Interpretive Study of James - Summary
Epistle theme: Beware of Living by Doctrinal Error
God's Way to Study His Word:
In 2Timothy 2:15 we read: Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth
. The true definition of the word dividing
is: 'a Mathematical function whereby we separate pre-defined units according to a precise procedure which produces a precise result'. However, while most people understand that 'there is one interpretation but many applications of The word of God
', they fail to separate the procedures of each. And, as a result, they fail to separate the 'one interpretation of The word of God
' from the 'many applications of The word of God
'. This leads to many errors which people blame on the perfect word of God
instead of their using the wrong procedure.
The result, of men using the wrong way, is that men claim that there are errors and conflicts in God's word. In Isaiah 28; God tells us how to understand His word. In addition, God preserved the message of His word; He preserves every word of His sentences; and God preserves every punctuation mark (jot and title
) of His sentences. Therefore, God preserved what He wanted us to understand and God told us how to understand His word so that we have no errors and no conflicts. Unfortunately, for at least one hundred and fifty (150) yeare, men have been taught to use the wrong way to interpret God's word instead of using God's way.
In Isaiah 55:9 we are told For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts
. Thus, God warns us that our ways are wrong and that using God's way
produces better results, which have no errors and no conflicts.
In addition, 1Corinthians 2:14 tells us: But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned
. Therefore, we can not properly understand the spiritual word of God
using man's way. We must use God's way to understand God's preserved word of God
. And, the basics of God's way is to understand His preserved word of God
using the sentence format and true Biblical definitions for Bible words.
This Study follows the Biblical Way to understand God's Word. It applies precepts
('truths that never change for any circumstance'). It then goes through the epistle sentence-upon-sentence (line upon line
[Isaiah 28 ]). This is different from the ways of men which use verse-upon-verse or some other method which generates errors. God's sentence-upon-sentence method also pays attention to what 'The word of God' tells us that God preserved, which are the true Biblical meanings of words and the Biblical usage of punctuation. (These two are the components of sentences and do not give us verses.) the 'The word of God' tells us that God preserved punctuation (one jot or one tittle
) in Matthew 5:18 and Luke 16:17. And 'The word of God' tells us that God preserved every word
when he wrote: Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God
(Deuteronomy 8:3; Matthew 4:4 and Luke 4:4).
The summary of the epistle comes from the summary of each chapter and each chapter summary within that book. Every chapter summary comes from the summary of each sentence within that chapter. And, the sentence summaries come from analysis using the punctuation and true word definitions, as already explained. As a result, we have what God literally had written and see that there are no conflicts even when we consider the smallest part of a sentence compared to the entire Bible book. God is consistent from the start of a Bible book to the end and is consistent in His doctrines and word definitions across the entire Bible. What we have is an integrated whole (single) message, with no errors and no conflicts. This particular book Study is part of a detailed analysis of the entire New Testament which shows this truth.
Other than cults, all claims of errors and conflicts are based upon the New Testament. This Study is part of a series which interprets the preserved word of God
using God's way and proving that there are no errors, nor any conflicts, if we obey God and use His way to interpret His word. And, this series concentrates on the New Testament, since that is the basis of these lies about the perfect word of God
.
I have read, or at least skimmed, every book which has been written in the last hundred and fifty (150) years and which claims to teach people how to study and understand The word of God
. In every case, they use a method which comes from man and do not use God's way (Isaiah 55:8) to study and understand The word of God
. And, while there are variations from one man-written method to another man-written method, every one of them ends up with problems. The end result of those problems is that people blame God's perfect word for their own problems and either turn to a man-written 'bible' or skip verses. (By skipping the interpretation of certain verses, they can hide the conflict which their method has produced.)
Now, many people find that the Detail Studies to be overwhelming because they have everything required to prove that there are NO errors in The perfect word of God
. This summary level is easier to understand for most people. At the same time, if someone has an argument with what is presented here, the matching Detail Study provides all of the proof required in order to show that what is here matches exactly what God wrote in His word. Again, this is not a matter of my opinion versus their opinion. I have over thirty (30) years’ experience as a professional Systems Analyst with an international reputation for accuracy in how to prove things. And, this series of books are the result of using recognized methods of analysis to prove what God actually wrote. This series does not present a religious opinion. Therefore, a religious opinion, which was arrived at from using wrong methods, is not superior to a true analysis of what God wrote.
People have looked for over twenty (20) years and failed to find any other work that covers everything this series cover. In addition, no one has found any other work which covers the level of detail found in the Detail Studies. Further, the Detail Studies literally have several million Bible references to support the interpretation provided and to show that The perfect word of God
is consistent all across it for word definitions and doctrines. Again, no one has found any other work which has this quantity of Bible references supporting what is presented. I do not write this to brag but to inform the reader the depth of study which supports what is presented in this series.
Let any who disagree show their method and the results of their method and try to explain how their method, which produces errors, is greater that God's way
which produces no errors and no conflicts.
Overview of James
Epistle theme: Beware of Living by Doctrinal Error
Click on the following links to jump to a chapter within this study: 1; 2; 3; 4; 5; God.
This epistle is concluded in the very last sentence, which also tells us why James wrote it. That sentence says Brethren, if any of you do err from the truth, and one convert him; Let him know, that he which converteth the sinner from the error of his way shall save a soul from death, and shall hide a multitude of sins.
this entire epistle is written to tell us ways that people err from the truth
and to provide the way to convert him
. James tells us that the motivation is that we shall save a soul from death, and shall hide a multitude of sins
.
In this, and many other things said in this epistle, we see that James considers the needs of others to be far more important than our personal desires. We also see that James writes to The twelve tribes which are scattered abroad
, but his warnings apply to any religious people who put their religious acts, attitudes and religious things above a personal relationship with God. In the final analysis, it is increasing our personal relationship with God and decreasing our dependence on religious things that will converteth the sinner from the error of his way
.
Our First Chapter ended by telling us the difference between a saved man whose religion is vain
and the saved person who has a pure religion and undefiled before God
. Someone whose religion is vain
has a good looking outward show but inside 'are dead men's bones'. That is: they have no spiritual life inside from God and do all of their religious activities in the flesh. Consider that the word pure
means '100%"'. Therefore, someone who has pure religion and undefiled before God
has his religion '100%"' controlled by God's Spirit. When the Bible presents, and compares, two extremes like this, it also includes everything in-between. Most of us have a religion that is in-between these two extremes. Within the first chapter James gives us several tests to use in order to determine how close we are to either extreme with God's desire being that all saved people have pure religion
.
Our Second Chapter starts with My brethren, have not the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory, with respect of persons
. The faith of our Lord Jesus Christ
leads us to the pure religion
that the First Chapter told us about. All of Chapter 2 tells us how to handle The faith of our Lord Jesus Christ
within our life and how to use it to live by faith
. One of the main sentences within this chapter is: Yea, a man may say, thou hast faith, and I have works: shew me thy faith without thy works, and I will shew thee my faith by my works
and another is: Yea, a man may say, thou hast faith, and I have works: shew me thy faith without thy works, and I will shew thee my faith by my works
. The chapter ends with: For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also
. Thus, we see the message of our chapter that if we truly handle The faith of our Lord Jesus Christ
properly within our life, then His faith
will produce works
through our life.
With this in mind we move into our third Chapter where James talks about our tongue
. James basically says that an uncontrolled tongue
is the result of pride and proof that we are not handling The faith of our Lord Jesus Christ
properly within our life and that our religion is vain
. Thus, we see that everything in the first two chapters was leading up to this message about the tongue
.
In the Fourth Chapter, James goes from speaking about the evil of a pride-driven tongue
, James goes into wars and fightings among you
. This, of course, is the next step in sin. James points out that it also keeps us from getting our prayers answered and keeps us from the blessings of God. Then James points out that we do these things because we are seeking The friendship of the world
instead of submitting ourselves to God
. After instructing us, James points out that There is one lawgiver, who is able to save and to destroy
and our trying to hurt other children of God will bring God's judgment upon us. James concludes the chapter with a message that if we are not spending our time serving God then we are sinning.
The final chapter starts with a warning of judgment brought against people who trust in the riches of this world instead of trusting in God. James then tells other believers to Be patient therefore, brethren, unto the coming of the Lord
. He uses the prophets and Job as examples of how we are to be patient and reminds us that The coming of the Lord draweth nigh
. Following this James gives specific commands on how to act and show that we truly are waiting on the coming of the Lord
. The final of these, before his conclusion, is to have an effectual fervent prayer
life. It is that prayer life that will give us the spiritual wisdom and ability to converteth the sinner from the error of his way
.
Chapter Outlines by sentence format.
Chapter 1 Summary:
The chapter theme 'Do Right'.
James starts this chapter eliminating excuses that people give for not obeying the word of God. He then tells us how to get help so that we can stop making excuses and start obeying God. From there he tells us how to understand the purpose of God when we have circumstances we don't like, and tells us how this understanding is supposed to help us react properly to those circumstances. Part of God's purpose is we should be a kind of firstfruits of his creatures
. Being a firstfruit
means that God expects more fruits
and God will use the changes that He brings into our lives as an example to others of how He can also change their lives. With all of this explanation, James then gives us two sentences, which start with Wherefore
, and provide the concluding attitudes and actions which our lives are to display. After that, James concludes the chapter by telling us how to separate true believers from frauds.
The last two sentences of this chapter summarize the chapter and tell us the difference between a saved person whose religion is vain
and a saved person who has pure religion and undefiled before God
. These two sentences give us the two extremes of how well saved people obey God. When the Bible does this, everything in between is implied. All of us have a religious
conversation
which is between these extremes. This chapter gives us many ways to test where we are between these extremes and allows us to understand why God does or does not bless us. The closer that we are to pure religion and undefiled before God
, as verified by the tests within our chapter, the more we can expect to be blessed by God. The closer that we are to having a religion (that) is vain
, as verified by the tests within our chapter, the more we can expect to be cursed by God.
