Greeting
1:1 James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ,
To the twelve tribes in the Dispersion:
Greetings.
Testing of Your Faith
2 Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, 3 for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. 4 And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.
5 If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him. 6 But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind. 7 For that person must not suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord; 8 he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways.
9 Let the lowly brother boast in his exaltation, 10 and the rich in his humiliation, because like a flower of the grass he will pass away. 11 For the sun rises with its scorching heat and withers the grass; its flower falls, and its beauty perishes. So also will the rich man fade away in the midst of his pursuits.
12 Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him. 13 Let no one say when he is tempted, “I am being tempted by God,” for God cannot be tempted with evil, and he himself tempts no one. 14 But each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire. 15 Then desire when it has conceived gives birth to sin, and sin when it is fully grown brings forth death.
16 Do not be deceived, my beloved brothers. 17 Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change. 18 Of his own will he brought us forth by the word of truth, that we should be a kind of firstfruits of his creatures.
Hearing and Doing the Word
19 Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger; 20 for the anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God. 21 Therefore put away all filthiness and rampant wickedness and receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls.
22 But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. 23 For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man who looks intently at his natural face in a mirror. 24 For he looks at himself and goes away and at once forgets what he was like. 25 But the one who looks into the perfect law, the law of liberty, and perseveres, being no hearer who forgets but a doer who acts, he will be blessed in his doing.
26 If anyone thinks he is religious and does not bridle his tongue but deceives his heart, this person’s religion is worthless. 27 Religion that is pure and undefiled before God, the Father, is this: to visit orphans and widows in their affliction, and to keep oneself unstained from the world. (ESV)
ELLO… I read
I like verse 14,”But each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire.”
I like this verse because it talks about how GOD does not tempt us. We aren’t tempted by GOD but by our own desires. Why would GOD who created us and hates sin tempt us? I am the only one who can bring temptation on myself because of what I find so appealing about sin. I need to pray and ask GOD to make sin more uninteresting.
CYA
Great prayer!
Wow, I never thought of that! …asking God to renew my mind…thanks bro! Feel better too.
James 1:22 But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.
We learned from Pastor Mike this weekend that the Law is holy, good and righteous, but not sufficent to save us because we can’t keep it! But God’s law has value in the following – not to be saved, but BECAUSE we are saved by the grace of Jesus on the cross! So let the Word be your guide today and the Spirit fill your sails to move you where He wants. Read it and do what He says! (if you really love Him!)
That is a beautiful comment! Thank you Mr. Hosford!
Man I just want to comment on the whole chapter! I love James there is so many amazing little bits of information everywhere in each chapter.
2 Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, 3 for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness.
Unlike many times in life, if ever we are supposed to rejoice that we are facing trials not because they are fun or because we are masochists but instead so we can know that we are growing closer to Christ through them and being firm in our faith as only experience can let you be. I need to radically change my view on trials from here on!
12 Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him.
Here is an awesome follow up verse to verse 2 and 3 explaining why we must rejoice in trials and remain steadfast, it is all for a cause like everything Christ has us do… the trials may be hard or even extremely painful for us emotionally but at the end of them when everything is said and done and we have stayed grounded in Christ through all of them we will receive the crown of life, what an amazing reward for obeying!
Absolutely right ON!!! Man, you guys–I am so BLESSED and encouraged to see such wisdom and insight imparted onto you guys at such a young age!!! This is an answer to our prayers, and I am stoked to see the Holy Spirit so alive in your hearts, as expressed here on SOTD. A sweet kickstart to my day…
Great comment Josh!
Awesome comment! Great to see you on SOTD
14 But each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire. 15 Then desire when it has conceived gives birth to sin, and sin when it is fully grown brings forth death.
In verse 15, it talks about how sin brings death! Sin is serious in God’s eyes, and if there is any sin in our lives that we are being taken down by, we need to hack off the arm! We each are tempted by our desires, which is a scary thought. I wouldn’t want my fleshly desires to grow on me or get to the point where my desire gives birth to sin! From then on, it would only get worse and worse! I pray that I will always be in the word and be living a life pleasing to Christ so that my desires do not become a huge thing! I want to seek righteousness and encourage others and to pray without ceasing, and give thanks under all circumstances! If there are any desires that are growing, I pray that I will cut of the arm and make sure that it will not overtake me! I am praying for a gentle and quiet spirit before God!!!!
18 Of his own will he brought us forth by the word of truth, that we should be a kind of firstfruits of his creatures.
In a sense, WE are GOD’S sacrifice. His firstfruits, offered up. That rallies extra vigor from me; it’s that extra shot of rejuvenation because it assures me that the sacrifices I make and am called to make are not in vain or done on my own; they are actually GOD’S sacrifices through me. So it is His Holy Spirit Who bears the weight of it all. We are just vessels. Again, MORE thanks to God as He even bears the weight of me as His living sacrifice, even after He already bore the weight of the cross. We have a God Who truly and continually lays down His life for us, the measily burning sticks He snatched out of the fire pile. Thank You, Lord…(lovesick sigh).
There is so much good stuff in the chapter!
Last night when I was praying, I couldn’t figure out why I was upset about a little thing…it was in my heart for days so I came to the Lord about it. I was thinking about it everyday buuuut I didn’t really come one on one with the Lord about it. When I did though last night, all I wanted to do was think about what verses could help me…the verses 1-4 were the first ones to come to my mind! I should find joy during trials, no matter what the circumstance is and put my faith in Him, having it not waver like the wind or having being pushed over like a wave (vs 6). And I find that I was upset about it because it was all about my interestes orrrrr just my own desire, what I wanted to do (vs.14). I’m glad I came to the Lord when I was in need. (vs 5). This chapter is exactly what I needed to read! MARANATHA!
Thats great to heeeear, its amazing what happens when i come to Him first with my problems haha!
14 “But each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire.”
I will never be tempted by God. Satan lures me into sin and temptation with MY desires. I am my biggest weakness, Satan doesn’t make me sin, I make myself sin. I can’t blame anyone for my faults, instead of blaming people, I should make war against myself. I am my biggest enemy, I need to cut off the sin in my life and strike back at it.
!!!MARANATHA!!!
26 If anyone thinks he is religious and does not bridle his tongue but deceives his heart, this person’s religion is worthless.
Many Christians lack street cred because of hypocrisy. So many people will call themselves Christians, yet in their speech, the completely deny God and curse his name. They use the same profane words and tell the same crude jokes. In this verse, James is saying that to those who think they are Christians, of they don’t keep control over their mouth and the words that they say, than the religion they claim to have is worthless. Speech is a huge deal; it should not be taken so lightly by anyone. Hypocrites are also ruining the street cred for other Christians as their bad reputation as a “Christian” is often copy and pasted onto Christians in general.
I need to keep a tight control on my tongue, being careful of every single word that comes out of my mouth. The world will recognize it when I am not cursing or using foul language or telling crude jokes. I know that for me in the past, everyone on my soccer team recognized me as the Christian who doesn’t cuss. And sometimes when they’d cuss right by me, they would actually apologize. I pray that everywhere I go, I can gain this street cred for keeping control of my tongue. And more than just me not swearing, when my teammates or kids at school are speaking with just filthy mouths, I need to stand and tell them that what they’re saying is not right. I need to seek God’s help in overcoming the power of the evil weapon that is my tongue. As a bridle directs a horse, I need to keep tight reins on my tongue as I direct it away from speaking wrong and toward speaking the truth!
Steffen,
Great comment! Your completely right. Yes, we must refrain our tounge from saying anything that we might regret, a cuss word, or an insult. You put it into way better words, but still, I know that we both must try our very best to have holy tounges and words flowing out of our mouths.
