Archives for September 2022

Good morning,

This week we continue our study of the book of James.

Chapter three explains the dangers of the tongue and earthly and heavenly wisdom.

The Jewish believers in James’s day were being persecuted. They had been driven out of Jerusalem and were scattered abroad. James encourages those scattered Jewish believers on how to conduct themselves during this time.

James 3

Heavenly wisdom v 17-18

“But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be intreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy. ¹⁸ And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace of them that make peace.”

Heavenly wisdom comes from the Bible. It must be taught with the knowledge of the text. Historical background. Within the context of the passage.

“We have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts: ²⁰ Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation.²¹ For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.” (2 Peter 1:19-21)

Our challenge is to read, study, correctly interpret, and then share what we have studied with others. It does not have to be a Bible study or even a presentation, but what God has shown you. Share it with others.

CONCLUSION

Be careful what you say

Use your speech for good not evil

Be a wise person who exhibits Heavenly wisdom

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001 chaplain@alaskaseniors.com

Good morning,

This week we continue our study of the book of James.

Chapter three explains the dangers of the tongue and earthly and heavenly wisdom.

The Jewish believers in James’s day were being persecuted. They had been driven out of Jerusalem and were scattered abroad. James encourages those scattered Jewish believers on how to conduct themselves during this time.

James 3

2. Earthly wisdom and Heavenly wisdom v 13-18

Earthly wisdom v 13-16

“Who is a wise man and endued with knowledge among you? let him shew out of a good conversation his works with meekness of wisdom. ¹⁴ But if ye have bitter envying and strife in your hearts, glory not, and lie not against the truth. ¹⁵ This wisdom descendeth not from above, but is earthly, sensual, and devilish. ¹⁶ For where envying and strife is, there is confusion and every evil work.”

Teachers must not use the wisdom of this world. Earthly wisdom is characterized by worldly wisdom, bitter envying, strife, lying, sensual, and devilish. It does not lift up God or the things of the Bible.

“Let no man deceive himself. If any man among you seemeth to be wise in this world, let him become a fool, that he may be wise.¹⁹ For the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God. For it is written, He taketh the wise in their own craftiness.²⁰ And again, The Lord knoweth the thoughts of the wise, that they are vain.”  (1 Corinthians 3:18-20)

When we see this kind of teaching, we should avoid it at all costs. It will drive us away from God and toward the things of Satan.

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001 chaplain@alaskaseniors.com

THE TONGUE

And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity: so is the tongue among our members, that it defileth the whole body, and setteth on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire of hell. (James 3:6)

INTRODUCTION

The tongue can be a blessing and a curse.

James 3

1. Dangers of the tongue v 1-12

Masters (teachers) receive a stricter judgment v 1-2

“My brethren, be not many masters, knowing that we shall receive the greater condemnation. ² For in many things we offend all. If any man offend not in word, the same is a perfect man, and able also to bridle the whole body.”

James does not encourage many to become teachers of God’s word. The teacher must be called by God, submissive to the call, willing to teach what God wants, and do it correctly. If not, these teachers will receive a greater judgement. “Of these things put them in remembrance, charging them before the Lord that they strive not about words to no profit, but to the subverting of the hearers.¹⁵ Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.¹⁶ But shun profane and vain babblings: for they will increase unto more ungodliness.” (2Timothy 2:14-16)

Control your tongue and you will control your whole body v 3-5

“Behold, we put bits in the horses’ mouths, that they may obey us; and we turn about their whole body.⁴ Behold also the ships, which though they be so great, and are driven of fierce winds, yet are they turned about with a very small helm, whithersoever the governor listeth.⁵ Even so the tongue is a little member, and boasteth great things. Behold, how great a matter a little fire kindleth!”

James now illustrates small things that have a great impact.

A horse is a wild animal. Without the bit in the horse’s mouth, the horse will run free. The bit allows the rider to control the horse.

A ship left to itself will go wherever the wind and sea takes it. The rudder, managed by the pilot, directs the ship.

The tongue is compared to a fire consuming a forest. However, there is nothing mentioned about controlling the tongue.

James is warning those who want to be teachers to consider that they will receive harsher judgement from God for teaching false doctrine. Then he challenges his hearers to consider small things that have great impacts.

The last of these is the tongue.

The application for us is to proclaim God’s word correctly. Remembering that what we say has consequences. Our words can be a hindrance or help for the cause of Christ.

What will our words do?

