James 1:19-21

January 30, 2008

As you read today's passage, look for these words or phrases: quick, slow, anger, and humility.

Passage for the day: James 1:19-21 (NASB)

19 This you know, my beloved brethren. But everyone must be quick to hear, slow to speak and slow to anger;
20 for the anger of man does not achieve the righteousness of God.
21 Therefore, putting aside all filthiness and all that remains of wickedness, in humility receive the word implanted, which is able to save your souls.


Questions for thought: Take a few moments to answer these questions before you go on to the next section.

What does it mean to be quick to hear and slow to speak?


Is your first response in a tense situation to be angry or to listen? Why?


What are we commanded to do in verse 21? How do we obey this command?


What is the word implanted in you? What is it able to do?


Chew on this:

It is interesting that James begins this section by telling us that we should already know what he is about to write – the discipline of a controlled tongue. Normally when we see a command to be quick to do something, we think of taking action. Here we are told to not act in anger, but to actively listen. We are told to be slow to anger, but ready to hear. This is a foreign concept for us outside of the grace of God! How many of us actually listen? Are we characterized by a quickness to show love or by a readiness to pour out anger? Contrary to some who would defend anger as the last resort for the Christian under trial, James declared they are simply wrong. In Paul’s writings, we see this same response for the Christian - “in your anger do not sin,” “do not let the sun go down on your anger,” and to rid yourself of anger (Eph 4:26; cf. Col 3:8). This is all comparable to being slow to anger. Anger is dangerous even when expressed in speech. Angry speech is part of the temptation to seek vengeance and was of deep concern to both James and Paul (Rom. 12:9-21). Whether in relationship with God or in relationship with others, anger must be ruled out. Human anger will injure the merciful peacemaking required for the relationships among fellow believers and those who are unbelievers. How can the world know that we are the disciples of Christ, when we are showing anger toward one another? Love is one of the defining characteristics for the disciple of Christ and we should love each other as Christ loved us (John 13:33-35)!

James does not just stop with anger, but commands us to rid ourselves of anything that does not please God. James uses the metaphor of taking off and putting away soiled clothes. However, we cannot do this on our own power. We must receive the Word of God that has been implanted in our hearts. It has the power to rescue your soul! God has already put His Word in your heart if you are a Christian, but you must still receive it with meekness and gentleness – the opposite of anger. This means that you and I must allow the word to become deeply rooted in our hearts, so that we are able to live it out in our daily responses to life’s challenges. Rather than speaking out in anger, the wise believer listens to the Lord speak through His Word. When we are listening to God’s voice, we will be able to respond correctly in any situation.


For His Name,

Pastor Stephen

James 1:17-18

January 28, 2008

As you read today's passage, look for these words or phrases: gift, Father, word of truth, and first-fruits.

Passage for the day: James 1:17-18 (NASB)

17 Every good thing given and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shifting shadow.
18 In the exercise of His will He brought us forth by the word of truth, so that we would be a kind of first- fruits among His creatures.

Questions for thought: Take a few moments to answer these questions before you go on to the next section.

According to these verses, what is the source of good things?


Name at least 5 good things that God has given you


What does “no variation” or “shifting shadow” mean?


What is the word of truth in verse 18?


Chew on this:

Last time we learned that God is not the source of evil temptation, but here we read that God is the source and true giver of “every good and perfect gift.” God is the only the source of good in our lives. He is the source of the good fight within us that resists temptation and strengthens our heart to pursue a growing and living faith. The gifts of God are good because they never cause us to fall into sin. The gifts of God are perfect because they are the fulfillment of God’s will for His people. The range of God’s giving includes both the goodness that God has created in this universe as well as the perfect gifts God gives to all who put their trust in Him and seek His wisdom. In Psalm 84:11, God promises to not withhold any of these good things to those who do what is right! Truly, God is good in all that He does! And, as the Creator and Ruler of all things, He is called the “Father of lights.” God orders the sun, moon, and stars and controls all the changes in his creation. But He Himself does not change! The light and the shadows change from day to day, but God never changes and is always the same.

