James 5:13-16

Passage

If anyone in you suffers misfortune, let them pray.  If anyone is cheerful, let them sing praise.  If anyone in you is sick, let them call the elders of the church and let them make requests to God upon him after anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord.  The pray of faith will save the sick and the Lord will raise him up.  And if he has been committing sin, it will be forgiven to him.  Therefore confess your sins to one another and pray on behalf of one another so that you all should be healed.  A prayer of the righteous accomplishes much while being at work.

Thoughts for Today

First Thought:

James now turns to the power of prayer.  I like to begin the study of this section with James’ conclusion.  The prayer of a righteous person accomplishes much while it is at work.  I agree with the old adage that prayer is both the most neglected and most useful tool that we have.  Prayer is the means of our relationship with God.  Prayer is our ability to get on the same page as God while acknowledging those things in our life that are the most important.

Do you value prayer?  How do you use prayer in your life?

Second Thought:

Let us go back to the beginning of this passage.  James encourages us to pray in misfortune.  He encourages us to sing praise to God when we are cheerful.  He encourages us to gather in prayer over the sick.  James is telling us that any circumstance is an opportunity to come before the Lord.  Whether we are celebrating, worried, ill, or otherwise down we can come into the presence of the Lord.

Do you live as though you can come into the presence of the Lord regardless of your circumstance?  How is this accomplished?  How might this section help increase within us our thankfulness regarding what Jesus has done for us?

Third Thought:

James also speaks about prayer in the midst of community.  James tells us to confess to one another so that we can hold each other up in prayer.  In one sense, James is talking about accountability here.  In another sense, James is talking about communal support.  We can lift one another up in our struggle against our nature both in expectation and encouragement.  We are often most successful in our spiritual walk when we don’t walk alone.

Who is your community?  Do you have anyone with whom you confess?  Who encourages you?

Passage for Tomorrow: James 5:17-18

James 5:9-12

Passage

Brothers and sisters, do not excessively complain against one another in order that you all should not be judged.  Look, the judge has stood at the door.  Brothers and sisters, receive this example of the suffering endurance and patience of the prophets – the ones who spoke in the name of the Lord.  We consider the ones who endured regardless of their circumstances to be blessed.  You all heard about the steadfast endurance of Job and you all saw the fulfillment of the Lord: that the Lord is compassionate and merciful.  Brothers and sisters, above all things do not swear by heaven or by earth or by any other oath.  But let your yes be a yes and your no be a no in order that you all should not fall under judgment. 

Thoughts for Today

First Thought:

This section of James has much to do with judgment.  This really makes sense.  Much of the letter that James has written has to do with submission to God and balancing faith and works.  Thus, it makes sense that James should spend some time focusing on judgment here at the end.  With respect to judgment, James is quick to the point.  The more you complain about the failings of the people around you, the more God is going to look into your life and be critical of your failings.  We will all be judged in the end by God.  Do any of us think for a moment that God doesn’t know what we all do anyway?  If that’s the case, then our complaining to God about something He already knows is really not worth our time.

Why do you like to complain about other people?  Do you believe anyone is perfect?  If it is agreed that nobody is perfect, then what is really the point of complaining about another person?

Second Thought:

James also talks about not swearing by oaths.  He says that your yes and your no should be sufficient.  In other words, live your life by what you say.  If agree to something, let people know it and follow up so that they can trust your word without needing any kind of oath.  After all, if we are in the habit of making promises but not living up to our word, that is one more way we can fall into judgment.

How trustworthy are your words?  Do you think others would agree with you?

Third Thought:

As an example, James lifts up the prophets of the Old Testament.  They endured regardless of the circumstances – and many of them like Job lived in a time where it was difficult to remain steadfast!  Yet, they continued to walk with God in an upright manner even when the world turned against them or turned away from them.  They continued to walk with the Lord because they knew that the Lord is steadfast, merciful, and compassionate.  The Lord’s mercy is greater than the world’s wrath.

How good are you with respecting to trusting in the Lord’s mercy?  How good are you at being satisfied with the Lord’s mercy?

Passage for Tomorrow: James 5:13-15

James 5:7-8

Passage

Therefore be patient, brothers and sisters, until the arrival of the Lord.  Look!  The farmer waits for the precious fruit of the earth while being patient upon it until it receives the fall and spring rains.  You also be patient.  Strengthen your hearts because the coming of the Lord has drawn near.

Thoughts for Today

First Thought:

The elephant in the room with respect to this passage is coming of Christ.  This is the moment to which all of Christ’s followers look.  This is the moment that we believe all will be made right in the world.  No longer will we have to live upside down and balance our faith with life around us.  It is a great day to which we should look forward.  It will be a glorious day when we will truly know completeness as God intended for us to know.

