Friendship with the World – James 4:4
You can follow the Lord as his disciple. Or follow the way of friendship with the world. But not both. Attempting to do both is adultery.
But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us. (2 Cor. 4:7 NIV)
Studies from the letter of James
You can follow the Lord as his disciple. Or follow the way of friendship with the world. But not both. Attempting to do both is adultery.
Grumbling, or complaining, is all too common in our churches today. But James tells us to don’t grumble. Instead look to build others up.
James encourages those who lack the wisdom to face the trials we face as believers to prayer for it. But be sure to pray in faith.
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 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.
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.
The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective; it makes a difference in the lives of those prayed for.
James says that not doing the good I should is sin. This includes harmful and hurtful actions. And failing to do what is good when I can.
How often am I guilty of praising God in one moment and then cursing, or speaking poorly, of people in the next moment?
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?