20

C. "Learn to do good; seek justice, rebuke the oppressor; defend the fatherless, plead for the widow":

Isaiah 1:17

D. "Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in

heaven.": Matthew 5:14-16

E. Judgment of the nations: Matthew 25:31-46

1. "I say to you, inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these My brethren, you did it to Me":

Matthew 25:40

2. "I say to you, inasmuch as you did not do it to one of the least of these, you did not do it to Me":

Matthew 25:45

F. the Good Samaritan: Luke 10:25-37

G. "…faith working through love": Galatians 5:6

H. "let us not grow weary while doing good… as we have opportunity, let us do good to all": Galatians 6:9-10

I. "by grace you have been saved through faith… created in Christ Jesus for good works": Ephesians 2:8-10

J. "…walk worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing Him, being fruitful in every good work…": Colossians 1:10

K. "…be rich in good works…": 1 Timothy 6:17-19

L. "in all things showing yourself to be a pattern of good works": Titus 2:7


M. "that He might redeem us… and purify for Himself His own special people, zealous for good works":

Titus 2:14

N. "be ready for every good work": Titus 3:1

O. "those who have believed in God should be careful to maintain good works": Titus 3:8

P. "let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works": Hebrews 10:24

Q. "do not forget to do good and to share, for with such sacrifices God is well pleased": Hebrews 13:16

R. "to him who knows to do good and does not do it, to him it is sin": James 4:17

S. Jesus did miracles as a proof of who He was

1. Jesus said, "Which is easier, to say to the paralytic, 'Your sins are forgiven you,' or to say, 'Arise, take

up your bed and walk'?": Mark 2:1-12

2. "This beginning of signs Jesus did in Cana of Galilee, and manifested His glory": John 2:11

3. "we know that You are a teacher come from God; for no one can do these signs that You do unless

God is with him": John 3:1-2

4. "the works which the Father has given Me to finish-the very works that I do-bear witness of Me, that

the Father has sent Me": John 5:36

5. "believe the works, that you may know and believe that the Father is in Me, and I in Him":

John 10:37-38

6. "Jesus of Nazareth, a man approved of God among you by powerful works, and wonders and miracles,

which God did through Him in your midst, as you yourselves also know": Acts 2:22

7. compare "Then some of the scribes and Pharisees answered, saying, 'Teacher, we want to see a sign

from You.'": Matthew 12:38

T. warning: Revelation 2:1-7

1. "I know your deeds and your toil and perseverance… but… you have left your first love."

2. they were so busy with the work of the kingdom, that they didn't have time for the King

III. Works Insufficient For Salvation

A. "…your works… will not profit you": Isaiah 57:12

B. "All the righteousness which he has done shall not be remembered; because of the unfaithfulness of which

he is guilty and the sin which he has committed, because of them he shall die.": Ezekiel 18:24

C. "Lord, have we not… done many wonders in Your name?": Matthew 7:21-23

D. "by the deeds of the law no flesh will be justified in His sight": Romans 3:20

E. "they did not seek it by faith, but as it were, by the works of the law": Romans 9:30-33

F. "if it is of works, it is no longer grace": Romans 11:6

G. "knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law but by faith in Jesus Christ, even we have

believed in Christ Jesus, that we might be justified by faith in Christ and not by the works of the law; for by

the works of the law no flesh shall be justified": Galatians 2:16

H. "For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of

works, lest anyone should boast": Ephesians 2:8-10

I. "who has saved us and called us with a holy calling, not according to our works": 2 Timothy 1:9

J. "not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us, through the

washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit": Titus 3:4-5

IV. Three Types Of Faith: James 2:14-26

A. dead faith: James 2:14-17, 20, 26

1. they substitute words for authenticating deeds

2. "It is faith alone that justifies, but faith that justifies is never alone." -- John Calvin

3. "Lord, have we not… done many wonders in Your name?": Matthew 7:21-23

4. the Good Samaritan: Luke 10:25-37

a. which one had the real faith?

5. "whoever has this world's goods, and sees his brother in need, and shuts up his heart from him, how

does the love of God abide in him? My little children, let us not love in word or in tongue, but in deed

and in truth.": 1 John 3:17-18

B. demonic faith: James 2:19

1. "the demons believe -- and tremble!"

2. no demon is an atheist

a. "…Jesus, you Son of God": Matthew 8:28-9:1; Mark 5:1-20; Luke 8:26-39

b. "You are the Son of God": Mark 3:11-12


C. dynamic faith: James 2:18, 21-25

1. "…I will show you my faith by my works": James 2:18

2. Abraham justified by faith: James 2:21-24; Genesis 15

a. "he believed in the Lord, and He accounted it to him for righteousness": Genesis 15:6;

Romans 4:3, 22; Galatians 3:6

b. Abraham demonstrated his faith by the willing sacrifice of his son, Isaac: Genesis 22:1-19;

Hebrews 11:17-19; James 2:21

c. "if Abraham was justified by works, he has something to boast about": Romans 4:2

(i) "…not of works, lest anyone should boast": Ephesians 2:9

d. "to him who works, the wages are not counted as grace but as debt. But to him who does not work

but believes on Him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is accounted for righteousness":

Romans 4:4-5

3. Rahab justified by faith: James 2:25; Joshua 2, 6

a. "By faith the harlot Rahab did not perish with those who did not believe": Hebrews 11:31

V. Further Readings

A. Abraham's faith: Romans 4

B. justification by faith: Galatians 3

C. Titus

D. the Good Samaritan: Luke 10:25-37


Lesson 4: James 3

I. Teachers and leaders have more responsibility and accountability: James 3:1

A. "…not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think": Romans 12:3

B. "I have made you a watchman…": Ezekiel 3:17-21; 33:1-11

C. unfaithful shepherds: Ezekiel 34

D. "So he shepherded them according to the integrity of his heart, and guided them by the skillfulness of his

hands.": Psalm 78:72

E. "take heed to yourselves and to all the flock, among which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to

shepherd the church of God which He purchased with His own blood.": Acts 20:28

F. "whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in Me to stumble, it would be better for him if a

millstone were hung around his neck, and he were thrown into the sea… offenses must come, but woe to

that man by whom the offense comes!": Matthew 18:6; Mark 9:42; Luke 17:1-2

G. "elders… shepherd the flock of God which is among you, serving… willingly… eagerly… being examples

to the flock": 1 Peter 5:1-3

II. "we all stumble in many things": James 3:2

A. "Though I were righteous, my own mouth would condemn me; though I were blameless, it would prove me

perverse.": Job 9:20

B. "For there is not a just man on earth who does good and does not sin.": Ecclesiastes 7:20

C. if we can control our words then we can control our whole body

D. if a person can't control his mouth, his character should be questioned

III. Six Pictures To Illustrate Three Powers Of The Tongue: The World's Smallest, But Largest Troublemaker:

James 3:3-12

A. power to direct; tiny things that change behavior and courses

1. bit in horse's mouth: James 3:3

a. "I will take heed to my ways so that I do not sin with my tongue; I will keep my mouth with a

bridle while the wicked are before me.": Psalm 39:1

2. rudder of a ship: James 3:4

B. power to destroy: James 3:5-8

1. fire: James 3:5-6

a. "boasts great things"

(i) "For the wicked boasts of his heart’s desire; he blesses the greedy and renounces the Lord.