- C1-S1 : Opening salutation.
- The opening name of
James
tells us the author's name. However, there were five (5) different men namedJames
in the New Testament and different people hold different opinions as the which of them was the true author of this epistle. And, we do not have enough Bible based information to 'take a stand as to which man it was'. And, it really isn't that important. Therefore, anyone who wished to argue this point is being used by a devil to distract people from the doctrine of this epistle, which is what we are truly to focus on. - The phrase
a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ
tells Whom James served and who gave James the message of this epistle. Notice that our next phrase says:to the twelve tribes
, which means 'he is writing to the saved Jews'. This is a major motivation for him to mentionGod
before he mentionsThe Lord Jesus Christ
He is being sensitive to their cultural background when it does not affect the doctrine delivered. We should also try to exercise such sensitivity. - The phrase
to the twelve tribes which are scattered abroad, greeting
means: 'James is writing to the saved Jews'. However, what he writes is applicable to all saved people, which is why God included this epistle in His preserved word. In Colossians 4:16 we read that Paul wrote an epistle tochurch of the Laodiceans
, which he thought was just as important as the epistle to the Colossians However, we can know that God had a different opinion because God preserved the one epistle and destroyed the other. As a result, we can know that God wants us to understand, and obey, the doctrine of this epistle because God preserved it inThe word of God
.
- The opening name of
- C1-S2 : How to react to temptation.
- The phrase
My brethren
means: 'This epistle is written to the saved and serving people'. The wordbrethren
is not used for lost people nor for saved but carnal people. - The phrase
count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations
can only be understood when we realize thatjoy
is spiritual in nature while happiness is based upon the happenings of this world. We are told to havejoy
even while suffering in the flesh and in this world. - The phrase
Knowing this
means: 'This type ofknowledge
is based upon personal experiences of spiritual blessings even while suffering in the flesh and in this world'. - The phrase
that the trying of your faith worketh patience
requires us to understand that the wordtrying
means: 'tested over and over again until there is no doubt left'. God will put His people through repeated tests until they, and everyone else, have no doubt about their level of true Biblicalfaith
.
- The phrase
- C1-S3 : Why we are to react that way.
- The word
But
means that this phrase is continuing the subject of the prior phrase while changing direction. - The phrase
But let patience have her perfect work
means: 'Patience during a trial from God causes us to spiritually mature'. Our sentence starts with the wordbut
because our natural reaction is to get upset and not to havepatience
. However, we do not mature spiritually by reacting according to our sinful human nature. Thus, we are tocount it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations
because that gives us the opportunity to mature spiritually and to have greater everlasting rewards. - The phrase
that ye may be perfect and entire
means: 'The test is given for the purpose of making us spiritually mature and completely focused on spiritual matters' - The phrase
wanting nothing
must be understood spiritually because, in our flesh, we want to be done with the test. Our phrase is included because, if we pass the test, then we will receive a reward in heaven and not bewanting
.
- The word
- C1-S4 : How to get God's
wisdom
.- The word
If
makes this a conditional sentence. All who fulfil the condition receive the result and no one who fails to fulfil the condition receives the result. - The phrase
If any of you lack wisdom
is written here for those people who have trouble understanding what James wrote before this sentence. The prior two sentences must be understood spiritually and the natural man rejects the message of those sentences. Therefore, James adds this sentence for people who have that trouble. - The phrase
let him ask of God
tells us what to do because only God can give spiritualwisdom
. - The phrase
that giveth to all men liberally
means: 'God will give the saved people all of the spiritual wisdom that they can handle and that they are willing to receive'. - The phrase
and upbraideth not
means: 'God never gives His people a hard time when they ask for spiritual wisdom'. - The phrase
and it shall be given him
means: 'We can rely upon this promise'.
- The word
- C1-S5 : says:
But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering.
this is continuing the subject of the prior sentence while giving us a conditional requirement to receive God'swisdom
. The person who asks for God'swisdom
, while not fulfilling this requirement, will not receive it. - C1-S6 : Why God has that condition.
- Our sentence starts with the word
For
, which means that it is giving us the reason why the prior sentence is true. - The phrase
he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and ossed
is the illustration of someone who has a lifestyle ofwavering
on doctrinal issues. Many waves just flow along but one that iswith the wind and ossed
makes a big show but is gone immediately. This person is totally unreliable and has no lasting effect.
- Our sentence starts with the word
- C1-S7 : Don't be deceived.
- Our sentence starts with the word
For
, which means that it is giving us the reason why the prior sentence was given. - The phrase
let not that man think that he shall receive anything of the Lord
means: 'TheLord
will not use anyone who is unstable in theirdoctrine'.
- Our sentence starts with the word
- C1-S8 : says:
A double minded man is unstable in all his ways
. - C1-S9 : How to react to fameans fortune. Our next sentence starts with the word
For
, which means that it is giving us the reason why this sentence is true. Therefore, the two sentences need to be considered together.- The phrase
Let the brother of low degree rejoice in that he is exalted
is introducing a subject that James will cover in more detail in Chapter 4. For example, in C4-S15; we readHumble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up
. So,The brother of low degree
canrejoice
when he has evidence of God's reward for an acceptable attitude of life. In addition, when we consider the context of the prior sentence, thedouble minded man
is constantly chasing approval from other people while thebrother of low degree
does not. Thus, we see the contrast that James is giving. - The phrase
But the rich, in that he is made low
means: 'Therich
are to thank God when He reminds them that they will not take their riches with them'. One thing that we do take out of this life is the main attitude of life that we live with. Therich man who is made low
is given a lesson to adjust his attitude before his judgment. - The phrase
because as the flower of the grass he shall pass away
means: 'This is why both types of people are told to react as our sentence says'. This life is not our final result but is the basis of our judgment by God.
- The phrase
- C1-S10 : Why we are to not trust the riches of this world and are not to worry about being humble.
- Our sentence starts with the word
For
, which means that it is giving us the reason why the prior sentence is true. - The phrase
The sun is no sooner risen with a burning heat
means: 'This identifies the source of physical destruction'. - The phrase
but it withereth the grass, and the flower thereof falleth, and the grace of the fashion of it perisheth
is the illustration from this world. - The phrase
so also shall the rich man fade away in his ways
is the application to spiritual truth.
- Our sentence starts with the word
- C1-S11 : Promise for
enduring temptation
.- The word
Bless
is given a wrong definition more often than it is given the true Biblical definition. Satan's ministers have convinced people that this word means: 'happy'. The word 'happy' is based upon circumstances of this physical reality. The true Biblical definition of the wordBless
is: 'receiving, or wishing another to receive, the spiritual good from God which produces spiritual joy even while it might make us less happy in the flesh'. For example, 1Corinthians 4:12 says:And labour, working with our own hands: being reviled, we bless; being persecuted, we suffer it
. That is not the circumstances and response which matches the word 'happy'. - The phrase
is the man that endureth temptation
means: 'Here is the man who is trulyblessed
by God'. Consider the meaning of the wordendure
. Next, realize that the wordendureth
is not speaking about a short time but is speaking about a life-time. This is not the circumstances and response which matches the word 'happy'. However, these circumstances and response do matches the true Biblical definition of the wordbless
. With that, consider the rest of this sentence which tells us why this is true. - The phrase
for when he is tried
means: 'This reward is not given until he istried
atThe judgment seat of Christ
'. - The phrase
he shall receive the crown of life
tells us what the rewards is. Please see the detail note for an explanation of the differentcrowns
given in Heaven. - The phrase
which the Lord hath promised to them that love him
means: 'This promise is backed by the court and law of God'. There is no promise which is more reliable than this type of promise.
- The word
- C1-S12 : Understand the true source of
temptation
. This sentence needs to be considered in context of the prior sentence and with the context of the next two sentences.- The phrase
Let no man say when he is tempted
means: 'Do not respond wrong to temptation'. - The phrase
I am tempted of God
means: 'This is what to not say because it is error'. Think about Job. God did nothing to Job but had Satan attack Job in order to provide the legal evidence of Job's faithfulness and service to God. This justified God rewarding Job. God allows us to be tested in order to legally justify rewarding us. Therefore, it is critical that we understand the motivation of God so that we will maintain the correct attitude during a trial. - The phrase
for God cannot be tempted with evil
means: 'God does not respond positively toevil
'. - The phrase
neither tempteth he any man
means: 'God does not tempt anyone withevil
'. - The word
But
means that this phrase is continuing the subject of the prior phrase while changing direction. - The phrase
But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed
means: 'This phrase is still talking about our beingtempted
while also explaining that ourtemptation
is from a different source than God'. Yes, God does allowtemptation
in order to prove what our true motivations of heart are, but God does not do thetemping
.
- The phrase
- C1-S13 : the end result of
temptation
fromlust
.- The phrase
Then when lust hath conceived
needs to be understood properly. The wordconceived
is defined as: 'Formed in the womb; framed in the mind; devised; imagined; understood'. We all have experienced having thoughts which take up a life of their own, in our mind, and we can't seem to get rid of them by any means other than constantly calling God for help with them. That is what James is writing about with this phrase. - The phrase
it bringeth forth sin
. As 1John 3:4 tells us: 'sin is the transgression of the (God's ) law'. And, as Romans 7 explains,sin
controls us. That is also what our next phrase is talking about. Thus, our only hope is to never letlust conceive sin
in us. - The phrase
and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death
means: 'All sin, if allowed to continue in our life, results in death'. Please see 1John 5:16 and Romans 6:16 about thesin unto death
. While this phrase can be applied to physicaldeath
, it can also be applied to spiritualdeath
. More specifically, our ongoing life of sin can cause others to reject the Gospel and end up in Hell.
