James 1:19-20
"So then, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath; 20 for the wrath of man does not produce the righteousness of God."
In chapter 1 of James, after the inscription and salutation, James instructs the saints how to respond under affliction, and in every state of life. He also teaches the saints how to respond to temptation and how not to impute their sins to God, but to themselves. One of the themes in this chapter is being swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath. James will conclude this chapter by directing the saints to be doers of the Word and teaching about pure religion.
The conclusion of the introduction of James is that enduring trials leads to a crown of life (v. 12) and yielding to temptation can lead to physical death (v. 15). Since that is the case, the believer who is facing a trial needs to be swift to hear, slow to speak, and slow to wrath.
James reminds us in this chapter of three important characteristics in following Christ. The first is that we should be swift to hear. This is an unusual command, with almost a trace of humor in it. It's like saying, "Hurry up and hear!" It means that we should be ready to hear the word of God, as well as all godly counsel and admonition. In other words we should be teachable by the Holy Spirit.
The second characteristic is that we should be slow to speak. It is very interesting to see how much James has to say about our speech. He cautions us to be guarded in our conversation. Solomon would have whole heartily agreed with James. He once said, "He who guards his mouth preserves his life, but he who opens wide his lips shall have destruction" (Prov. 13:3). He also said, "In the multitude of words sin is not lacking, but he who restrains his lips is wise" (Prov. 10:19). Compulsive talkers eventually transgress.
The third important characteristic for the believers is that we should be slow to wrath. James is making it very clear that a man who is quick-tempered does not produce the kind of righteousness which God expects from His children. Those who lose their temper give people a wrong impression about Christianity. It is still true that "he who is slow to anger is better than the mighty; and he who rules his spirit than he who takes a city" (Prov. 16:32).
The bottom line is that when we talk too much and listen too little, we communicate to others that we think our ideas are much more important than theirs. James wisely advises us to reverse this process. We may want to put a mental stopwatch on our conversations and keep track of how much we talk and how much we listen. When people talk with you, do they feel that their viewpoints and or ideas have value?
I pray that you would be swift to hear, slow to speak,[and] slow to wrath today. May you experience the grace of God that will enable you to be a doer of the WORD.
Love in Christ,
Alan
James 2:18-24
But someone will say, "You have faith, and I have works." Show me your faith without your works, and I will show you my faith by my works. 19 You believe that there is one God. You do well. Even the demons believe-and tremble! 20 But do you want to know, O foolish man, that faith without works is dead? 21 Was not Abraham our father justified by works when he offered Isaac his son on the altar? 22 Do you see that faith was working together with his works, and by works faith was made perfect? 23 And the Scripture was fulfilled which says, "Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness." And he was called the friend of God. 24 You see then that a man is justified by works, and not by faith only.
In the book of James, chapter 2, we read how the apostle rebukes the sinful action of regarding the rich over the poor. James refers this to showing partiality and injustice, and shows it to be contrary to God, who has chosen the poor. He will also expose the error and folly of those who boast of faith without works, explaining that this is nothing but dead faith. To further his point James will explain how even the devil believes or has faith, but his actions tell the real story. The chapter will conclude with the positive examples of faith by Abraham and Rahab.
What stands out to me this morning is how James calls the person who separates faith and works foolish or vain. This is the Greek word kenos, (ken-os'); apparently a primary word; empty (literal or figurative):- empty, (in) vain. This could actually be translated "empty headed." James is making it very clear that faith and works should be together; there is a close relationship between the two. Faith produces works; and works makes faith perfect, meaning "mature" or "complete."
At first glance, chapter 2 of James seems to contradict Romans 3:28, "man is justified by faith apart from observing the law." Deeper investigation, however, shows that the teachings of James and Paul are not at odds. While it is true that our good deeds can never earn salvation, true faith always results in a changed life and good works. Paul speaks against those who try to be saved by works instead of true faith; James speaks against those who confuse mere intellectual assent or head knowledge with true living faith. After all, even demons know who Jesus is, but it is not enough just to know about God and tremble (James 2:19). True faith involves a commitment of our whole life to God.
