James: Week Four: Humility

WEEK FOUR: HUMILITY

As I prayed about dividing James into themes rather than taking it verse by verse, I could instantly see that there were clear topics about which he taught. Trials. Temptations. Sin. Prayer. The Tongue. All those made sense to me.

There was one more “theme”. Humility. I considered skipping it.

It didn’t seem important enough to merit an entire week. As I prayed about it, though, I realized that humility is KEY for disciples of Christ. Jesus humbled Himself. David, a man after God’s own heart, humbled himself. Moses was the most humble man who ever lived.

In the kingdom of God, if you want to be great, you have to choose to be least, to humble yourself. If you want answered prayer, you have to be humble.

Love is not proud. It’s not “puffed up”. What Paul meant is that love is humble. If we want to love like God loves, we need to love with humility.

DAY ONE: DEFINITIONS

According to Merriam-Webster Dictionary, humility is “the quality or state of being humble.” Humble is a word that can serve as both an adjective and a verb. It’s what we are and what we do. If humility is the state of being humble, to understand humility, we need to also understand “humble”. Let’s begin today with a few definitions.

1. 1)  Follow the links to the the online Merriam-Webster dictionary to find the meanings of these words. Be sure to read all the way to the end of the entry, because these words can be used as different parts of speech. (especially note the English language learner definition of humiliate)
   a) HUMILITY: b) HUMBLE:
   c) HUMILIATE:
   
2. 2)  How are these three words similar? How are they different?
   
3. 3)  Jesus, who was both Son of God and Son of Man, is the ultimate example of humility. Jesus in heaven has a very different appearance from Jesus on earth. How does He demonstrate humility by His earthly appearance in contrast to His heavenly appearance? (See Zechariah 9:9, Revelation 1:13-16 and John 13:3-5)

4. 4)  Compare and contrast Jesus’ activities on earth and in heaven. In what ways did He demonstrate humility to us? (See Romans 8:34, Hebrews 1:3, Hebrews 12:2, John 12:14-16, John 13:3-5, John 19:1-11)
   
   
5. 5)  When we choose to follow Jesus, He invites us to take His yoke as our own. What lessons does He want to teach us? (Matthew 11:29-30, Matthew 18:4)
   
   
6. 6)  Some farmers use an interesting technique to teach their younger oxen to shoulder a yoke and pull. Instead of pairing two inexperienced oxen together, they pair a younger ox with an older, knowledgeable one. In that same way, when we accept the yoke of Jesus, we do not accept it alone. We shoulder it with Him so that we can learn from Him. How might taking Jesus’ yoke upon us teach us humility?
   
   
7. 7)  The theme of humility runs throughout James’ letter. In the opening chapter, (James 1:9-11), James uses a paradox (a statement that seems to be contradictory, but is true) to describe the difference between the rich man and the poor man. What is the “position” of the rich man? What is the “position” of the poor man? On what are these apparently contradictory positions based?

8. 8)  The man of humble circumstances is to glory in his high position. (James 1:9) The word translated as “glory” can also be translated “rejoice.” What about his circumstances would be cause for this man to rejoice?
   
   
9. 9)  What is the cause for the rich man’s humiliation? James 1:10 (Follow to link to BLB)
   

I love the way Matthew Henry described this. (Leanna paraphrase) “The rich man should not rejoice in the providence of God that made him rich nor the pleasures those riches buy, but in the grace of God that keeps him humble and the trials that teach him to rely on God.”

PRAYER PAUSE:

Humility, the state of being humble, is a condition of the heart. It’s something we choose, independent of our finances or social position. If we want to be like Jesus, we’ll choose humility rather than pride, arrogance, or conceit.

In the last hours of His life, Jesus chose to humble Himself before His disciples as a servant. He set aside His robes, gathered basin and towel, and washed their feet. It was an example that was intended to leave a lasting impression, a call to servanthood.

We who follow Jesus must “take up His yoke” and follow His example. Jesus’ invitation to carry his yoke is not an invitation to misery and suffering. It’s a call to those who are weary and overloaded.
His yoke, He promises, is easy and light. When we choose His way, we gain gentleness and humility.
When we carry our own yoke, we gain exhaustion. I’ve been there many times. I’ve added responsibilities God never meant for me, and it was like carrying a heavy weight around my neck. Exhausting. Emotionally draining.

One very helpful tool I learned a few months ago at a Hope Force training was to reassess all my responsibilities in terms of their origin. I looked back at the projects I was doing and asked these four questions:

Can I remember a time when God clearly called me to the work?

Is the call still valid?
Is God still blessing?
If God’s not in it, what changes do I need to make?

I examined every responsibility I had. The ones that were begun in response to clear direction from God gave me joy and rest. The ones that were begun at the request of someone else, generally, did not. I used that self-assessment to embrace the work God had given me with greater joy. I also used it to unload some responsibilities that could best be done by someone else.

How have you experienced the burden of self-imposed responsibility?

Today, let’s look at our lives in terms of the yoke we’re carrying. Are we exhausted by our work? Are we weary and heavy-laden? Do we need a “yoke exchange”?

Take as much time as you need to evaluate every area of responsibility.

Some responsibilities are not negotiable. If you’re married, God has called you to honor your husband. If you have children, God has called you to train up your children in the ways of God. To nurture and provide for them. If your parents are still living, you’re called to honor them.

With those exceptions, take a close look at the yoke you carry (especially the one that is exhausting/draining) and ask the four questions I used.

1. 1)  Can I remember a time when God clearly called me to this work?
   
2. 2)  Is the call still valid?
   
3. 3)  Is God still blessing this work or activity?
   
4. 4)  If God’s not in an area, what changes do I need to make?
   

DAY TWO: EXAMPLES OF HUMILITY

Being humble. Being great. The two seem mutually exclusive, but they’re not. The greatest leaders of our faith achieved their greatness when they humbled themselves before Almighty God and followed Him. Today, we’ll look at their examples and learn from them.

MOSES:

1. 1)  How is Moses described in Numbers 12:3?
   
