Coachlight Bible Study – James 1:1-2:13
Overview Of The Book Of James - Affections Affect Actions
The Book of James is often called “The Wisdom Literature of the New Testament. The early Christians were going through tough times with many trials that could tend to shake a person’s faith. James knew that a person with True Faith will travel through even the hardest test exhibiting joy, knowing that God will always perform His Word. James accomplishes this with practical steps to go through trials with joy.
Focus |
What Is True Faith? |
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Scripture |
1:1-----2:1----------3:1------------3:13------4:1----------------5:7-------5:13 |
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Plan |
Makes Doers of the Word |
Vindicates Itself by Works |
Controls the Tongue |
Produces Wisdom |
Demonstrates Humility |
Endures Loving Christ’s Appearing |
Prays for the Sick |
Intention |
James was inspired by God to exhort the scattered Jews, who were going through many trials of faith to endure, anticipating Christ’s return. |
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Divisions |
Trials |
How to go through trials with joy |
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Purpose of Trials |
Swift To Hear |
Slow To Speak |
Slow To Wrath |
Enduring Knowing Christ’s Return |
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Location |
Jerusalem |
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Time |
Circa AD 45-49 |
I. The Reason For Trials
James 1:1 James, a servant <1401>t of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, to the twelve tribes which are scattered abroad <1290>, greeting.
James 1:2 My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations <3986>; {temptations: or, trials}
James 1:3 Knowing this, that the trying<1383> of your faith worketh patience <5281>.
James 1:4 But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect<5046> and entire<3648>, wanting nothing.
A. James called himself a doulos, or bond slave
1. James life is owned by God
2. The point is, what he writes is inspired by God
B. All have peirasmos, or trials
1. James is not isolating one trial, but talking about many trials or tests
2. James bretheren are to demonstrate joy during the tests
3. They are to know that the tests bring about hupomone, or endurance
4. With endurance is complete, the person is:
a. telios, or mature (complete)
b. holokleros – No part lacking
C. Peter taught the same concept using the same word dokimion, translated “trying”
I Peter 1:6 Wherein ye greatly rejoice, though now for a season, if need be, ye are in heaviness through manifold temptations:
I Peter 1:7 That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ:
1. Notice that Peter not only has the concept of trial or proving
2. But also uses it in the sense of having victory over the situation
3. It is not the trial that brings endurance, but victory over the situation does
D. Paul taught the same concept in Romans:
Romans 5:3 And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience;
Romans 5:4 And patience, experience; and experience, hope:
1401 doulov doulos doo’-los - from 1210; TDNT-2:261,182; n
servant 120, bond 6, bondman 1; 127
1) a slave, bondman, man of servile condition
1a) a slave
1b) metaph., one who gives himself up to another’s will those whose service is used by Christ in extending and advancing his cause among men
1c) devoted to another to the disregard of one’s own interests
1290 diaspora diaspora dee-as-por-ah’ - from 1289; TDNT-2:98,156; n f
dispersed 1, scatter abroad 1, scattered 1; 3
1) a scattering, dispersion
1a) of Israelites dispersed among foreign nations
1b) of the Christians scattered abroad among the Gentiles
3986 peirasmov peirasmos pi-ras-mos’ - from 3985; TDNT-6:23,822; n m
temptation 19, temptations 1, try 1; 21
1) an experiment, attempt, trial, proving
1a) trial, proving: the trial made of you by my bodily condition, since condition served as to test the love of the Galatians toward Paul (#Ga 4:14)
1b) the trial of man’s fidelity, integrity, virtue, constancy
1b1) an enticement to sin, temptation, whether arising from the desires or from the outward circumstances
1383 dokimion dokimion dok-im’-ee-on - presumed of 1382; TDNT-2:255,181; n n
trying 1, trial 1; 2
1) the proving
2) that by which something is tried or proved, a test
5281 upomonh hupomone hoop-om-on-ay’ - from 5278; TDNT-4:581,581; n f
patience 29, enduring 1, patient continuance 1, patient waiting 1; 32
1) steadfastness, constancy, endurance
1a) in the NT the characteristic of a man who is not swerved from his deliberate purpose and his loyalty to faith and piety by even the greatest trials and sufferings
1b) patiently, and steadfastly
2) a patient, steadfast waiting for
3) a patient enduring, sustaining, perseverance
5046 teleiov teleios tel’-i-os - from 5056; TDNT-8:67,1161; adj
perfect 17, man 1, of full age 1; 19
1) brought to its end, finished
2) wanting nothing necessary to completeness
3) perfect
4) that which is perfect
3648 oloklhrov holokleros hol’-ok’-lay-ros - from 3650 and 2819; TDNT-3:766,442; adj
whole 1, entire 1; 2
1) complete in all its parts, in no part wanting or unsound, complete, entire, whole
1a) of a body without blemish or defect, whether of a priest or of a victim
1b) free from sin, faultless
1c) complete in all respects, consummate
James 1:5 If any of you lack wisdom <4678>, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth <3679> not; and it shall be given him.
