TABLE OF CONTENTS The Author: James 2 The Book: Intro 3 Sermon Series Schedule 4 How to Use Guide 4 All Joy (1:1-4) 5 Wisdom Faith (1:5-8) 6 How to Boast (1:9-11) 7 The Reward (1:12) 9 The Enemy Within (1:13-15) 10 Life from God (1:16-18) 12 Receiving the Word (1:19-25) 13 True Religion (1:26-27) 14 Accepting Face (2:1-7) 16 Judgment & Mercy (2:8-13) 17 Living Faith (2:14-17) 19 Faith that Justifies (2:18-26) 20 Weight of Teaching (3:1-5a) 22 Power of Words (3:5b-12) 23 Wisdom from Above (3:13-18) 25 Spiritual Adultery (4:1-10) 27 Slanderous Pride (4:11-12) 28 If God Wills (4:13-17) 30 Self-Indulgence (5:1-6) 32 Patience in Suffering (5:7-11) 34 Yes & No (5:12) 35 Prayer & Confession (5:13-18) 37 Save the Wanderer (5:19-20) 38
THE AUTHOR James was an apostle of Jesus Christ. He was also one of Jesus brothers (Galatians 1:19), along with Simon, Joseph, and Judas 1 (Matthew 13:55). Even though James served in the prestigious position as an apostle, he did not always believe that his brother was the Messiah. The apostle John describes James unbelief in the following way, 3 So his brothers said to him, Leave here and go to Judea, that your disciples also may see the works you are doing. 4 For no one works in secret if he seeks to be known openly. If you do these things, show yourself to the world. 5 For not even his brothers believed in him. (John 7:3-5) Family connections never saved anyone, for even the brother of the Lord Jesus Christ had to make a personal decision to worship and follow Jesus. James served the Lord faithfully until he was martyred around AD 62. The details of his death are brutal, yet accurately reflect the cost of following Jesus in a culture hostile to the gospel: The Scribes and Pharisees placed James upon the pinnacle of the temple, and threw down the just man, and they began to stone him, for he was not killed by the fall. And one of them, who was a fuller, took the club with which he beat out clothes and struck the just man on the head." 2 It is reported that as he was dying he prayed the same prayer that Stephen and Jesus did, Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do." James was great man of God who has much to teach us about the Christian life and the implications of the gospel for our everyday lives. Eventually, James became, not just one of the apostles, but what Paul the apostle referred to as a pillar of the early church together with Peter and John (Galatians 2:9). A pillar of the church was one designated to uphold the integrity of the truth of the gospel and Christian doctrine in the early stages of the church. 1 This is not Judas Iscariot, who betrayed Jesus. 2 Church History Book II, Chapter 23. The Martyrdom of James, who was called the Brother of the Lord 2
THE BOOK James wrote his letter between AD 40-45 to Jewish Christians who had dispersed outside of Palestine because of the violent persecutions against the church. We know this because of the first verse: to the twelve tribes in the Dispersion (1:1). The phrase twelve tribes was another expression for the Israelites. The Greek word for Dispersion is diaspora, which is used for when farmers scatter seed over a field. The people James wrote to were a persecuted and divided people. They had experienced many trials and hardships. Peter wrote to the same kind of people in his first letter (1 Peter 1:1). The book of James is primarily concerned with pressing upon us the practical implications of the gospel for the Christian life. We are not merely to be hearers of the word, but doers of the word. Because of this, James can appear overly practical and lacking in theological and gospel richness. Even Martin Luther had a controversial view of James. He once said, St. James epistle is really a quite strawy epistle, compared to these others [Romans, Galatians, Ephesians, 1 Peter, and 1 John], for it has nothing of the nature of the gospel about it. 1 While it is true that James is overshadowed by the book of Romans with its theological grandeur, there is no question that all of the practicalities of James is undergirded by the glorious gospel: Of his own will [God] brought us forth by the word of truth, that we should be a kind of firstfruits of his creatures. (James 1:18) receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls. (James 1:21) Make no mistake about it, all of the implications and nitty-gritty applications of the gospel flow entirely from the gospel of truth. James is a necessary, Holy-Spirit inspired book for all Christians, especially for those of us who like to gorge on theology and doctrine! James addresses trials, temptation, rich/poor, racism/partiality, the power of our words, prayer, patience, worldliness, and much more. May the Spirit of the living God shape us as a church as we study the book of James. 1 Preface to the 1522 German translation of the New Testament. To Martin Luther s credit, he does praise the book of James for its extraordinary exposition of the Law of God. 3
SERMON SERIES SCHEDULE January 7 James 1:1-11 January 14 James 1:12-18 January 21 James 1:19-27 January 28 James 2:1-13 February 4 James 2:14-26 February 11 James 3:1-12 February 18 James 3:13-18 February 25 James 4:1-12 March 4 James 4:13-17 March 11 James 5:1-6 March 18 James 5:7-12 March 25 James 5:13-20 HOW TO USE THIS GUIDE The Bible is a sufficient source given to us by God to complete the mission of making disciples of all nations. Therefore, we preach all sermons from the Bible and supply the church with Bible study resources to read it for themselves. Here are a few tips on how to use this guide: 1. Look at the Sermon Series Schedule and be sure to read the passage and answer as many questions as you can for the verses being preached that week. EXAMPLE: for the week of January 7 complete the study questions all the way through James 1:1-11. 2. Always pray and ask the Spirit for help before reading and answering questions. 3. Bring the packet to church and take notes from the sermon on that passage for new insights you gain and new ways the passage encourages or convicts you. 4. Go through the questions with a group of other friends, believers, unbelievers, etc. Don t do it alone! 5. Don t rush through the questions! Go slow and think carefully. 4