2. 2)  Review the meaning of humble according to BLB. (Follow the link. Be sure to check
   Gesenius’ Lexicon)
   
3. 3)  Moses, the son of Hebrew slaves, was raised in Pharaoh’s court. He grew up surrounded by wealth and power in the home of the most powerful man in the nation. Educated in the best schools. Fed with the choicest food. Friends with the highest echelon of society. His was one of the most prominent positions in the nation. Was this likely a position of humility? What factors in his life might have contributed to humility in Moses?
   
4. 4)  As an adult, Moses murdered an Egyptian who was beating a Hebrew slave. In the aftermath, he fled for his life. He spent the next forty years tending livestock in the land of Midian for his father-in-law, Jethro. (See Exodus 3:1, Acts 7:30) By the time Moses encountered the burning bush, his heart had changed. What factors may have contributed to the humility he developed?
   
5. 5)  God commended Moses as “faithful”. What is the meaning of this word in Hebrew? See Gesenius Lexicon. (Numbers 12:7)
   
6. 6)  How did God treat Moses? (Num. 12:8)
   

DAVID:

It wasn’t his ability to throw stones with a slingshot nor his courage when faced with a raging bear or charging lion that earned him the title of “a man after God’s own heart.” (Acts 13:22)

7. 7)  How did David evidence humility and a heart like God’s? a) 1 Samuel 17:15
   b) 1 Samuel 24 c) Psalm 34:4
   
8. 8)  I found an interesting map that details David’s flight as Saul pursued him. Follow the link to see David’s journey. (Scroll down to the bottom of the page.) How many times did David have to flee? (They’re numbered on the map)
   
9. 9)  Despite repeatedly fleeing a madman who was trying to murder him, a man for whom David was the God-anointed replacement, how did David treat Saul?
   
10. 10)  James 4:6 says God gives grace to the humble. How might that be true in the lives of Moses and David?
    

PRAYER PAUSE:

Both Moses and David sinned and had stunning defeats. Neither of them were perfect men, but they had intimate relationships with our Lord. God spoke face to face with Moses. God called David “a man after God’s own heart.” It wasn’t their leadership skills or their heroic deeds that commended them to God. It was their humility.

1. 1)  If my relationship with God were dependent upon the depth of my humility, how close would that relationship be?
   
2. 2)  Consider the heart of the boy, David, who was anointed king and grew to manhood while waiting for the opportunity to do that for which God had called and anointed him. How willing am I to wait for what God has planned? How faithful am I to continue to act like Christ when my circumstances see insurmountable?
   

3) What lessons do I need to learn from the lives of Moses and David?
4) How has God shown grace to me when I chose humility over pride?

DAY THREE: THE COST OF REFUSING HUMILITY

Choosing humility is not optional if we want to have the kind of prayer life that makes a difference. When we’re tempted to indulge in pride, it helps to remember the cost of refusing to humble ourselves.

One of the most heart-wrenching refusals of humility is that of the Egyptian Pharaoh. The water of the Nile turned to blood. Frogs filled the houses and the streets, then gnats. Swarms of insects laid waste to the land. A pestilence caused all the livestock to die. Both man and beast were struck with painful boils. Still he refused to humble himself before God.

Egypt had been a wealthy, powerful, productive nation. The pride of Pharaoh was costly. The land was devastated and filled with the stinking, rotting carcasses of dead livestock. The people were in agony from their painful boils. I think I’d have given in, but his pride knew no limits. At least not yet.


1) James 4:6 is the focus verse for this week’s study on humility. God gives grace to the humble, but how does He respond to those who refuse humility?

2)  What warning did Moses give Pharaoh? (Exodus 10:3)

3)  What additional plagues resulted from his refusal to humble himself? (Exodus 10:4, 21, 11:4-5, 12:29-32)

4)  Even after he allowed the children of Israel to leave Egypt, Pharaoh changed his mind and sent his army after them. We tend to think of pride as saying, “I am so great.” Pride also says, “I can have my way instead of God’s way.” As Pharaoh and his army found, it didn’t work too well. How does James say God responds to that attitude? (James 4:6)

5)  The word translated as “is opposed” is antitassō. In what way does God oppose the proud? (Follow the link)


6)  The word translated as “proud” is hyperēphanos. What behaviors are a product of pride? (follow the link)


7)  Deuteronomy tells us that God humbled the children of Israel in the wilderness. They’d been slaves their entire lives. Why might they need to be humbled?


8)  How did He humble them? (See Deuteronomy 8:2-3)


9)  What was God’s purpose in humbling His people? (Deuteronomy 8:16)

PRAYER PAUSE:

God is as opposed to the proud today as He was in the days of Moses and Pharaoh. He still humbles us if we refuse to choose humility for ourselves.

1. 1)  In what ways has God warned you about your pride and the need for humility?
   
2. 2)  In what ways have you failed to humble yourself?
   
3. 3)  What consequences resulted?
   
4. 4)  God wants us to choose humility in every area of our lives. In this country, we have become so accustomed to affluence and position that we can easily fail to see our need for humility, or our lack. Let’s invite God to peel away all the layers of pride this week so that, before He’s done, we can have the hearts of humility that will be welcomed into His presence. Write your prayer of confession and repentance.

DAY FOUR: BLESSINGS OF HUMILITY
Choosing to humble ourselves doesn’t sound very attractive, does it? It brings to mind a prolonged fast and frumpy clothes, among other unattractive lifestyle choices. What we seldom recognize is that choosing humility brings incredibly sweet blessings.
James 4:6 tells us that God gives grace to the humble. The word translated as “grace” is charis, the divine grace that leads to salvation.
1) How does the Outline of Bible Usage, II A describe this grace?
If the grace that leads to salvation and transformation was the only benefit of humility, it would
be more than enough. Instead, there are numerous references to additional blessings of humility. 2) What other specific blessings are mentioned in the Scriptures below?
a) 2 Chronicles 7:14
b) Psalm 37:11
c) Proverbs 11:2
d) Proverbs 15:33
e) Isaiah 57:15
g) 1 Peter 5:6

PRAYER PAUSE:

Look back over the benefits of humility and spend a few minutes pondering how your life might be different if those blessings filled your life.
1) Which of those blessings would you most like to receive?
2) What would it take for you to have them?
3) What changes would be required for you to have the kind of humility that God blesses?
4) If you’re ready to embrace humility, a life of dying to self that continues until we reach eternity, write a prayer of repentance and commitment.

