Introduction to James: Act Your Faith In Christ

 

Introduction to James: Act Your Faith In Christ

Collin Leong. September 29. 2025

A. Historical Summary

1. Author and His Background

• Author: James, the half-brother of Jesus (Matthew 13:55), not one of the twelve apostles.

• Background:

  • James initially did not believe in Jesus during His earthly ministry (John 7:5).

  • After Jesus’ resurrection, He appeared personally to James (1 Corinthians 15:7 - "Then he appeared to James, then to all the apostles"), leading to James’s conversion.

  • James became the leader of the Jerusalem church (Acts 15:13; Galatians 2:9), known for his wisdom, integrity, and devotion—often called James the Just. He was called an apostle in Galatians 1:19, though he wasn't a close disciple of Christ. (Same as Paul)

  • He was martyred around AD 62, according to the Jewish historian Josephus.

2. Audience and Their Background

• Recipients: Jewish Christians from the twelve tribes scattered among the nations (James 1:1).

• Background:

  • These believers were likely dispersed due to persecution, especially under Herod Agrippa I around AD 44 (Acts 12).

  • They faced poverty, oppression, and spiritual compromise, prompting James to write a pastoral and corrective letter.

  • The audience was familiar with Old Testament law and wisdom literature, which heavily influences the style and tone of the letter.

3. Date and Location of Writing

• Date: Likely written between AD 44–49, making it one of the earliest New Testament books.

• Location: Written from Jerusalem, where James led the church.

4. Purpose and Theme

• Purpose:

  • To challenge believers to live out their faith with integrity and action.

  • To correct moral and social issues like favoritism, gossip, and selfish ambition.

  • To encourage perseverance in trials and promote godly wisdom.

• Themes:

• Faith Without Works Is Dead: True faith produces visible fruit (James 2:14–26).

• Wisdom from Above: Godly wisdom leads to peace, purity, and humility (James 3:17).

• Trials and Endurance: Testing refines faith and builds maturity (James 1:2–4).

• Speech and Conduct: Words have power; believers must speak with grace and truth (James 3:1–12).

• Justice and Compassion: Care for the poor and reject favoritism (James 1:27; 2:1–9).

• Prayer and Healing: Prayer is central to the Christian life, especially in suffering (James 5:13–18).

B. Key Messages

1. Faith Must Be Lived, Not Just Believed

Message: James insists that faith without works is dead. True belief is always accompanied by action (James 2:14–26). 

Application:

• Let your faith show up in how you treat others, serve, and make decisions.
• Don’t settle for lip service—live out what you claim to believe.
• Use your daily life as a visible testimony of your trust in God.

2. Trials Build Spiritual Maturity

Message: Trials are not obstacles—they’re opportunities to grow in endurance and wisdom (James 1:2–4). 

Application:

• Face hardship with joy, knowing God is refining your character.
• Ask God for wisdom when life feels confusing or painful.
• Trust that perseverance leads to completeness in Christ.

3. Wisdom from Above Leads to Peace

Message: Earthly wisdom breeds envy and strife, but godly wisdom is pure, peace-loving, and sincere (James 3:13–18). 

Application:

• Seek wisdom that reflects God’s heart—not just cleverness or control.
• Be a peacemaker in your relationships and decisions.
• Let humility guide your leadership and influence.

4. Words Carry Power

Message: The tongue can bless or destroy. It reveals the heart and must be tamed (James 3:1–12). 

Application:

• Speak life—use your words to encourage, not tear down.
• Be slow to speak and quick to listen, especially in conflict.
• Let your speech reflect the grace and truth of Christ.

5. Favoritism Violates the Gospel

Message: Showing partiality—especially toward the rich or powerful—contradicts the heart of God (James 2:1–9). 

Application:

• Treat everyone with dignity, regardless of status or background.
• Build inclusive communities where grace is freely given.
• Reflect God’s justice by honoring the overlooked and marginalized.

6. Submit to God, Resist the World

Message: Pride leads to conflict, but submission to God brings peace and restoration (James 4:1–10). 

Application:

• Humble yourself before God—He lifts up the lowly.
• Resist temptation and worldly values with spiritual discipline.
• Draw near to God daily through prayer and repentance.

7. Wealth Is Temporary—Use It Wisely

Message: Riches can corrupt if hoarded or gained unjustly. True treasure is found in righteousness (James 5:1–6). 

Application:

• Be generous and just with your resources.
• Don’t chase wealth at the expense of integrity.
• Store up treasure in heaven by investing in people and purpose.

 8. Prayer Is Powerful and Restorative

Message: Prayer brings healing, forgiveness, and strength. It’s central to the life of faith (James 5:13–18). 

Application:

• Pray in every season—joy, suffering, sickness, and sin.
• Invite others into your spiritual journey through confession and intercession.
• Believe that prayer changes hearts, circumstances, and communities.

C. Framework

The Faith and the Fruit: Living What You Believe (James 1–5)

James writes a bold and practical letter urging believers to live out their faith with integrity, wisdom, and compassion. It’s a call to action—where belief must lead to behavior, and hearing must lead to doing.

Ch 1: The Trials and the Transformation. James opens with a call to rejoice in trials, knowing they produce endurance. He emphasizes asking God for wisdom, resisting temptation, and being doers of the Word—not hearers only.

Ch 2: The Favoritism and the Faith. James confronts partiality in the church and teaches that true faith must be accompanied by action. Faith without works is dead—real belief expresses itself in love and justice.

