The line of distinction between flesh and spirit is at times difficult to comprehend both in our personal lives and in how we interact with other Christians and non-believers. James understood this dilemma though, which is why he so vehemently called out the hypocrisy he saw all around him.
Read MoreOne of the greatest mysteries of life surrounds the intentions of the heart. They are difficult to discern externally because they are a spiritual issue in purest form, and one that shapes the trajectory of our lives far more than we realize. Our intentions reveal a deeper discussion of spiritual identity and to whom we serve: God or self.
Read MoreThere is an interesting dynamic between wants and needs. Wants convey desires that originate in the flesh with an insatiable appetite for more. Needs are constituted by those things essential for survival. It is common for all of us to shift wants into the category of needs.
Read MoreWe focus ridiculous amounts of time and energy debating preaching styles, song choices and dress codes for Sunday worship that are not doctrinal issues of great concern, while Biblical counseling, mentoring and discipleship, and caring for the homeless, widows and orphans (to name a few) are treated as peripheral areas of concern that are not as important in comparison.
Read MoreWisdom requires belief in its source. And without saving faith, the wisdom of God is void of meaning. Wisdom forces us to reconcile what we believe about divine revelation and the inerrant entirety of Scripture. It also magnifies to what degree we submit to the authority of Christ, obey and apply the teachings of Scripture, rely on the convicting promptings of the Holy Spirit, and surrender our personal will.
Read MoreA common practice of defining a topic or subject is to examine its complete antithesis. James uses this strategy to perfection in this passage by defining what wisdom is not, in order to magnify how precious true wisdom from heaven is.
Read MoreAs we studied previously in chapter 1, James admonishes his brotherhood of believers that if anyone lacks wisdom they should ask God for it, and He will grant that request without reproach. But that request must be asked in faith to avoid doubt that undermines who we believe God to be.
Read MoreConsistency is one of the hardest spiritual disciplines to learn, because our flesh is constantly at war with the Spirit who dwells within us. The flesh seeks to please self often at the expense of others, which explains why cursing comes so naturally. Our ancestry also plays a role as we are descendants of Adam, prone to sin at will.
Read MoreSubmission is a topic most commonly referred to within the context of marriage, but James expands how we typically view submission by relating it to our tongue and its correlation to our personal will.
Read MoreJames continues his exposition on taming the tongue by speaking candidly regarding the pure evil it contains. He does not shy away in the slightest, using strong language and claiming it is set on fire by hell. Yet I wonder what our immediate reaction is when we read this verse.
Read MoreAt times, the Bible can be difficult to understand when we are presented with religious terminology, challenging concepts, and cultural differences. In those instances, practical examples and imagery play a vital role in unpacking theological truth that aids our spiritual growth and application of Scripture. In these verses, James uses a horse and ship to illustrate the importance of self-control as it relates to our tongue.
Read MoreThe third chapter of James begins with a 12-verse emphasis on taming the tongue. As we previously learned in verse 1, pastoral teachers (and we as well) are held to a higher standard of judgment because of the responsibility that comes with conveying (via our words) and representing (via our actions) the authority of God's Word.
Read MoreThis is an interesting passage. At first glance it would appear James is discouraging his brethren rather than encouraging, but nothing could be further from the truth. James is a shepherd tending to his flock of faithful brothers in Christ by looking out not only for their best interest, but that of the body of Christ as a whole.
Read MoreIn our final installment of the faith/works discussion, James offers two Old Testament examples of works that provide evidence of faith. He could not have picked more polar opposite characters to reference, but that also should provide great encouragement to us as we reflect upon our own lives.
Read MoreJames continues his exposition of the faith/works debate by isolating the merit of faith without works. Are works needed to prove faith? Can works justify a man without faith? Is faith alone what distinguishes a Christian?
Read MoreJames continues his discussion of the faith/works relationship with an example to illustrate his point. He magnifies the empty promises we make when we half-heartily apply Scripture, for what good is it to wish someone well but not practically help to fill a need? In other words, talk is cheap without backing it up with action!
Read MoreJames begins a new initiative beginning in verse 14 that touches upon salvation and the relationship between faith and works. Specifically, James addresses one question in particular: How can you tell if a person is truly saved when he/she professes to be a Christian?
Read MoreAs we have learned studying James, faith application of God's Word is paramount in producing fruit that publicly testifies to our identity in Christ. It defines who we are and points to God as the motivation for our behavior. Our application of Scripture cannot be emphasized enough in its importance to the survival of true, Biblical Christianity, but it must glorify God and not self.
Read MoreOne of the greatest misconceptions concerning the Bible according to skeptics is that it limits free will. Moreover, proponents believe it is culturally irrelevant, narrow-minded, judgmental and restricting of all life has to offer. They view it metaphorically as a ball and chain, shackling us to standards that are archaic and not applicable to today's society.
Read MoreThere is an ongoing spiritual battle between our flesh and the Spirit of the living God that dwells in the heart of every saved human being. This battle is extremely discreet, yet it has devastating effects that are glaring in the body of Christ. The battle exists on various levels, but two in particular warrant attention: hierarchies of sin and minimization.
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