Day By Day - James 1
By David Passmore
Introduction:
Just a short introduction to the teachings in this book. It was written between 48 and 62 AD. James became the leader of the church in Jerusalem. He was an unbeliever while Jesus was ministering. It is believed that the Lord’s resurrection led to his believing. James’ name first appears in Acts 1:14; and he was stoned to death about 64 AD.
James was a practical and very ethical person, and his writing was to rebuke the terrible neglect of Christian duties. James made many references to the teachings of Jesus; he didn’t debate theories but went straight to godly living principles.
Three Main Thoughts:
Point 1:
James, in his introduction, does not boast as to his relationship with Jesus. Instead, he introduces himself as a “BONDSERVANT OF GOD AND OF THE LORD JESUS CHRIST.” James believed that this was his greatest honour.
As we look at our own lives we realize what a privilege it is to be able to serve Jesus. James wrote this book to the “twelve tribes scattered abroad,” which for all intentions and purpose could well be us, the new Israel.
How well James opens up on some of the practical duties and responsibilities. Who amongst us doesn’t have a grizzle when we are going through a trial or are being tested, or is in need of more patience?
James reminds us that patience brings about fullness and wholeness in our walk with the Lord. He then reminds us of our need for wisdom; James was referring to practical wisdom, comprehensive insight in other words, approaching our life in Him from reality and of the need to shine in this dark world which is getting darker nearly every day.
Jesus teaches us to care for those who are less fortunate than us. In Acts, they took up a collection for the poor Christians in Jerusalem. Again from practical experience, we found that the Christian refugees in Thailand looked to the Lord first and then His church for help. We were only ever asked for medicines and Bibles, never for riches or other worldly gifts. James is teaching us that we are responsible for our less fortunate brothers and sisters in the Lord.
Point 2:
James really reveals his soft and loving heart towards the less fortunate in the church, but he reminds us that if we continue to be faithful to the Lord then we will receive our CROWN OF LIFE, that is eternal life with Him. By his advice in verses 13-18 he again leads us into understanding the temptations and trials that will come our way. We will be tempted in all ways, our own desires if entertained lead us into sin, but it is not God who tempts us it is ourselves that opens us up to temptations.
In verse 17 he tells us that every good gift comes from above. This was revealed to us when our church, on the refugee camp, was attacked and burnt to the ground as were some of their bamboo houses. Within weeks there was enough money for blankets, cooking gear and help to build a new church. The church and some homes were burnt down again. On the second time the Pastor built the church first as a rallying point then he added to it room for his family. He then went to help build homes for those who needed help, whether they were Christian or not. “Ask and you will receive” Jn. 1:24
This is what James is teaching us in verse 19-20, that we are not just a church in Bega. We have very close kin in many countries who need us to be doers not just hearers of the Word. We can kid ourselves but we cannot kid the Master.
James then gave us a very timely reminder about anger. He told us how anger can lead us into sin. I get the feeling that he is telling us to really think before we speak or act. I know that before I became a Christian I had a murderous temper, but praise His name I now have very little problem with anger now.
Point 3:
Can we look at ourselves in the mirror? No, I am not trying to bring us under condemnation, for James is asking us to take a look at ourselves. In verses 23-27, why go on condemning oneself when Hebrews 8:12 says that “He remembers our sins no more”. As Jesus once said to me, “How dare you continue to judge yourself for I died on the cross for your forgiveness.”
As I have already said, I had great trouble understanding how to apply the Bible to life, but one day at church I heard a man explaining it like this, “If your car breaks down, how do you know how to fix it? You go to the maker’s manual. If your washing machine breaks down where do you go to know how to fix it? You go to the maker’s manual.” That is when the penny dropped; He is my maker, when I or life goes wrong I go to the maker’s manual, yes, the New Testament to me is a practical Maker’s manual and I believe that is what James is teaching us.
Final Thoughts:
Verse 1:27 is a verse close to the Fathers heart. That is, serving one another and those in need, whether they belong to His family or not. This crying world needs His love, His help, and through us He can give both, especially at times like this when there is so much fear and uncertainty throughout the world today.
