James 5 session 6

                                                                                                                                          Pg.1
Opening Prayer; Father God be with us now as we continue in our study in the Epistle of James. Tonight we study the effects of riches and the management of our affairs and our conduct as Christians. We ask that you impart to us those matters that you would have us learn from these verses. Be with those of our group who cannot be here tonight, we offer our prayer for their safekeeping and pray that they will join us for the next study. We offer this prayer in the name of Your Son our Lord Jesus Christ…..Amen
         
                                          James 5:1-6  The Misuse of Riches
1.  Now listen, you rich people, weep and wail because of the misery that is coming on you. 2  Your wealth has rotted, and moths have eaten your clothes. 3  Your gold and silver are corroded. Their corrosion will testify against you and eat your flesh like fire. You have hoarded wealth in the last days. 4  Look! The wages you failed to pay the workers who mowed your fields are crying out against you. The cries of the harvesters have reached the ears of the Lord Almighty. 5  You have lived on earth in luxury and self-indulgence. You have fattened yourselves in the day of slaughter. 6  You have condemned and murdered the innocent one, who was not opposing you.
                                                                   Discussion
James is offering a condemnation to those who idolize their riches, setting their affection on riches rather than on God. He is telling them that they have replaced the worship of God with the love of their wealth and position. This is simply the way of the world. The richer one is, the more they attract the world's attention, which incidentally becomes addictive. They ignore and avoid those who have been unfairly treated and they take advantage of their high position to influence matters of interest to them for self promotion and gratification. .They know what they are doing, and whom they are hurting, and they know that judgment is coming. They really should be living in fear of God and seeking his mercy with a change of heart. Yet their wealth and posessions have calloused their heart to the worship God except in ways that promote their position in life.  Hoarding wealth does two things. One, it becomes a powerful force in one's life, making real life decisions more difficult because it has such an addicting influence.  And two, it becomes a testimony against those who have coveted it and used it in a life of luxury and even to the detriment of their own well being.  The condemnation concludes with vs. 6 referring to the Jews who had condemned  to death and crucified Jesus Christ the righteous and innocent one who was trying to save them from their sinful ways.
God does not condemn the wealthy nor does he prevent the use of great wealth to aid nations.  Joseph was in a position to save the lives of many in Egypt because of his position, wealth and power.- Gen 47:15 -17;  Abraham was a man of great wealth, & was called a “friend of God”—James 2:23;  God called Job a perfect and upright man—Job 1:8;  Solomon praised great riches as a blessing from God, saying, “In the house of the righteous there is much treasure. Please read  (Ps.112:). The Bible only condemns the rich who store up their wealth instead of using it to reach the lost, feed the hungry, cloth the naked, provide for widows and orphans, shelter the cold & homeless, nurse the sick & use it for the spreading of the Gospel.

                                                                       Questions                                                                                                                 1. What dangers are always present for the rich and powerful?
2. What is the good that can come of great wealth?
3.  In what ways does our church use it's wealth?
4.  How does one's great wealth become a testimony against them?


                                                                                                                                             Pg.2
                                  James 5: 7-12 Patience and Peserverence
7  Be patient, then, brothers and sisters, until the Lord's coming. See how the farmer waits for the land to yield its valuable crop, patiently waiting for the autumn and spring rains. 8  You too, be patient and stand firm, because the Lord's coming is near. 9  Don't grumble against one another, brothers and sisters, or you will be judged. The Judge is standing at the door! 10  Brothers and sisters, as an example of patience in the face of suffering, take the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord.11  As you know, we count as blessed those who have persevered. You have heard of Job's perseverance and have seen what the Lord finally brought about. The Lord is full of compassion and mercy. 12  Above all, my brothers and sisters, do not swear--not by heaven or by earth or by anything else. All you need to say is a simple "Yes" or "No." Otherwise you will be condemned.
                                                            Discussion
As a matter of good character we are urged to be patient. Anxiety is just another way the world works its spell on the people who are of the world. We are to be patient as the farmer is patient waiting on the proper time and season to do his work. And we are urged to be patient with each other realizing that all do not walk at the same pace. We all have different gifts and different callings, thus our interests are not all compatible yet we are all to be civil and kind with each other not complaining and argumentative. We are to be tolerant and passive without grumbling and calling names. Those who are opposed to patience and civil conduct with their fellow man will be judged and it shall be counted against them. The judge is standing at the door. One of the great character traits of the Christian is that no matter the circumstances, like Job, they persevere and do not break from God.
Then we are urged not to swear. "Above all things, my brethren, swear not." The prohibition has not ceased to be necessary, as our daily, experience proves.  Where is the pleasure in swearing?  In times of strong excitement it is no doubt a relief to the feelings to use strong language; but what is gained by making the strong language more culpable by adding blasphemy to it? Besides which, there is the sadly common case of those who use blasphemous words in every phrase they utter, who habitually swear for lack of better words to express themselves.. But just let those who profess to think that there is no harm in idle swearing ask themselves whether they expect to repeat that plea when they give an account for every idle word at the day of judgment. (Matthew _12:35-37). Let us not swear the Lords name in vain, nor by the heavens, nor the earth. Why swear when a simple yes or no is all that is needed. We need not curse the circumstance of our life by swear words which do actually judge us to be lesser and not greater than the person or the thing being cursed, or sworn at.
Except where swearing to the truth of a matter, appearing as a witness, or at the calling of a judge or magistrate where an oath is required as part of our civil duty, in response to the law.
                                                              Questions
1. Can you name some things that cause you to be anxious?
2. In dealing with a cntentious person, what do you feel is the best advice?
3. What does James mean by “do not swear” explain your answer?
4. What about when we are directed by law to swear on the bible, or testify under oath?
5. In our present day, do we have a more cavalier attitude about swearing than in biblical times?
6. What about the present genre of movies which get better ratings if there is profanity
7. What does that tell us about today’s morals?