In verse 18, we see how God creates new life through His Word and His sovereign plan. The contrast here is that God does not cause us to be tempted by sin; instead, He gives us spiritual life! In the previous verses, we learn that the result of sin is death. Before salvation, we were dead in our sins, with seemingly no hope (Eph. 2:1-10); but now God has breathed spiritual life into our dead bodies by the His truthful and powerful Word! This “word of truth” is the gospel. The same God who spoke the world into existence is the same God who speaks the gospel to us and we are given new life in Him! Those of us who are saved will be first-fruits of God’s saving grace. In the Old Testament the “first-fruits” of living things, were those offered to God in thanksgiving and became His precious and special possession. We are God’s precious ones – above all else in His wonderful creation.

So, how do these verses apply to our lives today? First, we can find hope and satisfaction in God because He is always good and will never change! Second, we can be thankful to God because of the new life we have been given by the gospel. He considers us to be His prized and precious possession in the midst of all of the beautiful things He has created. Let’s taste and see that God is good!

(I encourage you to read Psalm 34 if you want more encouragement in tasting and seeing the goodness of God).

For His Name,

Pastor Stephen

James 1:13-16

January 25, 2008

As you read today's passage, look for these words or phrases: tempted, lust, sin, and death.

Passage for the day: James 1:13-16 (NASB)

13 Let no one say when he is tempted, “I am being tempted by God”; for God cannot be tempted by evil, and He Himself does not tempt anyone.
14 But each one is tempted when he is carried away and enticed by his own lust.
15 Then when lust has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and when sin is accomplished, it brings forth death.
16 Do not be deceived, my beloved brethren.

Questions for thought: Take a few moments to answer these questions before you go on to the next section.

According to these verses, who or what actually tempts us to sin?


What is the progression from being tempted with sin to actually committing the sin?


What is the end result of sin?


What is it that you are being tempted with that is causing you to sin?


Chew on this:

In these verses, James gives us one of the most penetrating discussions of the nature of temptation in the whole Bible. But this raises many questions. Where do trials come from? Are some from God, but not others? Are they from God at all? If not, how can we say He rules the universe? Are all trials from God and therefore his goodness is compromised? There are many examples in Scripture of God testing a person’s faith (Abraham sacrificing his son Isaac, children of Israel in the wilderness, Gideon and the Midianities, etc.). So how are we to understand this? First we need to understand that the words for tempt and trial are two separate words in the Greek text. The word for “trial” in verse 2 is not an enticement to sin, but rather a test of faith. The word for “tempt” in verse 13 focuses on being persuading or luring someone into sin.

James tells us right from the beginning here that God is not the origin of temptation, for “God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone.” No evil can have its way with God. He is immune to any of sin’s enticements. Therefore there can be nothing evil about God’s ways with His people. God does not lead us into temptation, but He delivers us from evil. Temptation to sin is the operation of evil forces and the devil. In this case the believer himself is the source of temptation. There is already something within the flesh by which any temptation can arise and become activated. This is why we desperately need God’s wisdom and should cry out for it as the previous verses tell us to do!

In this passage of James, we read that it is one’s own “evil desire” that is the cause of temptation. Where we might expect the “devil, like a roaring lion” (1 Pet 5:8), to be dragging us off into sin, it is our flesh that drags us into sin. The old excuse that “the devil made me do it,” no longer holds water. Sure, the devil is tempting us, just like He did with Christ, appealing to Christ’s desire for food, power, and prominence. But it is our decision to choose to please God or our flesh. Satan knows how to tempt us in the areas that we are weak and remind us of past failures. However, the blame for temptation then can never rest upon God, but entirely upon us. Temptation entices or lures us by our own appetites.

In Galatians 5:16-17, we find hope in a seemingly hopeless situation: “But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not carry out the desire of the flesh. For the flesh sets its desire against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; for these are in opposition to one another, so that you may not do the things that you please.” Life in the Holy Spirit is the antidote to the power of evil desire! Temptation to sin is the problem of the person’s own condition as a sinner. The personal struggle with evil desire is not usually a confrontation with the devil, but rather a confrontation with our own worst enemy – OURSELVES! The pain of temptation is a self-inflicted attack. This is the sense of being “dragged away.” Desire gives birth to sin. Sin, the offspring of desire, grows up, matures, and finally, sin gives birth to death. Our own desires are like a prowling beast that would consume us if not for God’s powerful grace! James’s “beloved brothers” were to hear his strongest appeal so as to develop whole-hearted trust in God. They must be on their guard against self-deception. They should accept trials from God, and realize that it is not God who tempts them to sin.