ALL JOY JAMES 1:1-4 1 James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, To the 5. The shocking part of this verse is the command to count trials all joy (i.e. total or pure joy). Verse 3 gives the reason ( for ) why we can count trials all joy. How is this a sufficient reason? Look at 1 Pet. 1:7 and Rom. 5:3-5 ( testing ) to help your answer. twelve tribes in the Dispersion: Greetings. 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. 6. How would testing your faith produce steadfastness? Steadfastness also means endurance or patience. 1. According to verse 2, what is the situation in which we are to Count it all joy? 2. The Greek word for meet (peripiptō) shows up only 2 other times in the New Testament. Look up the following ESV references: Luke 10:30 ( fell among ) and Acts 27:41 ( striking ). What is the fuller meaning of meeting trials? 7. It hurts a lot to have steadfastness produced in you through tested faith. Read Col. 1:11 and Rom. 15:4-5. What encouragement do we find here when you are going through this? 3. Why do you think James would say various trials? 8. The ultimate goal of steadfastness is verse 4. Perfect is often translated mature, and complete means all parts are healthy and is only found in 1 Thess. 5:23 ( whole spirit ). What does this tell you about the nature of the Christian life and what it takes to grow in your faith? 4. The only other place that the Bible mentions various trials is in 1 Peter 1:6-7. What similarities and new insights can you gain? 5
WISDOM FAITH JAMES 1:5-8 4 And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be 4. Why do you think James would add the phrase, who gives generously to all without reproach? ( reproach also means belittle or scold ) In what ways might our earthly fathers infect our view of this lavish and generous Heavenly Father? 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. 1. Verse 5 seems like it is changing the subject. Can you find a common word in verse 4 and 5 that shows a continuation of James thought? 5. Verses 6-8 give the condition for receiving God s wisdom. Doubting literally means to waver between two options, which is a double-minded man (v. 8). What do you think a doubter is going back-and-forth between? (see James 3:15) 6. James compares the double-minded man to a tossing wave (v. 6). According to Ephesians 4:13-14, what exactly is it that causes the tossing of the waves? How does this relate to the importance of godly wisdom vs. worldly wisdom? 2. James is teaching that in order for us to become spiritually mature ( perfect v. 4), we need wisdom. Look up the following verses and identify a connection between maturity ( perfect ) and wisdom. a. Romans 12:2 7. What are some examples of worldly wisdom you would hear offered to a person going through trials? b. 1 Corinthians 2:6 c. Colossians 1:28 3. Why do you think we would need wisdom as we mature through a deluge of trials? 8. Many times, worldly wisdom sounds good! What do you think are keys to discerning between worldly and godly wisdom? (see characteristics of worldly wisdom in James 3:14-16) 6
HOW TO BOAST JAMES 1:9-11 9 Let the lowly brother boast in his exaltation, 10 and the rich in his 4. Verses 10b-11 introduce an analogy having to do with flowers. The only other place this Greek word (anthos) shows up is in 1 Peter 1:23-25. Both of these verses are quoting Isaiah 40:6-8. Read it and identify what the beauty of flowers are compared to. 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. 1. In v. 9-10 James commands the lowly (humiliating circumstances) and the rich (prestigious circumstances) to boast (rejoice). What is ironic about what they should boast in? 5. If verse 11 serves as a reason for verses 9-10, then what is it about the riches and material things fading away that would cause the lowly to boast in his exaltation and the rich in his humiliation? 2. Look up the following verses and identify the common theme for the kind of boasting James is forbidding: a. 1 Cor. 4:7 b. 2 Cor. 5:12 c. 2 Cor. 11:18 d. Phil. 3:3. 3. In light of the kind of boasting James forbids, what do you think he means by the lowly boasting in his exaltation (James 2:5), and the rich boasting in his humiliation (1 Timothy 6:17)? That is, in what sense can the lowly see themselves in a high position, and the rich see themselves in a low position? 6. How do you think this passage (v. 9-11) is relevant to the entire theme of trials in v. 1-12? In what way are trials similar to the lowly and the rich? Different? How do we respond accordingly? The Lowly The Rich 7. In what sense does the gospel liberate the lowly and the rich according to 2 Corinthians 8:9? a. Lowly : b. Rich : 7
SERMON NOTES January 7 / James 1:1-11 Memorable quotes from the sermon. Verses to look up and study further. Questions you have about the sermon. Whom or what do you need to pray for? 8