                                                                                                                                             Pg.3
                                  James 5: 13-20 Positive Faith and Prayer
13  Is anyone among you in trouble? Let them pray. Is anyone happy? Let them sing songs of praise. 14  Is anyone among you sick? Let them call the elders of the church to pray over them and anoint them with oil in the name of the Lord. 15  And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise them up. If they have sinned, they will be forgiven.16  Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective. 17  Elijah was a human being, even as we are. He prayed earnestly that it would not rain, and it did not rain on the land for three and a half years. 18  Again he prayed, and the heavens gave rain, and the earth produced its crops. 19  My brothers and sisters, if one of you should wander from the truth and someone should bring that person back, 20  remember this: Whoever turns a sinner from the error of their way will save them from death and cover over a multitude of sins.

These scriptures vvs 13-20 are a plea for prayer and faith. We do not know what lies just beyond the moment and we have very little control over the next step we take. Our intention may be of the highest order, and our plans may be the most pure and sincere. But the world has a way that will certainly fail us if we purpose our life with the best of wisdom and learning, but omit God's omnipotent presence from our lives. When things are going well and we are happy, our heart sings and all seems glorious, but such is short lived. Life is such that our way is often detoured through the worst of times. We must have a home base, a place of refuge, a safe haven. It is incumbent on a mother and father to properly care for their children, give them a secure environment and a loving relationship. Without that relationship the family becomes broken and often falls apart. God feels that same incumbency when dealing with His Children. God is the Christians home base, our place of refuge, our safe haven. He offers us a relationship that is sound and secure one that cannot be broken, He is the power the Christian needs to survive the worlds ways. When that relationship is made, our hearts sing a new song, one of salvation and surety. Left without God the man is at risk of losing his soul.
Our contact with God is through the use of Prayer. God listens and is moved by every word thought and deed the Christian does. He responds always. Prayer is the most powerful message God can receive from us. True our deeds are a response to what God is doing in our life but our prayer to God is the communication with which we are able to reach and interact with God. Jesus taught us the way to pray, and it is up to us to put into action the power of prayer in our life. Without prayer the relationship is weakened and is subject to what the world offers.
If a Christian sees a brother or sister wavering and in need of Godly counsel, bring that one back into the fold with prayer and kind words of truth about God. Saving Souls is not just for the evangelist. We Christians are to be actively involved in a great cover-up; that is, turning men away from their sins, so that their sins may be “cast … into the depths of the sea” (Micah 7:18-19) and “remembered no more” (Isaiah. 43:25).(1 Peter 4:7-11)
                                                                     Questions                                                                                                            1. What is the typical response to suffering?
2. Will God always take away the trial from us?
3. What does a prayerful attitude show about our heart? (Our reliance on God.)
4. What is the typical response of an unbeliever to good news?
5. What does turning to other believers for prayer show about our hearts?
6. What does it mean that Elijah had a "nature like ours"?
7. What can we learn from the example of Elijah? What was Elijah's motivation for this prayer?