James 1:6 But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering <1252>. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed.
James 1:7 For let not that man think that he shall receive any thing of the Lord.
James 1:8 A double minded man is unstable in all his ways.
E. James 1:8 A double minded<1374> man is unstable in all his ways.
1374 diqucov dipsuchos dip’-soo-khos - from 1364 and 5590; adj
double minded 2; 2
1) double minded
1a) wavering, uncertain, doubting
1b) divided in interest
1. The etymology of doubleminded
“Doubleminded” or dipsuchos is derived from two Greek words – 1364 & 5590
1364 div dis dece - from 1417; ; adv
twice 4, again 2; 6
1) twice
5590 quch psuche psoo-khay’ - from 5594; n f
soul 58, life 40, mind 3, heart 1, heartily + 1537 1, not tr 2; 105
1) breath
1a) the breath of life
1a1) the vital force which animates the body and shows itself in breathing
1a1a) of animals
1a1b) of men
1b) life
1c) that in which there is life
1c1) a living being, a living soul
2) the soul
2a) the seat of the feelings, desires, affections, aversions ( our heart, soul etc.)
2b) the (human) soul in so far as it is constituted that by the right use of the aids offered it by God it can attain its highest end and secure eternal blessedness, the soul regarded as a moral being designed for everlasting life
2c) the soul as an essence which differs from the body and is not dissolved by death (distinguished from other parts of the body)
2. Being “doubleminded” actually means having two deep affections, not one
F. James & Paul teaches us where our affections should be:
James 1:12 Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him.
James 5:7 Be patient therefore, brethren, unto the coming of the Lord. Behold, the husbandman waiteth for the precious fruit of the earth, and hath long patience for it, until he receive the early and latter rain. {Be…: or, Be long patient, or, Suffer with long patience}
James 5:8 Be ye also patient; stablish your hearts: for the coming of the Lord draweth nigh.
Colossians 3:2 Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth. {affection: or, mind}
G. If a person finds himself lacking Sophia, or wisdom in trials
1. The person needs to go to God
2. God gives this kind of wisdom liberally
3. God does not onedidzo, or reproach
H. Simile of the waves of the sea
1. Comparing a person with diakrino, or separating oneself by doubt
2. With the waves of the sea – tossed by every wind
3. The double minded is tossed by every trial or test of faith
James 1:9 Let the brother of low degree rejoice in that he is exalted: {rejoice: or, glory}
James 1:10 But the rich, in that he is made low: because as the flower of the grass he shall pass away.
James 1:11 For the sun is no sooner risen with a burning heat, but it withereth the grass, and the flower thereof falleth, and the grace of the fashion of it perisheth: so also shall the rich man fade away in his ways.
I. God’s people are to have joy of victory
1. Not because of circumstances
2. But because of God’s reality – God will do what He said He would do
3. Affections need to be on the things above
a. Then, we have victory over the situation
b. And we will demonstrate true joy
J. Both the rich and lowly must have joy
1. At first it might seem that James is talking about trials in general
2. But his illustration is about money
3. Either the possession of or lack of money can cause trials
4678 sofia sophia sof-ee’-ah - from 4680; TDNT-7:465,1056; n f
wisdom 51; 51
1) wisdom, broad and full of intelligence; used of the knowledge of very diverse matters
1a) the wisdom which belongs to men
1a1) spec. the varied knowledge of things human and divine, acquired by acuteness and experience, and summed up in maxims and proverbs
1a2) the science and learning
3679 oneidizw oneidizo on-i-did’-zo - from 3681; TDNT-5:239,693; v
upbraid 3, reproach 3, revile 2, cast in (one’s) teeth 1, suffer reproach 1; 10
1) to reproach, upbraid, revile
1a) of deserved reproach
1b) of undeserved reproach, to revile
1c) to upbraid, cast (favours received) in one’s teeth
1252 diakrinw diakrino dee-ak-ree’-no - from 1223 and 2919; TDNT-3:946,469; v
doubt 5, judge 3, discern 2, contend 2, waver 2, misc 5; 19
1) to separate, make a distinction, discriminate, to prefer
2) to learn by discrimination, to try, decide
2a) to determine, give judgment, decide a dispute
3) to withdraw from one, desert
4) to separate one’s self in a hostile spirit, to oppose, strive with dispute, contend
James 1:12 Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown <4735> of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him.
