James, Part 10

Be doers of the Word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. For if anyone is a hearer of the Word and not a doer, he is like a man who looks at his face in a mirror and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like. But the one who looks intently into the perfect law, the law of liberty, and perseveres–not  a forgetful hearer but an active doer–he will be blessed in what he does. If anyone considers himself religious and does not bridle his tongue, he deceives himself and his religion is worthless. Religion that is pure and undefiled in the sight of God the Father is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress, and to keep oneself from being stained by the world. 

James 1:22–27

Many Christians wander through life feeling defeated and confused about their faith. They try their best to live according to godly principles, but setbacks are frequent and frustrating. Is there a way to turn things around? Is it possible to be content, even joyful, in the midst of life’s ups and downs?

James says there is a way that is both simple and foolproof. “If you want to be truly blessed,” he says, “don’t let God’s Word go in one ear and out the other–do what it says–put it to work in your life.” That’s a paraphrase of verse 25; James was more blunt. He said blessings come not to “forgetful hearers,” but to “active doers.”

James, Part 8

He chose to give us birth through the word of truth, that we might be a kind of first fruits of all he created. Understand this, dear brothers and sisters: Everyone must be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to anger, for the wrath of man does not produce the righteousness of God. Therefore, put away all the filth and evil in your lives and humbly accept the word planted in you, for it has the power to save your souls. 
James 1:18-21

Ten or twelve years had passed since Jesus had ascended to heaven. The church was growing, but persecution had scattered Christ followers all over the empire. Many were without spiritual guidance.  James, half-brother of Jesus and the first pastor of the church in Jerusalem, wrote a letter to encourage those who followed the way of Jesus. In verse 18, he speaks of the new birth that comes through God’s Word. Those who are born again are described as the “first fruits” of God’s grace.

James, Part 7 

No one, when tempted, should say, “God is tempting me.” God is never tempted by evil, and he never tempts anyone else. But each one is tempted when, by his own evil desire, he is dragged away and enticed. Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death. 
James 1:13–15

Do not be deceived, my dear brothers and sisters. Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows. He chose to give us birth through the word of truth, that we might be a kind of firstfruits of all he created. 
James 1:16–18

James has much to say about how followers of Jesus are to overcome temptation, but his instructions sound foreign to many Christians–we don’t see the connection between what James says about temptation in verses 13–15, and what he says about God in verses 16–18. But the connection is one we don’t want to miss: James is telling us how to overcome temptation.