James - Notes & Answers

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James 1:1-8

• Opening:  Some seek pleasure to escape pain; some use adversity to grow and become better by their attitude adjustment.
• Observation
• 1.  The first word of the letter is James (or Jacob) as the author.  He describes himself as a bond-servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ  (1:1)
• 2.  The twelve tribes – dispersed abroad  (1:1)
• 3.  Count trials as all joy, faith produces endurance, completeness or maturity  (1:2-4)
• 4.  Ask God in faith without doubting  (1:5-8)
• 5.  The double-minded man  (1:8)
• Interpretation
• 6.  James, the half-brother of Jesus, is most likely the author.  He writes to multiple recipients who face being cut off from the culture at large.  James could be code for “Jacob” as the father of the twelve tribes which parallel’s Old Testament tribes and in that case he would see his people as an extension of his own family who are fleeing persecution and yet assembling regularly (1:1-2)
• 7.  Considering trials as “all joy” means that one sees the growth it will produce as faith without doubting is lived out.  Adversity is an opportunity to learn God’s generosity and to become content . . .   (1:5-8)
• 8.  He will grant wisdom because His generous nature and gives without reproach as He cannot be blamed due to His honorable and approachable nature  (1:5-8)
• Application
• 9.  I have experienced God’s generosity with the provision of family and especially my own children, money via jobs, and a wife whose mission is nursing and care for me and others; I was saved through Christ's sanctifying work unto His integrity; I have learned compassion through chaplaincy and teaching youth and in serving the hurting, broken, addicted, and inspiriting.  I tend to lack relational  wisdom.  
• 10.  My faith is being tested in how to navigate relationships in ministry and family; I am asking for God’s wisdom in how to serve students, family, and colleagues.  Each season there seems to be some challenge that is very intense emotionally and spiritually.

James 1:9-27

• Opening: Describe your use of a mirror in daily living.  My use of a mirror has lessened over the years.  I do look into the mirror every morning before and after shower.  Every Sunday I use electric shaver and use mirror to help find spots that need it.  I look into the mirror as I put on sun screen.
• Observation
• 1. The lowly brother = brother of humble circumstances (1:9)
• 2.  The rich person (1:10)
• 3.  The man who remains steadfast/perseveres under trial (1:12)
• 4.  God cannot be tempted by evil and He cannot tempt anyone (1:13)
• 5.  Tempted > carried away by own lust > conceived > birthing sin > death  (1:14-15)
• 6.  The origin of every perfect gift … there is no variation or shifting shadow (1:16-18)
• 7.  Be quick to hear  - slow to speak  -  slow to anger (1:19)
• 8.  Put aside all filthiness/wickedness… receive word in humility  (1:21)
• 9.  The one who looks intently -  he will be blessed in what he does (1:25)
• 10. to visit orphan/ widows in their distress; keep self unstained by the world (1:26-27)
• Interpretation
• 11. The rich man is attached to the appearance of being exalted yet it is temporary and prone to self-deception as trust in wealth instead of God does not satisfy.  The lowly brother can see his true state before God and doesn’t have the self-deception temptation that comes with wealth.  James alerts his audience of how the rich come and go like flowering grass.  (1:9-11)
• 12. Based on the context, the man who perseveres has turned from temptation and sees it as a trial God will crown him with as a reward for trusting Him long-term.  He did not go down the path that leads to death.  He has become like the Father of Lights with no variation or shifting shadow – what a blessing! (1:12)
• 13. The previous verse 1:16 is a commandment to no be deceived about either about the  patterns of temptation  or the origin and nature of perfect gifts .(1:17)
• 14. To not be reactive or impulsive for God is not quick to anger.  God is patient and unhurried so neither should we be lacking a solid locus of control by the Spirit = self-control .(1:19)
• 15. Being only hearers of the word; not seeking/remembering God in how to obey His voice; thinking I am ‘religious’ and not bridling my tongue. (1:22-26)
• 16. The world is a system of beliefs and images and chaotic and harmful rituals that is tempting to latch onto people’s minds and values (ingrained core beliefs and dark rituals that deceive/divide souls). (1:27)
• Application 
• 17. Temptation might look like feeling stress/discomfort/pain of some then being lured itno thoughts and behaviors that deceive me into perceiving I can change my mood easily and quickly without relying on my relationship with Christ.  My temptations are usually driven by lust via food, sex, or control/anger in attempting to “medicate” or numb the pain.  Core belief: “I deserve relief from pain.”
• 18. Anger can look differently: avoidance, explosion, under-handed, or psomatizing (absorbed through body), sarcasm is my mask to anger.  I can practically be “quick to hear…” by asking questions and waiting and suspending conclusions.  I can clarify verbally what another is saying or doing.  I can pray to God for relationships and ask to see his and other perspectives as well as my own options.  Look to see big-picture.  When processing hurt, prayer journal.
• 19. I can become a doer of God’s word by studying the Bible individually and corporately with a small group or church body.  I can process what God is speaking and meaning before applying.  Keep a journal of when God speaks to me.  Have accountability with what I am learning and whether I am trusting/obeying the LORD.  The result would be deep sense of fulfilling God’s known purpose, design, and mission for me life.  Light vs. Darkness!

