Each chapter in the book of James instructs Christians on how to live a godly life. In chapters one, two and three, James gives believers guidance concerning trials and temptations, favoritism, faith and works, taming the tongue and worldly wisdom versus heavenly wisdom. In chapters four and five, James gives believers guidance concerning submission to God and boasting about tomorrow, as well as a warning to the rich, patience in suffering, and the prayer of faith. Throughout this look at the book of James, I have classified this book as “Faith 101” for every follower of Jesus Christ.
When James discussed trials and temptations in chapter one, he told us to “consider it joy,” when we face trials (James 1:2). The testing of our faith, during trials, produces perseverance, spiritual maturity and blessings (James 1:3-4; James 1:12). James warns us about sin (James 1:15), and he reminds us that God is not the one who tempts us (James 1:13). We have to remember that “when you are tempted, he (God) will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it (1 Corinthians 10:13).”
When James discussed favoritism in chapter two, he simply instructed us by saying, “don’t show favoritism (James 2:1). He even called those who show favoritism sinners, because they are breaking the law that God has given us to love our neighbors (James 2:8-9). James goes on to speak about faith and works. “As the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without deeds is dead (James 2:26).” As the body of Christ, we need to put our faith into action.
In chapter three, (one of the most well known chapters in the Bible), James discusses taming the tongue. James calls the tongue “a fire, a world of evil among the parts of the body,” as he describes how the tongue has the ability to corrupt us, as wells as devastate the course of our lives (James 3:6). While “no man can tame the tongue (James 3:8),” we do have the ability to put a tight rein on our tongue (James 1:26), if we use the power of the Holy Spirit, as well as self-control. God is able to help us tame our tongue, and we need to seek Him so that we can allow Him to renew our minds (Romans 12:2).
At the end of chapter three, James discusses the difference between worldly and heavenly wisdom. He explains to us that worldly wisdom is “earthly, unspiritual, of the devil (James 3:15),” and will consist of “bitter envy and selfish ambition (James 3:14).” Heavenly wisdom, however, “is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere (James 3:17).” If we choose to be wise in the way of the Lord, and we choose to be peacemakers who sow in peace, then we will “raise a harvest of righteousness (James 3:18).”
The first thing James talks about in chapter four in submission to God. James asks, “What causes fights and quarrels among you? Don't they come from your desires that battle within you? You want something but don't get it. You kill and covet, but you cannot have what you want. You quarrel and fight. You do not have, because you do not ask God. When you ask, you do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, that you may spend what you get on your pleasures (James 4:1-3).” Every scenario that James describes would seem to come from the lives of those who don’t know God, but that is not the case. James is directing this word towards followers of Christ. If that is surprising to you, then you should consider how many believers in Jesus live like the world and show no difference in their behavior than those who don’t know God. All of us need to make an internal evaluation of ourselves. Are we truly living our lives for Jesus?
James also goes on to say, “Brothers, do not slander one another (James 4:11).” How often do you hear gossip and slander among “Christian’s?” It happens too often. If you’re not willing to discuss your true feelings with a fellow believer concerning them, then you shouldn’t do it behind their back. If you have an issue with a brother or sister in Christ, then you need to be upfront and honest with them and attempt to come to some kind of resolution. Try to see things from their point of view, as well, and remember that whether you choose to confront a fellow believer or not, you don’t have the right to judge them. “There is only one Lawgiver and Judge, the one who is able to save and destroy. But you—who are you to judge your neighbor (James 4:12)?” We need to remain humble and show mercy.
When it comes to submission to God, James teaches us that “friendship with the world is hatred toward God (James 4:4).” “Anyone who chooses to be a friend of the world becomes an enemy of God (James 4:4).” As Christians, we need to humble ourselves before God, because "God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble (James 4:6).” Maybe you are struggling in your life because of alcoholism, impure thoughts, homosexuality, addiction, or an otherwise immoral lifestyle, but you want to follow God and give Him your life. The good news is that while you may have a difficult road to travel, you are not without hope. If you choose to resist your sinful nature, resist the temptation to live in sin, and submit yourself to God, then you can be victorious. “Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Come near to God and he will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded. Grieve, mourn and wail. Change your laughter to mourning and your joy to gloom. Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up (James 4:7-10).”