K. Endurance through trials brings about (At the Judgment Seat of Christ)
1. Not at this time a diadem, or kingly crown, but
2. A stephanos, or reward at the marriage of the Lamb
(Like the Greek wreath when finishing an Olympic race)
Judgment Seat of Christ – (Bema) – Reward Time |
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Marriage Ceremony – In Heaven |
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Stephanos – (Victors) Crowns |
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Christ Meeting The Church In The Air
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Crown In -corruptible |
Crown of Life |
Crown of Glory |
Crown of Righteousness |
Crown of Rejoicing |
Christ and the Wife Return To Earth
↓ |
Mastering The Old Man |
Enduring Temptation – Being a Martyr for Christ |
Feeding The Flock |
Loving His Appearing |
Bringing People To The Knowledge of Christ |
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1 Corinthians 9:25 And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible. |
James 1:12 Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him. Revelation 2:10... behold, the devil shall cast some of you into prison, that ye may be tried; and ye shall have tribulation ten days: be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life. |
1 Peter 5: 3 Neither as being lords over God’s heritage, but being ensamples to the flock.
1 Peter 5:4 And when the chief Shepherd shall appear, ye shall receive a crown of glory that fadeth not away. |
2 Timothy 4:8 Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing. |
1 Thessalonians 2:19 For what is our hope, or joy, or crown of rejoicing? Are not even ye in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at his coming? 1 Thessalonians 2:20 For ye are our glory and joy. |
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Times On The Earth |
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Rapture of the Church |
7 Year Tribulation Period |
Marriage Supper of the Lamb |
4735 stefanov stephanos stef’-an-os - from an apparently primary stepho (to twine or wreathe); TDNT-7:615,1078; n m
crown 18; 18
1) a crown
1a) a mark of royal or (in general) exalted rank
1a1) the wreath or garland which was given as a prize to victors in public games
1b) metaph. the eternal blessedness which will be given as a prize to the genuine servants of God and Christ: the crown ( wreath) which is the reward of the righteousness
1c) that which is an ornament and honour to one
II. From Where Do The Temptations Come
James 1:13 Let no man say when he is tempted<3985>, I am tempted of God: for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth he any man: {evil: or, evils}
James 1:14 But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust <1939>, and enticed.
James 1:15 Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death.
James 1:16 Do not err, my beloved brethren.
James 1:17 Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning.
James 1:18 Of his own will begat he us with the word of truth, that we should be a kind of firstfruits of his creatures.
A. Even though trials can have good results
B. They do not come from God
C. They come from epithumia, or wrong desires and affections
D. The life cycle of death
1. Wrong desires produce sin
2. When sin is mature enough to bear children, it births death
E. The life cycle of the child of God
1. God begats with the Word of Truth
2. God’s children are the first fruits of His creation
3. God bestows perfect gifts
F. Sin kills, but God makes us born again
3985 peirazw peirazo pi-rad’-zo - from 3984; TDNT-6:23,822; v
tempt 29, try 4, tempter 2, prove 1, assay 1, examine 1, go about 1; 39
1) to try whether a thing can be done
1a) to attempt, endeavour
2) to try, make trial of, test: for the purpose of ascertaining his quality, or what he thinks, or how he will behave himself
2a) in a good sense
2b) in a bad sense, to test one maliciously, craftily to put to the proof his feelings or judgments
2c) to try or test one’s faith, virtue, character, by enticement to sin
2c1) to solicit to sin, to tempt
1c1a) of the temptations of the devil
2d) after the OT usage
2d1) of God: to inflict evils upon one in order to prove his character and the steadfastness of his faith
2d2) men are said to tempt God by exhibitions of distrust, as though they wished to try whether he is not justly distrusted
2d3) by impious or wicked conduct to test God’s justice and patience, and to challenge him, as it were to give proof of his perfections.
