Jeff Streng
12.18.2020
James
Summarize the day’s reading in one paragraph.
The book of James is an action-oriented book of pragmatic instruction that challenges us to obey Jesus’ teachings. It contains several short, practical teachings ranging from ‘faith and deeds’ to ‘taming the tongue’ to ‘patience in suffering’, and challenges us to act out our faith.
What is one key verse?
James 1: 22-25:
Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like someone who looks at his face in a mirror and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like. But whoever looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues in it—not forgetting what they have heard, but doing it—they will be blessed in what they do.
Why?
These four verses relay a very simple, yet profound promise that obeying God’s word leads to blessings.
How does what you read change your vision of God?
James reminds me that God can use suffering for our good and that we need to have the proper attitude toward suffering. It’s also a great reminder of the importance of acting out our faith. We need to be ‘salt and light’ to the world!
How does what you read change your vision of yourself or others? / How will you Go With God because of this reading?
It reminds me that we’re all on unique journeys toward sanctification and that we need each other’s practical, pragmatic advice to help us along on these journeys. We need each other’s help to obey God’s word.
Where did you see Jesus in these chapters?
James was Jesus’ half brother, so the entire book builds on Jesus’ teachings, primarily the Sermon on the Mount.
2020 Bible Vision 