My Faith Looks Up to Thee
A Bible Study for Women using the authorized King James Bible, the only inerrant Word of God
By Patricia Dowers
Introduction
It may seem unusual given the title of this Bible study that we are focusing on the book of James. The epistle of James is generally thought of as focusing on the performance of godly works that demonstrate the true Christian life. For some, there has even been a perceived conflict between the writings of James and Paul who maintains faith is all that is needed for salvation. It is my goal to help us to understand there is no contradiction at all between the writings of Paul and James. In fact, they complement each other. Faith in the finished work of Jesus Christ on the cross is all that is needed for salvation but James is writing to believers. Once saved, we should demonstrate godly works.
As Bible believing women, we are accustomed to performing godly works in our homes, churches and communities. Perhaps, in the busy-ness of it all we lose sight of how faith and works combined are necessary for effective witnessing and our Christian walk before the world. I hope this is an opportunity to examine what, why and how we do what we do for the Lord.
Please note: In this study, as in all others, it is important to read all Scripture references for yourself that you may know what God has to say.
Session 1
We will begin this study by reading chapter one of the book of James. James was a half-brother of the Lord Jesus. James was also a respected apostle and “pillar” (Gal. 2:9) of the church in Jerusalem. This church was comprised mostly of Christian Jews. Jas. 1:1 tells us he was writing to the ________ ________ which are _________ _________.
Less than thirty years after the crucifixion and resurrection of the Lord Jesus, it was still dangerous to be a Christian in Jerusalem. Many had left the city for more tolerant locations. Some were following the Lord’s commission to spread the Gospel. Others may have been purposely exiled by Rome. In any case, James was led of the Holy Spirit to write this letter of encouragement and instruction to scattered believers, many of whom may not have had the benefit of an organized local church.
James opens with a subject that was probably common to all of them; trials and temptations. These beginning verses are not speaking of “temptation” to do evil born of our sinful nature, but the “temptations” of circumstance that try our hearts or are allowed by God in order to purify and strengthen us. This is usually the case in Scripture when trials and temptations are mentioned together.
These scattered believers certainly had many trials. They had been uprooted from their homes, trying to make a life and living in unfamiliar situations, and perhaps raising children at the same time. Some of us may have had similar experiences in our lives.
According to Jas. 1:2,3 how should we feel in these situations and why?
The Lord is watching over and directing in our lives and is able to sustain us in difficult situations as well as peaceful ones. Please read Luke 8:22-25 aloud with your group.
Jas. 1: 5-7 instructs us on how to ask for wisdom from the Lord. This is so important because often during trials and temptations we find ourselves at crossroads. We need God’s wisdom to know the direction to take. Once we are confident that God is both in control and leading us, then our hearts and minds are free to discover how we can serve and be a godly witness to others. We are reminded to “ask in __________, nothing wavering” (v. 6). Faith proves our salvation and desire for a godly walk. Faith also demonstrates our expectation of God’s answer. Please read Col. 2:6,7; Heb.10:22,23 and Heb.11:6.
In verses 8-11 James reminds us not to glory in our status in life. Trials happen to anyone, believers and non-believers, rich and poor, alike. No one is exempt. The question remains, do we struggle on our own or do we put our faith in the Lord, looking for His deliverance and His lessons for us, as well as opportunities to reflect His image. Please copy Jas.1:12 in the space below.
Verses 13-16 deal with the other form of temptation. Scripture does not pair this temptation with the word, “trials” but sometimes pairs it with “sin”. These temptations come from our sinful nature within. The sinful thought, if not given over to God’s deliverance will bear fruit in the sinful act. Please read Jas.1:14, 15. What is the progression from temptation to death? I count six steps.
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We can also be buffeted from without by Satan. Again, the remedy is the same. We must go to God for deliverance.
Verses 17-21 reminds us of our purpose as believers and how to avoid temptation’s traps. Verse 20 states that “the _________ of man worketh not the _______________ of God.” In v. 21 what should we lay apart?
What should we receive?
