The term begins with a new series in the epistle of James, a letter reminds us of the unchanging character of God and the hope of eternity he has secured. At the same time, reflecting Jesus’ own teaching, James challenges us to examine our hearts and align our practice with our faith. Writing to believers enduring difficult economic and social circumstances.
Sunday 8th September – James 1:1-18
James opens his letter by drawing his reader’s attention to the God the giver of every good and perfect gift, not least new birth into his family. Though low in the eyes of the world, the believer can rejoice in their royal status. What is more, far from testing his people, God is at work even through trials to grow his people to maturity, so that they press on to receive the crown of life he has promised. In that the reader can rejoice. It takes wisdom to grasp these things, but God is ready to supply.
Sunday 15th September – James 1:19-27
We left the letter of James with the writer reminding his ‘dear brothers and sisters’ that they were members of the same family, those brought to new birth through God’s life-giving word. That same word was to shape them in the family way, to the life of righteousness that God desired. However, were they truly heeding that word? ‘Do not be deceived’ writes James, listening but not responding is not listening at all. It is fruitless. Instead ‘humbly accept the word planted in you, which can save you’. Be hearers and doers – the true ‘hearing test’ is the response to the word in hearts and deeds that echo God’s concern and priorities. How are we listening?
Sunday 29th September – James 2:1-13
This week we are thinking about ordering our lives according to the word of truth, particularly in regard to loving our neighbour. As the mercy of God has flooded into our lives in bringing us to new birth as his people, so it is to flow out from us towards others, not least those to whom we are united in Jesus, our brothers and sisters. The church is called to express kingdom values, to honour and dignify one another in light of who we are as fellow heirs and not according to earthly circumstances. As the gospel rewires our values, so indiscriminate care and community triumphs over favouritism and faction.