Archives for 2022

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

Good morning,

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

Chapter one explains how to deal with trials and temptations.

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 1

4. True religion (Verses 26-27)

The religious man v 26

If any man among you seem to be religious, and bridleth not his tongue, but deceiveth his own heart, this man’s religion is vain.

Pure religion is… v27

Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world.

Have you noticed yet, that James is making us think about what our faith means to us?

Do we seem to be religious? Do we bridle our tongue? Or do we keep ourselves unspotted from the world? Is our faith in Christ practical? Would a person who did not know us, sense that we are a believer in Christ?

Spend some time contemplating these questions.

CONCLUSION

Count it all joy when you fall into divers temptations

Trying of your faith works patience

Lack wisdom, ask God without wavering

Endure

Be doers of the Word

Pure religion is: To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world.

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

Good morning,

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

Chapter one explains how to deal with trials and temptations.

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 1

3. Be doers of the Word (Verses 22-25)

Be doers of the Word v 22

But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.

Not hearers only v 23-24

For if any be a hearer of the word, and not a doer, he is like unto a man beholding his natural face in a glass:²⁴ For he beholdeth himself, and goeth his way, and straightway forgetteth what manner of man he was.

Be a doer and hearer of the Word and be blessed v 25

But whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty, and continueth therein, he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed.

How do we perceive the Bible? In our minds is it just a great literary work, philosophical teaching, moral principles to live by, or is it the Word of God, living and powerful, able to save our souls from the wages of sin, death?

Here, James, tells us to be doers of God’s word. We must read, hear, and apply what we hear. From the book of Genesis through the book of Revelation, it is always people fulfilling God’s word. Some in obedience and some in disobedience.

Which one are we?

“All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: ¹⁷ That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.” (2 Timothy 3:16-17)

“For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.” (Hebrews 4:12)

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

How to Deal with Trials and Temptations

 Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath: (James 1:19)

INTRODUCTION

Refer to handout

This month we will study the Book of James

James 1

1. Trials and Temptations (Verses 1-12)

Greeting v 1

James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, to the twelve tribes which are scattered abroad, greeting.

Count it all joy v 2-4

Divers temptations or trials v 2

My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations;

Trying of your faith works patience v 3-4

Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. ⁴ But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.

Lack wisdom-ask God in faith v 5-7

If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.⁶ But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed.⁷ For let not that man think that he shall receive any thing of the Lord.

Double minded man v 8

A double minded man is unstable in all his ways.

Brother of low degree (humble circumstances) vs. the rich v 9-11

Let the brother of low degree rejoice in that he is exalted:¹⁰ But the rich, in that he is made low: because as the flower of the grass he shall pass away. ¹¹ For the sun is no sooner risen with a burning heat, but it withereth the grass, and the flower thereof falleth, and the grace of the fashion of it perisheth: so also shall the rich man fade away in his ways.

Endure temptation v 12

Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him.

James begins with his greeting. His recipients are the Jewish believers from the twelve tribes of Israel. Due to the persecution of the Romans, these people were scattered.

James makes a strange statement in verse 2. He tells the scattered Jewish believers to “…count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations.” Why would he say this? The trying of our faith works patience. So God wants us to be patient while we are going through trials. He wants us to remember who is in charge. God knows what we are going through and wants us to rely on Him.

God does not leave us alone. He is willing to give us His wisdom, if we are willing to ask in faith, nothing wavering. Trouble is, that most times we try to deal with our trials in our own wisdom. It usually does not go well.

Then he deals with the “double minded man”. We are strange creatures. We have access to God’s wisdom, knowledge, love, mercy, and grace, yet we want have one foot in the world and one foot on God. Double minded. God wants all of us. The question is: do we want all of God?

Lastly, James tells his readers to endure temptation. When trials and temptations come, do we allow them to take over our lives or endure?

“There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.” (1 Corinthians 10:13)

2. God does not tempt man (Verses 13-21)

How is man tempted? V 13-14

Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God: for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth he any man:¹⁴ But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed.

How are temptations conceived? V 15-16

Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death.¹⁶ Do not err, my beloved brethren.

Where do good gifts come from? V 17-18

Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning.¹⁸ Of his own will begat he us with the word of truth, that we should be a kind of firstfruits of his creatures.

How do we concur our temptations? V 19-21

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.²¹ Wherefore lay apart all filthiness and superfluity of naughtiness, and receive with meekness the engrafted word, which is able to save your souls.

Four vital questions, with four vital answers.

We are our own worst enemy when it comes to submitting to temptations. We are drawn away of our own lusts, then enticed, which leads to sin, and then death. If that were the end of James message, we would be in trouble.

But God, through James, gives us the solution. We should be slow to speak and eager to listen. Unfortunately, most of us are the opposite. We speak too much. Then, we are to lay aside our sin and apply God’s word to our lives. Obeying God is the best way to concur temptations and be I a right relationship with God.

Is that our desire?

3. Be doers of the Word (Verses 22-25)

Be doers of the Word v 22

But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.

Not hearers only v 23-24

For if any be a hearer of the word, and not a doer, he is like unto a man beholding his natural face in a glass:²⁴ For he beholdeth himself, and goeth his way, and straightway forgetteth what manner of man he was.

Be a doer and hearer of the Word and be blessed v 25

But whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty, and continueth therein, he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed.

How do we perceive the Bible? In our minds is it just a great literary work, philosophical teaching, moral principles to live by, or is it the Word of God, living and powerful, able to save our souls from the wages of sin, death?

