study of James 3-5

This was our study on Sunday, May 6, 2007:

A couple weeks ago, we went through the first 2 chapters of James. Last Sunday (5/6/07) we completed our study. James has a lot of practical advice for living the Christian life.

3:3-12 The tongue is compared to many things, including a rudder on a large ship and a spark that starts a fire. It can cause a huge change in direction or cause a lot of damage. We best watch the things we say and don't say!
One example I used was me driving in traffic. I'll be the first to admit that I get upset when traffic is heavy. It's crazy how I will be singing worship to God along with CDs one minute, then curse other drivers that annoy me the next! I certainly need to watch my tongue as well! As it says in this passage, a spring cannot produce both fresh water and salt water.

"2You want something but don't get it. You kill and covet, but you cannot have what you want. You quarrel and fight. You do not have, because you do not ask God. 3When you ask, you do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, that you may spend what you get on your pleasures." James 4:2-3
When we ask for things from God, sometimes we ask for the wrong things or ask for the wrong motives. We need to ask yourselves: Am I trying to satisfy my own desires or fulfill God's plan. It was unanimous that we should study "listening to God" in the future.

"7Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. 8Come near to God and he will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded. 9Grieve, mourn and wail. Change your laughter to mourning and your joy to gloom. 10Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up." James 4:7-10
5 ways to be near to God: 1) submit to God, 2) resist the devil, 3) lead a pure life, 4) grieve for your sins, and 5) humble yourselves. There were questions regarding the 4th way. We need to grieve over the sins that we do because while many of them are enticing and may feel good at the time, they cause God pain. We need to grieve over those sins and not fall to them anymore!

The rest is very practical and straightforward. James writes about judging, doing good today and not boasting about tomorrow, warning the rich who oppress the poor, persevering during suffering, and prayer. Like I said, James has a lot of practical advice for Christian living. It's short- and should be read frequently. My prayer is for all of us to follow these spiritual pearls.