The uncontrolled tongue is destructive v 6-12

“And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity: so is the tongue among our members, that it defileth the whole body, and setteth on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire of hell. ⁷ For every kind of beasts, and of birds, and of serpents, and of things in the sea, is tamed, and hath been tamed of mankind: ⁸ But the tongue can no man tame; it is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison. ⁹ Therewith bless we God, even the Father; and therewith curse we men, which are made after the similitude of God. ¹⁰ Out of the same mouth proceedeth blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not so to be. ¹¹ Doth a fountain send forth at the same place sweet water and bitter? ¹² Can the fig tree, my brethren, bear olive berries? either a vine, figs? so can no fountain both yield salt water and fresh.”

James tells us that the tongue defiles the whole body. He explains that all other living creatures can be tamed by man. The tongue can no man tame. The tongue is unruly and full of deadly poison.

With the tongue, we bless God and curse man. “Out of the same mouth proceedeth blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not so to be.” (10) James challenges his hearers to speak blessings, not cursings.

What can we learn from this?

Do not speak impulsively. Wait, consider, think, control, what we say. When we say it, it cannot be retrieved! We want what we say to bless others, not to hurt them. By the way, that is what we want others to do to us.

“Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath: ²⁰ For the wrath of man worketh not the righteousness of God.” (James 1:19-20)

Is our speech blessing others? Are we an encouragement? Does our speech focus on Godly things, as opposed to the things of this world?

2. Earthly wisdom and Heavenly wisdom v 13-18

Earthly wisdom v 13-16

“Who is a wise man and endued with knowledge among you? let him shew out of a good conversation his works with meekness of wisdom. ¹⁴ But if ye have bitter envying and strife in your hearts, glory not, and lie not against the truth. ¹⁵ This wisdom descendeth not from above, but is earthly, sensual, devilish. ¹⁶ For where envying and strife is, there is confusion and every evil work.”

Teachers must not use the wisdom of this world. Earthly wisdom is characterized by worldly wisdom, bitter envying, strife, lying, sensual, and devilish. It does not lift up God or the things of the Bible.

“Let no man deceive himself. If any man among you seemeth to be wise in this world, let him become a fool, that he may be wise.¹⁹ For the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God. For it is written, He taketh the wise in their own craftiness.²⁰ And again, The Lord knoweth the thoughts of the wise, that they are vain.”  (1 Corinthians 3:18-20)

When we see this kind of teaching, we should avoid it at all costs. It will drive us away from God and toward the things of Satan.

Heavenly wisdom v 17-18

“But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be intreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy. ¹⁸ And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace of them that make peace.”

Heavenly wisdom comes from the Bible. It must be taught with the knowledge of the text. Historical background. Within the context of the passage.

“We have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts: ²⁰ Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation.²¹ For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.” (2 Peter 1:19-21)

Our challenge is to read, study, correctly interpret, and then share what we have studied with others. It does not have to be a Bible study or even a presentation, but what God has shown you. Share it with others.

CONCLUSION

Be careful what you say

Use your speech for good not evil

Be a wise person who exhibits Heavenly wisdom

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001 chaplain@alaskaseniors.com

Good morning,

This week we continue our study of the book of James.

Chapter three explains the dangers of the tongue and earthly and heavenly wisdom.

The Jewish believers in James’s day were being persecuted. They had been driven out of Jerusalem and were scattered abroad. James encourages those scattered Jewish believers on how to conduct themselves during this time.

James 3

The uncontrolled tongue is destructive v 6-12

“And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity: so is the tongue among our members, that it defileth the whole body, and setteth on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire of hell. ⁷ For every kind of beasts, and of birds, and of serpents, and of things in the sea, is tamed, and hath been tamed of mankind: ⁸ But the tongue can no man tame; it is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison. ⁹ Therewith bless we God, even the Father; and therewith curse we men, which are made after the similitude of God. ¹⁰ Out of the same mouth proceedeth blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not so to be. ¹¹ Doth a fountain send forth at the same place sweet water and bitter? ¹² Can the fig tree, my brethren, bear olive berries? either a vine, figs? so can no fountain both yield salt water and fresh.”

James tells us that the tongue defiles the whole body. He explains that all other living creatures can be tamed by man. The tongue can no man tame. The tongue is unruly and full of deadly poison.

With the tongue, we bless God and curse man. “Out of the same mouth proceedeth blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not so to be.” (10) James challenges his hearers to speak blessings, not cursings.

What can we learn from this?

