Go With the Flow

539.  "Go With the Flow"     June 12, 2012
Summary of James-Part 1

LET IT GLOW

Review:
Do you recall that there were five men named "James" mentioned in the Bible which could have been the author of our book. However, most scholors agree that this particular one is Jesus' half brother and the oldest one. Also, he was the brother of Jude.

James  was written to believers, "brethren" which were scattered. It was probably written about
45 A.D.while Claudius was emperor in rome. Under his rule the Jews had been persecuted and driven out of Rome and their homeland, Palestine. It was the earliest book/letters of the New Testament cannon. James wrote it prior to his death by stoning, which was A.D.62.

Tradition nicknamed James "the Just." It was described as a man of great piety and constant prayer. His relationship to Jesus was by God's grace alone.

Christ's name is only found twice in this book (1:1 and 2:1). James gives over 50 imparitives, warnings, and reproofs. He didn't write about doctrine, but instructed how to live the Christian life.
The main theme os this book is "Real faith produces genuine works. If you say you've come to know the Lord Jesus, then that should be reflected by your life." (Swindoll)

In this book, James talks about our tests in life, which God uses to make us more like Jesus, to check out how strong our faith is. Trials reveal to ourself and others what faith we do have. The temptations we have are brought on because of our own lusts. God has a way out for us ready when we ask for His help.


LET IT GROW

Sometimes when we floated on the river in a canoe, last weekend, my husband didn't paddle, but went with the flow of the current. He let it carry us on down the river. I think that is how I should be when trial, troubles, problems, testings come into my life. I should just go with the flow. Let Jesus carry me through the rough spots. Now, I know that is easier said than done, but I'll consider my own advice.

This summary of James is different from the others in that I am  not going to use Scriptures, but the idea, commands that he used in each chapter. Since there are so many, I thought it better to divide it into two parts.

James 1

• Consider it all joy.
• Let endurance have its perfect result.
• Ask God if you lack wisdom.
• Ask in faith.
• Let the double-minded not expect anything from the Lord.
• Let the humble have glory; let the rich have humiliation.
• Let the tempted not say he is tempted of God.
• Do not be deceived about your temptation.
• Be quick to hear; slow to speak; slow to anger.
• Receive the Word implanted.
• Prove yourselves doers of the Word, and not mere hearers.

James 2

• Do not show favoritism.
• Listen, God chose the poor of this world to be rich in faith.
• So speak and so act [what you believe].

James 3

• Let not many become teachers...
• Behold, the ships...
• Behold, how great a forest is sset aflame by such a small fire!
• Do not be arrogant.

(Chapters 4 & 5 are in the next lesson.)
[Reference: James and First and Second Peter by William Baker]

Charles Swindoll, in his book, James, Practical and Authentic Living, wrote this overview of the chapters:

1. When stretched, faith doesn't brea; it produces genuine stability.
2. When pressed, faith doesn't fail; it produces genuine love.
3. When expressed, faith doesn't explode; it produces henuine control and humility.
4. When distressed, faith doesn't panic; it produces genuine patience.

LET IT GO

Go with the flow when trials come.

Let Jesus carry me through.

Stay in God's Word.

Surrender to the Holy Spirit's leading.

Your will,
Your way,
Today,
I pray.