                                                                                                                                                                 Pg.4
                                                             Scripture Readings
Psalm 112:1  Praise the LORD. Blessed are those who fear the LORD, who find great delight in his commands. 2  Their children will be mighty in the land; the generation of the upright will be blessed. 3  Wealth and riches are in their houses, and their righteousness endures forever.
4  Even in darkness light dawns for the upright, for those who are gracious and compassionate and righteous. 5  Good will come to those who are generous and lend freely, who conduct their affairs with justice. 6  Surely the righteous will never be shaken; they will be remembered forever.7  They will have no fear of bad news; their hearts are steadfast, trusting in the LORD.
8  Their hearts are secure, they will have no fear; in the end they will look in triumph on their foes. 9  They have freely scattered their gifts to the poor, their righteousness endures forever; their horn will be lifted high in honor. 10  The wicked will see and be vexed, they will gnash their teeth and waste away; the longings of the wicked will come to nothing.

Matthew12:35-37  A good man brings good things out of the good stored up in him, and an evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in him. 36  But I tell you that everyone will have to give account on the day of judgment for every empty word they have spoken.37  For by your words you will be acquitted, and by your words you will be condemned."

Micah 7:18-19  Who is a God like you, who pardons sin and forgives the transgression of the remnant of his inheritance? You do not stay angry forever but delight to show mercy. 19  You will again have compassion on us; you will tread our sins underfoot and hurl all our iniquities into the depths of the sea.
Isaiah 43:25  "I, even I, am he who blots out your transgressions, for my own sake, and remembers your sins no more.

1Peter 4:7-11  The end of all things is near. Therefore be alert and of sober mind so that you may pray    8  Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins.  9  Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling.10  Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God's grace in its various forms. 11  If anyone speaks, they should do so as one who speaks the very words of God. If anyone serves, they should do so with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen

Closing Prayer;  Almighty God our father, keeper of our peace, and reedemer of our souls, guide our words and deeds as we interact with our fellow Christians, that we may always say and do what is pleasing and acceptable to you, and cause grief to no one. Be with our loved ones and those who are ill or suffering____________ Bring to these mentioned, and to those on our hearts, Your peace to calm them and the strength to endure. Offer them your healing touch that they may be well again. Be with us now as we leave this place, keep us safe and bring us back next week. In Jesus' name we pray……….. Amen.








                                                                                                                                                      Pg.5
                                   Meditation; Chapter Five of The Epistle of James
                                            (Taken from the commentary of Matthew Henry)
“Now listen you rich people”, James was probably writing about people who were not in his congregation,  But he was telling all of us, that troubles are most grievous to those who live in pleasure, and are secure and sensual, lacking a moral compass. All idolized treasures will soon perish, except as they will rise up in judgment against their possessors. Take heed of defrauding and oppressing; and avoid the very appearance of it. God does not forbid us to become rich or to experience lawful pleasures; but to live in pleasure, especially sinful pleasure, is a provoking sin. The just may be condemned and killed; but when such suffer by oppressors, this is marked by God. Above all their other crimes, the Jews had condemned and crucified among all the poor and destitute who fell to their unjust laws and self righteousness, The most just One who had ever come among them, Jesus Christ the righteous.
Be patient then brothers and sisters”,Consider the farmer who waits for the seasons to plant, and to harvest his crops. Success comes to him who waits, and will not you wait for a crown of glory? If you should be called to wait longer than the husbandman, is not there something more worth waiting for? Let us serve our God, and bear our trials, as those who believe that the end will crown all. Our eternal happiness is safe if we trust and believe Him who is the Just and Righteous one, Jesus Christ
The sin of swearing is condemned; but how many make light of common profane swearing! Such swearing expressly throws contempt upon God's name and authority. The Lord will not hold him guiltless that taketh his name in vain. It is a sin, do not partake of such foolish behavior, it accomplishes nothing, and it promotes failure.
“Is any one among you in trouble”?  In a day of affliction nothing is more seasonable than prayer. The spirit is then most humble, and the heart is broken and tender. It is necessary to exercise faith and hope under afflictions; and prayer is the appointed means for obtaining and increasing these graces. Observe, that the saving of the sick is not ascribed to the anointing with oil, but to prayer. In a time of sickness it is not cold and formal prayer that is effectual, but the prayer of faith. The great thing we should beg of God for ourselves and others in the time of sickness is, the pardon of sin. To acknowledge our faults to each other, will tend greatly to peace and brotherly love. And when a righteous person, a true believer, justified in Christ, and by his grace walking before God in holy obedience, presents an effectual fervent prayer, wrought in his heart by the power of the Holy Spirit, raising holy affections and believing expectations and so leading earnestly to plead the promises of God at his mercy-seat, it avails much. The power of prayer is proved from the history of Elijah. In prayer we must not look to the merit of man, but to the grace of God. It is not enough to say a prayer, but we must pray in prayer. This instance of the power of prayer, encourages every Christian to be earnest in prayer. God never says to any of the seed of Jacob, Seek my face in vain. Where there may not be so much of miracle in God's answering our prayers, yet there may be as much of grace.
There is some doctrinal mistake at the bottom of every practical mistake. There is no one habitually bad, except upon some bad principle. This is conversion; to turn a sinner from the error of his ways. By way of convincing one of the goodness of God. There is no way effectually and finally to hide sin, but there is the forsaking of it. Many sins are hindered in the party converted; and many also may be so in others whom one may influence. Since the beginning of time He has been multiplying pardons, and yet his free grace is not tired nor grown weary. May the Lord give us a part in this abundant mercy, through the blood of Christ, and the sanctification of the Spirit…. Amen.

