A Counselor Reflects on Mere Christianity by C.S. Lewis
“It is only our bad temper that we put down to being tired or worried or hungry; we put our good temper down to ourselves (p.8).” Mere Christianity by C.S. Lewis
Have you ever reached that point of exasperation with an inquisitive child and asked, “Why are you asking why?” Hopefully this blog post will not create that level of stress, but let’s ask a similar question, “When do you ask why?”
Lewis’ observation is that we only ask why about human behavior when we or someone else does something bad. We do not bother to ask the question when we do something good.
This reveals something important about how we think (do you get nervous when a counselor says that?). Actually, it reveals two things:
- A belief that people are basically good, so that it is only their bad behavior that needs to be explained.
- A belief that bad behavior is more important, because it is what warrants our time and attention in examination.
This post will focus on the first one and leave you to ponder the second on your own.
Too often we forget that our humanity comes pre-flawed at birth. Consider this quote from theologian Millard Erickson,
“The Bible’s depiction of the human race is that it today is actually in an abnormal condition…. In a very real sense, the only true human beings were Adam and Eve before the fall, and Jesus. All the others are twisted, distorted, corrupted samples of humanity (p. 518).” from Christian Theology.
If that is true, then it is our good behavior that needs to be explained. It is our kindness, patience, affection, encouragement, peace, and hope (feel free to add to the list) that do not make sense without the “interference” of an outside influence.
When we realize this, we begin to see God as being much more active in our lives and world. We should ask “why” about every good thing in us, in others, and in our world. The continual answer would be “only the grace of God.”
With that in mind, hear the words of James 1:16-17 (emphasis added).
Do not be deceived, my beloved brothers. Every good and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change.
James began by saying “do not be deceived” because he knew there were many alternative explanations for the good things in life (the most deceptive being that it is only bad events or behaviors that need an explanation). Then he reminds his suffering brothers and sisters, see God in every good thing in your life. Use every pleasant moment as a reminder of the love and grace of your Father.
Posted 1 year, 5 months ago at 11:56 am. Add a comment
Chapter 5 Verse 1:
It is important to remember that James was writing to refugee Christians chased from their homes in Jerusalem. Now they were starting over in new countries. They had to take bottom of the totem pole jobs; jobs where they would be taken advantage of by rich people. James is addressing the oppressors of his audience. James is bringing comfort to his readers by offering God’s perspective on their oppressor. In order to make appropriate application we need to hear not only the dangers of how wealth can corrupt morals, but also see how God used James to comfort the oppressed. When you consider the passage in this light, how does it change the way you apply content?
Chapter 5 Verse 9:
It is challenging to realize that James gave this instruction regarding complaining to refugee Christians. We wish he had given it to a growing church in the middle of building campaign that was ahead of budget. The reality is suffering breeds dissatisfaction and dissatisfaction breeds grumbling. The audience of James’ writing means that we can never say, “James, you just do not understand my situation.”
However, we should also note that James says not to complain about one another. In the midst of their hardship these displaced believers were tempted to turn on one another. This is also common to human nature.
Consider the following questions when you are in situations like this:
- Who is with/for me in my suffering? These are the people I must not turn on or I will only multiply my sense of isolation.
- What are the real injustices? Go back and read James 5:1-6 and place yourself in the place of the original audience of James. How does this passage strike you in light of your situation?
- Where has God been faithful? You are not alone. James’ letter was a ray of hope that these believers had not been forgotten. James was encouraging the believers not to become divisive and lose God’s faithfulness in their fellowship. What is the equivalent in your situation?
- Where are avenues of ministry? The dispersion of the church from Jerusalem was one of the great missionary movements of all time. James was encouraging these displaced believers to remember their ultimate calling (to take the name of Jesus to the ends of the earth). To whom, when, and how does your current season of suffering allow you to minister to others?
Chapter 5 Verse 16
“Confession and Powerful Prayer”
(Click Here for Printable PDF Handout)
Note that the immediate context of powerful prayer is believers confessing their sin to one another. This has proven to be true in church history. One of the most consistent marks of major revivals has been an increased willingness amongst believers to confess their sin to one another (for an inspirational read on the history of revival consider Malcom McDow and Alvin Ried’s book Firefall: How God Shaped History Through Revivals). I believe there are at least three reasons for this.