~ Ariana Mishreki ~
I agree! Its so amazing to hear people apologize when they curse around me, im glad ur getting street cred!
Good Morning!!!
Verses 19-20
“Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger; for the anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God.”
God is slow to anger and rich in love. We are supposed to be like Him aren’t we?
If our God is slow to anger than we should be too as these verses state. For anger makes a person do things that God would not want that person to do. It can be very hard not to quick to anger but that is what we are to strive for because that is how God is.
22 But be doers of the word, and not hearers only…
This verse really convicted me because sometimes I hear a sermon, or read my Bible, and then don’t even think about what I read after nor apply the sermon. If I read my Bible only to learn more facts, but don’t grow spiritually, then there really isn’t a point to my reading. Knowing things about the Bible is not bad at all, but if I read the Bible but am not convicted of sin and don’t grow in my walk with God, something is wrong. This is what James is saying in this verse. Going to sermons and small groups also is not enough. I need to be living a holy life and making war on sin. I need to be applying what I’ve read in the Bible and heard from sermons. Lord, I pray that I would be applying the things that I learn from Your Word. I pray that when I read, I don’t just gain knowledge that “puffs up” but that I learn practical truths that I can apply to my life. Help me to be a doer of the Word, not just a hearer.
i love that prayer cambam! nice postt(:
27 Religion that is pure and undefiled before God, the Father, is this: to visit orphans and widows in their affliction, and to keep oneself unstained from the world
I really liked the last part of this verse because with the world all around us and the devil providing ways for us to lose our footing on the narrow path, a mind and life unstained from the world can seem like such a hard thing to have. But we need to constantly be reminded that the Lord is in charge of all things and that we should call on His name when we are tempted to compromise our faith.
19 Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger; 20 for the anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God.
This can be hard sometimes. Verse 20 has a great point, whenever i get angry it doesn’t produce something good. I have to learn to know how to not get angry very quickly, and also to be quick to listen. Sometimes i won’t want to bother to listen to what someone is saying, but that’s not how it should be. Also, learning to bite my tounge instead of speaking is another thing this verse talks about. Instead of getting angry and doing or saying something stupid, i should be calm and listen instead.
Verses 22-25 stood out to me this morning! All of us at True North hear awesome sermons week after week where the Word of God is preached accurately and practical application is given to us. Verse 22 makes it clear that if we only listen to the message, but don’t leave church and apply it to our lives that we are deceived. That is intense! Our society will tell you that just believing in God is enough to get you into heaven and that church attendance is extra credit, but God’s Word is clear that belief and hearing the Truth is not enough to save you. True repentance and faith is followed by obedience, or doing what the Word says. Small groups are key because that is where we give more ideas for how to live out the sermons in our lives. We also set up accountability partners to check in with each other to be sure that we are following through with applying what we hear each week from the Bible. It is my prayer today that everyone who comes to True North would seek to live lives of obedience to God’s Word. Go to small groups if you haven’t, and if you do go to small groups, be sure to apply the challenges we give you each week to live out the sermon in you life!
15 Then desire when it has conceived gives birth to sin, and sin when it is fully grown brings forth death.
I like this verse because it explains the severity of sin and how it progresses. Like Tanner said, we need to pray and ask God to make sin less appealing, or to be able to resist temptation better
YEA!!! James is one of my FAVORITE chapters in the Bible. It has soo much wisdom and knowledge and it can apply to my life 24/7. I always get something new out of it everytime I read it. :]
17 Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change.
God has given us so many gifts. Not all are the same though. We cannot be perfect at everything. God designed me to be good at what He wants me to do as apart of His will. He has a purpose for everyone and sometimes I have no idea what He wants me to do, but the best thing to do then is to pray that His will comes true and that all things go accordingly and that I may be a servant ready and willing to do whatever He calls me to do.
19 Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger; 20 for the anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God.
I need to be a good listener and stop talking. A good friend listens, just like God who listens everyday to our/my prayer. He responds to them according to His will and I should be hands, heart, and ears open when He is telling me to do something. I should not be angered so easily, but show love as a righteousman is. Like what we learned this weekend about the righteousman. A few versus I liked about the righteousman were:
Psalm 1:6 and Proverbs 16:7. :]
***GOD ALWAYS HAS A PLAN!!!***
Great comment =] This week I am trying to apply that in my life and seek His righteousness above all things.
Goodmorning . . .
I read . . .
James 1 . . .
“2 Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, 3 for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. 4 And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.”
RESULT OF STANDING FIRM IN THE LORD UNDER A TRIAL . . .
“12 Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him. ”
Yes, trails are hard, may seem impossible at times, and at times may stink. But you know what? Every man is to undergo trials in order to stand firm in the, Lord. God uses trials as discipline. He puts us under them, not to make us suffer, but to see how strong our roots are in Him. Trials are tests. Whoever pasts the test still relying on God and thanking Him for the trial, will be a blessed man. That man will recieve the crown of life, which God has promised to his loved ones.
I know this is something that I can defintly improve on. That when my Father gives me trials, to not complain or run away from them, but instead to thank Him and stay firm in Him. As I said above, it’s so easy to just let the trial over win you over. But you know what? It’s not worth it. See, if one is willing and ready to accept the trial and undergo it with the Lords strenth, than that person will recieve a prize from the Lord.
“14 But each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire. 15 Then desire when it has conceived gives birth to sin, and sin when it is fully grown brings forth death.”
Yes, temptation will come. And when it comes, I need to be ready to FIGHT IT. To put on the armor of the Lord, and fight it. Not to just melt and be like, ok well sin overtake me NOW! please. Noooo. The bible doesn’t say that. The bible says to fight it off and run away from it as fast as you can. These verses desribe the outcome of one if one DOES give into temptation. They say, when one gets an earthly sinful desire, one wants to fullfill that desire. But if one does, ones fullfilling that, and then that turns into sin, and then sin turns into death.
Way to avoid all of that : FIGHT AGAINST SIN!
~+~+~+~+~+~+~+~+~+~+~M.A.R.A.N.A.T.H.A~+~+~+~+~+~+~+~+~+~+~
~ Ariana Mishreki ~
Awesome awesome awesome post Ari! Putting on the the armor of God is what ive been praying for latley so i could apply to this
I love reading ur posts because they are long and insightful! It really seems like your putting time in meditating in his Word! Keep it up! <3
12 Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him.
Though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, you are with me. Your rod and your staff, they comfort me. God is telling us that we will be blessed if we stand firm and strong under the many trials that are put upon us. Even though our Christian walk is not specifically a trial then reward sort of relationship, we must realize that to some extent it is. I can tell you from experience that when in the middle of a trial I’m not thinking about how if I stand firm, I’ll be rewarded in the end with a crown of life. But if we know that once we make it through, we do have light at the end of the tunnel, I think we might push a little harder to make it through the rough patches.
Life *is* tough and sometimes we just want to give up because it’s too hard and we just don’t see ourselves being able to make it through, but “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” Philippians 4:13..if we really think about it and ask God for help, we can make it through anything and in the end, be rewarded by the crown of life which God has promised to those who love Him.
I CAN DO ALL THINGS THROUGH CHRIST WHO STRENGTHENS ME!!!!
Great COMMENT!!! :]
Philippians 4:13 is my life verse(my all time favorite verse, that I have had forever!)
With God we can make it through anything! :]
Keep it up!
Thanks!
19 Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger; 20 for the anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God.
This is so hard, being so to anger. I can get mad at my family or just stupid things like my computer not working. But then I think that being slow to anger is having self-control from being angry. Personally I think that self-control is one of the hardest things to do. So everytime I get angry or think about if I should get angry, I need to think of God and his love. His love is patient, kind, and is not easy to anger. And the only way to have righteousness is to be like God, who is righteous, and to follow in his footsteps. So I need to be patient and kind and slow to anger.