James 4 session 5

                                                                                                                                             Pg.1
               The Epistle of James 4: 1-10….Do Not Choose The World
What causes fights and quarrels among you? Don't they come from your desires that battle within you?        2  You desire but do not have, so you kill. You covet but you cannot get what you want, so you quarrel and fight. You do not have because you do not ask God. 3  When you ask, you do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, that you may spend what you get on your pleasures. 4  You adulterous people, don't you know that friendship with the world means enmity against God? Therefore, anyone who chooses to be a friend of the world becomes an enemy of God. 5  Or do you think Scripture says without reason that he jealously longs for the spirit he has caused to dwell in us? 6  But he gives us more grace. That is why Scripture says: "God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble." 7  Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. 8  Come near to God and he will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded. 9  Grieve, mourn and wail. Change your laughter to mourning and your joy to gloom. 10  Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up.
                                                                              Discussion
James' epistle implies  that there were quarrels and conflicts among the church members. The problem was they were worldly and dissatisfied. (Ecc 2:1-3). The love of pleasure tempts us, and much like Eve was tricked, our desires will sometimes lead us into sin.
God wants us to be happy and have the desires of or heart but Instead of giving in to the temptationsthat the desires of our heart create in us,  we should go to God in prayer and make certain that the desires of our heart are those that will please God, and not anger or sadden Him. Ask for God's guidance in all that we undertake, and  try to eliminate from our lifestyle those things that edify self, and fulfill selfish desires. The true disciple of Christ is one who is loving forgiving and humble, serving the needs of others, in service to Jesus Christ. (James 1:27)
The desire to have bigger and better, and more of the things which we perceive will make us happy, and our upscale lifestyle which displays our wealth, have the potential to draw us ever deeper into sin. And technology has made available to us so much more of the things which draw us into the worlds ways. All of these things influence our relationships with each other and with God.  In verse 4, James says friendship with the world is hostility towards God. Loving what the world has to offer will most often turn us away from God. Some of the attitudes of our present lifestyles include such phrases as "Look out for number one”, Live like there is no tomorrow"And “living la vida loca” (which means living the crazy life).  Materialism,  superstition, loose morals, and selfishness are all examples of a hedonistic lifestyle. All of these things  refer to the worldly system of thought that is contrary to the Bibles teaching Jesus said in Matthew 7:13 &14 "Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it. (Joshua 1:8) We must make a choice, living in this fallen world and partaking of the worlds way, or living in the world but not becoming “of the world”. The choice is ours. Just as Eve was tempted by Satan to eat of a fruit which God had forbidden, Satan's ways are clever and enticing, seemingly harmless, but the true believer, a disciple of Christ knows the difference. Choose life with Jesus, it's the only way.                                                                                                                                                            
                                                      Questions
1.  What issues do you think church members in verses 1-3 might disagree over?                          
2.  As in verse 4, why does James refer to these members as adulturous?
3.  James speaks of one characteristic that  God opposes, what is that characteristic?
4.  What is one of the most difficult characteristics for a human being to exhibit?
5.  What is there about “living the good life” that is so good? And what is dangerous about it?
6.  How are we to live in, and be influenced by this world, and not become part of it?