First, confession sparks powerful prayer and revival because it is a mark of humility and opens the door to God’s grace. When we fail to confess our sin to one another it can inevitably be traced to some form of pride. In our culture, we have accepted in the now “common sense” phrase “that’s none of their business” as if God intended us to use the concepts of personal business or privacy to conceal our sin and squelch His Spirit in our lives.
Second, confession sparks powerful prayer and revival because now we can pray about those things that are inhibiting the movement of God in our lives. When we are not confessing our sin we pray about things that are not interfering with God’s will in our life. If we are serious about God’s will, we will eagerly confess the sin that blocks it.
Third, confession sparks powerful prayer and revival because it unleashes the power of the Body of Christ in our lives. When we are alone in our sin we are trying to find Satan on his home turf. This is like wrestling an alligator in a swamp. Confessing sin to our trusted Christian friends is like moving the battle with an alligator from the swamp to a tree. His jaws are still fierce and nothing to be played with, but the terrain gives us a fighting chance.
Consider the words of Peter in Acts 3:19-20 as you meditate on these points, “Repent therefore, and turn again, that your sins may be blotted out, that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord.”
Introduction to the “Living Our Faith” series.
TOOL: “Using Prayer Time to Cultivate Ministry“
Posted 2 years, 5 months ago at 2:06 am. Add a comment
In your preparation for this lesson there is an excellent article by Ken Sande entitled “The Heart of Conflict” that walks through this passage. It is an excellent, insightful, and practical article on conflict resolution.
You might also want to read my blog “Why Humility is Doubly Inportant in Marriage” for application of James 4:6.
Chapter 4 Verse 4:
Why does James change his focus so quickly from conflict in the church to spiritual adultery? Sorry, that is a trick question. When we understand James correctly we see that he is not changing subjects at all. James, like his big brother Jesus, understood that it was impossible for us to break the Second Great Commandment without breaking the First Great Commandment. When we fail to love our neighbor as ourselves it is because we have loved something (i.e., the driving desire from verse 2) more than God with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength. Often we overlook this. Then we not only fail to see our sin against God, but we leave the root of our sin in place. This is one explanation of why we commit the same sin over and over again even when we sincerely regret having done it the first time.
Chapter 4 Verses 6-10
“God Gives Grace to the Humble”
(Click Here for Printable PDF Handout)
James quotes Proverbs 3:34 to distinguish how God relates to the humble verses the proud. 
After James lays out this principle, he provides six methods for maintaining a humble disposition that will keep his readers in the flow of God’s grace.
Submit to God: We call Christ “Lord” because we surrender control of our life to Him. When we expect to have the final say in our lives, over God’s Word, we are proud and step outside God’s grace.
Resist the Devil: We are not called to fight Satan, but to resist, stand firm (Eph 6:14), and take every thought captive (II Cor 10:5). Assaulting Satan is not our job (Jude 9). In the chase, Satan would lure us into a trap. Resisting Satan is the place of humility and God’s grace.
Draw Near to God: God does not just want to be our Lord, but also our Father. God’s grace is found in the personal-ness of our relationship with Him. Conversational prayer and study of God’s character are key to finding rest in God’s grace.
Cleanse Your Hands: We must repent of and take steps to remove all known sin from our lives. The fact that everyone sins is no excuse for harboring known sin. God’s grace does not enable a hardened heart.
Purify Your Hearts: Motives are as important as actions before God. It is often easier to cleanse behavior than it is to purify motive. But it is our goal to draw a connection between each of our daily activities, no matter how mundane, and our service/worship of God.
Change Laughter to Mourning: Crude entertainment or humor is a sign of a corrupt heart. Laughter is a form of delight. Once we accept Satan’s definition of fun and funny, then we increase of susceptibility to pride and decrease our reliance on God’s grace.
Chapter 4 Verse 17:
Which have a bigger impact on our daily life sins of commission or sins of omission? The purpose of this question is not to force us to get out the scales of relative impact, but to challenge our thinking. We often think that sins of omission are less important. Consider the following examples of sins of omission and the impact they have on your life.
- Daily time of Bible study and prayer
- Pursuing a deeper understanding of your spouse
- Romancing your spouse
- Talking with your children
- Disciplining your children
- Taking time to regularly rest and exercise
- Eating a healthy diet
- Having an accountability partner
- Examining your life priorities and time management
- Keeping track of your budget monthly
- Living within your income
Introduction to the “Living Our Faith” series.