Do not speak impulsively. Wait, consider, think, control, what we say. When we say it, it cannot be retrieved! We want what we say to bless others, not to hurt them. By the way, that is what we want others to do to us.

“Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath: ²⁰ For the wrath of man worketh not the righteousness of God.” (James 1:19-20)

Is our speech blessing others? Are we an encouragement? Does our speech focus on Godly things, as opposed to the things of this world?

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001 chaplain@alaskaseniors.com

Good morning,

This week we continue our study of the book of James.

Chapter three explains the dangers of the tongue and earthly and heavenly wisdom.

The Jewish believers in James’s day were being persecuted. They had been driven out of Jerusalem and were scattered abroad. James encourages those scattered Jewish believers on how to conduct themselves during this time.

James 3

1. Dangers of the tongue v 1-12

Masters (teachers) receive a stricter judgment v 1-2

“My brethren, be not many masters, knowing that we shall receive the greater condemnation. ² For in many things we offend all. If any man offend not in word, the same is a perfect man, and able also to bridle the whole body.”

James does not encourage many to become teachers of God’s word. The teacher must be called by God, submissive to the call, willing to teach what God wants, and do it correctly. If not, these teachers will receive a greater judgement. “Of these things put them in remembrance, charging them before the Lord that they strive not about words to no profit, but to the subverting of the hearers.¹⁵ Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.¹⁶ But shun profane and vain babblings: for they will increase unto more ungodliness.” (2Timothy 2:14-16)

Control your tongue and you will control your whole body v 3-5

“Behold, we put bits in the horses’ mouths, that they may obey us; and we turn about their whole body.⁴ Behold also the ships, which though they be so great, and are driven of fierce winds, yet are they turned about with a very small helm, whithersoever the governor listeth.⁵ Even so the tongue is a little member, and boasteth great things. Behold, how great a matter a little fire kindleth!”

James now illustrates small things that have a great impact.

A horse is a wild animal. Without the bit in the horse’s mouth, the horse will run free. The bit allows the rider to control the horse.

A ship left to itself will go wherever the wind and sea takes it. The rudder, managed by the pilot, directs the ship.

The tongue is compared to a fire consuming a forest. However, there is nothing mentioned about controlling the tongue.

James is warning those who want to be teachers to consider that they will receive harsher judgement from God for teaching false doctrine. Then he challenges his hearers to consider small things that have great impacts.

The last of these is the tongue.

The application for us is to proclaim God’s word correctly. Remembering that what we say has consequences. Our words can be a hindrance or help for the cause of Christ.

What will our words do?

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001 chaplain@alaskaseniors.com

Good morning,

This week we continue our study of the book of James.

Chapter two explains how to deal with people, the law, faith, and works.

The Jewish believers in James’s day were being persecuted. They had been driven out of Jerusalem and were scattered abroad. James encourages those scattered Jewish believers on how to conduct themselves during this time.

James 2

4. Examples of Faith plus Works v 21-26

Abraham v 21-24

Was not Abraham our father justified by works, when he had offered Isaac his son upon the altar? ²² Seest thou how faith wrought with his works, and by works was faith made perfect? ²³ And the scripture was fulfilled which saith, Abraham believed God, and it was imputed unto him for righteousness: and he was called the Friend of God. ²⁴ Ye see then how that by works a man is justified, and not by faith only.

Rahab v 25-26

Likewise also was not Rahab the harlot justified by works, when she had received the messengers, and had sent them out another way? ²⁶ For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also.

“James concludes with two examples of genuine faith: Abraham and Rahab. One was a Jewish patriarch of great sanctity, whose faith was perfected by his works. The other was the lowest citizen of a condemned Gentile city, whose newfound faith was dramatized by her works. No matter whether one has the mature faith of an Abraham or the baby-like faith of a Rahab, there must be evidence of that faith.” (The Liberty Annotated Study Bible, 1988, page 1940)

How are we exhibiting our faith? Could we be doing better? Do we desire to?

Ponder these things.

CONCLUSION

Respect all persons equally

Keeping the law is unattainable

Faith without works is dead

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001 chaplain@alaskaseniors.com

Good morning,

This week we continue our study of the book of James.

Chapter two explains how to deal with people, the law, faith, and works.

The Jewish believers in James’s day were being persecuted. They had been driven out of Jerusalem and were scattered abroad. James encourages those scattered Jewish believers on how to conduct themselves during this time.

