The Author?!
Who wrote the BOOK of James?
James- half brother of Jesus
– one of the 21 Epistles in the BIBLE
The Epistle of James emphasizes moral teachings
and practical guidance
for Christian living, addressing ethical conduct
and the relationship
between faith and works.
For WHO?
Anyone desiring to understand an in-depth faith, and lifestyle of a beliver or follower of Christ.
SOURCED ” Navigating the BIBLE” 5 Minute Guide
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On Trials & Temptations
+ Listening & Doing
Faith and Humility
James is writing a letter to the persecuted church; the ones undergoing trials and facing struggles, and he reminds them to persevere through the STORMS.
through rejoicing and surrender
Look at it as an opportunity to become better versions of ourselves, and also surrender it all to GOD.
This is where wisdom is NEEDED.
What is Wisdom?
Ability to understand, reason and judge what is right, pure and just.
If we don’t have wisdom, this ability to discern, we must ask GOD to give it to us. Solomon is the perfect example for this. He asked GOD for wisdom, and GOD gave it to HIM. 1 Kings 4:29-34
But when we ask for wisdom, make sure we are not operating in fear or doubt, because doubt stops faith from moving and activating in our lives. ( verses 5-8 )
Believers are to be walk in humility even when it comes to having riches and prospering in what they do. We are not to look down on the poor, but instead uplift and help them. We never know when we can have the opportunity to be the hands and feet of JESUS.
You can read the entire Chapter, or come along on the journey with me, to listen to my Podcast on James 1
“Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.“ – James 1:2-3
The joy of the LORD is our strength !
Bible Gateway puts it like this in Nehemiah 8:10, this verse emphasizes that true joy, derived from a relationship with God,
empowers and sustains believers through challenges and difficult
circumstances.
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Trial and Temptation
trial – process of testing trying to acheive desirable results
persevere – to stand through continues course of action without regard to discouragement.
rejoice – to be glad or to be delighted
Are you undergoing various trials and fires?
Do you feel overwhelmed an ready to throw in the towel?
Do you feel something strange is going on?
You are not alone, believers evrywhere are facing trials just like you are.
As belivers we are not exempt from trials
Trials make us STRONGER!
“Blessed is the ONE who perseveres under trials.“ – James 1
Trials and Fires come in all shapes and sizes and also last for seasons, for many different reasons. These fires or testing moments come out of nowhere, but are part of our journey. Nothing good comes easy and it requires a PROCESS.
For the trials and fires of life produce in us perseverence, and perseverence hope!
Remain steadfast, and persevere, God will finish what he started in YOU!
Hearing and Doing
Have you ever heard a statement ?
Do as I say, not as I do?
that is not a correct statement, because thats hypocricy and accountability is needed on our part. We must line up our words with out actions.
Our children are watching us!
Looking into the mirror we must perfect our walk with God.
the mirror is symbolically illustrated as the perfect standard or the law of GOD. Looking into it, reading it, studying it, we must apply it’s principles to our lives and change our spiritual appearance.
Walking away, CHANGED!
Key Points
1. Get rid of all moral filth. Specifically anger, for it does not produce anything good; pride, because pride rules our actions, and keeps us away from God; unkind words, because they hurt and wound, and critical statements that seek to kill, steal, and destroy.
2. Speak life and walk in the newness of life. Understand that is a battle that is raging within and is tempting us to sin.
3. Practice pure religion. Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.
Thanks for joining this STUDY, we hope it was a blessing to you!
Journaling & Reflection
send your answers to ignitementorship1@gmail.com I’d love to hear from you!
send your answers to ignitementorship1@gmail.com I’d love to hear from you!
send your answers to ignitementorship1@gmail.com I’d love to hear from you!
Pray and Apply
What is the greatest challenge you are facing right now? How have you responded to this challenge? Are you afraid? Frustrated? Anxious? Doubtful? Ask God for wisdom, standing on the promise given to you in James 1:5-8. Thank God for the opportunity for your character to further develop during this challenge. Ask the Holy Spirit to give you joy in response to your current trial, then reflect on James 1:16-18. Thank God for every good and perfect gift He has already given you, and for the gifts yet to come!
Pray and Apply section is inspired by Youversion Bible Plan Bible 365 | Seek First
On Impartiality & Active Faith
OVERVIEW
James 2
Description
In this episode, we dive into the powerful teachings of James 2, exploring the vital concepts of impartiality and active faith. Join us as we unpack the wisdom found in this scripture, discussing how it applies to our daily lives and relationships.
