In about 4 years from the time James writes this Letter, Jerusalem would be destroyed.

Vs 1 (the miseries that would come upon them).                             These Jewish Christians had wealth and were more concerned about pleasures.  They lived in pleasure, they were selfish.

Vs 5 and wonton =  they indulged all their sinful and sensual appetites to the uttermost;  and their lives were scandalous.

Vs 5 – “…as in a day of slaughter.”  They lived only to eat and drink, and to enjoy life.        

They were preparing for slaughter just as cattle are prepared to be killed by being fed in the stall (they are fattened before their slaughter).

These people had put themselves and the pleasures of this world before serving the Lord.  They spent their money on life’s pleasures over and above the work of the Lord, and soon, they would loose all they had.

It would have been better to serve the Lord with their lives and money instead of being selfish.

Vs 7 – Be patient = don’t rush the Second Coming of Christ.

“husbandman” = the farmer, tiller of the soil; patiently waits for the harvest. You can’t rush the harvest; it comes in its own time just as Christ comes back on His own timetable.

Here, it refers to the harvest of souls. Sow the seed and have patience, waiting for the harvest. 

Early & latter rain = The early rain fell at sowing time, about November or December; the latter rain, about March or April, to mature the grain for harvest. The latter rain that shall precede the coming spiritual harvest.

Vs 8 – “stablish your hearts” = Take courage; do not sink under your trials.   Just as the farmer expects the rain for relief from heat; draught etc. Rain to grow the crops; the Christian can expect relief from our trials in due time.

Vs 9 – “grudge not” = murmur; groan; complain. We reap what we sow, so if you murmur, gripe, hold grudges etc. it will come back to you and we answer to the Lord for it.

Vs 10 – Matthew 5:12 – James encourages the Christians to have patience, especially while going through sufferings, troubles and attacks.  Prophets of old were persecuted, yet, they were faithful unto the Lord.

They were an example to us: in patience;  and how to handle and get through such troubles.

Vs 11 – Ye heard of Job: Job 1:21-22; Job 2:10; Job 42:10;  Matthew 5:10-11

Example of Job: he was stripped of all his worldly possessions:

             In one stroke, he lost all of his children;

             He was tortured in body, given sores & disease;

             He was tempted by the devil, harassed by his wife.

             Job was falsely accused of sin by his friends.

Through it all, Job held fast his integrity, was faithful to the Lord and did not blame God for his troubles.

Vs 12-  The Jews, in this time, split hairs in their use of profanity.   They believed that by avoiding using God’s name in vain, they were not really guilty of  the sin of swearing.  

The Jews would swear, not by using God’s name in vain, but by using God’s creation.

Some would use profane words but not believing them to be swearing because they were not using God’s name in vain.

Some would swear an oath and the Apostle forbids that also. James is teaching that swearing is swearing and is not for the Christian.

Vs 13 –  “afflicted” = going through a hardship; suffering or having troubles.; pray “merry” = of good cheer or happy; sing Psalms

Vs 14 – “elders” = pastors.

             Here is an Rx for sickness; call the pastor to come over.

             The pastor(s) are to pray over you; anoint you with oil.

Remember, James writes to Jews who became Christians.     He uses a Jewish maxim of the Rabbi’s.   What should a man do who goes to visit the sick?  The answer is:  He who studies to restore the health of the body, should first lay the foundation in the health of the soul. The wise men have said, “No healing is equal to that which comes     from the word of God and prayer”.

“anoint with oil” =  Mark 6:13. The use of olive oil was one of the best remedies known to the ancients; they used it internally and externally.  Oil is a symbol of the Holy Spirit; prayer is the key.

 Vs 15 – “The prayer of faith” =  this is an exercise of confidence in God.

 “save the sick” = save  = deliver, protect, heal, preserve, do well, make whole.  There is no implication that by going through this exercise, that the sick person will certainly recover; but there is to be unwavering confidence in God, a belief that he will do what is best, and a cheerful committing of the situation into his hands.   

Sins and their forgiveness =  sometimes a persons sin will bring them to be sick. Sin can cause high blood pressure; ulcers; and a host of other illness. For one to have the weight of their sin lifted off them can help restore them to health.  

Vs 16 – Confession of sins is a humbling experience to the soul.         Sometimes is could be a sin against another church member = a grudge, jealousy, hatred, gossip, bad attitude, etc.

Confession is for his comfort, and the encouragement of others to do likewise.

Hebrews 12:1-2 =  getting rid of your sin will allow the Lord to “lift” the weight of your sin off you. That weight holds you back; hinders your forward progress as a Christian.

“effectual fervent” = the prayer that will be effective and has power and is mighty, is the prayer that God will use to do mighty things.

Vs 17 – He was excitable or irritable. He was capable of suffering the same things, or being affected in the same manner. In other words, he was a mere man, subject to the same weaknesses and infirmities as other men.

Vs 18 – Elijah believed what he prayed and then he let God do His perfect work.  It was God that held back the rain and then it was God who brought the rain and then the fruit of the harvest. Elijah was the tool God used as Elijah prayed and believed in the             power of God.

Vs 19-20 – the conversion refers to a Christian (if any of you) who sins; and you bring him back or restore him to follow the Lord again.  When a Christian turns back to the Lord, his sins are hidden as he does them no more.  That person comes back from death = a spiritual death.

Unsaved people are dead in trespasses and sins. When we are saved, those sins are now forgiven us and they are washed away by the blood of Jesus.  When the saved goes back and live in sin, their spiritual life is one of death as they have Chosen to live against God. Their spiritual life suffers; they are not useful to God, as a servant, while they are in that state of sin. They do not have God’s power in their life.