Let me tell you a story to put this in perspective…

Back in medieval times, there were two brothers who were dukes of Belgium in separate provinces. They never really got along and would often quarrel and fight between themselves. After an argument between them, the older brother led a successful revolt against the younger brother and captured him. Instead of putting him to death, the older brother decided a different kind of punishment. He built a room around his brother in his castle and promised him he could regain his title and property as soon as he was able to leave the room. This would not have been difficult for most people since the room had several windows and a door of near-normal size. None of the windows or doors were locked or barred. The problem was that the younger brother was too fat and could not fit through the windows or the doorways. To regain his freedom, all he needed to do was lose weight, so he could leave the room. But that was not going to be easy, because the older brother sent him a variety of delicious foods every day. Instead of dieting his way out of prison, he grew fatter. When the older brother was accused of cruelty, he had a ready answer: "My brother is not a prisoner. He may leave when he so wills." The brother stayed in that room for ten years and eventually died because of his poor health. He was a prisoner of his own appetite.

We all struggle with sin, and many times we feel as if we are prisoners to the desires and appetites that are within our flesh. Let me encourage you and tell you that there is a way out! You do not have to be a slave to the flesh if you are a child of God! Christ came to set you free from the sin you are struggling with! He has given you new life and the Holy Spirit dwells within you. He is guiding you, giving you strength, and making intercession in heaven for you. And if that was not enough, God is at work within us, giving us the desire and the ability to obey Him as we face temptation (Phil. 2:13)!

If you like to learn more about this freedom that we have in Christ, see “Stop Living In Your Old Cell!” on our website (www.timberlakesm.blogspot.com).

For His Name,



Pastor Stephen

James 1:12

January 23, 2008

As you read today's passage, look for these words or phrases: persevere, trial, and crown.

Passage for the day: James 1:12 (NASB)

12 Blessed is a man who perseveres under trial; for once he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him.

Questions for thought: Take a few moments to answer these questions before you go on to the next section.

How is it possible for us to be happy or blessed when under a trial?


What do you think it means to persevere in the midst of a trial?


What does God promise to those who endure? Who receives this reward?

Chew on this:

In this short verse, we are told that God rewards those who persevere in trials. The Greek word of persevering or enduring in this text has the idea of refusing to give up, standing firm, or holding on tightly. It means that we are living out our faith with action. We put the promises of God ahead of the cares of this life and hold on to the assurance of eternal life with God. When we cross the finish line, we will be greeted and rewarded by God Himself. We are blessed because we possess the living hope of salvation of the soul – the crown of life. This was the victor’s wreath that was given at the Olympic games in Greece to the champion who endured to the end. The people James was writing to were going under extreme persecution and many were facing death. Some of them may have questioned and doubted whether it was worth it to go through such suffering. James reminds them that they were blessed as they endured, and that they could look forward to eternal life with God as they faced physical death here on earth.

God is using trials to produce believers who stand their ground through a life shaped by the Word of God. The approval that James speaks of does not come about because we were perfect. Rather, it acknowledges a faith that perseveres and loves God. This love for God is an obedient love. Obedience through love is the nature of a right relationship with God, a relationship of wholehearted commitment to Him. So, as we persevere, let’s pursue a genuine love for God and trust God to be faithful as we endure!

For His Name,

Pastor Stephen

James 1:9-11

January 21, 2008

Let’s be honest. Sometimes, you come across a passage of Scripture that leaves you scratching your head. And, that’s okay! When you come across a passage that is hard to understand, don’t get discouraged, give up, and close your Bible in frustration (although it sounds tempting sometimes!). Let that fuel your passion and desire to get into the Word, and ask the Holy Spirit to give you the understanding you need. Remember, God inspired the hard-to-understand passages just as much as He inspired the easy-to-understand passages. And, God does not waste ink or paper! It is put in the Bible for a divine purpose. So, let’s dig into today’s passage and see what God has to teach us!