1939 epiyumia epithumia ep-ee-thoo-mee’-ah - from 1937; TDNT-3:168,339; n f
lust 31, concupiscence 3, desire 3, lust after 1; 38
1) desire, craving, longing, desire for what is forbidden, lust
616 apokuew apokueo ap-ok-oo-eh’-o - from 575 and the base of 2949; ; v
bring forth 1, begat 1; 2
1) to bring forth
1a) from the womb 1b) give birth to 2) produce
III. Gaining Endurance Through Victory In Trials
James 1:19 Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath:
James 1:20 For the wrath of man worketh not the righteousness of God.
A. The prescription for the trials of life
1. Be swift to hear – Equates hearing as doing
2. Be slow to speak - Shows the relationship between affections and speech
3. Be slow to wrath – Teaches the source of bitterness
James 1:21 Wherefore lay apart all filthiness and superfluity <4050> of naughtiness <2549>, and receive with meekness the engrafted word, which is able to save your souls.
James 1:22 But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.
B. Lay aside all filthiness
C. Lay aside the all forms of wickedness or malice
D. Receive The engrafted Word – Has the power to save your soul – Not just read
4050 perisseia perisseia per-is-si’-ah - from 4052; TDNT-6:63,828; n f
abundance 2, abundantly 1, superfluity 1; 4
1) abundance, superabundantly, superfluously
2) superiority, preference, pre-eminence
3) gain, profit
4) residue, remains: the wickedness remaining over in a Christian from his state prior to conversion
2549 kakia kakia kak-ee’-ah - from 2556; TDNT-3:482,391; n f
malice 6, maliciousness 2, evil 1, wickedness 1, naughtiness 1; 11
1) malignity, malice, ill-will, desire to injure
2) wickedness, depravity
2a) wickedness that is not ashamed to break laws
3) evil, trouble
IV. Step One – Swift To Hear – Equates Hearing To Doing (Or Works)
James 1:23 For if any be a hearer of the word, and not a doer, he is like unto a man beholding his natural face in a glass:
James 1:24 For he beholdeth himself, and goeth his way, and straightway forgetteth what manner of man he was.
James 1:25 But whoso looketh <3879> into the perfect law of liberty, and continueth therein, he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed. {deed: or, doing}
A. True Hearing means Doing – Or Good Works
B. The Simile of the mirror
1. A Person that just glances at his face in a mirror misses the blemish
2. A doer of the Word is like a person who takes time to attend to the blemish
3. A doer of the Word has blessings from God
3879 parakuptw parakupto par-ak-oop’-to - from 3844 and 2955; TDNT-5:814,784; v
stoop down 3, look 2; 5
1) to stoop to a thing in order to look at it
2) to look at with head bowed forward
3) to look into with the body bent
4) to stoop and look into
C. Comparison To A Person Who is diligent with the Law of Liberty
1. He doesn’t just profess the Word
2. He Believes it is the very Words of God
3. He allows the Word to change him
James 1:26 If any man among you seem to be religious, and bridleth not his tongue, but deceiveth his own heart, this man’s religion<2356> is vain.
James 1:27 Pure religion<2356> 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.
D. Being Swift To Hear
1. Controls The Tongue
2. Brings Pure Worship
James 2:1 My brethren, have not the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory, with respect of persons.
James 2:2 For if there come unto your assembly a man with a gold ring, in goodly apparel, and there come in also a poor man in vile raiment; {assembly: Gr. synagogue}
James 2:3 And ye have respect to him that weareth the gay clothing, and say unto him, Sit thou here in a good place; and say to the poor, Stand thou there, or sit here under my footstool: {in…: or, well, or, seemly}
James 2:4 Are ye not then partial<1252> in yourselves, and are become judges of evil thoughts?
James 2:5 Hearken, my beloved brethren, Hath not God chosen the poor of this world rich in faith, and heirs of the kingdom which he hath promised to them that love him? {of the: or, of that}
James 2:6 But ye have despised the poor. Do not rich men oppress you, and draw you before the judgment seats?