 The one who restores the person from sin does a great work.            Galatians 6:1-3

           The answer: many want their own way or have an agenda and are not spiritual. James tells them that the origin of their wars & fights was not a true zeal for God, but it was their prevailing lusts that was the cause of it all.

           In other words, they were the cause & source of their own problems. Their problems come from their own fighting’s = controversy.

Vs 2-3 – Because of their spiritual drought, they don’t get God’s blessings and they have unanswered prayers.

Vs 3 – “consume it ….. “ their strife, lust & selfishness are hindering their prayers from being answered. Proverbs 1:28-31;  I John 3:22 & 5:14

Vs 4 – “adulterers and adulteresses’ = The Jews are represented as being espoused to God because of their covenant with Him.

           James reminds them that if they are friends of the world (they ways of ungodliness), they fall into sin and place the things of the world in pre-eminence over God. This becomes spiritual adultery.

           God’s Word  teaches that the “things” of the world are gained by lust of the flesh, eyes and pride of life. To follow worldly lusts  over and above the “things’ of the Lord = spiritual adultery. Saved and baptized believers are in the “Bride of Christ” and all unfaithful followers of Christ are like an unfaithful bride.

           “friendship of the world” =  the prince of this world (satan) is opposed to Christ and the spirit of the world is also opposed. One cannot love the ways of the world and love God also. “Ye cannot serve God and mammon” Matthew 6:24.

Vs 5 – “in vain’ = do you really think that the Scriptures have no purpose? Do you really believe that the Bible teaches that God’s spirit, that dwells in the Christian, tries to get us to go against God’s Word and God’s will?

Vs 6 – “he giveth more grace” = he  enables us to overcome our love of the world.

           The same God who causes His spirit to dwell in believers, Jas 4:5, and the Spirit that speaks in Scripture:                                           resists the proud = opposes the proud = haughty, those who place themselves above others. If one will place themselves above others, they soon lifts himself against God.

           “Pride” is the mother of envy.

           II Peter 3:18 “But grow in grace …” We are by nature selfish and envious; but grace will enable us to conquer our inbred sins, if we humbly admit to them, and ask God for help to overcome them.

           “giveth grace” = God is a giving God         

Vs 7 – “submit yourselves” = to obey; be in subjection to God.

           “resist” = to take a stand against; oppose the devil and his devices.  The devil cannot conquer you if you continue to resist.            You resist the devil  by refusing to do wrong.

           “flee” = run away; escape; vanish

           In short, we must endeavor to come near to God by purity and sincerity of life. As we continue to resist the temptations, snares and traps of the devil, God’s Holy Spirit that lives in the Christian, will come to our aide, our assistance and fight for us.

Vs 8 – “Draw nigh” = to approach, come near, to be at hand.

           If we do this, God will “draw nigh to you.” = as we come near to God, He will be closer to us.  He is always where he is, as we approach Him, He then is now closer to us than when we began our approach.

           This also has the connotation: God will  sustain, comfort, and provide for you As you get close to Him.

           “Cleanse your hands” = Washing or cleansing the hands was a token of innocence and purity.

           Just as washing our hands of the outward dirt that is on them, cleansing or purifying our hearts cleans us from the inward dirt or sins that we harbor in our lives. Washing the hands was a term used in a ritual sense. Psalms 18:20; 24:4; 26:6; 73:13

           “double minded” = the one who is constantly changing their mind; the one who is trying to decide to serve God or self . They struggle to either serve God or serve the vices and “things” of this world; James 1:8. Their heart is not settled on what to do regarding serving the Lord.

Vs 1 – Word “master” = instructor or teacher. 

Many of the Jewish Christians were attempting to teach what they did not clearly understand; there was a call for wise teachers. Teachers are necessary, but incompetent and unworthy ones do a lot of harm.

I Corinthians 12:28 & 14:26.

Vs 2 – “stumble” = to fall. We all offend in many things:

Psalms 32:9. “perfect” = a man of character. Be careful what and how we teach;

Ephesians 4:15 James teaches that the man who bridles his tongue does not stumble in speech and is able also to control his whole body with all its passions..

Vs 3 – Bits are put in the mouths of the horses so we can turn about their whole body. This is to illustrate how man turns about his whole body with the little tongue. ” The body of the horse follows his mouth, guided by the bridle, in a similar way, mans body will follow his tongue. The same applies to the pen, so be careful what we write.

Vs 4 – Ships are big but the small rudder can turn it around. The ship follows the rudder, the body follows the tongue, the horse follows the bit in his mouth. “Governor” refers to the wheel which steers the ship with a pilot moving the wheel

Listeth” = intends or will and it can be of impulse.

Vs 5 – A small tongue can speak or boast (talk big, be egotistical,) and can cause harm. Illustration: in the same way a small fire can destroy a great forest.

Vs 6 – This is a metaphor that likens a tongue to a fire:

Proverbs 16:27 & Proverbs 26:18-22 “world of iniquity” = it is big enough to be unjust, unrighteousness, wrong; a little world of evil in itself. “setteth on fire” = habitually and continually; it ignites.

While a man inflames others, he passes out of his own power, being consumed in the flame himself.

Matthew 15:11 & 18-20. An unruly tongue is worse than the fire of hell which torments only the wicked; but this afflicts all, both bad and good.

Vs 7 – Man has tamed wild animals, birds etc.

Vs 8 – “unruly evil” = an evil that cannot be restrained; “full of deadly poison’ Often charged with malice, envy, anger, slander, etc. Romans 3:13; Psalms 140:3 Vs 9 – A small tongue can thank God, praise God, and yet, curse men that are made in the image of God.