- The phrase
- C1-S14 : says:
Do not err, my beloved brethren
. - The word
brethren
means: 'The saved and serving people'. The wordbrethren
is not used for lost people nor for saved but carnal people. These are the people who will truly allowThe word of God
to correct their personal beliefs. - C1-S15 : God is the source of all that is
good
.- The phrase
Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above
means: 'If it does not come from God then it does not meet the Biblical definition ofgood
'. People make a mistake, and can be led into doctrinal error, when they use their own definition for the wordgood
and try to apply that wrong definition to promises found inThe word of God
. - The phrase
and cometh down from the Father of lights
means: 'Light is used symbolically forunderstanding
'. God gives us trueunderstanding
on how to get things which aregood
, but we have to accept and use thatunderstanding
from God in order to receive things which aregood
. - The phrase
with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning
is a phrase that is often misunderstood. It means: 'God is consistent and does not produce these results'. However, there isvariableness
based upon how close you are to God. God does notvary
but our choice in getting close to God does causevariableness
. In addition, there can be ashadow of turning
if we allow something, or someone, to get between us and God. Therefore, people mistakenly believe that this phrase applies in all circumstances and, yet, we can get different results based upon our own actions. This is the nature of a relationship with another Being
- The phrase
- C1-S16 : God had a purpose in
begetting
us.- The phrase
Of his own will begat he us with the word of truth
might seem to not be contextually related to the prior sentence, but that is only because the relationship is easy to miss. Since GodOf his own will begat
, He will want to give usgood
. And, as the next phrase relates, He wants to use us as an example of the blessings available from God to people who truly serve Him. Therefore, Hebegat us with the word of truth
so that we receivegood
when we obeyThe word of truth
and so that others see this and realize that they also can receivegood
, from God, when they obeyThe word of truth
. - The phrase
that we should be a kind of firstfruits of his creatures
means: 'This is part of the reason why God saves us'. He wants to give us 'new life'(firstfruits
) as a witness to others of the blessings for coming to God.
- The phrase
- C1-S17 : How all of this chapter is to affect our actions.
- The word
Wherefore
means: 'what follows the wherefore is a future result that is based upon what came before the wherefore and it to be seen wherever you look'. - The word
brethren
means: 'The saved and serving people'. The wordbrethren
is not used for lost people nor for saved but carnal people. James calls these peoplebeloved brethren
because their service to God makes thembeloved
to God. - The phrase
let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath
means: 'Here is the attitude to keep in all circumstances of life'. - The phrase
For the wrath of man worketh not the righteousness of God
means: 'If we do not keep that attitude, then we will respond withThe wrath of man
instead ofThe righteousness of God
'. That difference is the cause of the difference between wrath or blessings from God to His children.
- The word
- C1-S18 : How all of this chapter is to affect our attitudes.
- The word
Wherefore
means: 'what follows the wherefore is a future result that is based upon what came before the wherefore and it to be seen wherever you look'. - The phrase
lay apart all filthiness and superfluity of naughtiness
is easily misunderstood. The wordfilthiness
means: 'Things which keep us spiritually unclean. These are ongoing sources of sin which we refuse to letJesus
remove from our life'. The phrasesuperfluity of naughtiness
means: 'doing bad things in a way that no one catches us and no one can prove that we did it, even though people know that it was us who did this bad thing'. This type of behaviour is what gives politici and a bad name. Therefore, our phrase means: 'completely remove these things from your life'. - The phrase
and receive with meekness the engrafted word
means: 'We are to receiveThe word of God
, and let Godgraft
it to us so that it is part of our life and removal of it can literally hurt us seriously if not kill us'. - The phrase
which is able to save your souls
is the desired result. The wordsave
is defined as: 'remove from the source of danger and death'. The wordsoul
is defined as: 'The long-term result of the short-term actions of our heart in deciding how we will think, how we will act emotionally to circumstances of life and how we will decide the issues of life'. This is not just removing the consequence while leaving you in sin. This is telling us thatThe word of God
can cause us to stop our sinning if we allow it to beengrafted to our soul
.
- The word
- C1-S19 : Do what God commands.
- The word
But
means that this phrase is continuing the subject of the prior phrase while changing direction. - The phrase
But be ye doers of the word
means: 'Where the prior sentence told us what to stop doing, this phrase tells us what to start doing'. The wordye
means 'each and every one of you personally'. We are to each personally do whatThe word of God
commands with the knowledge that all rewards, or punishments, from God are based upon our level of understanding and obedience. - The phrase
and not hearers only
means: 'Don't be like most church members and tell the preacher how much you appreciated his message when you can't repeat it after the next meal'. - The phrase
deceiving your own selves
means: 'This is the result of hearing and not doing'. Please also see the next two sentences which explains this doctrine in more detail.
- The word
- C1-S20 : Why listening to God's Word is not enough.
- Our sentence starts with the word
For
, which means that it is giving us the reason why the prior sentence is true. - The phrase
if any be a hearer of the word, and not a doer
is very clear. Yet, this actually describes most people who claim to be 'Christian'. such people hear what they want to hear and ignore what they don't want to hear and actually think that God will find such an attitude acceptable. - The phrase
he is like unto a man beholding his natural face in a glass
means: 'This person looks at themselves in the mirror and sees all of their imperfections'. - The phrase
For he beholdeth himself, and goeth his way
means: 'He ignores what he actually sees and tells himself that he looks like he wants to believe that others want to see'. - The phrase
and straightway forgetteth what manner of man he was
means: 'He forgets what he is really like'.
- Our sentence starts with the word
- C1-S21 : Promise of blessing for obedience.
- The word
But
means that this phrase is continuing the subject of the prior phrase while changing direction. - The phrase
whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty
means: 'This person looks at the spiritually maturing law from God which frees him from his life of sin'. - The phrase
and continueth therein
means: 'This is a lifestyle continuing in obedience to the law of God'. - The phrase
he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work
is very clear about the lifestyle required. - The phrase
This man shall be blessed in his deed
means: 'This is how we get God's blessing'.
- The word
- C1-S22 : Proof of vanity.
- The word
If
makes this a conditional sentence. all who fulfil the condition receive the result and no one who fails to fulfil the condition receives the result. - The phrase
If any man among you seem to be religious, and bridleth not his tongue
means: 'This person has all of the outward trappings of being religious but he cusses and makes improper remarks from time to time'. - The phrase
but deceiveth his own heart
means: 'He thinks he is right with God because of his outward religious activity, but histongue
reveals what his heart is really like'. - The phrase
This man's religion is vain
means: 'His religion is like a gold plated sepulcher. Looks good on the outside while filled with death on the inside'.
- The word
- C1-S23 : Proof of
pure religion
.- The phrase
Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this
means: 'James is telling us how to identify true religion, which is serving God in this world'. - The phrase
To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction
means: 'is an illustration of serving the children of God who are in need in this world. Notice that this has nothing to do with what most people consider to be religious activity'. - The phrase
and to keep himself unspotted from the world
means: 'This person also stops responding to the demands ofThe world
'.
- The phrase
Chapter 2 Summary:
The chapter theme 'True Biblical faith
'.
As we saw in James doing in the sentences of Chapter 1, He also does in the start of this chapter. James switches subjects, with the start of this chapter, and does not tell us how he is transitioning from one subject to the next. Our chapter starts with My brethren, have not the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory, with respect of persons.
It then uses two different common practices to illustrate how saved people do what the first sentence said to not do. In the first illustration, James tells saved people to not act wrong when they deal with other people in the church. In the second illustration, James tells saved people to not act wrong in their personal life and expression of the faith
which they received from our Lord Jesus Christ
.
The first wrong practice is to give more honor to people that society says are more honorable, such as the rich. This is worldly wisdom
, which is the opposite of Godly wisdom
. from this subject James then switches to the practice of people who claim that their belief is faith
. True Biblical faith
is an action verb while belief
is a conviction which leads to action but is not action. If there is no action, then the action verb was not done and this is the difference between belief
and faith
. After James introduces these two sources of doctrinal error, he continues the chapter with more details on them.
Returning to our first sentence, we read that James is writing about: The faith of our Lord Jesus Christ
. Please note that the definition of the word of
is 'belongs to'. Therefore, the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ
is The faith
that 'belongs to' our Lord Jesus Christ
. This faith
does notbelong to' us. Our Lord Jesus Christ
put His faith
in us to change us. If we are doing the things mentioned in this chapter them we are not allowing His faith
to accomplish His intended work.
2:2 through 2:9 form a sub-group of sentences within this chapter and discuss the error of having respect of persons
. 2:10 through 2:13 form a sub-group of sentences within this chapter and discuss the legal aspects, including our future judgment, and tell us why we don't want to have respect of persons
. 2:14 through 2:18 form a sub-group of sentences within this chapter and discuss how we handle The faith of our Lord Jesus Christ
in our personal walk within this life. 2:19 through 2:23 form a sub-group of sentences within this chapter and use Abraham and devils to show us how the Bible gives us examples of the doctrine that James is explaining within this chapter. Finally, 2:24 through 2:26 (The end of the chapter) form a sub-group of sentences within this chapter and provide the doctrinal conclusion of this chapter. Thus, our chapter starts out telling us how to handle The faith of our Lord Jesus Christ
. It is concluded with Ye see then how that by works a man is justified...For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also
. In between we are told how The faith of our Lord Jesus Christ
is supposed to produce works
and that those works
are what justify
Him giving us His faith
when He saved us.