What You’ll Learn
- – The importance of treating everyone with fairness and respect, regardless of their status.
- – How genuine faith is demonstrated through our actions and interactions with others.
- – Practical steps to embody impartiality and active faith in your everyday life.
Partiality or Favoritism
How many of us are still writing physical letters?
How many of you are writing letters?
I’d imagine James is writing this long letter to the church, like we would in an email, format, or a short message, Refer to this DOCUMENT when you get a chance.
James is writing a letter to the persecuted church; the ones undergoing trials and facing struggles, and he addresses the sin of favoritism, particularly regarding social and economic status within the church.
favoritism– the showing of special favor
James uses an example of rich man and poor man showing up to a meeting, which one would we pay more attention to? Giving the rich man a seat of honor while telling the poor man to stand or sit on the floor makes one a “judge with evil thoughts“.
Modern day example
Suppose a big gifter comes into the room, and we play a close attention to him, but we forget to notice those who are simply showing up, to support and to listen to Gods word. OR how about a friend coming into the room, and we will leave everything, just to welcome them in.
Tune in to gain insights that will inspire you to live out your faith authentically and make a positive impact in your community.
Don’t just listen: learn, apply, and transform your understanding of faith in action!
James calls this a SIN
SIN is transgression of Gods law, or commands.
“For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.“ ( Romans 6:23)
Did you notice it is SIN? God is not pleased! We are to see and treat everyone equally.
I want to take us to 1 Corinthians 12:12-14 where Paul states that the body of Christ is set up of many members, with different functions. Just because the part does not look ot taste to our liking, doesnt mean we are to throw it away or prefer the more pleasing one.
“But God has so composed the body, giving greater honor to the part that lacked it, that there may be no division in the body, but that the members may have the same care for one another. If one member suffers, all suffer together; if one member is honored, all rejoice together.”
The metaphor of “the body” also highlights the importance of humility and mutual support among members.
Gods ways are higher than our ways Isaiah 55:9
Last but not least,
Mercy over judgement.
For judgment will be merciless to one who has shown no mercy; but [to the one who has shown mercy] mercy triumphs [victoriously] over judgment. ( James 2:13)
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Active Faith
“Faith is a substance of things hoped for, evidence of things not yet seen.” Hebrews 11:1
Faith without action is no faith at all.
James gives us this illustration; ” if a homeless man comes into your meeting, and we simply tell them god bless you, are we acting in faith?”
We must step in ( when we can) and practice our faith in action.
Example of Abraham, demonstrating faith, through giving away of his son ( ISSAC) ( Genesis 22: 1-14)
God demonstrated his love by sending his son for the world. John 3:16
Faith coupled with action work together to demonstrate faith in action.
If you confess with your month ( action) you will be saved. Romans 10:9
Confessing and believing are action words that demonstrate true faith.
” I don’t know what everyone has been telling you, but faith requires a PROCESS, a process of Growth, and Development, where the seed you planted grows through seasons, to become a tangible evidence that brings forth fruit in it’s season.
Not only a process, but faith requires action!
“What does it profit, my brethren, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can faith save him? If a brother or sister is naked and destitute of daily food, and one of you says to them, “Depart in peace, be warmed and filled,” but you do not give them the things which are needed for the body, what does it profit? Thus also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead.“ James 2:14-17
“How do we attain this type of faith? We step out in faith. When opportunity presents itself, we are to step out by faith. We take small steps. Believing and trusting God to move our situations, and circumstances out of the way. Faith without action is not true faith; it is lifeless, inactive, and ineffective.”
” It is easy to take steps when you see the pathway paved out before you, OR a blueprint to follow, but can you trust and believe when you don’t see the pathway before you, or a blueprint to follow? Only a dream, a vision, a word, a prayer? “
– an excerpt from my upcoming book. ” Purposefully Driven”
How can we demonstrate faith?
By believing, moving, and accepting God’s salvation.
If we don’t move, faith is inactive, null and void.
James uses this example,
“Body without spirit is dead, so is faith without works is dead.” ( vs 26 )
Thanks for joining this STUDY, we hope it was a blessing to you!
