THE AUTHOR: At least three men in the N.T. were named James. (1) James the son of Zebedee. Mark 1:19. He was killed by Herod in about A.D. 44. Acts 12:1-2. (2) James the son of Alphaeus. Mark 3:18. (3) James the brother of Jesus Christ. Gal. 1:19; 2:9; Mark 6:3; Acts 15:13. Strong evidence points to James the half brother of our Lord being the human instrument used to write down this divinely inspired epistle. Tradition says that he spent so much time in prayer that his knees became hard and calloused like a camel's knees.
THE DATE: Internal evidence gives us reason to believe, that it may have been written as early as 45 A.D., but this is not conclusive.
THE PURPOSE: The Christian Jews were experiencing problems. (1) Many were being tested. (2) Others were being tempted to sin. (3) Some were catering to the rich, while others were being oppressed by the rich. (4) Many were not living the faith they professed. (5) People were misusing their tongues. These and other problems hindered the churches, and it is much the same today.
I. THE WHY OF TEMPTATIONS. v. 1-4
A. The Messenger v. 1
1. Who he was. "a servant" meaning a slave or bondman.
2. Who he served. "God and . . . the Lord Jesus Christ."
3. Whom he addressed. "the twelve tribes." There is no indication that James believed that 10 tribes had been lost. This is a modern day error.
4. Where they were. "scattered abroad." No doubt the "brethren"
of v. 2 identifies them as saved people. We are also scattered abroad in
an unbelieving world.
B. The Message. v. 2-4
1. The problem of temptation. v. 2. Temptations and trials are common to all saints, and they should make us better not bitter. Luke 22:28-29; Acts 20:18-19, And when they were come to him, he said unto them, Ye know, from the first day that I came into Asia, after what manner I have been with you at all seasons, Serving the Lord with all
humility of mind, and with many tears, and temptations, which befell me
by the lying in wait of the Jews. I Pet. 1:6, Wherein ye greatly
rejoice, though now for a season, if need be, ye are in heaviness through manifold temptations: II Tim. 3:11, Persecutions, afflictions, which came unto me at Antioch, at Iconium, at Lystra; what persecutions I endured: but out of them all the Lord delivered me. Rom. 8:28, And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according is his purpose. Matt. 5:10-12, Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness' sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all mariner of evil against you falsely, for my sake. Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted
they the prophets which were before you.
2. The product of temptation. v. 3. "patience." This is why we are to count it all joy, because trials help us to mature. v. 2; I Pet. 1:7, That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise
and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ.
3. The perfection of temptation. v. 4; Matt. 5:48; I Cor. 10:13. It is to perfect or mature the child of God. Satan tempts (entices) us to bring out the bad, but God tempts (tests) us; to bring out the good.
II. THE WISDOM FOR TEMPTATIONS. v. 5-12
A. The Resources Of Wisdom For Temptations. v. 5-8
1. Our need of wisdom. v. 5a. Matt. 7:7-12. Wisdom is the right use of knowledge.
2. Our source of wisdom. v. 5b
3. His supply of wisdom. v. 5c
4. His promise of wisdom. v. 5d; Prov. 2:3-7
5. The conditions of wisdom. v. 6-7. Eph. 4:14
6. The lack of wisdom. v. 8; James 4:8; Psa. 12:2, They speak vanity every one with his neighbour: with flattering lips and with a double heart do they speak. Prov. 3:5, Trust in the LORD with all thine heart;
arid lean not unto thine own understanding.
B. The Rewards Of Wisdom In Temptations. v. 9-12
1. Wisdom causes rejoicing in the brother of low degree. v. 9
2. Wisdom causes rejoicing to the rich brother, because he is brought to
realize that only that which comes from God is eternal. v. 10-11. Isa. 57:15, For thus saith the high and lofty One that inhabiteth eternity, whose name is Holy; I dwell in the high and holy place, with him also that is of a contrite and humble spirit, to revive the spirit of the humble, and to revive the heart of the contrite ones.
3. The reward of the faithful in temptation. v. 12
III. THE WICKEDNESS OF TEMPTATIONS. v. 13-18
A. God Does Not Tempt Anyone To Sin. v. 13-15
1. God is not the source of temptation. v. 13. Temptation is used two ways in this chapter: (a) testing under trial (v. 2-12); (b) solicitation to evil (v. 13-15).
2. Man's depravity is the source. v. 14. "Enticed" comes from a Greek word that means to "bait a hook." (Lot is an example to be used with this verse. Gen. 13:10-12)
3. The conception of sin. v. 15a. (Eve is an excellent illustration of the three steps taught in v. 15. See Gen. 3:4-6).
4. The course of sin. v. 15b
5. The consequence of sin. v. 15c
B. God Is The Source Of Good To Men. v. 16-18
1. God bestows our blessings . v. 16- 17
a. God is the source of all good gifts. v. 17a
b. God keeps on giving good gifts (cometh down). v. 17b
c. God does not change. v. 17c. He is completely holy, so He cannot change for the better or for the worse.
