Tag Archives: James

January 11, 2024 · 9:00 pm

Act Justly

4 Have you not made distinctions among yourselves, and become judges with evil motives? 5 Listen, my beloved brethren: did not God choose the poor of this world to be rich in faith and heirs of the kingdom which He promised to those who love Him? 6 But you have dishonored the poor man. Is it not the rich who oppress you and personally drag you into court? 7 Do they not blaspheme the fair name by which you have been called?

James 2:4-7

Discrimination against the poor is in view in James 2:4-7. Two main condemnations are expressed by the Apostle as he teaches us to avoid distinctions and treat all with justice.

First, discriminating against the less fortunate reveals evil motives. Judging others based on their poverty results in a heart that is motivated not by the truths of God. Rather, a heart of greed and avarice is put on full display when Christians dishonor the poor.

Also, Christians blaspheme (to make little of) the name of Christ when they favor the rich over the poor. Jesus came to this planet for the disadvantaged whether they were poor in spirit or few in possessions. Even Christ had no place to lay His head. (Luke 9:58) The Believer brings judgement upon themselves if they act in favoritism.

It is far better to treat all with kindness and dignity. Such actions honor the Scriptures and give an example of Christ’s love to others.

Tony French

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December 7, 2023 · 9:00 pm

Doing

But prove yourselves doers of the word, and not merely hearers who delude themselves. For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man who looks at his natural face in a mirror; for once he has looked at himself and gone away, he has immediately forgotten what kind of person he was. But one who looks intently at the perfect law, the law of liberty, and abides by it, not having become a forgetful hearer but an effectual doer, this man will be blessed in what he does.

James 1:22-25

In this Scripture, James implores us to be doers of the Word and not just hearers. We do not learn the Bible simply to know facts. We learn it to grow in our faith and learn to become obedient. Great blessing accrues to those who are obedient. So be a doer and not merely a hearer. 

The description given for someone who merely hears but does not obey the Bible is stark. James says that person is like someone who looks into a mirror and forgets what they look like. That statement seems nonsensical on its face. What is James trying to say? 

As Christians, we need to be constantly exposed to the Word of God. We need to look deeply into it by reading it, studying it, and by hearing the Bible preached and taught regularly. If we don’t practice this, we begin to forget who we truly are in Christ. We forget our true identity and what it means to be a child of God.  

So, Christian, read God’s Word. Study it deeply. Learn what the Bible says and do it. 

Tony French 

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November 30, 2023 · 9:00 pm

Careful Speech

This you know, my beloved brethren. But everyone must be quick to hear, slow to speak and slow to anger; or the anger of man does not achieve the righteousness of God. Therefore, putting aside all filthiness and all that remains of wickedness, in humility receive the word implanted, which is able to save your souls.

James 1:19-21

The Word of God gives us a command in this passage; deal with your anger. While we will get angry from time to time, we must also learn to deal with anger in a healthy way. Our goal is this-we should control our anger instead of our anger controlling us. 

To this end, James give three commands to help us. First, be quick to listen and here all sides. Second, be slow to speak. Resist to the urge to speak and learn to listen. Finally, be slow to become angry. Evidently, we have a choice in this matter. We can, by the power of God, learn to control our anger.

Uncontrolled anger does not bring about a righteous life. And uncontrolled anger makes it more difficult for us to access and apply God’s Word to our life. Do you have an anger problem? Deal with it!

Tony French

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November 23, 2023 · 6:00 pm

Thankful

Do not be deceived, my beloved brethren. Every good thing given and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shifting shadow. In the exercise of His will He brought us forth by the word of truth, so that we would be a kind of first fruits among His creatures.

James 1:16-18

God is the source of all of our blessings. Every perfect gift comes from above. We should be thankful for all that God has done.

As we fight temptation, as we deal with disappointments, and as we live on mission for Christ let us consider this thought. God gives us what we need and we can be content in His provision. Sin can spring from the restlessness of our heart and the discontentedness of our spirit.

Learn to be content in all things (Philippians 4), Child of God. Let us be thankful at all times whether we feel like it or not. Contentment leads to godliness. God is our source. And He’s all we need.

Tony French

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November 16, 2023 · 9:00 pm

Process

But each one is tempted when he is carried away and enticed by his own lust. Then when lust has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and when sin is accomplished, it brings forth death.

James 1:14-15

In this section of Chapter 1, James get to the heart of the sin playbook. If we can learn how this process works, we can learn to recognize and defeat it. Let’s examine the process of sin for a moment.

Desire—All sin begins with desire. Not all desires are evil. Often, wholesome and good desires can be perverted to lead us into sin. Desire is not sin, but, desire can be used to begin the temptation process in our lives.

Deception—Once desire is established in our minds, temptation moves to deception.  When we are deceived, we have a tendency to get a skewed outlook on life. Our desires lead to us to believe the wrong things about God, about the Bible, and about ourselves. We begin to believe that we know better than God and that we can ignore the Bible. Deception is dangerous and deadly.

Disobedience—The next step is outright disobedience to God’s Word and commands. Sin leads us away from God and towards ourselves. Sin allows us to become our own god! What a terrible sequence this process of sin reveals.