As you read today's passage, look for these words or phrases: humble, rich, and glory.

Passage for the day: James 1:9-11 (NASB)

9 But the brother of humble circumstances is to glory in his high position;

10 and the rich man is to glory in his humiliation, because like flowering grass he will pass away.

11 For the sun rises with a scorching wind and withers the grass; and its flower falls off and the beauty of its appearance is destroyed; so too the rich man in the midst of his pursuits will fade away.

Questions for thought: Take a few moments to answer these questions before you go on to the next section.

Why is the poor man (brother of humble circumstances) able to boast?

Who do you think placed the poor man in a high position?

What is it that humbles the rich man?

What is the end result of the rich man’s wealth and achievements?

Chew on this:

Why are we talking about rich and poor in the midst of a passage about trials and temptations? If you have ever gone through a difficult financial situation, then you understand why this fits perfectly in a passage about trials! What James is attempting to do is show us the big picture from God’s perspective on the poor and the rich.

The first person seen here is the poor or lowly man. This man feels seemingly insignificant and is possibly even perceived as a man incapable of influence. God tells this man that he can rejoice because Christ will lift him up to a position of honor. James is encouraging these men to boast or to “take pride” in their coming exaltation. Although these poor men and women had nothing visible to boast in, their boasting was greater than those who boasted in themselves. Their poverty, then, had turned into a double benefit, for it encouraged the humility and faith God requires. In 1 Peter 5:6-7, we read “So humble yourselves under the mighty power of God, and at the right time he will lift you up in honor. Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you.” As the poor man walks in humility by faith, God will exalt him and take care of him with His mighty hand!

The other person who is mentioned is the rich man. It is interesting to point out that the rich man is to boast in his “humiliation.” What does this mean? Well, I want to make it clear that God is not saying that if you are rich, then God is going to make a fool out of you or take you down. Instead, the rich man is encouraged to see the big picture, just like the poor man. Knowing that his riches will not last forever, the rich man should boast in his future position of humility and lowliness. Instead of basking in the artificial light of the borrowed time his wealth has brought him, the rich man should humble himself in order to guard against the temptation of trusting in wealth as opposed to God. James reminds us that the riches of this world are like wildflowers that are being scorched by the hot sun. It is beautiful for a time, but will soon die and fade away.

In regards to the church, God places the poor and the rich on the same level when they stand before Him. Neither one is to glory over the other, since all we have is from God anyway. It is not wrong or better to be rich or poor. The poor and the rich are encouraged to see life from God’s point of view. The poor can be encouraged, knowing that God will honor them as they walk by faith and trust God for their needs. The rich are encouraged to carry their wealth and position under an umbrella of humility, remembering to place their confidence in God, and not in their riches.

Let’s be sure to live our lives for eternity, putting our trust in God alone!

If you want to go little deeper on this, see these verses for more study on God’s perspective of the poor, the rich, and where we should place our confidence: 1 Sam. 2:7; 1 Chron. 29:12; Prov. 8:17-18; Prov. 28:6; Jer. 9:23-24; Matt. 6:19-34; Luke 1:52-53; 2 Cor. 6:10; 2 Cor. 8:9; 1 Tim. 6:9,17

For His Name,


Pastor Stephen

James 1:5-8

January 18, 2008

As you read today's passage, look for these words or phrases: wisdom, faith, doubting, and double-minded.

Passage for the day: James 1:5-8 (NASB)

5 But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him.

6 But he must ask in faith without any doubting, for the one who doubts is like the surf of the sea, driven and tossed by the wind.

7 For that man ought not to expect that he will receive anything from the Lord,

8 being a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways.

Questions for thought: Take a few moments to answer these questions before you go on to the next section.
What should our response be when we need wisdom in the midst of a trial?

How should we ask for wisdom?

Do you believe that God will give you wisdom? Why or why not?

After reading this passage, how would you describe your faith – confident in God, or doubting God?

