Here are some thoughts from James 1 and 2:
- Don't you wish James was a little more practical. Do any of us really struggle with persevering through trials, putting our faith in action, taming the tongue, or dealing with conflict? :-) Of course we all do! That is why I love this book.
- I can't wait to meet James one day. He straight up brings IT in this book. By the way, that is how you should preach. Don't hold anything back!
- James was the half brother of Jesus but notice how he doesn't even lay claim to this connection. He acknowledges what all Christians need to confess "a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ" (1:1)
- You don't have to go looking for trials. They will find you and when they do the real test is how you choose to respond.
- Anyone can act like a Christian BUT it takes a real Christian to react like one.
- Trials are sent from the outside and are sent to test our faith (1:12). Temptations start on the inside and can destroy our faith (1:15).
- God is more concerned about your character than your comfort. Jesus didn't die on a comfortable cross so don't have the audacity to think you will get to carry a comfortable cross.
- James is nothing more than a manual for Maturity.
- Don't claim to be a follower of Jesus if you aren't going to be a doer of the Word (1:22).
- It doesn't matter how much of the Bible you know if you don't apply it. There was a name for people like that in the Bible: Pharisees. They wanted others to do what they weren't even really doing!
- Faith without action is dead (2:17)!
- Don't be foolish enough to think you will go to heaven because you prayed a prayer, were dunked in water as a child, or attend church occasionally. If your faith has no impact on your daily life, it's time to repent and give your whole life to Jesus! (2:18-19)
- Talk is cheap. You're faith is demonstrated by what you DO! (2:26)
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