Chapter four is concluded with a message about tomorrow. “Now listen, you who say, ‘Today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city, spend a year there, carry on business and make money.’ Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes. Instead, you ought to say, ‘If it is the Lord's will, we will live and do this or that.’ As it is, you boast and brag. All such boasting is evil. Anyone, then, who knows the good he ought to do and doesn't do it, sins (James 4:13-17).” Is James inferring that we should never plan for our future? I don’t believe that was his point. The point that James seems to be making is that often times we go about our lives with no thought to what God might want or what He might have planned. Often times, we plan what we want to do and don’t consider God in our planning. There is nothing wrong with working, saving money, buying a home, investing in your children’s college fund, etc., but we need to remember that our lives are fragile and our times are in God’s hands. We need to make the most of our days and think on a deeper level than just making it to the next day, the next event, the next meeting, and so on. We need to value the time that we have on this earth and seek God’s will in all that we do. We need to be like Jesus and go about doing good works. Most of all, we need to remain humble.
James chapter five starts off with a warning to rich oppressors. “Now listen, you rich people, weep and wail because of the misery that is coming upon you. Your wealth has rotted, and moths have eaten your clothes. Your gold and silver are corroded. Their corrosion will testify against you and eat your flesh like fire James 5:1-3).” James is clearly making the statement that material possessions will pass away. The only thing that we can truly hold on to forever is that which is eternal. James is warning the rich of this fact, and he warns them that weeping and wailing will come upon them, because of the oppressive and greedy lives that they have lived. Is James directing this message to all people who have wealth? No, I don’t believe that is the case. If we read further we will see that James is referring to those who have hoarded their wealth and have lived in self-indulgence. This message is directed towards those who oppress others with their wealth and power and who live selfish lives. James says, “You have hoarded wealth in the last days (James 5:3).” “You have lived on earth in luxury and self-indulgence (James 5:5).” We need to remember, “Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows (James 1:17).” When God blesses us we need to give back to Him what He has give to us through tithing, serving and being a blessing to others. We can enjoy the blessings God has given us, but we need to remember that the pleasures of this life are temporary. “Store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal (Matthew 6:20).”
James encourages each of us to “be patient and stand firm, because the Lord's coming is near (James 5:8).” Remember James’ message in chapter one concerning trials? He told us that we would be made mature in our faith and we would be blessed. James reiterates this point in chapter five when he says, “As you know, we consider blessed those who have persevered. You have heard of Job's perseverance and have seen what the Lord finally brought about. The Lord is full of compassion and mercy (James 5:11).”
The book of James is concluded with a special message concerning prayer. James encourages us to pray. He encourages us to pray if we are in trouble (James 5:13), and he encourages us to have the elders of the church pray over us if we are sick (James 5:14). He also reminds us that the prayer “offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise him up. If he has sinned, he will be forgiven (James 5:16).” James urges us to confess our sins to each other and pray for each other so that we may be healed. “The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective (James 5:16).” Prayer is extremely important in the life of every believer. Prayer is the way that we connect to God, talk to God, hear from God, and offer up our praise and worship, as well as our requests to God. When we pray we also have authority to heal the sick, restore our relationships, draw the lost to God, and change our world. Lastly, James brings to mind the responsibility that God has placed on every believer, which is to witness to the lost. “My brothers, if one of you should wander from the truth and someone should bring him back, remember this: Whoever turns a sinner from the error of his way will save him from death and cover over a multitude of sins (James 5:19-20).”
If we need direction and guidance, we can always seek the Lord and His Word, as well as the counsel of other believers. The book of James is just one of the many books of the Bible that gives us clear, godly instruction on how to live our lives for Jesus. If you are in need of prayer, or if you want to receive Jesus Christ as your Savior, then please contact “Soldier of Christ” at SoldierOfChrist_09@yahoo.com
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