Memory Verse: “If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.” (James 1:5)
Scripture Reading: James 1:1-20
Introduction: Spiritual vigor and bodily vigor have interesting parallels. We don’t like to carry water from the creek so we pipe it into the house. We don’t like to climb stairs so we build elevators. We don’t like to walk as well as we like to ride so we make automobiles. In other words, by nature we take the path of least resistance. We have done this and in so doing have created what we call a modern society, but it hasn’t been “cheap;” it has cost a price—a high price. Our push-button life has exacted a toll in circulatory ailments such as hardening of the arteries, etc. There are exceptions, of course, and our young people still seem to have “steam to blow off;” but if you will notice, it is more apt to be “blown off” in a fast car or on a motorcycle than in actual physical exertion. There are among the older folk some intrepid mountain climbers, and many jogging clubs have been organized; but for the most part—we are armchair enthusiasts.
Switching over to the spiritual side we find that we have avoided the “rugged walk” in favor of more pleasant or less demanding paths. Paul’s life was rugged any way we look at it. He not only suffered bodily, but spiritually. Notice the reading in 2 Corinthians 6:5-10,
In stripes, in imprisonments, in tumults, in labours, in watchings, in fastings; By pureness, by knowledge, by longsuffering, by kindness, by the Holy Ghost, by love unfeigned, By the word of truth, by the power of God, by the armour of righteousness on the right hand and on the left, By honour and dishonour, by evil report and good report: as deceivers, and [yet] true; As unknown, and [yet] well known; as dying, and, behold, we live; as chastened, and not killed; As sorrowful, yet alway rejoicing; as poor, yet making many rich; as having nothing, and [yet] possessing all things.
He was a warrior who was ever in the “fray” and not only in it, but at the forefront of the battle. He told others to “endure hardness” and he led the way. Do we hear someone say, “Oh, but Paul lived in an age when the Gospel was new and the world was being asked to accept this new “thing” that a man named Jesus had come and died.” This issue brought opposing ideas together, often with violence, while today the Gospel is accepted. Yes, it is true that most of us take for granted that Jesus was the Messiah because we were taught it as children and that about expresses our entire attitude; we just “take it for granted.” Oh, that we might become engaged in the conflict and “turn the world upside down.”
James notes that enduring trials leads us to a crown of life, while yielding to temptation leads to physical death. Since that is the case, at the conclusion of the introduction of the Book of James, James notes that the believer in the midst of a trial should then be swift to hear, slow to speak and slow to wrath. The Word of God that has been implanted in the Christian’s heart should be received with meekness—describing a teachable spirit, obedience in this way prevents sin and thusly death.
Lesson Questions:
- Which James was the author of this book? James 1:1; Galatians 1:19; Matthew 13:55; Acts 21:17-18. Note: James, the half-brother of Jesus was traditionally called the Just, and he became the leader of the Jerusalem church. If he was the author, it is noteworthy that he did not mention his relation to Jesus, but only noted his spiritual servanthood to the Lord Jesus Christ.
- To whom was the epistle written? James 1:1.
- Why should it be counted joy to fall into temptation? James 1:2-3.
- What should be the result of “a perfect work” in patience? James 1:4; Luke 21:19; Romans 5:3-5.
- How may we be supplied with wisdom? James 1:5; Proverbs 9:10.
- How shall one ask for wisdom? Since one who is doubtful or uncertain cannot expect to receive what he asks, what should be his attitude? James 1:6-7; Jeremiah 29:13.
- What is a double-minded man said to be? James 1:8. Give examples of double and single mindedness.
- Discuss James 1:9-11. Will riches insure their possessor any permanence of life? 1 Timothy 6:9-10.
- What is promised to the man who endures temptation? James 1:12; Revelation 2:10.
- What should one not say when he is tempted? James 1:13.
- What is the underlying cause of our temptation (define lust)? James 1:14.
- What is the result of lust and what is the penalty of sin? James 1:15; Romans 6:23; Romans 8:6-8.