TOOL: “Using Prayer Time to Cultivate Ministry“
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Chapter 3 Verses 1-12:
“The Power of the Tongue”
(Click Here for Printable PDF Handout)
James places a large emphasis on sins of the tongue. Both James and Jesus identify the connection between our 
words and our heart (Luke 6:45), that they say a clean tongue would produce a clean life. Consider the following list of “sins of the tongue.” As you study it, ask yourself the following questions: When am I tempted in this way? With whom am I tempted this way? What are my habits with this temptation? To whom have I made myself accountable regarding this temptation? Why do I not take this more seriously?
- Uncontrolled speech (James 3:5-8)
- Lying and deceit (Exodus 20:16)
- Flattery (I Thessalonians 2:5)
- Gossip (II Timothy 3:1-3)
- Slander (Ephesians 4:31)
- Boasting (James 4:13-17)
- Cursing (James 3:9-12)
- Complaining (Philippians 2:14)
- Course or Vulgar Humor (Ephesians 5:3-4)
- False Teaching (Galatians 3:1-4)
- Unfulfilled Promises (Deuteronomy 23:23)
- Manipulation (Genesis 29:15-30)
- Harmful Omission (Acts 5:1-11)
- Blame-Shifting (Genesis 3:12-13)
Chapter 3 Verse 9:
I would encourage teachers to make this point with a loving firmness.
We must take seriously the words we speak in our homes. Too often we dismiss verse 9 in our homes. If you are insulting, degrading, or attacking in your speech at home with your spouse or children you need to repent to God and to another believer before you go home today (James 5:16). Sins of dominance are not broken when they remain private. The same pride that keeps you silent, if you choose not to confess, will be the same pride that spills venom on your family. Righteous anger is not insulting, degrading, or attacking. If you call members of your family names, swear at them, barrage them with accusations, distort their words, or use other tactics of shame/intimidation, you need to confess to another mature believer as accountability to ensure that this life pattern does not continue.
If you struggle with anger, in addition to confessing to a mature believer, I would recommend reading one of the following books:
If you live with someone who struggles with anger, I would recommend reading:
If your children are imitating the anger they see in the home, I would recommend reading:
Chapter 3 Verse 13:
The final phrase of verse 13 is translated several different ways amongst the various Bible translations. The big idea of the verse appears to be “wisdom uses no more force or intensity than is necessary.” This seems to capture the idea of wisdom being humble, meek, or gentle (various translations). Wisdom does not stop short of addressing problems that exist (denial), but it also does not condone unnecessary force or intensity. When we catch ourselves defending our actions with the phrase, “Well, it worked didn’t it,” or, “They stopped didn’t they,” we should pause. The implication of this verse is that when we use more force than is necessary we are behaving foolishly. James is often called “the Proverbs of the New Testament.” When we use effectiveness as a justification for an over-reaction we should read Proverbs to see how God evaluates our “success.”
Introduction to the “Living Our Faith” series.
TOOL: “Using Prayer Time to Cultivate Ministry“
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Chapter 2 Verses 15-16:
When making application of a Bible passage it is wise to always begin with context. James’ illustration of clothes and daily food takes on more significance when we realize that he was writing to a group of refugees—individual’s chased from their homes because of religious persecution. They had faith—faith enough to leave their homes for Christ. They did not have jobs, food, shelter, clothes, or a network of friends. James is telling these desperate, heroic Christians that their faith must continue to be expressed through rallying together in the midst of poverty, instead of saying “every Christian for him/herself.” As each one found a job they were to care for the group and not just say, “I’m sure God has something good in store for you. Just trust Him.”
Chapter 2 Verses 18-20:
“Faith and Works”
(Click Here for PDF Handout with Clearer Chart)
Some of us are naturally thinkers. Others of us are naturally doers. Some of us prefer to emphasize grace; others truth. God does not give us the freedom of balancing one another out. We are to strive for a balanced expression of Christ’s character in each of our lives. This requires self-awareness. Use the chart below to provide some “laundry baskets” to sort out your life. Consider those areas of faith (i.e., trust, knowledge, hope, etc…) in which you are both strong and weak. Do the same with works (i.e., service, humility, sacrifice, etc…).
