King James Bible Study – [And when he had called the people unto him with his disciples also, he said unto them, Whosoever will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me. – Mark 8:34]
Date: Friday, November 22, 2024
Chapters: The Book Of James
Message: Working At Living By Faith
Hello My Friend,
Sometimes as you read the Word of God it can be a bit confusing to know what we are to be doing since those who receive Christ as their Saviour do so by their faith and not of any works no do they need to do anything to attain that. And yet we are encouraged to maintain good works that are written within the Law so that we might live our lives as Christ. So, what do we do? We need a balance of both, while by no means are we required to live by the Law, it is our guide to understand what is acceptable to God since He never changes, and then upon that knowledge we do what we individually believe God would have us do.
[James 2:14-18 What doth it profit, my brethren, though a man say he hath faith, and have not works? can faith save him? 15 If a brother or sister be naked, and destitute of daily food, 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? 17 Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone. 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.]
Living by our faith in Christ is actually a Holy Spirit led life as He directs us since none of us are created with the same abilities as well as weaknesses and strengths. I am pretty sure that since the Holy Spirit comes directly from God that He knows what we are capable of, which is why we cannot compare our walk with Christ with each other. With that said we do need to understand that there is such a thing as common sense as even a two year old learns quickly not to touch a hot stove, [James 1:21-22 Wherefore lay apart all filthiness and superfluity of naughtiness, and receive with meekness the engrafted word, which is able to save your souls. 22 But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.]
The Book of James contains five chapters, this epistle (letter) was written by James, the half-brother of Jesus as he would be in the flesh, and is mentioned with Joses, Simon and Judah, and often in the Acts of the Apostles. It is known as the general epistle because it was not addressed to a particular church. The purpose of the letter was to comfort believers who were undergoing trials for their faith. What we are to learn from the book is that faith is the foundation of our works, but faith 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.]
If there is one thing about James, he does not sugarcoat anything, he tells you like it is and exactly what you ought to be doing if you want to live by faith. It actually does take work to live by faith and by work I mean making an effort to allow the Holy Spirit to direct us. And if we are going to live by faith we can expect that trials and tribulations are going to come as a test of our faith. Yesterday, we read about Peter telling the people at Antioch to relay a message to James about what had happened when he was rescued from prison by the angel. Today, we read about the letter that James had written in response.
[James 1:1-8 James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, to the twelve tribes which are scattered abroad, greeting. 2 My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; 3 Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. 4 But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing. 5 If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him. 6 But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed. 7 For let not that man think that he shall receive any thing of the Lord. 8 A double minded man is unstable in all his ways.]
[count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations;] Divers temptations are not the same as being enticed to sin with lusts of the flesh. These are severe trials we face like a loved one suffering with dementia or a man losing his job and not being able to get one for over a year to support his family financially. Just this morning I was telling God of how guilty I was of not praying for my loved ones or for myself as I ought to be. However, God, knows our heart and so [A double minded man is unstable in all his ways.]
James, is not talking about the occasional “Where are you God?” moment of unbelief as Jesus would point out, he is referring to those who only live by faith in God when things are going well, but quickly turn on Him when affliction comes and is prolonged. Jesus, calls this lukewarm faith and does not like it one bit, [Revelation 3:15-16 I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot. 16 So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth.]
We have two options, we either live by faith and while sometimes it may only be the size of a mustard seed, we trust that Jesus will see us through eventually. Or we live by faithlessness, trusting in our own works, which only get us so far. Lukewarm faith does more than make one unstable, it also weakens ones faith to the point that when divers temptations are not resolved they turn to temptations of the flesh. James, goes on to point this out, and there is no one to blame, but themselves should they fall into sin.
[James 1:12-17 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. 13 Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God: for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth he any man: 14 But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed. 15 Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death. 16 Do not err, my beloved brethren. 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.]
[But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust,] Do you see how it is possible for someone who was once of fire for God could fall into sin. When we take our focus off God and allow our flesh to lead us instead of the Holy Spirit, that is when things that we would not even think about become desirous. We must have faith in our faith in God, otherwise, that faith really does cause us to be unstable in our ways. Those who walk by faith fully embrace the Spirit, even if that means talking to people that we might not want to deal with.