19 Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger; 20 for the anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God.
This weekend Pastor Bobby talked a lot about righteousness. One way NOT to be righteouss is to be angry. Thus to live a righteoussness life my anger has to be controlled. Pratically speaking that means I need to be to quick to listen and slow to speak. I need to hear people out and understand where they are coming from. Instead of quickly rushing to defend myself, I should do all that I can to listen and understand the other persons point of view. That will never happen if it is based on my effort. I need to ask God to give me a gentle and quiet Spirit and the ability to be a better listener.
So EXCITED TO BE STARTING THE BOOK OF JAMES!!!!! THIS IS AN ALTIME FAVORITE.
12 Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him.
What a great verse. This verse is something that i strive for in my walk with Christ. Perserverance is something that I strive for so much. God has promised that If I have stood the test I will recieve the crown of life. My prayer that I can remain stedfast when I am going through trials. That the Lord will give me the power to take on any trial!!!!!!!!!!!
MARANATHA
I remember reading James last year before Revival. It was intense! I’m excited to read it! Here we go!
James 1:
8 he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways.
Someone who doesn’t trust always in the Lord, could doubt the Lord sometimes is a double-minded man. This verse says he is unstable in all of his ways. I think the word “unstable” really stuck out to me.
The short track in speed skating in the Olympics these last couple of days. If someone was at least somewhat unstable or even touch another skater, then that skater would fall and slide into the wall.
Unstable is an uncomfortable position. I need to be on the look out if I’m doubting because it can eaisly happen.
13 Let no one say when he is tempted, “I am being tempted by God,” for God cannot be tempted with evil, and he himself tempts no one. 14 But each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire.
I hear so many non-Christians say that God is tempting me. This verse says that they are wrong. They are tempted by when their own desires wants to against God’s desires. When they are lured then they give into sin. This same thing applies to us, we are humans just like them. When we are tempted, it’s when ourselves are getting enticed to our sinful flesh.
-KYLE
13 Let no one say when he is tempted, “I am being tempted by God,” for God cannot be tempted with evil, and he himself tempts no one.
I enjoyed this verse because it talks about temptation and sins. God does not tempt us, we tempt ourselves. We need to fight temptation in every way that we can. We can ask God to help us fight temptation and sin and with God ANYTHING IS POSSIBLE!
Amen Sister! God is there to help us fight temptation. By the power of his spirit we can overcome!
16 Do not be deceived, my beloved brothers. 17 Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change.
I love this verse and I think of it often. EVERY good thing comes from the Lord. This verse reminds me to praise Him more and to thank Him for every single good thing in my life…big or small. I think people often are deceived about this. The world says good things come from money, from hard work, or luck. Many people also think that if they go to Hell one day, it’ll be a party, with friends everywhere. What they don’t realize is that since every good thing comes from God–there will be NO good things in Hell…no friends…no fun…no peace. We need to correct these common mistakes and give God ALL of the glory.
17 Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change.
It was so hard to pick a verse. The whole chapter was so great! I have to be reminded that everything good has been given to me by God. There is nothing that is coincidental or that another person gave it to me but God has given it to me. ‘It reminds me of the saying, “Coincidence is when God has chosen to remain anonymous.” There are so many miracles that have happened in my life that I think of as coincidences or oh that’s cool but they are all from above. I need to work on thanking God more for all of His precious gifts that I sometimes take for granted. I want to wake up every morning and remember to be so grateful for my salvation. I don’t want the good news to become old news.
13 Let no one say when he is tempted, “I am being tempted by God,” for God cannot be tempted with evil, and he himself tempts no one. 14 But each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire. 15 Then desire when it has conceived gives birth to sin, and sin when it is fully grown brings forth death.
Its interesting that God delights in us when we overcome temptation and I should be joyful when I am persecuted and tempted. But, God doesnt tempt me! I am only tempted by my own desires and by my flesh…not even the devil has enough power to make me sin! I heard John Piper say something like this, and its true that to live a godly life I need to make war against sin, which in turn means making war against my sinful flesh. I love this analogy that James makes about sin being born of desires and maturing into death for the sinner. I really need to get sin out of my life as much as humanly possible and I strive to perfect myself to please the Lord!
17 Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change.
This is a great verse because it is true that no matter what we do, it all comes from God. We are so powerless, be he is so powerful…
Tooooo Muchh to comment on! Definitely one of my fav chapers. d;- )
“Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness.”
Mmmmmmm! Instead of backing down and receding at the trial of persecution, we should instead be fueled by it. What a privelege it is to be hurt for the glory of God! To suffer for God as he has suffered for us.
“For the sun rises with its scorching heat and withers the grass; its flower falls, and its beauty perishes. So also will the rich man fade away in the midst of his pursuits.”
Every worldly possession that we have is going to fade away. So instead of focusing our lives on these, we should instead be focusing our lives on the imperishable treasures of Heaven.
“Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him.”
Kindof a cool thought knowing that there will be rewards for those who live the life commanded of them. d:- )
“Do not be deceived, my beloved brothers. Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father.”
I’ve lately been focusing my attention on this verse, and it’s definitely been powerful in affecting my prayer life.
Every thing that I know to be good–my friends, my salvation, my CHURCH–all of these wonderful things, were provided by God. It makes you want to thank God for these things all day.
“But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.”
This reminds me of Lecrae’s “After the music stops” We can make ourselves think that we’re going to live one way for a moment in time, but come the time when you actually need to live it out, are you -actually- going to go through with it? This is what counts.
I am so excited to be reading one of my favorite books of the Bible, James!
2 Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, 3 for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. 4 And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.
This is one of my favorite verse of all times! It is so encouraging to read this and think God guarantees that there will be trials but to have joy in the midst. It is very hard to have a positive attitude when things seem to not be going as you planned but when you think about it the trials we are faced are only to grow us and mold us as followers of Christ. When I read this verse I am reminded that I am not alone in this, I have the Lord, who I need to put my full trust in, and this verse shows me and reminds me that I am not the only one going through trials. My goal is to persevere through trials that come my way big or small and not just get through them but get through them with a joyful and positive attitude knowing that this is what God promises.
20 for the anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God.
Yay! James! Another great book on SOTD! A lot of verses in this chapter are everyday things that need to be applied to my life, and are convicting too. Verse 20 stood out to me because I can sometimes have problems with getting angry. I am a Christian, and getting angry does not produce anything good for God. It doesn’t do me any good, do others good, and it certainly does not praise God. Getting angry over things I should not get angry over is something being selfish I shouldn’t be getting angry! So I am going to make that my goal!
1:1 James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ,
To the twelve tribes in the Dispersion: Greetings.
I love how the apostles call themselves servant of God before anything else, unlike the Israelites who addressed themselves as the son of ______ first! It truly starts out any conversation with a Godly mindset!! Wouldn’t it be awesome if we all introduced ourselves like that when we met someone new at church!? haha I suppose the point is that people should automatically know you are a christian just by looking at your lifestyle alone. The kids at my school call me Sarah the Jesus twin, and I’m greatly encouraged by it (even though they think it’s sort of an insult…to me, it means I must be doing something right!)
Dominic and I were jokingly talking about someone commenting on the 1st verse….touche. haha.
nice comment. d:- D
I really like versus 19. That is something that I need to work on more with day to day stuff.
2 Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, 3 for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. 4 And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.
No one would ever think that a trial would be a good thing but infact it is something that can totally change us. Through trials and hardships we gain experience that we can use not only to help us, but people going through the same thing we did. God puts us through trials to test us and strengthen us in His word. If we do not trust in God, He will provide us with a trial so that we will learn to trust in Him. Our parents punish us when we do wrong because they love us and want us to learn from our mistakes and God is certainly no different. He wants us to learn and He wants us to grow in truth.