2. God begets us by the new birth. v. 18. John 1:13, Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.
a. The reason——by His own will. I Pet. 1:23
b. The means——by His Word of truth.
c. The purpose——that we should be a kind of firstfruits.
IV. THE WORD OF GOD AND TEMPTATIONS. v. 19-25
A. His Goodness And The Believer's Responsibility. v. 19-21
1. Therefore we are to exercise temperance. v. 19 (That, is because of v. 17-18).
a. Swift to hear. v. 19a. Matt. 13:9; Rom. 10:17
b. Slow to speak. v. l9b. Prov. 10:19, In the multitude of words there wanteth not sin: but he that refraineth his lips is wise. Prov. 17:27, He that hath knowledge spareth his words: and a man of understanding is of an excellent spirit.
c. Slow to wrath. v. l9c. Prov. 14:29, He that is slow to wrath is of
great understanding: but he that is hasty of spirit exalteth folly.
2. The result of intemperance. v. 20
3. What is to be laid aside. v. 21a
4. What is to be received. v. 21b. Col. 3:16, Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.
B. His Word And The Believer's Obedience. v. 22-25
1. The doers of the word. v. 22. It is one thing to hear the truth, it is another thing to obey the truth. James 4:17; Luke 6:46, And why call ye me, Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say?
2. The deceived hearers of the word. v. 23-24. The purpose of a mirror is to show us what needs to be corrected or changed.
3. The doers of the word are blessed. v. 25. II Cor. 3: 18, But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord.
V. TRUE RELIGION AND TEMPTATIONS. v. 26-27
A. False Religion Is Vain. v. 26
1. It does not change the man. Matt.12:34-36
2. It deceives the heart.
3. It is vain, it is empty.
B. True Religion. v. 27
1. It produces compassion. I John 3:17-18, But whoso hath this world's good, and seeth his brother have need, and shutteth up his bowels of compassion from him, how dwelleth the love of God in him? My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed
and in truth.
2. It produces purity. John 17:15, I pray not that thou shouldest take them out of the world, but that thou shouldest keep them from the evil. I Tim. 5:22, Lay hands suddenly on no man, neither be partaker of other men's sins. keep thyself pure. Rom. 13 :14, But put ye on the Lord
Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfil the lusts
thereof.
——by E. L. Bynum
1. Name the three men named James and state
which one was the writer of this book.
2. To whom was the letter addressed?
3. What should be the believer's attitude during temptations?
4. What advice did James give to those who lacked wisdom?
5. What did James say about a double-minded man?
6. What will the one that endures temptation receive?
7. When is a person tempted?
8. Discuss the two ways that temptation is used in this chapter.
9. From where do all gifts come?
10. What does this chapter say about hearers and doers?
11. How does James define pure religions?
12. Quote the memory verse.
Back To: James Chapter One | James Chapter Two | James Chapter Three
James Chapter Four | James Chapter Five | Top Of Lessons
The word "FAITH" is found 13 times in this chapter which is four times as much as it is mentioned in all the rest of James. There are two kinds of faith referred to in this chapter. One is a dead, useless, say so faith, that does not produce godly works. The other is a real living faith that produces works pleasing to God.
I. A SAY SO FAITH MANIFESTED IN PARTIALITY. v. 1-9
A. Partiality's Conflict With God's Choice. v. 1-5
1. True brethren should have true faith. v. 1a
2. True faith should not show partiality. v. 1b. Luke 14:7-14; Matt. 22:16, And they sent out unto him their disciples with the Herodians, saying, Master, we know that thou art true, and teachest the way of God in truth, neither caress thou for any man: for thou regardest not the person of men.
3. An example of those who may come to the assembly. v. 2. "Assembly" comes from the same word as synagogue, but does not prove that James has in mind the Jewish synagogue, as this word literally means "assembly."
4. An example of partiality given. v. 3-4
5. We are to honor God's choice. v. 5a. Eph. 6:9, And, ye masters, do the same things unto them, forbearing threatening: knowing that your Master also is in heaven; neither is there respect of persons with him. I Sam. 2:7-8, The LORD maketh poor, and maketh rich: he bringeth low, and lifteth up. He raiseth up the poor out of the dust, and lifteth up the beggar from the dunghill, to set them among princes, and to make them inherit the throne of glory: for the pillars of the earth are the LORD'S, and he hath set the world upon them. I Cor. 1:26-27, For ye see your calling, brethren, how that not many wise men after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called: But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty.