When you think of the return of the Lord, what do you think about?  Is it scary, glorious, wondrous, or some mix of all the above?

Second Thought:

The early Christians anticipated Christ to return in their lifetime.  When that didn’t happen, they became impatient.  They began to focus on things other than Christian faith.  They began to grumble against each other and become irritated at the circumstances of their life as they waited for Christ.  Their impatience with respect to their religious desire ended up causing strife rather than unity of believers.  Therefore James reminds all of his readers to be patient.  God will work as God knows best.  Our job is not to go ahead of God, but to wait and go behind Him.

Have you ever seen things go awry because of spiritual impatience?  Why do you think it is so easy for us as Christians to be impatient – especially as it pertains to God?

Third Thought:

As an example of being patient, James turns to an analogy.  He speaks about the farmer and the harvest.  The farmer knows that the harvest will not come until the autumn and winter rains fall.  Then the plants will grow again in spring.  But there is still the spring rains that will come and help the plants grow into maturity.  After the spring rains comes summer, in which the harvest will also come.  The farmer must be patient.  There is nothing that the farmer can do to hurry along the harvest except to wait for the time to be right.  So it is with us and God as well.

Do you see yourself as one who can patiently wait for the harvest?  Do you see yourself as being willing to let God work while you wait for an opportunity to reap what He has grown?  How is that a very humbling thought?  Why do we like to see ourselves as the movers and shakers and the ones who cause action and not simply the ones who reap what God has moved and shaken into existence?

Passage for Tomorrow: James 5:9-11

James 5:1-6

Passage

Pay attention, now, the ones who are rich.  While making loud cries of sorrow, weep upon the troubles that are coming upon you.  Your wealth has rotted and your clothing has become eaten by moths.  Your gold and your silver have tarnished.  Their oxidation will be a testimony to you and it will consume your flesh as a fire.  Behold, the wages of the workers who cut down the grass of your fields – which have been deprived from them by you – cry out.  And the shouts of the ones who reap the harvest have come into the ear of the Lord of hosts.  You all live upon the earth in a self-indulgent manner and in excess for the satisfaction of your desires.  You all feed your hearts in a day of slaughter.  You all render a verdict of guilt.  You all kill the righteous; he does not oppose you in behavior.

Thoughts for Today

First Thought:

One of the first songs to ever challenge me as I was becoming mature in my faith was a song by DC Talk: “Things of This World.”  This is a very straightforward song about how nothing in this world will last – including us.  The fact that it has a very straightforward beat and a catchy rhythm helps the song get stuck in your head.  DC Talk and James agree on a simple point: nothing in this world will last.  There is nothing in this world that is eternal.  It isn’t the happiest point, but it is true.

What is eternal?  Upon what can you focus that will last?  Why do we focus on fleeting wealth and possessions to occupy us?

Second Thought:

“Their oxidation will be a testimony to you.”  This is a very technical expression, and if we were not talking about gold or silver we might say, “Their rust will be a testimony to you.  In other words, when the things you value get old, lose their sheen, look common, and all-around have less value then you will see how you have been wrong to value them.  James is being incredibly blunt here in these verses.  Anytime something we value grows old, it should be a reminder of how screwed up our value system is!  If I can simply learn to value the things of God rather than the things of the world, I will never have to experience the loss of anything valuable – for the things of God never lose any value.  This is an incredible point of truth for me to hear today.

What do you value in your life that will inevitably lose its value?  What could you value instead?  Will you change your values?

Third Thought:

In the end of this passage, James openly condemns wealth gained through dishonest practices.  If someone does honest work, they deserve the agreed upon wage.  We have no right to live indulgently because we cheat others in order to have an excess.  When we maintain our wealth by cheating others, we are guilty of oppression and perhaps even murder as they starve.  We must be careful, because the cries of such oppressed people will surely reach the ears of God and we will be judged.  I am reminded of the description of the cries of the Hebrew people under the Egyptians just prior to the Exodus.  {That being said, I don’t believe James is condemning wealth gained through legitimate business.  Just to be clear.}

Have you cheated anyone in the past?  Why is it important to repent of that behavior?  Do you think nations are guilty of this as well as individuals?