THE REWARD JAMES 1:12 5. What is the reason for the blessedness of the man who remains steadfast under trial? 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. 1. What do you think it practically looks like to remain steadfast under trial, in a way that truly honors Christ? Is there a way to remain steadfast under trial that dis-honors Christ? How so? 6. The only other place that the phrase crown of life shows up in the New Testament is Revelation 2:10. What new insights do you gain from this verse in regard to trials and the crown of life? 2. The Greek word for Blessed is simply happy J What comes to your mind based upon your present life situation when you think of circumstances that would make you happy? 7. God did not necessarily have to tell us that we would be rewarded for remaining steadfast under trial. Why do you think he would tell us about this reward? 3. How does this verse destroy the American idea of happiness? 8. Do you think it is right to be motivated by reward to remain steadfast under trial? Why or why not? See Hebrews 11:6. 4. Is the blessedness talked about here a future happiness or a present happiness? How do you know? 9
THE ENEMY WITHIN JAMES 1:13-15 13 Let no one say when he is tempted, I am being tempted by 4. Does James identify the greatest threat to our spiritual growth on the outside or the inside? 5. What specific language does v. 14 use to describe the enemy within you? 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. 6. Why do you think James would use the birthing process to describe the anatomy of sin/temptation? 1. James takes a turn in v. 13 after talking about the reward one receives for enduring trials (v. 12). The Greek word for trials is the same for temptation in v. 13-15. With that in mind, what kind of person do you think James is addressing in this section? 7. Compare v. 14-15 with Romans 7:5-11. What do these two passages teach you about the nature of sin? How does this differ from the idea that sin is merely breaking God s rules? 2. James is addressing an age-old problem hardwired by sin into the human heart. In what way is this passage relevant or related to Genesis 3:11-13? How does this passage apply to Adam and Eve? 8. According to 2 Peter 1:3-4, what is the key to combating the enticement and allurement of sinful desires? 3. In what way do we blame God when we are found guilty of submitting to the power of temptation? 9. What are some specific Scripture promises that you need to carry with you in order to escape temptation? 10
LIFE FROM GOD JAMES 1:16-20 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. 1. In v. 16 James says we should not be deceived about something; that is, the nature and character of our Heavenly Father (v. 17). What picture of God is painted in verses 17-18? 2. Why do you think the health of your relationship with God depends on your understanding of what God is like? 5. In v. 18, the Greek word for brought us forth is only found in one other place in the NT: James 1:15 ( brings forth death ). Complete the table below which compares the two. Who s will is talked about? What does it produce? Instrument that does the producing? BRINGS FORTH (Greek: apokeuasen) VERSE 15 VERSE 18 6. What does the above chart demonstrate about the power of the word of God? 3. What two characteristics of God are described in verse 17? (hint: Every good and perfect gift is from above and whom there is no variation or shadow due to change ). 7. The final interesting phrase that James uses is firstfruits. Look up in the dictionary what this word means. a. b. 4. What good and perfect gift is described in verse 18? Look up the following verses and identify how they relate. a. John 1:12-13 b. John 3:3 c. 1 Peter 1:3 d. 1 Peter 1:22-23 8. Another place this word is used is in 1 Thessalonians 2:13-14. Read it and identify similarities and new insights that you learn about your own conversion to Christ. 11
SERMON NOTES January 14 / James 1:12-17 Memorable quotes from the sermon. Verses to look up and study further. Questions you have about the sermon. Whom or what do you need to pray for? 12
RECEIVING THE WORD JAMES 1:19-21 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. 3. What is the only way verse 20 would actually be a motivation for someone to be quick to hear, slow to speak, and slow to anger (v. 19)? 4. Look up what the word meekness means. What do you think it practically looks like to receive the implanted word of God with meekness? 5. The first word in v. 26 is But. This means that it connects to the previous section (v. 19-21). How does this passage seem to relate to the previous one? 1. Why do you think James would add, slow to anger when referencing speaking and listening? In other words, how does anger relate to our speaking and listening? 6. Read verses 22-24. In what sense does a hearer of the word (only) deceive themselves? What are they being deceived about? 2. James did not have to include the reason (v. 20) for verse 19 in verse 20. So, why do you think James added a reason for obeying the command in verse 19? 7. Of all the illustrations James could have compared the word of God to, he chose a mirror. What is it about the word of God that is mirror-like? How does this relate to our actual obedience to the word of God? 13
TRUE RELIGION JAMES 1:26-27 4. How does John 14:15-18 give new insight into our motivation for helping orphans in the world? 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. 5. Read 1 Timothy 5:3-8. What does this teach about the importance loving our families? Who are the widows that the church is to devote their attention to? 1. Read v. 26 carefully. Why would this type of person s religion have no value ( worthless )? What does this tell you about the relationship between your relationship with Christ and your own personal integrity? 6. Besides caring for orphans and widows, what other characteristic is seen in true religion to God? 2. What are all the ways that orphans and widows are similar? 7. How does this characteristic differ (generally speaking) from caring for orphans and widows? 3. How does the gospel motivate us to specifically reach out to people like this? 8. What does v. 27 teach us about the relationship between social justice and personal purity/holiness in the Christian life? 14