6. The poor may be RICH in faith. v. 5b. Isa. 64:6, But we are all as an unclean thing, and all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags; and we all do fade as a leaf; and our iniquities, like the wind, have taken us away. I Sam. 16:7, But the LORD said unto Samuel, Look not on his countenance, or on the height of his stature; because I have refused him: for the LORD seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the LORD looketh on the heart. Acts 10: 34, Then Peter opened his mouth, and said, Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons. Rom.2:11, For there is no respect of persons with God.
B. Partiality's Serious Sin. v. 6-7
1. Partiality repudiates God's choice. v. 6-7. Remember that Jesus Christ became poor. Phil. 2:5-8
2. Partiality honors the oppressive and the ungodly. v. 6-7
C. Partiality And The Royal Law. v. 8-9
1. Partiality breaks the royal law. v. 8. Lev. 19:18, Thou shalt not avenge, nor bear any grudge against the children of thy people, but thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself: I am the LORD.
2. Partiality is a sin and a transgression. v. 9. Lev. 19:15, Ye shall do no unrighteousness in judgment: thou shalt not respect the person of the poor, nor honour the person of the mighty: but in righteousness shalt thou judge thy neighbour. I John 3:4, Whosoever committeth sin transgresseth also the law: for sin is the transgression of the law.
II. A SAY SO FAITH RESULTS IN JUDGMENT. v. 10-13
A. The Cause Of Judgment. v. 10-11
1. Any infraction of the law makes one a law
breaker. v. 10
2. Breaking one link in the chain, breaks the chain. v. 11
B. The Cause Of Mercy. v. 12-13
1. Real faith is under the law of liberty. v. 12
2. One who has real faith will never be judged as a sinner. John 5:24, Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life. Rom. 8:1, There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. His works as a believer will be judged. I Cor. 3: 11-15; II Cor. 5:10, For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad.
III. A SAY SO FAITH IS USELESS. v. 14-20
A. The Principle Stated And Illustrated. 14-16
1. A say so faith does not produce works and does not save. v. 14. Gal. 6:10, As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith. Matt. 7:21, Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.
2. A say so filling does not fill, neither does a say so faith save. v. 15-16. Matt. 25:40, And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me. I John 3:17-18, But whose hath this world's good, and seeth his brother have need, and shutteth up his bowels of compassion from him, how dwelleth the love of God in him ? My
little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth.
B. The Inseparability Of Faith And Works. v. 17-20
l. A faith that is without works is a say-so faith (dead). v. 17
2. A saving faith is inseparable from works. v. 18. Eph.2:10, For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.
3. A say so faith is as the faith of demons. v. 19
a. Demons believe in the existence of God.
b. They believe in the deity of Christ. Mark 3:11-12, And unclean spirits, when they saw him, fell down before him, and cried, saying, Thou art the Son of God. And he straitly charged them that they should not make him known.
c. They believe in a place of punishment. Luke 8:31, And they besought him that he would not command them to go out into the deep. "Deep" means the abyss, the bottomless pit. Rev. 20:3, And cast him into the bottomless pit, and shut him up, and set a seal upon him, that he should deceive the nations no more, till the thousand years should be fulfilled: and after that he must be loosed a little season.
d. They believe Jesus Christ will be the judge. Mark 5:2-7, And when
he was come out of the ship, immediately there met him out of the tombs
a man with an unclean spirit, Who had his dwelling among the tombs; and
no man could bind him, no, not with chains: Because that he had been often bound with fetters and chains, and the chains had been plucked asunder by him, and the fetters broken in pieces: neither could any man tame him. And always, night and day, he was in the mountains, and in the tombs, crying, and cutting himself with stones. But when he saw Jesus afar off, he ran and worshipped him, And cried with a loud voice, and said, What have I to do with thee, Jesus, thou Son of the most high God? I adjure thee by God, that thou torment me not.
4. Faith without works is a say so faith. v. 20
IV. REAL FAITH PROVES A MAN RIGHTEOUS. v. 21-26
A. The Faith Of Abraham. V. 21-24.
1. Abraham justified before men when he offered up Isaac. v. 21-22; Genesis 22:1-12. His faith was based upon the word of God.
2. Abraham justified before God when he believed God. v. 23; Gen. 15:6, And he believed in the LORD; arid he counted it to him for righteousness. He enjoyed this justification before God 15 or 20 years before he offered Isaac.
3. Those justified by faith will be justified by works. v. 24. True faith leads to action.
4. Faith justifies the man; works justify the faith. Abraham was not saved by faith plus works, but by a faith that works.
B. The Faith Of Rahab. v. 25-26
1. Her saving faith justified by works. v. 25. Heb. 11:31, By faith the harlot Rahab perished not with them that believed not, when she had received the spies with peace.
a. She received the spies.
b. She sent them back another way.
c. She hung out the scarlet cord. Josh. 2:18, Behold, when we come into the land, thou shalt bind this line of scarlet thread in the window which thou didst let us down by: and thou shalt bring thy father, and thy mother, and thy brethren, and all thy father's household, home unto thee.