Here, James, tells us to be doers of God’s word. We must read, hear, and apply what we hear. From the book of Genesis through the book of Revelation, it is always people fulfilling God’s word. Some in obedience and some in disobedience.

Which one are we?

“All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: ¹⁷ That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.” (2 Timothy 3:16-17)

“For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.” (Hebrews 4:12)

4. True religion (Verses 26-27)

The religious man v 26

If any man among you seem to be religious, and bridleth not his tongue, but deceiveth his own heart, this man’s religion is vain.

Pure religion is… v27

Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world.

Have you noticed yet, that James is making us think about what our faith means to us?

Do we seem to be religious? Do we bridle our tongue? Or do we keep ourselves unspotted from the world? Is our faith in Christ practical? Would a person who did not know us, sense that we are a believer in Christ?

Spend some time contemplating these questions.

CONCLUSION

Count it all joy when you fall into divers temptations

Trying of your faith works patience

Lack wisdom, ask God without wavering

Endure

Be doers of the Word

Pure religion is: To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world.

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

Good morning,

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

Chapter one explains how to deal with trials and temptations.

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 1

2. God does not tempt man (Verses 13-21)

How is man tempted? V 13-14

Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God: for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth he any man:¹⁴ But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed.

How are temptations conceived? V 15-16

Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death.¹⁶ Do not err, my beloved brethren.

Where do good gifts come from? V 17-18

Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning.¹⁸ Of his own will begat he us with the word of truth, that we should be a kind of firstfruits of his creatures.

How do we concur our temptations? V 19-21

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.²¹ Wherefore lay apart all filthiness and superfluity of naughtiness, and receive with meekness the engrafted word, which is able to save your souls.

Four vital questions, with four vital answers.

We are our own worst enemy when it comes to submitting to temptations. We are drawn away of our own lusts, then enticed, which leads to sin, and then death. If that were the end of James message, we would be in trouble.

But God, through James, gives us the solution. We should be slow to speak and eager to listen. Unfortunately, most of us are the opposite. We speak too much. Then, we are to lay aside our sin and apply God’s word to our lives. Obeying God is the best way to concur temptations and be I a right relationship with God.

Is that our desire?

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

Good morning,

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

Chapter one explains how to deal with trials and temptations.

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 1

1. Trials and Temptations (Verses 1-12)

Greeting v 1

James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, to the twelve tribes which are scattered abroad, greeting.

Count it all joy v 2-4

Divers temptations or trials v 2

My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations;

Trying of your faith works patience v 3-4

Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. ⁴ But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.

Lack wisdom-ask God in faith v 5-7

If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.⁶ But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed.⁷ For let not that man think that he shall receive any thing of the Lord.

Double minded man v 8

A double minded man is unstable in all his ways.

Brother of low degree (humble circumstances) vs. the rich v 9-11

Let the brother of low degree rejoice in that he is exalted:¹⁰ But the rich, in that he is made low: because as the flower of the grass he shall pass away. ¹¹ For the sun is no sooner risen with a burning heat, but it withereth the grass, and the flower thereof falleth, and the grace of the fashion of it perisheth: so also shall the rich man fade away in his ways.

Endure temptation v 12

Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him.

James begins with his greeting. His recipients are the Jewish believers from the twelve tribes of Israel. Due to the persecution of the Romans, these people were scattered.

James makes a strange statement in verse 2. He tells the scattered Jewish believers to “…count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations.” Why would he say this? The trying of our faith works patience. So God wants us to be patient while we are going through trials. He wants us to remember who is in charge. God knows what we are going through and wants us to rely on Him.

God does not leave us alone. He is willing to give us His wisdom, if we are willing to ask in faith, nothing wavering. Trouble is, that most times we try to deal with our trials in our own wisdom. It usually does not go well.

Then he deals with the “double minded man”. We are strange creatures. We have access to God’s wisdom, knowledge, love, mercy, and grace, yet we want have one foot in the world and one foot on God. Double minded. God wants all of us. The question is: do we want all of God?

Lastly, James tells his readers to endure temptation. When trials and temptations come, do we allow them to take over our lives or endure?

“There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.” (1 Corinthians 10:13)

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

Good morning,

The next six weeks we will be studying the Book of James. This week we will look at a summary of the book, author, date, recipients, distinctive characteristics, and outline.

Outline

Chapter 1

1. Greetings (1:1)
2. Trials and Temptations (1:2-18)
3. The Testing of Faith (1:2-12)
4. The Source of Temptation (1:13-18)
5. Listening and Doing (1:19-27)

Chapter 2

1. Favoritism Forbidden (2:1-13)
2. Faith and Deeds (2:14-26)

Chapter 3

1.Taming the Tongue (3:1-12)

2.Two Kinds of Wisdom (3:13-18)

Chapter 4

1. Warning against Worldliness Quarrelsomeness (4:1-3)

2. Spiritual Unfaithfulness (4:4)

3. Pride (4:5-10)

4. Slander (4:11-12)

5. Boasting (4:13-17)

Chapter 5

1. Warning to Rich Oppressors (5:1-6)

2. Miscellaneous Exhortations (5:7-20)

3. Concerning Patience in Suffering (5:7-11)

4. Concerning Oaths (5:12)

5, Concerning the Prayer of Faith (5:13-18)

6. Concerning Those Who Wander from the Truth (5:19-20)

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