Please read Psa. 119:11 aloud with your group.
James 1:22-25 is a familiar passage to many of us using the looking glass as a metaphor for God’s Word. Please read these verses aloud with your group. As women, we are quite accustomed to seeing our faces in mirrors. As I look at my reflection, I make choices. I can be satisfied with what I see and walk away. I can also be uncaring about my appearance and walk away. Either way, no changes have been made. What does v. 24 say about these choices?
When we relate this to looking into God’s Word, if we walk away and do not apply what we see, we stagnate and soon regress. My other choice after looking in my mirror is to use the information to make improvements. These improvements in turn, will allow me to present the best side of myself to accomplish my goals. Look at v.25 and describe below what James says about looking into the perfect law of liberty (God’s Word).
Finally, James 1:26 and 27 give us some specifics in the test of true religion (or faith). In the space below, give some examples of what ways we sin when we “bridleth not the tongue” (v.26).
What are some examples of how to accomplish the tasks in v.27?
Please write Gal. 6:10 in the space below.
In the next session we will explore how godly love and good works demonstrate true faith.
Session 2
We will begin this session by reading through the second chapter of James. In verse 1 James uses the term “respect of persons”. In most cases respect is a good thing. For example, the Bible tells us to respect or honor our parents. We are told to respect warning signs that keep us from danger. We are told to respect those who have authority over us because it is God’s will. In this instance in Jas. 2:1, respect is synonymous with “preference” and does not demonstrate the faith of Jesus Christ.
Apparently in the early churches people were showing preferential treatment to those who were dressed and adorned in costly ways. How does v. 3 say the rich were treated?
How were the poor treated?
This was not a unique situation. The Hebrew Pharisees set the example by publicly displaying all of their finery and so-called pious behavior to impress. Please read Matt. 23:5-7 aloud with your group. This behavior is also an example of a long-held attitude in the world of being impressed by displays of wealth and showing lower esteem for the poor. What does Jas. 2:4 say is the result of this attitude?
Verse 5 is a beautiful reminder of how the Lord feels about showing respect of persons. How can we show our love for the Lord if we don’t share that same love for all, poor and wealthy, alike. In this country we are blessed to have a large middle class where differences are not so obvious. Yet as women, we tend to be a little more aware of appearances and must be careful not to fall into the trap of judgement because appearances are not always as they seem. The Lord knows the heart. Please read what Jesus had to say about the widow’s mite in Luke 21:1-4.
I believe the best churches are the ones where there is diversity of wealth, education and circumstances, but all are treated with the same love and respect. After all, if we are true believers in Christ, the same Holy Spirit indwells us all. We are all in the same position, which is crucified with Christ and alive by the faith of the Son of God (Gal. 2:20).
In Jas. 2:9-13 James uses strong language to impress on us that God sees respect of persons as sin (v.9). Back in verse 8, to what commandment is this sin connected?
Finally, in verse 13 we see the cost of this sin. Please write out this verse in the space below.
James 2:14-26 gives us some solid examples of how good works demonstrate true faith. True faith in the finished, redemptive work of Jesus Christ brings salvation (Rom. 3:24,25) which, in turn, establishes the indwelling of the Holy Spirit in the heart of the believer (Eph. 3:16-19). This process is all unseen with the eye and can only be received through faith. Good works, the result of this unseen, true faith, is the visible manifestation of the transformation that takes place in the heart. (Jas. 2:17) “Even so _________ if it hath not _________, is_________, being alone.
Please read Jas. 2:18 aloud in your group. The Holy Spirit is constantly prompting us to good works. We are not saved for our own sakes but to the glory of God and the accomplishment of His work and will in this world. We are the physical (seen) bodies that accomplish the work of the (unseen) Holy Spirit, that glorifies God.
Please read Gal. 5:22-25. This passage contains a very familiar list of the fruit of the Spirit. Please notice that everything on this list must be demonstrated or it is of no use. Verse 25 says, “If we ________ in the Spirit, let us also _________in the Spirit”.
