James (written)

Sunday, 28 July 2019

Even so the tongue is a little member and boasts great things.
See how great a forest a little fire kindles! James 3:5

James continues in this verse with the notion of something small which can affect something much larger. First, he revisits the issue of the tongue by saying, “Even so the tongue is a little member.” The average tongue of a human is a couple of ounces. It is almost always hidden out of sight, and apart from sticking it out to demean someone else, or for a less-than-classy addition to a selfie, it seems more geared toward regulating things going on inside of the body.

And yet, it is the tongue which “boasts of great things.” We may not often think about the tongue as one of the main parts of the speech-making process, but it is. In fact, without a tongue, speech would be reduced to grunts and moans. But when the tongue operates properly, it is the very means of getting the words in our heads to be understood by those around us.

Here, James shows that this teeny part of the body is that which makes great boasts. From there, he hints at how damaging this is by equating it to something that can be hugely destructive by saying, “See how great a forest a little fire kindles!”

This is a universally understood precept. Wherever fire is known, its destructive effects are also understood. A single spark can light a fire for cooking, or it can increase in size to bring down an entire forest. It is how the fire is contained that its usefulness or out-of-control nature is seen. Likewise, the tongue can be contained, or it can be left unrestrained. The effects of each is also understood. James will continue with this analogy in the coming verse.

Life application: The tongue which, although small in comparison to the rest of the body, can be a force of destruction for so much more than its size would intimate –

The tongue is from where our boasting proceeds.
The tongue is from where our cursing proceeds.
The tongue is from where our blessings proceed.
The tongue is from where our instruction for others proceeds.

The tongue is from where the proclamation for our salvation proceeds. As Paul says –

“…that if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. ¹⁰ For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.” Romans 10:9

Our tongue is a force for both good and evil depending on how it is used. When it is used improperly, it – just like a small spark in the forest – can cause immense destruction.

Think on the misspoken words in political history which have cost millions of lives. Likewise, think of the words which issue from the mouths of false prophets which have led to the eternal condemnation of souls around the world and throughout history. If humanity were a forest and a false teacher were a spark, the recipients of his fiery message would be compared to dry tinder which is so easily consumed.

This is why it is so very important to replenish oneself from the well of Living Water which gives life and protection from this inferno. Read your Bible, study your Bible, and know your Bible better than you know yourself. In doing this, the Water of Life will guard your limbs, your trunk, and your roots from the wiles of the evil one.

Lord God, may we each be like the man the Bible speaks of who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked, who does not stand in the way of sinners, and who does not sit in the seat of mockers. Instead, may our delight be in Your law, and may we meditate on it day and night. In this, we will be like trees planted by streams of water. Our fruit will yield in its season, and our leaves shall not wither. Amen.

Saturday, 27 July 2019

Look also at ships: although they are so large and are driven by fierce winds, they are turned by a very small rudder wherever the pilot desires. James 3:4

James just wrote about the majestic horse which can be brought into submission by a mere bit in its mouth. He now turns to a nautical theme, that of the ship. He says, “Look also at ships.” One can read the excitement in his words as he considers this, and as he places an emphasis (in the Greek) upon the first clause. It may be better translated as “Behold!” Whether James had seen larger ships along the Mediterranean Sea, or only smaller vessels on the Sea of Galilee, it hardly matters when considering the example he will give, which is that “although they are so large and driven by fierce winds.”

Even if James had only seen the smaller vessels at the Sea of Galilee, they would still be big enough to carry men and fishing equipment or passengers. And he would still have known of the amazingly fierce winds which would rush down through the Arbel Pass from the Mediterranean and then over the sea itself. The shallow nature of the sea, combined with these rushing winds, would cause waves to increase to great size. As the winds whipped around, there would be chaos in the waters. It is reminiscent of what is recorded in Luke 8:22-24 –

“Now it happened, on a certain day, that He got into a boat with His disciples. And He said to them, ‘Let us cross over to the other side of the lake.’ And they launched out. ²³ But as they sailed He fell asleep. And a windstorm came down on the lake, and they were filling with water, and were in jeopardy. ²⁴ And they came to Him and awoke Him, saying, ‘Master, Master, we are perishing!’”

