Because the Bible is practical, here are some statements to get you thinking.
1. Write one or two key thoughts that come from today’s reading.The theme of this book is “faith that works”. It talks about living a genuine Christian life. All these pragmatic truths really do work. In five short chapters, James covers many practical topics. What a way to start - consider it pure joy when you face many trials. These tests develop perseverance. This will lead to spiritual maturity. A mature believer is in a right relationship with God that is accomplishing God’s plan for the person. Just as physical exercise results in physical strength, so spiritual trials make one strong in the Lord.
Do you need wisdom? Ask God for it. Do you need to see life from God’s perspective? He will help you do that and apply His principles and truth to the real issues of life. Then, in the trials of life, the believer will persevere. As I write this I have just heard of another believer who faithfully served the Lord for many decades has entered his eternal reward. I’m sure that right now he is rejoicing in the fact that he stuck with it through the many trials of life. He one time told me of the extremely difficult spiritual battles he was facing. Now, it was worth it all.
We all face temptation. Some make the crazy statement that God is tempting them to see if they will make it. No loving parent tries to make their child fail. God never does that either. Temptation comes from the evil one. It filters through our own desires for fleshly things. When we don’t reject it, it will lead to a gestation period and finally to destruction as the temptation is followed.
2. What can I apply in my life from the reading?
A very practical and helpful statement is found in verse 22. Don’t just listen to the Bible, for that deceives the person into thinking they are actually pleasing God. DO what it says. Put it into practice. Read and study the Bible and then start doing what you learn. Knowledge is worthless if a person doesn’t do something with it. Some people love to study facts about a variety of topics and then spout those facts. Yes, that can be interesting, but if those facts don’t have a practical application to life, they are basically worthless. Learn the Bible and then live it.
This chapter also challenges believers to get rid of all moral filth. Moral filth is more and more available. The entertainment media is filled with it. This garbage has permeated society and brings a stench that is repulsive to those close to Jesus. It destroys eternal souls. Get serious about living a righteous life. God calls for us to be pure. We are to remain unpolluted from sin.
3. How can I help someone?
There is a great list of practical advice in this chapter. I can help people by pointing them to these helpful truths and helping them apply them.
