The Study of James: Chapter 4:11-17

July 30, 2009

~Denise Grant

 

James 4:11-12 – “Brothers, do not slander one another. Anyone who speaks against his brother or judges him speaks against the law and judges it. When you judge the law you are not keeping it, but sitting in judgment on it. There is only one Lawgiver and Judge, the one who is able to save and destroy. But you – who are you to judge your neighbor?” When we fail to love, we are actually breaking God’s law. To break God’s law is to sin. Have you ever stopped to think about it that way? But, it’s true! Examine your attitudes and actions toward others. Do you build people up or tear them down? Do you encourage and support or rip them to shreds? When you’re ready to criticize someone, remember God’s law of love and instead, say something good about them instead. If you make this a habit, your tendency to find fault with others will diminish and your ability to obey God’s law will increase. Go on – five it a try!

 

James 4:13- “Now listen, you who say, ‘Today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city, spend a year there, carry on business and make money.’” There is no point in making plans as though God does not exist, because the future is in His hands. Goals are a great thing to have, but worthless if we bother to leave God out of the planning of such goals. What would you like to be doing ten years from now? How about next year, this time? Even tomorrow? How will you react if God steps in and rearranges your plans? Oh, it’s ok to make plans - but hang on to your plans lightly – and don’t get so upset when they fall through. It may be that God – seeing the bigger picture – just did you a favor.

 

James 4:14 – “Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes.” No matter how long we live - life is short – too short! Don’t be deceived into thinking you have lots of remaining time to live for Christ, or to enjoy your loves ones, and to do things you want to do for Him.  Live for God T-O-D-A-Y! Then, no matter when your life ends, you will have fulfilled God’s plan for you.

 

James 4:15-16 – “Instead, you ought to say, “if it is the Lord’s will, we will live and do this or that.’ As it is, you boast and brag. All such boasting is evil. If you put God’s desires at the center of your planning – even in the minute things – you will not be disappointed.

 

James 4:17 – “Anyone then, who knows the good he ought to do and doesn’t do it, sins.”  We tend to think that doing wrong is sin. But James tells us that sin is also not doing right. Actually, these two kinds of sin are known as, “sins of commission” and “sins of omission”.  We all understand it is a sin to lie. But did you know that it can also be a sin to know the truth and not to tell it? Equally, we believe it’s a sin to speak evil of someone, but it’s also a sin to avoid that person when you know they need your friendship. We should be willing to help as the Holy Spirit guides us.

 

Can you truthfully say you have not sinned by these standards? You should also pray that you do not sin by neglecting to do what is good and right.

 

Father God,

 

When we know the right thing to do and don’t do it – we’ve sinned against You and that ultimately hurts our right relationship with You. Open our eyes and hearts so that we always stayed tuned into the Holy Spirit’s guidance in our lives. In Jesus name, Amen.

 

Denise Grant - Just "clay" in the Master Potter's hands.

 

"If we ever forget that we are one nation under God, then we will be a nation gone under." ~Ronald Reagan

 

“If my people who are called by my name will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land."  2 Chronicles 7:14