James at a glance
Author: James, the brother of Jesus Christ and the leader of early church (Acts 12:17; Mark 6:3).
Time of writing: AD 49, probably before the Jerusalem council.
Purpose: To expose hypocritical practices and to teach right Christian behavior.
Purpose: To expose hypocritical practices and to teach right Christian behavior.
Direct teachings from the book of James
- Rejoice in trials/Sufferings 1: 2, 12
Trials are meant for testing our faith. The reactions to trials should be positive. God allows trials in our life to mold us and to be conformed to the likeness of God.
- Rejoice in trials/Sufferings 1: 2, 12
Trials are meant for testing our faith. The reactions to trials should be positive. God allows trials in our life to mold us and to be conformed to the likeness of God.
- Do not fall in temptations 1: 13-15
Temptations drag and force us to sin. We have to overcome temptations by self - controlling our desires and lust full intentions. 1 Cor 10:13 assures the help of God in temptation.
- Slow to anger 1:20,21
Anger is caused by Hatred, jealousy, pride etc. Anger does not result in the righteousness desired by God. Ought not to withhold anger till evening against anyone.
- Listen and Obey to God 1:22-25
We need to do what the Bible says. Besides getting informed we have to get reformed and transformed. We will end up deceiving ourselves if we fail to do what we believe and preach.
- Control your tongue 1:26;3:1-12
Controlling the tongue is very essential for a Christian. Lie, vain talking, gossiping, slandering, boasting, meaningless talk is not good for Christian. Failure to control the tongue will effect in self deception.
- Do not show favoritism 2:1-13
Do not discriminate between rich and poor, high or low. Love your neighbour as you love yourself. Mt5:43-47 teaches that we need to shoe the same indifference to enemies and friends like our father in heaven.
- Let your faith coincide with your action 2:14-26
Our faith has to transform our conduct, behavior and thoughts. A person is justified by what he does and not by faith alone. This is not to be confused with “Salvation by faith and not by works”
- Seek the genuine wisdom 3:13-18; 1:5-8
There are two types of wisdom- wisdom from God and the wisdom from world. True wisdom comes from God and is reflected and revealed by one’s character, purity, peace loving, humility, good life, consideration, submission, mercy, impartiality and sincerity
- Come closer to God 4:1-12
Avoid following God for selfish gains. Submit to God. Resist the Devil. Purify your thoughts. Grieve, mourn and wail in sincere sorrow for sins. Humble before God.
- Do not trust in your plans and possessions 4:13 – 5:6
There is no point in making long term goals as though God does not care and exist because future is in the hands of God. Have to put the will of God at the centre of our plan. Worthlessness of the riches are reminded here. Love for money (1Tim6:10) has to be avoided.
- Be patient 5:7-12; 1:2, 4
We have to bear the sufferings patiently. Perseverance makes us perfect in Him and prepares for His Kingdom. Mt16:24 emphasizes that the disciple of the Christ has to bear the cross. No crown with out cross
- Pray for Others 5:13-18; 1:6,7; 4:1, 2
Communion through prayer is the most powerful resource for any Christian. Collective prayer during illness is recommended. We ought to seek His will in prayer rather than seeking our pleasures and priorities.
- Help others to remain faithful to God 5:19,20
We have to help the help the backsliders to return back to God. We need to take initiative, pray and act in love to bring back the backslidden ones and the one who follows the cults