Passage for Tomorrow: James 5:7-8

James 4:13-17

Passage

Pay attention now, the ones who say, “Today or tomorrow we will travel into such and such a city and spend a year there and we will go into business and make a profit.”  Yet you all do not possess the information about the things of tomorrow: your life.  For you all are a quickly vanishing steam that is seen for only a little time, then after disappearing.  Rather you should say, “If the Lord should desire and we live, then we will do this or that.”  But now, you all boast in your arrogance.  All boasting such as this is evil.  Therefore, while having known to do good and after not doing it, it is evil to him.

Thoughts for Today

First Thought:

Now James shifts to talk about our human ability to make plans.  Before I go too far here, let me stop and draw a distinction between dreaming and setting up plans.  God has made us to be creative people.  He wants us to dream.  God wants us to think ahead embrace a vision.  However, God also desires that when we dream we also check our alignment to Him.  There is nothing wrong with having dreams so long as we remember to only pursue the dreams that are in line with where He is calling.

What dreams do you have in life?  Which of those dreams are aspects of your life that God is leading you towards?  How do you determine the direction towards which God is calling you?

Second Thought:

James tells us rather bluntly that we know very little – especially about the future.  We may know what we would like to see happen, but we truthfully do not know that it will happen.  Quite often, we go through life as though we believe we know the future.  We don’t.  We need to stop living as though we do know the future.  In truth, this also comes back to humbleness and submission.  I am far more likely to submit to a God when I live as though I don’t know what will happen and He does know.  I am far more likely to submit when I confess that only He knows the true path for my life.

What dreams have you had in life that didn’t come true?  How many dreams have come true compared to those that didn’t come true?  What does this tell you about your ability to know the future?  Given that you are where you are, what does this tell you about God’s ability to maneuver you through your dreams?

Third Thought:

James tells us that when we know what to do and we do not do it we are sinning.  Of course we know this to be true.  However, we don’t often think of it with respect to this idea of planning for the future.  We know we are to be humble and submit our life to His will.  But instead we make our own plans; we head out in our own direction.  Rather than acknowledge that it is the Lord who gives us life and direction we live as though we try to do it all for ourselves.

Where do you live more of your life: in your own provision or under God’s provision for you?

Passage for Tomorrow: James 5:1-6

James 4:11-12

Passage

Do not speak evil against one another, brothers and sisters.  The one who speaks evil against his brother or who judges his brother speaks evil of the Law and judges the Law.  And if you judge the Law, then you are not a doer of the Law but a judge.  There is one lawgiver and judge who is powerful enough to save and to destroy.  And are you one who judges the neighbor?

Thoughts for Today

First Thought:

James now talks about those who speak evil against a Christian brother or sister.  Remember what Jesus taught us.  The whole of the Law can be summed up in two statements: Love the Lord your God and love your neighbor as yourself.  When we speak evil about our neighbor, we are essentially saying that we don’t need to obey this Law.  We slander the Law when we speak evilly about others.  We are essentially putting ourselves in a position to believe that we are no longer accountable to God’s ways.  No, the Christian is the one who is obedient to God’s ways.  The Christian is the one who instead of slandering their brother or sister goes to them and tries to help them correct what they may have done wrong.

Why do we often choose to slander those with whom we disagree?  Why is it easier to speak criticism in an evil tone that in a constructive tone?

Second Thought:

James makes a clear distinction between judge over the Law and doer of the Law.  One tries to sit above the Law and pick and choose what is right.  The other sits under the Law and tries to do what is right.  The ones who try to stand over the Law feel no need to live according to it.  {That wasn’t meant as a critique on our national government, but if the shoe fits…}  James is arguing that the better place for us is to be under the Law – in terms of deed, not salvation, of course.  In terms of our thoughts and deeds, we need that structure and framework around us to help us choose godliness and righteousness.

What happens to people when they judge the Law and put themselves outside of the Law?  Where in your life could you use a little more of the structure that comes through God’s ways?

Third Thought:

James makes a quick and blunt point here in the end of these verses.  There is one person who is powerful to be both the lawgiver and the one who judges the Law.  That same person is also the only one who is powerful enough to save and destroy.  Now comes the blunt part.  If you are not even capable of judging your neighbor, how can you –or I – ever hope to stand in a position of judgment over the Law?  The truth is that if we cannot even accurately judge someone we should know, how can we possibly judge the Law or all those under the Law?  We can’t.  We need to learn our place.  It is not our place to judge the Law – or our neighbor.  It is our place to submit to God’s ways and do them.

Have you ever tried to judge the Law?  Why do we try and judge what God has placed around us?

