James was writing to a people riddled w-conflicts. Wars-contentions, strife - divisions. People gunning for position, preeminence, wanting prestige - prominence among - above their peers. Wanting to be recognized as wise - understanding, the -gifted-of God- teacher in their midst. In short, many were wrestling w-the destructive problem of pride. - But what he's ultimately leading up to is that for all of these problems that they're having in their relationships w-one another, it's really only indicative or-symptomatic of a much deeper problem that they have in their relationship with God.James was writing to a people riddled with conflicts. Wars-contentions, strife - divisions. People gunning for position, preeminence, wanting prestige - prominence among - above their peers. Wanting to be recognized as wise - understanding, the -gifted of God- teacher in their midst. In short, many were wrestling w-the destructive problem-of pride. - But what he's ultimately leading up to is that for all of these problems that-they're having in their relationships w-one another, it's really only indicative or-symptomatic of a much deeper problem that they have in their relationship with God.

James was writing to a people riddled w/conflicts. Wars/contentions, strife & divisions. People gunning for position, preeminence, wanting prestige & prominence among & above their peers. Wanting to be recognized as wise & understanding, the "giftedof God" teacher in their midst. In short, many were wrestling w/the destructive problem of pride. – But what he's ultimately leading up to is that for all of these problems that they're having in their relationships w/one another, it's really only indicative orsymptomatic of a much deeper problem that they have in their relationship with God.James was writing to a people riddled with conflicts. Wars/contentions, strife & divisions. People gunning for position, preeminence, wanting prestige & prominence among & above their peers. Wanting to be recognized as wise & understanding, the "gifted of God" teacher in their midst. In short, many were wrestling w/the destructive problemof pride. – But what he's ultimately leading up to is that for all of these problems thatthey're having in their relationships w/one another, it's really only indicative orsymptomatic of a much deeper problem that they have in their relationship with God.

The Bible teaches that as the body of Christ, we are one. That just as your physical body is composed of many individual members, yet comprises one body, so to the body of Christ. Though we are many, we remain one body. Each individual adding an element to the body that makes up the whole. You need me, - I need you if we're to function - flourish as God intended. I serve you through the means in which God has gifted me - you serve me through the means God has gifted you- That is, we serve one another. It may be individually or corporately, however the case may be. We are to edify one another - glorify God.

The Bible teaches that as the body of Christ, we are one. That just as your physical body is composed of many individual members, yet comprises one body, so to the body of Christ. Though we are many, we remain one body. Each individual adding an element to the body that makes up the whole. You need me, & I need you if we're to function & flourish as God intended. I serve you through the means in which God has gifted me & you serve me through the means God has gifted you… That is, we serve one another. It may be individually or corporately, however the case may be. We are to edify one another & glorify God.

Responsibility - accountability, that's what God places upon the words we use. Way too often we underestimate the power of a spoken word. - That is, the way our words impact - influence others. They can be directive, destructive, encouraging, edifying, discouraging, or disheartening. A well-timed word can set someone on the pathway to greatness or completely derail their otherwise fruitful trajectory in life.

What does -saving faith- look like in a person's life-- That's really the heart behind this section of scripture. - It's an important question to consider because faith is a key, -in fact critical- doctrine in the Christian life. - The sinner is saved by grace through faith -Eph-2-8-, the believer is to -walk- or live by faith -2 Cor 5-7-. The Bible teaches that apart from faith it's impossible to please God -Heb 11-6- - that whatever is not from faith -Rom 14-23- is sin.

My reception of God's Word is made manifest in my response to God's Word. That's the life lesson James has just rehearsed w-us in this last portion of Ch 1. If my observation of God's word never translates into an application of God's Word, than it's not doing me-any good. It doesn't matter how much I study it, how accurately I can quote it or how well I think I know it- As the curtain draws back on Ch 2, James continues to build upon that principle, but he zeroes in on the specific point of partiality -or favoritism-.

Allow me to remind you- James is all about practical Christian living. He's given us keys on how we stay true to God through trials-tribulations, how we stay true to God rather than indulge temptations. Now, he wants to talk to us a bit about our temper.-Tribulations, temptations - tempers.

In chap 3 we found Solomon understanding the value of time and the purpose of the seasons we face in this life, both the good and the not so good. God has ordained and organized things so that Everything is going as planned..The result of this foothold leads us to trust God and if we let Him He will guide us in these moments and He will build our faith teaching us to keep our eyes on eternity where they belong.

Seasons are just part of our life, that big moment growing up when you hit double digits, the teen age years, 20's, 30's and upward.. college, marriage, kids.. it seems like our entire life is either entering into, enduring or coming to the end of another season.