James Chapter 1
The book of James in the New Testament is another look at the pursuit of holiness. It matters how we live our life, the choices we make, the things we say and that we seek after God’s wisdom. James who was the brother of Jesus, wants us to meditate on what it means to be a kingdom seeker.
No one likes to go through trials. I know I sure do not. But when we are honest with ourselves it is during those difficult times that we look beyond self and realize that we need help. Even a non-believer, when honest with himself or herself, will know that they need spiritual help in times of trouble. James teaches us that those difficult times teach us to rely on God’s strength. And when we see that God gets us through those tough times, when we see God work, our faith is increased even more. James does not mean that we will become perfect in the sense of never sinning again, but when our faith increases because of our complete dependence on God, then we are lacking nothing, we are complete (perfect) in God. What a beautiful bond.
Let's Reflect
1. What are two prerequisites to obtaining wisdom?
2. What are some of the messages of our culture that you hear as teachings of how to be a better person? How do these teachings compare to what James is teaching us?
3. When we go through trials as a believer, we can do one of two things we can either rely on our self or we can remain steadfast – depending on God to pull us through. James says that when we remain steadfast, we have stood the test, and we will receive what for doing so?
4. A type of trial that James also refers to that we need to overcome is temptations. These temptations are areas where we are lured or enticed by what?
James teaches us that God never tempts us or lures us to turn away from Him and to commit sin. James knew that humans tend to blame God when they find themselves in difficult situations. God is unable to be tempted, nor does He tempt any person to sin. We are tempted of our own lusts and tempted by the enemy, satan. He wants to deceive us into thinking that the pursuit of our corrupt desires will somehow produce life and goodness for us. The great secret that satan keeps from us is that temptation can lead to sin and sin leads to death. This progression to death is an inevitable result. God’s loving mercy has rescued the believer from this sentence of death, but unfortunately, we still can go down a path of destruction that displeases our Lord.
“So that those who endure temptation rightly, endure it because they love God. They say to themselves, ‘How can I do this great wickedness, and sin against God?’ They cannot fall into sin because it would grieve Him who loves them so well, and whom they love with all their hearts.” [Spurgeon]
5. James teaches us that there are some things we will need to get rid of in our lives if we are to be disciples of Jesus, doers of His Word. What are they? And do they make you think of a couple of things you need to get rid of in your own life?
6. We can’t be just listeners of God’s Word, but we must be doers, we must act upon what we hear. This doing – is literally being a disciple of Jesus Christ, becoming more like Him. If we are pursuing Him, then we are showing that we understand the freedom we have in Christ, freedom to not sin and to do what is right. And when we act upon the wisdom we gain from His Word, what happens to us according to verse 25?