2. A body without the spirit is dead. v. 26
3. A faith without works is dead. v. 26. Titus 1:16, They profess that they know God; but in works they deny him, being abominable, and disobedient, and unto every good work reprobate. Titus 3:8, This is a faithful saying, and these things I will that thou affirm constantly, that they which have believed in God might be careful to maintain good works. These things are good and profitable unto men.
C. The Faith Of Abraham And Rahab Compared.
1. Abraham was a Jew, Rahab was a Gentile.
2. Abraham was a godly man, Rahab was a harlot.
3. Abraham was a friend of God, Rahab belonged to the enemies of God.
4. What did they have in common? Both of them exercised faith in God.
---by E. L. Bynum
1. How many times is the word faith found in
this chapter?
2. Name the two kinds of faith referred to in this chapter?
3. What is James' warning against dividing people according to wealth?
4. Give James' illustration of showing partiality?
5. Who has God chosen to be rich in faiths?
6. What is the result of treating people with partiality?
7. Why is the showing of partiality so serious? See v. 6-8
8. Faith without works is ________ .
9. How can what Paul said about Ahraham's faith in Romans 4 be reconciled
with what James said?
10. Quote the memory verse.
Back To: James Chapter One | James Chapter Two | James Chapter Three
James Chapter Four | James Chapter Five | Top Of Lessons
Sins of the tongue make for serious problems among the people of God. Harsh and angry words and false and foolish doctrines, spoken by worldly-minded Church members and leaders cause untold damage to the cause of Christ. The answer is a LIVING, and REAL FAITH that can control the tongue! The mature hristians has his tongue under the control of Christ.
The tongue problem is world wide. Job 1:8; 40:4; Isa. 6:5; Matt. 26:33; Acts 23:1-5; Matt. 12:36; Psa. 39:1. Only one person never had this problem. I Pet. 2:22-23.
I. REAL FAITH AND THE POWER OF THE TONGUE. v. 1-5
A. Responsibility For Our Words. v. 1-2
1 . Word of caution to would be teachers. v. 1a. "Masters" is some other places translated teachers. There were too many who wanted to teach, but were not qualified. See I Cor. 12:28-29; Eph. 4:11, And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers. 1 Tim. 2:7, Whereunto I am ordained a preacher, and an apostle, (I speak the truth in Christ, and lie not;) a teacher of the Gentiles in faith and verity. Heb. 5: 12, For when for the time ye ought to be teachers, ye have need that one teach you again which be the first principles of the oracles of God; and are become such as have need of milk, and not of strong meat.
2. Word of responsibility to teachers. v. lb. James 1:19-20
3. It is easy to fail, especially with the tongue. v. 2a
4. The mature man with real faith is able to control. v. 2b
5. Control of the tongue results in control of the body. v. 2c
B. Illustrations Of The Tongue's Power. v. 3-5
1. Control the horse's bits and you control the horse. v. 3. The tongue must be controlled to control the man. The bit controls the horse, if the bit is controlled by a skilled hand.
2. Control the helm (rudder) and you control the ship, so it is with the tongue. v. 4. The rudder must be controlled by a strong hand. The tongue must be controlled by the strong hand of Christ. Prov. 15: 1, A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger. Prov. 12:22,
Lying lips are abomination to the LORD: but they that deal truly are
his delight. Prov. 10:19, In the multitude of words there wanteth
not sin: but he that refraineth his lips is wise.
3. The fire and the tongue are both capable of good and evil. v. 5. Careless use of matches can start a great forest fire. Some church members start fires in the church by a careless tongue. Prov. 26:20-21, Where no wood is, there the fire goeth out: so where there is no talebearer, the strife ceaseth. As coals are to burning coals, and wood to fire; so is a contentious man to kindle strife. Prov. 18:21, Death and life are
in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof.
II. REAL FAITH AND THE PERFIDY OF THE TONGUE. v.6-12
A. By Nature It Is Unruly. v. 6-8
1. As a fire it is unruly. v. 6a
2. As a defiling thing it defiles the whole body. v. 6b. A fire in your garage may defile your whole house with smoke damage. A church or home can be defiled with fiery words.
3. It sets on fire the evil course of nature. v. 6c. The more fuel you give to a fire, the more it grows.
4. It's source of evil. v. 6d. It ruins reputations. Col. 4:6, Let your speech be alway with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man.
5. By nature it is wild and needs to be tamed . v. 7
a. When you drive through a wild animal park, they instruct you to keep your windows closed.
b. Serpents with their poison are dangerous. So is the unruly tongue.
