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We all make determinations about many things based on our observations. Further, our experiences (whether good or bad) inform how we arrive at conclusions that guide decisions in our daily lives. This process includes our opinions about people. While making judgements is not inherently evil, the Bible cautions us against passing rulings over people as … Read more
Worldliness has a degenerative effect on the life of Christian. A preoccupation with the pleasures of this world at the expense of our spiritual growth stifles kingdom fruitfulness in our lives (Mt 13:22). James’ instructive labors in the preceding verses of this chapter (4) teaches us to be on guard against divided affections and earthly … Read more
Worldliness hinders the work of the church and has a ruinous effect on the faith and witness of Christian. It infiltrates by disguising itself within the sinful nature of people (like a trojan horse). It labors to sow and cultivate the institutions, value systems, and moral standards of the world which is ruled by Satan … Read more
Worldliness is rooted in earthly passions. When such things reign in the human heart, James previously warned it would produce disorder and every vile practice in one’s life and relationships with others (Jam 3:16). This way of life is to be expected in an unbeliever. Unfortunately, worldliness can also flourish in the life of a … Read more
Earthly wisdom is unprofitable from an eternal perspective. Why? Because embedded within it is the corruption of man’s sinful nature. To embrace it as a guide in how to live one’s life is futile. James understands the distinction between wisdom of the earth in contrast to what comes from above. The central key is its … Read more
Self-proclaimed truth-tellers abound in this life. Countless people masquerade around as light bearers, but many are not connected to the source of true wisdom. In these last verses of Chapter 3 of his letter, James identifies two kinds of wisdom: Earthly Wisdom Heavenly Wisdom James distinguishes between the two by first addressing the issue of … Read more
How we speak to others will either be life-giving or soul debilitating. James urges caution in the usage of our words. He appeals directly to our hearts and minds to duct tape a sign on our tongue that says, “Caution: Handle With Care.” God has given humans dominion over things created. As a result, we … Read more
The tongue is a restless evil according to James, as the impact of its collateral damage cannot be underestimated. Without the restraining power of the Spirit, it can set the entire course of one’s life down a destructive path. Though the tongue is a relatively small part of our human constitution, it has the power … Read more
The tongue is a powerful force that is set among the members of our human constitution. With it can can build up and also tear people down. James begins his instructions on the importance of exercising control over our usage of words for we will have to answer before God for everything we say, for … Read more
Our deeds offer no salvation before God, however, living faith is the fruit of salvation if one actually possesses it. One Bible commentator notes, “Faith that is alive expresses itself in works that are performed in obedience to the Word of God.” Having offered Abraham as an excellent example of this truth, James now presents … Read more