342 - A Letter from James, the Brother of Jesus (Part 2)

December 8 - Nº 342 James 1:13 – 5:20

James had already shared with his readers that the trials they were facing had a purpose. They were external tests that God allowed to come into their lives. Experiencing them should bring them closer to God and cause their faith to grow (see #341 - December 7). 

Then James went on to explain that temptations are very different from trials. Instead of resulting from external causes, temptations are a product of our own internal desires. He made it clear that choosing to fulfill these desires rather than obey God always resulted in sin.

James addressed some of the temptations that these believers were struggling with. One of these was anger. To counteract this internal impulse, they needed to learn to listen rather than react. They needed to hear not only what the other person was trying to say, but more importantly, they needed to listen to what God had to say in His Word. As they looked at their own reactions compared to how God wanted them to behave, they would find solutions.

James challenged these Jewish believers to stop having their own angry pity parties and start helping other people whose problems were bigger than their own. He specifically mentioned widows and orphans as examples of people in need. As the believers took their eyes off their own hurt feelings, they would start experiencing the joy that James had promised was available (see #341 - December 7).

James also told these scattered Christians to stop discriminating against people who weren’t like them. He bluntly stated that being prejudiced or showing preference was sinful. “If you really love God,” he said, “you will love all your neighbors and treat them exactly how you want to be treated. The goal in your relationships should be to help others—never to benefit yourselves.”

James explained that a person's external actions were evidence of their internal faith.  

• If someone really had faith, they wouldn’t just promise to pray for someone who was hungry or cold. They would take care of their needs. 

• If someone really had faith, they would allow God to tame their tongues. They would only use words that were helpful--never hurtful.

• If someone really had faith they would always tell the truth and never lie.

• If someone really had faith, they would not be quick to quarrel over petty issues or look for opportunities to belittle others. They would be known as peacemakers.

• If someone really had faith, they would stop making prideful plans for their own selfish future.  They would be happy to let God plan each day for them.

• If someone really had faith, they would be patient and not easily side-tracked by doubt as they waited for Jesus to return.

• If someone really had faith, they would endure their trials and not give in to their temptations. 

In order to have a faith that worked during tough times, James instructed his readers to stop letting Satan influence them. Instead, they needed to move closer to God, and the best way to do this was by spending time with Him in prayer and praise.

Is it obvious to others that you are a child of God?

Do you love the people God brings into your life the way He wants you to?

Do you trust God with the details of your life?

Are you able to see hardships as reasons to draw closer to God?

Do you spend time with with Him in prayer and praise?

Matthew 5:16; Ephesians 2:10; Colossians 3:23-24; Hebrews 11:17-19

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