The wicked in his proud countenance does not seek God; God is in none of his thoughts.":

Psalm 10:3-4

(ii) "Thus says the Lord: 'Let not the wise man glory in his wisdom, let not the mighty man glory

in his might, nor let the rich man glory in his riches; but let him who glories glory in this, that

he understands and knows Me, that I am the Lord, exercising lovingkindness, judgment, and

righteousness in the earth. For in these I delight,' says the Lord.": Jeremiah 9:23-24

(iii) "you boast in your arrogance. All such boasting is evil.": James 4:16

(iv) "they mouth great swelling words": Jude 1:16

b. "see how great a forest a little fire kindles"

c. "a world of iniquity"

(i) "Keep your tongue from evil, and your lips from speaking deceit.": Psalm 34:13; 1 Peter 3:10

(ii) "Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, and evil speaking be put away from you":

Ephesians 4:31

(iii) "Therefore, laying aside all malice, all deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and all evil speaking, as

newborn babes, desire the pure milk of the word, that you may grow": 1 Peter 2:1-2

d. "defiles the whole body"

(i) "the mouth speaks out of the abundance of the heart": Matthew 12:34; Luke 6:45

(ii) "a good man out of the good treasure of the heart brings out good things; and an evil man out

of the evil treasure brings out evil things": Matthew 12:35; Luke 6:45

(iii) "…it is what comes out of the mouth that makes a person unclean": Matthew 15:11

(iv) "those things which proceed out of the mouth come from the heart, and they defile a man.":

Matthew 15:18

e. "sets on fire the course of nature"


f. "it is set on fire by hell ('Gehenna')"

g. "An ungodly man digs up evil, and it is on his lips like a burning fire.": Proverbs 16:27

h. Proverbs 26:18-22

(i) "Where there is no wood, the fire goes out; and where there is no talebearer, strife ceases.":

Proverbs 26:20

(ii) "As charcoal is to burning coals, and wood to fire, so is a contentious man to kindle strife.":

Proverbs 26:21

i. "Their tongue is an arrow shot out; it speaks deceit; one speaks peaceably to his neighbor with his

mouth, but in his heart he lies in wait.": Jeremiah 9:8

2. beast: James 3:7-8

a. "an unruly evil"

b. "full of deadly poison"

(i) "They sharpen their tongues like a serpent; the poison of asps is under their lips."

Psalm 140:3; Romans 3:13

(ii) "Now the serpent was more cunning than any beast of the field which the Lord God had

made. And he said to the woman, 'Has God indeed said…'": Genesis 3:1

C. power to delight: James 3:9-12

1. fountain

a. "Keep your heart with all diligence, for out of it spring the issues of life.": Proverbs 4:23

b. "The mouth of the righteous is a well of life": Proverbs 10:11

c. "the tongue of the wise promotes health": Proverbs 12:18

d. "The law of the wise is a fountain of life, to turn one away from the snares of death.":

Proverbs 13:14

e. "The words of a man's mouth are deep waters; the wellspring of wisdom is a flowing brook.":

Proverbs 18:4

2. tree

a. "The lips of the righteous feed many, but fools die for lack of wisdom.": Proverbs 10:21

b. Psalm 1

IV. Inconsistent Behavior: James 3:9-12

A. blessing and cursing from the same mouth

1. bless God and then curse men

B. fresh and bitter water from the same spring?

C. olives from a fig tree?

D. figs from a grapevine?

E. "you are inexcusable… for you who judge practice the same things": Romans 2:1

F. "They profess to know God, but in works they deny Him": Titus 1:16

G. "He who says, 'I know Him,' and does not keep His commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him.":

1 John 2:4

V. Other References About Our Tongue, Our Mouth, And Our Words

A. "there is no truth in their mouth… with their tongues they have used deceit.": Psalm 5:9 (LXX);

Romans 3:13

B. "In the multitude of words sin is not lacking, but he who restrains his lips is wise.": Proverbs 10:19

C. "A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger. The tongue of the wise uses knowledge

rightly, but the mouth of fools pours forth foolishness.": Proverbs 15:1-2

D. "Death and life are in the power of the tongue": Proverbs 18:21

E. "So I said: 'Woe is me, for I am undone! Because I am a man of unclean lips, and I dwell in the midst of a

people of unclean lips'": Isaiah 6:5

F. "whatever men may speak, they shall give account of it in the day of judgment": Matthew 12:36

G. "by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned": Matthew 12:37

H. Romans 10:9-10

I. "man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart": 1 Samuel 16:7


VI. Heavenly vs. Earthly Wisdom: James 3:13-18

A. another demonstration of outward expression being an indicator of inward condition: James 3:13

1. "as He who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, because it is written, 'Be holy, for I

am holy.'": 1 Peter 1:15-16; Leviticus 11:44-45; 19:2; 20:7

B. earthly wisdom results in bitter envy and self-seeking: James 3:14-15

1. don't boast, thinking that you have any heavenly wisdom

2. don't lie to yourself about it, either

a. confess it!