DAY FIVE: EXALTATION

Exaltation seems like an odd topic during a week spent studying humility. Today, we’re taking a closer look at James 4:10.
God exalts the humble, James tells us.
It’s a divine paradox that makes no sense at all from a worldly perspective. The world exalts the proud. The outrageous. The brash and bold. It offers nothing but scorn to the humble.
God has an entirely different standard. He scorns the ways of the world. He embraces and exalts those who intentionally humble themselves.

1)  Read James 4:10 aloud, then write the verse here:

2)  Tapeinoō is the word translated as “humble yourselves”. This verb is in the aorist tense, passive voice, and imperative mood. I know that’s a jumble of words, but what they mean is simple. This is a command, and obedience is not optional. We are to actively humble ourselves, and do it with intention. What does this action entail? Follow the link above. (See Thayer’s Lexicon (2b))

3)  Where are we to humble ourselves? (See link)

4)  Before whom are we to humble ourselves? (Follow link to Vine’s)

5)  The word translated as Lord, kyrios, is the same word used in the following verses. What do these verses tell us about the Lord before Whom we are to humble ourselves?

a) John 20:20

 

b) Revelation 1:8

b) Revelation 15:3-4 

c) Revelation 17:14 

d) Revelation 21:22

6)  Hypsoō is the word translated as “He will exalt”. If you follow the link to BLB, you may be tempted to think this refers to the false theology often called “prosperity gospel”. The outline of Biblical usage indicates the word is used to “lift up on high” and “to raise to the very summit of opulence and prosperity.” That sounds exciting, doesn’t it? Think again. This is the word used to indicated Jesus’ “lifted up” on the cross. 

Before we jump to conclusions, click on the Vine’s Expository Dictionary link. Scroll down to 4, Lift. Take notes, then click on “See EXALT”. Find James 4:10’s meaning in A-1 (b) and write it here.

7)  Instead of prosperity, God promises something infinitely better to those who intentionally humble themselves before Him. What does He give?

PRAYER PAUSE:

Today is the day to which we’ve been moving all week. Today, we look at ourselves in comparison to our Holy, Righteous God and choose to humble ourselves before Him.

1) Let’s begin by entering His gates with thanksgiving. (Psalm 100:4) Write a prayer of thanksgiving for the many blessings God has given.

2) I have a notation in the margin beside Psalm 103 that says, “BENEFITS PACKAGE.” Let’s use the words of this psalm to bless our Lord. Be sure to write out your prayer of blessing toward the Lord.

3) Humbling ourselves before God requires that we acknowledge Who He is, but it also requires that we acknowledge ourselves as sinners who’ve been saved by grace. Write a prayer of confession, acknowledgement, and thanksgiving for forgiveness given.

4) While we’re in the presence of our Lord, spend some time worshipping and listening. Don't ask for anything except a clear word from the Lord. Write down whatever God puts on your heart.

DAY SIX: HUMILITY AND SERVANTHOOD

When Jesus removed his cloak, picked up a towel and a basin of water, and knelt down at the dirty feet of his disciples, He changed the appearance of a God-follower forever.
“Do what I do,” He challenged us.

He raised the dead. Healed the sick. Gave sight to the blind and hearing to the deaf. He made the mute to speak. Cast out demons. Spoke a word and it was done. I like all those jobs. They’re exciting and, for the most part, clean.

Washing feet is not clean work. It’s not done with a word. It’s crawl-on-the-floor, stinky, dirty work. Just before He died for us (even more terrible work), Jesus set an example by washing the dusty feet of His disciples. Including the one who was already in the process of betraying Him.

I’ve done a few foot-washings in my time. The person was always wearing socks. Their feet were always clean. It was nothing more than a ceremonial washing. Not so what our Lord did in the upper room.

Jesus chose humility and washed their dirt away.

If we are truly humble, we, too, will chose the job that requires humility to do it. We, too, will take the dirtiest, stinkiest job in order to serve others as Christ served. We, too, will fulfill the Royal Law of our King. That’s what humility manifested as servanthood is all about.

Read James 2:8 again and write the words here. It’s vital that we understand the importance of this verse, because it’s how Jesus expects us to treat those around us. (We’ll look more at this issue of servanthood in James when we study doing and being next week.)

A woman once told me about her job at church. She didn’t sing in the choir, teach the children, or help in the office. She cleaned the toilets. This lady did not look like a “toilet-cleaner” to me. She had chosen the job as an act of humility, and had continued it because it had become a time of intercession for the work of the church and those who would attend. She continued to volunteer as toilet-cleaner because it was some of the sweetest prayer time she had.

Today, we’ll look at the scene in the upper room, as well as some practical ways we can choose the humility of servanthood.

1)  Begin by reading through John 13:1-17 to get the flavor of the passage, then go back and read it aloud. Take notes on what stands out to you.

2)  John 13:1 always surprises me. “Jesus knowing that His hour had come that He should depart out of this world...” His time on earth was done. It was time to die and go back to heaven. Both of those statements are true, but there was something looming ahead that took considerable fortitude and love to complete first. What task had to be accomplished before Jesus left earth for heaven?

3)  The hard job of the cross would have been uppermost in my mind, but it appears that Jesus had heaven on His mind. He loved His disciples to the end. To the very last minute. The word translated as love is “agapaō”. Follow the link to BLB and click on Vine’s Dictionary. Scroll down to the last paragraph. How is this word used? What two things should this love produce in us?

4)  Lost people don’t want to be a notch on a soul-winner’s belt. They want more than to repeat a magical prayer. Instead, they want a relationship with the Most High God that usually begins when a flesh-wrapped believer demonstrates how much they care. It begins with the agapaō of Christ flowing through us. What need did Jesus recognize in his followers? How did He respond?