Passage for Tomorrow: James 4:13-17

James 4:7-10

Passage

Therefore submit to God.  Resist the Devil by actively applying opposing pressure and he will flee from you.  Draw near to God and He will draw near to you.  Cleanse your hands, sinners.  Morally purify your heart, those who are uncertain of truth.  Lament, grieve, and weep.  Transform your laughter into mourning and your joy into dejection.  Be humble before the Lord and He will give a high position to you.

Thoughts for Today

First Thought:

 Resist the Devil and he will flee from you.  This is often quoted.  But I’d like to talk about this word “resist.”  Etymologically, the word is a combination of the Greek prefix “anti-” and the Greek word “histemi,” which means “to set upon” or “to place upon.”  I think you can see here why we translate this word as “to resist.”  I think that’s a great translation.  But the question is, what does it mean to resist?  Steel armor resists a bullet.  A dive suit resists the influence of water.  But that isn’t the kind of resisting of which this word is speaks.  This word uses the prefix “anti-” which brings about the idea of active opposition rather than passive resistance.  This word is about resisting through an opposing force rather than an inner strength.  Have you ever seen a “fireman’s tug-of-war?”  You get two fire trucks about 50 feet apart.  You extend their ladders up and tie a rope between them and then suspend a beach ball below that rope.  The fire trucks have to use the spray from the hoses to move the beach ball towards the other truck.  That’s the kind of resistance about which James is speaking.  Rather than thinking about resistance in the form of an inner strength like armor, we are rather to think of our resistance as being done through applying a greater opposing force than the incoming force.  God has called us into action against the Devil, not simply into endurance of the Devil’s siege upon our life.

In this light, how do you resist the Devil?  In what ways are you actively working against what the Devil is doing in your life?  Why might it actually to be easier to resist when we are actively opposing instead of just enduring through inner strength?

Second Thought:

Most of this passage falls under the umbrella of submitting to God.  As you have no doubt heard, this is an important topic in the book of James.  As we submit and drawn near to God, He draws near to us.  We who are uncertain can find purity.  We who are sinful can find catharsis.  We often tell God that we will submit after He has demonstrated His ability to bring peace in our life and purify us.  In truth, we can see that peace, purity, and catharsis often best come after we submit to Him.

Why is it human nature to want to submit only after we see that God has upheld His end of the bargain?  How might we then tie submission to trust, especially with what James says here?

Third Thought:

The middle part about turning joy into dejection and laughter into mourning can be confusing.  James is not talking about denying ourselves pleasure.  Nor is James saying that we have to hate life and walk around with a grumpy chip on our shoulder.  Rather, James is calling for a sober perspective to life.  James is saying that we should not rejoice in the things in which the world rejoices.  We should not laugh when the world laughs.  When we come to God, our perspective should change.  That which most people in the world find humorous should now likely only become evidence of the fallen nature of the human being.

What did you once enjoy but in submission to God you are finding out that you really don’t enjoy it as much anymore?  Have you found new joy in God about things that you never would have celebrated prior to submission to God?

Fourth Thought:

I have never before read verse 10 the way that I read it today.  I’m sure you’ve heard those preachers out there who proclaim the self-fulfilling Gospel.  Things such as, “God wants you to be successful, so just believe in yourself and you can do it!”  Or perhaps you’ve heard, “You may think there is a lot wrong with you, but there is also a lot right with you.”  There are a few famous public preachers who have made an incredible living on that style of preaching.  Yet when I read James 4:10 I hear something that is important when remembering statements like these.  My job is to be humble before God.  God’s job is to lift me up.  There is nothing wrong with having a good self-esteem; we are children of God and that alone should give us reason to love what God has Himself created.  But we must remember that I am not to love who I am but rather what God has created in me.  The emphasis is on God’s action, not my being.

Do you find it easy to be humble before God and love His hand at work in you more than you love yourself?  Why is it more difficult to love something outside of ourselves than it is to love ourselves?

Passage for Tomorrow: James 4:11-12

James 4:4-6

Passage

Adulterous people!  Have you not known that the affection of the world is enmity of God?  Therefore, whoever should desire to be an object of the affection of the world is being made an enemy of God!  Or do you presume that the scriptures speak in vain?  Out of jealousy the Spirit longs for that which dwelt in you!  But He gives great grace.  Therefore, it says, “God opposes the haughty but He gives grave to those in low status.”

Thoughts for Today

First Thought:

The affection of the world is enmity of God.  I can’t help but think of social media at this moment.  What is the point of social media if not to give people the illusion that their pictures, thoughts, and activities are deserving of the affections of the world?  I can’t help but wonder if every time we post a picture, thought or activity for the purpose of getting “likes” if we are not drawing the enmity of God!  But this actually makes sense.  James has been weaving the concept of self-centeredness throughout this whole letter.  The more self-centered we are – the more we desire the affection of the world by drawing the attention of the world to ourselves – the less we draw close to God in submission.