Soul Training Exercise #1
Patterns of Sin

• Individual with vary in sequence and columns C, D, and E.   
• A: James 1:2-4 > trials > all joy > endurance > mature > lacking nothing
• B: James 1:13-15 being tempted > his own lust > enticed > conceived > birth to sin > death
• C: My trials > rejection > look to Christ in prayer > narrow scope of choices > prepare to leave/family > see God as for me > growth
• D: My temptations > pain agent > pre-occupation > disassociation > ritual >act out > sin/taste of death/shame
• E: My counters > acknowledge pain > call trusted friend > pray/discern short-term plan > practice sabbath/diet/boundaries > exercise > memorize > note the victories

James 2:1-26

• Opening: To whom do you lend most of your care and attention?
• Jesus Christ, my family, wife and sons; students in classes; spiritual relationships are valued
• Observation
• Place an (X) next to the statement that you deem truthful according to the text.
• __X__1. Do not hold your faith in Christ with an attitude of personal favoritism. (2:1)
• __X__2.
  James presents a scenario of a rich man and poor man coming into a synagogue or assembly. (2:2)
• _____3. God chooses the pure in heart to be rich in faith. (2:5) [James uses the phrase “poor of this world”]
• _____4. Showing partiality is committing sin. (2:9) [Published text is missing the word “no” partiality]
• _X___5.
  Fulfilling the “royal law” means obeying the command “Do not commit adultery.” (2:10-11)
• _X___6. Mercy triumphs over judgment. (2:13)
• _____7. James will show these people his works by his faith. (2:18) [James will show his faith by his works]
• _X___8. When Abraham offered up Isaac his son, he was justified by faith. (2:21-22)
• _X___9. Abraham was called “the friend of God.” (2:24)
• _____10. Rahab was blessed because she hid with the spies. (2:25) (received messengers”]
• _X___11. Faith, if it has no works, is dead. (2:26)
• _X___12. Faith without works is dead just as the body without the spirit is dead. (2:26)
• Interpretation
• Place an (X) next to the statements you deem truthful about the text.
• __X__13.
  The recipients of this letter were Jewish-Christians who gathered at synagogues.(1:1, 2:2)
• __X__14.
  The recipients of this letter were tempted to show more favor toward those who were rich. (2:1-4)
• __X__15.
  A poor person in this passage means someone who is lacking physical possessions. (2:2)
• _____16. The rich were taking the recipients in this letter to court. (2:6, 5:4) [Either answer could be correct as some in congregation were not paying  laborers so fellowship circles were mixed economically]
• __X__17.
  In this passage, fulfilling “the royal law” has to do with loving your neighbor and not showing partiality. (2:8-9)
• __X__18.
  Mercy triumphs over judgment because God demonstrates this quality more. (2:13)
• _____19.
  The demons believe in Jesus just like Christians do according to this passage. (2:19) [text says the demons “believe” but  it doesn’t necessarily follow that they have given their lives to Christ’s  Lordship]
• __X__20.  
  In this passage, faith is closely tied to a boastful proclamation of belief in Jesus without truly loving your neighbor. (2:1-13)
• __X__21.
  This passage says that Abraham and Rahab were “justified by works.” This means that they were declared righteous and not necessarily saved by works. (2:21-26)
• _____22.
  After considering Romans 4 and Galatians 2, this passage in James reveals that the author knew of Paul’s letters before he wrote James. (2:14-26) [No conclusion can be made about Paul’s relationship with James.]
• Application 
• 23.  We all have tendencies in giving special attention to a certain person or group of people.  In my case, I give preference to others who share my own values of commitment, loyalty, and faith.  Also, I tend to favor those who are hurting, transparent,  defenseless in a world that pressures to be godless; I give  importance to spirituality in Christ and this can damage my witness in how Jesus’ lived among those who hated Him.
• 24.  God is calling me to show his love to youth and communities where faith is not valued; He is calling me to serve faith communities that are poor in spirit and prone to addiction and lack Christ’s transformation by His Word.  I am to wait for “the Concert” to begin . . . 