Ch 3: The Tongue and the Wisdom. James warns about the power of the tongue to bless or destroy. He contrasts earthly wisdom—marked by envy and disorder—with heavenly wisdom, which is pure, peace-loving, and sincere.

Ch 4: The Pride and the Submission. James rebukes quarrels, pride, and worldliness. He calls believers to submit to God, resist the devil, and humble themselves. He warns against arrogant planning and presumption.

Ch 5: The Wealth and the Waiting. James condemns unjust rich oppressors and encourages believers to be patient until the Lord’s return. He calls for prayer in suffering, confession in community, and restoration for the wandering.

James 5

Introduction

James sent a strong condemnation to the rich believers who behave like the worldly lords. On the other end, those who encounter oppression - be it from believers or unbelievers - are asked to be patient, not to stir up strife within the church, and leave the judgment to Christ who is coming soon. James closes his letter with encouragement for the church community to confess to one another and to pray for one another for healing, which refers to physical but just as applicable to relationship healing and reconciliation, given the much conflict in this community.

Scripture: James 5:1-5

“Your gold and your silver have rusted; and their rust will be a witness against you and will consume your flesh like fire. It is in the last days that you have stored up your treasure! Behold, the pay of the laborers who mowed your fields, and which has been withheld by you, cries out against you; and the outcry of those who did the harvesting has reached the ears of the Lord of Sabath. You have lived luxuriously on the earth and led a life of wanton pleasure; you have fattened your hearts in a day of slaughter.” (v3-5)

Observation:

It appears that the Jewish Christians James were actively hoarding wealth to the point where they withheld just payment to their workers and perhaps drag the innocent to court to extract every penny and more. What would be the difference be between a Christian and a non-Christian if all behaved this way?

God has graciously given much to Christians, for we know those with many property, businesses and cars – these are not a sin for God chooses whom He wishes to bless, but it is idolatry when we worship the gifts rather than the Giver. And for those who has been given less, they are to be contented for we deserve nothing to begin with. The gap between those who have and those who do not are to enable Christians to practice practical love, kindness, and giving. 

Application:

Has God blessed our family with all the comfort that we need? Have we thanked Him and being grateful, rather than being discontented? We didn’t have much when we started as a family and yet today we have much to praise God for and to rejoice, rather than focus on the negatives. 

And have we been prudent with how we spend our money? Have we done our part in saving in electricity, water, and being careful in buying things that are value for money and not carelessly? Have we saved up for rainy days, for example, if I lose my job or a family member need expensive health care? How have we given to the church and to the church ministry generously and yet reasonably? If we haven’t been doing this enough, let’s plan and do it as a family.

Scripture: James 5:6-9

You also, be patient. Establish your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is at hand. Do not grumble against one another, brothers, so that you may not be judged; behold, the Judge is standing at the door. (v8-9)

Observation:

James started his letter with encouragement for those facing persecution. Then he speaks about quarrels within the church. Here he puts the two together. Whether or not Christ comes within our life time, we are to be patient and be contented with the lot of life given to us, for we only have a short time to live, and even shorter to serve God.

For this reason Satan throws curve balls into relationships in the church and in families from without and from within, so that believers spend valuable time judging and fighting one another, wasting precious time and damaging their testimony. Believers are asked to close ranks with forgiving spirit in spite of differences in opinions in obedience to God for the unity of the spirit.

Application:

Are we tempted to believe that we are somehow shortchanged and become discontent with our lives that God alloted to us? Or do we thank God for all the blessings He has given us. Are we blaming others for our suffering instead of being instruments of peace? Do we judge others with pride and self righteousness? If yes, may the spirit convict us of our attitudes and transform our minds, and to "establish our hearts" so we don't get distracted from God's will for us, our family and our ministry.

Scripture: James 5:12

But above all, my brothers, do not swear, either by heaven or by earth or by any other oath, but let your “yes” be yes and your “no” be no, so that you may not fall under condemnation. (v12)

Observation:

James returns to his topic about managing our tongue. There were the loose tongue (1:26), flattering tongue (2:3), toxic tongue (3:8), double tongue (3:10), slandering tongue (4:11), boastful tongue (4:13,16), and grumbling tongue (5:9).

Here he addresses the swearing tongue. Very often, a lying or an exaggerating tongue is used together with the other forms of tongue misuse, such as to flatter, boast, slander, complain or even to swear falsely, judging and accusing another person.

Following Jesus' teaching on not to swear (mat 5:33-37), James places speaking the simple truth above swearing. If we only know that someone speaks truth when they swear, then we don't know if they are lying the rest of the time. Swearing is not a sin (Paul also used it from time to time), but a Christian who is trustworthy and consistent need not resort to it.

Application:

Swearing using God's name risks condemnation because we have imperfect understanding of other people or even of ourselves, such that it is not possible to guarantee what we say is totally and absolutely true. We are just asked to be as accurate as possible on the facts, with no discrimination or emotional bias against any person even if we are making a comment about an enemy.

Words creates a bondage between people because everyone depends on what was said/promised to take actions or to make decisions for the future. If we lie, then we together with everyone who hear us become a bondage to that lie. That is why accuracy - no more, no less - of words are very important.

So, when asked of our opinion, we can only say, "if I'm wrong, I stand to be corrected, but in my personal opinion, I think/believe....". And if we make a promise to do something, it will be good to add: "if God willing."

In other words, say what you mean, and mean what you say. People may not like your opinion, but they will respect your humility and your trustworthiness. However, sometimes it is still better to say nothing if it doesn't bring a positive outcome.

If we had lied /exaggerated in order to gain advantage, it is better to go back and admit it rather than to add more lies to defend it, for it will become harder to confess when the lies grow bigger.