[James 2:1-5 My brethren, have not the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory, with respect of persons. 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; 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: 4 Are ye not then partial in yourselves, and are become judges of evil thoughts? 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?]
[have not the faith of our Lord…with respect of persons.] Although James uses the illustration of the rich and poor man the same is true for anyone. We may not like nor condone an unmarried couple living together in fornication or a homosexual couple getting married, but we need to show them the same respect as everyone else because we are all sinners and guilty of something, which James goes on to point out, [1 Corinthians 6:9-11 Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind, 10 Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God. 11 And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God.]
Honestly, a person who has accepted Christ as their Saviour is automatically wired through the Holy Spirit to refrain from things that were once acceptable to us, but not acceptable to God. This comes with that patience, perseverance, and also in maintaining good works. Maintaining good works is actually living our lives out of the world, and not drawing attention to ourselves. We are living to glorify Christ, not ourselves, and we must remember that this is not about keeping our salvation, it is about doing what we know to do is right, even when we have nothing to earn from it. Keep in mind, we are not under the Law.
[James 2:8-13 If ye fulfil the royal law according to the scripture, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself, ye do well: 9 But if ye have respect to persons, ye commit sin, and are convinced of the law as transgressors. 10 For whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one point, he is guilty of all. 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. 12 So speak ye, and so do, as they that shall be judged by the law of liberty. 13 For he shall have judgment without mercy, that hath shewed no mercy; and mercy rejoiceth against judgment.]
[yet offend in one point, he is guilty of all.] This is why salvation has never been based on ones works, it is absolutely impossible to follow even the first ten commandments let alone hundreds of others without falling short. Now, with that said, those who are saved, because they have the Holy Spirit in them are guided by the Spirit to gravitate to the Law because God has not changed His views in sin and the Law is our guide to know what God sees as sin. James, goes on to explain this through the example of Abraham.
[James 2:19-26 Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble. 20 But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead? 21 Was not Abraham our father justified by works, when he had offered Isaac his son upon the altar? 22 Seest thou how faith wrought with his works, and by works was faith made perfect? 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. 24 Ye see then how that by works a man is justified, and not by faith only. 25 Likewise also was not Rahab the harlot justified by works, when she had received the messengers, and had sent them out another way? 26 For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also.]
[For as the body without the spirit is dead,] James, uses the illustration of the faith of Abraham, who would be used to start the nation of Israel and Rehab, who was a Gentile grafted into the nation of Israel to point out that whether Jew or Gentile, we all die once the spirit of life leaves our body there is no life for those who have no faith. However, those who do live by faith will turn to Christ and unless they live their lives through Him, their faith in Him will not get very far. Keep in mind that we are not always going to do what is right in God’s eyes, but we must never forget that God is merciful to forgive us and what we must never do is condemn those whom have fallen while we seek to be justified.
[James 3:1-5 My brethren, be not many masters, knowing that we shall receive the greater condemnation. 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. 3 Behold, we put bits in the horses’ mouths, that they may obey us; and we turn about their whole body. 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. 5 Even so the tongue is a little member, and boasteth great things. Behold, how great a matter a little fire kindleth!]
[For in many things we offend all. If any man offend not in word,] In other words, there is always going to be someone offended by something we do, so we might as well not add fire to that flame by saying something that will make it worse. While we are not to be pushovers, we are to as Jesus puts it, turn the other cheek sometimes, [Matthew 5:39 But I say unto you, That ye resist not evil: but whosoever shall smite thee on thy right cheek, turn to him the other also.]
As Christians, we cannot avoid divers temptations, and as much as we would like for God to intervene at all times, He will not stop someone’s freewill. We have to realize that the things we go through are not necessarily punishment from God, they are to give us to get wisdom and a deeper understanding of Him. This is why we need to be careful of not only what we say, but how we live.
[James 3:13-18 Who is a wise man and endued with knowledge among you? let him shew out of a good conversation his works with meekness of wisdom. 14 But if ye have bitter envying and strife in your hearts, glory not, and lie not against the truth. 15 This wisdom descendeth not from above, but is earthly, sensual, devilish. 16 For where envying and strife is, there is confusion and every evil work. 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. 18 And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace of them that make peace.]
