Tag: James

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Journey Through James: Chapter Five (Commentary)

5 Come now, you rich, weep and howl for the miseries that are coming upon you.

  • Verses 1-6 are a heavy reminder that people are more important than pennies. That we are to focus more on building our faith, than our finances. It is important to remember that the Bible does not discourage wise planning, but does denounce selfish, greedy living as we discuss these verses.
  • “rich” – This is more a general warning to the wealthy in James’ society, not necessarily (and we pray not) wealthy believers. These men were probably also mentioned in James 2:6-7. Apparently wealthy landowners were using their position in society to take advantage of those who depended upon them for their livelihood. Instead of being a source of blessing to others, they were using their position for selfish means.

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Journey Through James: Chapter 4 (Listening Guide)

4 What causes quarrels and what causes fights among you? Is it not this, that your passions are at war within you?

  • Chapter 4.1-10 opens with 2 options for achieving joy. The way of the __________. And the way of the__________.
  • “quarrels” – The word carries the idea of ongoing hostility. In an organization that has experienced great grace we cannot afford to be unforgiving and resentful to one another.
  • Is there anything sadder than such a church? The church is to be united in love for God and love for one another. The church is to be united around the truth of God. The church is to be united in worship and service.
  • “fights” –  outburst of anger
  • “your passions” – Meaning _____________________. Each person thought themselves to be the priority. From the Gk: we get the word Hedonism, you search for pleasure/joy.

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Journey Through James: Chapter 4 (Commentary)

4 What causes quarrels and what causes fights among you? Is it not this, that your passions are at war within you?

  • Chapter 4.1-10 opens with 2 options for achieving joy. The way of the world. And the way of the Lord.
  • “quarrels” – The word carries the idea of ongoing hostility. In an organization that has experienced great grace we cannot afford to be unforgiving and resentful to one another.
  • Is there anything sadder than such a church? The church is to be united in love for God and love for one another. The church is to be united around the truth of God. The church is to be united in worship and service.
  • “fights” –  outburst of anger
  • “your passions” – Meaning selfishness. Each person thought themselves to be the priority. From the Gk: we get the word Hedonism, you search for pleasure/joy.

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Journey Through James: Chapter 3 (Commentary)

3 Not many of you should become teachers, my brothers, for you know that we who teach will be judged with greater strictness.

  • A warning not just to teachers, but to all. We often want the glory of notable faith without putting forth the work to obtain it.
  • APP: We all should focus on the qualifications of service, not the benefits or notoriety of what may accompany it.
  • Recently, it has become far too common for notable church leaders to fall into sin.
  • James is highlighting the motives of our service.
  • “judged with greater strictness” – a motivational and scary verse.
  • “greater strictness” – this is why it is imperative to preach and teach God’s Word.

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Journey Through James: Chapter 2 (Listening Guide)

THE FOLLY OF FAVORTISM

2 My brothers, show no partiality as you hold the faith in our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory.

  • Behind James’ discussion is the thought that partiality is being shown to wealthy individuals who attend worship because those with less are hoping to benefit from their preferential treatment by some financial means.
  • “partiality” – God does not play favorites. Yet we do. Jesus tells us to love others as we love ourselves (Mark 12.31). However, partiality is one of the clearest examples of loving ourselves ____________ than we love others.
  • When favoritism is displayed, the nature of faith is _____________ and the display of faith is _______________.

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Journey Through James: Chapter 2 (Commentary)

THE FOLLY OF FAVORTISM

2 My brothers, show no partiality as you hold the faith in our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory.

  • Behind James’ discussion is the thought that partiality is being shown to wealthy individuals who attend worship because those with less are hoping to benefit from their preferential treatment by some financial means.
  • “partiality” – God does not play favorites. Yet we do. Jesus tells us to love others as we love ourselves (Mark 12.31). However, partiality is one of the clearest examples of loving ourselves more than we love others.
  • When favoritism is displayed, the nature of faith is undermined and the display of faith is compromised.

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The Danger of Superficial Distinctions: James 2

I. The Dangers of Superficial Distinctions (2.1-7)

2 My brothers, show no partiality as you hold the faith in our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory. 2 For if a man wearing a gold ring and fine clothing comes into your assembly, and a poor man in shabby clothing also comes in, 3 and if you pay attention to the one who wears the fine clothing and say, “You sit here in a good place,” while you say to the poor man, “You stand over there,” or, “Sit down at my feet,” 4 have you not then made distinctions among yourselves and become judges with evil thoughts? 5 Listen, my beloved brothers, has not God chosen those who are poor in the world to be rich in faith and heirs of the kingdom, which he has promised to those who love him? 6 But you have dishonored the poor man. Are not the rich the ones who oppress you, and the ones who drag you into court? 7 Are they not the ones who blaspheme the honorable name by which you were called?

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