                                                                                                                                                                                     Pg.2
          The Epistle of James 4:11-17  Judge Not Your Brother
11  Brothers and sisters, do not slander one another. Anyone who speaks against a brother or sister or judges them speaks against the law and judges it. When you judge the law, you are not keeping it, but sitting in judgment on it. 12  There is only one Lawgiver and Judge, the one who is able to save and destroy. But you--who are you to judge your neighbor? 13  Now listen, you who say, "Today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city, spend a year there, carry on business and make money.14  Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes. 15  Instead, you ought to say, "If it is the Lord's will, we will live and do this or that." 16  As it is, you boast in your arrogant schemes. All such boasting is evil. 17  If anyone, then, knows the good they ought to do and doesn't do it, it is sin for them.                                                          
                                                                       Discussion
It is so easy to find fault, to point to the flaws of others, to recall their shortcomings and failures, and to slander their good name. (Romans 2:3). It is not pleasing to God for such matters to be ongoing among his followers, and James has probably had enough of that by the time he writes this letter. His church, or other churches among the early Jewish Christians in Jerusalem were probably struggling with the habit of judging each other for the selfish gratification of it. Judging others to be less than ourselves elevates our status in our mind, and gives us some satisfaction.
That type of behavior has escalated in our society as we become more sophisticated and gain more access to higher educational techniques and enjoy a higher level of learning, We become more judgmental of our fellow man. Mainly it is the world's way to belittle what we might consider the less priviledged among us, and to judge that they are not properly equipped and as such cannot possibly know what it takes to get along successfully in this world.
If one is to succeed in this life one must “have an inside track”, or “know the ropes”, or “have some clout”, or “know the right people”. It pays to have “friends in high places”. Why are these phrases even in use today?….. Does anyone know?….. All of these worldwise sayings come to us from the worlds way. (Philippians 2:5-8).
If one is to serve God one cannot serve “the World” too. We will ultimately choose to become a servant of God, a Disciple of Christ, or we will, as did Adam and Eve, succomb to the choice offered by Satan, and disobey God's plan for our life. That choice has been made before by many in our world, and it will continue to be a choice that human beings have to make.  But all is not lost, God sacrificed an animal and made a covering for the sin of Adam and Eve. God also knows the heart of man and has a plan of salvation for our failed choices as well.  His Son our Lord Jesus is a covering for our sins as well, Jesus can still become Lord of our life if we ask him into our heart.  It really is that simple. The worlds way or God's way.  (Colossians 3:17).   Which leads us to the last verse in this chapter, If anyone, then, knows the good they ought to do and doesn't do it, it is sin for them……The worlds way puts our eternal soul at risk…...Because Jesus went the way of the cross, my soul has been rescued. His sacrifice saved my soul, I simply could not have done it myself……Jesus saved me.
                                                  Questions
1.  What is meant in vs 11 by speaking against a sister or brother?                          
2.  How is it that offering ourselves as the judge of another, is opposing God?
3.  What directs us when making certain moral decisions?
4.  What wisdom is gained by being led by the worlds ways?
5. What wisdom is gained by following The bible's teachings, God's way?

                                                                                                                                               
                                                                                                                                               Pg.3

Opening Prayer... Father God, Tonight we ask that you would impart to us that which You would have us learn from this our study of the Epistle of James. How it is that we are to properly reflect our faith and belief in the way we treat our fellow man. Guide us in our daily interactions with each other so that our example will become a witness to our faith in You and Your teachings. Help us we pray in making our way in this world that we might not become a follower of the worlds way but a true witness in what You teach us through Your son Jesus, in whose name we pray. AMEN

Ecc 2:1-3  I said to myself, "Come now, I will test you with pleasure to find out what is good." But that also proved to be meaningless. 2  "Laughter," I said, "is madness. And what does pleasure accomplish?"3  I tried cheering myself with wine, and embracing folly--my mind still guiding me with wisdom. I wanted to see what was good for people to do under the heavens during the few days of their lives.

James 1:27  Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, [and] to keep himself unspotted from the world.

Joshua 1:8 - This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success.

Romans 2:3 - And thinkest thou this, O man, that judgest them which do such things, and doest the same, that thou shalt escape the judgment of God?

Philippians 2:5-8 Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but made himself nothing, taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.