Scripture: James 5:13-15

Let him call for the elders of the church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord. And the prayer of faith will save the one who is sick, and the Lord will raise him up. And if he has committed sins, he will be forgiven. (v13-15)

Observation:

Tongues, as cursed as they are, have good and powerful uses. James exhort people to pray and praise. For the sick, the elders have the responsibility and the authority to pray for healing. Healing powers are not inherent in anyone but elders are expected to understand their flock and their flock are to be submissive to them. In an environment where there is discernment, submission and righteous prayer in faith in Jesus name, healing can take place. Sin or evil influences can be causes of physical or psychological illness and these too can be overcome by elders' ministry.

Application:

Today we are not regularly exposed to much physical healing ministry of the elders as we depend on doctors. However, this does not mean the healing ministry of elders ought not be neglected. Other than prayers for physical illness, there is a great deal of healing required for spiritual, emotional or mental problems that affect the whole being and relationships. It's only by submission to church leadership as ordained by God can any Christian truly be under the submission of Christ and experience the holistic healing that God intends for him/her.

Scripture: James 5:16

Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working. (v16)

Observation:

James advocate a practice hardly followed by churches today. There should be a continuous process of confession and accountability to one another in the church. It should be a Christian lifestyle. This is the power behind healing of all kinds - physical, mental, emotional, spiritual. 

It is important to note that the response to a confession is not judgment or pronunciation of a punishment sentence, but prayer. There is love and "bearing each other's burden" implied in this undertaking, which makes this practice attractive and sustainable.

Prayers and ministry for healing (either physical, emotional or healing of relationships) are not restricted to elders but any mature or "righteous" members of the church as their gifts enable them.

Application:

The reason we do not practice confession, even when we know we had done or said something wrong to someone else is due to pride and to "save face." This is especially in the Asian communities.

How do we overcome this primal self defensive instinct? It takes leadership and examples from figures of authority in the church as well as in the family. It must prove that the church is a "safe place" for confession and free of judgement.

Without this practice, churches merely become a Sunday place to put on your best smiles and greetings while the heart is filled with grudges, bitterness, jealousy, and discontentment. As the devotion journal says: "we need a revival of truth and reconciliation more than a revival of signs and wonders."

Scripture.. James 5:16-18

The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working.  Elijah was a man with a nature like ours, and he prayed fervently that it might not rain, and for three years and six months it did not rain on the earth.

Observation 

The bible says that if we regard (cherish) sin in our lives,  God will not hear us. (psalms 66:18).  No one can be perfect, even "God's friend", Moses. A righteous man is not a man without sin but who is aware of his faults and acknowledges his sins before God,  and allows God to change him over time. 

A righteous' mans prayer is effective because he is intimate with God and has learned how to discern the will of God, and God has a special favor towards him. (eg, Daniel, Moses, Elijah, Joshua, Peter, Paul, etc.) 

Application 

There's a special understanding between a righteous man (as defined above) and God that is hard to explain. He has insights into why God choose to answer or not to answer prayers, and patiently waits for God's right timing. 

If you need a problem to be solved, find such a righteous man and ask him to pray for you. Don't be surprise that he may not do it, for your problem need not a prayer but a right action on your part. But if he does pray for you, the bible says it will work with great effect. Just be ready that the answer from God may not be what you expect! 

Scripture: James 19-20

let him know that whoever brings back a sinner from his wandering will save his soul from death and will cover a multitude of sins. (v20)

Observation:

The word wandering (gk. plané) implies a person who had strayed from right thinking or actions due doctrinal errors, deception, deceit or delusion. This can be self-influenced or externally influenced. The farther and longer a person stay in error, the harder it is to bring them back.

That's why it is so critical for each believer to be part of a Bible study /teaching fellowship and open to confession and correction by each other. The  plurality of elders and teachers (as suppose to individual learner or a single church leader) remove biased views and small uncorrected errors that build up to be a major deception that can ruin lives. 

Application:

Are we in a group of fellowship that is serious about biblical teaching and are willing to change our views when different perspectives are given?  Never follow a particular preacher, or book author or pastor. Always go to the bible and work along with several trusted friends who are serious in faith, truth and action as James had been advocating. 

Prayer for James 4:

Lord, let not the greed for money nor financial insecurity rule our lives. Help us to be prudent with what you have given us and to be good stewards. Help us to guard them carefully for we do not know what rainy days will come, and when they do, your provisions are there to protect us but also to help others. Help us also to be sensitive to others with needs around us and give us the wisdom to give appropriately.

Help me be patient with people who are difficult to deal with or give me problems. Humble me to know that I am also a sinner and have to rights nor qualified to judge another believer. Help me to focus and obey only on the truth of your word, forgive those who offends me and leave the rest to you.  

Help me to become a trustworthy person by telling the truth without clouding or veiling it with pretense, falsehood or exaggeration. Also give me the sensitivity and wisdom to not say anything that would destroy someone's reputation if the truth is spoken, but rather to find a way to correct or build up one another. Lastly give me the courage to admit past lies so as to free myself and all who depended on my words.  

Help me to be willing to submit myself to authorities you have put in place. Like any medical recovery, spiritual recovery can be long and painful but You are the Great Physician by whose stripes

we have been healed. We pray for our elders who has this great responsibilities of ministering to the flock - may they have the wisdom and courage to bring healing to whoever requires it.

