The tongue reveals the condition of our hearts. James’ infallible words help us with our fallible words. Teachers of God’s Word along with everyone else must be careful with their words as everyone stumbles and sins through our words. The tongue is powerful, and we must recognize our inability to tame it on our own. We must allow the Lord to transform our hearts and minds through His Word and Spirit, which will transform our words to speak the truth in love and the good news to our neighbors and nations.
Faith That Speaks
July 2, 2023 • BJ Stricklin • James 3:1–12
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Faith That Prays
August 6, 2023 • BJ Stricklin • James 5:13–20
Our faith grows, and joy increases during suffering as we turn to God in prayer and praise. James instructs the church to pray with the elders. The literal and symbolic oil represents setting someone apart through prayer for special attention and care before God Who alone can heal. Not only should the elders pray for people, but so should the whole church because God answers prayer! He answered prayers for Elijah, and He’ll do it for us! Believers should pray for and help return those who wander and waiver in their faith back to God Who forgives and restores.
Faith That Is Humble
July 23, 2023 • Marshall West • James 4:11—5:6
God opposes the proud and gives grace to the humble. Pride manifests in various forms. It could be slander, boasting, or hoarding. Slander dishonors God and disheartens others. In contrast, Godly speech praises God and encourages others. Boasting about our future (short and long-term) by neglecting to ask God’s will is arrogant, foolish, and evil. Hoarding the resources God has placed in our lives is also prideful. We will be judged by God for how we have used what He has entrusted us. The things of this world are wasting away, but they can be invested for eternal purposes in His Kingdom.