RCL 2021-09-12-James
https://lectionary.library.vanderbilt.edu/texts.php?id=219 Proper 19
∞ Q: To whom is James talking? Hint: What is his concluding remark? Answer:
∞ Q: How do you avoid condemnation? Answer:
∞ Q: What is the difference in leadership style between the bit and the rudder? Answer:
∞ Q: Why does James teach in metaphor? Answer:
∞ Q: How does James's teaching compare to that of Paul to the Corinthians? Answer:
[1]
James 3:1-13
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▸ ± Jas 3:1 ¶ My brethren, be not many masters[teachers] [2], knowing that we shall receive the greater condemnation [3]. ¢ James is talking to teachers and concludes "shew out of a good conversation his works with meekness of wisdom." in v.13. |
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Jas 3:2 For in many things we offend all. If any man offend not in word, the same [is] a perfect man [1], [and] able also to bridle the whole body [2]. ¢ If you do not offend people with your words, you can lead the whole church. Jesus is the one who's words do not offend. There is no condemnation. He leads the whole church |
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| Jas 3:3 Behold, we put bits in the horses’ [1] mouths, that they may obey us; and we turn about their whole body.
¢ Leadership by the bit demands obedience. |
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| Jas 3:4 Behold also the ships[1], which though [they be] so great, and [are] driven of fierce winds [2], yet are they turned about with a very small helm [3], whithersoever the governor [4] listeth.
¢ Leadership by the rudder nudges compliance. |
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| Jas 3:5 Even so the tongue [1] is a little member [2], and boasteth great things [3]. Behold, how great a matter a little fire [4] kindleth!
¢ § "Though the babbler is a small member of the church, see how much trouble he can stir up." |
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| Jas 3:6 And the tongue [is] a fire, a world of iniquity: so is the tongue among our members, that it defileth the whole body, and setteth on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire of hell. [1] | ||
| Jas 3:7 For every kind of beasts [1] , and of birds [2] , and of serpents [3] , and of things in the sea [4] , is tamed, and hath been tamed of mankind: | ||
| Jas 3:8 But the tongue can no man tame; [it is] an unruly evil, full of deadly poison. [1] | ||
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Jas 3:9 Therewith bless we God, even the Father; and therewith curse we men, which are made after the similitude of God. [1] |
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| Jas 3:10 Out of the same mouth proceedeth blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not so to be. [1] | ||
| Jas 3:11 Doth a fountain send forth at the same place sweet [water] and bitter? [1] | ||
| Jas 3:12 Can the fig tree [1], my brethren, bear olive [2] berries? either a vine [3], figs [4]? so [can] no fountain both yield salt [5] water and fresh [6]. | ||
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▸ ± Jas 3:13 ¶ Who [is] a wise man[a] and endued with knowledge[b] [t 1] among you? let him shew out of a good conversation his works with meekness of wisdom. [t 2]
¢ 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. |
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