3. it's earthly, sensual (natural), demonic: James 3:15

a. it comes from Satan

b. "the natural man does not receive the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him;

nor can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned": 1 Corinthians 2:14

C. the result of envy and self-seeking is confusion and every evil thing: James 3:16

1. pride was the original sin (by Lucifer): Isaiah 14:11-15

2. if we find ourselves envious and looking to promote ourselves, it's not of God but of the flesh

3. it will lead to confusion and further sin

D. 7 characteristics of heavenly wisdom: James 3:17

1. pure

a. "the commandment of the Lord is pure, enlightening the eyes": Psalm 19:8

b. "keep yourself pure": 1 Timothy 5:22

c. "purify your hearts, you double-minded": James 4:8

d. "everyone who has this hope on him purifies himself": 1 John 3:3

2. peaceable

a. "If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men.": Romans 12:18

b. "pursue righteousness, faith, love, peace with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart. But

avoid foolish and ignorant disputes, knowing that they generate strife.": 2 Timothy 2:22-23

c. "pursue peace with all": Hebrews 12:14

3. gentle

a. "a servant of the Lord must not quarrel but be gentle to all": 2 Timothy 2:24

b. "be peaceable, gentle, showing all humility to all men": Titus 3:2

4. willing to yield, receptive, teachable

a. "receive the instruction of wisdom, justice, judgment, and equity": Proverbs 1:3

b. "The ear that hears the rebukes of life will abide among the wise… he who heeds rebuke gets

understanding.": Proverbs 15:31-32

c. "the ones that fell on the good ground are those who, having heard the word with a noble and good

heart, keep it and bear fruit with patience": Luke 8:15

d. "…they received the word with all readiness, and searched the Scriptures daily…": Acts 17:11

5. full of mercy and good fruits

a. "Let not mercy and truth forsake you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of

your heart, and so find favor and high esteem in the sight of God and man.": Proverbs 3:3-4

b. "the merciful man does good for his own soul": Proverbs 11:17

c. "…love mercy…": Micah 6:8

d. "be merciful, just as your Father also is merciful": Luke 6:36

e. "every good tree brings forth good fruit": Matthew 7:17

f. "…being filled with the fruits of righteousness…": Philippians 1:9-11

6. without partiality

a. James 2:1-13

b. "…observe these things without prejudice, doing nothing with partiality": 1 Timothy 5:21

7. without hypocrisy

a. "let love be without hypocrisy": Romans 12:9

b. "let us not love in word or in tongue, but in deed and in truth": 1 John 3:18

E. "the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace": James 3:18

1. only those who act peaceably are entitled to peace

2. "The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life": Proverbs 11:30

3. "…the work of righteousness will be peace…": Isaiah 32:16-17


4. "Sow for yourselves righteousness; reap in mercy; break up your fallow ground, for it is time to seek

the Lord": Hosea 10:12

a. compare with the following verse: "You have plowed wickedness; you have reaped iniquity. You

have eaten the fruit of lies, because you trusted in your own way": Hosea 10:13

5. "Blessed are the peacemakers": Matthew 5:9

6. "…being filled with the fruits of righteousness…": Philippians 1:9-11

7. "chastening… yields the peaceable fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it":

Hebrews 12:11

F. "If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God": James 1:5

G. "…professing to be wise, they became fools…": Romans 1:18-32

H. "…the foolishness of God is wiser than men…": 1 Corinthians 1:18-31

I. "…your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God… we speak… not the

wisdom of this age… but the wisdom of God…": 1 Corinthians 2:4-16

J. "the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God": 1 Corinthians 3:19

K. "He catches the wise in their own craftiness": Job 5:13; 1 Corinthians 3:19

L. "The Lord knows the thoughts of man, that they are futile.": Psalm 94:11; 1 Corinthians 3:20

M. "…we conducted ourselves in the world in simplicity and godly sincerity, not with fleshly wisdom but by

the grace of God…": 2 Corinthians 1:12

N. "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom…": Psalm 111:10

O. "the Lord gives wisdom; from His mouth come knowledge and understanding; He stores up sound wisdom

for the upright": Proverbs 2:1-7

P. "…lean not to your own understanding… do not be wise in your own eyes…": Proverbs 3:6-8

Q. "Blessed is the man who finds wisdom, and the man who gets understanding.": Proverbs 3:13

R. "the wisdom of their wise men shall perish…": Isaiah 29:14

VII. Further Readings

A. Matthew 5:3-12

1. notice how portions of this is found throughout James

B. 1 Corinthians 1:18-31

C. 1 Corinthians 2:6-16

D. 1 Corinthians 3:18-23


Lesson 5: James 4

I. War, Strife, Contentions: James 4:1-12

A. last verse of the previous chapter spoke of peace; the first verse of this chapter now speaks of just the

opposite

1. "the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace": James 3:18

2. "Where do wars and fights come from among you?": James 4:1

B. from the previous chapter, envy leads to evil

1. "where envy and self-seeking exist, confusion and every evil thing are there": James 3:16

C. "wars and fightings": James 4:1

1. "polemoi" = wars or chronic state of fighting

2. "machai" = separate battles or conflicts

3. one commentator said that this could refer to actual murderous activities

a. "had violent contentions among themselves, in which they massacred and plundered each other"

b. murderous, international campaigns to stamp out the heathen, idolatry, and those who refused to

convert

4. could just refer to strifes among themselves

a. church fights: James 1:19-20; 3:13-18

b. class wars: James 2:1-9

c. personal wars: James 4:11-12

d. labor wars: James 5:1-6

D. "let your conduct be worthy of the gospel of Christ… that you stand fast in one spirit, with one mind

striving together for the faith of the gospel": Philippians 1:27

II. Because Of Lust And Desire For Pleasure: James 4:1

A. "hedone", from where we get the word, hedonism

B. "from your lusts which war in your members"

1. "For when we were in the flesh, the passions of sin worked in our members through the law to bring

forth fruit to death.": Romans 7:5

2. "put to death your members which are on the earth: fornication, uncleanness, passion, evil desire, and

covetousness, which is idolatry… put off all these: anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy language

out of your mouth. Do not lie to one another": Colossians 3:5-7

3. "Beloved, I beg you as sojourners and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts which war against the soul":

1 Peter 2:11

4. "do not present your members as instruments of unrighteousness to sin, but present yourselves to

God": Romans 6:13

C. "I find then a law, that evil is present with me, the one who wills to do good. For I delight in the law of God

according to the inward man. But I see another law in my members, warring against the law of my mind,

and bringing me into captivity to the law of sin which is in my members. O wretched man that I am! Who

will deliver me from this body of death? I thank God--through Jesus Christ our Lord! So then, with the

mind I myself serve the law of God, but with the flesh the law of sin.": Romans 7:21-25

D. "I say then: Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh. For the flesh lusts against the

Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; and these are contrary to one another, so that you do not do the

things that you wish. But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law.": Galatians 5:16-18

E. "Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in

him. For all that is in the world--the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life--is not of the

Father but is of the world. And the world is passing away, and the lust of it; but he who does the will of

