Praise God, I am doing better even though the smoke from the fire has been causing some issues for me.
Now on to James...
When we forget who we are in God, it becomes a downward quick slide to being jealous & envious of others. We remove our focus from God to others. We start comparing, which leads to anger w/God.
James is showing in Vv 11-17 what happens once jealous, envy & anger enter into the picture. Once we start comparing & judging, arrogance sets in. We go down the slippery slope of thinking we are in control of our own futures.
Vv10-12: James is dealing with speaking evil against one another & judging one another. Our lesson writer states James does not intend for us to look at the two things mentioned as separate practices.
***We must realize that when we speak evil against one another is to judge them***
QUESTION: What constitutes "speaking evil against one another"?
James is determining judgement as the "final" word about another person. This include the person's character, behavior, and/or value. An example of "final" word would be saying such things as:
"He will never" or "She always"
We should never declare judgement of "so and so" being a "hopeless case!"
Verse 12: James is explaining that declaring judgement means we are saying "we are an expert in God's Law." Once, we do this we have fallen out of right relationship w/the law of God. Our correct & right relationship w/God's Law is to be people who obey it out of love, trust, and hope in Him who created us & teaches us how to live.
***WE SHOULD NEVER DECLARE SOMETHING DEAD THAT IS GOD'S JOB NOT OURS!!!***
Vv13-14 QUESTION: Is James saying to NEVER PLAN?
Answer: No, the people's mistake was in planning like they have THE POWER over the future.
We have all either heard or even said ourselves, "Lord willing" & "If it is the Lord's Will"
QUESTION: "Is saying these things about all of our plans a guarantee that we have the right attitude?"
Answer: We must have an attitude of submission. Don't use these words like some sort of charm. James is discussing how some practice "boasting & bragging" instead of truly subjecting their plans to God's Will.
Remember, we have said from the beginning that the purpose of James' letter is to attain spiritual maturity. Let's review some of the things James has said in Chapters 1-4:
- Stand confidently on God's Word even in the midst of trials & temptations
- We must compassionately serve fellow believers w/out favoritism but w/practical faith
- We must speak carefully with a God controlled tongue & wise thoughts
- We must submit to our ALL-Powerful Father, Lawgiver & judge w/a humble spirit, just actions & a trusting heart
- We must be who God wants us to be, do what God wants us to do, & speak what wants us to speak
- To know the Will of God, do the Will of God, fully understand & comprehend God is ultimately in control.
We move on to Chapter 5. Have a blessed week!
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