5)  John 13:3 tells us, again, that Jesus knew who He was and where He was ultimately headed. He had his focus on eternity, where He would sit at the right hand of the Father. A temporary stint doing the dirtiest job in the room didn’t matter. He didn’t focus on what people would think. He focused on where He was headed. What is our focus when faced with dirty, unattractive tasks at church?

6)  What did Jesus tell His disciples about why He washed their feet? (John 13:15)

Jesus’ intended His action to be more than an interesting demonstration or a temporary solution to a need. Follow the link to understand more about what His hypodeigma was designed to accomplish. (Outline of Biblical Usage, IIB)

Let’s look at a few jobs that must be done in the church and consider which might require greater humility to accomplish them. (Bear in mind that all need to be done. Some are easier, and require less humility, than others.)

- changing diapers for babies in the nursery
- washing dishes after a meal
- leading prayer during the service
- changing the toilet paper rolls in the bathroom before a service - going in early to make the coffee
- passing the offering plate
- praying in the prayer room during a service - teaching the adults
- ordering supplies
- organizing a storage closet

There are many more jobs that must be done to prepare for a church service, and even more jobs that must be done to accomplish the work of ministry. All are important. All require a degree of sacrifice. All bring a blessing.

9) Now let’s look at which job we are more likely to volunteer to do. Which jobs do we choose based on our gifting? Which do we avoid because of our pride?

PRAYER PAUSE:

Some years ago, a friend who has an international medical relief ministry told me about his experience with Mother Theresa of Calcutta. A physician with many talents and abilities, he had traveled to India to volunteer with her ministry.

On arrival, Mother Theresa gave him a bucket of refuse and told him to carry it to the dump. He did. Repeatedly. Finally, he asked her why, with all his abilities, she had given him a job anyone could do.
I don’t remember the exact words she used, but what she told him was that servanthood is not dependent upon ability. It’s dependent upon our hearts. We aren’t ready for the “big” jobs in the body of Christ until we have the kind of servant heart that’s willing to do the “worst” jobs.
If we’re honest, most of us prefer the “clean” jobs that bring notice and honor. Few of us would choose to carry human excrement in a bucket if there was another job we could do. I’m no different. I don’t want the yucky job, either, but there’s a blessing in the worst jobs that we don’t find when we’re front and center. That blessing makes any job, done in the name of Jesus, worth doing.
Today, let’s take a close look at our hearts.


What jobs do we choose in the kingdom of God?

What jobs are we likely to leave undone or wait for someone else to take?

Now is the time to ask God to give us a heart of humility for every job in the body of Christ. Ask Him to strip away any pride that keeps us from doing the worst tasks, the stinky, dirty tasks. Ask Him to give us the heart that will do anything for Him. Write your prayer of confession and repentance here.

DAY SEVEN: HUMILITY AS AN INSTRUMENT OF UNITY

People who are dying don’t want to waste those last few hours of life. They use them to say what’s on their mind, what’s most important. Jesus was no different.

In the garden of Gethsemane, mere minutes before His arrest, Jesus prayed for His disciples and all the believers who would come later. Of the twenty-six verses in His Gethsemane prayer, twenty of them focus on His followers.

“...That they may all be one..” Jesus said it not once, but twice. If unity in the body of Christ was important to Jesus in His final moments, it should be important to us, as well.

Today, we’re looking at humility as an instrument of unity.


Read John 17 through as a reminder of Jesus’ prayers for us, then read John 17:20-23 aloud.


1) What is Jesus’ stated goal for the perfect unity He hopes we will achieve? (See John 17:23)
In Philippians 2, Paul addresses the importance of unity in the body of Christ, as well. Read Philippians 2:1-11.

2)  What are the characteristics of unity in the body of Christ (Phil. 2:2)

3)  What actions are recommended to help create unity? (Phil 2:3-4)

4)  What attitude is required for unity? (Phil 2:5-8)

5)  What was the outcome of Jesus’ humility and obedience? (Phil 2:9-11)

6)  1 Peter 5:5 paints a beautiful word picture of the humility of a believer and references the
same passage mentioned in James 4:6. Read the admonition to elders and younger men concerning their treatment of one another found in 1 Peter 5:1-7. Focus on 1 Peter 5:5. How are we to “wear” humility?

7) Follow the link to learn more about the origin of the phrase “clothe yourselves with humility.” What did you learn?

We’ve already looked at what James has to say about how we treat one another. In James 2:1-12, he addressed the issue of the partiality that separates the body of Christ based on the standard of wealth. In James 4:1-2, he addressed the problem of quarrels and conflicts based on wrong attitudes. In James 5, he discussed the importance of praying for one another. (We’ll study this passage in week 6.)
James never uses the word “unity,” but it’s clear that avoiding divisive behavior is a vital part of his teaching. He doesn’t say that humility is an instrument of unity. He teaches us how to treat each other, instead... with the same instruction that is found throughout Scripture. Love your neighbor as you love yourself.

PRAYER PAUSE:

1)  If unity was vitally important to Jesus (and it was), it needs to be vitally important to us, as well. How has my behavior toward other believers enhanced unity in the body of Christ?

2)  How has my behavior damaged unity in the body of Christ?

3)  How might I clothe myself with humility toward others in my church? Toward others in the body of Christ outside my church?

4)  How does my attitude line up with that described in Philippians 2:5-8?

5)  What actions can I take to help create/encourage unity, not only in my local congregation, but also among fellow believers in other churches?

6) Now is the time to decisively deal with our own issues with humility and servanthood. Jesus didn’t intend for us to be merely cordial with each other. He intended for us to love each other, and to do it in such a way that the world would be stunned by the depth of love we exhibited toward one another. Our love is supposed to be a living diorama of the love God has the world to the lost and perishing people around us. The problem most of us have is not that we don’t love those believers who are most like us. The problem is that we don’t love those believers who are least like us, those “seekers” who are least like us. Take a few minutes to confess your failures of loving and serving the least lovable among us, and write your prayers of repentance and recommitment.

Here's a link to Week Five: Doing and Being

James/Week 3: Sin and Smarts

WEEK THREE: SIN AND SMARTS DAY ONE: TEMPTATION
Temptation is not sin.