• Review Your Answers Published text answers are not accurate.
• Statements deemed truthful in Observation: 1, 2, 5, 6, 8, 12
• Statements deemed truthful in Interpretation: 13, 14,15,17,18,20,21

                                  James 3:1-12

• 
  
• Opening: Some of my first memories as a child were of horses near our neighborhood in Fresno.  I always wanted a horse.
• 
  
• Observation
• Fill in the blank
• 1  teachers  2  says   3 bridle   4 bits   5 direct   6 rudder  7 boasts   8 fire   9 tongue  10 bless  11 curse   12 fig   13 fresh
  
• Interpretation
• 14.  Perhaps the teachers were traveling instructors who stopped at synagogues or home churches to explain the Scriptures.  James 5 mentions “Elders” so this class of teachers seems to be a different.  Whatever the case James is concerned  with teachers and disciples use of speech and the potential for leading others astray.
• 15. The main point is that one’s speech is very impactful – it can cause stumbling or a forest fire, but is meant to bless others.
• 16. James says blessing God and then cursing men is an integrity issue because people are made in God’s image. We should see the divine value of every person.
• 17. No one, apart from God, can tame the tongue.  I wonder if James is using hyperbole (intended exaggeration).  With God, all things are possible.  We must take speech seriously and taciturnity would be a wonderful practice = this text is a case for it as a discipline.
• 
  
• Application
• 18. Situations where there is a personal nature to accusations toward me, adrenaline-based opposition, and a break in intimacy from a family member.  I tend to stumble by using cutting sarcasm or emotional withdrawal/cut-off in a relation to my speech.  Listening first a great habit to reverse  stumbling in my speech.
• 19. Make a habit of etiquette using “please” and “thank you” and open the door for others.; Birthday and holiday verbal affirmations and blessings; Ask questions rather than declaring or telling something; pause to clarify/listening in conversation; discipline of not hearing last word; take responsibility for thoughts/actions/feelings.
• 20. LORD, please redeem my tongue from all the ways I have hurt others and contributed to tearing down their reflection of he image of God.  Here is my speech.  Help me to listen first and then bless others in your gift of communication.

James 3:13 – 4:10

• Opening: My wife because she knows the body and cares for me and others.  Her experience has been very unique and for a long period of time.  She is a nurse.
• 
  
• Observation
• 1.   By their deeds/works/conduct in the gentleness/meekness of wisdom (3:13)
• 2.   bitter jealousy, selfish ambition, in heart, arrogant, earthly, natural, demonic, disordered, every evil thing(3:14-16)
• 3.   pure, peaceable, gentle, reasonable, full of mercy, and good fruits, unwavering, without hypocrisy, the seed from righteousness sown in peace by peace (3:17-18)
• 4.   your pleasures that wage war in your members  (4:1)
• 5.   hostility toward God = an enemy of God  (4:4)
• 6.   to the proud;  to the humble (4:6)
• 7.   resist the devil; draw near to God ; cleanse your hands; purify your hearts; be miserable and mourn/weep; humble self (4:7-10)
• 8.   He will exalt them (4:10)
• Interpretation
• 9.   To carry out behaviors that are grounded in an attitude of humility and awareness that wisdom from above is contrary to prideful living; James is emphasizing actions as opposed to speech boasting with no action.  (3:13)
• 10. It originates for the demonic realm which is earthy and disordered in evil.  This wisdom plays out in the world through prideful leaders a chaotic and confused educational system and impulse living with drugs and quick fix attempts. Wisdom is sought after in self and deception is constant.  The problem of the heart remains unsolved. (3:15-16)
• 11. Matt. 5:21-22 Jesus equivocates being angry with another as ‘murder’.  James kind of does the same thing.  He looks at the roots of sin (pleaure waging war, lust, envy) and takes them to the natural trajectory of adultery and murder which is happening on a spiritual level.  James is looking at the recipients’ motivations. (4:2-4)
• 12. It is taking an attitudinal position that is not in harmony with who God is and who the person is in relational reality.  Submission to God is the only position that can adjust to the reality.  It is by nature and design. (4:6)
• 13. James say laughter and joy should be turned to mourning and gloom.  But he is using these terms in hyperbole (exaggeration like his brother, Jesus) in order for recipients to see the desperate need that they have to repent and be converted.  (4:9-10)
• Application
• 14. I will seek God’s face in prayer, the study of His word, fellowship with Christ-followers, and share Him with those who do not know Him.  I must acknowledge my weakness of  relational wisdom and not waiting patiently for decision-making. I must recognize God’s wisdom is connected to His gentleness/humility, and peace/purity/mercy.
• 15. . I am asking for wisdom from above, repentance, pure heart.  The roots of my motives have been:: a pull to be ‘mediated’ from pain/uncomfortability; a passive spirit that wants pleasure to be entertained (pride); lust is the desire by objectifying/manipulation; roots of demonic ignited by fear and pride; personality default (book, quiet, wisdom, etc.)
• 16. Media boundaries and ask H.S. what is wisdom from below”; forgiveness and walls down as God examines my heart; lament adultery with world; become aware of the world’s philosophy; place boundaries in my life to keep from adopting consuming world’s philosophy; take in God’s word on a daily basis.