After salvation there is a continuing faith that if nurtured in the Word, can grow mighty works. That is why we see mature Christians in the faith bubbling over with good works while other less mature and even spiritually starving Christians demonstrate little or inconsistent works. Sometimes they leave us in doubt if the Holy Spirit is actually indwelling them.
In James 2:21-26 we have some examples of faith demonstrated by works. The first is Abraham, the Old Testament patriarch. What was he called in v. 23?
The account of Abraham in the book of Genesis gives us many examples of how he demonstrated his faith in God through his actions. The one that stands out and is demonstrated here in Jas. 2:21 is his faith in God when God told him to sacrifice his son, Isaac. Abraham did not understand but still trusted God to make it right. God spared Isaac and honored Abraham by installing him in the “faith” chapter of Hebrews 11.
It is important to note that in our human failings, like Abraham, we can sometimes fall short of the mark. This can happen when we take our eyes off the Lord (in our case by spending less time in the Word) and put our faith in our own limited wisdom. Please read Gen. 16:3,4). Here, Abraham stopped trusting God to bring him the promised heir and took matters upon himself, resulting in not only sin, but centuries of unrest between the descendants of his sons, Isaac and Ishmael.
Finally, Rahab, the Harlot is also cited by James as another example of godly works demonstrating her faith by protecting the Israelite spies at Jericho. Her trust and godly actions brought her into the nation of Israel and into the genealogy of our Lord Jesus. (Jas. 2:25 and Matt.1:5).
Please read Jas. 2:26 and share with your group some examples of faith and works in your own experience.
In the next session we will learn about some specific examples of how practicing true faith together with godly works will bring us victory.
Session 3
We will begin this session by reading James 3:1- 4:12. Here we find that James is led by the Spirit to deal extensively with two matters that often trap the believer and spoil (or even destroy) the testimony and walk. They are an uncontrolled tongue and worldliness.
Women by nature can be more sensitive than men. When we are in possession of an unruly weapon such as the tongue (or voice), we can do more lasting damage than with weapons of iron and steel. Let us look at what the Bible has to say about the tongue. Please read James 3:6. I find five negative attributes associated with the tongue. Please list them below.
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Verse 8 goes on to say that no man can tame the tongue. It is an unruly evil and full of deadly poison (Psa. 140:3). We have often heard the expression, “bite your tongue”. This is supposed to be an attempt at holding back something you shouldn’t say. It seldom works. Discuss with your group some ways in which the uncontrolled tongue can be hurtful and destructive.
I am sure that “gossip” was included in your discussion. Sometimes gossip can be disguised with phrases that include, “I am so concerned about Nancy”; or “I think Carol needs prayer”. If you cannot have the conversation with Nancy or Carol present, it may be gossip. The better way is to ask Nancy or Carol if you may share it because prayer is a wonderful resource when shared in a loving way.
Another use of the tongue that we must avoid is being critical in a hurtful, offensive way. This never leads to a good end. We are viewed as self-righteous and our victim is either discouraged or angry and resistant. Please copy Jas. 3:8 in the space below.
The Lord created our tongues for His purpose, His worship and to bless and support each other. Tongues should be used to share the gospel, speak words of love and concern, share wisdom, and most importantly, praise the Lord. Please fill in your answers below.
Prov. 15:4 What is a wholesome tongue?
Phil. 1:27a What should your conversation be?
Jas. 3:13 What does a wise man (or woman) do?
God’s Word is absolutely full of warnings about the tongue and instruction on how to use our speech in a godly way. One of the best verses, I feel, to help us to determine the wisdom of what we are about to utter is James 3:17. Please read this verse aloud with your group.
The next portion of this session deals with worldliness. For many Christian women, worldliness is thought of as any place we might go or activity in which we may participate that is not God-honoring. Or perhaps it may be a certain mode of dress or speech that aligns us with the world and not with the Lord. All of these are true but do we ever consider that worldliness can also be a state of mind?