- C2-S1 : Handle
The faith of our Lord Jesus Christ
properly.- The word
brethren
means: 'The saved and serving people'. The wordbrethren
is not used for lost people nor for saved but carnal people. - The phrase
have not the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ
means: 'This is thefaith
that belongs toour Lord Jesus Christ
and that he gives to the saved'. - The phrase
The Lord of glory
means: 'He is Who determines how muchglory
each of us will have in eternity'. AsLord
, He will judge each of our lives for our attitudes and actions and determine if we receive reward or punishment and how much of each. - The phrase
with respect of persons
means: 'Don't let any consideration of other people affect our service to God'. It does not matter who they are nor what position they have among men. In His role ofLord
, theSon of God
, hasno respect of persons
. (Please see the notes for Acts 10:34; Romans 2:11; Ephesians 6:9; Colossians 3:25 and James 2:1. Also explained in the notes for Romans 14:10-LJC; Romans C7S3 and Romans C10S13; about this doctrine.) In His roles asJesus
and asChrist
, theSon of God
, hasrespect of persons
. But, not in His role asLord
.
- The word
- C2-S2 : this illustration gives evidence that saved people disobey the prior command. Please keep in mind that this epistle is written to Jews. Therefore, James is telling them to let
The word of God
teach them to go against what their culture has taught them all of their lives.- Our sentence starts with the word
For
, which means that it is giving us the reason why the prior sentence is true. - The word
If
makes this a conditional sentence. all who fulfil the condition receive the result and no one who fails to fulfil the condition receives the result. - The phrase
there come unto your assembly a man with a gold ring, in goodly apparel
means: 'This person has outward appearances of being rich'. - The phrase
and there come in also a poor man in vile raiment
means: 'This person has outward appearances of being poor'. - The phrase
And ye have respect to him that weareth the gay clothing, and say unto him, Sit thou here in a good place
means: 'Saved people personally show respect to the person who appears to be rich'. - The phrase
and say to the poor, Stand thou there, or sit here under my footstool
means: 'Saved people personally show disrespect to the person who appears to be poor'. - The phrase
Are ye not then partial in yourselves
means: 'This shows partiality based upon outward appearances and not on inward character'. - The phrase
and are become judges of evil thoughts?
means: 'Judging based upon outward appearances and not on inward character isevil thoughts
'. Thesethoughts
come from devils through our culture. That is why they areevil
.
- Our sentence starts with the word
- C2-S3 : the Biblical basis of a right belief.
- The word
Hearken
means: 'they! Pay attention!'. - The word
brethren
means: 'The saved and serving people'. The wordbrethren
is not used for lost people nor for saved but carnal people. Thebeloved brethren
are those who are loved by God because of their service to God. - The phrase
Hath not God chosen the poor of this world rich in faith
means: 'Therich of this world
usually trust in their money whileThe poor of this world
can't do that'. That is why it isThe poor of this world
who find it easier to have true Biblicalfaith
. - The phrase
and heirs of the kingdom which he hath promised to them that love him?
means: 'Thepoor of this world
also find it easier to see the blessings from God and to thank God for those blessings and to love God'. Anyone with this attitude will become anheir of the kingdom
because they have fulfilled God's requirement to receive the promise. Thus, the promise is not toThe poor of this world
, but is tothem that love him (God)
. It is just thatThe poor of this world
find it easier to fulfill God's requirement.
- The word
- C2-S4 : the action which shows which belief we are using within our life.
- The word
But
means that this phrase is continuing the subject of the prior phrase while changing direction. - The phrase
ye have despised the poor
means: 'This attitude is personal in nature'. James is using this sentence to direct the next couple of sentences to the people who are guilty of this sentence. He is providing correction to a wrong attitude
- The word
- C2-S5 : A says:
Do not rich men oppress you, and draw you before the judgment seats?
. No, all rich do not do this but most have the attitude that they are better because of their riches and they use their riches to but the services of government people to oppress the poor. - C2-S6 : says:
Do not they blaspheme that worthy name by the which ye are called?
. This is the spiritual wrong done by people who trust in the riches of this world. - C2-S7 : God's test on this matter.
- The word
If
makes this a conditional sentence. all who fulfil the condition receive the result and no one who fails to fulfil the condition receives the result. - The phrase
ye fulfil the royal law according to the scripture
means: 'This attitude and action is done on a personal level as part of our personal relationship with God'. Please see the Doctrinal Study called Significant Gospel Events for the section called: Jesus and the Ten Commandments for more on theroyal law
. - The phrase
Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself, ye do well
means: 'This is whatJesus
calledThe second greatest commandment
'. And,Jesus
said that it was the basis for 'The Ten (10) Commandments'. - The word
But
means that this phrase is continuing the subject of the prior phrase while changing direction. - The phrase
if ye have respect to persons, ye commit sin
means: 'If a person personally hasrespect to persons
, then they are not treating all people the same'. As a result, they lie when they claim that they 'love their personal neighbour as themselves'. - The phrase
and are convinced of the law as transgressors
means: 'God will find us guilty of sin even though we are saved'.
- The word
- C2-S8 : General principal saying why the prior section is true.
- Our sentence starts with the word
For
, which means that it is giving us the reason why the prior sentence is true. - The phrase
whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one point
means: 'The thief can claim that he is not as bad as the rapist. The rapist can claim that he is not as bad as the murderer'. - The phrase
he is guilty of all
means: 'Yet, all are felons'. - All who dies as sinners go to the
lake of fire
. All saved who do not letJesus
cleanse them from all unrighteousness
(1John 1:1-3), will be punished. This is part ofThe Lord
beingno respecter of persons
.
- Our sentence starts with the word
- C2-S9 : Reasoning from scripture.
- Our sentence starts with the word
For
, which means that it is giving us the reason why the prior sentence is true. - The phrase
he that said, Do not commit adultery, said also, Do not kill
means: 'God gave both commandments as part of the Ten (10) Commandments. '. (Please see The Doctrinal Study called Significant Gospel Events for the section called: Jesus and the Ten Commandments.)
- Our sentence starts with the word
- C2-S10 : says:
Now if thou commit no adultery, yet if thou kill, thou art become a transgressor of the law
. This is the conclusion from scripture. - C2-S11 : says:
So speak ye, and so do, as they that shall be judged by the law of liberty
. This is the personal commandment based upon this sub-section. - C2-S12 : Why our attitude is important.
- Our sentence starts with the word
For
, which means that it is giving us the reason why the prior sentence is true. This sentence is an application of 'The law of Sowing and Reaping'. - The phrase
he shall have judgment without mercy, that hath shewed no mercy
means: 'Each of use will receivemercy
at the same level as we give it'. . . - The phrase
and mercy rejoiceth against judgment
means: 'This is an ongoingrejoicing
becausejudgment
was put aside bymercy
'.
- Our sentence starts with the word
- C2-S13 : A question to start us thinking about true Biblical
faith
.- The phrase
What doth it profit
means: 'How can you increase the good things in your life or in your eternity?'. - The word
brethren
means: 'The saved and serving people'. The wordbrethren
is not used for lost people nor for saved but carnal people. - The phrase
though a man say he hath faith
means: 'Here is what the person claims'. - The phrase
and have not works?
means: 'Here is what the person does not do'. - Now this argument is about
faith without works
and the argument continues for the next couple of sentences. And, since James wrote this epistle, that argument died out and was replaced, by devil motivated men, with 'grace without works'. or, more specifically: 'Grace and works can not exist together. If you have grace then there can not be works and if you have works there can not be grace'. However, the truth is that God givesgrace
so that God can produceworks
through the gift that He gives us with Hisgrace
. Please see the notes for Ephesians 2:8-10 for more on this doctrine.
- The phrase
- C2-S14 : says:
can faith save him?
and must be considered within the context of the prior sentence. This sentence truly asks: 'can faith, without works, save him?'. This doctrinal error is also supported by another doctrinal error. People claim: 'I accepted Jesus as my Savior and I was instantly born again'. However, there is no such thing as 'instant birth'. This claim came from people fighting against works salvation', but it is still doctrinal error. Works salvation' claims that you must have the work' specified by their religion and they have to see it or you can not be spiritually saved. The truth is that you must have a God causedwork
, in this world, and God must see it even if men do not see it. Life begins at conception and life, separated from the mother, is first expressed in this physical reality at birth. Therefore, whenJesus
said:Ye must be born again
(John 3:7), He was saying that your true spiritual life must be expressed in this physical reality, but that expression must be God motivated and seen by God. If some religion or some religious man does not see the God motivated spiritual work, then their failure does not prevent true spiritual birth. What people callfaith
, in this sentence, is truly calledbelief
in the Bible. And,belief
can not truly save. True Biblicalbelief
must produceworks
before it becomes true Biblicalfaith
and actually saves a person. - C2-S15 : Example of how we lose the chance to
profit
.- The word
If
makes this a conditional sentence. all who fulfil the condition receive the result and no one who fails to fulfil the condition receives the result. - The phrase
If a brother or sister be naked, and destitute of daily food
means: 'This is the condition for the illustration'. - The phrase
And one of you say unto them, Depart in peace, be ye warmed and filled
means: 'This is the response by the saved person, for the illustration'. - The phrase
notwithstanding ye give them not those things which are needful to the body
means: 'This is the failure to act by the saved person, for the illustration'. - The phrase
what doth it profit?
means: 'How will this increase blessings from God?'.
- The word
- C2-S16 : Biblical precept that was illustrated by the prior sentence.
- The phrase
Even so
means: 'The following conclusion has equal weight with the argument just presented'. - The phrase
faith, if it hath not works
means: 'This is the condition which people argue about'. - The phrase
is dead, being alone
means: 'This is the God given correct conclusion'.
- The phrase
- C2-S17 : A challenge to prove a claim.
- The word
Yea
is: 'A very strong affirmative expression which is stronger than a simple Yes'. - The phrase
a man may say
means: 'This is part of an argument'. - The phrase
Thou hast faith, and I have works
means: 'There are different emphasis used by people to show their relationship with God'. - The phrase
shew me thy faith without thy works, and I will shew thee my faith by my works
means: 'There are people who believe that theirbelief
is true Biblicalfaith
'. This is an error. Until there is action, there is no true Biblicalfaith
.