James may have even taken a trip to the Mediterranean and seen the larger ships which conducted trading throughout the Middle East. In Acts, one that Paul traveled on carried 276 people. But even if James didn’t actually see such a ship, the Hebrew Scriptures refer to them on several occasions, such as in the book of Jonah, or as referred to in these words from the psalms –

“Those who go down to the sea in ships,
Who do business on great waters,
²⁴ They see the works of the Lord,
And His wonders in the deep.
²⁵ For He commands and raises the stormy wind,
Which lifts up the waves of the sea.
²⁶ They mount up to the heavens,
They go down again to the depths;
Their soul melts because of trouble.
²⁷ They reel to and fro, and stagger like a drunken man,
And are at their wits’ end.
²⁸ Then they cry out to the Lord in their trouble,
And He brings them out of their distresses.
²⁹ He calms the storm,
So that its waves are still.
³⁰ Then they are glad because they are quiet;
So He guides them to their desired haven.” Psalm 107:23-30

James, like Jonah and the psalms, speaks of the fierce winds which can toss a ship about. And yet, the ship is not left without its own means of harnessing and then directing even such winds. As he says, “they are turned by a very small rudder wherever the pilot desires.” Unless the winds are completely unmanageable, the ship is able to capture them in its sails, and then the boat – this massive home upon the seas – is directed by a rudder which is insignificant in comparison to the size of the ship. But despite its diminutive size, the pilot can choose his course and pursue it by turning this small device.

Here, in these words, James is comparing a ship to an individual. The winds are those things which impel us from within our minds, tossing us back and forth, and which need to be properly directed. And the rudder is compared to the tongue. Whichever way the tongue moves will impel the man in that direction – be it good or ill.

Life application: Imagine the massive size of modern ships – larger than football fields and able to carry loads of cargo more immense than most of us can actually imagine. And yet they can be steered by a rudder at the back of the ship which is minuscule in comparison to the size of the ship with its load. Add in strong winds which push against the gigantic sides of the ships and the waves which beat down the length of them, and it is astonishing that they can keep a true course all the way to their remote destinations. Now think on the even more immense direction of souls steered by a wayward preacher or leader. In 2 Peter 1:21, it says –

“…for prophecy never came by the will of man, but holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Spirit.”

The words of prophecy which Peter refers to have come to be known as the Holy Bible. They were divinely inspired by God. In fact, this verse indicates that these men were “moved by the Holy Spirit,” even as a ship is carried along by the wind. Imagine now – even though these words were directed as if by a great wind moving the men as they received the words of God, it takes just a small rudder to distort it for one’s own evil purposes.

An effective distortion of God’s intent will direct the course of the lives of those who believe it – even onto the rocky shores of destruction. However, there is a lighthouse to direct us on the foaming seas; it is God’s Holy Spirit. How important then is it to check what we have been taught and ask for illumination of the word by God so that we don’t end in the depths of the ocean of deceitful instruction, tossed about by every wind of doctrine, or even cast upon the rocks of destruction.

Heavenly Father, as your word unfolds before us, it gives us light and understanding – even to the most simple of us. Help us to yearn for Your word, desiring it as we do the very water we need on a hot and dry day. Have mercy upon us, because we love Your name and because we desire to be true to You. And so, as we walk along life’s path, may Your word be our guide so that sin will not prevail among us. Amen.

Friday, 26 July 2019

Indeed, we put bits in horses’ mouths that they may obey us, and we turn their whole body. James 3:3

James just spoke of not stumbling with our tongues, which leads to being able to bridle the whole body. He now will give a few examples which convey this same type of idea. The first is in line with what he just said, that of bridling a horse. In this, he exclaims, “Indeed.” Some manuscripts (and thus some translations) exclude the word and replace it with a less exciting “but if.” However, assuming “indeed” belongs to the original, James excitedly pens the thought, knowing that it is a beautiful metaphor to convey his intent. As he continues, he says, “we put bits in horses’ mouths that they may obey us.”

The word “horses” is in the emphatic position showing the greatness of the beast. It is large, swift, powerful, and it is most difficult to restrain. So majestic and filled with strength and bravado is the horse that the Lord joyfully called out its noble characteristics to Job –

“Have you given the horse strength?
Have you clothed his neck with thunder?
²⁰ Can you frighten him like a locust?
His majestic snorting strikes terror.
²¹ He paws in the valley, and rejoices in his strength;
He gallops into the clash of arms.
²² He mocks at fear, and is not frightened;
Nor does he turn back from the sword.
²³ The quiver rattles against him,
The glittering spear and javelin.
²⁴ He devours the distance with fierceness and rage;
Nor does he come to a halt because the trumpet has sounded.
²⁵ At the blast of the trumpet he says, ‘Aha!’
He smells the battle from afar,
The thunder of captains and shouting.” Job 39:19-25

James places the horse in the emphatic position for this reason, but then notes that a mere bit in the mouth can bring these splendid creatures into submission so “that they may obey us.” A teeny little thing can subdue these marvelous beasts, and in this state “we turn their whole body.” The obedience of the whole body is brought about by one small item which is contained within the mouth. As this is so, then the obvious connection to our tongue is made. If we can restrain it, then the whole body can be restrained by that action.

