Bill Fix
Introduction:
Imagine studying a book of the Bible and allowing it to radically change your perspective, your habits, and your life. Transformation is what the Word of God does as we read it and obey it.
The People Pastor https://www.peoplepastor.com was a Lead Pastor for thirty-seven years. His teaching, preaching, mentoring, disciplining, and pastoring changed lives, especially his own. He has delivered hundreds of sermons and has helped dozens of people take the next step in their spiritual walk.
We will study the Book of James, which is in the New Testament after the book of Hebrews. Most theologians believe that James, the half-brother of Jesus, wrote this book. Jesus was born of the Virgin Mary, and Joseph became his earthly father. James was born to Mary and Joseph. Jesus and James enjoyed the same family upbringing.
James did not believe Jesus was who He claimed to be (The Son of God), until after the resurrection. After the resurrection, James believed, matured, became a leader in the Church, and wrote the book of James.
Recommendations:
- Find a quiet place where you will not likely be disturbed.
- Get in a comfortable position, but one that will keep you awake.
- Have a cup of coffee, water, or juice in case you become thirsty.
- Have your Bible open to the book of James so you can follow along. The People Pastor will primarily use the New International Version of the Bible.
- Have a pen and a journal to take a few notes.
Prayer:
Father in heaven, I sense your presence, and I am anxious to meet with you. Forgive me, Father, for neglecting this time in the past. Please enlighten my mind so that I may understand the profound truths of Your Word. I am your servant, and I want to live my life with you and for you. Teach me as I study the Book of James. In Jesus Name, I pray, Amen.
Scripture
1James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, To the twelve tribes scattered among the nations: Greetings. James 1:1
Verse One – James calls himself a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ. A bondslave really, bound to his Master. Legally bound to do what the Master wanted. Legally bound to surrender his will to his Master’s will.
People knew who he was. He was prominent among them. He was the brother of Jesus the Messiah, well thought of among Christian Jews, and he was a leader in the early church.
In today’s church culture, we might say he was somebody. A leader among leaders, but he called himself a servant of God.
Think about this today:
Do you have any earthly titles that make you feel like you’re somebody? Titles like a nurse, doctor, teacher, police officer, supervisor, manager, cook, mom, dad, grandparent, brother, sister, etc., may make you feel significant.
I thought I was somebody when I became a spouse and then a dad and now a grandpa. I thought I was somebody when I became a boss for the first time, then a supervisor, manager, director of children’s ministry, teacher, and Pastor. I thought I was somebody when I graduated from kindergarten, high school, college, and graduate school.
The most significant and highest title is the one James uses, a servant of the Most-High. If we are a servant of God, then we have a Master or Lord. That Master is Jesus. We become a tool in His hands. We do His will using His will, and we do things His way.
Closing Prayer:
Lord of heaven and earth, I thank you for our time today. Remind me of my earthly roles and titles as I go through my day. Help me to begin to recognize that the bottom line of all my positions on earth, is the fact that I am a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ. I pray this in the name of Jesus. Amen
Check out the People Pastor’s Books
The Dead End Road Devotional https://www.amazon.com/dp/1734004606
Memorials To Remember https://www.amazon.com/dp/1734004614
Daddy Can I Go Fishing https://www.amazon.com/dp/B086G18YP8
Custom Funeral Poetry https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0874PCHB3