Submission 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.
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James 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.
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At 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.
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The 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.
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This 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.
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In 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.
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While Psalm 77 may not be the most common Scriptural reference of encouragement for one who is mourning the loss of a loved one, there is incredible perspective available that the psalmist conveys concerning the emotional roller coaster a mourner endures.
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James 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?
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James 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!
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James 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?
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As 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.
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One 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.
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There 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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The common belief in secular culture is that we who are "saved by grace" Christ-followers (Ephesians 2:8-9) take the Bible very seriously. We are identified most notably to the public by one man (Jesus) and one book (the Bible), yet our unity and beliefs are severely questioned by skeptics. Why? James answers this question pointedly.
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Partiality within the body of Christ is intolerable, but what is even more concerning is the level of self-protection that fuels partiality. Self-protection is self-serving and caters to its own desires. It manipulates its environment in order to ensure that self is deemed most important, even if that requires making decisions that include showing favoritism.
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There are those who are financially poor, others that are spiritually poor, and still others that are relationally poor. Yet I wonder how we personally view those who are poor in all facets of the word? Do we distance ourselves or draw near? Do we regard them more or less? Or do we place different stigmas, assumptions or expectations on people who are financially poor more so than spiritually poor?
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There is an epidemic in the body of Christ (this side of heaven) called partiality. It is not a term used often because it is justified as an issue of preference rather than prejudice, but it is easily identified in the over-saturation of church buildings and denominations across the United States.
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There is constant friction between the flesh and the Holy Spirit that dwells in the hearts of those who have accepted Christ as personal Savior. The flesh seeks personal satisfaction above all else and will stop at nothing to gain whatever pleases its desires, while the Holy Spirit purposes the sovereign will of God that does not conform to man but convicts and holds man accountable to the standard of Scripture.
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False perception is an epidemic in the church. It lives in the heart of man and manifests itself through masks we wear publicly, thriving within the crucible of religion. It is deceiving because others get a false sense that we are more righteous than we truly are, while we convince ourselves internally that marginal application of Scripture is acceptable behavior.
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This entire section on hearing and doing culminates with a call to persevere. It began with a warning on self-deception followed by an example that we could easily relate to, and now finishes with a vision of reward to those who apply the Word. James affirms us that God's Law, His Word, is perfect.
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