Temptation is an opportunity, an enticement, but the decision to sin is ours alone. Even Jesus faced temptation, but, unlike us, He never yielded to its call. Because of the Holy Spirit dwelling in us, we, too, can say no to the wiles of the evil one. If we will.

The problem, of course, is that we can choose righteousness, but we don’t. We can choose obedience, but we don’t. We can choose self-denial, but we don’t.

Our goal for today will be to recognize the pull of temptation, resist, and make a firm decision to continue resisting until Jesus calls us home. It’s a big goal, but one worth setting. It’s the one to which we’re all called, and, once made, the one that will change our lives forever.

Let’s begin today by reading through our focus passage, James 1:13-18. Skim through it first, then read it again, aloud.

James tells us that the source of our temptation to sin is not God. He can’t be tempted by evil. He doesn’t tempt anyone to sin.

1)  What is the source of our temptation? (see James 1:14)

2)  The word translated as “tempted” in James 1:13 is peirazō. Follow the link to find how this word is used.

When the accuser of the brethren, the enemy of our soul, tempts us, he is merely making an attempt to see “whether it can be done”. Whether he can entice us to sin or not. The success of his diabolical plan is up to us. Will we participate in his scheme or not?

3) Turn to BLB (click on the links) and examine the words translated as “carried away” and “enticed” to gain a better picture of how our temptations lead us into sin. What word picture did you find for each word?

a) carried away - 

b) enticed -

4)  Where does sin originate?

5)  The word translated as lust is epithymia. Follow the link to find learn the meaning and use of this word.

6)  James describes the path to sin as a multi-step process that begins with the enticement of lust’s decoy, or substitute, for the path of righteousness. When we reach for the decoy, the enticement, it’s like a tar baby. It holds and drags us forward into sin. In verse 15, James describes sin as having, in a manner of speaking, a life of its own. What is the four-step life- cycle of sin?

4. a) 
   b)
   c) 
   d)
   

When we know the end result of sin, it should serve as a warning to us. James admonishes us not to be deceived. Follow the link to learn about the deception we should avoid. What did you learn?
Since there is a clear warning not to be deceived, it follows that allowing our own deception is a choice we make because of our worldly lust. The deception is the very thing that allows us to proceed into sin as if there would be no consequence. It’s that deception that prompts us to rationalize sin with excuses such as, “everyone’s doing it,” or “no one will ever know.”

7) The story of Achan is a perfect example of this four-step progression. (See Joshua 7:20-21) When confronted by Joshua, he admitted, “I saw...I coveted and took.. and concealed...” Achan’s sin affected more than just himself and his family. His hidden sin caused destruction for the entire nation of Israel. How many men died because of his decision? (See Joshua 7:5)


8) When we sin, we choose something other than God’s will, His best for us. We can, however, make a better choice. What is the three-step life cycle of obedience to God? James 1:16-18. (This is subtle, but I could find three clear steps)

a) 

b) 

c)

6) Where does righteousness originate?

As an aside, it’s interesting to note that, in Biblical numerology, the number four symbolizes the world. The number three symbolizes the holiness of deity.

7) The location of James 1:17 in this passage is not by accident, and the truth it conveys is too beautiful to miss. Read this verse aloud and savor it for a moment, then write it out here.
The world offers us what only God can give. Our lust wraps sin in all manner of attractive packages, but every good thing, every perfect gift comes only from above. The world and its sin will never be able to give us what is good or perfect. If we want the gifts God gives, we must approach life His way. We pursue righteousness. We follow His will.

PRAYER PAUSE:

1. 1)  Spend a few minutes looking over your answers for today. How have you chosen the lusts of this world?
   
   
2. 2)  What price did you pay for that choice/those choices?
   
   
3. 3)  What price did others pay for your choices?
   
   
4. 4)  How have you begun to choose the things of God?

5. 5)  In what ways do you struggle with temptation?
   
   
6. 6)  Every good and perfect gift is available to all of us, if we’re willing to do things God’s way. Are you ready?
   
   
7. 7)  Now’s the moment we set as our goal at the beginning of this lesson. It’s time to recognize the pull of temptation, resist, and make a firm decision to continue resisting until Jesus calls us home. If you’re ready, write your prayer here. Make a note of date and time.
   

MESSAGE IN THE MARGIN:
“It’s not God’s fault when I choose to sin. To avoid sin, flee from lust. It’s that simple.”

DAY TWO: SIN - ADULTERY

One of the most difficult experiences of my life was my former husband’s infidelity. His was a very public affair that left me cautious about venturing into town for fear of inadvertently running into him with his new partner. It was a humiliating situation that lasted for years, and incredibly painful.

I felt betrayed and cheated.

Friends tried to intervene. To “talk sense into him”. Nothing helped. The solution didn’t lie in more information or a better rationale. The solution required a heart change.

If the infidelity of a husband toward his wife is painful, imagine how much more painful our betrayal of infidelity is to God. His Son gave His life for our freedom. He paid the price for our sin.
When we love the world more than we love our Savior, we say to Him, “You are not enough for me.”
I look at my own life and shudder at the many times I’ve said that to God, not with my words, but with my actions.

How about you? What does your life, your world-lust say to God?

The theme of today’s lesson is simple: The world has no place in the life of a disciple.

The decision point is equally simple: If we are a disciple, we must let go of the world and embrace Christ.

Let’s begin our study today by reading through James 4:1-10 quickly to get an overview, then reading it again more slowly, aloud.

These are hard verses, but worth understanding so that we can live the life of a disciple that pleases God.

We begin with the problem of arguing and conflict, as well as their root cause.

1)  Look back at James 1:1 to remind yourself to whom James is writing. Who does he say (in James 4:1) has quarrels and conflicts?

2)  What is the source of the quarrels and conflicts?3)  What sin has surrounded the quest for pleasure and to what additional sins have those led?

4)  How might they have committed murder? 1 John 3:15.

5)  Zēloō is the word translated as “envy”. Follow the link to view the Vine’s Expository Dictionary and the Outline of Biblical Usage. What does this word indicate? What intensity of feeling?