Forgive us for hiding negative thoughts against our brothers and sisters. Give us wisdom and courage to confront those who had offended us and to confess our wrong reactions to them. For those we have offended without knowledge, reveal it to our conscience so that we can heal the relationship and free the community from distractions and do your work with joy. We pray for church leaders to have the courage to lead a culture of confession in their churches. 

Lord, thank you for the teachings and message from the book of James. May we grow in faith, truth and in action as we grow closet to you. Help us serve the church and create a community and family that attract others to you by our love and walk. 

In Jesus Name, Amen.

James 4

Introduction

In Chapter 4, James addresses the root causes of conflict within the church. He surmised that these are attitudes copied from the world where people fight over power. Rather, in the church, all are to submit to God and to each other. The authority structure, be it in the church or in a family have been set by God in order to give proper structure and unity. It is always tempting to judge the people in authority, but James warned against this and against slandering one another. In the later part of the chapter, James warns against being arrogant about our financial plans but to also submit to God in everything.

Scripture: James 4:1-3

"What causes quarrels and what causes fights among you? Is it not this, that your passions are at war within you?" (v1)

Observation:

Conflicts within the church are due to "passions" (root word "hedone" used for hedonism) which is to please self-centered ambition or goals, rather than obedience to the Word and to seek the well being of others. Many adults act like children, where if things dont happen their way, they will quarrel, fight and "murder" (could be referring to character assassination) to get whatever they want.

Rather, James continued to say that if their goals and motives were pure, sincere and for the good of others, then they should have taken their cares to God in prayer rather than take things into their own hands and create conflicts that won't get them anywhere except worsening the situation (v2, 3)

Application:

What is our natural tendency? Do we instinctively create or avoid conflict with others when our views are different or our desires are not met? Avoiding conflict does not mean the issue is not important to us, but that we hold to scriptural teaching that "letting go and letting God" is far more important and more effective than to force our ways which usually leads to unbeneficial and undesirable side effects. As the saying goes, "you can win the argument, but lose a friend." As Christians, we not only loses a friend but also our reputation and testimony.

Scripture: James 4:4-6

"You adulterous people! Do you not know that friendship with the world is enmity with God? Therefore whoever wishes to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God." (v4)

Observation:

Those causing dissension within the church are said to be "worldly" because they try to "Lord over each other" like in secular culture. Hedonism is essentially adultery against God - the love for pleasure rather than love for God. (2Tim 3:4). This happens to Christians too, bride of God but flirting with the world and doing what feels good to us, grieving and rousing the jealousy of God's spirit.

Application:

It is not easy to be in the world and not love the world. God is not against us enjoying His creation, being successful or living a comfortable life, but only when the pursuit of pleasure and power superseded the pursuit of His purpose for our lives. The balance is delicate and only by constant reminders from the Word and other faithful Christians can we ensure we do not get out of track.

Scripture: James 4:7-8

"Submit yourselves 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."

Observation:

The double minded person has this basic characteristic - on one hand there is a desire to serve God to satisfy a spiritual hunger, but at the same time there is a stubbornness to pursue own's agenda/purpose and to refuse obeying the Spirit because it is difficult or inconvenient. That's why James said the remedy to double mindedness is full submission, and to purify our hearts from the deception of the devil.

Application:

I believe everyone has some form of double mindedness, planted there by upbringing or societal influences or in the bad cases, the giving in to deception by the devil. It is a continual effort to check our thinking, attitude, and our walking direction. Sometimes we need admonition from other mature Christians as we can't see our own walk. Verse 9 elaborates that it is not easy to submit fully to God this except through by being sincerely contrite about our sins.

Scripture: James 4:9-12

"There is only one lawgiver and judge, he who is able to save and to destroy. But who are you to judge your neighbor?" (v12)

Observation:

Here James addresses the issue of Christians slandering each other. Such Christians wear a bloated sense of self-righteousness and spiritual superiority over others, and they find it irresistible to judge and put down others in order to make themselves look good or gain their desired positions.

Application:

There are always something bad we can say about others, since nobody is perfect. But that means we are not perfect too, and that others can also likewise slander us. The vicious cycle had no end. If we are to ever admonish someone, it should be only be directed in private to him for the purpose of correction and encouragement to do right (1 Thes 5:12-15). If we have no intention nor the interest to personally intervene and restore someone to the right path lovingly, then judging them - even just in our heart - is a sin.

Scripture: James 4:13-17

Instead you ought to say, “If the Lord wills, we will live and do this or that.” As it is, you boast in your arrogance. All such boasting is evil. So whoever knows the right thing to do and fails to do it, for him it is sin. (v15-17)

Observation:

James came around again to proud talking. Previously it was about people who thinks they know it all. Now it's about people who thinks they have it all. This is also an inconsistent attitude for a Christian, who submit to God only on Sundays but on weekdays act and make decisions as if God doesn't exist or doesn't matter. They live on a totally separate set of rules and principle in the secular world though they know their thinking and actions are wrong in God's eyes, and James call it sin.

Application:

This is probably very common in today's Christian life when we spend most of our time in secular work and activities. It doesn't mean secular activities are wrong, or even secular research and reasoning - otherwise, we would have to denounce all secular education and employment.

The most important key to not getting caught up in the trap is to delay major decisions and let God speak or provide an alternative doorway. So we should go all out to research, compare, check with experienced people, and plan, but never be too stubborn or quick to execute it until time (I recommend minimum a week for big decisions) is given for prayer and reconsideration, regardless of how "honorable" we thought our idea was. The worst are those who do not research and plan, but impulsively execute!