Vs 10 – You can use your mouth to bless or curse; to say nice things or things that can cause harm, danger and ruin.

Vs 11 – Grace can make the same mouth that “sent forth the bitter” to “send forth the sweet” just as the wood (typical of Christ’s cross) changed Marah’s bitter water into sweet.

Vs 12 – The same metaphor is found in Matthew 7:16.

Four distinct comparisons here: 1. A fountain cannot produce sweet water and bitter. 2. A fig tree cannot produce olive berries. 3. A vine cannot produce figs. 4. Salt water cannot be made sweet (some commentators referred to the bitter water as salt water.

Vs 12 –The same metaphor is found in Matthew 7:16.

            Four distinct comparisons here:

            1. A fountain cannot produce sweet water and bitter. 

            2. A fig tree cannot produce olive berries. 

            3. A vine cannot produce figs. 

            4. Salt water cannot be made sweet

Vs 13 –Wiseman – reference to James 3:1 a master of the Word of God. One who cannot bridle or tame other men’s tongues but can restrain his own tongue as he teaches the Word of God.

            “endued with knowledge” = qualified to teach others

Vs 13-18 – These verses show the difference between mans “pretending” to be wise and those who actually have wisdom.

Vs 14 –“and lie not” = don’t live contrary to the Truth you teach.

            “envy and strife” = when envy is the heart, strife soon comes out of the tongue. Envy is the mother of strife

            “glory not” = boasting arrogance, which shows that they lack wisdom

Vs 15 – this is a counterfit wisdom.  All true wisdom comes from God – James 1:5 & 17

            “earthly” wisdom is “sensual” = it is animal – like or of the passions of animals

            “devilish” = inspired by the devil (satan), demons and maintained by their influences.

Vs 16 – This verse is a GOOD commentary on verses 14-15

             Titus 3:9 – The Jews were an intolerant people. They would argue and strain at a knat over the things in the Law.

             “envying” = the envious man stands in his own light. He thinks his candle cannot shine in the presence of another’s shining light.

             “envy, strife, confusion & every evil work” = everything is unsettled & agitated.  There is no organized plan & effort, no cooperation nor stability in any plan & purpose = defeat

Vs 17 – God’s wisdom is pure = Holy &clean

             God’s wisdom is peace and gentle = living in peace with others

             “gentle” = appropriate, moderate

             “easy to be entreated’ = not stubborn or obstinate

             “full of mercy” = ready to forgive

             “good fruits’ = God’s wisdom produces what is good, wholesome, productive

             “without partiality” = without making a difference or being partial to others never swayed by self interest, worldly honor or the fear of man.

             “ without hypocrisy” = not pretending to be something you are not.

Vs 18 – Matthew 5:9 – Proverbs 11:18 – Philippians 1:11

Vs 1 – Don’t be partial to certain people EXAMPLE: Only try to get people in church whoa re wealthy or of a certain class. Don’t ignore the poor or the down and out. The Pharisee and Publican are an example of this. Also the Good Samaritan – Luke 10:25 & 30-37

Vs 2 – 4 In a nutshell; don’t turn away the poor and downtrodden. Everyone has a soul and Christ died for all and all need the Saviour.

Vs 5 – For the poor (according to society’s standards), are RICH in their faith. I Timothy 6:17 = their riches consist in faith in God. Luke 12:21 Often, the people with the least material goods tend to have more faith in God and His Word.

Vs 6 – James is dealing with the relationship of some of his congregation, with those who are poor according to societies standards. “despised” = treated shamefully; dishonoring them “rich” = the upper class of people “oppress” = they often use their power against you “before the judgment seats” = they take you to court with lawsuits. Not all rich do this, but generally speaking.

Vs 7 – “worthy Name” = Christ Their oppressors were mostly the very wealthy – they persecuted Christians and blasphemed the Name of Jesus. James is teaching: Why are some of you showing favoritism to those who despise you?

Vs 8 – Royal Law – Leviticus 19:18 and Jesus taught in Matthew 22:37-40 The Royal Law comes from the King of Kings and is given to us in Scriptures Vs 9 – To show a preference or a partiality, would break Gods Law Vs 10-11 –

Vs 8-9 begin with the word “if” meaning: James does not saw that this occurred, but “IF” it did occur, the one doing the wrong would be guilty of breaking Gods Law.

Vs 10 – It is easy to keep that part of Gods Word that is convenient to keep. The Rabbi’s taught that: “If God should be obeyed in any one instance, He should be obeyed in all.” Gods authority is the same in every case. The Rabbi’s also taught that: “Any one sin has the seeds of all others in it.”

Vs 12 – Obedience to Gods Word is to be out of our love for God. Gods Law of Liberty frees us from the curse of the Law so that we can be free to love and willingly obey.

Vs 13 – Those who show partiality and shows no mercy, will have no mercy shown to them. Matthew 5:7 The context is: showing partiality to the upper class over another class (poor). Rich & poor alike are sinners & in need of the Savior. It is not sweet to take revenge but to grant forgiveness.

Vs 14 – The Apostle Paul teaches: Romans 3:28 – Paul is referring to faith to be saved and not works to save our soul.

Justification is by grace – Romans 11:6

James teaches: Faith which does not bring forth works is not that faith  that justifies or saves us, but it is a false image of that faith.

Faith that saves us has a real value and is shown by our outward good works. They are evidence that we have been saved.

The justification that Paul speaks of, is different from that taught by James; the one speaks of our persons being justified before God, the other speaks of our faith being justified before men.

The verse states: “though a man may say he hath faith …”   It does not say: “if a man has faith.”