Faith Works
Strengths
Weaknesses
James 2:22
What does it mean for faith to be perfected (i.e., made complete) through works? I believe it is helpful here to consider the metaphor of a seed. A good seed will bear fruit. If a seed is planted and it does not bear fruit, it was either a bad seed or a pebble confused for a seed. When the seed bears fruit, it results in more seed. Both seed (faith) and fruit (works) begin to flourish. If we hoard or emphasize either to the exclusion of the other, we lose both. If we only stockpiled seeds, they would go bad and we would starve. If we consumed all the fruit, we would have no seeds to plant.
Go back to the chart on faith and works. Play a matching game. Draw a line between a particular expression of faith that motivates a particular work. Do the lines connect between strength-stength, weakness-weakness, or strength-weakness? What aspects of faith are needed to motivate your quadrant of works/weakness? What expressions of works would make your faith weaknesses more tangible?
Introduction to the “Living Our Faith” series.
TOOL: “Using Prayer Time to Cultivate Ministry“
Posted 2 years, 6 months ago at 1:53 am. Add a comment
James 4:6
But he gives more grace. Therefore it says, “God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble.”
Most people who are married have turned to their spouse and said, “You don’t act this way around anyone else” or “You don’t treat anyone else this way.” Occasionally it is meant as a compliment, but more often than not these statements are meant to infer, “I am getting a raw deal.” There are many explanations for this phenomenon, but in this post we will examine one explanation with two faces—the absence of humility.
Face One: Refusal to Live in My Weaknesses
Have you noticed that we spend the majority of our day operating in areas of specialized training, well-practiced skills, and personal interests? Then we come home. When we get home we are asked to do a wide variety of tasks, many of which we have no particular passion for or interest in. It is these tasks that we do to love and serve those we know best, while those we are least committed to get our fine tuned excellence.
The response we too often give is to draw back from, neglect, or grumble about these tasks that are not our strength. We may call it insecurity, but it is more often a form of pride. “If I cannot do it with excellence and receive affirmation, then I will not do it at all or with much effort,” is our logic. “I get to operate in my strength all day long and know how to succeed in that world. If I am not sure that I will be a success, then I will not try.”
It takes great humility and the heart of a servant to live in the area of my weakness for the love and welfare of another. When we are willing to live in our weakness for the benefit of others, God rewards this humility with more grace. This grace is realized when we resist the pride (“I should be good at whatever I do”) and take joy in imperfect (yet growing) service.
Face Two: Refusal to Accept My Spouse’s Weaknesses
There is humility in action. Then there is humility in expectation and evaluation. We move from the paralysis of fear rooted in an expectation of personal excellence to the mantra, “Haven’t I already told you that” or “How many times have you done that and still not gotten it right?”
The pride has mutated. The pride now says, “I would have been able to do that, so you should be able to do that.” Whereas before pride was holding me up to a level of elevated expectation, now pride raises my ability or expectation as the standard for you to meet. In both cases, the absent effort or harsh tone is rooted in “I should” or “I could” (pride).
Patience is rooted in humility. Patience accepts that imperfection, error, inefficiency, and incompleteness are not beneath me. That is humility. When we extend this form of humility to our spouse (and children) we are incarnating the grace of God. God rewards this dispositional obedience (yes, obedience to God can be as much attitude as activity) with more grace.
When we put these two faces of humility into practice we experience a home where the atmosphere is marked by the grace of God and we experience the redemptive joy God intended in a Christian marriage and family.
Posted 2 years, 6 months ago at 8:44 pm. 1 comment
Chapter 2 Verses 1-3:
In how many arenas can we show favoritism? In verse one James declares favoritism sin. In verse two he begins “for suppose” or “for if.” James is giving one particular example of what God declares wrong. In order to thoroughly apply this passage, we need to think about more than money. We can show favoritism based on money, education, power, attractiveness, personality, sense of humor, family heritage, height, weight, age, race, gender, occupation, and a long list of other criteria.
Why is favoritism so wrong? We could look at its cultural and relational effects, but I believe it is more to the point to say that favoritism is disruptive because it is heresy. Favoritism, at its root says, certain qualities make one person more valuable than another. There are some aspects of value (righteousness) that some people can contribute to God’s kingdom for which others are deficient. This is a character-based form of works righteousness. It assumes we (or at least some of us) have something we can contribute that makes us more worthy of God’s acceptance. It cheapens grace, by saying there are some people who need more grace than others.