Do you strive for the affection of the world?  In what ways?  Where is your life about you, your achievements, and your glory?  Do you strive for the affection of God?  In what ways?  Where is your life about God, God’s achievements, and God’s glory? 

Second Thought:

Out of jealousy God desires that which dwelt in you.  Even as I chase after the things of the world, God jealously desires that I would chase after Him.  This is an important understanding.  When I chase after the world, God would have every right to turn away and let me go.  But God does not.  God jealously desires for me to be chasing after Him even as I turn and reject Him.  He is an incredibly forgiving God!

Why is it important to remember His jealousy in the midst of our rebellion?  What should be the fruit of His jealousy?  What is the hopeful goal of His jealousy for us?

Third Thought:

James is once more building to the topic of submission as we shall see tomorrow.  He ends with a powerful reminder about God’s hand.  He opposes the haughty.  He gives grace to those in low status.  In other words, if we think more highly of ourselves than we ought, we are asking God to oppose us.  That’s pretty profound for the Christian.  What Christian among us would readily invite God’s opposition?  Yet how many among us think more highly of ourselves than we ought?  There is a disconnect of thought in modern Christians in the western world indeed!

In what areas do you think more highly of yourself than you should?  In what areas of your life do you encounter the most opposition?  Are there any connections there?  Do you have any areas where you are particularly humble and submitted to God?  How much opposition do you receive in those areas?

Passage for Tomorrow: James 4:7-10

James 4:1-3

Passage

From what source are the serious conflicts and bitter clashes in you?  Is it not from this – out of your physical pleasures that are engaging in warfare in your members?  You all lust and do not have.  You murder and covet and are not powerful enough to acquire what you seek.  You clash bitterly and conflict seriously.  You do not have because you do not ask.  You all ask and do not receive because you ask wickedly in order that you all should spend in your physical pleasures.

Thoughts for Today

First Thought:

Unfortunately, I think as James writes this letter he is writing to more churches throughout time than would care to admit it.  Sure, James is writing this to an intended audience, but I think there is truth in the situation to which James speaks in every church that has existed.  Are there not bitter clashes in every church?  Is there not serious conflict in every church?  Does not every church have the person or two that everyone knows will object to any idea that isn’t their own?

What does this say about the power of scripture if the problem that James is addressing here is likewise in most congregations across the world?  What does it say about humanity that even churches have conflict?

Second Thought:

James makes the case that ultimately our internal conflict comes out of our personal desires.  We want; we fight for what we want.  When someone comes along and wants something else, we fight even harder against the person whose desire conflicts with our own.  We see what others get and believe we should have the same.  Yet when we have more than others we are loathe to share.  We are willing to take and receive from others, yet we will protect and guard what is ours so that we don’t lose anything.  It is sad to say, but often these kinds of conflicts feel like war – even within the church!  As James says in the end, we do not have because we would simply spend what God would give to us on our own physical pleasures!

Why are we as human beings so focused on what our eyes covet and our minds conceive?  Why does this inherently set us up for conflict within our communities – even communities of faith?

Third Thought:

This topic is a natural extension from the last few days of study.  It really all begins with ourselves and how much we make life about ourselves.  So often conflicts among us happen because we don’t take time to discern God’s will and instead simply fight for that which makes the most sense from our own perspective.  This is a great time to pause and recap some of the lessons that we’ve learned in James.  Our tongue is a deadly weapon.  Listening may be one of the most important skills in life and in leadership.  Pausing to discern and listen to God is vitally important.  We must learn to treat people based on their inward character rather than on their outward appearances.  All of these lessons speak to this issue we find here in the closing chapter of James.  In summary, it really is all about humble submission.  Humble submission leads us to set our agenda aside, to listen to God, to listen to one another, and to move forward according to God’s will.

How do these verses help you understand why submission is such an important part of the Christian church?  Why is submission an important concept in culture in general?  Do you think the culture in which you live has a problem with submission?  Does the culture in which you live have a problem with conflict as James seems to be describing in this chapter?

Passage for Tomorrow: James 4:4-6

James 3:16-18

Passage

For where there is jealousy and selfish ambition, there is defiance of authority and every deed or moral baseness.  But the wisdom from above is on one hand first pure and then peaceful, forbearing, obedient, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and genuine.  And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace by the ones who make peace.