- The word
- C2-S18 : the limitation of belief.
- The phrase
Thou believest that there is one God
means: 'Here, James is identifying what these people put their trust in'. - The phrase
thou doest well
means: 'This is a good thing to have even if it is inadequate'. - The phrase
The devils also believe, and tremble
means: 'What you are relying on is the same as devils have and they are going to be condemned'. Ifbelief
does not save devils then it can not save people. it is not enough.
- The phrase
- C2-S19 : the truth about
faith without works
.- The word
But
means that this phrase is continuing the subject of the prior phrase while changing direction. James is still dealing with the person who only hasbelief
. - The phrase
wilt thou know
means: 'Are you willing to learn truth?'. - The phrase
O vain man
means: 'This person is trusting in outward appearances that are not supported by inward character'. - The phrase
that faith without works is dead?
means: 'If there is no action then it isdead
'. This claimedfaith
is based upon a non-Biblical definition for the wordfaith
. This is one of the main ways that devils get God's people to accept and believe doctrinal error.
- The word
- C2-S20 : Abraham used as an illustration.
- The phrase
Was not Abraham our father justified by works
is used to introduce the subject ofjustification
. We are told about this in Genesis 22 with Genesis 22:16-18 telling us the promise that God made toAbraham
after he wasjustified
. Abraham. And, he received blessings after he passed the test that he did not have before the test. - The phrase
when he had offered Isaac his son upon the altar?
tells us when, and why, Abraham wasjustified
.
- The phrase
- C2-S21 : the conclusion from the evidence.
- The phrase
Seest thou how faith wrought with his works
means: 'Do you see with an ongoing understanding?'. Abraham'sfaith
caused (wrought
) hisworks
. The result is directly tied to the cause and you don't get thwe result without the cause. Therefore, the result is evidence of the cause. - The phrase
and by works was faith made perfect?
means: 'God used Abraham'sworks
, and the resulting reward from God, to make Abraham'sfaith
to increase (wasmade perfect
)'.
- The phrase
- C2-S22 : the scriptural basis for the statements by James.
- Our sentence starts with the word
And
, which means that it is added to the prior sentence. This word represents 'The Mathematical function of addition'. If you drop either side of an addition problem, you change the answer. Likewise, if you drop either side of anand
, inThe word of God
, then you change the message from God. - The phrase
And the scripture was fulfilled which saith
is a reference to Genesis 22:16-18. - The phrase
Abraham believed God
means: 'Abraham was completely convinced that what God promised God would do'. - The phrase
and it was imputed unto him for righteousness
means: 'After Abraham proved hisbelief
, God used that as a basis for addingrighteousness
to Abraham's legal record in Heaven'. - The phrase
and he was called the Friend of God
is a reference to is a reference to Exodus 33:11.
- Our sentence starts with the word
- C2-S23 : is the conclusion from scriptural example. It says:
Ye see then how that by works a man is justified, and not by faith only
. In this sentence, James is using the popular, but non-Biblical definition for he wordfaith
, which is actually 'belief'. - C2-S24 : Rahab used as an illustration.
- The word:
Likewise
means: 'In the same way'. With this sentence, James is giving us a second true example from theword of God
. This makes his lesson part of the law of God which will be used to judge all men. - The story of
Rahab the harlot
is in Joshua 2; which gives us the story of herworks
, and Joshua 6; which tells us how she wasjustified
. - The phrase
also was not Rahab the harlot justified by works
means: 'We see in this account that she not only had her sin record blotted out, but she was put into the lineage ofJesus
'. - The phrase
when she had received the messengers
means: 'The Jewish spies were wanted by her king. Yet she hid them and protected them because she believed that the God of the Jews was the one true God'. - The phrase
and had sent them out another way?
means: 'She returned them to the Jews by letting them out of a window on the city wall'. Truefaith
requires us to do what is necessary and that is often different from what the world tells us is an acceptable way of acting.
- The word:
- C2-S25 : the reason why all of this chapter is true. Here, James provides the only possible conclusion from this chapter.
Chapter 3 Summary:
The chapter theme 'Our Tongue'.
in this chapter James starts out telling us My brethren, be not many masters
and goes on to tell us why that indicates fleshly pride. He ends the chapter with the true evidence and results of having The wisdom of God
. Much of this chapter deals with the tongue
, which James presents as the main evidence of someone being
truly filled with pride and confusing The wisdom of this world
with The wisdom of God
.
- C3-S1 : Basic command that this chapter explains more.
- The word
brethren
means: 'The saved and serving people'. The wordbrethren
is not used for lost people nor for saved but carnal people. - The phrase
be not many masters
means: 'Don't be teaching lots of disagreeing doctrines'(Masters
are 'teachers'). Paul called the saved peoplebabes
in 1Corinthians because they were divided over different doctrines taught by different men. Thus, James is telling the church leaders to not cause that type of divisions in God's church. - The phrase
knowing that we shall receive the greater condemnation
means: 'If we cause that type of divisions, we will becondemned
at thejudgment seat of Christ
'.
- The word
- C3-S2 : Why we are to obey the command of the prior sentence.
- Our sentence starts with the word
For
, which means that it is giving us the reason why the prior sentence is true. - The phrase
in manythings we offend all
means: 'We cause offenses to God's people simply because we are sinful people'. We should avoid adding to those offences by causing doctrinal disputes.
- Our sentence starts with the word
- C3-S3 : Evidence of being spiritually mature.
- The word
If
makes this a conditional sentence. all who fulfil the condition receive the result and no one who fails to fulfil the condition receives the result. - The phrase
any man offend not in word
is the condition which must be fulfilled in order for the rest of this sentence to be true. - The phrase
The same is a perfect man
means: 'This person is spiritually mature'. - The phrase
and able also to bridle the whole body
means: 'His spiritual maturity indicates that he is able to avoid doing other sins of the flesh'.
- The word
- C3-S4 : Illustration from a horse bridle.
- The word
Behold
means: 'Take a very close look and examine in detail so that you truly understand what is said after this word'. - The phrase
we put bits in the horses' mouths
is a fact which is used as an illustration. - The phrase
that they may obey us
means: 'This is why thwe bit is used'. - The phrase
and we turn about their whole body
means: 'This is the desired end result'.
- The word
- C3-S5 : Second illustration.
- The word
Behold
means: 'Take a very close look and examine in detail so that you truly understand what is said after this word'. - The phrase
also the ships
means: 'This is the second thing which is controlled by a small part'. - The phrase
which though they be so great
means: 'It does not matter how big the ship is'. - The phrase
and are driven of fierce winds
means: 'It does not matter how much power drives the ship'. - The phrase
yet are they turned about with a very small helm
means: 'Here is the application of the principal'. - The phrase
whithersoever the governor listeth
means: 'A person uses this small thing to control the large ship'.
- The word
- C3-S6 : the conclusion has equal weight to the illustrations.
- The phrase
Even so the tongue is a little member
means: 'Thetongue
is a very small part of the body'. - The phrase
and boasteth great things
means: 'Thetongue
can get the entire body in trouble'.
- The phrase
- C3-S7 : the result of letting the
tongue
boast
.- The word
Behold
means: 'Take a very close look and examine in detail so that you truly understand what is said after this word'. - The phrase
how great a matter a little fire kindleth!
means: 'Look at hpw upset people can get at what others say to them'.
- The word
- C3-S8 : the
tongue
is motivated fromHell
.- Our sentence starts with the word
And
, which means that it is added to the prior sentence. This word represents 'The Mathematical function of addition'. If you drop either side of an addition problem, you change the answer. Likewise, if you drop either side of anand
, inThe word of God
, then you change the message from God. - The phrase
The tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity
give us two expressions showing the problems which ourtongue
can cause. - The phrase
so is the tongue among our members, that it defileth the whole body
means: 'Thetongue
is like the earlier illustrations of the bit and the helm of a ship'. - The phrase
and setteth on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire of hell
means: 'These are possible end results of the wrong use of ourtongue
'.
- Our sentence starts with the word
- C3-S9 : Why the
tongue
defiles.- Our sentence starts with the word
For
, which means that it is giving us the reason why the prior sentence is true. - The phrases:
every kind of beasts, and of birds, and of serpents, and of things in the sea
name several different kinds of animals. - The phrases:
is tamed, and hath been tamed of mankind
tell us what has been done. - The phrase
But the tongue can no man tame
means: 'Even if we control ourtongue
most of the time, we all mess up some times and say the wrong thing or say it the wrong way'. - The phrase
it is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison
means: 'This is the conclusion from James'.
- Our sentence starts with the word
- C3-S10 : Example of how we are
double minded
because of thetongue
.- The phrase
Therewith bless we God, even the Father
tells us how we use ourtongue
the right way. - The phrase
and therewith curse we men
tells us how we use ourtongue
the wrong way. - The phrase
which are made after the similitude of God
tells us why this should not be.
- The phrase
- C3-S11 : says:
Out of the same mouth proceedeth blessing and cursing
this is a statement of fact for many people. - C3-S12 : Correction of error.
- The word
brethren
means: 'The saved and serving people'. The wordbrethren
is not used for lost people nor for saved but carnal people. - The phrase
these things ought not so to be
means: 'Even If this is true for most people, it should not be true for the saved and serving'.
- The word
- C3-S13 : says:
Doth a fountain send forth at the same place sweet water and bitter?
this is the first illustration of why the prior thingsought not so to be
. - C3-S14 : says:
Can the fig tree, my brethren, bear olive berries?
this is the second illustration of why the prior thingsought not so to be
. - C3-S15 : says:
either a vine, figs?
this is the third illustration of why the prior thingsought not so to be
. - C3-S16 : says:
so can no fountain both yield salt water and fresh
this is the fourth illustration, and the conclusion, of why the prior thingsought not so to be
. - C3-S17 : says:
Who is a wise man and endued with knowledge among you?