Life application: Watching our mouth is an important aspect of our lives in any situation, but as a teacher it is even more so. Parents who don’t watch their tongues around their children are going to have children with evil mouths. Teachers who flippantly talk about misguided subjects will only produce misguided students. And Bible teachers and pastors who make faulty analyses of biblical passages are going to produce students and congregations with faulty doctrine.

If you don’t think this is so, just examine your thoughts on any touchy subject from a biblical perspective. Either it is acceptable or it is not acceptable, but what you were trained is what you believe, regardless of what the truth really is.

Now, go do a study directly from the word and check it out for yourself – without presupposing the outcome. Continue this pattern with every doctrine you have learned. Don’t blindly accept what you are taught. Your teacher is more responsible, but you still bear responsibility in the matter.

Glorious heavenly Father – we can see that just as a large horse is moved about by a small bit in its mouth, so is the tongue in our Bible teachers’ mouths. Their tongues may not be fitted perfectly and their doctrine may be lacking. Help us to check out what we are taught. Please keep our doctrine pure by opening our eyes to what is correct. Amen.

Thursday, 25 July 2019

For we all stumble in many things. If anyone does not stumble in word, he is a perfect man, able also to bridle the whole body. James 3:2

James just spoke of the need for people to not be hasty in becoming teachers, “knowing that we shall receive a stricter judgment.” Now, to support that notion, he says, “For we all stumble in many things.” It is a universal statement, inclusive of himself, that people are prone to error. The word translated as “stumble” is the same word used in verse 2:10 where he noted –

“For whoever shall keep the whole law, and yet stumble in one point, he is guilty of all.”

His point is that all are guilty of breaking the law. It is something confirmed by Paul in the book of Romans –

“…for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” Romans 3:23

Next, to further define what he means by “stumble,” he says, “If anyone does not stumble in word.” The idea here is that everyone is prone to stumble, and thus people who desire to be teachers need to be properly trained in teaching. However, there are those whose point of stumbling is in their words. Such cannot keep watch over their tongues. This is a great error because the tongue is the very means by which the teaching is communicated.

Therefore, if the person’s words are not circumspect, there will be a negative impression brought upon the very word which is being taught. And yet, it is the word which is intended to bring life, restoration with God, and a proper walk before Him. A man who can guard his tongue is needed. In this, James says, “he is a perfect man.”

The word translated as “perfect” gives the sense of full maturity, being brought to the end of the development process so that there is a perfection of his verbal conduct. There will be no stumbling because he has trained himself in the word. It is reflective of what is said in Psalm 39:1 –

“I said, ‘I will guard my ways,
Lest I sin with my tongue;
I will restrain my mouth with a muzzle,
While the wicked are before me.’”

Finally, James describes such a perfect man by saying that he is “able also to bridle the whole body.” How can that be? The tongue is so small, and it is normally kept out of sight. And yet James says that in keeping the tongue in check, the whole body is bridled! The word he uses is one only found here and in James 1:26, chalinagógeó, and it signifies “to curb,” “restrain,” or even “to bridle.” One puts a bridle in the horse of a mouth, and the horse can then be moved wherever the rider determines. This is the idea that James gives here. To bridle the tongue will keep the whole body moving in the desired path.

James will continue with his thoughts on the tongue in the verses ahead, warning all that the tongue must be properly restrained, or severe consequences will result.

Life application: Living a faultless life is a hard challenge and, as James indicates, we all stumble in many ways. There are certain sects and cults which claim that we can have total victory over sin even in this life. But 1 John 1:10 dispels that notion –

“If we say that we have not sinned, we make Him a liar, and His word is not in us.”

We cannot claim that we were or are yet free from sin. To make such a claim is to call the inspiration of Scripture into question. However, we can strive to be faultless in the use of our tongue. And this, in turn, will allow us to keep the rest of our actions in check as well.

Because of the large amount of effort James will dedicate to the subject of keeping watch over our tongues, we will demonstrate wisdom to take heed to his admonitions. In addition to James, the book of Proverbs deals with the subject of exercising care in the use of our mouths.