Thoughts for Today

First Thought:

Today we finish speaking about jealousy and selfish ambition.  James is quite clear in these verses.  Where there is jealousy and selfish ambition there is defiance of authority and deeds of a morally base character.  These things go hand in hand.  When we put ourselves first, we will defy authority to get what we want.  When we think of ourselves first, we will act so that we can get what we desire.  Evilness begins in the heart.  Evil begins when I think about myself first.

Why is it our nature to think of ourselves first?  Why are we inherently more interested in getting our own way than helping our neighbor?  Do you think this is truer in the present than when you were younger?  Why or why not?  Have you ever thought about the fact that evil begins when you think about yourself ahead of others?

Second Thought:

James then shows us the opposite.  James shows us what can happen when we follow God and no longer put ourselves first.  We become pure.  We become willing to forbear.  We are peaceful.  We are obedient.  We are merciful.  We produce good fruit.  We become impartial.  We become genuine.  All of these things begin with being willing to remove ourselves from the center and no longer bowing to jealousy and selfish ambition.

Is there a reward for following God’s ways?  Do you see this list of attributes as a reward?  Have you ever wanted more of these characteristics in your life?  Does it make sense that these characteristics come to those who are humble and obediently submissive before God?

Third Thought:

Then James drives home his point.  The fruit of righteousness is sown by those who are actively engaged in peace.  If you want to be righteous, life must be about someone other than you.  If you want to be about peace, life must be about something other than you.  It’s really not that complex to understand.  But it is complex to do.  It is also quite complex to buy into this idea.

Why is it hard to make life about something besides yourself?  If this is true, might it explain why there is so little peace in the world?

Passage for Tomorrow: James 4:1-3

James 3:13-15

Passage

Who is wise and understanding in you?  Let him make known his works out of good conduct in obedient submission of wisdom.  And if you all have bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast and do not speak lies according to the truth.  This is not the wisdom that comes down from above but it is human, natural, and demonic.

Thoughts for Today

First Thought:

Once more we see in James the use of a word etymologically tied to “praus.”  The word is the same as we saw in James 1:21 and you can see a discussion on this word there.  James is telling us that those who are wise do what they do in obedient submission to wisdom.  In a roundabout way, James is saying that wisdom comes from saying that it is not about me.  I should desire to have good conduct for the sake of obedience rather than praise or glory.  I should be obedient because of the one who asks it of me rather than for my praise.

Do you have good conduct because of obedient submission?  What other reasons do you do the right thing?  If you do something right for the wrong reasons, is it still right?

Second Thought:

James now turns to talk about how human beings harbor bitter jealousy and selfish ambition within our hearts.  I’ll get to our nature in the next point.  But for now, understand that James tells us that we should not boast or speak lies.  We will have bitterness in our hearts.  We will have selfish ambition.  We cannot prevent it from being there, but we can control how we respond to it.  We can harbor it, brag on it, and lie about how great we are.  Or we can obediently submit to God and live out the truth that it really isn’t about me.

We do we harbor jealousy within our hearts?  Why are we selfishly ambitious in asserting our own plans?  Do you ever find yourself desiring to seek your desires more than God’s will?

Third Thought:

Now let’s look at why James tells us that we have bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in our heart.  He gives us three words.  It is human.  In other words, it is a part of our being.  It is natural.  In other words, it is a part of this world.  It is demonic.  This one hopefully gave you pause.  What James is saying here is that it is foreign to God.  Here we have a gut-check moment.  Literally, what James is saying is that when we pursue our own selfish ambition – when we make life about me and not about God – we are being demonic and alien to God.  There is no lasting joy, peace, or satisfaction when we harbor our bitter jealousy or our selfish ambition.  There is only lasting joy, peace, and satisfaction when we assert God’s ambition and obediently submit to Him.

Why do you think we again talk about submission?  What is it about humanity that makes this such an important concept?  Have you ever thought of jealousy as being in opposition to submission?  Have you ever considered how selfish ambition can be in opposition to ambition?

Passage for Tomorrow: James 3:16-18

James 3:9-12

Passage

In our tongue we all bless the Lord and Father; in it we all curse human beings, who are made in the likeness of God.  Out of the same mouth comes a blessing and a curse.  It ought not be, my brothers and sisters, for these things to be happening.  Does a spring pour out of the same opening fresh and bitter water?  My brothers and sisters, can a fig tree bear olives or a grapevine bear figs?  Neither can salty water make fresh water. 