Please read James 4:1-12. Here we see that worldliness or friendship with the world begins in the eyes, heart and mind of the believer. What does God say about worldliness? James 4:4 says “friendship with the world is __________ with God”; and, in verse 5, “the spirit (our own)… ___________ to envy”.
I John 2:16 is a familiar verse to many of us. Please copy it in the space below.
As believers we are taught to resist these three pitfalls. We may be successful at doing that outwardly, but how are we doing in our hearts and minds? Remember, the heart is the seat of the Holy Spirit and the temple of God. Are we secretly admiring and wishing for what we cannot or should not have? Perhaps we may be so consumed with a more expensive home or a fashionable wardrobe or even a higher status in life that we have ceased to take pleasure in a godly walk. Worldliness will even interfere with our prayer lives (Jas. 4:3). How do we overcome worldliness?
Please read Jas. 4:10 aloud in your group. If we confess our sin and weakness the Lord will lift us up. Now, go back up to verses 6 and 7 and read those aloud. God, with the same grace that brought us to salvation, will forgive and draw us back to Him (verses 8 and 9), but humility is the key. If we humble our hearts before Him, He will give us the victory.
Genuine humility can sometimes be a challenge. Please join me in the next session for encouragement in this area.
Session 4
The sin of pride comes so naturally to everyone. Even believers have a life-time struggle in this area. Sometimes we even take pride in our humility! How ironic is that? Actually, humility is swallowed up in pride. So, let us look to God’s Word to learn how we can have victory.
Please read James 4:13- 5:6. First, James gives us the warnings. Verses 4:13-16 is a warning to those who make plans without consulting the Lord. As believing women, we should not only be committed to the Lord but also to His plan for our lives (I Cor. 6:20).
No plan, no matter how noble, made outside of God’s will can be successful. How does Jas. 4:14 describe our lives? ________
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Does that sound like anything to be prideful about?
James 5:1-6 speaks of a rich man who has not used his wealth to glorify God. Instead he hoards it for himself and consumes it for his own pleasures. What do verses 2 and 3 say about his riches? I count six statements.
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These certainly do not sound like anything to be prideful about!
We have seen how we can be prideful about riches, plans and accomplishments, but what about our attitudes and demeanor? Please read these verses aloud with your group:
Pro.16:18,19, Pro. 29:23, Isa.10:33, and I Tim. 6:17.
James concludes his epistle with instruction in humility, patience and endurance in waiting for the Lord. Please read James 5:7-20 and copy verse 8 in the space below.
In these troubled times we often feel at the end of our patience and endurance. Verses 10 and 11 point us to the saints of Scripture who endured similar trials. We are to build our own faith on their example. Another important resource is the prayer and support of fellow believers. In verses 14-20 please find some of the ways we can pray for each other. I count at least three.
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Perhaps your group can think of some other situations in which we can support each other in prayer. Please discuss these.
The end of verse 11 tells us the Lord is very ___________ and of tender ____________. We can trust Him to see us through to victory and glory. The familiar hymn below is a beautiful prayer to the Source of our faith. Please ask someone in your group to read it aloud as you listen to the words. I know you will find it a comfort and stronghold.
My Faith Looks Up to Thee
an American hymn written by Ray Palmer in 1830 and a favorite during the Civil War.
My faith looks up to Thee,
Thou Lamb of Calvary, Savior divine!
Now hear me while I pray, take all my guilt away,
O let me from this day be wholly Thine!
May Thy rich grace impart
Strength to my fainting heart, my zeal inspire!
As Thou hast died for me, O may my love to Thee,
Pure warm, and changeless be, a living fire!
While life’s dark maze I tread,
And griefs around me spread, be Thou my Guide;
Bid darkness turn to day, wipe sorrow’s tears away,
Nor let me ever stray from Thee aside.
When ends life’s transient dream,
When death’s cold sullen stream over me roll;
Blest Savior, then in love, fear and distrust remove;
O bear me safe above, a ransomed soul!
I pray the Holy Spirit has allowed you to see new truths in the epistle of James. Until we see Him face to face, I hope you can pray with me…
My faith looks up to Thee!