Throughout the month of September we will be reading in the Book of James. I encourage you to read a chapter each week. I will use sections of this letter in my sermons.
September 3 James 1: 7-27
September 10 James 2: 1-10
September 17 James 3: 1-12
September 24 James 3: 13-43
The Book of James has a lot of teaching about living your faith. It is much like Jesus Sermon on the Mount (matthew 5). It deals with the dangers of an uncontrolled tongue, snobbery, conduct unbecoming of a Christian, and trusting in things. The emphasis in this letter is about behavior. Do how you act and speak fit with what you believe? Many scholars think that James runs counter to Paul. Paul says that a person is "justified" before God not by what they do but what they believe. James says that the test of real faith is whether our behavior fits with what we say we believe. What do you think?
Chapter 1 Christians do not live in heaven or a bubble. we are not protected from the unpleasant experiences of life. We are asked to live confident that God will help us through the valleys of life and help us celebrate the high points. Why is it hard to have hope when times get tough?
Chapter 2 Playing favorites is counter to God's will. So who are you comfortable around? Uncomfortable around? Why? We are asked to be as welcoming as Jesus was? How can we use Christian hospitality in our lives? Homes? In church?
Chapter 3 The tongue is the strongest muscle in our bodies, why? How have you sought to control your tongue? How do you words reflect your faith? A wise person listens more than he speaks, has time for everything, and has little fear. Are you considered wise?
Chapter 4 What is the cause of war and conflict? Is it wrong to want things? What does it mean to be humble? For many of us modern people the devil is not real, is that true for James? What is the difference between criticism and judging? How do you know what will happen tomorrow?
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