God abides forever.": 1 John 2:15-17

III. Root Problem Is Selfishness: James 4:2

A. 2 possible ways of translating this verse

1. "You lust and do not have. You murder and covet and cannot obtain. You fight and war." (NKJV)

2. "You lust and do not have; so you commit murder. You are envious and cannot obtain; so you fight

and quarrel." (NASB)

B. selfish people are always unhappy people

C. "we have turned, every one, to his own way": Isaiah 53:6


D. "lest there be contentions, jealousies, outbursts of wrath, selfish ambitions, backbitings, whisperings,

conceits, tumults": 2 Corinthians 12:20

E. "the works of the flesh are evident, which are: adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lewdness, idolatry,

sorcery, hatred, contentions, jealousies, outbursts of wrath, selfish ambitions, dissensions, heresies, envy,

murders, drunkenness, revelries, and the like": Galatians 5:19-21

F. "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness,

self-control.": Galatians 5:22-23

G. "And those who are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. If we live in the Spirit,

let us also walk in the Spirit. Let us not become conceited, provoking one another, envying one another.":

Galatians 5:24-26

IV. They Didn't Have Because They Didn't Ask: James 4:2

A. "For the shepherds have become dull-hearted, and have not sought the Lord; therefore they shall not

prosper, and all their flocks shall be scattered": Jeremiah 10:21

V. Tried To Pray In Accordance With Their Earthly Lusts: James 4:3

A. the Parable of the Lost Son: Luke 15:11-32

B. "Then they will cry to the Lord, but He will not hear them; He will even hide His face from them at that

time, because they have been evil in their deeds.": Micah 3:4

C. "whatever you may ask in My name, that I will do, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If you ask

anything in My name, I will do it.": John 14:13-14

D. "If you abide in Me, and My Words abide in you, you shall ask what you will, and it shall be done to you.":

John 15:7

E. "Before now you have asked nothing in My name; ask and you shall receive, that your joy may be full.":

John 16:24

F. "And whatever we ask, we receive from Him, because we keep His commandments and do those things

that are pleasing in His sight.": 1 John 3:22

G. "And this is the confidence that we have toward Him, that if we ask anything according to His will, He

hears us. And if we know that He hears us, whatever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we

desired of Him.": 1 John 5:14-15

H. answers denied…

1. to the disobedient: Deuteronomy 1:45

2. to those who hold onto sin: Psalm 66:18

3. to the indifferent, not wanting the truth: Proverbs 1:28-33

4. to those who neglect grace and mercy: Proverbs 21:13

5. to those who despise the law: Proverbs 28:9

6. to those who shed blood: Isaiah 1:15; 59:2-3

7. to those living in sin: Isaiah 59:2; Micah 3:4

8. to the stubborn: Zechariah 7:11-13

9. to those who waiver: James 1:6-8

10. to the selfish or self-indulgent: James 4:3

VI. Adultery: James 4:4

A. friendship with the world is likened to adultery

1. we are married to Christ: Romans 7:4

B. the picture of adultery and harlotry to describe spiritual unfaithfulness is common in Scripture

1. "adulterous generation": Matthew 12:39; 16:4; Mark 8:38

2. Exodus 34:15

3. Isaiah 1:21

4. Jeremiah 2:20; 3:1-9

5. Ezekiel 6:9; 16:15, 26-29; 20:30; 23

6. Hosea 1:2; 3:1; 4:15; 9:1

C. could also be that they were literally involved in adultery


VII. "friendship with the world is enmity with God": James 4:4-5

A. double-minded

B. compromise

C. "take heed to yourselves, lest your hearts be weighed down with carousing, drunkenness, and cares of this

life": Luke 21:34

D. "do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind": Romans 12:2

E. "Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth": Colossians 3:2

F. "…denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly in the present

age": Titus 2:12

G. "Do not love the world or the things in the world.": 1 John 2:15

VIII. "God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble": James 4:6; Proverbs 3:34

A. God hates pride

B. "These six things the Lord hates, yes, seven are an abomination to Him:

1. a proud look,

2. a lying tongue,

3. hands that shed innocent blood,

4. a heart that devises wicked plans,

5. feet that are swift in running to evil,

6. a false witness who speaks lies,

7. and one who sows discord among brethren.": Proverbs 6:16-19

IX. 10 imperatives: James 4:7-10

A. submit to God

1. "Therefore do not let sin reign in your mortal body, that you should obey it in its lusts. And do not

present your members as instruments of unrighteousness to sin, but present yourselves to God as being

alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness to God. For sin shall not have

dominion over you, for you are not under law but under grace.": Romans 6:12-14

2. "present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God": Romans 12:1

B. resist the devil and he will flee from you

1. don't do this without first doing the step above

2. "Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.":

Ephesians 6:11

3. "Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom

he may devour. Resist him, steadfast in the faith": 1 Peter 5:8-9

C. draw near to God and He will draw near to you

1. "The Lord is near to those who have a broken heart, and saves such as have a contrite spirit.":

Psalm 34:18

2. "The Lord is near to all who call upon Him, to all who call upon Him in truth.": Psalm 145:18

a. "those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth": John 4:24

b. "Jesus said to him, 'I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life; no one comes to the Father but by Me.'"

John 14:6

c. Saul (who became the Apostle Paul), when he was persecuting the church, was sincere

(Acts 7:58-8:3; 9:1-2; 22)

d. when it started raining, those outside Noah's ark were very sincere

3. "I love those who love me, and those who seek me diligently will find me.": Proverbs 8:17

4. "you will seek Me and find Me, when you search for Me with all your heart": Jeremiah 29:13

5. "Hypocrites! Well did Isaiah prophesy of you, saying, 'This people draws near to Me with their mouth,

and honors Me with their lips, but their heart is far from Me. But in vain they worship Me, teaching for

doctrines the commandments of men.'": Matthew 15:7-9; Mark 7:6-9; Isaiah 29:13

6. "let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith": Hebrews 10:22

7. "if My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and

turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their

land.": 2 Chronicles 7:14


D. cleanse your hands, you sinners

1. "Wash yourselves, make yourselves clean; put away the evil of your doings from before My eyes.