6. By nature it is untamable, unruly, and unsafe. v. 8. No man in his own strength and power can tame it. It requires a HIGHER power to tame it. The tongue can destroy a church. If I brought a cage of rattlesnakes into the Church, people would flee. An unruly tongue can do the same thing, why do we not flee? Each of us should ask, "is my tongue set on fire of hell or of heaven." Matt. 12:34, 0 generation of vipers, how can ye, being evil, speak good things? for out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh.
B. By Nature It Is Inconsistent And Unpredictable. v. 9-12
1. It can bless God and curse men. v. 9
2. Out of the same mouth this is done. v. 10. What if our drinking fountain gave good water sometimes, but bitter dirty water at other times?
3. A fountain cannot be both bitter and sweet. v. 11
4. Trees bear fruit according to their kind. v. 12. A tree must be rooted right to bear fruit. Psa. 1:3, And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper. Christians should bear fruit after their kind.
5. A tongue should not be unpredictable. v. 12. Matt. 15:18, But those things which proceed out of the mouth come forth from the heart; and they defile the man. Prov. 4:23, Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life.
III. REAL FAITH AND WISDOM. v. 13-18
A. Earthly Wisdom Is From Beneath. v. 13-16
1. A truly wise man will prove it by his works. v. 13. If this is not true of him, he has a "say so faith." James 2:14; Prov. 4:7, Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding.
2. Earthly wisdom produces bitter envying and strife and disloyalty to the Word of God. v. 14.
3. The wisdom is not from above, but is earthly and devilish. v. 15
4. The result of such wisdom. v. 16
B. Heavenly Wisdom Is From Above. v. 17-18
1. Such wisdom is proof of real faith. v. 17. James 1:17, Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning. I Cor. 1:24, 30, But unto them which are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God, and the wisdom of God. But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption. Col. 2:3, In whom are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.
2. Such wisdom is pure and fruitful. v. 17; I Cor. 2:6-7, Howbeit we speak wisdom among them that are perfect: yet not the wisdom of this world, nor of the princes of this world, that come to nought: But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, even the hidden wisdom, which God ordained before the world unto our glory.
3. Such wisdom produces peace. v. 18; Gal. 5:22-23, But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law. Isa. 32:17, And the work of righteousness shall be peace; and the effect of righteousness quietness and assurance for ever. Psa. 85:10, Mercy and truth
are met together; righteousness and peace have kissed each other.
by E. L. Bynum
1. Give Bible examples of men who had problems with their tongues.
2. Give proof that one person controlled his tongue.
3. What shows control in a person's whole life?
4. What is the danger in being a teacher or leader?
5. Give three illustrations of the tongue's power.
6. Can the tongue be tamed, if so, how?
7. What inconsistency of the tongue does verse 10 point out?
8. Name the two kinds of wisdom and give their sources.
9. What does these two kinds of wisdom produce?
Back To: James Chapter One | James Chapter Two | James Chapter Three
James Chapter Four | James Chapter Five | Top Of Lessons
I. REAL FAITH AND OVERCOMING. v. 1-10
A. Overcoming Worldliness. v. 1-5
By worldliness we mean being devoted to this life and its enjoyments, as opposed to heavenly or spiritual aims.
1. Lusts in v. 1, 3, is "HEDONE" from which we get our word "hedonism". Hedonism the doctrine that pleasure is the principal good and should be the aim of action.
a. Not literal wars as between nations, but
wrangling and fussing among God's people. Psa. 133:1, Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!
b. Some lust for prosperity, others for pre-eminence, and others for power. This starts in the heart. James 3:14-16; Luke 9:46-48, Then there arose a reasoning among them, which of them should be greatest. And Jesus, perceiving the thought of their heart, took a child, and set him by him, And said unto them, Whosoever shall receive this child in my name receiveth me: and whosoever shall receive me receiveth him that sent me: for he that is least among you all, the same shall be great.
c. The bad example of the Corinthian Church. I Cor. 6:1-8; 14:23-40
d. The Church at Philippi had conflict between members. Phil. 4:2, I
beseech Euodias, and beseech Syntyche, that they be of the same mind in
the Lord.
3. Failure because of going to the wrong source and prayerlessness. v. 2b. Matt. 7:7-8, Ask, and it shall be given you;
seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you: For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened. John 16:24, Hitherto have ye asked nothing in my name: ask, and ye shall receive, that your joy may be full.
4. Prayer with the wrong motive. v. 3. James 1:6-7; Psa. 66:18, If I regard iniquity in my heart, the Lord will not hear me. Prov. 15:8, The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination to the LORD: but the prayer of the upright is his delight. Micah 3:4, Then shall they cry unto the LORD, but he will not hear them: he will even hide his face from them at that time, as they have behaved themselves ill in their doings. I John 3:22, And whatsoever we ask, we receive of him, because we keep his commandments, and do those things that are pleasing in his sight.
5. The sin of spiritual adultery. v. 4
a. In O.T. Israel the wife of God. See Isa.