I read…
Verse 12… “Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him.”
In life, we are always being faced with tough trials that God puts before us to test us or Satan puts before us to try and make us fall. During these trials we need to rise up and not fall because this life is short and how much more will we have when we go to Heaven. I pray that we would all be able to stand up during hardship and have Christ’s Hupomone.
Aww, my favorite book of the Bible
22 But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.
It wouldn’t make sense just to read the Bible, and then go do whatever you want. And certainly reading the Bible does not automatically make you a Christian. To illustrate my point, many atheist have read the entire Bible before, and I know I myself have not accomplished this deed yet. Anyone can read the Bible: Christians, Mormons, Atheist, Agnostics, Believers and Unbelievers. The part that matters the most is being “doers of the Word,” living our lives out in accordance to what the Bible says. Does this mean that I have an excuse to not read the Bible because I already do what the word tells me. Definitely not!
First of all, it is impossible to completely obey what the Bible tells us because we are all sinners, and fall short of the glory of God.
Secondly, notice the wording of this, “But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.”
If my mom asked me, “but do your English homework, and not just your math homework,” it flat out means for me to do both. In the same way, when James writes this, he is telling us to do two essential things that are crucial for spiritual growth.
1. Do what God’s word tells you.
2. Hear what God’s words tells you.
Well, if I think about it, if you do what God’s word tells you, I assume you are going to hear what God’s word tell you. Nevertheless, both of them are essential.
5 If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him.
This verse convicted me because for some reason wisdom hasn’t really been something I asked for, yet it is so essential to living a godly life. Solomon asked for wisdom once, and in response God filled him with such understanding that he saw the fruitlessness of vain pursuits (as expressed in Ecclesiastes) and wrote a bunch of proverbs on how to live a godly life. This verse says that if I am lacking in spiritual development the thing I need to do is ask God for wisdom. And when I do, God promises to graciously provide it without reproaching me for my lack or for having asked. LORD, thank you so much for providing everything necessary to live a godly life in you. I pray that you would please fill me with a godly wisdom so that I would fear you, understand your law, and be devoted to obeying it. Whenever I feel that I am lacking something, please help me to first ask you for wisdom so that I would understand what I should do to glorify you and be motivated to do so.
20 for the anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God.
This reminds me of the sermon of being a righteous person. Well we all can get a bit angry at someone when they talk about us in a rude way. We sometimes tend not to talk to that person for awhile unless they come up to us and say thier sorry or talk mean about them. Revenage is never the answer my friends. Like Pastor Bobby said we should try to go up to them and talk things through with them. You never know what might come out of that talk. Also I like verse 14 talking about dying in our sins. We all are given the rihgt way to do things and the wrong way. The question is…Are we makingsure we are making the right choice oar just falling into sin. IT reminds me when Pastor Bobby said”Well i am already thinking it so I might as well do it.” NO turn away from sin and repent. We also have our friends we can call up and talk to them what we are going through. We have the right choice in front of us it is just the matter of us choosing it.
22 But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. 23 For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man who looks intently at his natural face in a mirror. 24 For he looks at himself and goes away and at once forgets what he was like. 25 But the one who looks into the perfect law, the law of liberty, and perseveres, being no hearer who forgets but a doer who acts, he will be blessed in his doing.
Ok so i know that this is a long blurb, but I just really like this whole part. Like just asking yourself a question, how manytimes have you said that you are going to do something and don’t? Well these verses show that those who just hear the word but do not put it into practice are self-deceptive and will come back but fall away and forget again. But those who hear the word and put it into practice, they are blessed.
6 But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind.
So many times I find myself worring about so many situations. Why should I worry if God is standing there right by my side ready to pick me up with I trip? Right here in this verse it says that those who worry are like a wave tossed by the sea. In other words we are easily moved by the world and its worries. No one wants to be around someone who worries and stresses about every little thing. I know I can get into modes where if things go wrong, I flip. But why? I look back on certain situations and think, if I had just trusted God everything would of been ok. When I ask for Gods help I should not doubt Him, He will never let me go. I have to have full assurance that God will help me, or nothing will ever go right.
dude we are talking about this right now as I’m reading your post! haha i am going thru the same thing….good comment little ladyy<3
2 Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, 3 for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness.
I love love this verse! It’s talking about trials and how they really are a good thing. If you are not being tried then how is God going to use you for bigger things in life? To me its such a blessing because I know in the Long run it will pay off when i meet Jesus someday. God puts trials in our lives to make us stronger as Christians. Some trials are harder than others but God gives them to us to test our faithfulness. Count it as a blessing!
14,”But each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire.”
i like this verse because it shows how we are tempted by what we want and by what we like, not by god. that is why it is such a struggle to fight these temptations
2 Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, 3 for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness.
I liked this verse because its really a great reminder for us christians. A lot of times we go through trials and all we do is complain. When really we should be thankful and glad. Going through trials means your standing up and standing out for God. And since satan sees you doing such great things for God he tries to take you down by putting trials in front of us. But like God has promised; theirs ALWAYS a way out. Its just up to us to pray and rely on God to help us out of it.
22 But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. 23 For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man who looks intently at his natural face in a mirror. 24 For he looks at himself and goes away and at once forgets what he was like.
I also really liked these verses because it reminded me of one of my favorite verses; “What good is it if people claim they have faith but don`t act like it?…If [faith] doesn`t cause us to do something, it`s dead.” -James 2:14,17. These verses come hand in hand! If we claim we are christians, but go out and party, drink, ect. Then calling yourself a Christian is WORSE than saying your not a christian!!! If people are constantly surrounded by fake christians then how are they going to want to be like them? Even more know what a christian is!?! But, God has put you and I on this earth for a reason. And the reason is to stand out, show people what christians are all about! Lets show and tell them who Jesus really is! I pray that God will give every one of us the courage to stand up to all non-believers and tell them about God!!!
Yes!!! Lets give the word “Christian” a new meaning!
27 Religion that is pure and undefiled before God, the Father, is this: to visit orphans and widows in their affliction, and to keep oneself unstained from the world.
I liked the second part of this verse because it tells us that we are to go out and help people, such as orphans and widows. I am very glad that I have had the opportunity to go on a missions trip to the Dominican Republic and share the Gospel there. This verse tells us that this is what we are to do, because we should not be “stained from the world” but instead go against the world and help those in need instead of neglect them.
16 Do not be deceived, my beloved brothers. 17 Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change.
Hmm, what a radical perspective! One of the attitudes of the world that has crept into the Christian society is that of entitlement. Rather than viewing the blessings of our lives as a gift from God, we view them as our right. I deserve to have a lot of friends because I am a good person; I deserve to get good grades because I am smart; I deserve to get into this college because I’ve worked harder than everbody else. These two verses call out our deception. Every good and perfect gift comes from above.
Realizing that I do not deserve any of these earthly blessings changes my perspective. I shouldn’t complain that my house isn’t big enough, I should thank the Lord that I have house! I pray that I would always have an atittude of thanksgiving and realize that I don’t deserve any of the earthly blessings that he has given to me.
11 For the sun rises with its scorching heat and withers the grass; its flower falls, and its beauty perishes. So also will the rich man fade away in the midst of his pursuits.
Man, this was an intense chapter! It really made me think about how gathering up all these materialist items, trying to keep up with the latest everything is kinda pointless because it will perish. But, what we can rely on that will not perish is Jesus Christ and the fact that He died on the cross for our sins willingly. We did nothing to deserve it, in fact we basically did the opposite but God was loving and merciful towards us and this is such an awesome example of God’s love to us.