Let us make a concerted effort to use our mouths for praise and not cursing, adoration and not contempt, uplifting and not tearing down. If we do this, not only will those we address be blessed, but we will as well.

Negativity in life stores up in our souls and makes us bitter. So let us attempt to focus on the good aspects of others – to the extent possible, depending on the person. If there is nothing redeeming in the person, then don’t say anything at all. Why lower yourself to the level of a debased person? All things to the glory of the Lord! So let us watch our tongues closely.

Heavenly Father, we surely and openly admit to our inability to control our tongues in all situations. Therefore, we ask a heaping dose of restraint in this matter. Refresh us and give us the ability to overcome the use of inappropriate words. We ask this that You will be glorified in our lives and in the eyes of those around us. Amen.

Wednesday, 24 July 2019

My brethren, let not many of you become teachers, knowing that we shall receive a stricter judgment. James 3:1

James now begins Chapter 3 by once again addressing fellow believers with the words, “My brethren.” He is concerned about the quality of understanding matters of doctrine within the fellowship, and so he says to them, “let not many of you become teachers.”

The word he uses signifies one competent in instruction. In this case, he is referring to a knowledge of Scripture and its right application, meaning proper theology. This is obvious because he is writing to an assembly of believers who are gathered as a synagogue (verse 2:2), meaning a group which has come together for this purpose.

His words indicate that a few who are qualified and knowledgeable in the word are far more preferable than having many teach but who are unqualified. Indeed, there are many valid reasons for this, but James then goes on to give one main reason for the directive by saying, “knowing that we shall receive a stricter judgment.”

Using the first person plural, James is including himself in being a teacher, and the consequences of this if his duties are not properly handled. As a teacher of the word, he has a concern even for his own state as a teacher. It shows a care and a concern that his doctrine and instruction is more important to him than merely holding the position.

The results of not having this care and concern for doctrine will lead to an unfavorable judgment. The KJV unfortunately and incorrectly translates this word as “condemnation” rather than “judgment.” As James is writing to believers (my brethren), and as this means that they are in Christ and are saved, there is a truth revealed elsewhere in Scripture concerning this matter – as is noted by Paul in Romans 8:1, 1 Corinthians 11:32, and elsewhere – which is that believers have gone from condemnation to salvation. Ours is a judgment not for condemnation, but for rewards and loss.

James’ point is that a teacher who is unqualified will not be excused because of his lack of knowledge, but will rather be held to a higher standard because of the position he has assumed. Instead of rewards for accepting the challenge, there will be loss for failing to bring honor to the position, sound instruction to those who listen, and glory to God through the instruction.

Life application: Having a proper understanding of the Bible before teaching ought to be the norm, but it is more often than not the exception. Very few ministers, pastors, and teachers have actually read through the Bible even once. Bible teachers will often use non-biblical texts for Bible study, something which defeats the purpose of the study. Rather than the word itself, teachers are known to refer to A Purpose Driven Life, the Left Behind series, or one of a number of other non-biblical texts as if they were authoritative for successful living, or for an understanding of points of doctrine, such as end-times events.

If you want bad doctrine, just click on the internet and type in “Bible Study.” There are millions of sites containing such bad information that it simply isn’t possible to discern what is right and what is wrong without already knowing what the Bible actually says. Is it ok to drink alcohol? Only one answer is correct – Yes or No. But without having personally studied the issue, how can you know which is true?

What should be the truth about Christian giving – tithing or something else? What does the Bible really teach about tithing anyway? The list is long of such lesser issues which can lead people down faulty paths, and which will inevitably set our lives on unhappy courses. How much worse then with the greater issues such as justification, sanctification, proper conduct within the church, and etc.

Consider other major doctrines such as the Trinity, the virgin birth, the resurrection, etc. If you have gotten those wrong, your salvation very well may be in question. And yet there are millions of people who either deny these fundamental truths, or don’t know where they stand on the issue. If the masses who aren’t teachers are in trouble, then how much more will be the teachers of such heresies. Misdirected faith is wasted faith. Make sure you read your Bible and know the truth – eternity awaits.

Lord God, may You be our guide and our teacher through the word You have given. When we attend a Bible study or read a commentary, may You open our eyes to the truth of what is being taught. Give us proper biblical discernment as a gift to us so that we might not sin against You. This we ask in the beautiful name of Jesus our Lord. Amen.