James 1

From February 2012

From time to time, I prepare for a bible study on certain portions of the Bible. I like to place these notes up on my blog for future reference. Last week I led a group of middle school girls through the first chapter of James.

I had asked the girls to read this chapter a few verses at a time last week.  See who has.  I received an email from Kailie saying she read them through twice.  Meagan Smith is someone who has been contacting me through fb and missed last week but for months has been saying she can't wait to get back to life group.  

I had asked the girls to each come up with either a funny embarrassing experience they are willing to share or a struggle or trial they've experienced they are willing to share.  This can get discussions on James Chapter 1 started.  By the way--I must show the source where I gain much of the insight that's presented here…  http://www.bibletrack.org. 

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Who wrote James?

James was the brother of Jesus.  He died in 62AD so this must have been before then.  Also, this is not one of the two James that were two of the first 12 disciples of Jesus.  James was the leader of the original church in Jerusalem. 

Verse 1

This letter is written to all Jewish people who chose to follow Christ at that time.

Verse 2

Read the King James version—if you notice, it says temptations, but in the NIV it says trials. Why are both of these translations correct?  Because what James is talking about is how through presenting us difficult situations and struggles, Satan is trying to tempt us into having a horrible reaction which will displease God.  Can you describe a trial recently where you have felt tempted to react in a why that would displease God?

Verses 3-4

Patience.  What does it mean?  In these two verses, James ties the trial to the development of patience.  In verse 4 he describes how patience leads to you learning to want nothing.  That’s contentment in accepting only what the Lord wills for you to have.

Verse 5

Here James is explaining how the trials lead to growth.  It’s because when trials are endured by asking God for wisdom, you grow.  It’s important to check out Romans 5:2-4 here because it’s a road map of how a trial brings you through some important steps of maturity – tribulation—patience—experience—hope.   I think of this… When a trial happens and you learn not to react sinfully (don’t lash out, don’t escape by gossiping, giving in to a guy, giving in to peer pressure), you are teaching yourself patience and you get a successful experience behind you.  You now have hope of knowing you can lean on God again through the next trial. In verse 5, he explains how you should seek wisdom in your trail. It’s the wisdom through that patter of trial-patience-experience-hope that helps you lean on God and His will. Here he says if you don’t have wisdom ask for it and it will be given.

Verses 6-8

Right after telling you to ask for wisdom, James goes into what correct prayer is.  It’s with wisdom. It’s with first asking God for what His will in the matter is, and then syncing up your will with His.  Then whatever you ask for, will be granted. Ask yourself what James means by double-minded.  It means “Oh God, please help me make the cheerleading squad” when you’re not really sure if God wants you to be on the cheerleading squad—like, who’s wisdom in the matter are you leaning on?  Are you using your own ideas, or God’s?  Have you asked Him for His will in the matter first?  Can you pray, God, show me whether it’s what you want for me, and if it’s not what you want from me, give me the heart change to adjust my will to yours.

Verses 9-11

At first glance, these seem out of place, because all around these verses, the talk is about trials and tough times.  So to talk about rich or poor here seems out of place unless you interpret it as the poor person suffering trials while the rich has it easier.  The use of wealth, money or lack of wealth, money is a type of trial. What he’s saying if you are poor (if you have trials), be proud of the eternal wealth you have.  And if you are rich, be humbled by the fact that these rewards are temporary, not eternal.  And be careful you don’t fade away into it—don’t become stingy with your money.

Verse 12

What is he talking about with the crown of life?  So if you endure the temptation by not reacting badly to a temptation of a trial, you will receive a crown of life!

Verses 13-15

Trial verses chastisement.  Who brings about trials?  Satan.  God allows it to test what someone’s reaction will be—like Job. But then James explains chastisement.  Sometimes when a Believer chooses to fall into sin, God will allow the consequences of the sin to bring chastisement.

From C

I think I am going to like this book. Right from the start I like how James is saying that everyone goes through trials and they ate the way he test our faith. He wants to test how sincere our faith is. He is not displeased with us he is confident on our commitment.  

 1:5 speaks of wisdom. I use to ask god, in my prayers, for specific things. Then It was suggested to me to start asking God for the wisdom to see things clearly and that maybe what I was praying for was not what God had in mind. 

I also like how James goes on to differentiate trials and temptations. "Trials are something to be endured and temptations are something to resist" temptations lead to sin and Satan is the source. 

This chapter is deep so far! 

1:21getting rid of moral filth. It violates God holy standards for his people. As technology advances I am sure this can be a perpetual pandoras box!

Ah the last thing in my study bible on this chapter is "James says that love for others must be accompanied by a love for God expressed in separation from the worlds sinful ways" 

From K Hinkle

Actually, on the trials and temptations--there is a lot of detailed commentary out on that.  One translation says trials, the other says temptations.  They are actually referring to the same thing.  Trials tempt us to react in disobedience to God.  That's why they are referred to in both words.  Paul has discussions in another epistle about trials causing temptations to react.  I think I have it explained on the James 1 portion of the blog notes.