The bottom line for James is that true faith and good works are inseparable. The only way others can know you have faith is by a life that demonstrates it. James say's, "I will show you my faith by my works." The key word here is "show": To show faith apart from works is impossible.
I pray that your faith would be alive today. I pray that your actions would demonstrate a rich faith and commitment to your Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Remember, "Without faith it is impossible to please God", but out of that pleasing faith will spring forth works that will glorify the father and make it known to the world that you are HIS disciple.
Walking in Faith,
Alan
James 3:13-18
"Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show by good conduct that his works are done in the meekness of wisdom. 14 But if you have bitter envy and self-seeking in your hearts, do not boast and lie against the truth. 15 This wisdom does not descend from above, but is earthly, sensual, demonic. 16 For where envy and self-seeking exist, confusion and every evil thing are there. 17 But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality and without hypocrisy. 18 Now the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace."
In chapter 3 of James the apostle starts out by warning against the hasty desire to be a teacher of the word of God. Most specifically he shows the duty and advantage of bridling the tongue because of its power to do mischief. James is teaching in this chapter that the solution for the problem of controlling our tongues is to seek divine wisdom. The person who possesses godly wisdom or wisdom from above will show it with works (in meekness), not just words. James 1:19 has already taught how the believer should be slow to speak; this is just a continuation of that wisdom.
We also see in this chapter that there is a downward progression in the wisdom that does not descend from above. First it is Earthly. This means that this wisdom is not from heaven, but from this earth. Secondly it is Sensual. This means that it is not the fruit of the Holy Spirit, but of man's lower nature. Lastly, it is Demonic. This means that it stoops to actions that resemble the behavior of demons rather than of men.
The wisdom that comes from God is first pure. In other words it is clean in thought, word, and deed. In spirit and body, in doctrine and practice, in faith and in morals, it is undefiled. It is also peaceable. This simply means that a wise man loves peace, and will do all he can to maintain peace without sacrificing purity. True wisdom is gentle. It is forbearing, not overbearing; courteous, and not rude. A wise man is a gentleman, respectful of the feelings of others. The next characteristic is willing to yield. It means conciliatory, approachable, open to reason, and ready to give in when truth requires it. It is the opposite of obstinate and dogmatic. Wisdom from above is full of mercy and good fruits. It is full of mercy to those who are in the wrong, and anxious to help others find the right way. It is compassionate and kind and there is no vindictiveness in it. Wisdom from above is without partiality, that is, it does not produce favoritism. It is impartial in its treatment of others. Lastly, true wisdom is without hypocrisy. It is sincere and genuine. In other words, it does not pretend to be other than it actually is.
Have you ever known anyone who claimed to be wise but who acted foolishly? True wisdom can be measured by the depth of a person's character. Just as you can identify a tree by the type of fruit it produces, you can evaluate your wisdom by the way you act. Foolishness leads to disorder, but wisdom leads to peace and goodness. Are you tempted to escalate the conflict, pass on the gossip, or fan the fire of discord? Guard your heart! Remember to be slow to speak, quick to listen and slow to wrath. Loving words can be seeds of peace and God loves peacemakers (Matthew 5:9).
I pray that you would walk in wisdom from above today. I pray that you would sow peace and reap a harvest of good fruits. Be a doer of the Word and you will not go wrong.
His Peace,
Alan
James 4:7-10
"Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you. 8 Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double-minded. 9 Lament and mourn and weep! Let your laughter be turned to mourning and your joy to gloom. 10 Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and He will lift you up."
Chapter 4 of James gives instruction on what causes contention and strife among the people of God. We are taught to walk away from friendship of this world, so as to submit ourselves entirely to God's way. This chapter will also warn of the dangers of Judging others with evil judgment. Lastly we will see how important it is to acknowledge the LORD in all our ways. In other words, God cannot be left out of the plan.
The question can be asked, "How can you draw near to God?" James gives five ways:
#1 Submit to God (v. 7). Yield to his authority and will, commit your life to him and his control, and be willing to follow him. He will never lead you astray.
#2 Resist the devil (v. 7). Don't allow Satan to entice and tempt you, because his plan will always lead to destruction.