. While this might seem to not be related to prior sentences, it is, in fact, related. Everything said before this sentence, in this chapter, is the result of disputes between saved church members. Before this, James was showing the problems which result from using worldly methods to resolve disputes. Now, James is telling them how to resolve disputes. That is: take the dispute toa wise man and endued with knowledge among you
. - C3-S18 : says:
let him shew out of a good conversation his works with meekness of wisdom
. This is how you determine who should settle disputes. The word:good
means: 'In the Bible, only what comes from God is called good. Therefore, the Biblical definition ofgood
does not match what men think it should be'. The word:conversation
means: 'lifestyle ; Your way of life. How we live speaks louder that what comes out of our mouth and if the two disagree, we prove ourselves to be a liar'. The word:meekness
means: 'Strength under control of God's Holy Spirit'. That is: 'Find someone, in the church, whose life shows God's control and the blessings which only come from God. have this person mediate disputes within the church'. - C3-S19 : Disqualifier to the first test.
- The word
But
means that this phrase is continuing the subject of the prior phrase while changing direction. - The word
If
makes this a conditional sentence. all who fulfil the condition receive the result and no one who fails to fulfil the condition receives the result. - The phrase
ye have bitter envying and strife in your hearts
means: 'If you personally have these wrong feelings in your heart'. - The phrase
glory not
means: 'Don't be glad about your feelings and, definitely, don't be glad when the other person is hurt'. - The phrase
and lie not against the truth
means: 'Don't lie about your feelings because that can destroy you'. People only lie about their feelings when they know that their feelings are wrong but they are not willing to give them up. This is how Satan brings sin into the church and destroys many lives. The remaining sentences of this chapter need to be considered with this sentence for contextual requirements.
- The word
- C3-S20 : says:
This wisdom descendeth not from above, but is earthly, sensual, devilish
. This claimedwisdom
isThe wisdom of this world
. 3:14 through 3:18 all need to be considered with this sentence for contextual requirements. - C3-S21 : Why the evidence given is true. 3:14 through 3:18 all need to be considered with this sentence for contextual requirements.
- Our sentence starts with the word
For
, which means that it is giving us the reason why the prior sentence is true. - The phrase
where envying and strife is,
tells us the result of people holding onto wrong feelings. - The phrase
there is confusion and every evil work
tells us the consequence to God's church.
- Our sentence starts with the word
- C3-S22 : True evidence for having
The wisdom of God
. 3:14 through 3:18 all need to be considered with this sentence for contextual requirements.- The word
But
means that this phrase is continuing the subject of the prior phrase while changing direction. This sentence tells us how to tell the difference betweenearthly wisdom
andwisdom from God
. - The phrases:
The wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be intreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy
tell us the several attributes to look for in anywisdom
that people claim comes from God. Please see the detail note for more on the definitions of these words.
- The word
- C3-S23 : True results of having
The wisdom of God
. 3:14 through 3:18 all need to be considered with this sentence for contextual requirements.- Our sentence starts with the word
And
, which means that it is added to the prior sentence. This word represents 'The Mathematical function of addition'. If you drop either side of an addition problem, you change the answer. Likewise, if you drop either side of anand
, inThe word of God
, then you change the message from God. - The phrase
The fruit of righteousness is sown in peace of them that make peace
means: 'Here is how to get the blessings from God. Be a peace maker'.
- Our sentence starts with the word
Chapter 4 Summary:
The chapter theme 'Fightings and Wars in the Church'.
This chapter is summarized in the last sentence which says Therefore to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin
. James has just concluded a chapter on how to get the wisdom of God
and said that the saved people who truly have the wisdom of God
will also have The fruit of righteousness
and that they will make peace
.
Now, in this chapter, James is dealing with people who do not have the wisdom of God
and the evidence that they don't have The fruit of righteousness
nor do they make peace
. His first sentence of this chapter is: From whence come wars and fightings among you?
this is obviously the opposite behaviour from those people who make peace
. Following his opening question, James tells evidence of saved people who are in the church but who are not using the wisdom of God
. As a result, they have the consequences of sin in their life. James then tells us how to stop doing those sins so that we can get God's blessings in this life.
Saved people who are in the church but who are not using the wisdom of God
are in that condition for one of two reasons. They either have never being taught how to do right or they are refusing to obey those commandments. With his final sentence, James makes it clear that the wisdom of God
has been preached and, therefore, these people sin
by refusing to obey.
- C4-S1 : says:
From whence come wars and fightings among you?
. This is the opening sentence of this chapter and the entire chapter is dealing with the answer to this question. The saved people whom James is dealing with, in this chapter, do not have thewisdom of God
, which our last chapter ended talking about. - C4-S2 : says:
come they not hence, even of your lusts that war in your members?
. It is basically impossible for people to honestly deny this answer to the prior question. - C4-S3 : the result of being motivated by
lusts
. People try to obtain in their own way instead of serving God and asking God for their needs.- The phrase
Ye lust
means: 'They personally desire the wrong things (lust
) and they seek them the wrong way'. - The phrase
and have not
means: 'God will not give them wrong things which they seek the wrong way'. - The phrase
ye kill, and desire to have, and cannot obtain
means: 'They are using the wrong ways to obtain what they desire and God prevents them from obtaining those things'. - The phrase
ye fight and war, yet ye have not
means: 'God will not honor his children using the wrong methods and will prevent them from obtaining using the wrong methods'. - The phrase
because ye ask not
means: 'All of this results from their not using the right way to obtain things'.
- The phrase
- C4-S4 : Why prayers are not answered. This sentence is added to the prior sentence even though it does not start with a connecting word.
- The phrase
Ye ask, and receive not
tells us what happened. - The phrase
because ye ask amiss, that ye may consume it upon your lusts
tells us why. From these phrases we see that our motivations and attitudes are critical to receiving the answer to our prayers.
- The phrase
- C4-S5 : Saved people can become enemies
with God
.- The phrase
Ye adulterers and adulteresses
is a critical phrase for understanding the true definition of the wordadultery
. The true definition of any Bible word is what is the same in every usage with the differences, from one Bible reference to another, giving the many applications. In this sentence, a virgin who seeksThe friendship of the world
is calledadulterers and adulteresses
. This sentence has nothing to do with sex but these people have violated their covenant relationship withJesus Christ
when they accepted Him as their personalLord
and were saved. This is a spiritual sin and not physical. It is a violation of our oath. Please see the Word Study on Adultery for more details on the true Biblical definition of this word. - The phrase
know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God?
means: 'This is how someone personally becomes anadulterers or adulteresses
'.
- The phrase
- C4-S6 : says:
whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God
. This is a precept. - C4-S7 : says:
Do ye think that the scripture saith in vain, the spirit that dwelleth in us lusteth to envy?
. This is speaking about thespirit
of man. Please see the references from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge found with the Detailed Note for many Bible references where this truth is found. - C4-S8 : God's
grace
can overcome.- The word
But
means that this phrase is continuing the subject of the prior phrase while changing direction. - The phrase
he giveth more grace
is speaking about God givinggrace
to overcome ourenvy
. And, our next sentence tells us how to receive thisgrace
from God.
- The word
- C4-S9 : How to get God's
grace
.- The word
Wherefore
means: 'what follows the wherefore is a future result that is based upon what came before the wherefore and it to be seen wherever you look'. - The phrase
he saith
means: 'There are several places in scripture where we can read this truth'. Please see the references from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge found with the Detailed Note for many Bible references where this truth is found. - The phrase
God resisteth the proud
is a truth that mostproud
people refuse to accept. - The phrase
but giveth grace unto the humble
is a truth that many people refuse to act on, even if they claim to believe it. However, many places in scripture tell us about people who acted on this truth and received blessings from God.
- The word
- C4-S10 : says:
Submit yourselves therefore to God
. This sentence, with the next two sentences, tell us how to get the presence of God and the blessings from His presence. - C4-S11 : says:
Resist the devil, and he will flee from you
. This sentence is meant to be understood to be the second step after doing the prior sentence. We can not do this sentence without the presence and power of God first being made available to us. - C4-S12 : says:
Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you
. This is very clear and easily understood. Unfortunately, many people expect God todraw nigh
to them, and help them, even while they resist God and try to flee Him. - C4-S13 : How to have
The Lord (to) lift you up
. This sentence must be done in conjunction with the next two sentences.- The phrase
Cleanse your hands, ye sinners
means: 'Stop trying to grab sinful things'. This goes along with Romans 13:14; which says:But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfil the lusts thereof
. - The phrase
and purify your hearts
means: 'Dedicate your heart 100% to the service ofThe Lord
'. - The phrase
ye double minded
means: 'As saved people, we have the sinful mind of our flesh and themind of Christ
'. We need to stop listening to mind of our flesh.
- The phrase
- C4-S14 : How to have
The Lord (to) lift you up
. This sentence must be done in conjunction with the prior sentence and the next sentence.- The phrase
Be afflicted, and mourn, and weep
means: 'This is the proper attitude to have about our sin and our addiction to it'. - The phrase
let your laughter be turned to mourning, and your joy to heaviness
means: 'Stop enjoying the flesh and view your life from the spiritual perspective'.
- The phrase
- C4-S15 : How to have
The Lord (to) lift you up
. This sentence must be done in conjunction with the prior two sentences.- The phrase
Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up
says the same thing as 1Peter 5:6. Please notice that this is what we are to do. If we don't do it thenThe Lord
may do this and we will much prefer that we did it.
