Summary of the James Study part 2

Hi there, did you read part one of the study summary? Here is part 2:

Warning against Prejudice

By reading the book of James, we can clearly see that prejudice existed in biblical days as today. James states in his letter, "my dear brothers and sisters, how can you claim to have faith in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ if you favor some people over others?" James 2:1

James clearly warns us that when we show favor towards others and disregard some, we are breaking God's law. Although we've been saved by grace, we must understand that God will judge us by the same law that set us free.

Believers should be careful not to show partiality to people, we can sometimes show favoritism to people based on outward appearance, economical status or wealth. Looking down on someone that might be different or have less than you is considered a sin. We are to show mutual respect and love for one another.


Warning against Worldliness

James states in James 5:5: "You have spent your years on earth in luxury, satisfying your every desire, you have fattened yourselves for the day of slaughter."

If this doesn't speak to you and I regarding worldliness, then we've definitely been given up to our own deception.

The Bible states in 1 John 2:15-17:

Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him.

 For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world.

 And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever.

Worldliness means being devoted to the affairs and pleasures of this world. Christians are meant to be set apart from the world. We should be made into a new creation in Christ, by totally denying our worldliness, fleshly desires, and looking to Christ. When we base our relationship with Christ for the purpose of earthly benefits and material things, then we miss the point of Christianity. 

Seek Godly Wisdom

" If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and He will give it to you. He will not rebuke you for asking." James 1:5

"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. And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace of them that make peace." James 3:17-18

If you've ever read the story of king Solomon in the Bible, you would know that he was the king that was like no other, the Lord was well pleased with him, because Solomon didn't ask for riches or fame. Solomon prayed to God and asked for wisdom to rule his people. We too, like Solomon, should seek after godly wisdom which supersedes earthly wisdom. 

The Power of Prayer

" Is any among you afflicted? let him pray. Is any merry? let him sing psalms.

 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:

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. 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. 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. And he prayed again, and the heaven gave rain, and the earth brought forth her fruit." James 5:13-18

Prayer is a direct way to communicate with God. Prayer should always be our first line of communication before reaching out to anyone else. We've been give the ability to speak directly to God through prayer. When we are sick, or afflicted, God is our refuge and help. When we need clarity and understanding, we should seek the Lord through prayer. 

Restore Wandering Believers

"My dear brothers and sisters, if someone among you wanders away from the truth and is brought back, you can be sure that whoever brings the sinner back from wandering will save that person from death and bring about the forgiveness of many sins." James 5:19-20

We live in a world that is full of temptation, and deception ; and often believers wander away from the truth seeking after worldly pleasures. Although we are not to judge one another, we should pray and study the world of God with one another- remembering that the word of God is for reproof, correction and for instruction in righteousness. 

This concludes our study for the book of James. As we go into the next year. I pray that the Lord keeps His hedge of protection over you, your home, and your family. I pray that He opens the door for you and I as we continue to seek Him more daily. I pray that you and I will continue to grow stronger in the faith. May God be with us all Shalom

We are on a break for our monthly study until next year. Continue to read on you own until we meet again next year. 

Be blessed.