This post is the last in a series of studies about “James”. I strongly suggest you begin with the introduction to this study, please click here to read it.

Feel free to comment below with your own thoughts about each verse and how you will be acting on each thought. Also, if you haven’t yet signed up to receive the notifications of new studies, you can do that today (the form is at the bottom of the page).

James – Day 28

James finishes as abruptly as it started. No wasting of words or cordial greetings, just an urgency to tell us to do what Jesus is calling us to do. Remember that James was not speaking to pastors of established churches. He was writing to all of us who are believers.

James 5:19-20

My brothers and sisters, if one of you should wander from the truth and someone should bring him back, remember this: Whoever turns a sinner from the error of his way will save him from death and cover over a multitude of sins.

The Thought

In the original letter there was no “and sisters” at the beginning of verse 19. The disciples were not “politically correct”. James addressed his letter to his “brothers in Christ”. He is writing to a fraternity which I’m sure included females. Personally it irritates me that the online Bible has changed that. But that is not the subject for today, so… back to the study!

James’s brief but very rich letter finishes as abruptly as it started. No wasting of words or cordial greetings, just an urgency to tell us to do what Jesus is calling us to do. Remember that James was not speaking to pastors of established churches. He was writing to all of us who are believers, telling us to care for each other.

He continued by encouraging us to evangelise everyone, (that’s another way of saying turning sinners from the error of their ways.)

All through his letter James has been telling us to get our lives sorted, and then to go out and help others do the same by telling them the truth of who Jesus was and what that can mean today.

Action

Ask yourself today if your church spends too much time on social events and not enough time doing Kingdom business? Do you?

Pray for a sense of purpose for your church group, pray for a turning back to God for any you know who have fallen away.

Praise God that He does not want any to be lost, but that Jesus died that ALL might be saved. Praise Him for this letter of James and all you have learned through this brief study.