Death—The final stop for the sin process is death. All sin leads ultimately to death. When Adam and Eve sinned in the garden of Eden, it lead to death. They lived for many years after their sin. Yet, eventually, inevitably, they died. Sin leads to death and destruction. (Romans 6:23)

How do we overcome sin and temptation? Realize that God’s Word and God’s ways are best. When desires well up within you, remember what God’s Word tells us. Remember His commands and avoid deception in your life. Recall that God gives us commands and boundaries to protect us and help us to live Godly, peaceful lives.

And then fight it! We are not helpless in this matter. God’s Spirit lives within us (1 Corinthians 6) and He helps us overcome. Trust God to help you endure the temptation and overcome by the grace of God (1 Corinthians 10:13).

Tony French

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November 9, 2023 · 9:00 am

Temptation

Let no one say when he is tempted, “I am being tempted by God”; for God cannot be tempted by evil, and He Himself does not tempt anyone. But each one is tempted when he is carried away and enticed by his own lust.

James 1:13-14

A warning is issued as James begins to define how to overcome temptation. The Apostle tells us that God never tempts us to sin. God cannot be tempted and He doesn’t tempt us to sin.

God will test us and try us in order to grow us in Christ. He will allow difficulties into our lives from time to time. But, He will never tempt us to sin. Our flesh tempts us and the Devil will tempt us. God never will.

When tempted, Child of God, know that the Lord will never tempt us to sin and disobey His Word. The Spirit of God will always lead us to be obedient to the Bible. Thanks be to Lord!

Tony French

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November 2, 2023 · 9:00 pm

Persevere

Blessed is a man who perseveres under trial; for once he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him.

James 1:12

The apostle gives Believers everywhere assurance and hope as face the worst days of their lives. Trials and tribulations will come to everyone. Christians, however, persevere during the difficulties because they have the promises of God. True Christ-followers receive eternal life with Jesus. And nothing can take that away.

The crown mentioned in verse 12 is the crown of life, or the crown of eternal life. Those who are truly saved will persevere. We may sin and we may make mistakes. But, the true Believer will not quit and give up. They keep on going even when it’s tough. The ultimate reward is life with Christ for all eternity.

Are you ready to give up? Realize that God is with you and that your trials are leading you to Christ.

Tony French

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October 12, 2023 · 9:00 pm

God-Given Wisdom

And let endurance have its perfect result, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing. But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him.

James 1:4-5

Oh, how we need wisdom today. It has been said that our world is full of very great knowledge and very little wisdom.  We need the wisdom of God and not worldly wisdom.  When we live by Godly wisdom and persevere through problems, our faith grows. As our faith grows, we become mature and complete in our faith.  In God’s economy, problems have a purpose and wisdom pushes us to maturity in Christ.

Are you in need of wisdom? Ask! God loves to give wisdom to His people. The answer may not arrive on our timetable. So keep asking and seeking Godly wisdom each and every day. When the timing is right and when you are ready, God will reveal Himself to you.

In what areas do you need wisdom today?

Tony French

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October 5, 2023 · 9:00 pm

Joy In The Trouble

James , a bond-servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, To the twelve tribes who are dispersed abroad: Greetings. Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance.

James 1:1-3

The Book of James was written around 45-50 AD according to most scholars and teachers. The date of this writing makes it one of the earliest (if not the first) of the inspired writings of the New Testament. It was most likely written by James, the brother of Christ (Acts 12:17, 15:13, 21:18) and has been attributed to him in most every point in church history.

The recipients of the book are primarily first-century Jewish Believers. The reference to the scattered tribes of Israel in James’ day makes this point clear.

The book of James deals with practical matters and expressions of Christian living. James is not bereft of doctrine and didactic teaching as the book contains both. However, the emphasis seems to be on how to live out one’s faith day by day in light of the doctrine that has been revealed.

The Principle that James first takes up is this—problems are a part of the Christian life. Life is difficult. Life is hard. I know those statements are actually understatements, but, they make the point of these verses clear. It is not a matter of if, but, when troubles come to our lives. The Bible never sugarcoats the trials and tribulations of life. It is wonderful to know that Christ is with us in the midst of these calamities. It is great to realize that we are not alone.

James tells us that God’s uses problems (tests) in order to grow our trust in Him. We learn to trust Him more and more as He brings us through each trial and each heartache. Problems are a part of life, but, God is not using them to destroy us. He is using them to grow us and make us more dependent on Him.

Tony French

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March 6, 2023 · 9:00 am

Sin

What is sin? That’s a good question to ask in this age of confusion. The Scriptures describe sin in several different ways. Let’s examine three of those ways for this post. **Sin is missing the mark. Romans 3:23 tells us for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. Because of their sinfulness, humans fall short of God’s intentions for His creation which he designed for His glory. Therefore, the sinfulness of people masks the glory of God in humanity.   **Sin is breaking God’s law. We are told in 1 John 3:4 that whoever commits sin also commits lawlessness, and sin is lawlessness. Disobedience to God’s laws and commands is a capital offense in the Heavenly courts. Lawbreakers deserve judgment. **Finally, sin is failing to do good when the opportunity arises. The apostle James teaches therefore, to him who knows to do good and does not do it, to him it is sin. (James 4:17) Christians don’t always think of failing to do good as sinfulness. Nonetheless, the Scriptures teach this principle.  I am thankful that Jesus paid the price for our sin. Through His sacrifice and resurrection, sins can be forgiven and atoned. Praise to the Lord, great things He has done.  Tony French

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