Bible Study

Reading Through the Book of James
A few days in a row now
What jumps out at you?

James was Jesus’ half brother. Right? Same mom, different dads. Jesus was conceived by the Holy Spirit. James had both Mary and Joseph’s genes.

But, James calls himself a bond-servant of God, and of the Lord Jesus Christ. He writes to the twelve tribes dispersed:

Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, (not IF, but WHEN) knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. And let endurance have its perfect result, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.

But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all men generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him. But let him ask in faith without doubting, for the one who doubts is like the surf of the sea driven and tossed by the wind.

Dear Heavenly Father, It says here to ask for wisdom, so I’m asking—how to parent grown sons, how to encourage and support them. And how to be a good wife, daughter, sister, friend. And we need wisdom about hiring someone honest to do our roof. And please help James get a clear understanding about what he is suppose to be doing until the next step in training at Fort Sill in August. Please prepare him for what You’d have him do. And help us spend our time and money wisely. In Jesus Name. Amen.

Blessed is a man who perseveres under trial, for once he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life, which the Lord has promised to those who love Him.

GOD CANNOT BE TEMPTED BY EVIL AND GOD DOES NOT TEMPT ANYONE. (And God cannot lie.)

Every good thing bestowed and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, and with whom there is no variation, or shifting shadow.

Be quick to hear, slow to speak and slow to anger; for the anger of man does not achieve the righteousness of God.

Therefore putting aside all filthiness and all that remains of wickedness, in humility receive the word implanted, which is able to save your souls. But prove yourselves doers of the word, and not merely hearers who delude themselves.

Look intently at the perfect law, the law of liberty…

Bridle your tongue…
Pure and undefiled: visit orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself unstained by the world.

Beware favoritism. Do not show partiality.

Let not many become teachers, knowing that as such we shall incur a stricter judgment. (and then a whole chapter on the tongue)

I Peter quote: God is opposed to the proud, but gives grace to the humble. Isn’t this an OT theme, too?

3:1 says, Let not many of you become teachers, my brethren, knowing that as such we shall incur a stricter judgment. (this one gives me pause. Is my blogging a desire to teach? To share? To encourage?)

Submit therefore to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you. Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded.

Be patient. Do not complain…

As an example of suffering and patience, take the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord. Behold, we count those blessed who endured. You have heard of the endurance of Job and have seen the outcome of the Lord’s dealings, that the Lord is full of compassion and is merciful.

Confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, so that you may be healed. The effective prayer of a righteous man can accomplish much.

My brethren, if any among you strays from the truth, and one turns him back, let him know that he who turns a sinner from the error of his way will save his soul from death, and will cover a multitude of sins.

James takes his own advice to “take the prophets” when he uses Abraham, Rahab, Elijah as illustrations. And look at all the visuals James uses: bridle/bits for the horses’ mouths, rudder on ships, springs of fresh water, fig trees, olives, vines, seed/fruit/farmers, sowing, the sea, grass/flowers in a scorching wind, conception, birth. As teachers, the world is full of illustrations, and teaching should never be dull.

Thanks for reading the book of James with me. What jumps out at you?