54:5; Jer. 3:20; Hos. 11:2; and the whole book of Hosea.
b. In N.T. the Church is the bride of Christ. II Cor. 11:2-3, For I am jealous over you with godly jealousy: for I have espoused you to one husband, that I may present you as a chaste virgin to Christ. But I fear, lest by any means, as the serpent beguiled Eve through his subtilty, so your minds should be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ. Rom. 7:4, Wherefore, my brethren, ye also are become dead to the law by the body of Christ; that ye should be married to another, [even] to him who is raised from the dead, that we should bring forth fruit unto God. Eph. 5:23-33
c. Friendship with the world is spiritual adultery.
6. The cure for worldliness. v. 5
a. Conforming to the indwelling Spirit. I Cor. 6:19, What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? Rom. 12:1-2, I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.
b. The Spirit exercises godly jealousy. Deut. 5:7-9; Ex. 20:5, Thou shalt not bow down thyself to them, nor serve them: for I the LORD thy God am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth generation of them that hate me.
B. Overcoming The god Of This World (the devil). v. 6-10
II Cor. 4:4, In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them.
1. More grace needed for the conflict. v. 6
a. Pride will hinder. God is not looking for
celebrities, but servants. I Tim. 3:6, Not a novice, lest being lifted up with pride he fall into the condemnation of the devil.
b. Humility is blessed. See Prov. 3. 34, Surely he scorneth the scorners: but he giveth grace unto the lowly. I Pet. 5:5, Likewise, ye younger, submit yourselves unto the elder. Yea, all of you be subject one to another, and be clothed with humility: for God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble.
2. Submit to God is a must, if we are to resist the devil. v. 7; I Pet. 5 :6-9, Humble yourselves therefore tinder the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time: Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you. Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: Whom resist stedfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions
are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world. Eph. 4:27,
Neither give place to the devil.
3. Drawing nigh to God is a must. v. 8a; Heb. 7:19; II Chron. 15:2, Isa. 29:13, Wherefore the Lord said, Forasmuch as this people draw near [me] with their mouth, and with their lips do honour me, but have removed their heart far from me, and their fear toward me is taught by the precept of men. Heb. 10:22, Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water.
4. Separation from evil. Cleansed hands and hearts the key. v. 8b; Ex. 30:19-21, Isa. 1:15-16, And when ye spread forth your hands, I will hide mine eyes from you: yea, when ye make many prayers, I will not hear: your hands are full of blood. Wash you, make you clean; put away the evil of your doings from before mine eyes; cease to do evil. II Cor. 7 :1, Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.
5. Repent in deep contrition. v. 9. Psa. 51:17, The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit: a broken and a contrite heart, O God, thou wilt not despise. Isa. 66;2, For all those things hath mine hand made, and all those things have been, saith the LORD: but to this man will I look, even to him that is poor and of a contrite spirit, and trembleth at my word.
Psa. 34:18, The LORD is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart; and saveth such as be of a contrite spirit.
6. Humility before God. v. 10a. Luke 14:11, For whosoever exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted.
7. Exaltation by God. v. 10b. I Pet. 5:6
II. REAL FAITH AND VICTORY. V. 11-17
A . Victory Over The Tongue . v. 11-12
1. The prohibition. v. 11a. Eph. 4:31, Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice. I Pet. 2:1, Wherefore laying aside all malice, and all guile, and hypocrisies, and envies, and all evil speakings.
2. The reason for the prohibition. v. 11b-12. See Rom. 14:10, 13, But why cost thou judge thy brother? or why cost thou set at nought thy brother? for we shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ. Let us not therefore judge one another any more: but judge this rather, that no man put a stumblingblock or an occasion to fall in his brother's way. I Cor. 4:4-5
a. It is against the law.
b. It makes the speaker a judge. c. It usurps the place of God.
B. Victory Over Presumptuous Secularism. v. 13-17
Secularism means, carnal, earthly, profane, temporal, worldly.
1. The spirit of secularism. v. 13. Making plans without consulting God. Gen.11: 3-7
2. The folly of secularism. v. 14-17
a. It is presumptuous and based on ignorance
of the future. v. 14a. Luke 12:16-21; Prov. 27:1, Boast not thyself of to morrow; for thou knowest not what a day may bring forth.
b. It is a violation of the meaning of life. v. 14b
c. It ignores the brevity of life. v. 14c. Job 7:6; 8:9, My days are
swifter than a weaver's shuttle, and are spent without hope. (For we are
but of yesterday, and know nothing, because our days upon earth are a shadow.) Psa. 90:12, So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom.
d. It ignores God's will . v. 15. God's will is not a prison to enslave
us, it is a liberator to set us free for the best life possible. John 4:34, Jesus saith unto them, My meat is to do the will of him that sent me, and to finish his work. II Cor. 8:5 And this they did, not as we hoped, but first gave their own selves to the Lord, and unto us by the will of God. Col. 1 :9, For this cause we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to desire that ye might tee filled with the knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding. Eph. 5: 17, Wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord is. Rom. 12:2, And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.