James 2:7 Do not they blaspheme that worthy name by the which ye are called? {blaspheme: or, revile, or, slander}
E. Being Swift To Hear Has No Part In The Respect of Persons
James 2:8 If ye fulfil the royal law according to the scripture, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself, ye do well:
James 2:9 But if ye have respect to persons, ye commit sin, and are convinced of the law as transgressors.
James 2:10 For whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one point, he is guilty of all.
James 2:11 For he that said, Do not commit adultery, said also, Do not kill. Now if thou commit no adultery, yet if thou kill, thou art become a transgressor of the law. {he that: or, that law which}
James 2:12 So speak ye, and so do, as they that shall be judged by the law of liberty.
James 2:13 For he shall have judgment without mercy, that hath shewed no mercy; and mercy rejoiceth against judgment. {rejoiceth: or, glorieth}
2356 yrhskeia threskeia thrace-ki’-ah - from a derivative of 2357; n f
religion 3, worshipping 1; 4
1) religious worship
1a) esp. external, that which consists of ceremonies
1a1) religious discipline, religion
1252 diakrinw diakrino dee-ak-ree’-no - from 1223 and 2919; TDNT-3:946,469; v
doubt 5, judge 3, discern 2, contend 2, waver 2, misc 5; 19
1) to separate, make a distinction, discriminate, to prefer
2) to learn by discrimination, to try, decide
2a) to determine, give judgment, decide a dispute
3) to withdraw from one, desert
4) to separate one’s self in a hostile spirit, to oppose, strive with dispute, contend
James 2:14 What doth it profit, my brethren, though a man say he hath faith, and have not works? can faith save him?
F. If There Is True Faith Then Works Will Follow
1. Notice This is about a person that says he has faith – Not necessarily True Faith
2. Profession of faith alone does not save anyone
James 2:15 If a brother or sister be naked, and destitute of daily food,
James 2:16 And one of you say unto them, Depart in peace, be ye warmed and filled; notwithstanding ye give them not those things which are needful to the body; what doth it profit?
James 2:17 Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone. {alone: Gr. by itself}
G. Comparison to needy people
1. Good words alone will not meet their needs
2. So professing faith alone (without works) is dead
James 2:18 Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: shew me thy faith without thy works, and I will shew thee my faith by my works.
James 2:19 Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble.
James 2:20 But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead?
H. There is no demonstration of Faith without works
James 2:21 Was not Abraham our father justified by works, when he had offered Isaac his son upon the altar?
James 2:22 Seest thou how faith wrought with his works, and by works was faith made perfect? {Seest…: or, Thou seest}
James 2:23 And the scripture was fulfilled which saith, Abraham believed God, and it was imputed unto him for righteousness: and he was called the Friend of God.
James 2:24 Ye see then how that by works a man is justified, and not by faith only.
I. Abraham’s Faith was vindicated or demonstrated
1. When he brought Isaac to the altar
2. This act demonstrated the righteous pronouncement of God before
3. This act actually fulfilled God’s pronouncement of justification
4. True faith is demonstrated when the works are present
James 2:25 Likewise also was not Rahab the harlot justified by works, when she had received the messengers, and had sent them out another way?
J. Another Illustration - Rahab’s faith was demonstrated when she hid the spies
James 2:26 For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also. {spirit: or, breath}
K. Simile – as a body needs a spirit to live, so does true faith need works
V. Step Two – Slow To Speak – Relationship of Affections & Speech
James 3:1 My brethren, be not many masters<1320>, knowing that we shall receive the greater condemnation. {condemnation: or, judgment}
James 3:2 For in many things we offend all. If any man offend not in word, the same is a perfect man, and able also to bridle the whole body.
James 3:3 Behold, we put bits in the horses’ mouths, that they may obey us; and we turn about their whole body.
James 3:4 Behold also the ships, which though they be so great, and are driven of fierce winds, yet are they turned about with a very small helm, whithersoever the governor listeth.
James 3:5 Even so the tongue is a little member, and boasteth great things. Behold, how great a matter a little fire kindleth! {a matter: or, wood}
James 3:6 And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity: so is the tongue among our members, that it defileth the whole body, and setteth on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire of hell. {course: Gr. wheel}
James 3:7 For every kind of beasts, and of birds, and of serpents, and of things in the sea, is tamed, and hath been tamed of mankind:
James 3:8 But the tongue can no man tame; it is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison.