How do we battle this temptation to favoritism? First, we recognize diversity without making value judgments. I Corinthians 12:7-11 recognizes that we are all gifted differently, but affirms that this is by God’s design, for God’s purpose, and should increase (not decrease) unity in the Body of Christ. When we “grade” people based upon non-moral characteristics, then we are in fact “grading” God. Second, we must have a mental economy based upon faithfulness not productivity. This was Jesus’ point in Matthew 25:14-30 “The Parable of the Talents.” Each servant was proportionately judged on his faithfulness not competitively based upon the performance of others. We must recognize that every strength has accompanying weaknesses, every asset comes with time consuming responsibilities, and every ability brings burdens with its opportunities. When we begin to rank these gold (five talents), silver (three talents), and bronze (one talent) we increase the likelihood that men and women will hide their gifts in fear, shame, or insecurity. While, at the same time, we set those up who have the “high gifts” to fall to pride.
Chapter 2 Verse 5
“Blessed are the Poor in Spirit”
(Click Here for a Printable PDF Handout)
James sounds a lot like his big brother when He said, “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven (Matt 5:3).” We could spend our time trying to figure out this “paradox of poorness,” but instead let us accept that those who recognize their poorness (by whatever criteria) are blessed because their dependence upon God is more constant and pervasive to life. Now the question becomes, “How do we take on more of this attribute?”
- Live on less than you make. Besides being discouraged by Scripture (Prov 22:7), debt tends to reveal that we are relying on stuff in unhealthy ways.
- Look for ways to complement others. We have a strong tendency to judge people by our strengths instead of their own. This causes a negative attitude and makes it feel like we have “arrived.”
- Resist the urge to compare yourself to others. Those of us who do not judge others by our strength tend to judge ourselves by others strength. This is the opposite side of the “have” versus “have not” dynamic.
- Regularly do things you are not good at. When we only do things we like and/or are good at, we lose a sense of our need for grace and weakness. This also usually means we are forcing others to live in our preferences instead of loving our neighbor as ourselves.
- Regularly give or volunteer your strength. We can often view our strengths as “ours.” This sense of ownership makes us prideful and territorial. Our strengths are gifts given by God for us to steward for His glory. Giving or volunteering our strengths is a good way to remind ourselves of this.
- Use complements as an opportunity to praise God. Praise can be as simple as saying, “God has given me great joy in doing [blank]. I am glad to know I was able to be a conduit of God’s blessing by using His gifts.”
Introduction to the “Living Our Faith” series.
TOOL: “Using Prayer Time to Cultivate Ministry“
Posted 2 years, 6 months ago at 8:42 pm. Add a comment
The blog entry “Communication with Our Desires on the Table” provides a relevant communication exercise that a Sunday School teacher or pastor would want to consider when teaching this passage.
Chapter 1 Verses 19-20:
What was it that would have made James’ readers angry? Why did James’ readers need to hear “be quick to hear, slow to speak, and slow to anger”? James’ readers had to flee their homes due to persecution in Jerusalem. They were now in the process of rebuilding their lives. The shock was wearing off and the anger was settling in. This was unfair and wrong. They missed their home and extended family. They were starting over when they should have been getting ahead.
How does this context help us apply this passage? James was writing to people whose anger was prompted by a righteous cause. Rarely are we angry and believe we are wrong, but James’ audience truly knew they were right. Yet James still gives this advice. Too often we assume that anger with a righteous cause is righteous anger. If this were true, James would not have needed to pen these words.
What was James trying to get his readers to see, understand, and do? James’ readers were not in the same cities as those with whom they were angry. If they remained angry with every pagan who might pose a threat, the Gospel would have been trapped. Their anger would “not accomplish God’s righteousness.” They must listen to their new neighbors and resist the urge to quickly interject when fear was aroused (and it would have been if you had already been run out of town for your faith once). Pagans would not understand why these people were refugees for Jesus. If the dispersed Christians were argumentative and defensive, trying to plead their case to their new neighbors, then relationships (conduits of the Gospel) would have been closed before they had the chance to open.
What do I do with this when I am trying to apply it with someone who did hurt me? James’ readers were tying to obey this passage by not allowing bitterness to spill over onto innocent new neighbors. Does that mean I don’t have to listen and be patience with my rude and inconsiderate spouse, child, boss, parent, neighbor, friend, co-worker, etc…? No, I am afraid we do not get off the hook. Honor remains the same. Understanding the context helps us see that this passage applies even to our righteous anger. As we see the context of the passage, it allows us to see how clearly this passage does apply to many of the “exception clauses” that come to mind.