Cease to do evil, learn to do good…": Isaiah 1:16-19

2. "beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the

fear of God": 2 Corinthians 7:1

E. purify your hearts, you double-minded

1. "love from a pure heart, from a good conscience, and from sincere faith": 1 Timothy 1:5

2. "Since you have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit in sincere love of the

brethren, love one another fervently with a pure heart": 1 Peter 1:22

3. "we are children of God… and everyone who has this hope in Him purifies himself": 1 John 3:2-3

4. "…a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways": James 1:8

a. this term is in the NT only in James 1:8 and 4:8

5. "you cannot serve two masters…": Matthew 6:24; Luke 16:13

a. "mammon" is a Chaldean word

b. speaks of idolatry

6. "…choose for yourselves today whom you will serve…": Joshua 24:14-15

7. "Elijah came to all the people and said, 'How long are you limping over two opinions?'":

1 Kings 18:21

8. "Their heart is divided; now they shall be guilty.": Hosea 10:2

9. Jesus said, "…let him not return to the things behind. Remember Lot's wife.": Luke 17:31b-32

a. she looked back with favorable regard: Genesis 19:26

b. "…looking back… not fit for the kingdom of God": Luke 9:62

10. "I know your works, that you are neither cold nor hot. I would that you were cold or hot. So because

you are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will vomit you out of My mouth.": Revelation 3:15-16

11. worse than unbelief?

a. unbelief can be cured by a miraculous work of God

b. "fence sitting" or "mug-wumping" avoids the issues and won't allow any kind of correction or

guidance

12. hypocrisy

a. Isaiah 29:13

b. Matthew 15:7-9

c. Mark 7:6-9

F. lament

1. realize our wretched condition

2. be distressed or miserable over it

3. it leads to repentance

a. "godly sorrow produces repentance leading to salvation": 2 Corinthians 7:10-11

4. Ecclesiastes 7:2-5

G. mourn

1. the feeling

2. feel remorse over our sins

3. God will not ignore a heart broken over their sin

a. "The Lord is near to those who have a broken heart, and saves such as have a contrite spirit":

Psalm 34:18

b. "The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit, a broken and a contrite heart--these, O God, You will

not despise.": Psalm 51:17

c. "Blessed are they that mourn! For they shall be comforted.": Matthew 5:4

H. weep

1. outward manifestation

2. "Peter called to mind the word that Jesus had said to him… and when he thought about it, he wept.":

Mark 14:72

I. turn your laughter to mourning and your joy to gloom

1. our sin is no laughing matter

2. it needs to be taken seriously


J. humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and He will lift you up

1. I was once told, "Why should I give thanks for my food when I earned it?!"

2. "Then I called a fast… so that we might humble ourselves before our God, in order to seek from Him a

right way for us…": Ezra 8:21

X. Don't Speak Evil Of Each Other: James 4:11-12

A. don't slander, gossip, judge each other

B. "Judge not, that you be not judged… with the measure you use, it will be measured back to you…":

Matthew 7:1-6

C. "if you bite and devour one another, beware lest you be consumed by one another": Galatians 5:15

D. "Let no corrupt word proceed out of your mouth, but what is good for necessary edification, that it may

impart grace to the hearers.": Ephesians 4:29

E. "Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, and evil speaking be put away from you, with all malice.":

Ephesians 4:31

F. "…speak evil of no one, to be peaceable, gentle, showing all humility to all men": Titus 3:2

G. "Whoever secretly slanders his neighbor, him I will destroy": Psalm 101:5

H. "Whoever hides hatred has lying lips, and whoever spreads slander is a fool.": Proverbs 10:18

XI. Planning: James 4:13-17

A. the tone of this passage is of pride, selfishness, and presumption

B. don't be presumptuous, proud, daring

C. "There are many plans in a man’s heart, nevertheless the Lord's counsel--that will stand.": Proverbs 19:21

D. there are many uncertainties in life

1. "Do not boast about tomorrow, for you do not know what a day may bring forth.": Proverbs 27:1

2. the Parable of the Rich Fool: Luke 12:16-21

E. life is short

1. "For what is your life? It is even a vapor that appears for a little time and then vanishes away.":

James 4:14

2. "because he shall pass away as the flower of the grass…": James 1:10-11

3. "So teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.": Psalm 90:12

4. "All flesh is as grass…": Isaiah 40:6-8; 1 Peter 1:24-25

5. Job 7:6-7; 8:9; 9:25; 14:2

6. Psalm 39:4-6; 102:11; 103:11-18

7. Ecclesiastes 6:12

F. plan with the Lord's will in mind

1. "you ought to say, 'If the Lord wills, we shall live and do this or that.'": James 4:15

a. this should be the rule of everyday life

b. "do not be unwise, but understand what the will of the Lord is": Ephesians 5:17

c. "we… do not cease to pray for you, and to ask that you may be filled with the knowledge of His

will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding": Colossians 1:9

2. we are to plan and be prudent

a. "every prudent man acts with knowledge": Proverbs 13:16

b. "the prudent considers well his steps": Proverbs 14:15

c. "A prudent man foresees evil and hides himself, but the simple pass on and are punished.":

Proverbs 22:3; 27:12

d. "For which of you, intending to build a tower, does not sit down first and count the cost…":

Luke 14:28

3. "the world is passing away, and the lust of it; but he who does the will of God abides forever.":

1 John 2:17

4. "For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to

give you a future and a hope.": Jeremiah 29:11

G. it's a sin not to do what we know we should to do: James 4:17


Contrite, a. [L., to break or bruise; to rub or wear. See Trite.] Literally, worn or bruised. Hence, broken-hearted for

sin; deeply affected with grief and sorrow for having offended God; humble; penitent; as a contrite sinner.

Contrite; Contrition

kon'-trit, kontrish'-un (dakka', "bruise"): Only in Old Testament (Psalm 34:18; Psalm 51:17; Isaiah 57:15); nakheh,

"smitten" (Isaiah 66:2). Contrite, "crushed," is only the superlative of "broken"; "a contrite heart" is "a heart broken

to pieces." In Holy Scripture, the heart is the seat of all feeling, whether joy or sorrow. A contrite heart is one in

which the natural pride and self-sufficiency have been completely humbled by the consciousness of guilt. The

theological term "contrition" designates more than is found in these passages. It refers to the grief experienced as a

consequence of the revelation of sin made by the preaching of the law (Jer 23:29).

H.E. Jacobs

Presumptuous, a.

1. Bold and confident to excess; adventuring without reasonable ground of success; hazarding safety on too slight

grounds; rash; applied to persons; as a presumptuous commander.

2. Founded on presumption; proceeding from excess of confidence; applied to things; as presumptuous hope.

3. Arrogant; insolent; as a presumptuous priest

4. Unduly confident; irreverent with respect to sacred things.

5. Willful; done with bold design, rash confidence or in violation of known duty; as a presumptuous sin.

Presumption, n. [L. proesumption.]