Journaling & Reflection
send your answers to ignitementorship1@gmail.com I’d love to hear from you!
send your answers to ignitementorship1@gmail.com I’d love to hear from you!
send your answers to ignitementorship1@gmail.com I’d love to hear from you!
Pray and Apply
James mentions both Abraham and Rahab as people who were considered righteous by not only what they believed but also by what they did. Read Genesis 22:1-19 and Joshua 2 either now or at some point today. Reflect on these accounts of how faith in God was proven by their actions. Think about what they risked and how God responded to each of their acts of faith. Ask God to show you what faith in action looks like in your own life.
Pray and Apply section is inspired by Youversion Bible Plan Bible 365 | Seek First
About Wisdom & Controlling the Tongue
The Tongue
In Chapter 3 James confronts the issue of controlling the tongue.
As such were some of us. ( 1 Cor 6:11) WE had a loud personality coming from the world, we cut people with words, and spoke curses without realizing it.
tongue, restless evil, full of unaliving poison.
“Likewise, the tongue is a small part of the body, but it makes great boasts. Consider what a great forest is set on fire by a small spark. The tongue also is a fire, a world of evil among the parts of the body. It corrupts the whole body, sets the whole course of one’s life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell.” James 3:5-7
We cannot speak evil while also blessing others, as this does not please God. James illustrates this point by comparing the flow of fresh water and salt water from the same spring, as well as noting that a fig tree does not bear olives, nor does a grapevine produce figs. This emphasizes that a salt spring cannot yield fresh water.
This concept is further supported by Matthew 7:17 , which states that good trees bear good fruit, and by Galatians 5:22-23, which outlines the fruits of the Spirit, contrasting with the behaviors listed in Galatians 5:19-21
Description
In this episode, we delve into the teachings of James 3, addressing key issues within the church and the variations of discerning wisdom. Join us as we explore the insights from this scripture, examining its relevance to our everyday lives and relationships, and highlighting the critical importance of controlling our speech.
What You’ll Learn
- – The significance of controlling the tongue and its potential to cause harm in your life.
- – The distinction between wisdom and discernment of knowledge.
- – Practical steps to implement and seek solutions in your daily routine.
Tune in to discover insights that will encourage you to live your faith authentically and positively influence your community. Don’t just listen, learn, apply, and transform your understanding of faith in action!
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Wisdom from Above
“Who is wise and understanding among you? Let them show it by their good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom.” James 3:13
What is Wisdom?
Ability to understand and discern good from evil, right, true, moral, and just.
Benefits of Wisdom
Long life: Wisdom often leads to better decision-making regarding health and lifestyle, contributing to longevity
Riches and honor: Wise individuals are often respected and honored in their communities, Gods favor often lead to better decitions & choices.
Peace: Wisdom helps in resolving conflicts peacefully, which leads to healthy communication and relationships.
Sound Wisdom & Discretion : Wisdom allows for thoughtful consideration of options, leading to sound choices.
Earthly wisdom
1. Operated by pride.
2. Gained through experience, knowledge or education, reading of books, going to school, learning from experts. This wisdom according to James is bitter envy, and is full of selfish ambition
Heavenly Wisdom
1. Operated by humility, and honor and is gained through honest living.
2. Illustrated in the lives of those who live according to the precepts of God’s Holy Word; by living a good lives, acceptable, and pleasing to GOD.
3. all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere.
Not wisdom of common sense, or present reality, but insight, and understanding, that comes from above; foolish to men, but delight to them who receive it, and accept it in their lives.
Thanks for joining this STUDY, we hope it was a blessing to you!
Stay tuned for the NEXT STUDY!
Journaling & Reflection
send your answers to ignitementorship1@gmail.com I’d love to hear from you!
send your answers to ignitementorship1@gmail.com I’d love to hear from you!
send your answers to ignitementorship1@gmail.com I’d love to hear from you!
Pray and Apply
Surrender your words to Jesus. Ask God to develop within you patience to listen first and speak second. Ask Him to purify your heart and allow words that glorify God to be spoken. Invite the Holy Spirit to bridle your tongue as you go about your day. Reflect on the words you speak throughout the day. Jot down your observations in your Seek First Journal and let the Holy Spirit reveal to you where your heart and mind can be renewed to God’s will through this exercise. When we surrender to His ways, God brings life and light into dark areas of our hearts.
Pray and Apply section is inspired by Youversion Bible Plan Bible 365 | Seek First
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