SERMON NOTES January 21 / James 1:19-27 Memorable quotes from the sermon. Verses to look up and study further. Questions you have about the sermon. Whom or what do you need to pray for? 15
ACCEPTING FACE JAMES 2:1-7 My brothers, show no partiality as you hold the faith in our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory. 2 For if a man wearing a gold ring and fine clothing comes into your assembly, and a poor man in shabby clothing also comes in, 3 and if you pay attention to the one who wears the fine clothing and say, You sit here in a good place, while you say to the poor man, You stand over there, or, Sit down at my feet, 4 have you not then made distinctions among yourselves and become judges with evil thoughts? 5 Listen, my beloved brothers, has not God chosen those who are poor in the world to be rich in faith and heirs of the kingdom, which he has promised to those who love him? 6 But you have dishonored the poor man. Are not the rich the ones who oppress you, and the ones who drag you into court? 7 Are they not the ones who blaspheme the honorable name by which you were called? 1. The Greek word for partiality (prosōpolēmpsia) only shows up 3 other times in the New Testament. Look them up and write down other things you learn about the nature of partiality. a. Romans 2:11 2. The word partiality comes from the idea of being someone who accepts the face of a person. Based upon that, how would you define partiality in your own words? 3. According to v. 2-4, partiality pertains to favoring those who exhibit wealth on the outside. In what way does racism parallel this passage? 4. According to verses 5-7, how does the nature and character of God correct our own disposition to show partiality? 5. How does a distorted view of true wealth affect the way we treat people? b. Ephesians 6:9 6. Do you think partiality is easily detected in our hearts? If so, how do we maintain our awareness? If not, how might we detect it? c. Colossians 3:23-25 16
JUDGMENT MERCY JAMES 2:8-13 If you really fulfill the royal law according to the Scripture, You shall love your neighbor as yourself, you are doing well. 9 But if you show partiality, you are committing sin and are convicted by the law as transgressors. 10 For whoever keeps the whole law but fails in one point has become guilty of all of it. 11 For he who said, Do not commit adultery, also said, Do not murder. If you do not commit adultery but do murder, you have become a transgressor of the law. 12 So speak and so act as those who are to be judged under the law of liberty. 13 For judgment is without mercy to one who has shown no mercy. Mercy triumphs over judgment. 1. How do v. 8-11 prevent us from viewing partiality as a respectable sin, and seeing it correctly as a deep offense against God? 4. Verse 11 serves as a reason for James shocking statement in v. 10 (notice the word For ). How does v. 11 explain and support the point in verse 10? 5. Do you think most people view partiality as a big sin or little sin? Explain. 6. How do v. 12-13 take partiality to the most extreme level? 2. What reason does James give for why partiality is considered sin and a transgressing of God s entire law? 7. Whose judgment is referred to in v. 13? How do you know? 3. Read v. 10 carefully. Why might this verse come as a shock to some? 8. What does this last part of the passage teach you about the importance of evidencing true faith/religion in Christ? (i.e. can someone really be considered a Christian who is persistently partial and unmerciful?) 17
SERMON NOTES January 28 / James 2:1-13 Memorable quotes from the sermon. Verses to look up and study further. Questions you have about the sermon. Whom or what do you need to pray for? 18
LIVING FAITH JAMES 2:14-17 4. According to this passage, is it possible for someone to have true, genuine, and authentic faith and not have good works? What good is it, my brothers, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can that faith save him? 15 If a brother or sister is poorly clothed and lacking in daily food, 16 and one of you says to them, Go in peace, be warmed and filled, without giving them the things needed for the body, what good is that? 17 So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead. 5. Observe the parallel between verse 14 and verse 16? What similarities do you see? 14 What good is it if someone says he has faith but does not have works? 1. Reading through the passage, what seems to be the general theme throughout? 16 One of you says to them, Go in peace, be warmed and filled, without giving them the things needed for the body, what good is that? 2. Answer the two questions in verse 1. How do you know that those are the right answers, according to the rest of the passage? 6. How does this parallel help you see the point of James illustration in verse 16? 3. Why do you think it is significant when James says, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? 7. In your own words, define dead faith or faith that does not save. 19