James 3:9 Therewith bless we God, even the Father; and therewith curse we men, which are made after the similitude of God.
James 3:10 Out of the same mouth proceedeth blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not so to be.
James 3:11 Doth a fountain send forth at the same place sweet water and bitter?
James 3:12 Can the fig tree, my brethren, bear olive berries? either a vine, figs? so can no fountain both yield salt water and fresh.
James 3:13 Who is a wise man and endued with knowledge among you? let him shew out of a good conversation<391> his works with meekness of wisdom.
James 3:14 But if ye have bitter envying and strife in your hearts<2588>, glory not, and lie not against the truth.
James 3:15 This wisdom descendeth not from above, but is earthly, sensual, devilish. {sensual: or, natural}
James 3:16 For where envying and strife is, there is confusion and every evil work. James 3:17 But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be intreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy. {partiality: or, wrangling}
James 3:18 And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace of them that make peace.
1320 didaskalov didaskalos did-as’-kal-os - from 1321; TDNT-2:148,161; n m
Master (Jesus) 40, teacher 10, master 7, doctor 1; 58
1) a teacher
2) in the NT one who teaches concerning the things of God, and the duties of man
1a) one who is fitted to teach, or thinks himself so
1b) the teachers of the Jewish religion
1c) of those who by their great power as teachers draw crowds around them i.e. John the Baptist, Jesus
391 anastrofh anastrophe an-as-trof-ay’ - from 390; TDNT-7:715,1093; n f
conversation 13; 13
1) manner of life, conduct, behaviour, deportment
2588 kardia kardia kar-dee’-ah - from a primary kar (Latin, cor, "heart"); n f
heart 159, broken hearted + 4937 1; 160
1) the heart
1a) that organ in the animal body which is the centre of the circulation of the blood, and hence was regarded as the seat of physical life
1b) denotes the centre of all physical and spiritual life - 2a) the vigour and sense of physical life
VI. Step Three – Slow To Wrath –Stems From A Worldly Attitude
James 4:1 From whence come wars and fightings among you? come they not hence, even of your lusts<2237> that war in your members?
James 4:2Ye lust, and have not: ye kill, and desire to have, and cannot obtain: ye fight and war, yet ye have not, because ye ask not.
James 4:3 Ye ask, and receive not, because ye ask amiss, that ye may consume it upon your lusts<2237>. {lusts: or, pleasures}
James 4:4 Ye adulterers and adulteresses, know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God.
2237 hdonh hedone hay-don-ay’ - from handano (to please); TDNT-2:909,303; n f
pleasure 3, lust 2; 5
1) pleasure
2) desires for pleasure
A. Affections on things here below causes fighting among Christians
1. It causes envying for things you can’t have
2. Pride will make you not even ask for the things you want
3. When you do ask, you don’t receive because the attitude is wrong
a. The desire is to be friends with the world
b. The constant longing is for pleasure
James 4:5 Do ye think that the scripture saith in vain, The spirit that dwelleth in us lusteth to envy? {to envy: or, enviously?}
James 4:6 But he giveth more grace. Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble.
B. Affections on things above brings humility and God’s grace
1. God resists the proud
2. God gives grace to the humble
James 4:7 Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.
James 4:8 Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you.
C. Steps To Be Slow To Wrath
1. Submit To God – He will draw nigh to you
2. Resist the devil – he will flee from you
James 4:8bCleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded.<1374>
3. Set your affections on things above – Remember the definition of doubleminded?
1374 diqucov dipsuchos dip’-soo-khos - from 1364 and 5590; adj
double minded 2; 2
1) double minded
1a) wavering, uncertain, doubting
1b) divided in interest
1. The etymology of doubleminded
“Doubleminded” or dipsuchos is derived from two Greek words – 1364 & 5590
1364 div dis dece - from 1417; ; adv
twice 4, again 2; 6
1) twice
5590 quch psuche psoo-khay’ - from 5594; n f
soul 58, life 40, mind 3, heart 1, heartily + 1537 1, not tr 2; 105
1) breath
1a) the breath of life
1a1) the vital force which animates the body and shows itself in breathing
1a1a) of animals
1a1b) of men
1b) life
1c) that in which there is life
1c1) a living being, a living soul
2) the soul
2a) the seat of the feelings, desires, affections, aversions ( our heart, soul etc.)
