If we are to succeed at displaying a mature faith - a faith that works - we must pray because prayer helps us to walk in fellowship with God and others.
We know patience is a virtue, but we still struggle. When the pressures of life increase we can easily become impatient. James points our attention to the return of the Lord Jesus Christ. With our eyes on him, we can patiently endure, trusting in his character.
What place do riches and wealth have in the lives of believers? In a "wealthy" society like ours, how do we fight the temptations of riches? James reminds us to keep our eyes on the coming Judge!
James has been drawing our attention to a sovereign God - the judge of the universe. So, how does he fit in with our planning? In James 4:13-17 we see how important it is that we live by God's will.
We have all said things we regret. We have all hurt others with our words. We know it is wrong, and that we should avoid it, yet it still happens. It is still a temptation. However, in the family of God it should not be so!
Where do conflicts come from? Is it just that we said the wrong words? Is it simply selfishness? Our words reveal our hearts, and our hearts are desperately wicked. James cuts to the heart of conflict and points us to God's grace, laying out a clear path to return to God.
We all desire to be wise and make wise decisions. James explains the two sources of wisdom and how we can know by which wisdom we are living. We should live peacefully by the wisdom from God above.
Communication is a challenge in just about every relationship in life! Christianity is no exception. It is crucial that Christians learn to control their tongues.
James makes the case that genuine "living" faith will be seen in works. The two are inseparable. A person's actions inevitably display what they believe, so show your real faith by obeying God.
James points out that tendencies toward favoritism are present in all of our hearts - and that's not ok. Favoritism has no place in the church and does not fit with true faith in Christ. Learn from James why it is wrong and how to remove it from your life.
James explains that we can participate in the maturing process as we listen to, learn, and live the Word! This passage helps us learn to be doers and not just hearers only.
When trials hit, we also get hit with temptation. We want to meet our desires as quickly as possible and we have two options - we can turn to God and His gifts for help, or we can turn to sinful things. Learn from the Word how to remain steadfast and follow God’s way during these times.
Come see the God Who helps us perfectly through trials and improves our eternal condition through them. Not even one millisecond of a trial is wasted. Every bit of it is used to mature us and do us good - now and forever!