A Believing Behaving Faith:: A Practical Commentary on James

By Dr. John Thomas Wylie

This publication, A Believing Behaving Faith, is but one in a series of biblical expositions not intended to be an exhaustive study but rather a simple biblical approach that is a practical commentary and reader friendly in content. This is a work that would certainly be appreciated by many clergy and laity alike. The purpose of any exposition from the Word of God should always be (whether spoken or written) to guide, inspire, teach, encourage others to Christ and to live for Christ only.

In this publication, James has much to contribute concerning Christian ethics. Again, and without doubt, we should be hearers of the Word. We receive the Word but not as believers only but as doers of the Word. Not just as believers of the faith but as doers of the faith in our daily walk with Christ. If we truly believe the Word of God, then we ought to live a life true and obedient to the Word of God, a life acceptable and holy unto God, which is our reasonable service, a living sacrifice.

My brothers and sisters, read on, draw nigh to Christ, as he draws closer to you in a more personal and fulfilling way. Refer the Bible often and prayerfully as you read the contents of this publication. Expect something miraculous and wondrous to take place as you read. Live your life in expectancy of even a more blessed, abundant life. Ask God not only to bless you during and after reading this blessing but also to make you a blessing to others. Thank you for supporting this book ministry. To God be the glory!

When asked, Why do you write? Dr. Wylies refers to Habakkuk 2:24 and Ps. 97: 1112.

• Language: English
• Publisher: AuthorHouse
• Release date: Mar 30, 2015
• ISBN: 9781504904483

Dr. John Thomas Wylie

The Reverend Dr. John Thomas Wylie is one who has dedicated his life to the work of God’s Service, the service of others; and being a powerful witness for the Gospel of Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Dr. Wylie was called into the Gospel Ministry June 1979, whereby in that same year he entered The American Baptist College of the American Baptist Theological Seminary, Nashville, Tennessee. As a young Seminarian, he read every book available to him that would help him better his understanding of God as well as God’s plan of Salvation and the Christian Faith. He made a commitment as a promising student that he would inspire others as God inspires him. He understood early in his ministry that we live in times where people question not only who God is; but whether miracles are real, whether or not man can make a change, and who the enemy is or if the enemy truly exists. Dr. Wylie carried out his commitment to God, which has been one of excellence which led to his earning his Bachelors of Arts in Bible/Theology/Pastoral Studies. Faithful and obedient to the call of God, he continued to matriculate in his studies earning his Masters of Ministry from Emmanuel Bible College, Nashville, Tennessee & Emmanuel Bible College, Rossville, Georgia. Still, inspired to please the Lord and do that which is well – pleasing in the Lord’s sight, Dr. Wylie recently on March 2006, completed his Masters of Education degree with a concentration in Instructional Technology earned at The American Intercontinental University, Holloman Estates, Illinois. Dr. Wylie also previous to this, earned his Education Specialist Degree from Jones International University, Centennial, Colorado and his Doctorate of Theology from The Holy Trinity College and Seminary, St. Petersburg, Florida. Dr. Wylie has served in the capacity of pastor at two congregations in Middle Tennessee and Southern Tennessee, as well as served as an Evangelistic Preacher, Teacher, Chaplain, Christian Educator, and finally a published author, writer of many great inspirational Christian Publications such as his first publication: 112 “Only One God: Who Is He?” – published August 2002 via formally 1st books library (which is now AuthorHouse Book Publishers located in Bloomington, Indiana & Milton Keynes, United Kingdom) which caught the attention of The Atlanta Journal Constitution Newspaper. Dr. Wylie is happily married to Angel G. Wylie, a retired Dekalb Elementary School teacher who loves to work with the very young children and who always encourages her husband to move forward in the Name of Jesus Christ. They have Four children, 11 grand-children and one great-grandson all of whom they are very proud. Both Dr. Wylie and Angela Wylie serve as members of the Salem Baptist Church, located in Lilburn, Georgia, where the Reverend Dr. Richard B. Haynes is Senior pastor. Dr. Wylie has stated of his wife: “she knows the charm and beauty of sincerity, goodness, and purity through Jesus Christ. Yes, she is a Christian and realizes the true meaning of loveliness as the reflection as her life of holy living gives new meaning, hope, and purpose to that of her husband, her children, others may say of her, “Behold the handmaiden of the Lord.” A Servant of Jesus Christ!

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2015 Dr. John Thomas Wylie. All rights reserved.

No part of this book may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted by any means without the written permission of the author.

Published by AuthorHouse 3/27/2015

ISBN: 978-1-5049-0449-0 (sc)

ISBN: 978-1-5049-0448-3 (e)

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Because of the dynamic nature of the Internet, any web addresses or links contained in this book may have changed since publication and may no longer be valid. The views expressed in this work are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher, and the publisher hereby disclaims any responsibility for them.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

PREFACE

JAMES CHAPTER ONE

A Guide: Christian Personal Ethics

Authorship: James?