"Many are the plans in a person's mind, but it is the purpose of the Lord that will stand." (Proverbs 19:21)

Prayer for James 4:

Father, forgive us when we pursue pleasure more than we pursue your purpose. Help us be sensitive to your spirit on what is right to do, rather than what feels good to do, and to continue to be in fellowship with other faithful believers so we can encourage each other with good examples.

Lord, help me to fight against double mindedness that creates inconsistency in my different areas of walk. Give me Grace to live a life of discipline through commitment to your word and submission to your will, even those difficult to follow.

Forgive me for slandering others without taking the responsibilities to help change things for the better. Help me to resist the temptation to judge others as I myself am not perfect. Help me focus on the positive side of each one rather than the negative; to put hope in each persons potential rather than to condemn, and to build their reputation rather than to tear them down in front of others.

Lord, remind me to go on my knees first before I stand up to those opposing me, and give me the wisdom to speak objectively, rationally and peacefully with the aim to persuade all (including myself) to agree not with my way but with your way and with your will.

Help me also to control my natural impulses and tendencies, be it to make or to spend money, remembering that both my time and my money belongs to you and I am only a steward. In our secular activities help us not be too caught up with the trends and the "in thing" that others are doing but to understand and to do your immediate purpose and future plans for our lives. 

Amen.

James 3

Introduction

In this chapter James focuses on the destructive power of the tongue, and how it is so difficult to control. Whatever comes out from the tongue are results of a combination of our perspectives, our rationale, our emotion, our morality, our integrity and our spiritual maturity. Any imbalance in these areas will manifest in words that stumble, deceive, or hurt others - even when we are not consciously aware of it. The remedy is not so much in changing our speech (other than talking less), but the surrender of our hearts to God, for the heart is the seat of our words: "out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks" (Mat 12:34).  In the last part of the chapter, James also pointed out that those who sound wise in words must also have evidence of good conduct, in particular the seven attributes he listed in verses 17 and 18. Otherwise, these are just empty talks.

James 3:1-5

Scripture:  James 3:2 "For we all stumble in many ways. And if anyone does not stumble in what he says, he is a perfect man, able also to bridle his whole body." 

Observation: James warns of the power of the tongue to manipulate truth,  particularly teachers that lead the flock astray intentionally or out of ignorance. Earlier James said not to just hear the Word, but doer of the Word,  and now to be careful teacher of the word, which carries a heavy accountability. 

Application: Not everyone has the gift of teaching, and those who teach need to be extra diligent in the right doctrine and application. 

James 3:5-8

Scripture: James 3:6 "And the tongue is a fire, a world of unrighteousness. The tongue is set among our members, staining the whole body, setting on fire the entire course of life, and set on fire by hell."

Observation: James elaborates further on the power of words to destroy ourselves ("staining the whole body - including our image and reputation"),  and also our whole life (present and future). 

These kind of words are often due to pride (v5: "boasts of great things") and self-righteousness (v6: "world of unrighteousness") , tempting us to make excuses or lie to cover up wrong conscience or to cover our weaknesses in order we look justified or look great to others. 

Furthermore,  like a train once it has gained momentum, it becomes more and more difficult for us to admit wrong even when we know it once we take that slippery slope. 

Application: Jesus said ".. on the day of judgment people will give account for every careless word they speak,  for by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned.” Matthew 12:34-37.  While it is not possible for us not to have a slip of tongue especially when angry or frustrated, it's important to admit wrong to the person(s) we offended and not insist on being right and continue on the same path. 

James 3:9-12

Scripture: James 3:9 "With it we bless our Lord and Father, and with it we curse people who are made in the likeness of God. From the same mouth come blessing and cursing. My brothers, these things ought not to be so."

Observation: earlier James wrote about "proud talk" (boastfulness),  then about "poison talk" (wickedness),  and now he pointed out that a Christian can worship God in one moment and then curse another person the next moment.  This is "paradoxical talk" (inconsistency). While its easy to put up friendly smiles, sing praises and serve in ministries on Sundays,  in the end it's our daily speech that shows who we truly are, because as Jesus said, we cannot prevent what overflows from the heart. 

Application: the devotion book says "God cannot (will not) change the past. But He can shape a better tomorrow. One of the ways He does that is through human lips surrendered to the impulse of His Spirit." To surrender our lips, we must surrender our hearts. 

James 3:13

Scripture: James 3:13 "Who is wise and understanding among you? By his good conduct let him show his works in the meekness of wisdom."

Observation: In the ancient days, it was a great honour to be recognized as “wise and understanding” such as renowned philosophers. Many such aspiring philosophers infiltrated the church, claiming that they have some secret revelation that God had given exclusively to them. James saw the in-congruence between their claims and their behaviour. James say that the prove to real wisdom is through good deeds in humility. 

Application: We all know the book of proverbs speak much about wisdom and understanding, yet it has the most and best collection of “to do” and “not to do”. Wisdom is translated into behaviour, attitude and action for all walks of life, such as:

Laziness v.s. Diligence: “A little sleep, a little slumber,   A little folding of the hands to rest,”  Then your poverty will come as a robber  And your want like an armed man." (Prov 24:33-34)

Choosing Friends: “So you will walk in the way of good men and keep to the paths of the righteous. For the upright will live in the land and the blameless will remain in it;”  “He who walks with wise men will be wise, But the companion of fools will suffer harm.” (Prov 2:20-21; 13:20)

Teachability: “The way of a fool is right in his own eyes,  But a wise man is he who listens to counsel.” (Prov 12:15) ; Whoever loves discipline loves knowledge, But he who hates reproof is stupid. (Prov 12:1)

Integrity:  “The acquisition of treasures by a lying tongue is a fleeting vapor, the pursuit of death.” (Prov 21:6)

Kindness: “One who is gracious to a poor man lends to the LORD, And He will repay him for his good deed.” (Prov 19:  17)

Peace:   “He who is slow to anger is better than the mighty, and he who rules his spirit, than he who captures a city.   A man’s discretion makes him slow to anger, And it is his glory to overlook a transgression.” (16:32;  19: 11)

Justice: “To show partiality to the wicked is not good,  Nor to thrust aside the righteous in judgment.” (18:5)

James 3:14-16

Scripture: James 3:14-16 "But if you have bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast and be false to the truth.  This is not the wisdom that comes down from above, but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic.  For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there will be disorder and every vile practice."

