Mercy Triumphs Over Judgment – James 2:12-13
While it is natural to show preferential treatment to some people, James warns us against that. Show mercy instead. Because mercy triumphs over judgement.
James
Studies from the letter of James
Faith Without Works is Dead – James 2:17
James calls on us to test our faith. Is it active and fruitful? Or is it only an intellectual acknowledgement. Faith without works is dead and useless.
Be Doers of the Word, Putting it into Practice – James 1:22-25
When you read the Bible, how do you respond? James challenges us to be doers of the word, not merely hearers. To put it into practice.
Powerful and Effective Prayer – James 5:16
If I am striving for personal holiness, and I am praying for others, I should expect that my prayer would be effective; that it will make a real difference in people’s lives. What a privilege God has granted us, to help direct his activity on the earth.
Failure to do Good – James 4:17
Sin! As Christians we know that sin is bad and we should avoid it. But how often are we guilty of thinking of sin as just doing bad things? James makes clear that sin is much broader than that. Sin also includes failure to do good when I have the opportunity to do so.
Blessing and Cursing – James 3:9-10
James has a lot to say about the tongue, and most of it is not very good. It is amazing how much trouble that little 3 ounce chunk of flesh can cause. James is directing his comments in this passage to believers, to people who use their tongue to praise their creator and yet are sometimes guilty of speaking poorly of other people, of God’s creation.
A Living Faith – James 2:14
Does your faith in Christ prompt you to give to the needy, to care for the down and out, or to comfort those experiencing loss (Matt 25:34-40). If it does not, then James’ message in this passage is for you; it may be that your faith is dead and of no value. Your deeds will not save you. But they will give evidence of your salvation. Evaluate the evidence; what does it say?
Conflicts in the Body – James 4:1-10
Churches fight. It is unfortunate, but true. If you have been involved with a church more than a few years, you have probably experienced conflict between members; conflict that sometimes spreads across the whole body. And it inevitably hurts, even if you are not directly involved. If any parts of the body are in conflict, then the whole body is really in conflict and suffering. In the passage below, James has a lot to say about conflict in the church, its causes, and how to avoid it. 1 What causes fights and quarrels among you? Don’t they come from your desires …
The Incredible Power of Words – James 3:1-12
Words sometimes come too easy to us. But there is power in our words. The power to build another up. Or to tear them down. So be careful with your words.
Responding to Temptation – James 1:13-15
James in clear that the temptation I face in life comes out of my own desires. And temptation can lead to sin and hinder my walk with God.