1. Supposition of the truth or real existence of something without direct or positive proof of the fact, but grounded

on circumstantial or probable evidence which entitles it to belief. Presumption in law is of three sorts, violent or

strong, probable, and light.

Next to positive proof, circumstantial evidence or the doctrine of presumptions must take place; for when the fact

cannot be demonstratively evinced, that which comes nearest to the proof of the fact is the proof of such

circumstances as either necessarily or usually attend such facts. These are called presumptions. Violent presumption

is many times equal to full proof.

2. Strong probability; as in the common phrase, the presumption is that an event has taken place, or will take place.

3. Blind or headstrong confidence; unreasonable adventurousness; a venturing to undertake something without

reasonable prospect of success, or against the usual probabilities of safety; presumptuousness.

4. Arrogance. He had the presumption to attempt to dictate to the council.

5. Unreasonable confidence in divine favor.

The awe of his majesty will keep us from presumption.


Lesson 6: James 5

I. Rich Oppressors: James 5:1-6

A. "…the rich one will fade away in his ways": James 1:11

B. "…rich men oppress you": James 2:6

C. riches are worthless on a spiritual level: James 5:1

1. wealth, or anything else that's physical can't protect anyone

2. "Riches do not profit in the day of wrath, but righteousness delivers from death.": Proverbs 11:4

3. "He who trusts in his riches shall fall; but the righteous shall blossom like a branch.": Proverbs 11:28

4. "Charge the rich in this world that they be not high-minded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the

living God, He offering to us richly all things to enjoy": 1 Timothy 6:17

D. "Your riches are corrupted, and your garments are moth-eaten…": James 5:2-3

1. "Do not lay up treasures on earth for yourselves, where moth and rust corrupt, and where thieves break

through and steal. But lay up treasures in Heaven for yourselves, where neither moth nor rust corrupt,

and where thieves do not break through nor steal.": Matthew 6:19-20

E. nothing wrong with wealth

1. there are many rich people in Scripture

a. Abraham

b. Job

c. David

d. Josiah

e. Philemon

f. Lydia

g. Joseph of Arimathea

2. we are to provide for our families

a. "But if anyone does not provide for his own, and especially his family, he has denied the faith and

is worse than an infidel.": 1 Timothy 5:8

F. what is wrong is wealth by illegal means, or by taking advantage of others: James 5:4

1. they cheated the workers

a. "wages of the laborers… you kept back by fraud": James 5:4

2. Isaiah, Jeremiah, and Amos warned of this

a. stolen wealth

b. abuse of the poor

c. selfish luxury

3. "You shall not cheat your neighbor, nor rob him. The wages of him who is hired shall not remain with

you all night until morning.": Leviticus 19:13

4. "You shall not oppress a hired servant… each day you shall give him his wages":

Deuteronomy 24:14-15

5. "'For the oppression of the poor, for the sighing of the needy, now I will arise,' says the Lord; 'I will set

him in the safety for which he yearns.'": Psalm 12:5

6. "Do not trust in oppression, nor vainly hope in robbery; if riches increase, do not set your heart on

them.": Psalm 62:10

7. "Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due, when it is in the power of your hand to do so. Do

not say to your neighbor, 'Go, and come back, and tomorrow I will give it,' when you have it with

you.": Proverbs 3:27-28

8. "He who oppresses the poor reproaches his Maker, but he who honors Him has mercy on the needy.":

Proverbs 14:31

9. "Woe to him who builds his house by unrighteousness and his chambers by injustice, who uses his

neighbor’s service without wages and gives him nothing for his work": Jeremiah 22:13

G. misuse of wealth; selfishness, self-indulgence: James 5:5

1. the story of the rich man and Lazarus: Luke 16:19-31

2. "You shall not covet…": Exodus 20:17

a. the only commandment that deals with motivation rather than visible practice; it is a sin of the

heart

H. wealth often leads to power, and they used it corruptly: James 5:6


I. wealth…

1. can lead to selfishness

a. the story of the rich man and Lazarus: Luke 16:19-31

2. can be a spiritual handicap

a. "Jesus said to His disciples, 'Truly I say to you that a rich man will with great difficulty enter into

the kingdom of Heaven'": Matthew 19:23; Mark 10:23

b. "And again I say to you, 'It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich

man to enter into the kingdom of God.'": Matthew 19:24; Mark 10:25

c. from the parable of the Sower: "these are those being sown among thorns; such as hear the Word,

and the cares of this world, and the deceit of riches, and the lust about other things entering in,

choke the Word, and it becomes unfruitful.": Mark 4:18-19; Matthew 13:22; Luke 8:14

3. can cause our focus to be on the world

a. the parable of the Rich Fool: Luke 12:16-21

(i) "he who lays up treasure for himself and is not rich toward God.": Luke 12:21

4. can be a distraction

a. Deuteronomy 8:11-20

b. "But they who will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts

which plunge men into destruction and perdition. For the love of money is a root of all evils, of

which some having lusted after, they were seduced from the faith and pierced themselves through

with many sorrows.": 1 Timothy 6:9-10

5. can lead to covetousness, and covetousness is idolatry

a. "For you know this, that no fornicator, or unclean person, or covetous one (who is an idolater), has

any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God.": Ephesians 5:5

b. "Therefore put to death your members which are on the earth: fornication, uncleanness, passion,

evil desire, and covetousness (which is idolatry)": Colossians 3:5

c. "And He said to them, 'Watch and keep yourselves from covetousness. For a man's life is not in

the abundance of the things which he possesses.'": Luke 12:15

J. don't be greedy or concentrate on being rich; don't sacrifice yourself for worldly goods

1. "So are the ways of everyone who is greedy for gain; it takes away the life of its owners.":

Proverbs 1:19

2. "Don't weary yourself to be rich.": Proverbs 23:4

3. "A faithful man shall overflow with blessings, but he who makes haste to be rich shall not be

innocent.": Proverbs 28:20

4. "There is a sore evil which I have seen under the sun, namely, riches kept for their owners to their hurt.

