In a culture that is fixated on outward appearances, it is often easy for Christians to show favouritism within the church. As people who have been shown grace by the Lord Himself, we too must be willing to extend grace to all people regardless of their education, finances, social standing or race. James 2:1-13 ESV…
God has taken the initiative to save us through His Word, which results in a transformed life marked by a controlled tongue, a compassionate heart, and a clean life. This, James affirms, is authentic religion, pure and faultless. James 1:12-27 ESV 12 Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has…
A proper reception of God’s Word is necessary for spiritual prosperity. Anger, moral filth and prevalent evil can hinder our response to the Word. In comparison, hunger for the Word and humility create fertile soil for growth. We should consider areas in our life that hinder our own response and be ruthless in ridding ourselves…
Temptation is the enticement to sin and is rooted in our own evil desire. While the devil serves as a source of temptation, the decision to indulge in our desires is internally conceived. Acting on temptation is an ‘inside job’ and so we are to be vigilant against its enticement. James 1:12-27 ESV 12 Blessed…
The first chapter of James proceeds quickly from trials to maturity to wisdom. When we begin to recognise trials as a privilege that God allows, we can then discover joy and maturity. This process isn’t natural so we need God’s wisdom for it to properly run its course. James 1:1-15 ESV Greeting 1 James, a…
The New Testament book of James is an intensely practical letter, focusing on how Christians should behave as we put the teachings of God’s Word into practice. Trials occur in every life but God enables believers to experience joy even in the midst of difficult circumstances. James 1:1-18 ESV Greeting 1 James, a servant[a] of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ,…
This message begins by considering the fact that Christianity is a religion as well as a faith. As such it can be misguided, but James shows the principles of both pure and practical religion, lived in the sight of God. James 1:26-27 English Standard Version 26 If anyone thinks he is religious and does not…
This message begins by calling us to rejoice in trials, then shows that we know that trials are a positive part of the Christian life. Their aim under God is to bring us to completeness rather than being left in a position of lacking. James 1:2-4 English Standard Version Testing of Your Faith 2 Count…
These messages address the realities of spiritual battles and how we respond as Christians. It is important that we resist these trials, but we do that by strengthening our grip on God. 7 Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. 8 Draw near to God, and he will…
Looking at the argument of James 4 this message shows us that all issues of human conflict begin within the hearts of people and that the only solution is to Draw Near to God, subjecting oneself to His gracious order. He will deal with our hearts and equip us to live for Him and other people. 7…