- The phrase
- C4-S16 : says:
Speak not evil one of another, brethren
. It is not our place, unless we are the pastor or sent by the pastor, to correct a brother. And, even then we are to do it in love and consider how we would want to be treated if we were the one in the wrong. In addition, even then there is no justification toSpeak not evil one of another
. It is God's place to judge people, not our place. Yes, we can condemn the sin but not the sinner. Finally, our next sentence explains the command of this sentence. Therefore, it needs to be considered with this sentence. - C4-S17 : Be a
doer
instead of ajudge
. This sentence is explaining the command given in the prior sentence.- The phrase
He that speaketh evil of his brother, and judgeth his brother
means: 'This is the wrong attitude and action which James is correcting'. Please notice that both action verbs end inth
, which makes them lifestyle actions. And, no one canpeaketh evil of his brother
, unless he firstjudgeth his brother
. - The phrase
speaketh evil of the law, and judgeth the law
means: 'The prior phrases speak about a servant of God directly disobeying the law of God. And, no one can do the prior phrases unless they do these phrases first'. - The phrase
but if thou judge the law, thou art not a doer of the law, but a judge
means: 'We are commanded to do the law, not judge if the law is correct or not. When we act this way, we take a position which God has reserved for Himself'. Our next sentence gives us further considerations to take before we do this sentence.
- The phrase
- C4-S18 : asks: 'Who are you personally when compared to God?'. This sentence is given as a consideration when we are tempted to do the prior sentence.
- The phrase
There is one lawgiver, who is able to save and to destroy
means: 'This identifies God and God's power'. We do not have the same power. Therefore, it is foolish for us to anger God by taking a position which He has reserved for Himself. This motivated God todestroy
us. - The phrase
who art thou that judgest another?
means: 'This type of action proves that someone has taken a position which God has reserved for Himself'.
- The phrase
- C4-S19 : We are not promised to live tomorrow. This sentence is continuing the though of the prior sentence where a servant of God refused to recognize his position in relationship to God's position.
- The phrase
Go to now
means: 'Leave the wrong attitude'. - The phrases:
ye that say, to day or to morrow we will go into such a city, and continue there a year, and buy and sell, and get gain
'show that people forgot their position as servants ofThe Lord
. They have forgotten that they need His permission first'. - The phrase
Whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow
means: 'God may very well make our pl and impossible'.
- The phrase
- C4-S20 : How long is life?
- Our sentence starts with the word
For
, which means that it is giving us the reason why the prior sentence is true. - The question:
what is your life?
is answered in the next sentence. This sentence is presented as a question to make us think about the answer.
- Our sentence starts with the word
- C4-S21 : says:
It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away.
this sentence answers the question in the prior sentence and is presented for people who match the second prior sentence. People make pl and and ignore their position as servants of God. They make pl and for what they consider to be the best for this short-term physical life and do not consider how that affects their everlasting spiritual life. This sentence gives the comparative values of the physical life and the spiritual life. And, our next sentence tells us the attitude that we should take if we really consider these relative values. - C4-S22 : Always seek the will of
The Lord
before making plans.- Our sentence starts with the word
For
, which means that it is giving us the reason why the prior sentence needs to be considered. - The phrase
that ye ought to say
means: 'Here is the wise attitude to have'. - The phrases:
If the Lord will, we shall live, and do this, or that
express the right attitude for God's people to maintain.
- Our sentence starts with the word
- C4-S23 : When we
rejoice in your boastings
we doevil
.- The word
But
means that this phrase is continuing the subject of the prior phrase while changing direction. - The phrase
now ye rejoice in your boastings
expresses the attitude of people who do not have the attitude of the prior sentence. Such peopleboast
about their own pl and and actions and the results of such. They do notgive God the glory
for what happens in their life. - The phrase
all such rejoicing is evil
means: 'This is the judgment of God on the attitude expressed in the prior phrase'.
- The word
- C4-S24 : is the conclusion of these last few sentences and of the chapter.
- The word
Therefore
means: 'what follows thetherefore
is a future result that is based upon what came before thetherefore
and only seenthere
'. People will obey the command of this sentence only if they truly consider the doctrine of this chapter. - The phrase
to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not
means: 'This person is knowingly doing wrong'. - The phrase
to him it is sin
means: 'This is a very simple and clear judgment from God'. Unfortunately, too many of God's people believe the lie from Satan that there is no punishment for saved people. Believing that lie is one of the main reasons why this sentence is true for saved people.
- The word
Chapter 5 Summary:
The chapter theme 'Where is your Trust?'.
James starts out talking against putting our trust in the riches of this world. He ends the chapter with converting a brother who has gone into doctrinal error. Between the beginning and end he deals with practical things which make up daily life for people.
Within our chapter we find the phrase The prayer of faith shall save the sick
. This causes lots of arguments because different religions do different religious activities based upon this phrase and then have to find some excuse why their religious activity failed to force God to provide physical healing.
What we see in this last chapter matches what we have seen in other chapters of this book. It is easy to misunderstand what James is really saying. But, the end of the message from James is to try and convert
saved people who believe error. We can not convert
someone to God's truth while we believe error ourselves.
James uses the title of Lord
15 times in his epistle with 8 (over 1/2) in this chapter. Other than that, James uses God
17 times in 13 verses before this chapter, he uses son
once, and he uses Lord Jesus Christ
twice. Thus, we see that James concentrates on the power and authority of God within His role as Lord
. In his earlier chapters James also used God
for those people who didn't want to submit to and obey the Lord
. He dealt with people who wanted to get blessings from God
, without submitting to the Lord
, and let them know that these blessings only come through God's role as Lord
. Now that he has made that fact clear, he is speaking strictly about what saved people can get from their Lord
.
This chapter tells us to do manythings in order to receive certain blessings from our Lord
. Many religious leaders, who claim to speak for the Lord
make excuses when they can't deliver things like the healing promised within our chapter. They say things like: 'You weren't healed because you didn't have enough faith'. While they claim that my faith can prevent my healing, they also claim that my faith is not enough to get me healed. While they claim that I need their 'gift' in order to be healed, they also claim that it is not possible that their 'gift' failed.
What I am trying to point out is that lots of religious liars claim parts of this chapter to support their position even while they can't produce the results. However, one thing that James says 8 times within this chapter is that we get these results from our Lord
. The very first step to getting anything from our Lord
is to submit and obey His commands, especially when they don't make sense to our flesh. The second thing is to always worship and be thankful to our Lord
, especially when He puts us in circumstances that our flesh objects to. The bottom line is that it is far more important for us to recognize, and properly respond to, our God's role as Lord
, than it is to do some religious activity specified by some self-proclaimed representative of God who fails to deliver on his promises. And, I say this based upon having a Muslim doctor, and other non-believing medical people, say that I had 'undeniable multiple miracles' while the guy in the next bed failed to be healed by his religious healer.
- C5-S1 :
Miseries
will come to saved people who trust in riches. James 5:1 through James 5:6 are in context and must be considered as a single unit.- The phrase
Go to now, ye rich men
means: 'These people are whom James is writing to and how they should act. They should leave their trust in their worldlyriches
'. - The phrase
weep and howl for your miseries that shall come upon you
means: 'Here is how they should react when they realize the results of trusting in worldlyriches
'.
- The phrase
- C5-S2 : Spiritual corruption of what they trusted in. James 5:1 through James 5:6 are in context and must be considered as a single unit.
- The phrase
Your riches are corrupted
means: 'Worldly riches destroy spiritual things if people are not careful to avoid the corruption from spreading'. - The phrase
and your garments are motheaten
means: 'is speaking about spiritual clothing'. Revelation 3:17 says:Because thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; and knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked
. Thus, we see other places, in the Bible, where people who trusted in worldlyriches
found out that their spiritual condition was totally different.
- The phrase
- C5-S3 : Riches will
witness
that people trusted in the wrong thing. James 5:1 through James 5:6 are in context and must be considered as a single unit.- The phrase
Your gold and silver is cankered
means: 'Trusting in worldlyriches
is like helping cancer to spread throughout your body'. - The phrase
and the rust of them shall be a witness against you
means: 'The things bought with worldlyriches
, instead of using the worldlyriches
, to support missionaries, will be used as a testimony against people when they are atThe judgment seat of Christ
'. - The phrase
and shall eat your flesh as it were fire
means: 'Things will be burned byfire
atThe judgment seat of Christ
' (1Corinthians 3:13-15).
- The phrase
- C5-S4 : says:
Ye have heaped treasure together for the last days
. This means that Rich people saved for theirlast days
('retirement') on Earth. While this money would be better spent supporting missionaries, our next sentence tells us that there is another consideration. If people gain worldlyriches
using unjust methods, that will bring punishment atThe judgment seat of Christ
.
James 5:1 through James 5:6 are in context and must be considered as a single unit. - C5-S5 : the
Lord
has heard of their crimes. James 5:1 through James 5:6 are in context and must be considered as a single unit.- The word
Behold
means: 'Take a very close look and examine in detail so that you truly understand what is said after this word'. - The phrase
The hire of the labourers who have reaped down your fields
identifies the saved people who bring their complaint toThe Lord of sabaoth
. Our sentence says that these people did the work but were not paid a just wage. - The phrase
which is of you kept back by fraud
means: 'The rich saved people act like the world and defraud saved workers from a just wage'. - The phrase
crieth
means: 'The people who were defrauded keep on complaining to God'. - The phrase
and the cries of them which have reaped are entered into the ears of the Lord of sabaoth
means: 'The Lord of the multiple armies of angels has heard their cry. He will judge righteously and no one can avoid His punishment'.
- The word
- C5-S6 : the rich personally sought pleasure at the cost of others. James 5:1 through James 5:6 are in context and must be considered as a single unit.
- The phrase
Ye have lived in pleasure on the earth
means: 'Each and every one of these people have personally put their own fleshly pleasure above the needs of other saved people'. - The phrase
and been wanton
means: 'They did not restrain their flesh nor did they restrain the lusts of their flesh'. - The phrase
ye have nourished your hearts
means: 'They did everything that their fleshly heart desired'. - The phrase
as in a day of slaughter
means: 'They are like animals which are made fat before the slaughter'.