Observation: rivalries in the church arose due to those who have selfish ambitions to be leaders, and they were willing to take positions contrary to the teachings of the apostles to create their own factions and followers. Falsehood, when repeated enough, became its own truths ending in disorder ("akatastasia" - restlessness, unstable) in the church accompanied with wrong behavior and practices. This is exactly what Satan is encouraging in the church as well as in Christian homes. 

Application: in our own individual lives, it is important to be absolutely objectives about right and wrong,  rather than be subjective to our bias views or emotions. We must not merely support an inaccurate position just for the sake of pride and in order to win an argument. For false presuppositions, when repeated and maintained long enough, can no longer be differentiated from truths. It is then psychologically very difficult for us to shift back to the right perspective because we ourselves no longer know what is the real truth. Therefore, we must adhere to James' warning: "Do not be false to the truth", and this is done by being able to admit to our opponents, "yes, on that particular point,  you are right and I am wrong." 

James 3:17-18

Scripture: James 3:17-18 "But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere.  And a harvest of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace."

Observation: James listed seven practical attitudes resulting from true wisdom - pure (innocent, transparent) ; peaceable (aims at fostering peace and reconciliation) ; gentle (fair or mild approach) ; reasonable (easy to be entreated; cooperative) ; mercy (to err towards the good of others) ; impartial (objectivity in judgment or decision, no favoritism or bias to self) ; sincere (no hidden motives, without hypocrisy). 

Application: while the list is not exhaustive, it would be a good list used to evaluate our own motives,  judgement and decisions when dealing with people,  especially in a conflict resolution situation. Sometimes we may not get what we want when we follow God's way- but that's the Christian way - to do unto others what we want others to do to us. 

Prayer for James 3

Lord, forgive me for any presumptious or arrogant words I have spoken especially in teaching or instructing others with ignorance, insincerity or hypocrisy.  Remind my speech to be always sensible, humble, factual, sincere and exemplary of a disciple of Christ.

Help me to recognise how my words hurt others and give me the grace to admit and ask for forgiveness.

Lord help me to surrender my heart to you so that the abundance of my heart that overflow through my lips is not pride but humility,  not wickedness but kindness, and not curses but blessings.

Father, remind me when I’m wise in my own eyes. Help me to gain deeper understanding in the wickedness of my heart but also the possible good and hope that You can bring to my life as I let you transform me in my attitude, behaviour, feelings and deeds.

Help me to recognise small "untruths" in what I think or say, and to humbly and quickly admit it before it becomes a foothold for Satan to build a stronghold that creates instability and restlessness in my life and the lives of others around me. 

Help me to check myself whether my thinking is led by the wisdom of the world or by your wisdom. Help me to sow  partnership and peace instead of division and discord; promote healing instead of preserving hurt; and to err on the side of love instead of legality. Amen.

James 2

Introduction

James chapter 2 speaks about the undesirable practice of partiality and discrimination, in this case against the poor and needy. Both the act of discrimination against the unfortunate, as well the failure in doing good deeds to help them are equally condemned by this church leader. The main theme is that faith without works is dead.

James 2:1-7

Scripture: James 2:1-4:​ "My brothers, show no partiality as you hold the faith in our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory. For if a man wearing a gold ring and fine clothing comes into your assembly, and a poor man in shabby clothing also comes in, and if you pay attention to the one who wears the fine clothing and say, “You sit here in a good place,” while you say to the poor man, “You stand over there,” or, “Sit down at my feet,” have you not then made distinctions among yourselves and become judges with evil thoughts?"

Observation: James continued with a practical application of how believers should be impartial to the needy and the poor among them. The body of Christ is designed and intended to support and care for each member so that the love of shod is evident in each one. Pre-believers will know our faith is true by our unbiased love for one another.

Application: from proverbs we are asked to do the following :

Proverbs 14:31 Whoever oppresses a poor man insults his Maker, but he who is generous to the needy honors him.

Proverbs 17:5 Whoever mocks the poor insults his Maker; he who is glad at calamity will not go unpunished.
Proverbs 19:17 Whoever is generous to the poor lends to the Lord, and he will repay him for his deed.


James 2:8-13

Scripture: James 2:10 "For whoever keeps the whole law but fails in one point has become accountable for all of it. So speak and so act as those who are to be judged under the law of liberty. For judgment is without mercy to one who has shown no mercy. Mercy triumphs over judgement." 

Observation: James continued to teach against partiality in the church. On a broader sense, its about Christians judging one another. Perhaps it's about financial status, or race , or denomination, or worship style, or even personality. We must remember God deliberately create differences in people so that they can complement each other. Differences ought to be celebrated, not condemned.

Application: we should stop judging other believers because we are not perfect ourselves. James said if we break one law, then we have broken all laws, just like anyone else. Thus rather than judging, we should be more inclined to showing mercy.