But those riches perish by evil use.": Ecclesiastes 5:13-14

5. "A good name is to be chosen rather than great riches, loving favor rather than silver and gold.":

Proverbs 22:1

K. we're to be generous

1. "He who has pity on the poor lends to the Lord, and He will pay back what he has given.":

Proverbs 19:17

2. "He who has a generous eye will be blessed, for he gives of his bread to the poor.": Proverbs 22:9

L. realize what really counts

1. "Do not labor for the food that perishes, but for that food which endures to everlasting life, which the

Son of Man will give you.": John 6:27

2. "a man's life is not in the abundance of the things which he possesses.": Luke 12:15

M. be content

1. "But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into the world, and it is clear

that we can carry nothing out. But having food and clothing, we will be content.": 1 Timothy 6:6-8

2. "Let your way of life be without the love of money, and be content with such things as you have, for

He has said, 'Not at all will I leave you, not at all will I forsake you, never!'": Hebrews 13:5

3. "Not that I speak in regard to need, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content: I know how

to be abased, and I know how to abound. Everywhere and in all things I have learned both to be full

and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. I can do all things through Christ who strengthens

me.": Philippians 4:11-13


II. Be Patient And Persevere: James 5:7-11

A. patience is longsuffering to people

1. "Rest in the Lord, and wait patiently for Him; do not fret yourself because of him who prospers in his

way, because of him who practices wickedness.": Psalm 37:7

B. perseverance or endurance is longsuffering to circumstances

C. spiritual maturity is about patience

D. Jesus' imminent return should be our motivation: James 5:7-8

1. there should be a sense of urgency, eagerly awaiting the harvest

2. "See then that you walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise, redeeming the time, because the days

are evil. Therefore do not be unwise, but understand what the will of the Lord is.": Ephesians 5:15-17

3. "But the end of all things is at hand; therefore be serious and watchful in your prayers.": 1 Peter 4:7

4. "Sow for yourselves righteousness; reap in mercy; break up your fallow ground, for it is time to seek

the Lord, till He comes and rains righteousness on you.": Hosea 10:12

5. "Break up your fallow ground, and do not sow among thorns.": Jeremiah 4:3

6. "And do this, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep; for now our salvation is

nearer than when we first believed. The night is far spent, the day is at hand. Therefore let us cast off

the works of darkness, and let us put on the armor of light. Let us walk properly, as in the day, not in

revelry and drunkenness, not in lewdness and lust, not in strife and envy. But put on the Lord Jesus

Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to fulfill its lusts.": Romans 13:11-14

7. "let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart":

Galatians 6:9

8. "For I am already being poured out as a drink offering, and the time of my departure is at hand. I have

fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Finally, there is laid up for me the

crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give to me on that Day, and not to

me only but also to all who have loved His appearing.": 2 Timothy 4:6-8

9. "do not cast away your confidence, which has great reward. For you have need of endurance, so that

after you have done the will of God, you may receive the promise": Hebrews 10:35-36

E. the Christian can be likened to a Spiritual Farmer: James 5:7

1. the parable of the Sower: Matthew 13:1-23; Mark 4:1-20; Luke 8:4-15

2. "I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the increase. So then neither he who plants is anything, nor

he who waters, but God who gives the increase.": 1 Corinthians 3:6-7

3. "the Lord added to the church…": Acts 2:47

F. "establish your hearts": James 5:8

1. "do not be carried about with different and strange doctrines, for it is good for the heart to be

established…": Hebrews 13:9

2. "hold fast to the Lord your God": Joshua 23:8

3. "they hurried… forgot His works… did not wait for His counsel": Psalm 106:13

G. don't groan, grumble, or complain about others: James 5:9

1. "do not speak evil of one another": James 4:11

H. learn from what the prophets went through: James 5:10-11

1. "Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

Blessed are you when they revile and persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely for

My sake. Rejoice and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in heaven, for so they persecuted

the prophets who were before you.": Matthew 5:10-12

2. there are 11 New Testament references to prophets being persecuted

a. Matthew 5:12

b. Matthew 21:35-36

c. Matthew 22:6

d. Matthew 23:29-37

e. Luke 13:33-34

f. Acts 7:51-52

g. Romans 11:3

h. 1 Thessalonians 2:15

i. Hebrews 11:32-38

j. Revelation 16:6

k. Revelation 18:24


III. Do Not Swear: James 5:12

A. taking an oath or vow is a very solemn thing: we're expected to keep it

1. such as marriage vows

B. what is being referred to here may be a little different than today's culture

C. can be a form of bondage, so don't get too involved

D. "…I say to you, do not swear at all… but let your 'Yes' be 'Yes,' and your 'No,' 'No.' For whatever is more

than these is from the evil one.": Matthew 5:33-37

E. "You shall not take the name of the Lord your God in vain, for the Lord will not hold him guiltless who

takes His name in vain.": Exodus 20:7

F. don't be in the habit of using strong language, and especially not using the Lord's name

IV. Let The Afflicted Pray; Let The Cheerful Sing: James 5:13

A. from one end of the spectrum to the other, our minds should be on the Lord

B. positive uses of the tongue instead of the negative uses of the tongue spoken of previously (James 3:3-12)

C. don't turn to the Lord only when faced with troubles

1. keep a good relationship going at all times

2. keep the communication channels open

3. "Don't peddle your bike only on the uphills." – Jeff Blake, May 2002

D. let the afflicted pray

1. a very natural and common reaction

a. "there are no atheists in foxholes"

2. suffering in difficult circumstances

3. pray that we may perform for the glory of God

a. it may be preparing us to help others

(i) "so that we may be able to comfort those… with the comfort with which we ourselves are

comforted by God": 2 Corinthians 1:4

4. "Then they cried out to the Lord in their trouble, and He delivered them out of their distresses.":

Psalm 107:6

5. "Then they cried out to the Lord in their trouble, and He saved them out of their distresses.":

Psalm 107:13

6. "Then they cry out to the Lord in their trouble, and He brings them out of their distresses.":

Psalm 107:28

7. after being beaten and thrown into jail, "Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and

the prisoners were listening to them": Acts 16:25

E. let the cheerful sing

1. "speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your

heart to the Lord": Ephesians 5:19

2. "Let the Word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in

psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.": Colossians 3:16

V. Healing And The Prayer Of Faith: James 5:14-15

A. very controversial passage

B. this is the only time we find this type of prescription in Scripture

1. don't try to base a whole lot of theology on just one verse

C. misinterpretation has lead to public shame and embarrassment to the body of Christ

D. misinterpretation has lead to needless deaths

E. important to understand that healings are always in accordance with God's sovereignty: not everyone gets

healed

1. Trophimus: 2 Timothy 4:20

2. Epaphrodites: Philippians 2:27

3. Paul: 2 Corinthians 12:7-10

F. faith of the sick person is not always needed for healing

1. Acts 3:6-8; 9:34

2. if they're not healed, it may not be their fault

a. they shouldn't be made to feel guilty about anything

b. "I brought him to Your disciples, and they could not cure him": Matthew 17:14-21; Mark 9:17-21