- The phrase
- C5-S7 : the
just
did not fight back. James 5:1 through James 5:6 are in context and must be considered as a single unit.- The phrase
Ye have condemned and killed the just
means: 'They did this to people that God said had no sin marked on their Heavenly record'. - The phrase
and he doth not resist you
means: 'This person trusted God to bring justice'. God does far more than we ever can to someone who wrongs the child of God.
- The phrase
- C5-S8 : the
just
are to forThe Lord
.- The phrase
Be patient therefore
means: 'God works in God's time and we don't get to dictate to God when He works'. - The phrase means: '. '. . .
- The word
brethren
means: 'The saved and serving people'. The wordbrethren
is not used for lost people nor for saved but carnal people. - The phrase
unto the coming of the Lord
means: 'This can be death or the 'Rapture''. Most of the promises for the 'Church Age' are promised to be given in Heaven. Therefore, don't rush God unless you have a death wish.
- The phrase
- C5-S9 : People who reap wait for the right time before they harvest.
- The word
Behold
means: 'Take a very close look and examine in detail so that you truly understand what is said after this word'. - The phrase
The husbandman waiteth for the precious fruit of the earth
means: 'The farmer does not harvest before it is time'. - The phrase
and hath long patience for it
means: 'He has patience until it is the time of harvest'. - The phrase
until he receive the early and latter rain
means: 'There is a big rain in Spring and in Fall. The rain in Spring isearly rain
. The rain in Fall islatter rain
. The rain in Spring is starts plants growing. The rain in Fall causes their greatest growth spurt'. A wise farmer waits until his crops grow all that they will before he harvests.
- The word
- C5-S10 : Be patient and know that
The Lord
comes soon.- The phrase
Be ye also patient; stablish your hearts
means: 'Learn the lesson from the farmer and wait until the right time'. - The phrase
for the coming of the Lord draweth nigh
means: 'Wait until God says that your life is done'.
- The phrase
- C5-S11 : Remember your own judgment.
- The phrase
Grudge not one against another
means: 'Don't be upset about another person being happy'. - The word
brethren
means: 'The saved and serving people'. The wordbrethren
is not used for lost people nor for saved but carnal people. - The phrase
lest ye be condemned
means: 'We are in danger of God condemning us because we are commanded toRejoice with them that do rejoice, and weep with them that weep
and this reaction is the opposite of what God commands'. - The word
Behold
means: 'Take a very close look and examine in detail so that you truly understand what is said after this word'. - The phrase
The judge standeth before the door
means: 'We are very close to being judged for the attitudes and actions of this life'.
- The phrase
- C5-S12 : Use
The prophets
as your example.- The phrase
Take, the prophets
means: 'UseThe prophets
, and whatThe word of God
says about them'. - The word
brethren
means: 'The saved and serving people'. The wordbrethren
is not used for lost people nor for saved but carnal people. - The phrase
who have spoken in the name of the Lord
means: '. '. . . - The phrase
for an example of suffering affliction, and of patience
means: 'They served God. Don't expect to be treated differently by God Who never changes'.
- The phrase
- C5-S13 : Happiness comes from endurance.
- The word
Behold
means: 'Take a very close look and examine in detail so that you truly understand what is said after this word'. - The phrase
we count them happy which endure
means: 'Only people whoendure
get to see God work for them'.
- The word
- C5-S14 : Use Job as an example.
- The phrase
Ye have heard of the patience of Job
means: 'Each and every one of you personally have read and / or heard whatThe word of God
tells us about Job '. Compared to that account, few have a basis to complain. - The phrase
and have seen the end of the Lord
means: 'At the end of that account,The Lord
doubled everything that Job had'. - The phrase
that the Lord is very pitiful, and of tender mercy
means: 'This is the attitude ofThe Lord
, even while He puts us through a test'. All tests byThe Lord
are designed as the basis of our receiving greater blessings after we pass His test.
- The phrase
- C5-S15 : Let your life back your mouth.
- The word
But
means that this phrase is continuing the subject of the prior phrase while changing direction. - The phrase
above all things.
means: 'If you forget everything else, do not forget this command'. - The word
brethren
means: 'The saved and serving people'. The wordbrethren
is not used for lost people nor for saved but carnal people. - The phrase
swear not, neither by heaven, neither by the earth, neither by any other oath
means: 'Do not call on anyone or on anything to witness your oath in order to get people to believe your oath'. - The phrase
but let your yea be yea; and your nay, nay
means: 'Have true integrity. Always support your claims by how you live'. - The phrase
lest ye fall into condemnation
means: 'God and men will condemn you otherwise'.
- The word
- C5-S16 : says:
Is any among you afflicted?
5:13 through 5:16 need to be considered together as a single unit of thought. This sentence asks the question to make us think about the answer. - C5-S17 : says:
let him pray
. Only God can truly help theafflicted
. Sometimes, God allows us to experience these things in order to increase our prayer life. - C5-S18 : says:
Is any merry?
. The next sentence says what to do. When compares to the prior two sentences, we have the opposite end of the spectrum of emotions. The answer, in both cases, is personal dealing with God having the right attitude. - C5-S19 : says:
let him sing psalms
this is the answer to the question in the prior sentence and amounts to personal worship. - C5-S20 : says:
Is any sick among you?
. The answer to this question is in the next sentence. - C5-S21 : Let the sick call on people who can get prayers answered. This sentence is used as a basis for doctrinal error. There are religions which claim that you have to call the right person, who has the gift of healing, in order for this sentence to work. Then, if it works, they claim that the person was healed because of what that other person did. If the sick person is not healed, then they claim that the sick person did not have enough faith. Those claims are wrong. When I was last in the hospital, multiple lost doctors each independently said that 'I had undeniable multiple miracles'. Yet, the man in the next bed called fort his religious healer and received nothing from God. Therefore, what I write here is based upon personal experience.
- The phrase
let him call for the elders of the church; and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord
means: 'Let this person make sure that they have a right relationship with God and the God appointer leaders of the church. Then, together, they are to call onThe Lord
in recognition that onlyThe Lord
can truly do a miracle. And, they are to prove their willingness to obey even when they do not understand how their obedience has any effect on the healing. (It is the true attitude of submission toThe Lord
)'. - The phrase
And the prayer of faith shall save the sick, and the Lord shall raise him up
means: 'It isThe Lord
Who does the healing. It is not theprayer of faith
, by the right person, which forces God to heal'. - The phrase
and if he have committed sins, they shall be forgiven him
means: 'OnlyThe Lord
can do this and He does this, along with the healing, when we pray and worship Him from our heart that has the proper attitude towardsThe Lord
'.
- The phrase
- C5-S22 : How to get right before we are healed.
- The phrase
Confess your faults one to another
uses the wordfaults
and not the wordsins
. Afault
is a place of weakness where we can use help. When we truly do this, it humbles us. - The phrase
and pray one for another
means: 'Have more concern for the needs of others than what you have for your own needs'. - The phrase
that ye may be healed
tells us the possible result. Please pay attention to the wordmay
.
- The phrase
- C5-S23 : says:
The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much
. It is hoped thatThe elders of the church
arerighteous
. This sentence, combined with the prior sentence, is why James wrote what we read in this section. And, in addition to healing, this sentence applies to other circumstances, as many saved people realize. - C5-S24 : James uses Elias as an example for the prior sentence. The next sentence starts with the word
And
, which means that it needs to be considered with this sentence.- The phrase
Elias was a man subject to like passions as we are
tells us the type of man that he was. - The phrase
and he prayed earnestly that it might not rain
tells us what he did. - The phrase
and it rained not on the earth by the space of three years and six months
tells us how God responded.
- The phrase
- C5-S25 : the results of his prayer.
- Our sentence starts with the word
And
, which means that it is added to the prior sentence. This word represents 'The Mathematical function of addition'. If you drop either side of an addition problem, you change the answer. Likewise, if you drop either side of anand
, inThe word of God
, then you change the message from God. - The phrase
he prayed again
tells us what Elias did the second time. - The phrase
and the heaven gave rain
tells us how God responded the second time. - The phrase
and the earth brought forth her fruit
tells us the second result.
- Our sentence starts with the word
- C5-S26 : Convert those who are led into error.
- The word
brethren
means: 'The saved and serving people'. The wordbrethren
is not used for lost people nor for saved but carnal people. - The word
If
makes this a conditional sentence. all who fulfil the condition receive the result and no one who fails to fulfil the condition receives the result. - The phrase
any of you do err from the truth, and one convert him
means: 'This is the condition which 'Revival Meetings' are supposed to deal with'. However, those meetings often fail to do this thing. Notice that our sentence says:one convert him
. This is a personal level ministry. - The phrase
Let him know, that he which converteth the sinner from the error of his way shall save a soul from death
means: 'Make sure that God's people know the results for doing this personal ministry'. Please note thatThe sin unto death
(1John 5:16 and Romans 6:16) is for saved people. . - The phrase
and shall hide a multitude of sins
means: 'This is a secondary result'. When done properly, the sinful saved person confesses and stops certain sins before they become public and must be dealt with in public.
- The word
God in James
God: | |
cannot be tempted with evil | 1:13 |
choose | 2:5 |
one God | 2:19 |
of God: | |
servant | 1:1 |
ask | 1:5 |
I am tempted - not | 1:13 |
righteousness | 1:20 |
man - God: | |
before God | 1:27 |
believed God | 2:23 |
friend of God | 2:23 |
bless God | 3:9 |
made after the similitude of God | 3:9 |
enmity with God | 4:4 |
enemy with God | 4:4 |
God resiseth proud | 4:6 |
God giveth grace to humble | 4:6 |
submit to God | 4:7 |
Draw nigh to God | 4:8 |