Introduction: Let’s review our last two studies. James writes to
Jewish Christians who have fled their homes because of persecution.
James tells them that they should find joy in trials. Those who have
fled their homes were probably unable to take all of their wealth
with them. So, James next suggests that they should take pride in
“humble circumstances.” Joy and pride for those dealing with serious
problems. These are challenging teachings. If you could have joy and
pride in the midst of trouble, that would be wonderful! Let’s race
into our study of the Bible to see what challenging solution James
explains next!
- Crown of Life
- Read James 1:12. What is the reward at the end of all of
this trouble? (“The crown of life!”) - How do you get this crown? How do you acquire
eternal life? James gives us two possibilities: - Standing the test; or,
- Loving God. Do you think it is one, both, or
neither? - Read Titus 3:4-7. What light does this shed on James
1:12? (Titus says we are not saved “because of righteous
things we have done.” That means that “standing the test”
is not the correct answer if the “test” is some sort of
work. Titus says we were saved “when the kindness and
love of God our Savior appeared.” Loving the God who
loved us first has to be a correct answer.) - If you also like “standing the test” as a correct
answer, what do you think constitutes the “test?”
(The test of faith would work. Recall last week
James wrote that “belief” is essential for receiving
things from God. James 1:6-7.) - Temptation
- Read James 1:13. Think again about the background of
those to whom James is writing. Why would they be
inclined to think that God was tempting them? (They are
new converts to Christianity. Right after they convert,
they have to flee. In their new home they are poor
immigrants. Who is at fault for their current trials?
(You can see where they would be tempted to blame God.
This is a reason for James to have just written that God
will give them a crown!) - Read James 1:14. How are we tempted? (We know from the
story of Eve ( Genesis 3:1-6)that Satan and our spouse can
tempt us. But, this says that we tempt ourselves.) - Does this mean that we have natural tendencies
towards evil? (Yes!) - Read Isaiah 64:6. What does this say about our
works? (They are like filthy rags. Clearly, we have
a problem.) - Look again at James 1:14. How strong are these “self-temptations?” (Apparently strong enough for us to be
“dragged away.”) - Read James 1:15. Have you ever seen a big river and
wondered where it started? Where does the sin that kills
us start? (It starts with our own evil desire. It starts
in our mind.) - Does this seem right or wrong in your experience?
How many times have you just “tripped” into sin? It
was purely an accident. How many times is your sin a
result of you giving great thought about it, or
maybe thinking about some lesser form of the sin? - Read Matthew 15:17-19. What does Jesus say is the source
of sin? (The “heart.” When Jesus says, “heart” He means
our thoughts, our desires. James and Jesus agree that sin
has a predictable pattern. We first roll the idea around
in our mind. After we think about it enough we begin to
act on it. At some point the sin becomes “full-grown”
( James 1:15) and if we continue, kills us.) - Read Romans 8:5-8. What should we do about our evil
desires? (Don’t set your mind on those things.) - What do you think “set your mind” means? Does it
mean don’t think about the evil thing that creates
trouble for you? - Read Romans 7:7-11. What is the source of the
covetous desire? (Sin and the command not to covet.) - Think about this. If we let our minds dwell on some
evil thing that is the path to sin. But, if we
concentrate on the commandment that tells us not to
do the evil thing, that produces an evil desire.
What is the solution? (If my understanding is
correct, we should avoid thinking about the sin, and
avoid thinking about the commandment which tells you
not to do the sin.) - Read Romans 8:5 again. What is the solution to the battle
of the mind? (Instead of concentrating on your sins –
either the sin or the prohibition – think instead about
what God has in mind for us. Focus on what you can do to
advance the Kingdom of God.) - Read James 1:16. Scan the context. What deception do you
think James has in mind? (James just refuted the idea
that God tempts us. The context suggests that we should
not be deceived by the idea that God will tempt us.) - Read James 1:17. What kind of gifts is James writing
about? What does the context suggest? (The context
suggests that we are still talking about temptation. If
I’m correct, this bolsters the idea that we should not
dwell on sin, we should not dwell on the commandment that
causes us to want to sin, we should not dwell on our
problems, instead we should dwell on the great blessings
that God has given us and how we can advance God’s work.) - Would my interpretation of this make any sense for
people who have been driven from their homes and are
now poor? (Can you see that James argument comes
full circle? James says that joy and pride can be
realized in such circumstances. Joy and pride are
gifts. Dwell on God’s gifts.) - Gift of Life
- Read James 1:18. Which birth is referred to here? (Read 1
Peter 1:3-4. James is not talking about us being born, he
is talking about us being saved.) - Look again at James 1:18. How are we saved? (“Through the
word of truth.”) - What is the “word of truth?” ( John 1:1 tells us that
Jesus is the “Word,” but I think that James means
this more broadly – the teachings about Jesus.) - Are “first-fruits” good? (Fausset’s tells us “The
whole land’s produce was consecrated to God by the
consecration of the first-fruits.” James encourages
these early Christians by saying that they are
special to God, they are the beginning of the
harvest. Be encouraged!) - What is the overall message to these persecuted
Christians? (You are special. You are the
first. Your trials bring you a mature attitude
that allows joy. God did not bring these
problems, God only gives you good gifts.) - Wisdom in Action
- Read James 1:19-20. We discussed these verses in an
earlier lesson and decided that this is advice that gives
us greater emotional intelligence. Re-read James 1:13.
What is the special issue for these early Christians?
(They may think that because Jesus suffered and died, God
was bringing them suffering, persecution and poverty.
James essentially says “This is not true. God only brings
good gifts. This is the work of Satan. Let this advice
sink in. Think about it, rather than talking. Don’t be
quick to get angry.”) - Read James 1:21. James writes, “Which can save you.” Save
us from what? (We learned earlier that we do not earn
eternal life by our works. This must mean that accepting
the word of God, getting rid of “all moral filth and the
evil that is so prevalent,” saves us from trouble.) - Why would James tell us to “humbly accept” the word
of God? (James teaching seems so counter-intuitive.
He tells them that persecution brings joy. We may
think that “moral filth” brings joy, but in truth it
brings trouble. James says that we should put aside
our pride and accept the words that will give us joy
and peace.) - Friend, what about you? Are you willing to accept the
words of James that seem contrary to the message of the
world? Are you willing, beginning now, to give his advice
a chance in your life? - Next week: Being and Doing.
