January 2025 James: A Faith That Works Week 3

Hi family, 

I know there is so much going on all over the world right now. If you are suffering right now, I am reaching out to you in prayer. I invite all of you to join people all over the world who are praying for those in Los Angeles as well as for tragedies in other parts of our world. This week in James challenges us to put action behind our faith. Genuine, honest organizations are doing good work to support those suffering. If you can help, please do. But please keep praying. 

(Link to the FREE Devotional Guide at the end of this email)

Welcome to Week Three of our Embrace the Word Study, “James: A Faith that Works!” Last week, we looked at James’ imperative for believers to be doers of the Word, not just hearers. This is part of our responsibility to God’s Word.  

Theologian Warren Wiersbe highlights three responsibilities James lays out for believers regarding the Word of God (The Wiersbe Bible Commentary: New Testament). He emphasizes that our first responsibility is to receive the Word with open hearts (James 1:21), fully embracing its truth and letting it work in us. Next, we must practice the Word; otherwise, we deceive ourselves, and our faith will have no impact on our lives (James 1:22-25). Finally, this leads us to our third responsibility: to show and share the Word with others (James 1:26-27).

James instructs us in James 1:21, “Therefore put away all filthiness and rampant wickedness and receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls.” This passage tells us to receive the Word and allow it to take root in our hearts and transform our lives. As we put the Word into practice (doers of the Word), we begin to see necessary changes in ourselves (attitudes, words, and actions). When we look in the mirror of the Word, we no longer see ourselves the way we were. We begin to see the beauty of God’s truth reflected in our lives, or we see how far off we are! This should prompt us to make changes. It should lead us to ask the Holy Spirit to help us to become like what we behold in the Word.

Moreover, sharing the Word isn’t just about verbal communication; it’s about how we live our lives. James reminds us that “religion that is pure and undefiled before God the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their affliction, and to keep oneself unstained from the world” (James 1:27). This means that genuine faith shines through our actions—caring for those in need and living a life that exemplifies the love of Christ. Also, a believer who can bridle his tongue shows that they are putting faith into practice. This is the impact of the Word in a believer’s life.

This week, (oh boy) James challenges us even more. He hits straight from the shoulder with his discussion on how we use our tongues. We also will discuss the most controversial passage in James, James 2:14-20. Let’s jump in!  

We will finish chapters 2, 3, and some of 4. Please know that you can move at your own pace. Take your time and digest God’s Word. If it takes you more than 31 days, so be it. Get all you can from the Holy Spirit! Don’t forget the memory verses! This week’s passage is James 3:17-18. 

Don’t forget to download Week Three ​HERE​.

If you missed Week One, you can download it ​HERE​. 

If you missed Week Two, you can download it  ​HERE​. 

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit, you may abound in hope. Romans 15:13

Your friend in the journey, 

Remember: The Word W.O.R.K.S. We are walking in Wholeness, Obedience, Righteousness, and Kingdom Success through the Word of God.