James 3-5

But God Gives a Greater Grace!

What we say, and why we say what we say, in our everyday conversation, is the subject of these chapters in James. Before we go any further, I want you to stop reading this and turn to John 7 and read verses 1-13. In verses 3&4 we read the words of the half-brothers of Jesus. James was one of those brothers. It is clear they had no clue of what was going on. They were only interested in their agenda. Now, compare that to what Jesus had to say in verses 14-24 in Chapter 7 of John.

Jesus taught, in Matthew 15, that what is hidden in our heart proceeds from us in our actions and in our words. In these chapters James is specifically focusing on our words. The source of what we have hidden in our heart ultimately comes from one of two places. They either come from the world or from God. They may well be from a combination of both but when that happens deception happens. Let’s look at going to church for an example. Some people go to church to learn about God because they have put their faith in Him and want to have fellowship with other people who have done the same. Others go to church so they can make business contacts, draw attention to themselves from a captive audience, feel good about themselves, impress others, and so on. The list is endless. This is a way worldliness can enter and corrupt the Church. It is deception. The worst kind of deception is when we deceive ourselves into thinking we are saved by going to church.  

In Chapter 3 and on into Chapter 4, James exposes the conditions that result from a heart set on worldliness. James begins with the desire to be in a position such as a teacher and moves to bitter jealousy and selfish ambition. These often result in quarrels, conflicts rooted in envy, lust, and fights. The ultimate source of these, James tells us, is earthly, unspiritual, and demonic. Verse 3:15

Over the years I have seen many fads come and go. Years ago people had to have a “Pet Rock.” Really? What were we thinking? We weren’t thinking, we wanted to be like everyone else and so we had to have what other people had. Fads mean profits to savvy marketers. Now, with social media, fads can move quicker and with greater intensity, and be very harmful.

I am not saying that “Pet Rocks” are evil. What I am saying is that they expose a hunger for something that is within us. James says, “But He Gives a greater grace…” James 4:6a NASB

Beginning with verse 7, of Chapter 4, James tells us how to get our heart in order so we can receive God’s greater grace. As we continue through Chapter 4, and on into Chapter 5, James challenges us to change our priorities from the ways of the world to being humble before God, waiting upon Him, and serving the Lord.

May God grant us wisdom and understanding as we read these chapters.

Greater grace or lesser grace, choose wisely!

Pastor Dave

James 1&2

How to Deny Self

With the Gospel spreading to the Gentiles, and Saul who was once an enemy of the Church but now was preaching the Gospel, the Church is moving into uncharted territory. Personally I like to know where I am going and be in control. When God challenges me in this I often think of it as a trial I am going through. In our last study we talked of denying ourselves our old ingrained beliefs and following Jesus. I don’t know about you, but I find that this is easier said than done. I think that is why Jesus said that we need to take up our cross and follow Him.  The book of James addresses this issue.

The Book of James is considered the earliest epistle written sometime before 50 AD. James was the half-brother of Jesus. Back in Chapter 7 of the Book of John we read that he did not believe in Jesus. Apparently, after Jesus was crucified, that all changed and James is serious about his faith and writes a no holds barred letter.

The theme of these first two chapters is faith. In the first 4 verses of Chapter 1 James makes it clear that trials test our faith and their purpose is to develop and strengthen us. Faith is the key to denying self, taking up our cross, and following Christ. In verse 6 James says that if we need wisdom we can ask for wisdom but we must ask in faith. He also says that a double minded man should not expect anything. So, what does he mean by being double minded.

What we do is a reflection of what we really believe. We might say we believe in Jesus but our actions may well be saying we really don’t believe in Jesus or we really don’t understand what believing in Jesus really means.

Years ago I planted several fruit trees in the field next to our house. One of my favorite trees was a peach tree. It grew and produced great tasting fruit.  A few years back something happened to it. No longer did it produce fruit. In fact, it didn’t even leaf out in the spring. It was a good solid tree but it had died. Now, I left it there in the ground for years. I would say I had a peach tree, and that was true but the tree was dead and that is the point James is making here in Chapter 2:26.

We might say we have faith but it could be dead or misplaced.

Our works are not a means to faith any more than my declaring I have a peach tree, even though it is dead. Our works are a result of our faith. For us then, it is very important where, or in what, we have put our faith. Back in Luke 8:22-25 Jesus wanted to cross over to the other side of the lake. Jesus was asleep in the boat when a fierce gale came up and the disciples were afraid. Thinking they were about to die they woke Jesus up. He rebuked the wind and asked the disciples, “Where is your faith?” Verse 25

The trial of the storm showed them where their faith was but it was also preparation for what was ahead. The same is true for us. In these two chapters we read that there are several places where we might have misplaced our faith which is revealed by actions.

In verse 22 James challenges us to be doers of the word and not deceive ourselves by merely listening but not responding. That would be kind of like me saying I have a peach tree even though it had been dead for years. The trials we go through are one of the tools God uses to bring about the transformation from the old thinking and conforming our thinking to God’s plan. They are also preparation for what is coming.

Faith is the power source as John makes clear in 1 John 5:1-12

Are you going through a trial? Face it with faith in God!

Pastor Dave