Thoughts for Today

First Thought:

James gives us another blunt challenge.  Realize that it is with the same tongue that we both praise God and curse our neighbors.  I think this once more points us back to the importance of listening.  If I am focused on keeping my mouth closed to everything that doesn’t come from God, then the curses won’t come out.  Granted, they may still appear in my brain – but at least they won’t come out!  So the less I speak about my thoughts and focus on speaking only the thoughts of God, the less guilty I will be of using my tongue for both good and ill purpose!  Listening not only makes us a better instrument in the hand of God, it also makes us guilty of fewer sinful behaviors!

Why do we say foolish things so rashly?  Why does it seem that so many people have problems with filtering what thoughts they should make public and what thoughts should remain inside their head and disappear?  Why do we have such difficulty being convicted by the fact that when I speak harshly about someone else I’m using the same organ of the body that I use to praise God?  Why is this conviction important to realize?

Second Thought:

James also makes a very subtle point as he speaks of others.  God has made us in His own image.  When we insult others, we are inherently insulting the image of God.  When we look upon others and fail to see beauty, we are failing to see God’s beauty.  This is why it is important for us as people to truly learn what it means to love the sinner, but hate the sin.  In order to truly love God, I must love people – for they are made in the image of God.  I need not love the sinful corruption they bring to life, but I must love them.

Does this thought convict you?  In whom do you have a difficult time seeing God’s image?  Why might God be bringing that person (or those people) to your mind today?

Third Thought:

James also gets us to think about the nature of things.  Salty water cannot produce fresh water, nor can it produce effects within us that fresh water can produce.  A fig tree cannot bear anything except figs.  Therefore, the Spirit of God within us cannot produce anything that is not pleasing to God.  Every time we sin, it is evidence of the war within.  Every time we give harbor to an evil thought it is evidence of the war within.  Every time an evil thought produces evil words – or, for that matter, evil action – it is proof of the war within.  It is a war that shall be fought every minute of every day of your life.  It will be that way because there is a war over your very nature being fought deep within you.  God is at war with Satan.  God is at war with the world.  The battlefield is your body and your spirit.  The dual nature of our tongue is the greatest evidence of the war within us that we could ever seek to find.

Which nature do you favor – the world’s or the Lord’s?  Which nature do you make easier to dwell within you?  Why do you make this claim?

Passage for Tomorrow: James 3:13-15

James 3:5-8

Passage

Behold how small of a fire can ignite how great a forest!  And the tongue is a fire.  The tongue brings about a world of unrighteousness in our members – that which defiles the whole body and that which sets ablaze the series of events in our existence and that which is being set ablaze by hell.  For every species of wild animal – and even the birds, reptiles, and sea creatures – is being brought under control and has been brought under control by the species of mankind.  But mankind is not powerful enough to bring the tongue under control.  It is an unstable evil, full of deadly poison.

Thoughts for Today

First Thought:

James continues to speak poorly of the tongue.  He calls it a fire – setting ablaze our entire lives!  I find that there is much truth to this as I grow older.  When I was young, I thought I had all the answers.  I believed that if I just talked long enough then I could change the world.  As I grow older, I realize that it is not my talking that will make a difference but my listening.  Timely words are likely to build up; untimely words are likely to set things in our life ablaze.  I need to bridle my tongue long enough to actually listen to the people around me before I can ever know what is right to say!

How does your tongue set things ablaze in your life?  How do you know when you have said too much?  How can you learn to speak only what you are called to speak so that you can minimize the fires started in your life?

Second Thought:

James also speaks of the tongue as an unstable evil, full of poison.  I think this instability is really one of the most dangerous aspects of our tongues.  So often I find myself speaking before I’ve thought – and to be honest I can’t trust my tongue’s filter!  The tongue doesn’t know what should and shouldn’t be said!  The tongue thinks everything should be said!  So I find myself giving praise to one person with the tongue and then turning around and cutting someone else down with the same tongue.  It cannot be trusted to say the right thing on its own.  It needs to be controlled and filtered lest its poison leach out into other areas of life.

Have you ever had a moment where you were speaking good words and then almost as if someone flipped a switch you were speaking poisonous words?  How does that feel knowing that both extremes come from the same place?  Why does this make the tongue so dangerous?  Why does this make the tongue unstable?

Third Thought:

James also gives us another interesting comparison.  James says that we as human beings have the ability to domesticate and train all kinds of animals – even animals that are unlike us in many ways.  Yet we cannot tame our own tongues.  It is interesting how little humanity has changed in 2,000 years!  We are still domesticating animals with relative ease and our tongues seem like they are getting even less domesticated by the year!  The times may change, the technology may certainly change.  But the human has not.  Our tongues are just as unyielding to our power as ever.

Why can’t we control our tongues?  Why do you think humanity has always struggled with controlling what we say?