I pray that I would always be praising God the life He has given me and that in tough times or when tempted to sin, I would rely on God knowing that it is not him trying to make me fail.
2 Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, 3 for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness.
Trials will help us grow stronger in our faith and hold strong to the word of the Lord. Some wil be easy and some will be difficult but all have a reason and a lesson to be learned.
22 But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. 23 For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man who looks intently at his natural face in a mirror. 24 For he looks at himself and goes away and at once forgets what he was like. 25 But the one who looks into the perfect law, the law of liberty, and perseveres, being no hearer who forgets but a doer who acts, he will be blessed in his doing.
Ah, this is so important for all of us who attend church or who are surrounded by Christian influences. We should make sure we don’t just hear God’s Word, but listen to it…meaning acting upon what we are taught. If we hear Bobby’s sermon on Sunday and then act in a way that contradicts it on Tuesday, we aren’t doing God’s will. This is why I love how at Compass we take notes during the sermon
It allows me to review the key points throughout the week to make sure I’m applying them my life. And small groups are such an awesome week to expand the weekend messages! God has blessed me and taught me so much through the bible studies at small groups. I will be praying that I will constantly be doer of the Word, not just a hearer, because I know that God is always watching me and I also need to be a good clear Christian example to all those around me.
whoops..i meant “awesome way”..not “awesome week”
God gives us gifts but the biggest gift he gave us was his only son Jesus so that he may die on the cross for all are sins and no one can top that it reminds me how powerful he was that he would gave is son to us the sinners and we killed him. I pray that we be more will to give everything we have into giving God the glory he deserves so that we can be more like him. We think that giving things up is hard try giving the thing that means the most to you and destroy it. There is nothing compared to what God did it shows he loved us. One thing we need to be doing is going out and talking to the people we see ever day and talk about God, we should be lifting each other up so they get stronger in your word. Amen.
Amen brother!
Me and My dad read James together the whole book!
around 3 weeks ago…and its one of my favorites!!
im so glad im reading it again:))))
17 Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change.
19 Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger; 20 for the anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God. 21 Therefore put away all filthiness and rampant wickedness and receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls.
I liked verse 17 because, it says every good girft is from above!!
Gos is giving us everything!! 19-21
because, sometimes i to get angery fast and i dont even think about the
Jesus so this really made me think how I need to think and have the holy spirt
in me everyday 24/7 abd i wont be mean, or have bad anger so i should put it away..
everytime i get annoyed of someone ill think back to James.
it really helped.
i always loved
2 Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, 3 for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. 4 And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.
Wow! This chapter is so amazing! This verse is so important because we are tempted more than just a couple times daily! We have to learn to trust in God with our entire hearts and know how to turn from evil! We have to direct our eyes toward Christ and forget about our humanly desires that could tempt us into sin! We need to stand steadfast in our faith so that our relationship in God can strengthen. Satin will test our true faith for God in a negative way and we as followers of Christ need to restrain ourselves from giving into this temptation and relying on Gods mercy and love to ignore temptations.
19 Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger;
26 If anyone thinks he is religious and does not bridle his tongue but deceives his heart, this person’s religion is worthless.
These are key life verses! We need to control our actions to reflect them in a godly manner. We have to listen to what other people say and think before we speak. God wants us to be slow to anger and to think rationally! We have to “hold our tongues.” Actions speak louder than words and if one doesn’t express Gods glory through their actions and lives and calls themselves a Christian, how can anyone believe that?! I need to work on living my life for the glory of Christ and learning to express my faith more to the people around me!
Great post Tiffany, these are key verses. What a great encouragement it is to read about your desire to live a godly life and honor Christ. I will pray that he will give you the power to do just that!
2 Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds.
Finding joy in trials can be difficult. Whether it is persecution, temptation, or mabye its just a hard time in your life, God will always be there. He promises us that we will be blessed when we stay steadfast and get through our trials.
12 Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him.
Praise God!
Great chapter!
17 Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change.
So often when I read this verse, I focus on the first truth. Every blessing I receive is from the Lord. He is the Giver of good gifts. While this is true, the second part of this verse makes the first truth even more amazing. Not only does God supply every good gift, He does not change. James is saying the same thing that Hebrews just mentioned in 13:8 – “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.” Rooted in this truth, we are truly able to have joy in our trials. Knowing that God is constant and remains faithful, gets me excited and should motivate us all to be doers of the one true God.
Can’t wait for chapter 2 tomorrow!
22 But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. 23 For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man who looks intently at his natural face in a mirror. 24 For he looks at himself and goes away and at once forgets what he was like.—This is something that I really need to be working on! I know I go to church all the time and I get to hear these amazing sermons and I read the Bible daily, but I need to make sure that it is all going to my heart and I am applying it to my life! I can’t let it go in one ear and out the other, I really need to be making sure that what I’m listening to and what I’m saying matches with my actions. Jesus lived a perfect life and then died for us hoping that we would give our whole hear to him! He set a perfect example for all of us and I really need to be following that! I will be praying that I can do everything for the LORD that I can be a light to everyone around me and I can be a doer not just a hearer.
MARANATHA!!!
so excited to start James!!!
14 But each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire. 15 Then desire when it has conceived gives birth to sin, and sin when it is fully grown brings forth death.
Temptation does not come from God, it comes from our own sinful heart and from Satan. When we act on temptation instead of ignoring it, it says sin brings forth death! That is how seriously God takes the concept of sin. I need to be more aware of this! We can’t just think sin is inevitable since Jesus Christ already paid the price for it, but we need to be fighting and making war against it daily!
James is an awesome book!
The process of sinning:
James 1:14-15 “But each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire. Then desire when it has conceived gives birth to sin, and sin when it is fully grown brings forth death.”
My good friend Tanner Augello brought in some amazing insight: What if sin weren’t so enticing?
I mean, in an ideal world we can could put on lens’, that had a sort of detector which clarified and divided sin from righteousness. The sin would look bad, and the good would look good.
Yet, I don’t think this is completely senseless. In Romans 12, it talks about renewing our mind to ‘discern’ what is right from wrong. So I believe that God would answer this prayer: make sin look uninteresting and make good look interesting.
God, please renew my mind to not only discern right from wrong, but see life in a new light: good is good, and sin is bad. Renew my mind to fight sin, and obey you.
Pray for the SC True North Christian Club — Mady Adler is preaching!
19 Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger;
I think this is a good verse to really think about. I mean, sure we all try to stop and think before we act, but sometimes we “forget” and we say/do ridiculous things. This verse has three very good things to go by, number one: we should all listen to one another with great intent. Not only listen, but try to understand what the person is saying. Number two: we all really need to think before we speak! Though we try to say appropriate things, sometimes people might have a slip up and say something that may be offending. And number three: getting mad and angry is not the way to go, but being able to resolve any issues in a non violent or demeaning way is what should be taken into effect. I personally am going to use these three steps because i know that i don’t always truly listen to what people are saying, and sometimes i may say the wrong thing and the wrong time, and i can get an attitude if im angery or upset. So I pray that God will help me to give attention to others, and help me to fix a problem I may have instead of getting upset.
12 Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him.
Whenever I’m tempted to sin, I try to fast forward in my mind & guess what God would say after I sinned. My biggest motivator for avoiding sin is to have God “stamp” my test with a “pass.” I don’t want to look back @ a moment of weakness & be ashamed; rather, I long to hear the words “well done, good & faithful servant”!
2 Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, 3 for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. 4 And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.
This is a great verse. When we are persecuted for our belief in the LORD, we will be greatly rewarded. Once again GOD gives us a definite promise. He says that our trials will produce a greater steadfastness in him. I need to rejoice when I face trials.