Colossians 3:17 - And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.
                                         
Closing Prayer, Dear God we pray that we have garnered some manner of truth for our purpose in this world gone mad with self promotion and self gratification. And just as those Christians were Jerusalem in James' day, we need Your guidance and direction for our lives, we need to understand that it is not what we worship that saves us, but it is who we worship and in whom our faith is built around that will bring us out of the chaos that we experience day by day. Now we pray that you will be with those of our group who are suffering illness or infirmity _______________Be with those we have spoken Lord, and with those remaining in our hearts concern, bring them your strength and give them peace as they battle for their health and well being. Now be with us as we leave this place and bring us again to study Your word next week. We pray this in Jesus name Amen.                                                                                



                                                                                                                                                   Pg4                          
                                             James Chapter 4 Meditation
James first mentions the relationship with each other. He chooses significant terms to identify the ones his readers would be judging: brother in 4:11 and then neighbor at the end of 4:12. Jesus used the term brother in his instruction against judging (Mt 7:1-5), and he used the term neighbor in the great commandment to love (Mt 22:39). In light of all that James has written so far about God's mercy toward us, these terms now come as reminders that our family bonds in God's mercy are violated when we who have received mercy turn to judge each other; and God's goodness to us is treated with contempt when we show judgment instead of mercy to our neighbors.
Second is the relationship with the law. James insists that we are to be doers under the law, which is contradicted when we try to be judges over the law. The "law" could refer to the Old Testament command in Leviticus 19:16, which prohibits slander, and to Leviticus 19:18, "Love your neighbor as yourself," which James quoted in 2:8. Given James's reverence for the teachings of Jesus as the royal law of the kingdom, it is likely that he also has in mind Jesus' specific command against judging in Matthew 7:1 and Jesus' own quoting of Leviticus 19:18. James's point is that if we accept God's mercy through Christ, we place ourselves under Christ's law, which commands mercy. If we then judge others instead of being merciful toward their faults, we are rejecting that law and so setting ourselves up as judges over the law. This contradicts our proper stance as recipients of grace--we are to be doers under the law.
The third relationship is with God. One, as the subject of the sentence emphasizes that there is only one who is Lawgiver and Judge. When we judge each other, we are contradicting that fact. This is a revealing insight into our hearts. In judging people, what we really want is to take God's place. The United States government is arranged in judicial, legislative and executive branches, with a careful separation and balance of powers. In the realm of personal relationships, however, judging and lawgiving operate together; the one who judges another person is presuming to have authority to set the law or standard by which the other person is judged. Judging is an attempt to be in control as God is in control, which has been our rebellious desire ever since the serpent told Eve she could be "like God, knowing good and evil." Our sins of judging are attempts to set ourselves not only over the law but over the Lawgiver as well.
What James has been prescribing is a life of faith that has two facets: confidence in God's grace and passion for God's righteousness. The confidence and the passion are complementary responses to God's judgment and mercy. God's mercy triumphs over judgment on our behalf; therefore we may be confident in relying on grace. However, we who have genuinely grasped grace will become all the more eager to grasp righteousness, realizing that our lack of righteousness so nearly brought us to disaster in the fearful judgment of God. Once one has humbly sought grace for escape from judgment (4:10), it becomes unthinkable to set oneself up as judge over a neighbor (4:11). It is part of a single stance before God to submit to him for his grace (4:7) and to submit to him for his law; one cannot be both a judge over the law and a doer under the law (4:11). James is showing us a well-integrated faith in Christ as both merciful Savior to be trusted and righteous Lord to be obeyed.   AMEN

James 3 session 4

                                                                                                                                                         
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                                           James 3:1-6 The Power of The Tongue
James 3:1  Not many of you should become teachers, my fellow believers, because you know that we who teach will be judged more strictly. 2  We all stumble in many ways. Anyone who is never at fault in what they say is perfect, able to keep their whole body in check.3  When we put bits into the mouths of horses to make them obey us, we can turn the whole animal. 4  Or take ships as an example. Although they are so large and are driven by strong winds, they are steered by a very small rudder wherever the pilot wants to go.5  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. 6  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.7  All kinds of animals, birds, reptiles and sea creatures are being tamed and have been tamed by mankind, 8  but no human being can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison. With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse human beings, who have been made in God's likeness. 10  Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers and sisters, this should not be.11  Can both fresh water and salt water flow from the same spring?12  My brothers and sisters, can a fig tree bear olives, or a grapevine bear figs? Neither can a salt spring produce fresh water.13
                                                                               Discussion
James states a clear admonition, bringing to our attention the responsibility of those who would aspire to teach. It is an honorable duty and a particularly critical one. Teachers influence the character of nations. Teachers are more carefully scrutinized by their fellow man and more acutely judged by God, our creator. All of this prompting James to write that not many should become teachers. Furthermore, Jesus taught that people are responsible for what they know (Luke. 12:47–48).
Then James goes on to describe the complex influences we create with our tongue. The power of the tongue is such that world leaders are made or broken by words of the tongue, or entire nations turn one way or the other from influence of the tongue. Great men are brought low by words from the tongue. Then James goes on to describe  the influence of the tongue by comparing familiar scenarios of how a horse is turned by a simple bit in it's mouth, or how a ship is turned by such a small rudder, or a forest is struck with a great fire from a small spark.  Implying that the tongue although a very small part of the body, can cause such disasters of evil consequence simply with words. We can draw from these verses that James knows something of human nature, and how one can influence a person's life for good or for evil.  James was a mature man of God and was known for his prayer life. And as the leader of the church in Jerusalem, he was probably familiar with both the good and the bad influences of the tongue, (Proverbs 15:28) which could have prompted his writing verse 6. 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.                                                
                                                 Questions
1. What are your feelings about James' warning  to those who feel called to teach ?
2. James writes about the evils of the tongue. In what way is this related to the first verse?
3. James writes about negative issues of the tongue, But what do we feel about the positives?
4. Describe what James means when comparing the tongue with a bit in a horses mouth?
As a rudder on a ship? As a spark which sets a forest afire? Can you think of others comparisons?
5. What current real life issues can you point out that the tongue is doing right now?
6. Why is it that James saya it is difficult to tame the tongue.