James 2:14-19

Scripture: James 2:17 "So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead."
Observation: In Ephesians 2:8-9, Paul clearly taught “by grace you have been saved through faith . . . not a result of works”. Did James contradict Paul here by saying works count for salvation top? No, I believe James would agree that the basis of salvation is grace alone through faith, but the necessary result of true faith and conviction of the Holy Spirit residing in the believer will produce actions consistent with Christ teachings. Many people did not read one verse further in Ephesians 2:10: "For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them. "
Application: it is not easy to follow the impulse of the Spirit, for our natural self have opposite instinct to protect our self and our own interest." Christians' who consistently resist good works (and good attitude and behavior) risk having their conscience seared (burnt to become numb) and have their salvation doubted.


James 2:20-26
Scripture: James 2:24 "You see that a person is justified by works and not by faith."

Observation: Some people think that Christianity is a crutch for people who wants to avoid good works by relying on faith only to get into heaven. Every sin is forgiven by faith, a very good excuse for escaping responsibility, wouldn't you say? But that is not true. The Bible teaches us that while faith saves us from eternal death, deeds saves us from judgement. 2 Corinthians 5:10: "For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each one may receive what is due for what he has done in the body, whether good or evil."

Application: Jesus reminded the people to count the cost of following him. Christianity is not a free ticket into heaven but a life of sacrifice, very often making decisions and doing things that you don't want or hate to do (like Abraham willing to sacrifice Isaac) , in obedience to our Master Jesus Christ.

Prayers for James 2

Father, help me to rid of any sinful discrimination against anyone because of their status, race, or abilities, but to develop Christ 's love to the poor and needy especially in the body of Christ.  Help me to be quicker to show acceptance, forgiveness and mercy, rather than criticism, judgment and partiality, just as the Lord Jesus has shown me the same.  

Lord,  show me the actions, behavior and attitudes you want me to change and give me the grace to change them through the renewal of my mind (my point of view and perspectives) so that I can "prove" the salvation given to me.

Lastly, help me to put your desires ahead of my own, and give me Grace to do the things I don't want to do in order to do the things you want me to do and to love the things that you love. 

Amen.

James 1

Word SOAP refers to short studies of passages in the Bible using a simple SOAP framework - Scripture reference, Observation, Application, and Prayer. In this series we embark of the epistle of James. Each blog is one chapter of James. For ease of reading, we shall move the Prayer to the end of each chapter, rather than each passage. 

The epistle of James is believed to be written by Jesus' half-brother, James. He became a prominent leader of the church in Jerusalem, whom Paul met in Galatians 1:19. The letter was written around 49AD to the Jewish Christians who were scattered in the Mediterranean due to persecution. The purpose of the letter was to encourage them in their trials, and also to ensure that these new, distant Christians continue to be genuine in their faith and deeds. 

The letter can be divided into three major sections: 

Genuine Religion (1:1-27)

Genuine Faith (2:1 - 3:12)

Genuine Wisdom (3:13 - 5:20)

James is relevant to many Christians today who treat Christianity as a Sunday social activity, professing to be Christians but living a worldly lives, concerned only about self. James' teaching is to awaken us from dead faith into a dynamic, practical faith.

James chapter 1 asks Christians to stand firm in their trials, and at the same time avoid falling into temptations. This balance requires wisdom, which we should constantly ask from God, and we should never doubt that whatever God put in front of us is for our own good. James reminds us to be doers of the Word, not hearers only, and not to obey partially - only things that are convenient to us. And finally, to give consideration to one another, practicing Genuine religion that comes from serving the needs of others.

James 1:1

Scripture: Jesus, though God, did not equal himself to God but took a humble position of a slave and born as a human being. (Phil 2:6-7)

Christ loves the church and gives himself up for her, and to wash her clean with his word (Ephesians 5:25-27)

Observation: James, the brother of Jesus and leader of the early church likewise did not use his relationship with Jesus and his rights to overrule the church but served as a servant of God. The church can be messy and relating to Christians can sometimes be uncomfortable or inconvenient. But if we love Christ, then we ought to love those he loves and died for,  no matter from which church. This is the same in our family who are all Christians. We must stick together no matter what circumstances.

Application: May we yield our "rights" and pride to God and not make ourselves more important than others. Learn to relate to one another, serve each other, accept the differences and forgive offenses. If everyone does this then the world will see the difference in Christianity.

James 1:2-4

Scripture: Trials are special occasions for rejoicing because suffering produces character and character produces hope. (Rom 5:3-4)

Observation: Conversely,  wrong response or reaction to trials produces anxiety, anger, despair,  bitterness,  etc, which produce negative view of life (non-hope).

Application: True joy in trials reflect our view of Christ sufficiency in our lives and that God only gives us good things, even if we can't see it now.  Joy is the fruit of the Holy Spirit.

James 1:5-8

Scripture: if anyone lacks wisdom...  Let him ask in faith... For the one who doubts...is double minded, unstable in all his ways (James 1:5-8)

Observation: we must not practice "selective" hearing and obedience to the word of God.  That is, hearing only the parts that is convenient to us and ignoring the parts  we don't want to do. God's wisdom is only effective in our lives if the bible is the total and only authority in our lives.

Application: do we come across verses or preaching that we don't want to hear or do? All the more, pay attention to these and ask God to help us renew our minds in these very areas.

James 1:9-11

Scripture: let the lowly brother boast in his exaltation,  and the rich in his humiliation. (James 1:9-10)

Observation: when you start working, you realise that people are treated differently depending on wealth and ranks in the office. Not so in God's eyes. Everyone is equal in the church of God.