Chew on this:

I think it is interesting that we are encouraged to go to God and ask Him to give us wisdom in the midst of trials. Why, you may ask? Wisdom is needed because we need to know how to persevere in the midst of trials. We need God’s perspective – not only to help us keep the right focus during trials, but also to strengthen us against temptation. We must turn to God, not to man’s wisdom, to endure the diverse trials of faith.

So, what happens when cry out to God for His perspective? Wisdom is given out of God’s generosity and gentleness. To request wisdom in the midst of trial is precisely what God intends for us. Wisdom is always God’s gift to His children, and is necessary to endure the testing of faith. God’s genuine generosity is emphasized and is central to Jesus’ own teaching (Matt 7:7-11). God does not criticize or seek to find fault in us as we ask. This promise of wisdom from God belongs only to those who have a faith that does not doubt. In other words, it is an active trust or confidence in God, not a wavering hope that does not truly believe that God is able. Here James inserts the analogy of a wave of the sea that is blown this way and that by the wind. True faith is grounded in who God is and does not doubt God’s character and ability; instead, true faith trusts God without hesitation. We must be loyal to God, who is faithful to keep His promises!

James also cautions us against being double-minded. This person claims to trust in God, when they really do not. They may pray the prayer, but they do not pray the prayers of surrender to God’s will. This person is unstable in everything he does. Why should such a person expect anything from God through prayer, when he really does not believe that God will give wisdom? There is no middle ground or fence-straddling here. James makes it clear that you either have a genuine faith or not. Although the doubter cannot expect to receive anything from the Lord, the wholehearted believer should expect to receive wisdom for the journey of faith—this is the divine promise. With simple and undivided faith in God, wisdom is freely given by God!

Don’t buy the lie that God is not able to keep His promises. God is the sovereign Creator of the universe and loves you more than you’ll ever know! He delights in His children coming to Him, placing their full trust in His ability to do “exceedingly abundantly above all we ask or think” (Ephesians 3:20)!

For His Name,
Pastor Stephen

James 1:2-4

January 16, 2008

As you read today's passage, look for these words or phrases: joy, trials, testing, and endurance.
Passage for the day: James 1:2-4 (NASB)

2 Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials,

3 knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance.

4 And let endurance have its perfect result, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.

Questions for thought: Take a few moments to answer these questions before you go on to the next section.

According to verse 2, what should our response be to trials? What is your first response to the trials you face in your life (no Sunday School answers – be honest!)?

How is it possible to have joy in the midst of pain or difficulty?

When God tests your faith through trials, what is the result? How is God testing your faith right now?

Read Romans 5:2–5, 1 Peter 1:6–7, and James 1:4. If God continues to build endurance into your life as you submit to God by faith, what will happen?

Chew on this:

It is clear from these verses that God uses the trials in our lives to accomplish His purpose. And, we are told that our response to these trials should be joy! I don’t know about you, but this did not make sense when I first read this. In fact, I wondered how it could be possible, since joy is not my usual first response when tough times come. What I often fail to see is that my focus is on the wrong thing! Joy is not the product of good circumstances but rather, joy is the most basic and essential expression of faith. You and I can consider a horrible situation to be a reason to rejoice because of our faith in an all-powerful God who is in control and who is always good.

James is writing this to encourage us! Remember, the believers who first read this were going through incredible pain and suffering – and God was not going to be silent. God told them then and tells us now to embrace our trials – not for what they are, but for what God can accomplish through them. As in the passages of Romans 5:2–5 and 1 Peter 1:6–7, James here teaches that trials serve as a test for genuine faith. This is clearly seen in the story of Abraham and his son Isaac (Genesis 22). God tested the genuineness of Abraham’s faith by asking him to do the unthinkable – kill his own son. That would blow me away if I was in Abraham’s shoes (or sandals in this case)! But, Abraham had such a great trust in His God that he obeyed Him completely, even when he could not understand – and God blessed him for it. Trials form an essential part of God’s plan for us and it will prove whether we have a faith that is real or not. We can have joy because God is maturing us in our faith and preparing us for the trials that come.

It is God who makes us strong and prepares us to serve Him. God will always be faithful and promises to take us through the trials we face (1 Corinthians 10:13)! It is my prayer today that we would all possess a real, genuine faith that is fully resting on God’s grace.