2b) the (human) soul in so far as it is constituted that by the right use of the aids offered it by God it can attain its highest end and secure eternal blessedness, the soul regarded as a moral being designed for everlasting life
2c) the soul as an essence which differs from the body and is not dissolved by death (distinguished from other parts of the body)
Being “doubleminded” actually means having two deep affections, not one
James 4:9 Be afflicted, and mourn, and weep: let your laughter be turned to mourning, and your joy to heaviness.
James 4:10 Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up.
4. Humble yourself before God – He will lift you up
James 4:11 Speak not evil one of another, brethren. He that speaketh evil of his brother, and judgeth his brother, speaketh evil of the law, and judgeth the law: but if thou judge the law, thou art not a doer of the law, but a judge.
James 4:12 There is one lawgiver, who is able to save and to destroy: who art thou that judgest another?
James 4:13 Go to now, ye that say, To day or to morrow we will go into such a city, and continue there a year, and buy and sell, and get gain:
James 4:14 Whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away. {It…: or, For it is}
James 4:15 For that ye ought to say, If the Lord will, we shall live, and do this, or that.
5. In stating what you will do – state Lord willing
James 4:16 But now ye rejoice in your boastings: all such rejoicing is evil.
James 4:17 Therefore to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin.
Affections Effect The Actions Of The Christian |
|
Affections on things Above |
Affections on things Below |
Single Minded – (One Affection) |
Double-minded (Two main affections) |
Humbleness |
Pride |
Compassion for others |
Speak evil of one another |
Has God’s Grace |
Fighting among Christians |
Resists the devil |
Friend of the World |
States “Lord willing” |
Rejoices in boasting |
Desires the Lord’s return |
Desires Pleasure |
Re-born by the Word |
Brings death |
VI. How To Have True Faith – Endure Waiting For Christ’s Return
James 5:1 Go to now, ye rich men, weep and howl for your miseries that shall come upon you.
James 5:2 Your riches are corrupted, and your garments are motheaten.
James 5:3 Your gold and silver is cankered; and the rust of them shall be a witness against you, and shall eat your flesh as it were fire. Ye have heaped treasure together for the last days.
James 5:4 Behold, the hire of the labourers who have reaped down your fields, which is of you kept back by fraud, crieth: and the cries of them which have reaped are entered into the ears of the Lord of sabaoth. {sabaoth: Heb. hosts}
James 5:5 Ye have lived in pleasure on the earth, and been wanton; ye have nourished your hearts, as in a day of slaughter.
James 5:6 Ye have condemned and killed the just; and he doth not resist you.
James 5:7 Be patient therefore, brethren, unto the coming of the Lord. Behold, the husbandman waiteth for the precious fruit of the earth, and hath long patience for it, until he receive the early and latter rain. {Be…: or, Be long patient, or, Suffer with long patience}
James 5:8 Be ye also patient; stablish your hearts: for the coming of the Lord draweth nigh.
James 5:9 Grudge not one against another, brethren, lest ye be condemned: behold, the judge standeth before the door. {Grudge not: or, Groan, or, Grieve not}
James 5:10 Take, my brethren, the prophets, who have spoken in the name of the Lord, for an example of suffering affliction, and of patience.
James 5:11 Behold, we count them happy which endure. Ye have heard of the patience of Job, and have seen the end of the Lord; that the Lord is very pitiful, and of tender mercy.
James 5:12 But above all things, my brethren, swear not, neither by heaven, neither by the earth, neither by any other oath: but let your yea be yea; and your nay, nay; lest ye fall into condemnation.
James 5:13 Is any among you afflicted? let him pray. Is any merry? let him sing psalms.
James 5:14 Is any sick among you? let him call for the elders of the church; and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord:
James 5:15 And the prayer of faith shall save the sick, and the Lord shall raise him up; and if he have committed sins, they shall be forgiven him.
James 5:16 Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.
James 5:17 Elias was a man subject to like passions as we are, and he prayed earnestly that it might not rain: and it rained not on the earth by the space of three years and six months. {subject…: of the same nature, that is, a fellow mortal} {earnestly: or, in his prayer}
James 5:18 And he prayed again, and the heaven gave rain, and the earth brought forth her fruit.