6)  James calls the people “adulteresses”. To whom have they been unfaithful. What three phrases are used to describe the adultery the people have committed?

7)  What might “friendship with the world” involve?

8)  Follow the link (above) to look at the Vine’s entry. The word translated as friendship is used only once in the Greek New Testament, so it was a deliberate choice by the author. Look at the meaning in Vine’s and compare/contrast this friendship with the world to the relationship we are to have with our Lord.

9)  John wrote about the problem of our love affair with the world. What does 1 John 2:15-17 say about our lust for the things of this world?


10)  Paul struggled with a similar problem. Read Romans 7:14-25. How does he describe his struggle?

11)  In Romans 7:14, Paul said he was sold into the bondage of sin. Follow the link to learn more about this bondage. Under Outline of Biblical Usage, we see an explanation of the Metaphorical use of the term. Write both explanations here, then consider how the two explanations have been true in your life.

12)  What solution is given in Romans 8:1-4?

13)  What did Jesus say about our “double-minded” love affair with the world? (Matthew 6:24) 

PRAYER PAUSE:
James 4:1-2, 4-5

James makes it clear. We can’t have it all, no matter what the advertising industry would have us believe. God’s ways and man’s ways are irretrievably at odds and cannot coexist in the life of a disciple.

Ask yourself these questions:

1) How has my love for the things of this world kept me from faithfully following Christ?

2)  How have I been unfaithful to the Spirit of God within me?

3)  What changes regarding the things of this world should I make in order to be a more faithful follower?

4)  If you’re ready to make those changes, write a prayer of commitment and surrender.

DAY THREE: PRIDE

Pride is often extolled as if it were a virtue. We’re encouraged to take pride in our accomplishments, to allow pride to push us to greater efforts, and to have pride in the success of those we love.
Is pride a virtue? No.

Humility is a virtue. Pride is a sin.

Those words sting as I read them, because pride has often found a home in my heart. Like most of us, pride and humility have warred more times than I’d like to admit. Humility has not always won.
The time after my marriage fell apart is a perfect example. Pain was the excuse I gave for hiding in my home. Pride was the real reason. I felt like a failure and it hurt my pride. I was afraid of a public confrontation, but pride was the root of my fear.

It was a good thing my pride was wounded, for that pride was the root of many problems in my life, and it needed to die.

Today, we’ll look at what the Bible says about pride. In our prayer pause, we’ll look at our own hearts and ask God to remove the pride that separates us from Him.

James never actually uses the word “pride.” Instead, he speaks of boasting and arrogance, as well as humility.

1)  Read James 4:13-16. How does he describe the presumption of those who assume on the future? (see v 16)

2)  Follow the links to learn more about boasting and arrogance. How do these words relate to the topic of pride?

3)  Read James 1:9-11. James speaks of not “glorying” in position or wealth. Follow the link to see how this relates to pride.

4)  Why might a rich man glory in his position?

5)  What cause might a poor man have to glory in his position?

6)  Let’s continue our study on pride with the words of Jesus in Mark 7:20-23. Jesus was speaking to His disciples about legalism, the worship of form over faith. Legalism says that doing right (the form of religion) is all that matters. True discipleship says that being right (the faith of relationship) is not only what matters, but also what will transform us.

7)  If we allow God to make us “right” on the inside, soon the appearance on the outside will be “right,” too. Read through Mark 7:20-23. What sins of the heart are listed?

8)  What effect do these often-hidden sins have on our lives?

9)  Proverbs 16:18 is a familiar verse, but worth revisiting. What does it say about the consequences of pride?

10)  These next verses are also from Proverbs and give a stark contrast between pride and humility. Read Proverbs 11:2, Proverbs 18:12, and Proverbs 29:23. What do they say is the result of pride?

11)  We’ll turn now to BLB to expand our understanding of pride versus humility from Proverbs 11:2. Write down what you learn. (click on the links)

5. PRIDE
   HUMILITY (be sure to explore the Gesenius Lexicon)
   

12) The three verses in Proverbs give a sequence of three-fold blessing that comes to the one who has an humble heart. List them here.
a. b. c.
13) John shares a hard truth with us in 1 John 2:15-16. The boastful pride of life is not from God. What is the source of pride?

14) It boils down to this: Pride is sin and it has to go, but only the blood of Jesus is sufficient to deal with it. Read 1 John 1:9. What must we do to rid ourselves of the blight of pride (and other sin) in our lives?

PRAYER PAUSE:

Now’s the time to deal with our pride. Let’s begin by asking God to reveal the places in our lives where pride is evident. Be still long enough to hear from Him, then write down what He reveals.
Let’s take a few minutes to examine our hearts and lives for evidence of the destruction pride has caused. Make notes on what you find. Dig deep, because getting rid of pride will be worth it.
Can you see evidence of the destruction pride has caused? The price it has extracted? Write it out.

Let’s kneel before our Lord and give it to Him. Give Him the brokenness, the sin, the failure, and ask Him to cleanse us. To replace our stony, prideful hearts with soft, humble hearts.

Let’s each make a note of the date and time we gave our pride to God, because the enemy will want to tempt us with it again. We may need a reminder that we’re done with this. If you need something tangible, ask God to show you something that can serve as your Ebenezer, your memorial stone (1 Samuel 7:12) that you’ve have come to the end of pride and the beginning of humility.

Cleansing is a great gift, so let’s be sure to thank God for the gift He’s given us. Write out a prayer of thanksgiving.

DAY FOUR: ANGER AND ENTITLEMENT
JAMES 1:19-21

Anger is not a sin.

The problem is what we do with anger. Holding on to our anger, allowing it to simmer, encouraging and nurturing it until it becomes a root of bitterness are sins.

My years in medicine revealed a surprising truth. People, especially women, will embrace anger and hold it tight until it literally kills them.The ferocity of anger that can be maintained for decades after a perceived hurt is truly stunning.

It can cause the prick of a small slight to grow into a devastating wound. How? When we rehearse the injury and massage the wound on a regular basis, there is no chance for it to heal, and, like a cancer of the soul, it devours and grows.

Does it benefit us? No.