FAITH THAT JUSTIFIES JAMES 2:18-26 18 But someone will say, You have faith and I have works. Show me your faith apart from your works, and I will show you my faith by my works. 19 You believe that God is one; you do well. Even the demons believe and shudder! 20 Do you want to be shown, you foolish person, that faith apart from works is useless? 21 Was not Abraham our father justified by works when he offered up his son Isaac on the altar? 22 You see that faith was active along with his works, and faith was completed by his works; 23 and the Scripture was fulfilled that says, Abraham believed God, and it was counted to him as righteousness and he was called a friend of God. 24 You see that a person is justified by works and not by faith alone. 25 And in the same way was not also Rahab the prostitute justified by works when she received the messengers and sent them out by another way? 26 For as the body apart from the spirit is dead, so also faith apart from works is dead. 1. Read through the entire passage, then compare it with Romans 3:28. Why do you think this passage has been a controversial one in the church? 3. In v. 20-23 he uses Abraham to prove faith without works is dead. He refers to two moments in Abraham s life: Gen. 22:1-14 and Gen. 15:6. At what point was Abraham actually justified (i.e. counted righteous): when he believed or obeyed? Why is this significant? FAITH WORK Abraham believed God, and it was counted to him as righteousness (Genesis 15:6) Abraham built the altar there and bound Isaac his son and laid him on the altar (Genesis 22:9) 4. Compare the two phrases from James and Paul. The same Greek phrase is used: apart from works. How would you reconcile these two verses together? Does James seem to contradict Paul, or simply clarify a point that Paul would agree with? Explain. "so also faith apart from works is dead. (James 2:26) justified by faith apart from works. (Romans 3:28) 5. Look up the following references and identify how they agree with James view of true and genuine faith. 2. James is continuing his point from v. 14-17, but now he is going to go a little deeper into his argument. What is James point in v. 18-19? How does the example of demons strengthen his point? a. Romans 1:5 b. Galatians 5:6 c. 2 Thessalonians 1:11 20
SERMON NOTES February 4 / James 2:14-26 Memorable quotes from the sermon. Verses to look up and study further. Questions you have about the sermon. Whom or what do you need to pray for? 21
WEIGHT OF TEACHING JAMES 3:1-5a Not many of you should become teachers, my brothers, for you know that we who teach will be judged with greater strictness. 2 For we all stumble in many ways. And if anyone does not stumble in what he says, he is a perfect man, able also to bridle his whole body. 3 If we put bits into the mouths of horses so that they obey us, we guide their whole bodies as well. 4 Look at the ships also: though they are so large and are driven by strong winds, they are guided by a very small rudder wherever the will of the pilot directs. 5 So also the tongue is a small member, yet it boasts of great things. 1. James gives a sobering warning to those who aspire to become teachers. Why should a teacher of the Bible be judged with greater strictness or held to a higher standard? See Hebrews 13:17. 3. The only other place the Greek word for bridle (chalinagōgeō) in verse 2 is used in the entire New Testament is James 1:26. How does it relate and make sense out of James warning to teachers? 4. Why do you think it is so easy to stumble in our words? 5. Look at the two illustrations James uses to make his point. How do they both serve James point in verse 5, the tongue boasts of great things (i.e. the tongue does powerful things, despite its size)? 2. According to verse 2, what connection does James make between what someone says and what someone does? 6. God testifies to the power of the mouth in the life and ministry of Jeremiah the prophet. Read Jeremiah 1:9-10 and identify the relevance of this passage to the importance of preaching and teaching in the life of the church and your own personal life. 22
POWER OF WORDS JAMES 3:5b-12 How great a forest is set ablaze by such a small fire! 6 And the tongue is a fire, a world of unrighteousness. The tongue is set among our members, staining the whole body, setting on fire the entire course of life, and set on fire by hell. 7 For every kind of beast and bird, of reptile and sea creature, can be tamed and has been tamed by mankind, 8 but no human being can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison. 9 With it we bless our Lord and Father, and with it we curse people who are made in the likeness of God. 10 From the same mouth come blessing and cursing. My brothers, these things ought not to be so. 11 Does a spring pour forth from the same opening both fresh and salt water? 12 Can a fig tree, my brothers, bear olives, or a grapevine produce figs? Neither can a salt pond yield fresh water. 1. James continues his theme of the tongue, but he goes in to the depths of evil behind the tongue. He defines the tongue as a fire at the beginning of verse 6, but then he further defines the tongue as a world of unrighteousness. What do you think James is trying to convey by comparing the smallness of the tongue to something so big as a world of unrighteousness? 3. What is James point in verse 7-8a, and how does the last sentence in verse 8b relate to his point? 4. James uses the word tame / tamed" three times in verse 7. (Greek: damazō ) The only other place this word is used in the entire New Testament is Mark 5:4 ( subdue ). In Mark 5:1-7, what could not be subdued? How does this help you understand the spiritual darkness that lies behind the evil of the tongue? 5. According to verses 9-10, how does the evil of the tongue express itself most commonly within the church? Using Luke 6:28 and Romans 12:14, give a practical definition of cursing (hint: its not cussing!) and what the true mark of a transformed heart is. 6. Compare verses 11-12 with the words of Jesus in Matthew 15:17-19. How do they relate and how does it support James point in this passage? What is the only solution to this problem? 2. According to verse 6, what ultimately sets the tongue on fire? 23
SERMON NOTES February 11 / James 3:1-12 Memorable quotes from the sermon. Verses to look up and study further. Questions you have about the sermon. Whom or what do you need to pray for? 24