 “can faith save him?” – the faith a person pretends to have; the empty name of boasted faith, contrast  with true fruit-producing faith.

 A dead faith cannot bring life into a person who is dead in trespasses and sins. Can one corpse bring life into another dead corpse?

Vs 15 – 16 – if you tell a hungry person, a fellow Christian, “fill your belly” and give him nothing: this is not true faith, but truly a dead thing called with the name of faith.

The same is said about the person who needs clothes or a coat etc.

“Words” do not feed or clothe anyone.

“what does it profit?” = How does mere words help them; take away the hunger or the cold etc.

Vs 17 –  faith which hath not works is a mere dead, empty notion.

             James 2:26 –  If you don’t back up your faith by works, your faith is dead, being by itself ”alone,”

The faith is dead = severed from works of charity; just as the body would be “dead” if it was severed from your spirit.

Vs 18 – “shew” = exhibit,

James teaches that if a Christian truly has a real saving faith, it will be exhibited in their Christian lives.   Apart from your works, exhibit to me your faith.

James says that he will exhibit or demonstrate his faith by the works or the fruit that his faith produces.

Some “pretend” to have faith. A pretended faith is not a real faith and therefore, it cannot  produce any evidence of that saving faith.

Vs 19 – James selects the great fundamental doctrine of all religion–the doctrine of the existence of one Supreme Being–and shows that it was held by devils, it could not save men.

Believing that there is one God, is the truth; but it will do you no good, any more than it does devils who believe the same, unless it leads you to be saved by faith.

Believing that there is just one supreme God requires no more faith than that of the devils. That kind of faith does not save them.

The devils have fear of God and they tremble before God. They know their eventual doom of torments and the Lake of Fire.

Vs 20 – Vain man = he reference by this language is to a man who held an opinion that could not be defended. The word vain used here, means properly empty, as opposed to full–as empty hands, having nothing in them. 

 Also, fruitless, or without utility or success; false.

Justifying faith produces good works; and if a man does not love to obey God and do good, he may conclude that he is not in a justified state.

Vs 21 – The reference is to Abraham. He backed up his faith in God by what he did in this extra ordinary act of obedience to God.

He took Isaac and was willing to trust in God to provide; Genesis 22:9-12

Abraham’s life was a demonstration of his faith.

Vs 22 – “faith made perfect” = accomplished; fulfilled.

Here is a proof that faith cannot exist without being active in works of righteousness.

This does not mean that the faith in itself was defective before this, but this act was a clear demonstration that Abraham not only believed, but acted upon that belief.

Vs 23 – Scripture was fulfilled = the fair and full meaning of the language of Scripture was expressed by this act, showing in the highest sense that his faith was genuine.

This act was a declaration of Abrahams faith.  “called the Friend of God’ = Honored as no other mortal had been

Vs 24 – Not by a cold, abstract, inoperative faith. It must be by a faith that shall produce good works, and whose existence will be shown to men by good works.

James is speaking about the “proof” of our faith, not the act of salvation. These are two separate acts.

Vs 25 – justification signifies, not only the pardon of sin, but receiving Gods salvation.  She obeyed God’s will.

Rahab believed what her countrymen did not believe.  She is an example of a lost, vile sinner, who believes in the Lord and backs it up by what             they do.

If we are true Bible Christians, we should “walk the walk and talk the talk.”

The Bible, in the New Testament, teaches about being FULL of the Holy Ghost. Let’s briefly explore this area and see what this means.

Acts 7:55 – Stephen was FULL of the Holy Ghost.

This takes us back to Acts 2:4 – they were all FILLED with the Holy Ghost.

Meaning: They were entirely under his sacred influence and power.

To be filled with anything is a phrase denoting that all the faculties are pervaded by it, engaged in it, or under its influence.

the fullness of a vessel – the vessel is the saved person

the fullness of a stream or of a fountain – Colossians 2:9-10

John 7:38 – 39

Acts 8:29 Phillip obeyed the leading of the Holy Spirit

Examples: Acts 3:10 – Were filled with wonder and amazement;

Acts 5:17 – Filled with indignation

Acts 13:45 – Filled with envy

Acts 13:52 – Filled with joy, and with the Holy Ghost

Acts 6:5 – persons that were extraordinarily assisted by the Spirit to perform the duties required of them. Notice full of FAITH and of the HOLY GHOST; also Acts 11:24

Romans 15:16 – sanctified by the Holy Ghost:

Sanctify = purify or consecrate; be made acceptable or approved for use

The sacrifice was prepared or made fit to be an offering

The apostle says that the offering of the Gentiles was rendered holy, or fit to be offered, by the converting and purifying influences of the Holy Spirit.

In Jewish Ceremonial law, offerings were prepared, by salt and frankincense. With the sacrifice of Christ, the saved are sanctified or made acceptable by the cleansing influences of God’s Spirit.

to be “FILLED,” we first must be made empty – I Corinthians 15:31

Romans 8:36 – “killed all the day long” = The Apostle Paul teaches: I endure so many sufferings and persecutions, that it may be said to be a daily dying.

II Corinthians 4:10: “Always bearing about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our body.”

 Vs 10 – Paul’s point is simply that the Holy Spirit fully comprehends the depth of God’s nature.

 The Holy Spirit knows God’s plans of grace and is fully competent to make the revelation that is claimed here.

Vs 11 – God’s Holy Spirit knows the things of God

Vs 12 – Spirit of the world = a reference to the wisdom of this age – in vs 6 – 8

Vs 13 – The Holy Ghost teacheth = II Peter 1:21 & II Timothy 3:16

          The Holy Ghost gave the Word of God in the Old Testament and He GAVE the Word of  God in the New Testament.  There is no conflict between them.