26 If anyone thinks he is religious and does not bridle his tongue but deceives his heart, this person’s religion is worthless.
This is a huge conviction for me. I am so easily tempted to lose control of my tongue and say something venomous out of anger towards those who love me. This is not evidence of God, it is sin. If I cannot bridle my tongue (which can only be done by the Holy Spirit!!) than God says that my religion is WORTHLESS! If I am serious about being a God-follower, I need to be careful about what I say outloud and what emotions I let my heart feel.
2 Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, 3 for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. 4 And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.
I can’t keep track of how many times I’ve read these verses during tough times in my life. And they’re so true – even in my times of struggle, I know that God is good all the time and that it’s His will that I be built up through trials and discipline. I think that going into each day with this mindset is something I really need to work on. Lately I’ve been trying to put things in perspective, and so when trials arise in my life, I need to remember that it’s all part of the Lord’s plan for me.
22 But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.
This verse popped out at me because it made me think of myself.
Sometimes I just listen to His word, but don’t put what He says into action.
This needs to change immediately.
I need to ALWAYS obey His commands and ALWAYS be submissive to His word.
Lord, help me to follow Your commands more intently and to put into practice EVERYTHING I learn from You.
Help me to better Your kingdom, God.
Not my will, but Yours be done Lord.
Hey guys. =)
The verses that stood out to me were verses 9-10. “9 Let the lowly brother boast in his exultation, 10 and the rich in his humiliation, because like a flower of the grass he will pass away.”
I think that those stood out because it reminded me how Jesus was only a lowly carpenter, with the disciples, who weren’t necessarily prosperous, either. I remember in the Gospel messages, they were talking about humility and meekness. It just reminds us of how we should behave, because from this passage, we see that the man who is rich and greedy with his things will inevitably fall.
I am really excited to be reading through James, because it does give us good life lessons to live by. =)
(verse 19-20)
This verse just reminded me to take things slow and not to feel frustrated nor angry when talking to people. That behaving in that manner wouldn’t be what God would want us to act like.
19 Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger; 20 for the anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God. 21 Therefore put away all filthiness and rampant wickedness and receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls.
I like these verses because it reminds me that I need to have more patience and not freak out when things go wrong or don’t go my way. I need to be slow to anger amongst other things so that I can produce righteous. And with righteousness comes a sense of peace which brings about a gentle a quiet spirirt, which is what I want so badly. I need to be in constant prayer for this so that i can cast off all wickedness and become more meek!
(James 1:19-20) 19 Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger; 20 for the anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God.
This is something that I definitely struggle with. I need to work on being quick to hear, meaning that I need to listen to God’s word and obey it. I need to be slow to speak, thinking about what I’m going to say before I say it. Also Speaking only what is edifying and encouraging. I need to work on controlling my anger because anger can be a starter of sin. Being angry, leads to disobedience to God and more sin.
Through obedience to God I can help solve these sin problems and grow closer to God. Training myself to hear and act on Gods word will also make my grow. God deserved obedience, and for me to obey, I need to know God’s commands, and have a willing heart of obedience.
2 Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, 3 for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. 4 And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.
It’s so awesome that we can rejoice in good times and bad times. There is never a time (aside from when we are in sin) that we cannot be joyful about The events in our lives. It’s nice to know that whatever I’m going through, It is a way for me to improve my walk with God and show my trust that God’s plan for me is perfect.
22 But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.
There is a very famous logo out there that looks like a big check mark.
The company is Nike (we pronounce it N-i-key). This is from the Greek Nike (N-ee-key) which means “Just do it”
Nike!
Maranatha!
4 And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.
Steadfastness is an aspect of life that can be applied to almost anything. Here, it is talking about salvation. If you are reading this comment please look at verse 12 now. Now although being steadfast applies to anything you want to get good at (sports ect.) the ultimate example of this is being a Christian because a true Christian is steadfast his whole life. Is he perfect and does he follow God’s teaching to the letter; utter perfect? No! But he will still hold on to his faith and I want this to apply to me in every aspect of life, especially in salvation and being holy and righteous.
19 Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger; 20 for the anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God.
This verse really hit me because each of these phrases have to do with the characteristics of Christ. Some one who is quick to hear. Is some one who is more concerned with others than self. They listen first before responding because they know that what is being said could have truth in it. They are not concerned with there “rights”. So many times we see Jesus respond this way as he is accused by the pharisees. he listens to them first and then responds with the truth.
He was slow to speak. He didn’t allow his tongue to control him. When he was scoffed at and mocked he did not hurl insults in return. He waited with patience.
The last one is the clincher though being “slow to anger”. The two phrases fit into the last because if you are slow to anger then you will be quick to listen and slow to speak. Jesus was the perfect example of this. The only time we see Jesus get angry is with the pharisees and in the temple when God was being dishonred or his word was being twisted. He never reacted out of his pure emotion but with love and compassion he responded with the truth. It says in Ephesians 4 “Be angry but do not sin”. It is anger that is the root of the problem. But anger is more than agression, or fits of rage. Anger starts in the heart. If you have a bitterness, or a complaining spirit, discontent all of these thing which are sin can lead to anger and this anger is unrighteous. I think women especially can use the excuse of that time of the month, or I am just emotional to justify there anger. I know that until this was pointed out to me I used to do this alot. But as the world looks at us they shouldn’t see people who loose it or blow there top they should see men and women who respond in love and with truth people who are self controlled, patient, and forgiving. The opposite of anger is love. I pray that I can be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry and that would lead to a love for people that would go beyond human emotion and display the characteristics of Christ and that would ultimately lead others to him.
So I just wanted to point out that pretty much the whole book of James is either underlined or highlighted in my Bible. So much good stuff here(:
5 If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him.
I’ve started to learn in past experiences that if I try and do things my own way, it usually doesn’t turn out so well. I don’t know God’s plan! Over the past year or so I’ve realized that trying to do things my own way without trusting God or giving the full situation over to him, God teaches me a lesson that he is in control and I am not. From this verse, I need to make sure that I am asking God for biblical wisdom to help guide me through problems.
Ive also learned that having a gentle and quiet spirit means going throguh the problems in life with a sense of peace in the Lord, trusting in him for what he is doing thorugh his master plan. I need that peace and to ask God for his wisdom!
James 1
That’s how you start off a letter. With exhortations and with rebukes. We need to see that our life should be all about God. In every aspect of life we need to have God in our mind and our hearts. Whether it be temptation, communication, or our actions we need to keep God ever-present. When we start to get our focus off God we only see temptation and trials as horrible times in our life without hope. BUT when we have God on our hearts we find temptations and trials as a time to grow. God desires just this: that we live, in all aspects, in Himself. When we talk we don’t talk out of anger but instead have a gentle spirit when approaching a brother that has sinned against you. We ought to be listeners and people who process thoughts and don’t speak out foolishly but speak how we ought to speak. As Solomon wrote in Eccl. 3:7 there is a time to speak and a time to listen. Let us grow in the word by hearing and reading the word diligently not letting it leave our hearts so that we may be able, as righteous christians, discern these times to speak and times to talk, these times to break down and a time to build up. We all need to grow in righteousness. I need to grow in righteousness.
Amen!
5 If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him.
This verse is definitely true, when ever I ask God for wisdom (cause I need more of it!) He has been gracious and faithful to give it to me. Our God is awesome!
3 for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. 4 And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.
These verses are encouraging. I want to let God have His way in my life, even if it hurts, so that I can live a righteous life and have a strong relationship with God. This is what life is all about!
6 But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind. 7 For that person must not suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord; 8 he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways.