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                                                 James 3:13-18 Wisdom and Righteousness?
James 3: 13- 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. 14  But if you harbor bitter envy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast about it or deny the truth. 15  Such "wisdom" does not come down from heaven but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic. 16  For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice.17  But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. 18  Peacemakers who sow in peace reap a harvest of righteousness.
                                                                                           Discussion
James begins this discussion by showing that the truly wise person is characterized by a way of life that is good according to the teaching of Jesus. That person will also show the humility that comes from wisdom. A better translation here would be ‘meekness’. One of the problems in the churches of that day, was that teachers were attacking one another and being aggressive and defensive. Meekness is the opposite of this aggression.  1 Peter 3:4
James outlines the steps of repentance that are necessary for us to gain heavenly wisdom, as opposed to worldly wisdom or foolishness. Humility is required for us to come to God for repentance, but the Spirit causes it to grow profusely as we mature in our Christian walk. We must open our hearts in prayer to God and ask for wisdom each day, for it is His Promise that He will give us wisdom if we seek His ways. We are then given the power to present ourselves as humble, and hence loving, to all those around us. The two traits mentioned the most are humility and pride, and how they battle for our souls. Humility leads to love and pride leads to hate, so we can see how these traits sum up the struggle between God and Satan. Spiritually wise people not only speak wise, but they live it. It shows in how they treat their fellowman.Friendship with the world is considered spiritual adultery in the eyes of God. We must keep our eyes on our Savior, in order to remain wise in the Lord.
The only true protection against this false wisdom and the evil in the tongue is God’s wisdom.  James writes that such a person is pure, which means that the person is sincere in obeying God, not having any twisted motives in their desire for holiness. They are peace-loving meaning that it produces peace in the church. They are considerate or ‘gentle’ which means that it is non-combative. They are submissive, which speaks of a person who is willing and will gladly respond to godly leadership. They are full of mercy and good fruit, which produces good works. God, is always merciful and giving, so those filled with his wisdom will be that way as well. Finally, such a person is impartial and sincere, which means that the person has a heart which is set solely on following God, unlike the double-minded person. (Ephesians 4:29)  We understand through our own experiences that worldly wisdom is  conniving, bitter, self-seeking, flattering, lying and boasting. James said that wisdom from the earth is demonic and produces confusion. The term sincere means that there is no falseness or hidden agenda in the person’s words or actions. As the person is to one’s face, so they are when one’s back is turned.” Such a person would have a calming effect which would be contagious, they would represent a peace and serenity which would lead others to follow. Such a person was Jesus.
                                                       Questions
1. What would you say is the difference between worldly and Heavenly wisdom?
2. What does Heavenly wisdom have that worldly wisdom is lacking?
3. How does one cope with the worlds ways and not be consumed by them?
4. What are some examples we might use to show that all worldly Wisdom is not evil?
5. What does this lesson tell us about how to best go about our daily lives?