             “comparing spiritual things with spiritual” = search the Scriptures; spiritual things are found in the Scriptures.

             Matching spiritual things with spiritual words.

             Explaining spiritual things to spiritual men.

             Paul, as an Apostle and a preacher, teaches us to base our beliefs and practices on Scripture.

             Paul’s preaching and teaching was from the Scriptures.

 Vs 14 – natural here, refers to the unsaved.

 They do not accept but rejects, refuses to accept, the “things” of the Spirit = here, referring to the scriptures and scriptural teachings;   Romans 8:7 = carnal, here,  refers to  the Christian who is not spiritual, but rather, fleshly or worldly.

Romans 8:6-8 – the unspiritual believer, or backslidden Christian is against the things of  God vs 7.  That is by their thinking, actions, rejection of what the Spirit of God has revealed in the Scriptures.

             back to Vs 14 ( our text) – the unsaved think the things of the Spirit of God are foolishness = absurd, silly

             Why, because the Word of God is from Gods Spirit and are spiritually discerned = investigated, examined, judged, searched.

 Vs 15 – The spiritual man is qualified to sift, to examine, to decide rightly, because he has the eyes of his heart enlightened.

             the unsaved cannot judge; the carnal believer cannot judge or examine = decide rightly,  because the unsaved are not spiritual.

             I Thessalonians 5:21; Ephesians 4:13-14; Hebrews 5:14;           I John 4:1   “yet, he himself, is judged of no man’ = the unsaved and carnal are not able to sit in judgment upon the preacher or the mature Christian.

 Vs 16 – “we have … mind of ..” –  This passage is quoted from Isaiah 40:13. We have the capacity to understand by Gods Spirit. Philippians 2:5 = the Christian is influenced by God; He has his Spirit

Vs 16 – “we have the mind of Christ’ = Paul speaks of himself, and his fellow-laborers in the Gospel.

             Paul’s meaning is not only that they had the mind of Christ written in a book, but that they had a clear understanding of Gods Word and so were equipped to interpret it to others.

 Conclusion: Charles Spurgeon said: “The whole of mankind may correctly be divided into natural and spiritual, and these are as distinct as the dead and the living.  The natural man has no spirit, and cannot therefore discern spiritual things.  In the new birth, a spirit is implanted in us, and thus we gain spiritual faculties, we live in a spiritual atmosphere, and are capable of spiritual joys.  Have we received this higher life?  Have we the mind of Christ?  Lord, work it in us, for Jesus sake!

How to get things from God

1. Praise God and tell Him how great He is – Psalms 9:2

Psalms 33:2; Psalms 35:18: To praise, in a nutshell, is to be thankful.

2. Pray to get so you can give to others – Acts 20:35

3. Be a river – for things to go through; get things from God to share with others; don’t be stingy – II Corinthians 9:7

Vs 26 – Intercession: To meet with; to plead or beg; to intercede in behalf of

A. We don’t know what is really best for ourselves

B. We do not know what God s willing to grant to us

C. Sometimes, we may have a lot of troubles; exposed to temptations; weakened from sickness or disease; and we don’t know what we need.

We can be burdened, distressed, discouraged; heavy hearted and our thinks gets clouded.

D. We “think” we know what is best for ourselves; but we don’t always know.

Who Knows?

The Holy Spirit knows.

a. Vs 26 – “helpeth” = cooperate, to aid us, to unite with us. He greatly assists us.

b. I go to Him to find out my needs; talk to the Holy Spirit. Listen to that “still small voice.”

Write down what He speaks to your heart about

c. The Holy Spirit goes with me to the Father.

Be careful; don’t push the Holy Spirit off His throne by making your own decisions.

Ephesians 5:18 – we need the Holy Spirits filling us with His power

Matthew 18:19 – “agree” = harmonize. This verse refers to the Christian being in agreement with the Holy Spirit.

d. “groanings” = With sighs, or that deep feeling and intense anxiety which exists in the oppressed and burdened heart of the Christian.

“cannot be uttered” = emotions which are too deep for utterance, or for expression in articulate language. We can’t put it into words.

The Holy Spirit does not produce these groaning, but when you are in such a state of being, he lends us his assistance and sustains us.

Vs 27 – “intercession” = He tells God what we forget to tell God; He deals with it for us.

The Holy Spirit is our prayer partner; He makes a plea for help for you.

“searcheth” = investigates our hearts.

The Holy Spirit investigates our hearts (thoughts, feelings) and takes our prayers to God for us (intercedes) according to god’s will.

Vs 28 – “And” connects Vs 28 to Vs 27 = all things work well to those who pray right.

“all things work together” this does not refer to sin in our lives. Sin never works to our good or to our benefit. A man who now loves God is not now sinning against God.

In other words, a person cannot continue sinning and expect God to bless him.

The troubles, afflictions, or persecutions arise, God can take them and make them contribute to the general good of the person who now loves God, and who is working by faith and love under the influence and operation of the Holy Ghost.

“work for good” = for our benefit but according to Gods purpose (His plan and perfect will for your life).

SUMMARY:

1. Go to the Holy Spirit and find out what I need

2. Take that and go with the Spirit to god

3. You and the Spirit, together, talk, plead to the Father about your needs

 Vs 8 – “reprove” = convict, convince, tell a fault, rebuke, admonish “sin” = an offense

I was reading from a book “The Challenge Of Life,” by Oswald J. Smith, a great preacher from many years ago. In chapter eight “Has The Gospel Failed,” he addresses a great problem.