James 2

3. Faith and Works v 14-20

Destitute man v 14-16

What doth it profit, my brethren, though a man say he hath faith, and have not works? Can faith save him? ¹⁵ If a brother or sister be naked, and destitute of daily food, ¹⁶ And one of you say unto them, Depart in peace, be ye warmed and filled; notwithstanding ye give them not those things which are needful to the body; what doth it profit?

Faith needs works v 17-20

Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone. ¹⁸ Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: shew me thy faith without thy works, and I will shew thee my faith by my works. ¹⁹ Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble. ²⁰ But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead?

“For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:⁹ Not of works, lest any man should boast.¹⁰ For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.” (Ephesians 2:8-10)

“For James, justification is by faith that works—by a genuine faith that manifests itself in post-conversion works. Before salvation, these Jews had believed in the efficacy of works. Now some were reacting to the opposite extreme, imaging that works play no part in the salvation experience. James retorts that the kind of faith that does not produce works is not saving faith. Can merely professed but undemonstrated faith save?” (The Liberty Annotated Study Bible, 1988, page 1940)

We as believers in Christ should be demonstrating our faith. This should be seen in the things we do, say, and our love for the brethren.

Do people see our faith being manifested throughout our community?

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001 chaplain@alaskaseniors.com

Good morning,

This week we continue our study of the book of James.

Chapter two explains how to deal with people, the law, faith, and works.

The Jewish believers in James’s day were being persecuted. They had been driven out of Jerusalem and were scattered abroad. James encourages those scattered Jewish believers on how to conduct themselves during this time.

CHRISTIAN CONDUCT

For whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one point, he is guilty of all. (James 2:10)

INTRODUCTION

People, Law, Faith, and Works

James 2

1. Respecter of Persons v 1-9

Rich vs. poor man v 1-4

My brethren, have not the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory, with respect of persons. ² For if there come unto your assembly a man with a gold ring, in goodly apparel, and there come in also a poor man in vile raiment; ³ And ye have respect to him that weareth the gay clothing, and say unto him, Sit thou here in a good place; and say to the poor, Stand thou there, or sit here under my footstool: ⁴ Are ye not then partial in yourselves, and are become judges of evil thoughts?

Poor: rich in faith, heirs to the kingdom v 5-6a

Hearken, my beloved brethren, hath not God chosen the poor of this world rich in faith, and heirs of the kingdom which he hath promised to them that love him? ⁶ But ye have despised the poor.

Rich: oppressor v 6b-7

Do not rich men oppress you, and draw you before the judgment seats? ⁷ Do not they blaspheme that worthy name by the which ye are called?

Respect to persons = transgressor v 8-9

If ye fulfill the royal law according to the scripture, Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself, ye do well: ⁹ But if ye have respect to persons, ye commit sin, and are convinced of the law as transgressors.

“James continues with the main theme of his letter: genuine faith in God results in genuinely changed lives. This includes the “works” that we do, which involves our actions and our thoughts. Those who have a saving belief in God, who receive the gift of salvation through trusting in Christ, are expected to act out that trust while making choices about all of their actions. In other words, according to James, belief which leads to no change, or no works, is not saving faith at all. The works do not save us, but they do reveal the character of our trust in God.

James urges his readers not to show favoritism or partiality. As a specific example, he refers to rich people, including any wealthy people that might come to Christian gatherings. To show more love and kindness to the rich than to the poor is not consistent with our professed faith in the Lord Jesus Christ.

James asks the reader to consider a scenario in which a wealthy-looking man and poor-looking man come to their Christian gathering. Why should the rich man be given a place of honor and the poor man be made to stand or to sit on the floor? This is exactly what would have happened in the typical non-Christian environment of James’s day. Sadly, it happens in various ways even today. James is clear that it must not happen in the church.

Those who trust in Christ should trust God to provide for and protect them instead of hoping they will gain the favor and protection of the rich. After all, as James writes to his mostly poor Christian readers, it’s the rich who are currently oppressing them!

In fact, James writes, to favor the rich over the poor is a sin. It is breaking the command to love your neighbor as yourself. And since breaking any command makes one a lawbreaker, showing favoritism to the wealthy is as much a breaking of the moral laws of God as murder or adultery. We all stand in need of God’s mercy, therefore we should speak and act as people who honestly believe they will be judged by the law that brings freedom. Christians are obligated to be merciful to everyone.

(Bible Ref.com, What does James chapter 2 mean?)

The question we must answer is, do we honor the rich over the poor? If a shabby looking person came to our church, what would we do? Would we show them the same respect as one of our own members? Would we talk, sit, or even be concerned about that individual’s salvation?

