Our study of the first two chapters of James covered trials and temptations, wisdom and favoritism, and faith and works. He gave us practical lessons with Biblical examples. Staying true to form, his writings on practical Christian living continue in the last three chapters as well!
James Chapter 3 Summary
James starts out addressing the problem of our speech. He tells us that “if anyone is never at fault in what he says, he is a perfect man, able to keep his whole body in check.” v2b.
If we could completely control our speech, we would also control every aspect of our life! We won’t ever attain this lofty goal, but we should at least take to heart his pleas to control our tongue as much as possible.
We exhibit the living faith James speaks of when we take measures to control what we say and how we say it. Ask yourself- Is it true? Necessary? Constructive? Loving?
It also involves using God’s filter in controlling what we don’t say. Is it to shame others? Words blurted out of anger? To put someone “in their place”?
Taming the Tongue
“No man can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison.” v8.
This one small part of our body can do a lot of damage. James gives the examples of other small objects that are extremely powerful.
The bit in a horse’s mouth and a rudder of a large ship both are powerful enough to steer and control large objects.
Likewise, a tiny spark can set off a devastating wildfire. James says the tongue “is a fire, a world of evil among the parts of the body.” v6.
An out-of-control tongue can cause horrible damage. Hateful words can cause destruction once they are spoken. The damage remains, even if an apology follows.
Jesus offers this insight into the problem of our tongue in Matthew 12:34 NIV:
(He is speaking to the Pharisees, but His words are true for us all)- “For out of the overflow of the heart the mouth speaks.” Surprisingly, a tongue problem starts with a heart problem. I love Matthew Henry’s commentary on this verse- “The heart is the fountain, words are the streams.”
We can’t clean up downstream without first starting with the source. The words we speak tell us the condition of our hearts. Once the heart fountain is cleansed, the water pouring out of it will be fresh and clean.
How do you tame your tongue? By changing your heart. Pray for the Holy Spirit to fill you with His fruits of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness and self control. Work on letting your speech reflect them.
God can help us control what we say. We can ask Him for help in this area and pray for conviction.
We can also practice speaking more positively, which can become a habit. Make efforts to praise, compliment, and encourage others.
What steps will you take personally to control your speech? Is there a specific area you would like to exercise more control?
Related Post: Taming the Tongue
Pin me for later!
James Chapter Four
Submit Yourselves to God
James moves on to addressing conflicts between believers.
“What causes fights and quarrels among you? Don’t they come from your desires that battle within you?…You do not have because you do not ask God.” vv1, 2b.
No one need look further than themselves and the desires of their own hearts to discern the problem with quarrels. Our selfish desires come from wanting something more than what we have.
What “more” are you looking for in your battles?
James tells us the solution is to stop fighting and ask God what His desires are for us.
He goes even further with the problem of fighting our desires. There is nothing wrong with wanting a pleasurable life, but it shouldn’t come at the expense of “friendship with the world.” v4.
A strong desire (“battles”) for material things, pride, compromising our beliefs to get what we want, and jealousy of others are all sinful. He has a few solutions for us:
•“Submit yourselves, then, to God.” v7.
Submit- it’s something we don’t necessarily like. We want our own way.
What does submission mean? It’s being obedient to God’s way and accepting His authority in our lives.
God’s plan is for us “to have it all” by living in harmony with Him. His ways are the only ones that are perfect. Ask Him for His perspectives and desires for your life!
How would you answer the question: “what causes fights and quarrels among you”?
We all fight the battle of what we want vs what God wants. What worldly desires do you battle?
Resist the Devil
•“Resist the devil and he will flee from you.” v7b.
James tells us to stand up to the devil. Use your faith to hold out against him.
Stop yourself from acting on temptations.
Do what Jesus did- use the Word of God against him. Satan works the same way he always has- to make you question God’s love, authority and wisdom for your life.
I love the encouragement in this quote:
Satan does not have the last word in the Christian’s life. Ever!
Related post∼ Resist the Devil and He will Flee
Humble Yourselves
•“Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up.” v10.
What does humble yourself before God mean?
Everything we are and have is from our Lord. When we internalize, believe, and trust in that truth, we are showing humility. Instead of working independently from Him, we use His power and guidance to decide and act according to His will. Jesus is our ultimate example of humility.
What does it mean to be lifted up?
In the Greek, this word “lift you up” is to exalt, which we normally think of something we do for God with our praise and worship.
But James is saying if we humble ourselves, we will be “exalted”- raised and honored above our present character and qualities!
We will be filled with His love and kindness, and His power and grace. He will guide us out of our limited vision for our lives and shows us His way- how to live side by side with Him.
He takes our worries off our shoulders, brings us His peace, gives us rest, provides a way out of our temptations and much more!
Some see a humble spirit as weakness. James tells us the exact opposite!
How would putting these three solutions (submission, humbling yourself, resist the devil) in practice change your life?
James Chapter 5 Summary
This last chapter from James gives some examples of what a “living” faith looks like.
“Be patient then brothers, until the Lord’s coming. See how the farmer waits for the land to yield its valuable crop and how patient he is for the autumn and spring rains. You too, be patient and stand firm…” vv7-8.
James wants us to show patient endurance. Hang in there!
James encouraged the persecuted, scattered Christians by reminding them that Jesus is coming again, but on His timetable. In the meantime, help comes from being patient and standing firm (literally “strengthen your hearts”) in their faith. We also have trials to live through and can use this same advice.
Patience isn’t passive, but taking action to root our hearts in Jesus, trusting in His Word and His second coming.
How can you strengthen your heart? What does it mean to have a “strong heart”?
The Prayer of Faith
James ends his book by encouraging and urging his readers into a powerful and effective prayer life. The healing he speaks of is both physical and spiritual.
“Is anyone of you in trouble? He should pray.” v13
“Is any one of you sick? He should call the elders of the church to pray over him and anoint him with oil…” v14.
“..Pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective.” v16b.
Our prayer life is an essential part of our life in Christ. It helps grow our relationship into one that is personal and active. Prayer is our most powerful resource to meet with God. It shouldn’t be our last resort, but the first action we take. Jesus’ own prayer life gives us a powerful picture of what prayer looks like.
How is your prayer life? Where do you see room for improvement?
Related Post: Lord, Teach Us to Pray!
Christian Maturity
James is all about developing maturity in the lives of Christians. He wants us to thrive within our trials and use God’s wisdom to control our speech. He wants us to take what we hear in the Word and put it into action. Loving and serving others is paramount.
Even though this was a “short-course” in James, it’s still a lot to take in, I know. I encourage you to reread these two posts and listen to what God has to say to you about growing in your Christian faith.
How would He want you to move from knowing His Word to acting on it?
Blessings,
AnnMarie
Want to dig a bit deeper into the book of James?
Click on the image to download and print your free Bible Study on Parts One and Two of this study!
Photo Credit: Canva, Pixabay
God Bless You! Thank you so so much. I enjoyed the book of James. I needed that this morning.
That’s awesome, Nikki! So glad we connected through His Word. I love how He directs us to exactly what we need. God bless you!
Thank you so much for the study of James. We are also doing this at church. Your insight is great. Thank you again.
Thank you Dee! I thoroughly enjoyed this deeper look into James too!
I agree, the book of James is packed with so much good stuff! Thanks, for this study, Ann. Really helpful and important!
Thanks Cindy, it was great for me to take a deeper look at it too!