It is no different in today’s world; many think the Gospel has failed.

Why?  Because they see no great revivals and people are turning away from the things of the Lord.

The following excerpts are  from this chapter of his book.

“What a wonderful world this would be if sin could be eliminated! Every man would be employed; everyone would have all he needed.”

“There would not be a drunkard anywhere in the world; no drunken drivers and no wild parties.”

“Not a single harlot would be found on the streets. All suggestive pictures, statues and paintings would be gone. Never again would adultery be committed.”

“There would be no thieves and banks and homes would be safe. No one would be kidnapped. There would be no jails and penitentiaries.” This would free taxpayers from such burdens.

“No one would gamble.”

“God’s name would not be taken in vain. None would be angry. jealousy would be unknown.”

There would be no murders.

“Every man’s word would be trusted; there would be no liars. The dope addict would be a relic.”

“War would be no more. Battlefields, armies and navy’s would be no more.”

This would be a great vision to make the world a better place to live in.

In order to make this world a better place to live in, we must deal with sin.

Sin is at the root of all sin and greed.

Dealing with sin is not reformation and not social reform because sin is like a cancer.

The only cure for sin is the blood of Jesus Christ. If we ignore that fact, we lose the battle against sin.

Jesus said: John 3:3 “… ye must be born again …”

“The heart must be changed; appetites and the desires of our hearts, must be changed.”

“Education has never done it; our environment has failed.”

“Sin, my friend, is the problem – SIN; and Christ is the remedy.”

He points out that the days of the Church’s greatest progress were the days of revivals and soul- saving campaigns.

Today, many churches have brought the world (society) and worldliness into it.

Instead of the local church becoming an influence in their cities, towns and neighborhoods, they have become passive and let the influence of society infiltrate the local churches.

II Corinthians 6:17 (come out from among them …)

He goes on to say: “Therefore, let us keep our task. Let us preach the Gospel and win souls. We must not be side tracked.  The bi-products of Christianity, we recognize, and we thank God for every improvement.” 

But our task is to preach the Gospel, gather in the local church and serve the Lord.

“Leave the establishment of the Kingdom to the Lord. The Gospel has not failed”

Now, let’s go back to our text: John 16:8. The Holy Spirit convicts people of their sin.

The Holy Spirit wrote the Word of God -  II Timothy 3:16.

Therefore, the Word of God must be preached and sin must be preached against and the blood of

Christ  must be preached. That’s the remedy for this world. For you, me, our families and friends as well as strangers and slight acquaintances, etc.

In our daily lives, be sure to put away sin; be sure to pray for the Holy Spirit’s power for your life.

Ask the Holy Spirit to direct your life and to control your life.

Ask the Holy Spirit to use you to led others to Christ. For if you do not seek to win the unsaved, you have failed in Christ’s mission for your life.

A couple of death bed confessions from unbelievers:

Thomas Paine would call out during his sudden outbursts of distress: “Oh Lord, help me! God, help me! Jesus Christ, help me!”  He would repeat the same thing over and over in a tone that would alarm all in his house.

“I would give the worlds if I had them, and that the Age of Reason had never been published.”

Voltaire: He died a horrible, painful death. On his death bed, Voltaire renounced his infidelity.

He would cry out: “O Christ! Oh Jesus Christ! He then complained that he had been abandoned by God and man.

He asked his doctor for six more months to live, offering the doctor half of what Voltaire was worth. The doctor told him that he would not live six weeks. Voltaire replied: “Then, I shall go to hell.” He died not long after that.

Introduction: The Holy Spirit does many things. One thing He does, is to lead. The question is: 1. Who does He lead?    2. Where does He lead?   3. Why does He lead?

I. Who Does The Spirit Lead?

    A. Romans 8:14 – He leads the unsaved sinner to the saving knowledge of Christ

         1. When you are saved, you will know you are saved – I John 5:13

         2. Some turn Him away & refuse His salvation:

             Acts 26:27-28    Acts 24:25 ( it wasn’t convenient)

    B. He leads the saved

         1. To do His will

         2. To reach the unsaved for Christ:

             Example: Acts 8:26 – Phillip & Ethiopian

         3. The Spirit guided the saved

             a. Acts 21:24 – Paul NOT to go to Jerusalem, He wanted Paul to go to Macedonia

             b. Acts 8:5 – the Spirit led Paul to preach the Gospel there

 II. Where Does The Spirit Lead?

     A. I Peter 1:21 – To follow in the steps of Jesus.

     B. If you & I were to follow the Steps of Jesus, where would they take us?

         1. Luke 4:16 – Jesus always went to Gods House on the appointed day.

         2. Jesus never missed worship for personal reasons – for selfish reasons – to play ball – go on a pic nic or to just stay home & rest.

         3. Some folks say / think – I;m saved, I don’t need to go to church

             a. Bible teaches you don’t have to be in church to get saved

             b. But the Spirit of God leads the Christian to go to Gods House and worship the Lord

             c. Hebrews 10:25  “assembly” = churching

                As Christians gather together in Gods House to worship, it is because you love the Lord so much for saving your soul.