This is a scary, but such an amazing passage! We are double minded and won’t receive anything if we have even a little bit of doubt in asking the Lord for something. This completely makes sense too! How can we trust in God to save us from our sins and deliver us from death if we can’t even believe that he answers prayers..
13 Let no one say when he is tempted, “I am being tempted by God,” for God cannot be tempted with evil, and he himself tempts no one. 14 But each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire. 15 Then desire when it has conceived gives birth to sin, and sin when it is fully grown brings forth death.
These are really key verses! There are so many times when I hear people gettign mad at God because things are going bad but usually its their own fault. God is not the one tempting me but its my sinful desire swaying me away. This really is such a great verse because its very clear and to the point. He doesnt tempt me but allows me a way out of it! And refusing temptation will make me stronger and closer to God. And if there is sin dwelling in us then we need to get rid of it as quickly as possible because it WILL cause damage! Im soooo glad to be back on SOTD! i miss commenting
Great comment, Katie! It is so true…Satan is the one tempting us by encouraging our sinful desires….but God provides the way out!
4 And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.
James is teaching his readers that in their trials, they should be seeking the effect of maturity. This is a broad principal of Scripture. God uses trials to make his people more like Christ! Understanding this is the key to rejoicing in trials. When trials come, I need to not just seek the end of the trial, I need to seek Christ-likeness. Other principles from the chapter come in here, too. Like being quick to listen, I need to be quick to see things that God teaches through trials.
I love this chapter of James and im so glad to start this book(:
2 Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, 3 for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness.
THis verse shows me that it is a true blessing when i meet trials and i struggle! Because through the struggles and the hards time, God is testing my faith and it produces strength! I always remind myself when i am going through a hard time that God is doing this for a reason and if i trust in the Lord and do everything he says, it will make me stronger in the faith, stronger in my relationship with God, and i will receive an reward in Heaven!
19 Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger; 20 for the anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God.
I love this verse because i get angry a lot with my siblings and this verse helps me control my anger and to have patience. I must be slow to anger, slow to speak, and quick to hear. My anger does me no good, but if i do not have anger and instead show patience and love, it will be righteous in the eyes of God!
22 But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. 23 For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man who looks intently at his natural face in a mirror. 24 For he looks at himself and goes away and at once forgets what he was like. 25 But the one who looks into the perfect law, the law of liberty, and perseveres, being no hearer who forgets but a doer who acts, he will be blessed in his doing.
I love these verses! It is so easy sometimes to read SOTD, write a good comment, and just cross it off the check list. But that is not the right thing to do. I must read it, make a comment, and most importantly APPLY IT! It is so important to be a DOER of the law, not just a hearer. I love this analogy and it can relate so much to girls. Girls look in the mirror a lot and we would never look in the mirror and see a blemish of something wrong and just walk away..we would fix it! THis is what we must do with Gods Word, listen and see what is wrong in our lives and FIX IT! A simple hearer would be considered a hypocrite. So many people have heard Gods Word but just hear it and dont live it out. I am striving to be a hearer of the law and a doer of the law so that i am not a hypocrite and i am living the righteous life Gods wants!
You are so encouraging Allie mae Moorefield!!! (:
Yes verse 19 and 20 were a very good reminder! I sometimes get annoyed with my siblings and snap too, thats why they always said “patience is a virtue!” I will pray for you Allie, that you will be able to carry out what he commands us to do with a sincere heart, this is something im praying for too! <3
12 Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him.
What an awesome promise! I love this verse because every time I read it, I am encouraged. When I am being persecuted or going through difficult situations and yet persevere through them, I know that my laboring for Christ’s name is not in vain! When my life on earth is over, I will stand before God and have to tell Him what I did with my life and with the gifts He gave me. I want to be able to say that I labored for Him and lived my life faithfully in a way that glorified Him! Suffering for a short amount of time here on this earth, is absolutely nothing in comparison to the joy of eternity spent with my Savior. I want everyday I live to be glorifying God’s name! All glory, honor, power to our God!
2 Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, 3 for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness.
This is such a hard verse to do. It is different than any think we would think of when we are in a trial. this verse is encouraging to because it shows me that trials are tests of faith and it will produce steadfastness. so having a trial brings us closer to God because we need him more and so I need to remember that God is in control and I should just have faith in him. Lets have joy in our trials
Okay let me just say it is sooo awesome to read everyone’s posts and to see how many highschoolers are devoting time in the Word daily! This is so great! Keep it up eveyone!
James is such an awesome book! 2 Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, 3 for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness.
The does not say if you encounter trials, but when. We are promised persecution, but are also blessed when we endure it. The Lord is right there with us during the hard times.
12 Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him.
I don’t know about you, but i want the crown of life from my heavenly father! I want the Lord to look upon me and say “well done my good and faithful servant.” I want to prevail in my trials, and consider it joy. I want to be so filled with the joy of the Lord that I have constant peace in the Lord, and rest in his all knowing power and will.
22 But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.
Reading this verse was a really good reminder of how I need to be reading the bible. Sometimes I just start reading and i am not really thinking about it like I need to be. Iget to much into the reading and almost completing the check list that I get distracted from focusing on Gods word. He has given the bible to us as his words and I want to be in awe and so excited to read and focus on his word because it is a gift directly from God
25 But the one who looks into the perfect law, the law of liberty, and perseveres, being no hearer who forgets but a doer who acts, he will be blessed in his doing.
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That when we hear the word of the Lord that we need to not only hear it but go out and shear the word of the Lord !!!To not just be hears or the word but doer’s of the word .
Good Night <3
5 If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him.
I like this verse because it shows me that even when i sin and fall short of the glory of God that if I ask forgiveness He will cleanse me of my sins and make me new.
“14 But each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire. 15 Then desire when it has conceived gives birth to sin, and sin when it is fully grown brings forth death.”
Sin starts from our heart, it starts when we see things in an ungodly way and want something that is against the desires of God. And in the end, it gives birth death, a life time in hell. But God sent Jesus to be the propitiation for our sins and intervene for us. My thoughts need to be godly thoughts, the kind of thoughts described in Phil. 4:8 “Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.” If my thoughts are on God, then I won’t desire anything but what He desires and when my flesh tells me otherwise, I will be reminded to think of these things. I’m praying that “when Satan tempts me to despair, and tells me of the guilt within, upward I’ll look and see him there who made an end to ALL my sin.”
Maranatha!!!!!!!!!!!!
3 for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness.
I am proud to anounce that True North has created some serious street cred at SVCS!!! even in Bible class they all comment on yow godly we are! that’s what we want! Even at our tiny Christian school, we face persecution because we are super Christians. We have set the bar high and are reaping the rewards… More persecution! At least we aren’t getting our heads chopped off. I love this verse because it is kinda a declaration of WAR. we will last through all persecution. We will prevail!!!!!!!!!
2 Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, 3 for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness
i love this verse and everytime i read it, i am reassured that God gives us trials in life to see how we respond! Will we turn to God or turn to the world? Just think of how proud God will be of us when he honor Him by turning to Him when times get tough, instead of turning to the world!
5 If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him.
This verse is so awesome because it reminds me that God actually listens to my prayers! Sometimes I find myself in situations that I really don’t know what to do about. It seems like there is no right path to try to take and I “lack wisdom”. Specifically trying to decide what I’m going to try to do in college, since I’ll be applying in the fall. Even though I lack the wisdom right now….I need to pray every day about it. Because this verse is telling me that if I do, God will answer that prayer. He’ll show me the right path to take, by opening and closing doors, and I need to trust that He already has everything figured out.
12 Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him. 13 Let no one say when he is tempted, “I am being tempted by God,” for God cannot be tempted with evil, and he himself tempts no one. 14 But each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire.
