James 3-5

James 3

Warning to Church Teachers

• Not many should become teachers.
• Teachers will be judged more strictly.
• Everyone stumbles, especially in speech.

The Power of the Tongue

James uses three illustrations:

• Bit in a horse’s mouth: a small bit controls a large horse.
• Rudder on a ship: a small rudder directs a large ship.
• Small fire : a tiny spark can start a massive forest fire.

The tongue is small but can destroy 

Humans tame animals, but no one can tame the tongue apart from God’s work. With the tongue people 

• Bless God
• But curse people made in God’s image

Illustrations showing inconsistencies:

• Fresh and salt water from one spring
• Fig tree producing olives
• Grapevine producing figs

Our speech should consistently reflect our faith.

Two Kinds of Wisdom

Earthly Wisdom

Characterized by:

• Jealousy
• Selfish ambition
• Disorder
• Every vile practice

James says this wisdom is:

• Earthly
• Unspiritual
• Demonic

Heavenly Wisdom

Wisdom from God is:

• Pure
• Peaceable
• Gentle
• Open to reason
• Full of mercy
• Full of good fruits
• Impartial
• Sincere

James 4

Quarrels and fights come from:

• Selfish desires
• Covetousness
• Pride

Some prayers go unanswered because they are motivated by selfish desires.

James warns friendship with the world is enmity with God. Believers must choose wholehearted devotion to God.

• Enmity: hostility 

Commands include:

• Submit to God
• Resist the devil
• Draw near to God
• Cleanse your hands
• Purify your hearts
• Lament and weep (be convicted) 
• Humble yourselves

“Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will exalt you.” 

Believers should:

• Avoid slander
• Avoid judging one another

Only God is the ultimate Lawgiver and Judge .

Life is “A mist that appears for a little time and then vanishes.”

• The proper attitude is: “If the Lord wills…”

Sin of Omission: Knowing the right thing but failing to do it is sin.

James 5

James condemns those who live in luxury and defrauded the poor. Their riches will not save them. 

Believers should wait for the Lord’s return like a farmer waiting for harvest

• The prophets  endured suffering.
• Job demonstrates perseverance

Do not make unnecessary oaths. Simply speak truthfully:

• Yes means yes.
• No means no.

In Every Circumstance

• Suffering- Pray.
• Cheerful-Sing praise.
• Sick- Call the elders to pray.

Believers should:

• Confess sins to one another
• Pray for one another

Although human like us, Elijah prayed fervently, and God answered.

If someone wanders from the truth and another believer brings them back:

• A soul is saved from death.
• A multitude of sins is covered.

Application

James tells us to honor God with our words and to submit every part of our life to God. In every circumstance we are called to pray and praise.