Then, desire having conceived, gives birth to sin; and sin, having been completed, brings forth death. Truth to Learn Though we think of birth as the beginning of life, our unrestrained lusts produce a birth which results in death. Behind the Words The word translated “conceived” is a form of...
James 1:14 – Temptation’s Source
But each one is tempted by his own desires, being drawn away and enticed by them. Truth to Learn We may want to blame someone or something else for our sinfulness, but each of us is to blame for our own sin. Behind the Words James tells us that each...
James 1:14 – Temptation’s Source
But each one is tempted by his own desires, being drawn away and enticed by them. Truth to Learn We may want to blame someone or something else for our sinfulness, but each of us is to blame for our own sin. Behind the Words James tells us that each...
James 1:13 – Not From God
Let no one being tempted say, "I am tempted from God"; for God is not tempted by evil, and He Himself tempts no one. Truth to Learn God is not the source of our temptation. When it does come, He wants us to grow in faith. And, even when we...
James 1:12 – Crowning Reward
Blessed is the man who endures temptation; for having been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him. Truth to Learn Patiently enduring the trials of our lives will result in eternal rewards of far greater value than all of...
James 1:11 – Disappearing Riches
For the sun rose with a burning heat and the garden withered; its flower fell, and the beauty of its appearance completely perished. So the rich man also will be extinguished in his journeys. Truth to Learn This life and our possessions are only temporary. Do not be lifted up...
James 1:10 – Humble Wealth
but the rich one in his humbling, because like a flower of the garden he will pass away. Truth to Learn Riches cause pride and harm our relationship with God. Some day we will pass away and have to give an accounting to God. Behind the Words The word translated...
James 1:9 – Humble Exaltation
Let the lowly brother glory in his exaltation, Truth to Learn Being poor and unimportant is humbling. As a Christian, you have been elevated to the position of a child of God. God’s children are neither unimportant or poor. Behind the Words The word translated “humble” is the word tapeinos...
James 1:8 – Single Focus
he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways. Truth to Learn We must not get distracted from focusing on God and on Him alone. Behind the Words “Double-minded” is translated from dipsuchos which is a compound word made up of dis meaning “twice” and a form of psuche...
James 1:7 – Paternal Gifts
For do not let that man suppose he will receive anything from the Lord; Truth to Learn God loves us more than any earthly father and wants to give us good things. Answers to our prayers are gifts from our Heavenly Father but they must be sought with complete faith....
James 1:6 – Doubtless Prayer
But let him ask in faith, doubting nothing, for he who doubts is like a wave of the sea being driven by the wind and tossed. Truth to Learn Wisdom is available from God for the asking but in order to receive we must believe God’s promise that He will...
James 1:5 – Wisdom Given
If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who is giving liberally to all and not reproaching, and it will be given to him. Truth to Learn We all lack wisdom when we are in trials, yet all we need to do is ask God for it...
James 1:4 – Completely Whole
But let patience have its completing work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing. Truth to Learn God is constantly working on us to make us into a complete image of His Son. Don’t fight it, let it happen. Just remember, it’s not always easy or comfortable. Behind...
James 1:3 – Refined Perseverance
knowing that the proving of your faith brings about patience. Truth to Learn The Christian pathway is not an easy one; in fact, it is downright difficult, filled with potholes and uphill battles. But, instead of seeing these as indications of God’s displeasure, we should take delight in them. Behind...
James 1:2 – Joyful in Trials
My brothers, consider it all joy when you fall into various trials, Truth to Learn Trials come to make us stronger Christians. They are not to be feared and avoided. They are to be embraced and endured. Behind the Words “Count” is translated from a form of the Greek word...
James 1:1 – A Slave’s Greeting
James, a slave of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, to the twelve tribes in the dispersion: Greetings. Truth to Learn With salvation comes humility, not pride. Behind the Words The word translated “slave” is doulos, meaning “one who is in a permanent relation of servitude to another.” This...
James – Introduction
James – Introduction There has probably been more discussion regarding the author and date of this letter than any other book of the New Testament. Clearly, neither the author nor the date of writing can be definitively identified. What will be provided here is a presentation of the major discussion...