e. It is filled with arrogance and pride. v. 16
f. It is sin against knowledge. v. 17. Luke 12:47-48
NOTE: "If the Lord will..." v. 15 "One of the most amazing doctrines of Scripture is that God, with the infinite universe on His hands, yet has a definite plan for each of His people (Acts 18:21; Romans 1: 10; 15:32, I Corinthians 4: 19; I Peter 3:17)"Halley's Bible Handbook
——by E. L. Bynum
1. What is the meaning of worldliness?
2. From whence come wars and Lightings?
3. What is the results of friendship with the world?
4. What is spiritual adultery ?
5. We have not because we ________ ________.
6. Name the necessities in resisting the devil.
7. Whom will God exalt?
8. How should we make future plans?
9. If we know what is right and do not do it, what are we doing?
10. Write out the Memory Verse from memory.
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James Chapter Four | James Chapter Five | Top Of Lessons
How can the Christian face persecution? How can he patiently wait for the coming of the Lord? How can he pray effectively, and how can he find the power for reclaiming an erring brother? The answer to all these questions hinges upon REAL FAITH!!
I. REAL FAITH FOR PERSECUTION. v. 1-6
A. Materialistic Oppressors' Doom Prophesied. v. 1-3
1. Materialistic rich men face retribution. v. 1. James deals with the rich. In 1:10 the rich man is a Christian; in 2:2 the rich men are unbelievers; and in 5:1 the rich men are also lost. At this point we should consider the context of 4:13-17. See Luke 6:24, But woe unto you that are rich! for ye have received your consolation. Mark 10:23-27.
2. Their wealth corrupted and cankered. v. 2-3a
a. The Bible teaches us the right use of money. I Tim. 5:8, But if
any provide not for his own, and specially for those of his own house, he hath denied the faith, and is worse than an infidel. Matt. 25:27, Thou oughtest therefore to have put my money to the exchangers, and then at my coming I should have received mine own with usury. Matt. 6:19, Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust cloth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal.
b. But it is wrong to rob others to do this.
3. These things will witness against them. v. 3b. I Tim. 6:10
4. Their treasure heaped for the last days. v. 3c. Prov. 22:1, A good name is rather to be chosen than great riches, and loving favour rather than silver and gold.
B. Materialistic Oppressors' Sins Revealed. v. 4-6
1. They have oppressed the godly poor. v. 4. See Deut. 24:14-15, Thou shalt not oppress an hired servant that is poor and needy, whether he be of thy brethren, or of thy strangers that are in thy land within thy gates: At his day thou shalt give him his hire, neither shall the sun go down upon it; for he is poor, and setteth his heart upon it: lest he cry against thee unto the LORD, and it be sin unto thee. Lev. 19:13, Thou shalt not defraud thy neighbour, neither rob him: the wages of him that is hired shall not abide with thee all night until the morning. Mal. 3:5, And I will come near to you to judge; and I will be a swift witness against the sorcerers, and against the adulterers, and against false swearers, and against those that oppress the hireling in his wages, the widow, and the fatherless, and that turn aside the stranger from his right, and fear not me, saith the LORD of hosts.
a. The godly poor have cried.
b. They have been heard by the Lord of sabaoth. This is the transliteration (sabaoth) of a word that is translated Lord of hosts in the O.T. He is viewed here as the commander of the armies of heaven.
2. They lived in pleasure and sin. v. 5. I Tim. 5:6; 6: 17; Luke 12:15. They are headed for slaughter. Isa. 34:2; Jer. 12:3
3. They had killed the just one. v. 6. Acts 3:14; 7:52; 22:14. They had also killed Stephen and James the brother of John.
II. REAL FAITH FOR PATIENT WAITING FOR HIS COMING. v. 7-12
A. The Purpose Of Patience. v. 7-9
1. Patiently wait for His coming, as a farmer waits for his crop. v. 7. Gal. 5:22-23
2. Patiently wait, for His coming is near. v. 8. An established heart is necessary. I Thess. 3: 10-13; Luke 12:43, Blessed is that servant, whom his lord when he cometh shall find so doing.
