We know also that the Son of God has come and has given us understanding, so that we may know him who is true. And we are in him who is true by being in his Son Jesus Christ. He is the true God and eternal life.
Before we dive in:
Welcome to Week 9 of the Summer Reading Plan!
We are coming to the end of our summer reading plan concluding in the book of James. As explored last week, the central theme of James is what it means to practically live out one’s faith. The topics of trial and temptations, wisdom, and riches and poverty are presented in the text and repeated throughout. As we continue in these chapters we will see how these three topics intertwine and display to the reader how to develop an enduring faith in a sinful and broken world.
Section 1:
This section starts by addressing the topic of speech. The words that we say, are a reflection of what is in the heart. Which for Christians, our speech and conduct do not just reflect ourselves, but reflect who we are in Christ.
Verses 3:1-12 provide vivid examples of the power our words hold. James details small things that can have a great impact and connects to how our tongue is the same. Now, this seems like a simple concept that we all know. We are taught from a very young age that our words have power. James knew the weight that our words can hold, calling it a restless evil. An evil that can infiltrate the church so quickly and cause pain and division in the body of Christ. Further, not just division with other believers, but in our relationship with God. For the Christ-follower, one of the ways to examine the fruit in our life is to reflect upon our words. This point is driven home in verse 3:9:
With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse human beings, who have been made in God’s likeness.
We can praise God but in the same moment curse humans, who are made in the very image of the same God we praise. This poses the question that as Christians how are we representing Christ? If Jesus was standing right in front of us, would the words we say to others be the same? We are in a battle between our flesh and the pursuit of Christ-likeness. One of the evils in that battle is the power that is held in our words. These verses challenge us to examine our words and know the power they have to bring good or evil.
James 3:1-12 presents the problem (our words can be dangerous). Verses 3:13-18 provide the answer (seek wisdom from Christ). Two types of wisdom are being contrasted, challenging the reader to reflect on what kind of wisdom they wish to seek.
Everyone wants wisdom and knowledge, however, there are two types and motives of wisdom. There is earthly wisdom, which is described as unspiritual, and filled with selfishness and jealously (Verses 15- 16). This type of earthly wisdom will fail us time and time again.
The second type of wisdom is described as wisdom from above or Godly wisdom. Godly wisdom is pure, peaceful, gentle, full of mercy, good fruits, impartial, and sincere (Verses 17-18). Now to me, Godly wisdom sounds a lot like the attributes of God. Godly wisdom, is a reflection of growing in Christ-likeness, it reflects God’s character. When we seek this kind of wisdom in our words and actions we are being counter to the world and growing in the image of the Savior.
We as Christians are called to stand out in contrast to the ways of the world. As we walk with Christ and depend on wisdom from above, the difference between us and the world will be evident in our words and our actions.
Section 2:
The start of chapter 4 warns about having a split devotion between the world and the word. These passionate verses challenge the reader to truly examine their devotion, desires and walk with Christ.
Verses 4:5-10 explain that a relationship with God contains genuine repentance of sin, reverence, humility, and submission. There is a great comfort that can be found in verse 8:
Come near to God and he will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded.
When we seek out God daily in prayer and scripture, He is near. However, there is another part of drawing near to God that we forget, turning from sin. The second part of verse 8 states “wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded.” This verse became a favorite verse at the start of the pandemic. However, it is a bold statement that can be a stark contrast to the love and hope portrayed in the words prior.
What is being said here, is that our love for God is met with repentance for our sin. Frequently throughout scripture, we see the command to fear God, to have reverence and respect for a Holy God. We cannot love both worldly things and God. Because of how much we love God, we understand the weight of our sins and strive to turn from it. These verses remind us that we are forgiven, yet not to take that lightly. It displays that God is both just and merciful.
Section 3:
In the next section, James is connecting all three themes mentioned before together.
Verse 13 focuses on boasting about tomorrow. Now, this may sound familiar. This is a common theme throughout scripture, Jesus taught on not worrying about tomorrow (Matthew 6:34). We have this command to not worry about tomorrow, and now scripture tells us not to boast. Both of those commands have an underlying issue. By worrying, planning, boasting of what is to come, all communicate a lack of trust in God. We all have this need to control, whatever the reason may be. Giving up trust is hard, and by worrying or planning, or boasting we can hold onto some sense of false control.
God is calling us to complete obedience. He is calling us to completely trust in His plan and give it all to Him.
Chapter 5 begins with a warning to the wealthy for their actions. James is calling out the sin and heartbreak and wrongdoing he has seen. He is calling out the materialistic culture of the time. Further, he is calling the Christian to a higher standard.
The book of James is a great guide that provides insight into everyday Christian life. In these passages we see God calling us to seek Him continually, to seek God for the wisdom and joy that we need to face a broken and sinful world.
Section 4 (Week 10):
New Horizon family, we did it!
It is the end of week 10 of our Summer Reading Plan!
Over the last 10 weeks we have read 4 New Testament epistles, 21 chapters and 466 verses. Those are impressive numbers, and I'm excited that we took on these books together. I hope that through reading these few New Testament letters that you've been able to see the importance of life change and a life of holiness after salvation.
As we wrap up with these last few verses from James 5, I think they're a very appropriate end point for our summer reading.
Dear brothers and sisters, be patient as you wait for the Lord’s return. Consider the farmers who patiently wait for the rains in the fall and in the spring. They eagerly look for the valuable harvest to ripen. You, too, must be patient. Take courage, for the coming of the Lord is near.
This verse is really the culmination of the book of James. Over this book James has warned believers of many things that could cause them to stumble or turn away from the faith, and now he is encouraging believers to stand strong! Be patient! The Lord is coming!
James gives a handful of encouragements and warnings to the church as he wraps up his final chapter, including avoiding grumbling, meaning what you say and not having to swear an oath, enduring through suffering, praising God in hardships, praying for those who are sick, and finally an encouragement to restore wandering believers to the faith.
James is an incredibly applicable book to us today as the church of Jesus Christ. In fact, all of the books that we've gone through this summer are incredibly useful in our every day walks with God.
I want to commend you in getting this far, and encourage you to not stop your Bible study here! Continue to pursue growth and learn about God. If you have any questions on how to do that, or you'd like some direction, you can check out our blog post about Bible study or contact us.