WISDOM FROM ABOVE JAMES 3:13-18 4. What is the ultimate source of a jealous and selfishly ambitious heart? 13 Who is wise and understanding among you? By his good conduct let him show his works in the meekness of wisdom. 14 But if you have bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast and be false to the truth. 15 This is not the wisdom that comes down from above, but is earthly, 16 unspiritual, demonic. For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there will be disorder and every vile practice. 17 But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere. 18 And a harvest of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace. 5. What are the fruits/effects of a community (big or small) that is led by people with wisdom that is not from above? 6. Why do you think the devil and his demons would be so against unity in the church? 1. According to verse 13, how does James challenge the wise and understanding in the church? 7. In verse 17, James says the first characteristic of true, godly wisdom from God is purity, then the rest follows from the purity of the wisdom. According to 1 Peter 2:22-23 and 1 John 3:2, how does one obtain this purity of heart? 2. The word meekness shows up also in James in 1:21. Read it and identify the relationship between the word of God and meekness. 3. In verse 14, James calls those who are wise and understanding to examine their hearts. How does one know if their wisdom and understanding is not from above, but from below? 8. Verse 18 talks about the communal benefits of seeking the wisdom from above. The last phrase ( make peace ) shows up one other time in Ephesians 2:15-16. Read it and identify how the gospel is the only power capable of creating a harvest of righteousness sown in peace by those who make peace. 25
SERMON NOTES February 18 / James 3:13-18 Memorable quotes from the sermon. Verses to look up and study further. Questions you have about the sermon. Whom or what do you need to pray for? 26
SPIRITUAL ADULTERY JAMES 4:1-10 What causes quarrels and what causes fights among you? Is it not this, that your passions are at war within you? 2 You desire and do not have, so you murder. You covet and cannot obtain, so you fight and quarrel. You do not have, because you do not ask. 3 You ask and do not receive, because you ask wrongly, to spend it on your passions. 4 You adulterous people! Do you not know that friendship with the world is enmity with God? Therefore whoever wishes to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God. 5 Or do you suppose it is to no purpose that the Scripture says, He yearns jealously over the spirit that he has made to dwell in us? 6 But he gives more grace. Therefore it says, God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble. 7 Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. 8 Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you doubleminded. 9 Be wretched and mourn and weep. Let your laughter be turned to mourning and your joy to gloom. 10 Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will exalt you. 3. In verse 4, James makes a shocking claim about the people: You adulterous people! If they have not literally committed adultery, how can he call them this? (see also Jeremiah 3:20 and 31:32) 4. Look up the definition of a cuckhold. According to verses 3-4, how can our prayers make God into a cuckhold? 5. According to this passage, there is a way to pray that wants God s gifts, more than God himself. What do you think are the differences in these two kinds of prayer? How do these people pray differently? 6. How does James make this a black and white issue in the last sentence in verse 4? Look up Romans 8:7-8. How is Paul s message similar? 1. The first question in this passage is a very relevant one for our own lives. What do you think are the various answers that people would give to this question? 7. How do verses 5-10 give us hope when we find ourselves guilty of committing adultery on God with the world? 2. According to v. 1-3, what is the root issue that causes fights and quarrels among people? (hint: look for repeating words/ideas) 27
SLANDEROUS PRIDE JAMES 4:11-12 3. Read the second sentence in verse 11. How is it similar to James point in James 2:7? 11 Do not speak evil against one another, brothers. The one who speaks against a brother or judges his brother, speaks evil against the law and judges the law. But if you judge the law, you are not a doer of the law but a judge. 12 There is only one lawgiver and judge, he who is able to save and to destroy. But who are you to judge your neighbor? 4. James makes a distinction between a doer of the law and judge of the law. What is the difference in these two types of people in terms their relationship to God s law? How does this relate to being judgmental and critical of others? James picks up his theme of the mouth/tongue. The first sentence is a blatant command against slander ( speak evil against ). At the heart of slander is the desire to damage someone else s reputation (i.e. what other people think about him/her) through the use of our words. 1. Do we slander someone only when we spread a false rumor about them? Can it include something entirely truthful? Explain the motives behind both. 5. Who is James referring to in verse 12? How do you know? 6. How does the first sentence in verse 12 expose our arrogance and pride when judging and slandering our neighbor? 2. Think long and hard about a time when you slandered or were slandered against. Why do you think people find pleasure in such evil activity? 7. The last question in verse 12 says, But who are you to judge your neighbor? How is the last question logically related to the sentence right before it? 28