Why do we hold onto it? Because we believe we’re entitled to it.

Letting go of anger requires an intentional decision that begins with relinquishing our sense of entitlement.

Sinners. That’s who we are. Death. That’s what we deserve. It’s that to which we are entitled. Anything we receive by the grace of God is a gift. An undeserved gift.

More often than not, our anger is triggered in response to an unmet expectation that we deserved something different than we’ve received. There are more than enough unkind words, bad decisions, and mean-spirited deeds to fuel sufficient anger to consume us all, but we don’t have to respond to every slight, every wound (big or small), every foolish word with anger.

1. Let’s begin by looking at who we are before God. What does Romans 6:23 tell us about ourselves?
   
   
2. What does Romans 6:23 say is the consequence of our actions.
   
   
3. What does Colossians 4:6 have to say about our speech?

4. There’s much to learn from this verse. Turn to the BLB to learn more about the word translated as grace. Make notes on what you learn.
   
   
5. Now explore the word translated as salt. Make notes on what you learn.
   
   
6. Using what you’ve learned about the grace and salt with which we are to speak, what should be the tone of our speech?
   
   
7. How can we defuse a potentially angry confrontation by our speech? How can we worsen it?
   
   
8. Read James 1:19-21. What are we to be quick to do? What are we to be slow to do?
   
   
9. When we are “quick to hear,” we do more than listen to words and let them pass out of our minds. Follow the link to learn more. We are to choose to do more than hear words. What else are we to do?
   
   
10. Read James 1:20 aloud, then write it here. This is such a powerful verse that, for those who struggle with anger, it’s worth memorizing.
    
    
11. The worst thing about anger is not the quickening of emotion we experience. What we do with anger is the problem. What does James 1:21 say we are to do with anger and any other sin we have?

12. The things we say in an angry moment can be devastating, but I believe the way we coddle anger, hanging on to it like a trophy, is the response that leaves the most destruction in its wake. The longer it’s allowed to remain, the deeper the root of bitterness will grow. Eventually, that bitterness can poison every aspect of our lives. What does Ephesians 4:31-32 say about bitterness?
    
    
13. What do those verses say about how we should replace bitterness?
    
    
14. Hebrew 12:14-15 has painfully powerful words on the topic of bitterness. Read them and write what you’ve learned here.
    

PRAYER PAUSE:

Now is the time to tackle the problems of anger, bitterness, and entitlement. If we’re to live the kind of life to which we’re called, the life worth living, those sins have to go.

1. 1)  Let’s pause long enough to allow the Holy Spirit to search our hearts and point out the areas of anger and bitterness to which we cling, as well as any sense of entitlement we’ve embraced. Make notes on what you find.
   
   
2. 2)  Take time to confess any broken relationships that have resulted from your anger, bitterness, or entitlement. Write out your confession and read it aloud as a prayer to the Lord.
   
   
3. 3)  Now that we’ve seen our sin, let’s write a prayer of confession and repentance, asking God for both forgiveness and cleansing. Pray that He will replace our anger with gentleness and peace, our bitterness with love, and our sense of entitlement (aka pride) with humility. Be sure to make note of the date and time. This, too, is a kind of Ebenezer. 
   
   A tangible reminder of your repentance might be a good idea.

DAY FIVE: PARTIALITY
JAMES 2:1-13

Before we begin, take a few minutes to read James 2:1-13. Skim through this passage, then read it aloud. Listen to the words with your heart.

James 2:1 admonishes us to avoid treating people with “an attitude of personal favoritism.” Your first thought may be like mine. “That’s not my sin.”

Follow the link (above) to see how Vine’s Expository Dictionary defines this phrase. I read the definition and winced. I suspect we’re all guilty of this sin.

As one of those who has had position, gold rings, and fine clothes, I have to confess that, at times, I’ve been treated differently than those with less. But not always.

I admit that there was a time when I tended to congregate with those who also had position, gold rings, and fine clothes. But not always.

It hurts me to confess that there have also been times when I favored the ones who looked the most like me. The ones with the position, gold rings, and fine clothes. But not always.

I didn’t give the poor man in dirty clothes a bad seat. My problem was that I didn’t see the poor man to treat him one way or the other. I never even noticed him, because I was surrounded by people like me.

That’s how we usually justify it, isn’t it? “But not always” and “I didn’t see him.” James says, however, that if we treat anyone with partiality, if we favor the rich over the poor even once, we’ve sinned by our actions.

This week, we’ve looked at a variety of sins, confessed them, and repented of them. This is one more sin we’ll examine today, then reject.

James describes two people who enter an assembly, both of whom are treated differently based on their outward appearance. (James 2:1-7)

1. 1)  How are the two different people described?
   
   
2. 2)  How are the two people treated based on their appearance?

3. 3)  How have you seen the reality of such favoritism?
   
   
4. 4)  How have you exhibited such favoritism?
   
   
5. 5)  How has God treated the poor among us? (see James 2:5)
   
   
6. 6)  How does James 2:9-11 describe partiality or personal favoritism? How does it compare this to the sins of adultery or murder?
   
   
7. 7)  James 2:12-13 implies that, in dishonoring the poor among us and showing favor to the rich, we’ve shown no mercy and have, instead, acted as a kind of judge. What awaits the one who shows no mercy?
   
   
8. 8)  What do these verses say about mercy versus judgment?
   
   
9. 9)  Turn to the BLB for an examination of the word translated as “mercy”. (Click on the link) Makes notes on what you learn here.
   

PRAYER PAUSE:

Read James 2:8. James describes the commandment, “You shall love your neighbor as yourself” as “The Royal Law”. The notation in my Bible says it can also be translated as, “The law of our King.”
Ponder that a moment. The Law of Our King.

1. 1)  Let’s ask our King how well we’re doing at obeying His great law of love.
   
   
2. 2)  If there’s the sin of personal favoritism in our hearts, now is the time to confess it. Make a notation of date and time. Consider a tangible reminder of this repentance.Write your prayer of repentance here.
   