[out of a good conversation his works with meekness of wisdom.] Christians should make use of proper wisdom, prudence, and common sense; they should show that their intelligence, controlled by their obedience to the Word of God, is well able to direct their actions in life. Such wisdom is not boastful and proud, vaunting itself at the expense of others, hut it is modest, humble, meek. Our biggest obstacles in walking by faith are often the people in our lives, and it is not necessarily their hindering us, but our desiring what they have.
[James 4:1-4 From whence come wars and fightings among you? come they not hence, even of your lusts that war in your members? 2 Ye 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. 3 Ye ask, and receive not, because ye ask amiss, that ye may consume it upon your lusts. 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.]
[Ye ask, and receive not, because ye ask amiss,] Let me tell you, it is bad enough dealing with divers temptations, but when we see others getting the things we desire, and even worse our enemies, it can lead to confusion. It can also bring us to become bitter, and have strife toward them, which is why it is better to just stay humble.
[James 4:7-11 Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. 8 Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded. 9 Be afflicted, and mourn, and weep: let your laughter be turned to mourning, and your joy to heaviness. 10 Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up. 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.]
[Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord,] This is where our divers temptations originate from, and it is God who allows the devil to send them. Do you know why? Because God knows our faith. Remember what God told Satan when He allowed him to send divers temptations to Job? [Job 1:8 And the LORD said unto Satan, Hast thou considered my servant Job, that there is none like him in the earth, a perfect and an upright man, one that feareth God, and escheweth evil?]
Did you ever notice that the more money people have the more money they want? They become greedy misers. Couple that with an unbeliever and what do you get? A cursed greedy miser. The worldly who are rich use money as a sacred trust, but James points out exactly what happens to riches that have not been gotten righteously.
[James 5:1-5 Go to now, ye rich men, weep and howl for your miseries that shall come upon you. 2 Your riches are corrupted, and your garments are motheaten. 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. 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. 5 Ye have lived in pleasure on the earth, and been wanton; ye have nourished your hearts, as in a day of slaughter.]
[Ye have heaped treasure together for the last days.] The older I get the more precious time becomes, and I do not want to waste it on things that have no value, I want the rest of my days to count for something. We cannot put off things we are supposed to be doing today for tomorrow, as we have no guarantees for tomorrow. Of course, we make plans for the future, and it is good to do so, but we must take care of now. Do what you have to do, stop wasting life waiting for that one thing to happen, live for today, doing the things that God wants you to do and you will come forth as gold, [Job 23:9-10 On the left hand, where he doth work, but I cannot behold him: he hideth himself on the right hand, that I cannot see him: 10 But he knoweth the way that I take: when he hath tried me, I shall come forth as gold.]
God, sees all His faithful the same way. So, instead of fretting about things that we have no control over or getting angry at seeing those who are not living right getting what they want, have some faith. As we walk by faith, and continue doing the work God called us to do we will see God do some amazing things in our lives. Above all, be patient, God, has never failed us before and He will not fail us, and as for those whom have enjoyed their season of guilt free living they will get what is coming to them.
[James 5:7-9,12 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. 8 Be ye also patient; stablish your hearts: for the coming of the Lord draweth nigh. 9 Grudge not one against another, brethren, lest ye be condemned: behold, the judge standeth before the door. 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.]
[let your yea be yea; and your nay, nay; lest ye fall into condemnation.] When living by faith we must be true not only to others, but ourselves as well. God certainly knows our faith so we might as well be honest with ourselves, [James 5:13-16 Is any among you afflicted? let him pray. Is any merry? let him sing psalms. 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: 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. 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.]
Jesus Christ Revealed/Magnified: [James 5:7-8 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. 8 Be ye also patient; stablish your hearts: for the coming of the Lord draweth nigh.]
Today’s Prayer: God, Thank You, for Your mercy, grace, forgiveness, patience, and longsuffering as You teach us that while we are to be in the world, we are to remain unspotted. It can be so difficult to live by faith when faced with affliction, but You can give us the strength to keep going no matter what we are facing. Lord, give us Your power, grace, love, comfort, and the peace we need to keep going. Increase our faith in You, help our unbelief, and let us not forget all You have have blessed us with, even the little things, and the blessings You have waiting for us as we endure these trials. I ask these things in Your name, Jesus. Amen.
God Bless You, I am praying for you,
Christina
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