SERMON NOTES February 25 / James 4:1-12 Memorable quotes from the sermon. Verses to look up and study further. Questions you have about the sermon. Whom or what do you need to pray for? 29
IF GOD WILLS JAMES 4:13-17 13 Come now, you who say, Today or tomorrow we will go into such and such a town and spend a year there and trade and make a profit 14 yet you do not know what tomorrow will bring. What is your life? For you are a mist that appears for a little time and then vanishes. 15 Instead you ought to say, If the Lord wills, we will live and do this or that. 16 As it is, you boast in your arrogance. All such boasting is evil. 17 So whoever knows the right thing to do and fails to do it, for him it is sin. 3. Look up the following references. How does it relate to James point? Why would the fleeting-ness of life create wisdom and humility? a. Psalm 90:12 b. Read Job 34:14-15 4. Look at the structure of what James says in verse 15: Instead you ought to say, If the Lord wills, we will live and do this or that. How does God s will relate to our will? James now begins to engage with the rich and powerful in the church. Read the passage slowly and see if you can discern James main point. 1. Rewrite verse 13 in your own words. 5. Look up the following references. How do they hit on the same theme of God s will as it relates to our will? a. Philippians 2:12-13 b. Hebrews 13:20-21 2. How would believing and feeling the truth of James s point in verse 14 prevent me from saying foolish things like verse 13? 6. According to verses 16-17. The type of thinking/talking in verse 13 is arrogant, evil, and sin. Would you normally agree? How does James challenge and correct your own thinking? 30
SERMON NOTES March 4 / James 4:13-17 Memorable quotes from the sermon. Verses to look up and study further. Questions you have about the sermon. Whom or what do you need to pray for? 31
SELF-INDULGENCE JAMES 5:1-6 Come now, you rich, weep and howl for the miseries that are coming upon you. 2 garments are moth-eaten. 3 Your riches have rotted and your Your gold and silver have corroded, and their corrosion will be evidence against you and will eat your flesh like fire. You have laid up treasure in the last days. 4 Behold, the wages of the laborers who mowed your fields, which you kept back by fraud, are crying out against you, and the cries of the harvesters have reached the ears of the Lord of hosts. 5 You have lived on the earth in luxury and in self-indulgence. You have fattened your hearts in a day of slaughter. 6 You have condemned and murdered the righteous person. He does not resist you. 2. Does James seem to be speaking literally or figuratively in verses 2-3? How do you know? What do you think James point is in this type of speech? 3. James uses a phrase ( laid up treasure ) that Jesus also uses. Look up the following references and write similarities/ new insights. a. Matthew 6:19-21 b. Luke 12:18-21. James continues to engage with the rich and powerful (v. 1) who are landowners (v. 4). Their self-indulgence (v. 5) has led to the unjust treatment of workers. Their future can only entail judgment and God s wrath in the end (v. 1, 4), unless they repent. 4. Read through verses 4-6. Which verse do you think gets at the heart of what is going on in those who are rich? 1. James has a lot to say about the rich. Look back through the book and identify other references to the rich and see what James message is to them. a. James 1:9-11 b. James 2:5-7 5. James states that one of the problems is they have laid up treasure in the last days. (i.e. the time between Christ s first coming and second coming) What is James teaching us is the God-intended and God-dishonoring use of money and wealth until Christ s return? c. James 4:13-14 32
SERMON NOTES March 11 / James 5:1-6 Memorable quotes from the sermon. Verses to look up and study further. Questions you have about the sermon. Whom or what do you need to pray for? 33
PATIENCE IN SUFFERING JAMES 5:7-11 3. What specifically are we called to be patient in? How does James make this clear? 7 Be patient, therefore, brothers, until the coming of the Lord. See how the farmer waits for the precious fruit of the earth, being patient about it, until it receives the early and the late rains. 8 You also, be patient. Establish your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is at hand. 9 Do not grumble against one another, brothers, so that you may not be judged; behold, the Judge is standing at the door. 10 As an example of suffering and patience, brothers, take the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord. 11 Behold, we consider those blessed who remained steadfast. You have heard of the steadfastness of Job, and you have seen the purpose of the Lord, how the Lord is compassionate and merciful. 4. Knowing that this passage connects to the previous one (v. 1-6), what form of suffering is James referring to? Just or unjust suffering? 5. What are all of the different sources of encouragement that James uses to strengthen our hearts to continue enduring patiently? James now addresses those who are suffering under oppression and injustice at the hands of the rich and powerful. He provides rich theological food for the sake of their endurance and patience until the Lord s coming. 1. The word therefore at the beginning of verse 7 connects the previous section to this one. So, verses 1-6 are the basis for what James is saying in verses 7-11. How do they connect or relate? 6. James gives a command to Establish your hearts, then he gives the reason: for the coming of the Lord is at hand. Why would this be a good/sufficient reason to strengthen and stabilize a heart to be patient in unjust suffering? 2. Read through the passage and identify the major theme throughout. (hint: look for a word that repeats more than 3 times) 7. Compare the words of Jesus in Matthew 5:11-12 with James 5:10-11. How does this serve as a basis for our joy in the midst unjust suffering? 34