The Character of James

Salutation: James 1:1

Temptations (James 1:2-8, 12-18)

Poverty and Wealth (James 1:9-11)

Eternal Reward for Faithful Endurance (James 1:12 – 15)

Responding to God’s Faithfulness (James 1:16-21)

Not Enough To Hear! (James 1:22-25)

True (Pure) Religion (James 1:26-27)

JAMES CHAPTER TWO

James Warns Against Things Forbidden: (Snobbery, Discrimination, Favoritism, Partiality) (James 2:1-13)

Favoritism, Snobbery (James 2:2-4)

Poor Rich Man: Rich Poor Man (Partiality Condemned) (James 2: 5-8)

The Royal Law (James 2:8- 13)

Extent of The Law and Obedience (James 2: 10-13)

Governed By The Law of Christ (James 2:12-13)

The Evidence of True Faith (James 2:14-26)

Background of Reconcile: Paul and James

Faith Proves Itself By Works (James 2:14-26)

JAMES CHAPTER THREE

The Tongue and True Wisdom (James 3:1-18)

Taming The Tongue (James 3:1-12)

False Wisdom: True Wisdom (James 3:13-18)

JAMES CHAPTER FOUR

Dangerous Encounters To Christian Living` (James 4:1-17)

Causes of Conflict:

Sinful desires and affections generally exclude prayer:

Compromising with the World’s spirit:

Nature of the Carnal Heart:

Submit to God:

Resist the Devil:

Clean hands and a pure heart:

A Call to Repentance:

The Sin of Judging:

Sinful Self-Confidence in a Uncertain Future:

JAMES CHAPTER FIVE

A Call To Patience And Prayer (James 5:1-20)

Judgment/Warning to the Wealthy (Rich) (James 5: 1-6)

Patient until Christ Returns (James 5: 7-12)

Truthful in Word (James 5: 12)

A Call For Prayer And Healing (James 5: 13-18)

Confessing Faults And Prayer (James 5:16)

Restoration: Reclaiming Those Who Stray From The Truth (James 5:19, 20)

Conclusion

Bibliography

About The Author

About The Book

Scripture quotations marked KJV are from the Holy Bible, King James Version (Authorized Version). First published in 1611. Quoted from the KJV Classic Reference Bible, Copyright © 1983 by The Zondervan Corporation.

Scripture quotations marked NIV are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®. NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved. [Biblica]

Scripture quotations marked RSV are taken from the Revised Standard Version of the Bible, copyright © 1946, 1952, 1971 by the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the USA. Used by permission.

Scripture quotations taken from the New English Bible, copyright © Cambridge University Press and Oxford University Press 1961, 1970. All rights reserved.

PREFACE

True Christian living can never be experienced or fulfilled in one’s life apart from the Gospel of Christ. Certainly, while it is true that Christians are believers in Christ Jesus (heirs of His salvation), we must do more than just believe. If our faith is to believe Jesus Christ, then our faith ought to be a faith that responds to, live out, follow his example, or is more clearly put; practiced in how we live daily in Christ. Jesus Christ would that we not only believe the Word but live the Word which simply putted means: be doers of the Word and not believers only. One may even preach the Gospel but the greatest sermon is one that is lived. If the world is to see Christ in us, we must practice the Christian faith (live out faith, be doers of the Word as well as believe the Word). For faith without works is dead.

The power of God helps us live a Christ centered life. A godly faith is a faith lived, a faith in action and is lived consistent with true faith not intellectual faith; but saving faith.

As Christians, we are born of the Word, nurtured on the Word and have become strong believers in Christ with an unshakeable, steadfast faith. Like the Apostle Paul, we can say: I have kept the faith… We say we believe but yet, how have we behaved? James makes it clear that believing in Christ is good (faith in Christ) but also necessary is action (to behave) which is essential to the Christian faith. Truly, if one professes his belief in Christ, making one’s claim to salvation should not also one behave as a child of God? That is obedience to Christ! A true life in Christ Jesus is not just believing the Word; but allowing the Word to live in us reflecting in us a life that knows how to behave, a life of true holiness. A life that yields itself to the hand (will) of Christ and is thus evident in our daily living for Christ.

In this publication, James has much to contribute concerning Christian ethics. Again, and without doubt we should be hearers of the Word. We receive the Word but not as believers only; but as doers of the Word. ‘Not just as believers of the faith but as doers of the faith in our daily walk with Christ. If we truly believe the Word of God, then we ought to live a life true and obedient to the Word of God; a life acceptable and holy unto God which is our reasonable service, a living sacrifice.

A Faith lacking in obedience to the "Will of God" is not faith at all. God expects us to render more to Him than just lip service, and certainly more than belief (intellectual belief). The devils believe and know He is that He is, but the devils are not salvable; and are in constant rebellion against the will of God. True believers worship the God of our salvation and by the aid of the Holy Spirit strive daily to live Christ-like. We cannot be hearers of the Word only but because we love the Lord Jesus we become what He would have us to become: Christ-like, Doers of the Word who practice the faith and live out the faith we practice in true holiness. One has much spiritual worth to gain when life reflects a faith, belief and practice expressing Christ- likeness. A life which actions say: Lord, I want to live for Thee every day and every hour. A life of faith which finds