3. Patiently waiting for the judge. v. 9. He will right all wrongs. II Tim. 3: 12
B. The Patterns Of Patience. v. 10-11
1. The prophets are an example of affliction and patience. v. 10; Matt. 5:10-12; Acts 7:52.
2. The blessing of enduring. v. 11a; II Tim. 2:3; 4:5
3. The example of Job. v. 11b; Job 1:21, And said, Naked came I out of my mother's womb, and naked shall I return thither: the LORD gave, and the LORD hath taken away; blessed be the name of the LORD. Job 2:10, But he said unto her, Thou speakest as one of the foolish women speaketh. What? shall we receive good at the hand of God, and shall we not receive evil ? In all this did not Job sin with his lips. This furnishes us an example of "the end of the Lord." Job 42:5-12
4. The tender mercy of the Lord. v. 11c; Psa. 30:5; 103:8; 145:8; Ex. 34:6-7
Blind unbelief is sure to err, And trace His work in vain
God is His own interpreter, And He will make it plain.
His purposes will ripen fast, Unfolding every hour;
The bud may have a bitter taste, But sweet will be the flower.
C. The Practice Of Patience. v. 12
1. Swearing is the proof of impatience. v. 12a
2. The danger of swearing. v. 12b
III. REAL FAITH FOR PRAYER. v. 13-18
A. Exhortation To Prayer. v. 13-16
1. Affliction calls for prayer. v. 13a. James 4:6: II Tim. 2:9; Acts 16:25
2. Merry or happy calls for prayer. v. 13b. Col. 3:16
3. Sickness calls for prayer. v. 14
4. Prayer calls for faith. v. 15. He does not ask for them to call for a faith healer. I John 5:14-15
NOTE on v. 14-15. These verses do not teach:
a. That all sickness is a result of sin. Notice "if" in v. 15. John 9:2,3.
b. That Catholic extreme unction is biblical. They are here trying to restore life, not preparing for death.
c. That medical means of healing are wrong.
(1) In fact the oil was medicine. "Anointing" is a medicinal term. Isa. 1 :6, From the sole of the foot even unto the head there is no soundness in it; but wounds, and bruises, and petrifying sores: they have not been closed, neither bound up, neither mollified with ointment.
(2) Christ approved of oil. Mark 6:13, And they cast out many devils, and anointed with oil many that were sick, and healed them. Luke 10:34, And went to him, and bound up his wounds, pouring in oil and wine, and set him on his own beast, and brought him to an inn, and took care of him.
(3) Paul approved of the beloved physician. Col. 4: 14, Luke, the beloved physician, and Demas, greet you.
(4) Paul recommended treatment. I Tim. 5:23, Drink no longer water, but use a little wine for thy stomach's sake and thine often infirmities.
(5) Jesus Christ settled it. Matt. 9: 12, But when Jesus heard that, he said unto them, They that be whole need not a physician, but they that are sick.
d. It also does not teach that it is always God's will to heal. II Tim. 4:20; II Cor. 12:7-9
5. Real needs call for fervent prayer. v. 16. Prov. 28:13, He that covereth his sins shall not prosper: but whose confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy.
6 . Right relationship between believers needed for effectual prayer. v. 16a. This does not teach that we are to confess all our sins to man, but confess faults or trespasses we have committed against that one. I Cor. 11:30
7. Fervent prayer avails. v. 16b
B. Example of Prayer. v. 17-18
1. Elias prayed for judgment. v. 17. He prayed for a drouth. I Kings 17:1
2. He prayed for rain after revival came. v. 18. I Kings 18:2146. In between the drouth and the rain, there was a turning to God, and a judgment upon sin.
IV. REAL FAITH FOR POWER IN RECLAIMING BACKSLIDERS. v. 19-20
A. A Christian Brother May Err. v. 19
1. "Brethren" identifies him as a saint. Eph. 4:15, But
speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is
the head, even Christ.
2. To err, is to err from the truth. John 17:17, Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth.
3. He can be converted to fellowship. Luke 22:31-32; I Pet. 4:8
B. An Erring Brother Should Be Restored. v. 20
1. God uses a Christian to help a sinning brother. Gal. 6:1-2, Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted.
Bear ye one another's burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ.
2. An Erring Christian is a sinner, yet we are all sinners saved by grace.
3. A converted brother is saved from death (not hell). l John 5: 16, If any man see his brother sin a sin which is not unto death, he shall ask, and he shall give him life for them that sin not unto death. There is a sin unto death: I do not say that he shall pray for it. 1 Cor. 11:30, For this cause many are weak and sickly among you, and many sleep. I Cor. 5:5, To deliver such an one unto Satan for the destruction of the flesh, that the spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord Jesus.
4. The hiding of sins. Prov. 10:12, Hatred stirreth up strifes: but love covereth all sins. Psa. 32:1, Blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered.
——by E. L. Bynum
1. What warning is given to the materialistic rich?
2. What happens to their riches?
3. List the three-fold sins of the rich oppressors.
4. What does James say about the Lord's coming?
5. Of what are the prophets an example?
6. How is Job used as an example?
7. What does James say about swearing?
8. What advice did he give to the sick?
9. Give proof that the use of medicine and doctors for healing is not contrary
to the teaching of the Scriptures!
10. Quote the memory verse from memory.
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