Chapter 1 Verse 25:
Becoming “Doers of the Word”
(Click Here for a Printable PDF Handout — with clearer formatting)
One of the ways that we become forgetful and casual in our Bible intake is when our method of study becomes routine and mundane. We go through the motions and remember what we read as much as we remember making our morning coffee or brushing our teeth. A variety in our biblical intake increases our retention. The following chart is designed to help you brainstorm different types of intake for each level of study.
Level of Study Scripture In what ways can Bible study be implemented at this level in your life?
Hearing II Tim. 3:14-15
Reading John 17:17
“A man can no more take in a supply of grace for the future than he can eat enough for the next six months, or take sufficient air into his lungs at one time to sustain life for a week. We must draw upon God’s boundless store of grace from day to day as we need it.” D.L. Moody
Studying II Tim. 2:15
“Our age has been sadly deficient in what may be termed spiritual greatness. At the root of this is the modern disease of shallowness. We are too impatient to meditate on the faith we profess… Rather it is unhurried meditation on gospel truth and the exposing of our minds to these truths that yields the fruit of sanctified character.” Maurice Roberts
Memorizing Psalm 119:9-19
“While some advocate a kind of meditation in which you do your best to empty your mind, Christian meditation involves filling your mind with God and truth.” Donald Whitney
Applying James 1:22-24
“All too often people rush to the application stage and bypass the interpretation stage: they want to know what it means for them before they know what it means!” Richard Foster
Introduction to the “Living Our Faith” series.
TOOL: “Using Prayer Time to Cultivate Ministry“
Posted 2 years, 6 months ago at 8:38 pm. Add a comment
Chapter 1 Verses 2-4: 
“A Progression for Redeeming Suffering”
(For a Printable PDF of this Handout Click Here)
James 1:2-4 is very similar to Romans 5:3-5. Paul and James provide an almost identical view of what a believer should expect God to do in the midst of suffering. The following steps contain a guided reflection to assist you in using these passages to guide and encourage you in the midst of suffering.
Step 1:
Rejoice in Your Suffering
This rejoicing is not celebration. However, our first instinct in suffering is often shame. Shame is reclusive. It excludes people. Rejoicing is social. It invites people. Suffering is not our fault. Suffering is bad things happening when it is not the consequence of sin. Therefore, Paul and James are encouraging us to resist withdrawing in shame during suffering.
Step 2:
Simply Endure or Persevere
Initially victory is merely resisting accepting defeat. Suffering usually begins with a body blow that wants to sap our will to endure. The basic act of not giving in is an act of faith in the God who redeems. At this stage we await our deliverer (Isaiah 40:29-31).
Step 3:
Develop Maturity (James) or Character (Romans)
Now God moves us from resting in Him to acting like Him. We may have prayed for deliverance in step 2, but now we look for God’s methods of responding to our suffering. It is wise at this time not to get lost in the “why” question. God may not reveal “why.” Questions that we can more profitably find answer to are “What would God have me do in this circumstance?” and “How can I serve God in the midst of this adversity?”
Step 4:
Experience Joy (James) or Hope (Romans)
The joy and hope are not stemming from the circumstance, but the activity of God and the opportunities to know/serve Him. We have walked through this dark season with the Body of Christ (step 1). We have seen God sustain us in more than we were capable of enduring (step 2). We have grown in our ability to rest in and emulate God’s character (step 3). The goodness of that progression energizes our heart (step 4). We are now in a position to enter in with someone else at step 1 with the comfort we receive (II Cor 1:3-5).
Chapter 1 Verses 5-7:
What do you pray for most? Is it wisdom? One way that we can determine what is most valuable to us is by assessing what we pray for. James has just discussed the progression by which God redeems suffering. If suffering is to produce endurance, then maturity, and finally joy, then it makes sense to pray for wisdom. It is more in keeping with God’s purpose in suffering for us to pray for the wisdom to respond/steward the moment well, than it is to pray for God to remove the circumstance. It is not wrong to pray for God to remove the circumstance, but if we are not maturing in wisdom then we missed one of God’s primary intentions. Why was James so hard on those who doubted? Proverbs 1:7 says, “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.” When we doubt God’s faithfulness in giving wisdom and redeeming suffering we distance ourselves from the source of our wisdom and redemption. The problem with doubt is that it represents distance. We begin to look for alternative answers to our dilemma. We are no longer seeking God and wisdom. We are seeking relief and escape. These short-cuts are self-sabotage.