YES NO JAMES 5:12 12 But above all, my brothers, do not swear, either by heaven or 4. Verse 12 is remarkably similar to what Jesus says in Matthew 5:33-37. Compare the two and write down new insights and observations. JAMES 5:12 MATTHEW 5:34-37 by earth or by any other oath, but let your yes be yes and your no be no, so that you may not fall under condemnation. James now addresses the heart of what it means to be a person of godly integrity. Those who are followers of Jesus are those who say what they mean, and do what they say. There is no inconsistency between what they say, and what they do. 1. What is the simple and clear-cut command that James gives here? 2. Swearing in this context is not referring to saying cuss words, but in making a promise whereby you invoke God s name. Why do we feel the need to swear by something, rather than simply believe that our yes and no is sufficient? But above all, my brothers, do not swear, either by heaven or by earth or by any other oath, but let your yes be yes and your no be no, so that you may not fall under condemnation. 34 Do not take an oath at all, either by heaven, for t it is the throne of God, 35 or by the earth, for it is his footstool, or by Jerusalem, for it is the city of the great King. 36 And do not take an oath by your head, for you cannot make one hair white or black. 37 Let what you say be simply Yes or No ; anything more than this comes from evil. 3. Compare this passage to Ecclesiastes 5:1-7. What new insights do you gain? For more help on Ecclesiastes 5:1-7 see the sermon preached June 25, 2017: Guarding Your Steps in the Fear of God. 5. How does this challenge or encourage you in terms of the integrity of your walk with Jesus Christ? 35
SERMON NOTES March 18 / James 5:7-12 Memorable quotes from the sermon. Verses to look up and study further. Questions you have about the sermon. Whom or what do you need to pray for? 36
PRAYER CONFESSION JAMES 5:13-18 3. Does James emphasis on prayer seem to align with your own priorities and practices? Why or why not? What can you do the renew your own prayer life this year? 13 Is anyone among you suffering? Let him pray. Is anyone cheerful? Let him sing praise. 14 Is anyone among you sick? Let him call for the elders of the church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord. 15 And the prayer of faith will save the one who is sick, and the Lord will raise him up. And if he has committed sins, he will be forgiven. 16 Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working. 17 Elijah was a man with a nature like ours, and he prayed fervently that it might not rain, and for three years and six months it did not rain on the earth. 18 Then he prayed again, and heaven gave rain, and the earth bore its fruit. As James begins to draw his letter to a close he is going to summarize some major points on the importance of prayer and confession in the life of the Christian. 4. Read v. 15b-16. Notice the connection between hiding sin and physical sickness ( that you may be healed ). Look up Psalm 32:3-7 and identify the same connection between confession of sin and personal health. 5. Verses 17-18 give us the example of the power of prayer in an ordinary man like Elijah the prophet. What do you think is the significance of the phrase, a man with a nature like ours? 1. Read verses 13-15a. What are the wide range of circumstances that James is addressing? 6. What is the connection between godly men and women in your life and the power of prayer/confession? Is the Lord calling you to take any steps of obedience in prayer/confession with someone in the church? 2. What does James seem to be saying about the importance of the family of God, regardless of those circumstances? (hint: call for the elders ) 37
SAVE THE WANDERER JAMES 5:19-20 19 My brothers, if anyone among you wanders from the truth 3. Verse 20 begins with, let him know Who do you think the him is referring to: the one who wanders from the truth or the one who brings the wanderer back? How would either scenario make a difference? and someone brings him back, 20 let him know that whoever brings back a sinner from his wandering will save his soul from death and will cover a multitude of sins. James concludes his letter with one of the most endearing and urgent calls for fellow saints to watch out for one another s souls. 1. James uses the phrase My brothers. Look at the following other places that James uses this phrase: James 1:2, 2:1, 2:14, 3:1, 3:10, 3:12, 5:12, 5:19. What do these say about his brothers, and about his feelings for them? 4. The last phrase in verse 20 ( will cover a multitude of sins ) shows up also in 1 Peter 4:7-8. Read it and see if you can discern why bringing someone back from their wandering would cover a multitude of sins? What is it about that exchange that could cover sins? 5. What are the implications for the importance of the local church in preserving a sinner from his wandering? 2. James says that there are professing Christians in a church that can wander from the truth. What do you think it looks like to wander from the truth? (See also James 1:18 and 3:14 which mentions the truth ) 6. Is there currently anyone in your life that you feel called to go and bring back to the truth? How might you be wandering from the truth? Who could you reach out to for help? 38
SERMON NOTES March 25 / James 5:13-20 Memorable quotes from the sermon. Verses to look up and study further. Questions you have about the sermon. Whom or what do you need to pray for? 39