                John 14:15 – If we really love the Lord, we will obey Him in everything.    II Corinthians 2:9 (obedient in all things )

     C. His Spirit would lead us into Gods Word

         1. Gods Word gives strength – Psalms 119:28

         2. Gods Word is spiritual food for your soul

         3. Psalms 119:11 – It will help keep you from sin

         4. Psalm 119:47; 67; 105

      D. Holy Spirit will lead you to pray

          1. Matthew 26:41

              a. “spirit” = Gr. Holy Spirit

              b. prayer can keep you from temptation

          2. Romans 8:26 – Holy Spirit wants to be your prayer partner – to help you to pray

 III. Why Does The Spirit Want To lead You?

      A. He wants you to know the things of God – I Corinthians 2:12

      B. He wants us to glorify God I Corinthians 6:20

      C. He wants you to walk in the Spirit – Galatians 5:16

           1. Walk = to live in – to follow – to be occupied with

           2. Walking in the Spirit keeps us from going astray / falling into sin

      D. The Holy Spirit wants you to do Gods will – I Peter 1:22

      E. The Spirit wants you to have Gods richest blessings

      F. he wants you to reach out to others & tell them about the saving power of Jesus Christ

Vs 1 – The 12 Tribes scattered abroad
           James was pastor of the local church at Jerusalem.
           It was largely made up of Christian Jews = Jewish converts to
           Christ
           Acts 2:5 – Jews from the 12 Tribes of Israel were saved
           Acts 15 – Apostles & others gathered at the church  at Jerusalem, to discuss / debate a question of Bible doctrine, vs 5
            James, the pastor, presided over this meeting in vs 13 etc. &  sums it up.
            Scattered abroad = God allowed to be “moved” into other cities &  countries & areas -
            Why? Ans: To get the Gospel into those other countries

Vs 2 – My brethren = brethren in Christ. These were Jews who became Christians.

          A basic outline of the Book of James could be:

           I. The Testing Of Faith
          II. The Reality Of Faith Tested By The Tongue
         III. The Rebuke Of Worldliness
         IV. The Rich Are Warned
          V. Christian Service In Relation To The 2nd Coming Of Christ

I. The Testing Of Faith
    A. Vs 2 – Count it all joy = the highest degree of patience
         1. Instead of murmuring over your troubles (trials) & temptations; rejoice over them
         2. Why?
    B. Vs 3 – Patience is one of the fruits of such a trial
         1. The grace of patience is worth the trial
         2. The patience you gain is worth the tribulation
         3. Trials can be used to develop character. They can make us wiser and better
         4. Here, proving has the sense of testing & patience implies a
             cheerfulness, believing that God will work it out for His good
             I Peter 1:7 – James 1:12 – Romans 5:3
    C. Vs 4 – LET = out of necessity
         1. Perfect = of full age
             a. growth
             b. mental and moral maturity
         2. Entire = Complete in every part
             1. Perfectly sound in Christian character    
             2. God uses afflictions as an instrument to polish & refine us;
                 perfecting us in Christ
    D. Vs 5 – Wisdom signifies, in general:
         1. knowledge
         2. of the best ends and means of obtaining that wisdom
         3. God is the only teacher of that wisdom of a practical knowledge of  God; of self & of the Saviour
         4. upbraideth not = God won’t scold you
             a. upbraideth = revile – Matthew 5:11
             b. this term, expresses the longsuffering of God
             c. an example of “upbraideth not” Luke 15:20-22
         5. Liberally = God’s bountiful giving
    E. Vs 6 – We are to ask in faith
        1. nothing = not at all; without delay
        2. wavering = hesitation; doubt; to stagger
        3. faith = believing God is able = He can do it
            a. without doubts
            b. knowing that no man can believe too much in God
        4. A wave of the sea has no stability
            a. it is at the mercy of the wind (driven by the wind)
            b. It can get tossed every which way & that gives unsettled
                convictions & hopes
            c. wavering = between belief & unbelief Mark 11:24
    F. Vs 7 – “that man”    = the one whose mind is divided
         1. such wavering is a self deceiver
         2. “anything from the Lord” = the things he prays for, much less Gods wisdom
    G. Vs 8 – Double minded
         1. vacillating in opinion and purpose
         2. on the one hand, he is directed towards god
         3. on the other hand, his focus is on something else besides God
         4. “unstable” – this describes a man who tries to worship God & yet, is in love with the ungodliness of this world.
             Proverbs 3:5 & James 4:8 = a RX for this
    H. Vs 9 – Low degree = Humble
         1. the best remedy for double mindedness is to be humble
         2. this also refers to being poor
         3. one can be poor in goods or in spirit, but rejoice that God has
             exalted them when they were saved. Luke 14:11
    I.. Vs 10 – The rich, in worldly posessitions, are made low spiritually, when they humble themselves as a sinner, before a holy & righteous God, receiving Him as Saviour.
        1. His riches have no power to save
        2. in his lost condition, his life is as uncertain as the grass of the field - Psalms 37:1-2
    J. Vs 11 – In a nutshell, you can’t take it with you.
        1. One day, the beauty of the flowers and grass will be gone.
        2. In the same manner, all that we work for will be gone also.   
        3. “and the grace of the fashion of it perisheth:” = its beauty
            disappears
        4. The “rich” must humble himself as a lost sinner to be saved in the same way a poor man must humble himself as a lost sinner to be saved
    K. Vs 12 – endure temptations = not the falling into sin that the
         temptation brings, but the endurance & fortitude to persevere & not let the temptations win out.
         1. Blessed – not only a blessing, but it also means “well off”
         2. Tried – tested and approved
         3. Crown of life – a reward from God, a symbol of honor
    L. Vs 13 – God is not the author of sin, therefore, He cannot and will not try to get you to sin
        1. to tempt unto sin, is contrary to the holiness of God
        2. to temp us to sin is contrary to the holiness of God
        3. God cannot be drawn into sin
        4. God cannot & will not even allow Himself to be drawn into sin
        5. with this, it is inferred: since God will not tempt us, let us never
            tempt God
            a. we tempt God when we ask for His protection when we do
                something contrary to Gods Word 
            b. When one lives ungodly & asks Gods blessings
    M. Vs 14 – The source of All temptation is man himself
          1. external forces may confront us, but they have NO force unless there was something inside  you that would correspond to that temptation, therefore, allowing self to fall prey to that evil
          2. Example: If there was NO appetite for food – no desire for it or
              even No capacity to receive food, then setting food in front of you would not be a source for your temptation.
    N.  Vs 15 – “lust” = a longing / desire for what is forbidden
          “when lust hath conceived” = the cause of sin is described as that of a birth;
          The sinful desire is the conception;
          The sinful deed is the birth
          “death” = moral and eternal, the final result.
          The sin may be small in its beginnings but when indulged, it grows to be great and multiplies out of proportion.
    O. Vs 16 – “Do not err …” = roam from safety, truth or virtue
         Do not go astray or wander or be out of the way.
         SIN: Romans 7:7-14 – II Corinthians 4:4  Romans 1:27
         Ephesians 4:14