Chapter 1 Verse 8:
What are some common examples of being “double-minded”? Being double-minded is most often revealed in pursuing good things in unwise or destructive ways. We are pursuing “Godly things” in dysfunctional, self-defeating ways. Then we feel like God let us down (James 1:13). One example would be demanding respect. Respect is a good thing. But once we demand it, respect is less satisfying when we get it. Another example would be begging for love or affection. Love and affection are good things. But once we beg for them, they are less satisfying when we get them. We enter into a cycle of diminishing returns. We feel like we are doing what’s right, but our methods become more severe, desperate, and unwise.
Introduction to the “Living Our Faith” series.
TOOL: “Using Prayer Time to Cultivate Ministry“
Posted 2 years, 6 months ago at 8:31 pm. Add a comment
Preparation is the key to success. This is just as true in Bible study as it is anywhere else in life. In the coming weeks we are going to spend many hours in personal study, listening to teaching, and discussing the book of James. The question is, “Are we ready to receive what God has for us in this great book?”
I want to suggest several things that would help you prepare for our study of James. If you will commit to preparing yourself for our study with one or more of these, I believe it will greatly enrich the personal benefit you receive from James and corporate benefit we receive from the discussion.
- Read through the book of James once per week while we study it together. If you go to website [www.bradhambrick.com], you can download the book of James (in several translations) to print out on 7-8 pages of paper double-spaced and with extra wide margins. This will allow you to read the book as a letter (how it was written) and make notes all over it (those you like you add to your Bible).
The Book of James in the King James Version
The Book of James in the New International Version
The Book of James in the English Standard Version
- As you read through the book of James keep in mind that James is writing to a group of Christians who are refugees for their faith. They left their home, extended family, work, language, and culture rather than forsake the name of Christ. They are hurting (emotionally, relationally, financially, physically) and angry. This letter is James’ encouragement and instruction to them. Often with the practical nature of the book of James we forget to read this book in light of the historical context of its recipient.
- Review the handout of topically arranged memory passages from James. Identify one or more that fit you and commit to memorize them. As we study through the book of James pay particular attention to how James is “setting the stage” for the passage(s) you are memorizing. This will allow your Bible memorization to be enriched by a more complete understanding of the context of the passage that speaks to your need.
- Pray at least once per week for me, as your teacher, and my time of preparation. Ask God to use our time of study and discussion to expand your understanding of and ability to apply (live out) the book of James.
Bible Memory Verses for James
(PDF Handout Available Click Here)
Below are passages to memorize from the book of James based upon various life struggles and family roles. Use this not only to assist you in strengthening the discipline of memorizing Scripture (Psalm 119:11; Hebrews 412-13), but also to prepare your heart for this study.
- Those who are in the midst of suffering (1:2-4, 12; 5:7-11)
- Those who are seeking to live with greater wisdom (1:5-8)
- Those struggling with pride or identity is in “stuff” (1:9-11; 4:6; 5:1-6)
- Those struggling with temptation (1:13-15; 2:10-12; 4:17; 5:19-20)
- Those who struggle to rest in the goodness of God (1:16-17)
- Those who need to work on conflict (1:19-21, 26; 3: 2-12; 4:1-10; 5:12)
- Those with more “head knowledge” than practice (1:22-25; 3:13-18)
- Those who neglect the call to care for others in need (1:27; 2:15-17)
- Those who favor or seek favor those with status (2:1-7)
- Those trying to evangelize the pseudo-religious (2:19)
- Those who struggle to evaluate sincere faith (2:14, 20-26)
- Those who struggle with control issues (4:3-16)
- Those who live with as “that’s none of your business” motto (5:16)
Psalm 119:11
“I have stored up your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you.”
RESOURCE FOR TEACHERS:
Click here and scroll down to find one lecture by Dr. Robert Stein (The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary) on the book of James.
Click here and scroll down to find one lecture by Dr. Craig Blomberg (Denver Seminary) on the book of James.
Also consider using the group study prayer journal.
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