Application: may we also not exalt ourselves or see ourselves better than others who are less fortunate in riches or in physical abilities, or even those who are caught in sin. We could have been worse if not for the grace of God.

James 1:12-15

Scripture: blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial,  for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life.... But each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire. Then desire when conceived gives birth to sin, and... Brings forth death. (James 1:12-15)

Observation: there are two types of sufferings. A suffering caused by trials from God, and suffering caused by temptation caused by our own desires. On the former, we are asked to persevere and rejoice for it brings godliness and life.  But the latter brings sin and death. Sometimes trials can turn into temptation when we take things into our own hands or misapply the scripture,  just as Eve did when she disobeyed God in the Garden of Eden. 

Application: Never try to get out of trials suffering (which is beneficial) by going against scriptural teachings as it leads to more suffering with sorrow. That's why James ask us to pray for wisdom to know how to respond to trials appropriately, or you can seek parents or mature Christians  for advise when unsure.

James 1:16-18

Scripture: every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, from the Father of lights with whom there is no shadow due to change. (James 1:17)

Observation: notice that there is a good gift and a perfect gift. In the original Greek manuscript, those two "gift" words are different. One is the initial act of giving and the second is when a gift is perfected. Sometimes we receive something from God - say, a new friend, or being grouped with some strangers, or a work assignment, or a room mate, or a temporary job,  etc which we didn't think too highly about or even dislike. But God has a plan for us,  that when we faithfully live out Christ likeness in each situation, we realise that over time, the gift was actually perfect.  God knows what we need more than we know ourselves.

Application:  do not despise what God has given you now. It may seem nothing or even undesirable, but trust God's wisdom and work along with Him so that the gift will be perfect in hind sight.

James 1:19-20

Scripture: Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger;  for the anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God.  (James 1:19-20)

Observation: quick to hear,  slow to speak -  we must first try to understand what the other person is saying, before trying to be understood. One good method is to ask questions to confirm your understanding, before jumping to conclusion and reply quickly which leads to misunderstanding and quarrels. 

Slow to anger -  here the word anger refers also to indignation, vengeance and wrath. There is no place for these in a Christian. Ephesians 4:31-32 says: "Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice. Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you." 

Proverbs 14:29 also says: "Whoever is slow to anger has great understanding, but he who has a hasty temper exalts folly."

Application: check yourself the next time you get into a discussion with someone. Do you get "agitated" quickly or do you stay calm with the objective of reaching an amicable (agreeable) compromise? Memorise this passage in James.

James 1:22-25

Scripture: James 1:22 "But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man who looks intently at his natural face in a mirror. For he looks at himself and goes away and at once forgets what he was like. But the one who looks into the perfect law, the law of liberty, and perseveres, being no hearer who forgets but a doer who acts, he will be blessed in his doing "

Observation: a missionary once reported that many churches that had a revival only last about one generation before they decline and become insignificant. And he concludes that it's because the Bible has lost its authority in the church. To many Christians, the bible is like a suggestion book. You can read it, but it's not mandatory that you must obey everything. You choose which part you want to obey and which part to ignore.

Application: ignoring what we don't like to see in the bible is self deceiving and is a sin. Doing so is like "subtracting"  the Word to something less, and Revelation says anyone doing so will be cursed (opposite of blessed promised in James).

James 1:26-27

Scripture: James 1:26 "If anyone thinks he is religious and does not bridle his tongue but deceives his heart, this person's religion is worthless. Religion that is pure and undefiled before God, the Father, is this: to visit orphans and widows in their affliction, and to keep oneself unstained from the world."

Observation: James gives four characteristics of one who “does” the word.

(1) He controls his tongue (from cursing/insulting/complaining/gossiping /etc. )

(2) He is not self-deceived (wrong doctrine/ partial obedience/ unconvicted of sin). Grounded in the word and the word is his authority.

(3) He shows mercy and love to those in need of help. Orphans and widows used to be examples of the helpless, but today there are others we can help.

(4) He remains unstained from the world.  Not that anyone can be sinless but the person is convicted, confess and repents.

Action: to remember the 4 and seek to practice it.

Prayer for James Chapter 1

Father, firstly we lift up our church leaders, as they do the work of teaching, pastoring and serving the flock,  just as James did. Grant them wisdom and perseverance as they face the pressure of time and stress in their responsibilities.

Help us to truly love our brothers and sisters and our family members, though we may be different and sometimes offend one another due to our selfish ways. Help us to forgive one another to preserve the unity of our fellowship in you. 

Lord, in our trials, give us patience and wisdom to obey and have God's perspective in all things, so that out of trials we don't become despair but rather more equipped to serve others who are suffering.

Like looking into the mirror, brings to our minds daily areas we ought to change as we faithfully read your word, and that our hearts are recipient to the change. Help me to obey every part of your counsel, and be a doer of your Word, not a hearer only.

Humble me and help me to love the less fortunate, to count my blessings, and to be contented with what God has given me while being a good steward of His provisions and to be generous in sharing with all who has needs. 

Give me wisdom to know the right thing to do when under trials or when tempted, and the grace to obey his word  even if it causes me to bear the suffering that leads to Christ-likeness. 

Help me to accept the circumstances and people that You have placed around me, for all good things come from you though I may not be able to see the silver lining now but will continue to trust in you that you can turn even ashes into something beautiful in my life.

Help me to be an active instrument of peace, and to control my frustration and anger when I'm offended or when things do not go my way. Rather, help me put on the meekness of Christ and answer everyone with Grace, so that they can see you and your love for them.

Amen.