For His Name,
Pastor Stephen

James 1:1

January 14, 2008

Greetings to everyone! Welcome to the James edition of “Chew On It.” I truly hope that it will be an encouragement to your daily walk with God. Some of you might be new to this, so let me explain. The “Chew On It” series is a way for us (teens and parents alike) to walk through a book of the Bible together as a youth group family. As Christians, we need to see God’s Word as a necessary part of our life, not just an add-on to our busy day. It must be something we hunger for, instead of merely an item on our spiritual checklist.

So, my challenge to you and myself is to take a journey through the book of James together. My desire in all of this is to get us to go beyond just reading Scripture by spending quality time meditating on the Word and then seeking to apply it to our lives in obedience to Christ. In other words, I want you “chew on it” and think about what the Scriptures are really saying.

Here is how it’s going to work. I will be e-mailing all of you Monday, Wednesday, and Friday with the Scripture reading for the day, some questions to answer, and some thoughts to chew on that will hopefully cause us to dig into the Scriptures. I encourage you to begin each time in prayer, asking God to open your eyes and mind to what He has to teach you through His Word and to supply you with the courage and grace to live out the truth. I do also encourage that you keep a journal of what God is teaching you and what you are learning. Your journal will be an INCREDIBLE resource for you as you will be able to see in days to come how God has been leading you and growing you in His grace. Also, please feel free to e-mail me and let me know what you are learning or any questions you might have so we can encourage one other in this study. I truly hope that you will come to treasure the Word of God and learn to find your ultimate joy in Him.

As you read today's passage, look for these words or phrases: James, bond-servant, and dispersed.

Passage for the day: James 1:1 (NASB)

1 James, a bond-servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, to the twelve tribes who are dispersed abroad: Greetings.

Questions for thought: Take a few moments to answer these questions before you go on to the next section.
Which James of the Bible wrote this letter and when was it written?

Who was this letter written to? Why do you think that these people were scattered (Hint: Acts 8:1-4; Acts 11:19).

James could have opened this letter with any kind of greeting, but he chose to identify himself as a “bond-servant” or slave. What comes to your mind when you think of a slave?

Do you see yourself as a servant of God like James? Why or why not?

Chew on this:

The James of this letter is none other than the half-brother of Jesus Christ, and it is the first book of the New Testament (written between A.D. 44-49). These are God’s first words to the New Testament church. He is writing this letter to those Jewish Christians who had gotten out of town due to the intense persecution. He is not writing to people who were sipping lemonade in a hammock somewhere. Many of them were facing loss of employment, loss of family support, and even the loss of their very lives! These were people who were going through incredible pressure. If you find yourself going through a similar situation or difficulty, take heart! This letter was written for you!

James begins by identifying himself as a servant or slave. In our day and age, slavery is not a positive thing, but James sees it as the very essence of who he is. He was a slave of God! Only, this kind of slavery is the ultimate freedom. We are given new life in Christ so that we may gladly and eagerly serve the God who redeemed us. It is the picture of the slave that is loved and given his freedom, but willingly gives himself back to a lifetime of serving the one who purchased his freedom.

When I read this passage for the first time, I saw this idea of being a bond-servant as something to dread or fear, and not something to take pleasure and comfort in. Service to God is not a brutal, overbearing, inflicted slavery. Instead, it is a privilege and something that we were created to do. We have been bought with the blood of Christ and have been adopted into God’s family. We are now freed to serve God and bring glory to His name!

In all of this, let us be careful to not think of this service as paying God back for what He has done for us. In fact, every time we serve God, it does just the opposite of paying Him back. It puts us ever deeper in debt to His grace that He so freely gives us. We can never repay God – and He does not need us to pay Him back! God is not looking for our assistance; instead, He desires our devotion. So, what is our motive then? God commands us to obey Him, not out of duty to pay back a debt, but by giving us everything we need to bring glory to Him and by giving us divine rewards in Heaven. Human energy alone could never accomplish the work of God, yet God has chosen to accomplish His work by working through us! What a privilege to be called God's servant!

For His Name,
Pastor Stephen