James 5:19 Brethren, if any of you do err from the truth, and one convert him;
James 5:20 Let him know, that he which converteth the sinner from the error of his way shall save a soul from death, and shall hide a multitude of sins.
Revelation 22:20 He which testifieth these things saith,
Surely I come quickly. Amen.
Even so, come, Lord Jesus.
The Book of James Teaches About The Christian’s Affections
James 5:7 Be patient therefore, brethren, unto the coming of the Lord. Behold, the husbandman waiteth for the precious fruit of the earth, and hath long patience for it, until he receive the early and latter rain.
James 5:8 Be ye also patient; stablish your hearts: for the coming of the Lord draweth nigh.
Judgment Seat of Christ – (Bema) – Reward Time |
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Marriage Ceremony – In Heaven |
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Stephanos – (Victors) Crowns |
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Christ Meeting The Church In The Air
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Crown In -corruptible |
Crown of Life |
Crown of Glory |
Crown of Righteousness |
Crown of Rejoicing |
Christ and the Wife Return To Earth
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Mastering The Old Man |
Enduring Temptation – Being a Martyr for Christ |
Feeding The Flock |
Loving His Appearing |
Bringing People To The Knowledge of Christ |
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1 Corinthians 9:25 And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible. |
James 1:12 Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him. Revelation 2:10... behold, the devil shall cast some of you into prison, that ye may be tried; and ye shall have tribulation ten days: be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life. |
1 Peter 5: 3 Neither as being lords over God’s heritage, but being ensamples to the flock. 1 Peter 5:4 And when the chief Shepherd shall appear, ye shall receive a crown of glory that fadeth not away. |
2 Timothy 4:8 Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing. |
1 Thessalonians 2:19 For what is our hope, or joy, or crown of rejoicing? Are not even ye in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at his coming? 1 Thessalonians 2:20 For ye are our glory and joy. |
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Times On The Earth |
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Rapture of the Church |
7 Year Tribulation Period |
Marriage Supper of the Lamb |
James 4:6 … God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble.
James 4:7 Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.
James 4:8 Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded.
Affections Effect The Actions Of The Christian |
|
Affections on things Above |
Affections on things Below |
Single Minded – (One Affection) |
Double-minded (Two main affections) |
Humbleness |
Pride |
Compassion for others |
Speak evil of one another |
Has God’s Grace |
Fighting among Christians |
Resists the devil |
A friend of the world |
States “Lord willing” |
Rejoices in boasting |
Desires the Lord’s return |
Desires Pleasure |
Re-born by the Word |
Brings death |
James 4:7 Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.
James 4:8 Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded.
James 4:9 Be afflicted, and mourn, and weep: let your laughter be turned to mourning, and your joy to heaviness.
James 4:10 Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up.
James 4:11 Speak not evil one of another, brethren. He that speaketh evil of his brother, and judgeth his brother, speaketh evil of the law, and judgeth the law: but if thou judge the law, thou art not a doer of the law, but a judge.
James 4:12 There is one lawgiver, who is able to save and to destroy: who art thou that judgest another?
James 4:13 Go to now, ye that say, To day or to morrow we will go into such a city, and continue there a year, and buy and sell, and get gain:
James 4:14 Whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away. {It…: or, For it is}
James 4:15 For that ye ought to say, If the Lord will, we shall live, and do this, or that.
James 4:16 But now ye rejoice in your boastings: all such rejoicing is evil.
James 4:17 Therefore to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin.
James 5:7 Be patient therefore, brethren, unto the coming of the Lord. Behold, the husbandman waiteth for the precious fruit of the earth, and hath long patience for it, until he receive the early and latter rain. {Be…: or, Be long patient, or, Suffer with long patience}
James 5:8 Be ye also patient; stablish your hearts: for the coming of the Lord draweth nigh.
Steps To Be: Swift to hear, Slow to Speak, and Slow to Wrath |
|
Submit To God |
God will draw nigh to you |
Resist the devil |
The devil will flee |
Purify Your Double-minded Heart |
Your heart will be purified |
Humble Yourself Before God |
God will give you grace |
Don’t Speak Evil of your Brother |
Or you will be a judge instead of a doer |
State Your Intentions with “If The Lord Will” |
You do not know what will be on the morrow |
Endure Desiring The Coming of the Lord |
The coming of the Lord draweth neigh |
Let your yea be yea, nea be nea |
You won’t fall into condemnation |