RCL 2021-09-19-James

https://lectionary.library.vanderbilt.edu/texts.php?id=220

∞ Q: Q Jas 3:13-18 Q1 Answer:

∞ Q: Q Jas 3:13-18 Q2 Answer:

▸ ± Jas 3:13-18

▸ ± Jas 3:13 ¶ Who [is] a wise man and endued with knowledge among you? let him shew out of a good conversation his works with meekness of wisdom. ¢ James previously spoke of faith || works. With his pattern ABBA (A=wisdom, B=works) he identifies the works the wise man is to do: good conversation. He is making an analogy of Faith is to wisdom as works is to good conversation. "I will show you my wisdom by good conversation of knowledge." The point is subtle. Works do not boast of faith, as the knowledge is not boastful as it demonstrates wisdom. Knowledge and works display the wisdom and faith, with meekness.
▸ ± Jas 3:14 But if ye have bitter envying and strife in your hearts, glory not, and lie not against the truth. ¢ Com Jas 3:14
▸ ± Jas 3:15 This wisdom descendeth not from above, but [is] earthly, sensual, devilish. ¢ Com Jas 3:15
▸ ± Jas 3:16 For where envying and strife [is], there [is] confusion and every evil work. ¢ Com Jas 3:16
▸ ± Jas 3:17 But the wisdom that is from above is first pure , then peaceable, gentle, [and] easy to be intreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy. ¢ Com Jas 3:17
▸ ± Jas 3:18 And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace of them that make peace. ¢ Com Jas 3:18

▸ ± Jas 4:1-8

▸ ± Jas 4:1 ¶ From whence [come] wars and fightings among you? [come they] not hence, [even] of your lusts that war in your members? ¢ Com Jas 4:1
▸ ± Jas 4:2 Ye lust, and have not: ye kill, and desire to have, and cannot obtain: ye fight and war, yet ye have not, because ye ask not. ¢ Com Jas 4:2
▸ ± Jas 4:3 Ye ask, and receive not, because ye ask amiss, that ye may consume [it] upon your lusts. ¢ Com Jas 4:3
▸ ± Jas 4:4 Ye adulterers and adulteresses , know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God. ¢ God is not attempting to be gender neutral here by including men and women. He is quite comfortable in using male pronouns for men and women. He could have said "Those in adultery". He is using the symbols.
▸ ± Jas 4:5 Do ye think that the scripture saith in vain, The spirit that dwelleth in us lusteth to envy? ¢ ICB Do you think the Scripture means nothing? It says, “The Spirit that God made to live in us wants us for himself alone.” "...the Holy Spirit is jealous?"
Jas 4:6 But he giveth more grace. Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble. ¢ Com Jas 4:6
▸ ± Jas 4:7 Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. ¢ If you wish to make the devil flee: simply resisting him does not accomplish it. Resisting him in submission to God is required.
▸ ± Jas 4:8 Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse [your] hands , [ye] sinners; and purify [your] hearts, [ye] double minded. ¢ God works invisibly, so you do not perceive him working in your life. When you draw near to him, you can then perceive him through his works in your life.