Then Peter opened his mouth, and said, Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons: ³⁵ But in every nation he that feareth him, and worketh righteousness, is accepted with him. (Acts 10:34-35)

2. The Law v 10-13

Keeping the law v 10-11

For whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one point, he is guilty of all. ¹¹ For he that said, Do not commit adultery, said also, Do not kill. Now if thou commit no adultery, yet if thou kill, thou art become a transgressor of the law.

Judgment and mercy v 12-13

So speak ye, and so do, as they that shall be judged by the law of liberty. ¹³ For he shall have judgment without mercy, that hath shewed no mercy; and mercy rejoiceth against judgment.

“In fact, James writes, to favor the rich over the poor is a sin. It is breaking the command to love your neighbor as yourself. And since breaking any command makes one a lawbreaker, showing favoritism to the wealthy is as much a breaking of the moral laws of God as murder or adultery. We all stand in need of God’s mercy, therefore we should speak and act as people who honestly believe they will be judged by the law that brings freedom. Christians are obligated to be merciful to everyone.”

(Bible Ref.com, What does James chapter 2 mean?)

The law was impossible to keep. If the standard for salvation was the law, no one would be saved. Grace through faith is God’s plan. Before Jesus death, burial, and resurrection, it was still by faith in God.

God has shown mankind His mercy throughout every dispensation of history.

We as believers now should be showing God’s mercy to others.

Are we?

3. Faith and Works v 14-20

Destitute man v 14-16

What doth it profit, my brethren, though a man say he hath faith, and have not works? Can faith save him? ¹⁵ If a brother or sister be naked, and destitute of daily food, ¹⁶ And one of you say unto them, Depart in peace, be ye warmed and filled; notwithstanding ye give them not those things which are needful to the body; what doth it profit?

Faith needs works v 17-20

Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone. ¹⁸ Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: shew me thy faith without thy works, and I will shew thee my faith by my works. ¹⁹ Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble. ²⁰ But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead?

“For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:⁹ Not of works, lest any man should boast.¹⁰ For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.” (Ephesians 2:8-10)

“For James, justification is by faith that works—by a genuine faith that manifests itself in post-conversion works. Before salvation, these Jews had believed in the efficacy of works. Now some were reacting to the opposite extreme, imaging that works play no part in the salvation experience. James retorts that the kind of faith that does not produce works is not saving faith. Can merely professed but undemonstrated faith save?” (The Liberty Annotated Study Bible, 1988, page 1940)

We as believers in Christ should be demonstrating our faith. This should be seen in the things we do, say, and our love for the brethren.

Do people see our faith being manifested throughout our community?

4. Examples of Faith plus Works v 21-26

Abraham v 21-24

Was not Abraham our father justified by works, when he had offered Isaac his son upon the altar? ²² Seest thou how faith wrought with his works, and by works was faith made perfect? ²³ And the scripture was fulfilled which saith, Abraham believed God, and it was imputed unto him for righteousness: and he was called the Friend of God. ²⁴ Ye see then how that by works a man is justified, and not by faith only.

Rahab v 25-26

Likewise also was not Rahab the harlot justified by works, when she had received the messengers, and had sent them out another way? ²⁶ For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also.

“James concludes with two examples of genuine faith: Abraham and Rahab. One was a Jewish patriarch of great sanctity, whose faith was perfected by his works. The other was the lowest citizen of a condemned Gentile city, whose newfound faith was dramatized by her works. No matter whether one has the mature faith of an Abraham or the baby-like faith of a Rahab, there must be evidence of that faith.” (The Liberty Annotated Study Bible, 1988, page 1940)

How are we exhibiting our faith? Could we be doing better? Do we desire to?

Ponder these things.

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001 chaplain@alaskaseniors.com

CONCLUSION

Respect all persons equally

Keeping the law is unattainable

Faith without works is dead

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001 chaplain@alaskaseniors.com

Good morning,

This week we continue our study of the book of James.

Chapter two explains how to deal with people, the law, faith, and works.

The Jewish believers in James’s day were being persecuted. They had been driven out of Jerusalem and were scattered abroad. James encourages those scattered Jewish believers on how to conduct themselves during this time.

James 2

2. The Law v 10-13

Keeping the law v 10-11

For whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one point, he is guilty of all. ¹¹ For he that said, Do not commit adultery, said also, Do not kill. Now if thou commit no adultery, yet if thou kill, thou art become a transgressor of the law.