Passage for Tomorrow: James 3:9-12

James 3:1-5

Passage

Many do not become teachers, my brothers and sisters, after having known that we will receive judgment to a greater degree.  For we all stumble in many ways.  If someone does not stumble in words, this complete man is powerful to hold in check even the whole body.  And if we put bits into the mouths of horses in order that they obey us, we also guide their whole bodies.  Look also at ships.  While being great and while being moved by the force of strong winds, it is being guided by a very small rudder wherever the impulse of the one who steers desires.  Thus also the tongue is a small member yet it boasts greatly.

Thoughts for Today

First Thought:

Before getting to the tongue, James gives us a very deep thought about teachers in the church.  Many do not become teachers because they know of the greater judgment that will come.  After all, the one who teaches is responsible not just for their own understanding but also for ensuring that all others who are put under their authority are in a place where they can learn.  Many people fail because they teach before they are ready.  Others fail because they set too low of a bar for their students.  Others fail because they set a high bar and are not there to encourage their pupils.  There are many ways that a teacher can fail at their task.  Teaching and leading others in the faith is a daunting task that should not be taken lightly.  In fact, in the New Testament teachers are often held with prophets and apostles as the core of what Christ is doing.

Have you ever been afraid to teach?  Why?  Have you ever been called to teach?  What must a person do before they can teach?  How do you think reacts to a person who has been called to teach yet does not?

Second Thought:

James now turns us to the topic of the tongue.  The tongue is one of the greatest tools of the teacher – and the prophet and evangelist for that record.  Yet the tongue is also one of the greatest places where people fail.  James says bluntly that if a person is powerful enough to hold their tongue in check then they can also hold their body in check.  We should note that James is not asserting that such a perfect man exists.  Rather, James is making a case for understanding the importance of the tongue.  So many people worry about the sin they do; James is equally worried about the sin he speaks.

When has your tongue betrayed you and led you into sin?  What is the easiest way for you to keep your tongue from sinning?  How can we relate this passage to listening before we speak?

Third Thought:

The tongue is small, but it is perhaps the greatest weapon we have against other people.  It is also the greatest tool we have in working with people.  Many a kind word has united former foes; many an ill word has driven apart former allies.  The tongue is so small; yet like the mouths of horses and the rudders on a ship it is our mouth that often sets our course.  How many times have I seen someone do something stupid as a result of something equally stupid that they said beforehand!  So often we underestimate the power that our tongues contain.  So often we would be better holding back that power and only using it when sure of the call to use it.

Why do you think we underestimate the power of our words?  From this perspective, do you agree with the assertion that “talk is cheap?”  In what way is talk very costly?

Passage for Tomorrow: James 3:5-8

James 2:25-26

Passage

And likewise was not even Rahab the prostitute being declared righteous out of works after receiving the messengers and after sending them out along a different way?  For just as a body without a spirit is dead, in the same way even faith apart from works is dead.

Thoughts for Today

First Thought:

Once more James gives an example of a figure from the Old Testament whose actions proved their faith: Rahab.  Rahab was the person in Jericho who received the spies sent in by Joshua when the Hebrew people were taking the Promised Land.  Rahab received them, spared them from being discovered, and then showed them a way to escape.  As a result, her family was saved from destruction when the Hebrew people took the city.  James’ point is that had Rahab not put her faith into practice, she would have been cut down with the rest of the people in Jericho.

Have you ever thought about this story in these terms before?  What would have happened to Rahab’s family had she not acted out of her faith?  What can this teach us about the importance of acting out upon our faith?

Second Thought:

James concludes this chapter with a two-pronged analogy.  The first prong is a reminder that a body without a spirit is dead.  I’m sure we’ve all been there before.  We go through the motions of life but without any particular agenda or purpose or meaning.  We simply get up, do what needs to be done, and go to sleep only to do it all the same the next day.  Yes, things happen, but it isn’t what we call truly living.  Without a spirit, the body is just going through the motions.

Think back to one of those times in life that you are just going through the motions.  How did it feel?  How did you work yourself out of that time?

Third Thought:

In the same way, James talks about faith and works.  Without a purpose, faith is dead.  Without a focus, faith has no meaning.  If faith doesn’t ever do anything, then it has no value.  Simply believing in God for sake of believing in God is not what God truly calls us to be about.

How do you feel about the way you act upon your faith?  Where do you succeed and demonstrate life?  Where do you fail and demonstrate a lack of purpose?  How can you improve in demonstrating your faith to others through your actions?

Passage for Tomorrow: James 3:1-5