         Context of Vs 16 – go back to verses 13-17.  Some believed that
         God was the author of sin.
         God is the author of goodness and holiness & not evil; this is shown in the next verse.
    P.  Vs 17 – “Every good gift” = the goodness of God – God gives GOOD gifts Father of lights:  God is light & the creation of the light of this material world & source of all moral light.
          No variableness:  God is unchangeable, always the same.
          Variableness:  Fickleness
          Shadow of turning: A metaphor.  The sun, in its light, “casts
          shadows” as the earth turns.
          The earth constantly turns & shadows “move” and change.
          God is not like that, He NEVER changes.
          God does not “cast shadows” or shadows of doubt.
    Q. Vs 18 – God “begat” -  We were born again by God with the Word of  Truth = Jesus Christ:  John 1:1   John 14:6
         “firstfruits” -  God’s regenerated souls = early converts to Christianity

R. Vs 19 –  Swift to hear = Talk little and work much, is an old rabbinical adage. The righteous speak little, and do much; the wicked speak much, and do nothing.

Two ears are given to us, the rabbis observe, but only one tongue: the ears are open and exposed, whereas the tongue is walled in behind the teeth.

         Primarily = listen to Gods instructions of Truth.   Proverbs 15:2

         Slow to wrath = The particular point here is, however, not that we should be slow to wrath as a general habit of mind, which is indeed most true, but in reference particularly to the reception of the truth: Context, vs 18.

         Don’t have heated debates over God’s word, but rather investigate it and search the Scriptures.

    S.  Vs 20 – The meaning of this passage is not that our wrath will make God either more or less righteous; but that wrath usually does not produce that upright course of life, and love of truth, which God requires.

         There is such a thing as righteous indignation, but one is not necessarily promoting the cause of God by his own personal anger.

    T.  Vs 21 – “Wherefore” = because of what the Lord has done for us (as in the above verses), “lay apart” = put away, cast off “filthiness” = disgusting, offensive, loathsome, “superfluity of naughtiness” = abounding of evil, depravity, wickedness, trouble.

         “receive … engrafted word …” engrafted = implanted.

         “meekness” = mildness, humility, have an attitude of learning.  We should allow the principles of the Gospel to be engrafted on our nature.

         James was writing to saved Jews in his church. They were Israelites and the Gospel was “engrafted” on “good stock” and that’s what saved their souls.

         Remember, God originally gave the Gospel to the Jews and His perfect plan was for them to take the Gospel around the world.

     U. Vs 22 – “doer” = performer – Romans 2:13; Luke 6:46 & Luke 11:28

         Obey / do what the Word of God says, just listen to it.

         If we hear the Word of God and do not do what it tells us to do, then we have just deceived our own selves.

    V. Vs 23, 24 – A metaphor – you look in the mirror and see just who you are and how you look.

         Like a man who looks in the glass and soon forgets the impression, so the impression of the word on such a man is soon forgotten. The word must be impressed by the doing of it.

         The doctrines of God, faithfully preached, are such a mirror;

         The one who hears the Word, cannot help discovering his own character, and being affected with his own short comings; he is sorry for them, and plans to change; but when the preaching is over, the mirror is removed, and not being careful to examine himself – James 1:25 he soon forgets what manner of man he was;   Then he reasons himself out of the need of repentance and a changed life in Christ, and thus deceives his own soul.

    W. Vs 25 – There is a blessing of God to the Christian who sees, reads, hears God Word and does what it says = lives it.

    X. Vs 26 – religious = external service or the exercise of religion

         “bridleth not his tongue” = context is referring to the Word of God = Vs 22.  This is the one who doesn’t speak according to the Word of God.

         They lack Scriptural knowledge.

         REMEMBER … James pastors the church at Jerusalem; it’s made up of a lot of converted Jews – Vs 1.

         They were used to the ceremonial Law.

         The Gospel deals with the heart and what it produces outwardly: again, Vs 22.

         Vs 22 7 25 l3qd into Vs 26 = don’t just know what the Word of God says, but exercise it outwardly in your daily life.

    Y. Vs 27 – Visit = go to see; inspect; relieve.

         This is outward charity to our neighbors, especially to those who need help.

         James 2:17-20 deals with: what’s in our heart will reflect our works = outward service for the Lord

        “unspotted from the world” = charity, which is a good testimony.

        “unspotted”,  many Bible scholars have written; “is the hardest to execute.”

        “unspotted from the world” = keep oneself unchecked from the dirt and slime of the world.”

        As we go out and do our good deeds in the community, keep yourself from the filth and dirt of sin that abounds.  We are in this world but we are not to be a part of this world.