   
3. 3)  If we are to obey the Love-Law of our King, we must love our neighbor as ourselves. In the same way. With the same level of generosity. Ask God to show you at least one way you can love those neighbors who are least like you, especially those who are poor and dirty, as yourself, then write your commitment and plan to obey here.
   

DAY SIX: WISDOM

Wisdom comes in two forms. Godly wisdom and worldly wisdom. We can have whichever we choose, but the results are vastly different.

As one who has a number of diplomas testifying to a certain breadth of knowledge, I’m sometimes expected to have more than enough wisdom for every situation. Not so. As one of my professors often told patients, “Just because I know how to do something doesn’t mean I should do it. You don’t want me to ‘do all I can do’. You want me do what’s right.”

That’s the way we should live our lives, too.

Before you begin, read through our focus passages. James 1:5-8, James 3:13-18 and 1 Corinthians 1:18-2:16. Make notes on anything that stands out to you.

Worldly Wisdom

1. 1)  James makes it clear. The wisdom of this world is not from God. What are the characteristics of worldly wisdom? (See James 3:14-16)
   
   
2. 2)  How do those who are world-wise view the cross of Christ and faith in Him? (1 Corinthians 1:18)
   
   
3. 3)  How has God treated the wisdom of the world? (1 Cor. 1:20ff)
   
   
4. 4)  Why do people choose worldly wisdom? (1 Cor. 2:14)
   

Godly Wisdom

The wisdom from above is a different kind of wisdom altogether. It’s not dependent upon what we know, but what we are. What are the characteristics of godly wisdom? (See James 3:17-18)

1. 1)  How can we recognize someone with godly wisdom? (See James 3:17, 18)
   
   
2. 2)  How do those with godly wisdom view the cross of Christ? (1 Cor. 1:18)
   
   
3. 3)  Instead of persuasive words of wisdom, what did Paul use to introduce the Corinthians to Christ and why? (1 Cor. 2:4,5)
   
   
4. 4)  Read Paul’s comments on the thoughts of God in 1 Cor. 2:6-13. How does he communicate the thoughts of God to others?
   

Availability of Wisdom

1. 1)  How did Paul gain this godly wisdom? (1 Cor. 2:10)
   
   
2. 2)  How does James say we can gain this same godly wisdom? (James 1:5-8)
   

PRAYER PAUSE:

Worldly wisdom can bring worldly success, but, as disciples of Christ, we live as people with our eyes on eternity. The world’s wisdom won’t help us there.

Paul tells us that the foolishness of God is wiser than anything men have to offer. The weakness of God is stronger than any strength men can develop.

When we choose our advocates and our supporters, we do well to choose those rich in the wisdom of God. It’s not the way of the world, but it’s the way of the Spirit. Please pray that this will always be the path I choose. The path that we choose.

Take a few minutes to make a careful self-assessment.

1. 1)  On what wisdom do I most rely?
   
   
2. 2)  In what ways have I relied on worldly wisdom?
   
   
3. 3)  What have been the consequences of my reliance on the world’s wisdom?
   
   
4. 4)  In what areas do I need to seek God’s wisdom?
   
   
5. 5)  In James 3:17, the wisdom from above is described as “first, pure.” The word translated as pure is hagnos and indicates “exciting reverence.” I love this term. God’s wisdom is not just free from every evil, but exciting. How do I view God’s wisdom? Is my relationship with God exciting? If not, what changes do I need to make?
   
   6) Now’s the time when we relinquish our reliance on the world and cling to the ways and wisdom of God. Write out your prayer of confession and commitment.

DAY SEVEN: THE REWARDS

This short lesson will, I hope, make all the hard lessons of this week fade because of the beauty of the truth we’ll examine today. The wisdom that leads to righteousness comes with a reward, and it’s available to all of us.

If we lack wisdom, James tells us, all we have to do is ask in faith. When we do, we will be given an abundance of wisdom for whatever circumstance we face.

1) Yesterday, we looked at James 1:5-8 in terms of how we can obtain wisdom when we need it. Today, read through that passage again to find the way in which God gives us wisdom.

In my mind, the wisdom to make the right choice is enough of a gift. When we use the wisdom from above to order our steps according to God’s righteousness, however, God gives more.

The sowing of righteousness comes with a reward. It’s one of those perfect gifts from above that we studied earlier this week.

2)  Proverbs 11:18. What is the difference between the reward of the wicked and the righteous? 

3)  There will come a time, Isaiah writes, when the work of righteousness will not be hard labor, but will be a delight. Read Isaiah 32:17-18. What will be the work of righteousness? (If you want a treat, read all of Isaiah 32 and take note of the wonderful days to come.)

4)  Hosea tells us that we need to be intentional about “sowing righteousness.” We sow with our lives with the expectation of a harvest in due time. We can plow wickedness, but we will reap injustice. We’ll eat the fruit of lies. We have a choice. We can sow differently. Read Hosea 10:12 and write that beautiful verse here. (It’s one of my favorites.)

5)  When we seek the Lord, according to Hosea, how will He respond?

6)  Check BLB by following the link to learn more about the outpouring of “rain”. Also see Isaiah 44:3. Is the “rain” to which these two prophets refer a “sprinkle” of rain or a a soaking downpour? Hold that word-picture of blessing in your mind’s eye for a moment.

7)  We’re promised another blessing if we sow to righteousness. What does Galatians 6:8-9 promise?

PRAYER PAUSE:

Ponder this truth: We can have the wisdom to choose righteousness. When we choose a life of righteousness, God pours out more blessings than we can receive, and He does it in a soaking downpour of righteousness. Wisdom. Peace. Eternal Life.

Savor that beautiful word picture for a long moment.

It’s time to decide. How committed are you to pursuing righteousness and having all God has promised?

Galatians 6:9 exhorts us not to lose heart or grow weary for, in due time, we shall reap all God has promised.

If you’re ready to sow without weariness or loss of heart, write your prayer of confession and commitment to our Lord. As always, seal it with the date and time.

We’re half-way through our study. If we’ve embraced the challenge of James, we’re becoming more like Christ. Don’t give up. There’s more truth to learn. More sin to repent. More godliness to embrace. If we choose it, we can have a life worth living.

Here's a link to Week Four: Humility