Just a short introduction to the teachings in this book. It was written between 48 and 62 AD. James became the leader of the church in Jerusalem. He was an unbeliever while Jesus was ministering. It is believed that the Lord’s resurrection led to his believing. James’ name first appears in Acts 1:14; and he was stoned to death about 64 AD.
James was a practical and very ethical person, and his writing was to rebuke the terrible neglect of Christian duties. James made many references to the teachings of Jesus; he didn’t debate theories but went straight to godly living principles.
Three Main Thoughts:
Point 1:
James, in his introduction, does not boast as to his relationship with Jesus. Instead, he introduces himself as a “BONDSERVANT OF GOD AND OF THE LORD JESUS CHRIST.” James believed that this was his greatest honour.
As we look at our own lives we realize what a privilege it is to be able to serve Jesus. James wrote this book to the “twelve tribes scattered abroad,” which for all intentions and purpose could well be us, the new Israel.
How well James opens up on some of the practical duties and responsibilities. Who amongst us doesn’t have a grizzle when we are going through a trial or are being tested, or is in need of more patience?
James reminds us that patience brings about fullness and wholeness in our walk with the Lord. He then reminds us of our need for wisdom; James was referring to practical wisdom, comprehensive insight in other words, approaching our life in Him from reality and of the need to shine in this dark world which is getting darker nearly every day.
Jesus teaches us to care for those who are less fortunate than us. In Acts, they took up a collection for the poor Christians in Jerusalem. Again from practical experience, we found that the Christian refugees in Thailand looked to the Lord first and then His church for help. We were only ever asked for medicines and Bibles, never for riches or other worldly gifts. James is teaching us that we are responsible for our less fortunate brothers and sisters in the Lord.
Point 2:
James really reveals his soft and loving heart towards the less fortunate in the church, but he reminds us that if we continue to be faithful to the Lord then we will receive our CROWN OF LIFE, that is eternal life with Him. By his advice in verses 13-18 he again leads us into understanding the temptations and trials that will come our way. We will be tempted in all ways, our own desires if entertained lead us into sin, but it is not God who tempts us it is ourselves that opens us up to temptations.
In verse 17 he tells us that every good gift comes from above. This was revealed to us when our church, on the refugee camp, was attacked and burnt to the ground as were some of their bamboo houses. Within weeks there was enough money for blankets, cooking gear and help to build a new church. The church and some homes were burnt down again. On the second time the Pastor built the church first as a rallying point then he added to it room for his family. He then went to help build homes for those who needed help, whether they were Christian or not. “Ask and you will receive” Jn. 1:24
This is what James is teaching us in verse 19-20, that we are not just a church in Bega. We have very close kin in many countries who need us to be doers not just hearers of the Word. We can kid ourselves but we cannot kid the Master.
James then gave us a very timely reminder about anger. He told us how anger can lead us into sin. I get the feeling that he is telling us to really think before we speak or act. I know that before I became a Christian I had a murderous temper, but praise His name I now have very little problem with anger now.
Point 3:
Can we look at ourselves in the mirror? No, I am not trying to bring us under condemnation, for James is asking us to take a look at ourselves. In verses 23-27, why go on condemning oneself when Hebrews 8:12 says that “He remembers our sins no more”. As Jesus once said to me, “How dare you continue to judge yourself for I died on the cross for your forgiveness.”
As I have already said, I had great trouble understanding how to apply the Bible to life, but one day at church I heard a man explaining it like this, “If your car breaks down, how do you know how to fix it? You go to the maker’s manual. If your washing machine breaks down where do you go to know how to fix it? You go to the maker’s manual.” That is when the penny dropped; He is my maker, when I or life goes wrong I go to the maker’s manual, yes, the New Testament to me is a practical Maker’s manual and I believe that is what James is teaching us.
Final Thoughts:
Verse 1:27 is a verse close to the Fathers heart. That is, serving one another and those in need, whether they belong to His family or not. This crying world needs His love, His help, and through us He can give both, especially at times like this when there is so much fear and uncertainty throughout the world today.
Posted in James