Soul Training Exercise #2

• Lamenting Adultery
• Process your lament to God in three parts:
• Part 1)  I lusted by craving pleasure outside of the marriage and thereby took on pride via attitudes of justification, entitlement, and blame.  I lived a double-life by acting “godly” in certain relationships and then addicted to adrenaline in what I thought was private but nothing is really private.  I deceiving and hurting myself.
• Part 2) I have taken a position of turning my back on God and wife and flirting with the world by trying to show myself as a great coach, a loving father, and a dedicated employee.  I sought to be in control through ministry.  I sit and grieve the false way of life I tried to show for years.
• Part 3) Submitting to God would mean surrendering to Jesus’ Lordship daily.  Being vulnerable and accountable with a few other men who love Jesus, and not seeking crowds for control and adulation.  I need to learn humility and compassion  as I have in my current jobs.

James 4:11 – 5:6

• Opening: What are some of your plans for the future?
• Observation Fill in the blank
• 1.  Against  2. Law  3. Doer  4. Save  5. destroy  6. Vapor  7. Arrogance  8. Right  9. Sin  10. Weep  11. Miseries  12. Laborer  13.  Crying out  14. The Lord of the Sabaoth or Lord of Hosts.
• Interpretation
• 15. James  correlates our relationship with one another/neighbor with the law; therefore, speaking against or judging a brother is putting oneself above the  law as God or Judge and that is not our place because there is only one Lawgiver or Judge.
• 16. To judge is this text means “to condemn” or put one down as unworthy of God’s mercy.
• 17. Apparently some in the community were boasting about traveling to various cities for a year in order to engage in business opportunities/profit-making, etc. They had lost view of the brevity of life that everyone lives and needed to cling to the Lord’s will in present circumstances and the need for His wisdom.
• 18.   There are people in James’ audience who are putting their trust in riches.  They are not only storing up gold and silver, but they have withheld proper payment of laborers who have mowed their fields.  They have neglected (murdered) the righteous man.  They cannot see the miseries that are upon them already.
• 19. “The righteous person” represents any person who has been defrauded and Jesus is the prime example.  By their misuse of wealth, they have murdered those with true spiritual authority (by withholding wages/using  influential power in courts).
• Application
• 20. I have communicated to another man that he is harming himself and he was offended, and saw it as judgment, which I agree with.  I am asking God to help me see the power of listening and suspending conclusions/judgements. Jesus, help me to be ok with discomfort as I rest in You.
• 21. In the past I have internalized and pridefully absorbed jobs and rewards that I thought would certainly happen in my life.  But they did not happen and I felt very let down.  And I now realize that these expectations were a way of trying to control instead of trusting God every step lived out.
• 22. I am inclined to collect books, resources, and literature and past artifacts, media, etc. which can become hoarding – put away or store things for selfishness.  I rationalize that these things might be useful in the future, but the core of it is that I attach them to a sense of self-worth and they are temporary and not eternal.
• James 5:7-11
• Opening: For what kinds of things do you typically wait?
• In line at a store for food, etc., holidays, pay check, date night, letters to mail, getting car fixed, physical infirmities to be healed/cured, pain.
• Observation:
• 1.  Be patient 2x, strengthen your hearts, do not complain against another, take the prophets(5:7-9)
• 2.  The farmer (5:7)
• 3.  The coming of the Lord (5:8)
• 4.  He will be judged – who is standing at the door (Judge)  (5:9)
• 5.  Job (5:11)
• 6.  The Lord  (5:11)
• Interpretation:
• 7.  Perhaps James wants to bring out the necessity of endurance while they suffer and struggle with patience.  He wants them to know that justice in Christ will happen (5:7-8)
• 8.  If James’ recipients complain then they are placing themselves in the place of Judge or God who is right at the door to carry out justice (5:9)
• 9.  They reflected the Lord’s compassion and mercy and were able to pass the powerful example to future believers.  Job’s life was restored in OT. (5:10-11)
• Application:
• 10. Lord Jesus, you are right outside my “door.”  Forgive me for my complaints and condemnation of others.  You will indeed return and show how blessed it is to wait like the patient farmer for all things and people are for You – to reflect Your glory as true reward of restoration.