Judgment and mercy v 12-13

So speak ye, and so do, as they that shall be judged by the law of liberty. ¹³ For he shall have judgment without mercy, that hath shewed no mercy; and mercy rejoiceth against judgment.

“In fact, James writes, to favor the rich over the poor is a sin. It is breaking the command to love your neighbor as yourself. And since breaking any command makes one a lawbreaker, showing favoritism to the wealthy is as much a breaking of the moral laws of God as murder or adultery. We all stand in need of God’s mercy, therefore we should speak and act as people who honestly believe they will be judged by the law that brings freedom. Christians are obligated to be merciful to everyone.”

(Bible Ref.com, What does James chapter 2 mean?)

The law was impossible to keep. If the standard for salvation was the law, no one would be saved. Grace through faith is God’s plan. Before Jesus death, burial, and resurrection, it was still by faith in God.

God has shown mankind His mercy throughout every dispensation of history.

We as believers now should be showing God’s mercy to others.

Are we?

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001 chaplain@alaskaseniors.com

Good morning,

This week we continue our study of the book of James.

Chapter two explains how to deal with people, the law, faith, and works.

The Jewish believers in James’s day were being persecuted. They had been driven out of Jerusalem and were scattered abroad. James encourages those scattered Jewish believers on how to conduct themselves during this time.

James 2

1. Respecter of Persons v 1-9

Rich vs. poor man v 1-4

My brethren, have not the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory, with respect of persons. ² For if there come unto your assembly a man with a gold ring, in goodly apparel, and there come in also a poor man in vile raiment; ³ And ye have respect to him that weareth the gay clothing, and say unto him, Sit thou here in a good place; and say to the poor, Stand thou there, or sit here under my footstool: ⁴ Are ye not then partial in yourselves, and are become judges of evil thoughts?

Poor: rich in faith, heirs to the kingdom v 5-6a

Hearken, my beloved brethren, hath not God chosen the poor of this world rich in faith, and heirs of the kingdom which he hath promised to them that love him? ⁶ But ye have despised the poor.

Rich: oppressor v 6b-7

Do not rich men oppress you, and draw you before the judgment seats? ⁷ Do not they blaspheme that worthy name by the which ye are called?

Respect to persons = transgressor v 8-9

If ye fulfill the royal law according to the scripture, Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself, ye do well: ⁹ But if ye have respect to persons, ye commit sin, and are convinced of the law as transgressors.

“James continues with the main theme of his letter: genuine faith in God results in genuinely changed lives. This includes the “works” that we do, which involves our actions and our thoughts. Those who have a saving belief in God, who receive the gift of salvation through trusting in Christ, are expected to act out that trust while making choices about all of their actions. In other words, according to James, belief which leads to no change, or no works, is not saving faith at all. The works do not save us, but they do reveal the character of our trust in God.

James urge his readers not to show favoritism or partiality. As a specific example, he refers to rich people, including any wealthy people that might come to Christian gatherings. To show more love and kindness to the rich than to the poor is not consistent with our professed faith in the Lord Jesus Christ.

James asks the reader to consider a scenario in which a wealthy-looking man and poor-looking man come to their Christian gathering. Why should the rich man be given a place of honor and the poor man be made to stand or to sit on the floor? This is exactly what would have happened in the typical non-Christian environment of James’s day. Sadly, it happens in various ways even today. James is clear that it must not happen in the church.

Those who trust in Christ should trust God to provide for and protect them instead of hoping they will gain the favor and protection of the rich. After all, as James writes to his mostly poor Christian readers, it’s the rich who are currently oppressing them!

In fact, James writes, to favor the rich over the poor is a sin. It is breaking the command to love your neighbor as yourself. And since breaking any command makes one a lawbreaker, showing favoritism to the wealthy is as much a breaking of the moral laws of God as murder or adultery. We all stand in need of God’s mercy, therefore we should speak and act as people who honestly believe they will be judged by the law that brings freedom. Christians are obligated to be merciful to everyone.

(Bible Ref.com, What does James chapter 2 mean?)

The question we must answer is, do we honor the rich over the poor? If a shabby looking person came to our church, what would we do? Would we show them the same respect as one of our own members? Would we talk, sit, or even be concerned about that individual’s salvation?

Then Peter opened his mouth, and said, Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons: ³⁵ But in every nation he that feareth him, and worketh righteousness, is accepted with him. (Acts 10:34-35)

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001 chaplain@alaskaseniors.com