#3 Wash your hands. . . and purify your hearts (in other words, lead a pure life) (v. 8). Be cleansed from sin, replacing your desire to sin with your desire to experience God's purity.
#4 Grieve and mourn and wail in sincere sorrow for your sins (v. 9). Don't be afraid to express deep heartfelt sorrow for what you have done. It is godly sorrow that leads to repentance.
#5 Humble yourself before the Lord, and he will lift you up (v. 10). Humbling ourselves means recognizing that our worth comes from God alone. To be humble involves working with His power according to His guidance, not with our own independent effort. Although we do not deserve God's favor, He reaches out to us in love and gives us worth and dignity, despite our human shortcomings. Thank God for His mercy!
I pray that you would be submitted to God today. May you walk in the grace of God that is able to cause you to resist the devil. I pray that you would walk humbly in the sight of the Lord, so that He will lift you up.
Learning to submit to HIS will daily,
Alan
James 5:1-6
Come now, you rich, weep and howl for your miseries that are coming upon you! 2 Your riches are corrupted, and your garments are moth-eaten. 3 Your gold and silver are corroded, and their corrosion will be a witness against you and will eat your flesh like fire. You have heaped up treasure in the last days. 4 Indeed the wages of the laborers who mowed your fields, which you kept back by fraud, cry out; and the cries of the reapers have reached the ears of the Lord of Sabbath. 5 You have lived on the earth in pleasure and luxury; you have fattened your hearts as in a day of slaughter. 6 You have condemned, you have murdered the just; he does not resist you.
In James, chapter 5, we have many practical principles that are taught. For example we learn about the judgments of God upon the riches of the world and those who oppress the poor. James will also give an exhortation to the faithful to be patient under trials and sufferings. We will learn about not taking an oath, but letting our yes be yes and our no being no. We are also given direction on how to act, both under affliction and in prosperity. Christians are directed to acknowledge their faults one to another, and to pray one for another, and fervent prayer is affirmed. Lastly, we are admonished to do what we can to reach those who have strayed from the truth.
What stands out to me in this chapter is how James comes across as a prophet of social justice. He cries out against the failure of the rich to use their money for the alleviation of human need. He condemns those who have become rich by exploiting their workers. He rebukes their use of wealth for self-indulgence and flamboyant living. Finally, he pictures the rich as arrogant oppressors of the righteous. In the spirit of the Old Testament prophets, James pronounces judgment on employers who treat their employees unjustly (Is. 3:14, 15; 10:2). He also knows from the scriptures that God will judge those who oppress the poor (see Ezek. 18:12, 13).
I believe it is important to understand that it is not money that is the problem; Christian leaders need money to live and to support their families; missionaries need money to help them spread the gospel; churches need money to do their work effectively. It is the love of money that leads to evil (1 Tim. 6:10) and causes some people to oppress others in order to get more. This is a warning to all Christians who are tempted to adopt worldly standards rather than God's standards (Romans 12:1-2) as well as an encouragement to all those who are oppressed by the rich.
James is clearly denouncing the flamboyant living of the rich. Expensive jewelry, elegant clothes, exotic foods, and huge homes-how could they squander their wealth on self when multitudes were in desperate need? Or to bring it down to our own day, how can we justify the affluence and extravagance of the church and of Christian people? We live in a world where thousands die daily of starvation. Over half the world's population has never heard of the Lord Jesus Christ. In such a world, how can we justify flamboyant living? The clear teaching of the Scriptures, the appalling need of the world, the example of the Savior, and the simple instinct of compassion tell us that it is wrong to live in comfort, luxury, and ease and do nothing with our resources to help the poor and needy.
Those who live in pleasure and are unrestrained in luxury are likened to those who nourish their hearts as in a day of slaughter-like animals, fattening themselves just before their execution.
I asked my daughter to lead in prayer after she read this mornings devotion. This is what she prayed:
Dear Heavenly Father we play that we will love our brothers and sisters in Christ. I pray that we can love them like you love us. Lord God we pray that people will know how to handle our money correctly and to know that money for churches and other functions are okay. But help us to understand that it is the love for money that brings us down. Lord help us to live our life for you. In your name Amen.
Love In Christ,
Alan
