Study From the Book of James,3

                  Study from the Book of James,2

Today is the third part of this series, where we study chapter two and as usual, we pick up a couple of biblical principles and lessons that can be useful in biblical counselling.

In chapter two James warns against the partiality. He makes an example of allowing the rich to sit in a good place, but the poor to stand or sit at foot-stool. Without notice we could break the commandant which says “you shall love your neighbour as yourself.”  For whoever shall keep the whole Law and yet stumble in one point, he is guilty of all.

He then highlights that faith without works is dead. He gives example of Abraham, he was justified by faith, yes but also by works when he offered Isaac his son on the alter. The same with Rahab and her family, they were justified by faith but also by works when she received the messengers and sent them out another way.   

Structure:

Verses1-13: Beware of personal favouritism

Verses 14-26: Faith without works is dead.

Principle 3, verse 2:10: “-For whoever shall keep the whole law, and yet stumble in one point, he is guilty of all.”

Lesson 3: James means that all sin is a violation of God’s holy character, and therefore we oppose not only His commandments but Him. Psalm 51:4 says, “against You, You only , have I sinned , and done this evil in Your sight -that You may be  found just when You speak , and blameless when You judge.”  

Principle 4: verse 2:19, “-You believe that there is one God. You do well, Even the demons believe -and tremble!”

Lesson 4: Belief in God is not the same as faith in God. Demons believe that God exists. They also believe that Christ rose from the grave. But they do not willingly submit to His will or eagerly put their destiny in His hands. 18/10/2020