The best thing to do when going through trials is to never stop praising God and trusting God. I love how it says here that God cannot be tempted with evil. He is not to blame for our sin, WE are. Our flesh is at constant battle with our spirit and if we’re not focused on God and start to entertain other thoughts, we make room for Satan to come in and attack! I want to make sure I’m always focused on godly things, taking every thought captive to make it obedient to Christ.
2 Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, 3 for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. 4 And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.
These verses put a whole new spin on how I think of trials and tests. Instead of being bummed out, I should be joyfull because I am learning how to get better and not give in to temptation so easily. Trials are what toughens you up as a christian so that you can make better choices and not give in to temptation. Kind of like a sports practice.
14 But each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire. 15 Then desire when it has conceived gives birth to sin, and sin when it is fully grown brings forth death.
So often when I’m tempted and fall into sin I want to blame it on something else, something I’m not in control of, because then I don’t have to accept the responsibility for my sin. These verse are so clear. I’m tempted by my own desires. It is the fleshly, worldly desires in me that cause me to sin. I can’t blame it on anyone else. I need to accept full responsibility for my actions. I need to actively resist, and say no to my worldly desires and cultivate my desires for God. It is a battle in my flesh. My flesh desires to do one thing and my regenerate soul another. I cannot wait until heaven when my flesh will desire godliness and holiness. Maranatha!!!
20 for the anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God. 21 Therefore put away all filthiness and rampant wickedness and receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls.
I like these verses because they expose anger for what it is. A lot of times getting angry about stupid trivial things doesn’t seem like a very big deal, but these verses group it with filthiness and rampant wickedness – clearly not things in which I would want to involve myself! I need to remember that I am at all times an ambassador of Christ, and when I get mad and sin against my brother, I am slandering His Name instead of living to uphold His righteousness. Whenever I am tempted to become angry at someone for what they’ve done, i need to humbly remember Christ, who had every right to be angry with me for my sin and yet humbled Himself more than I can ever imagine and died for me! THis act of undeserved love will serve to remind me that I need to be following His example in everything, instead of getting caught up in worthless matters of this world.
12 Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him.
I love the book of James!
This verse reminds me that I need to praise God not only during the good times, but also the bad times. I need to pray and seek help not only during challenges, but also during blessings. God gave Job many trials and Job proved to be righteous and Godly. I need to do the same and let nothing hinder my faith in the Lord. I do not want to be a wave is tumbled by the currents and the wind. My actions also demonstrate my love for God and evangelize to those around me. I need to remember to show brotherly love to everyone and to stand firm in the Lord. He gave it all for me, and I owe it all to Him<3.
5 If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him.
I love the book of James! This verse stuck out to me. It talks about wisdom all throughout Proverbs and how I need to be chasing after wisdom and how I need to value it!! I need to be asking God for wisdom when I pray and be in his word daily to gain wisdom. I want to be wise and grow in godliness, pursuing God with 100% of my effort!!
2 Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, 3 for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. 4 And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.
Ahhhh, another refreshing day of scripture. These verses are among the best. If ever there was a inspirational book, its James. I love how these verses talk DIRECTLY about our trials and struggles. Everyone faces problems in life, but with the word of God we can fight back! We can persevere through our rough moments when we are sad or angry. These verses give me hope for the trials I’m faced with.
13 Let no one say when he is tempted, “I am being tempted by God,” for God cannot be tempted with evil, and he himself tempts no one. 14 But each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire.
These are also infinitely amazing verses. In Jerry Bridges “The Practice of Godliness” there is a recurring point that when we sin it is our fault, but when we succeed God gets the Glory. These verses are instant proof! When we fall into temptation we sin under our own power, however when we succeed in anything we do it is because God has given us the strength to succeed. The root of sin is man, but the root of perfection is GOD. Let God’s name be glorified!
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Righteousness. It’s a lifestyle.
Yes True North! I am encouraged by how many comments there have been on here today and how into the book of James you guys are! Let’s keep it going all week long!
12 Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him.
This verse gives me great motivation to go on no matter how difficult my life may get! I cannot wait to be with God and receive whatever reward he has for me!
25 But the one who looks into the perfect law, the law of liberty, and perseveres, being no hearer who forgets but a doer who acts, he will be blessed in his doing.
Awesome chapter! This part about being a doer not just a hearer is very convicting. On a daily basis I am “hearing” the word through Bible reading, sermons at church, on the radio, at Women’s Bible Study and True North. And I don’t ever want to see a double mindedness in what I’m hearing and what I’m doing. My prayer tonight is that I would be purposeful throughout the day everyday to think thoroughly and personally about the teaching I hear and Bible passages I am studying or reading to think the Bible’s thoughts, think God’s thoughts! The more I meditate on and love God’s Word the more living for him is a joy and simply the fruitful response rather than the robotic check off the to-do list of obedience.
2 Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, 3 for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. 4 And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.
A great verse when under stess or feeling depressed. God promises us that it’s all for a greater purpose, and we need to trust Him on that!
5 If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him. 6 But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind
we sometimes have a lack of faith when living out our loves for Jesus and pursuing Him, and spreading His name, my friends, let’s remember to continually have faith in all we do!
22 But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.
Let’s take these words to heart, and not simply “listen” to them and not take action, but we need to LISTEN and HEAR and understand Gods, reading it, meditating on it, use it, and we need to take action, using it as the Sword of the Spirit that it is, as a light in this dark world.
James 1
6 But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind. 7 For that person must not suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord; 8 he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways.
James reminds us what faith looks like in the heart and mind of a Christian. In faith we repent and put our trust is entirely in Christ. Why then are we so doubtful in our thinking? What does it say about our faith in Christ when we have doubt? We see here in these passages that a person with doubt (unbelief) is unstable in all his ways. If our faith in Jesus Christ is strong and stable than we will believe his promise in verse 5.
5 If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him.
If a man doubts the power of God than he is double-minded and will not receive what he has asked for because of his unbelief. In verse 5 the key word is reproach. God gives generously to those who trust in him and are without reproach (blameless). On the other hand a double-minded man is characterized by serving the world and entangled by sin.
Matthew 7:7-8 7 Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. 8 For everyone who asks receives, and the one who seeks finds, and to the one who knocks it will be opened.
Isaiah 57:20 20 But the wicked are like the tossing sea; for it cannot be quiet, and its waters toss up mire and dirt.
14 But each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire.
This verse is so true!! When we sin sin or are being tempted, the will to do that sin is only there because our own fleshly desires want to fall into it!! It takes the power of God and our spiritual souls to fight off that temptation!!!
MARANATHA!!!!!!!!!!!!
“But each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire.”
Sometimes when we face a temptation, we like to say Satan is attacking us. This might be so, after all he is a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. However, what this verse says is that ultimately, its our own desire that entices us to sin. We shouldn’t try to get off the hook by blaming our struggle with sin on Satan. The solution is not to blame shift, but to own up to our sin. To face it, to repent of it, and to receive the grace that God offers so that we can cast sin aside (Hebrews 12 anyone?), train ourselves for godliness, and press on. I’m excited to see God doing all these things and more in my life.
What an incredible start to such an awesome book!!! I am sooo excited to continue to dive into this text and to really grow from it!!
There was so many important ideas that stood out to me that I really and praying that God would allow me to put these ideas and themes into practice during my week and carry them out into my daily life!!
But just starting off with:
“2 Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, 3 for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. 4 And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.”
What an amazing encouragement and a PERFECT timing for me!! I am so thankful for these words that we can read to grow, encourage and spur us on!! Know that in the testing of our faith and the trails/persecution it is just growing us and it’s not to jip us in any sort of way but only for the sake of making us more “perfect” in the sight of our Lord! LOVE LOVE LOVE!!! Praise God!!!