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Opening Prayer, Father God lead us now in this study of Your word as we seek Your wisdom in how we are to manage the use of our tongues so that it may be pleasing to You. Give us wisdom
in the way we apply our words. Help us to be more humble in our need to promote self, and give us spiritual wisdom as we interact with others in our day to day life situations.  Teach us to recognize the needs of others and lead us in the ways and words we use that we may become good examples as disciples of Christ, so that we might cause you great joy as we share Your love with others as we have experienced it in Jesus Christ. AMEN
                                                                                                                                                                     
                                                            Scripture Readings

Luke 12:47  "The servant who knows the master's will and does not get ready or does not do what the master wants will be beaten with many blows. 48  But the one who does not know and does things deserving punishment will be beaten with few blows. From everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded; and from the one who has been entrusted with much, much more will be asked”.

Proverbs 15:28 - The heart of the righteous studieth to answer: but the mouth of the wicked poureth out evil things
1 Peter 3:4 - But let it be the hidden man of the heart, in that which is not corruptible, even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price.
Ephesians 4:29 - Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers.
                                                                                                                                           
Closing Prayer,
Father God,  be with us now as we leave this place. May we carry with us your blessing as we continue in our efforts to live the life of a disciple of Jesus Christ. We pray for your continued watch over our loved ones and those among us who need your healing hand to touch them in their time of distress. ____________Give those mentioned here tonight the healing strength and comfort to endure, heal their infirmities and give them peace. continue to watch over each of us as we strive to live a just and righteous life.. It is in Jesus name we pray, AMEN








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                                         James Chapter 3  Meditations On The Tongue                                  
James begins Chapter 3 with a caution against those who want to be teachers of the Word. In the first twelve verses of James Chapter 3, the writer cautions against becoming teachers, saying that they will receive a stricter punishment unless they are mature and possess self-control virtues. James writes that there were those who sought to become teachers in order to look wise. But as regards the judgment that awaits them, they should approach the position of teacher with caution and consideration for the responsibility the position holds.
He then begins his warnings about the tongue and the harm it wields when used irreligiously, and gives us some illustrations to demonstrate the power and the danger of the tongue. It is so important to note, these comparisons are vivid and easily understood. Such comparisons can be easily drawn if we just look at our present political process going on today. The tongue can cause immeasurable harm and devastation.
James writes that the power of the tongue is like a bit that controls the horse . If we consider what this bit does, we can understand it a little better.  A horse is turned by a simple bit in it's mouth, such a simple act of controlling a horse. but consider the lack of the bit and the reins. If left to it's own, a horse is a dangerous animal, uncontrolled it could cause great harm to life and property, thus if we are to have a horse it must be controlled. Bridle your tongue.
Then he mentions how a ship is turned by such a small rudder, and we must also consider this.  Left without a rudder such a ship will flounder and left adrift will be destroyed and sink, taking all cargo and all who are passengers and crew on that ship to their death, thus a ship must have a controlling rudder. Guide your tongue's path or suffer the consequences
Then James reminds us that a  forest that is struck with a small spark can bring a devestating fire which can destroy the whole forest. When we consider the experiences we know about fire, we understand that fire can cause death and destruction to such an extent as to destroy whole forests taking life and property with it. Be careful with your tongue.
James also writes about the difficulty in taming one’s tongue saying that there is nobody who can control their tongue all the time. It is an unruly evil that full of poison that can be used for both blessings and curses, used against you as well as supporting you. We are taught to dread an unruly tongue, as one of the greatest evils. The affairs of mankind are thrown into confusion by the tongues of men. Every age of the world, and every condition of life, private or public, affords examples of this. Hell has more to do in promoting the fire of the tongue than we can imagine. Satan prowls about like a roaring lion looking for souls to devour. The sinful tongue is an open invitation from the soul, an invitation for Satan to enter therein.
James concludes Chapter 3 with a brief discussion about Godly wisdom. We must open our hearts in prayer to God and ask for wisdom each day, for it is His Promise that He will give us wisdom if we seek His ways. We understand through our own experiences that worldly wisdom is  conniving, bitter, self-seeking, flattering, lying and boasting. James said that wisdom from the earth is demonic and produces confusion. Heavenly wisdom, however, we will notice is like an exquisite string of qualities-like a thread of pearls-that characterize true wisdom: First, pure; then peaceable-this is God’s order, never peace at any price. First the holy heart, then the quiet and gentle one. Mercy and good works follow, “free from favoritism and insincerity”; and as the peace-loving soul goes through the world, dropping the seeds of peace, those seeds produce harvests of righteousness. Those that in peace sow peace, shall reap a harvest of righteousness, the fruit of peace. Such is the wisdom from God given to those to whom Jesus Christ has named in the book of life who follow after Him…………. Amen