G. "call for the elders"

1. "elders," plural

2. we have a duty to aid and comfort the sick

a. Job 2:11

b. Matthew 25:36

H. "let them pray… anointing with oil"

1. the verb tense can mean that the anointing is either at the same time or before

a. "elders are to pray, having anointed with oil"

b. they may have anointed before praying

2. two words for anointing in NT

a. "chrio" = ceremonial anointing

(i) used only 5 times in NT

(ii) usually used of Jesus Christ

(iii) "Christ" = "anointed one"

b. "aleipho" = rub or massage; a therapeutic or medicinal term

3. anointing ("aleipho") with oil equated to medical treatment

a. olive oil was usually used, and it's commonly used today for medicinal reasons

b. "a wound… soothed with oil": Isaiah 1:6

c. "anointed many who were sick with oil": Mark 6:13; Matthew 10:6

d. "he bound up his wounds, pouring on oil and wine": Luke 10:34

I. "anointing… in the name of the Lord"

1. looking to God for the healing

J. "prayer of faith": James 5:15

1. a prayer offered when you know the will of God

K. this sickness may be due to their sin

1. sin does not automatically cause sickness

a. example: John 9:1-3

b. otherwise we'd all be dead by now!

2. "For this cause many among you are weak and sickly, and many sleep": 1 Corinthians 11:30

3. sin apparently caused this one person to be sick for 38 years: John 5:1-14

4. Ananias and Sapphira: Acts 5:1-10

5. "The Lord is merciful… slow to anger, and rich in mercy… He has not dealt with us according to our

sins, nor rewarded us according to our iniquities…": Psalm 103:8-17

6. "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all

unrighteousness.": 1 John 1:9

VI. Confess To Each Other… Pray For Each Other…: James 5:16a

A. confess to each other the sins against each other: Matthew 5:23-24

B. pray for each other, whether or not they've wronged you

C. otherwise your own sin will get in the way of your own prayers, including your prayers for healing

1. "If I regard iniquity in my heart, the Lord will not hear.": Psalm 66:18

2. "He who covers his sins will not prosper, but whoever confesses and forsakes them will have mercy.":

Proverbs 28:13

VII. Power Of Prayer: James 5:16b-18

A. a righteous person can accomplish a lot through prayer: James 5:16b

B. Elijah is used as an example: James 5:17-18

1. he had the same sin nature and weaknesses as we do

2. but look what he did

a. Elijah vs. the prophets of Baal: 1 Kings 18:17-46

(i) simple and concise prayer: 1 Kings 18:36-37

b. "prayed earnestly" or "prayed in prayer": James 5:17

(i) prayed for real, from the heart; not some pre-written words

(ii) not like the hyprocrites in Matthew 6:5-7

(iii) OT does not tell us that it didn't rain for 3 ½ years (only here and in Luke 4:25)


3. and look how he failed

a. he became afraid of Jezebel, demonstrating a lack of faith

b. therefore, his ministry was cut short: 1 Kings 19:16

VIII. Converting Christians: James 5:19-20

A. "go astray or wander from the truth"

1. "planao" = wander

a. from where we get the word planet

B. bring them back to the right road

C. "if a man is overtaken in a fault, you the spiritual ones restore such a one in the spirit of meekness,

considering yourself, lest you also be tempted": Galatians 6:1

D. "covers a multitude of sins"

1. "Blessed is the man whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered.": Psalm 32:1

2. "Hatred stirs up fights, but love covers all sins.": Proverbs 10:12

3. "And above all things have fervent love to yourselves, for love will cover a multitude of sins.":

1 Peter 4:8

E. restoration is always best

1. "if your brother shall trespass against you, go and tell him his fault between you and him alone. If he

hears you, you have gained your brother.": Matthew 18:15

IX. Further Readings

A. Deuteronomy 8; 28; 30:1-10

B. Psalm 103:8-17

C. 1 Kings 17-19

Covetousness

a strong desire after the possession of worldly things (Colossians 3:5; Ephesians 5:5; Hebrews 13:5;

1Timothy 6:9-10; Matthew 6:20). It assumes sometimes the more aggravated form of avarice, which is the mark of

cold-hearted worldliness.

(Easton Bible Dictionary)

Covetousness

kuv'-et-us-nes: Has a variety of shades of meaning determined largely by the nature of the particular word used, or

the context, or both. Following are some of the uses: (1) To gain dishonestly (batsa'), e.g. the King James Version

Exodus 18:21; Ezekiel 33:31. (2) The wish to have more than one possesses, inordinately, of course (pleonexia), e.g.

Luke 12:15; 1 Thessalonians 2:5. (3) An inordinate love of money philarguros, Luke 16:14; 2 Timothy 3:2;

philarguria, 1 Timothy 6:10); negative in Hebrews 13:5.

Covetousness is a very grave sin; indeed, so heinous is it that the Scriptures class it among the very gravest and

grossest crimes (Ephesians 5:3). In Colossians 3:5 it is "idolatry," while in 1 Corinthians 6:10 it is set forth as

excluding a man from heaven. Its heinousness, doubtless, is accounted for by its being in a very real sense the root

of so many other forms of sin, e.g. departure from the faith (1 Timothy 6:9-10); lying (2 Kings 5:22-25); theft

(Joshua 7:21); domestic trouble (Proverbs 15:27); murder (Ezekiel 22:12); indeed, it leads to "many foolish and

hurtful lusts" (1 Timothy 6:9). Covetousness has always been a very serious menace to mankind, whether in the Old

Testament or New Testament period. It was one of the first sins that broke out after Israel had entered into the

promised land (Achan, Joshua 7); and also in the early Christian church immediately after its founding (Ananias and

Sapphira, Acts 5); hence, so many warnings against it. A careful reading of the Old Testament will reveal the fact

that a very great part of the Jewish law--such as its enactments and regulations regarding duties toward the poor,

toward servants; concerning gleaning, usury, pledges, gold and silver taken during war--was introduced and

intended to counteract the spirit of covetousness.

Examples of covetousness: Achan (Joshua 7); Saul (1 Samuel 15:9, 1 Samuel 15:19); Judas (Matthew 26:14-15);

Ananias and Sapphira (Acts 5:1-11); Balaam (2 Peter 2:15 with Jude 1:11).

William Evans

(International Standard Bible Encyclopedia)

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