James 5:12-20

• Opening: Some make choices to sin and bear the weight the consequences.  Some are righteous and suffer for Christ and healthy boundaries.  Some have disease or tragic accidents – is this God or evil?
• Observation:
• 1.  You fall under judgment (5:12)
• 2.  suffering  - pray;  cheerful – sing praises;  sick – call elders of church to pray over, anoint (5:13-14)
• 3.  The prayer offered in faith (5:15)
• 4.  The sins will be forgiven him (5:15)
• 5.  Confess your sins to one another and pray for one another  (5:16)
• 6.  The effective prayer of a righteous man (5:16)
• 7.  Elijah (5:17)
• 8.  He who turns a sinner from error of his way will save his soul from death – cover a multitude of sins(5:19-20)
• Interpretation:
• 9.  If a person swears of makes an oath he or she is putting self in the place of God by making their word determine outcomes and it is obvious that we are not God; therefore, oaths are condemned by James (5:12)
• 10.  They could be aged men in local congregations but most likely they were were wise overseers in local synagogues who have given their lives to Christ and prioritized teaching (James 3) and prayer (James 5).  They anointed the sick. (5:13)
• 11. Perhaps some were sick due to their sins (directly/indirectly) or simply sick  but no related to sin.  The confessions of sin seems to be a safeguard as well as assurance that no matter physical infirmity, on will be forgiven and thereby healed. (5:13-16)
• 12.  Eijah is an example of a righteous man whose prayer were very effective.  He also had a nature of an ordinary person with an extraordinary God.  The audience of James needed to see Elijah as a man of prayer. (5:17)
• 13.  In basic terms, one who has faith in Christ is considered righteous and the gift of the Holy Spirit grants intercession with the Father.  In context, James says Elijah was righteous, a man “with a nature like ours.”  Elijah was an effective prayer . . . (5:16)
• 14. It seems to be the case that fellow brothers/sisters are given responsibility by God to help a wandering person struggling with sin to “turn back” – saving his soul from death.  God essentially saves the sinner but we can cooperate with the Spirit in us  and the salvation He grants via repentance.  He is quite amazing isn’t He! (5:19-20)
• Application:
• 15. I will seek to listen in my groups, specifically for suffering, sickness, and sins/God-grieving attitudes.  I will seek to be transparent myself and then provide opportunities for confession/anointing/prayer before God.
• Soul Training Exercise #3
• The Power of Confession and Prayer
• This biblical exercise will have varied responses that are unique and precious.  If the James’ study is done individually, it may be challenging to find a mature Christian to confess sins to while in the presence of the Lord Jesus.  If the James’ study is done in a group, you are encouraged to break into twos for this exercise. Note your thoughts and beliefs before, during, and after your confession.   What was the nature of your healing?

James 1:1 – 5:20 Overview

• Links within James: Read through the entire epistle in one sitting. Determine how certain parts of James are related by topic, word, or phrase used in the text. The first phrase is done for you.
• Double-minded: James 1:8, James 4:8
• Wisdom: James 1:5, James 3:13-18
• Perseverance:  James 1:12, James 5:11
• Rich v. Poor: James 1:25, James2:8, James 4:11
• Receive the word implanted: James 1:21, James 1:22
• The righteousness: James 5:6, James 5:16
• Faith:  James 2:1, James 5:15
• My brothers/beloved brethren: James 1:19, James 3:10,12, James 2:1, James 5:19
• God: James 1:1, James 1:5, James 3:9
• Humility: James 1:21, James 4:6
• Lord Jesus Christ: James 1:1, James 2:1

• Images in James: James uses numerous
•  illustrations or word pictures in his epistle. Try to find at least ten. The first one is listed for you

• 1.  Surf of the sea (1:6)  2. Flowering grass (1:10)  3. Crown of life (1:12)  4. A mirror (1:23)  5. Ship with rudder (3:4)  6. Forest fire (3:5)  7. Fountain and fruit trees (3:11-12)  8. Rotting garments and rust  (5:1-2)  9. Fattened hearts for slaughter (5:6)  10. Patient farmer (5:7)

• Links with James and the Bible: To which Bible passages or characters does James quote or refer? Start with the following verses: 
• James 2:8   > Lev. 19:18
• James 2:23 > Gen. 15:6
• James 2:25 > Josh. 2:4,6,15
• James 5:10-11 > Matt. 5:12, Job 1:21; 42:10
• James 5:12 > Matt. 5:34-37