Customer Reviews

Be Mature (James): Growing Up in Christ (The BE Series Commentary)

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WE USED THIS BOOK ALONG WITH ANOTHER STUDY GUIDE FOR THE BOOK OF JAMES. WIERSBE'S INSIGHTS WERE A WONDERFUL ADDITION TO THE STUDY AND, IN MANY CASES, TOUCHED ON POINTS THE OTHER STUDY MISSED. ALSO, IT IS EASY, ENJOYABLE READING.

This book has the ability to remain current. I first went through it 18 years ago, and it is just as sharp today. The truths of James exhort us to "grow up", yet they are expressed in a way that makes them tremendously appealing.

I found this book very easy to read. He sticks with the scripture and really focuses on each verse. The book is great for indvidual study as well as group study. I felt he was able to make his points in language that a Chritian could apply to everyday life. He was able to relate the scripture which was written years ago, to the lives of Christians in these times. The letters written long ago are to be applied to today just as they were long ago. Jesus is never changing. I felt Wierse did an excellent job in encouraging us to 'be mature'.

All of Warren Wiersbe's "Be Series" books are just outstanding! This one is no exception. James has been called the Proverbs of the New Testament. Martin Luther didn't think it belonged in the Bible because of it's emphasis on good works! This short book, written by James the brother of Jesus, is a goldmine of instruction on how to live as a mature Christian.

Warren will lead you through the book bit by bit and your study of James will be oh so much richer as a result. I'm studying James with my small group Bible Study and I'm getting so much more out of our study because of "Be Mature"!

If you're interested in reading more of Warren's commentaries, you might want to check out Bible Exposition Commentary Set (Volumes 1 & 2), which is a compilation of ALL of Wiersbe's "Be Series" books on the NEW TESTAMENT. He's not quite done writing all the commentaries on the Old Testament, then hopefully we'll have a 2-volume set containing those as well.

This commentary is easy to understand - definitely written for laypersons. But it does not lack depth. Get this one and another one of your favorite book of the Bible and enjoy!

You might want to check out my reviews of other Christian books.

A lack of spiritual maturity is widespread which results in Christians experiencing unnecessary strife, is a reason given for this study on the book of James. Wiersbe believes, "if Christians would just grow up, they would become victors instead of victims" (p. 5). He begins with giving us background on James. We're told James "was a popular name, a form of the great Old Testament name Jacob" (p. 7). Tradition has it that James was a man of prayer. Wiersbe provides insight into key words in this study. For example, the word "perfection" trips some people up. He explains that word, as interpreted in Hebrews 6:1 refers to "spiritual maturity" (p. 15).

On the topic of growing spiritually, the author tells us it does not occur automatically, like physical growth. Rather, it is something a person must work at continually. "Faith is always tested" he writes (p. 24). If one maintains the right attitude the testing works in our favor, not against us. While immature people are always impatient, mature people are patient and persistent (p. 25). Certain character traits can come about only through trials. An additional sign of spiritual maturity is that a person does not argue with God's will, but accepts it willingly (p. 27).

James tells his readers to ask God for wisdom. "Wisdom is the right use of knowledge," Wiersbe adds, on page 29. Wisdom keeps trials from being wasted. It enables us to see the reason for the difficulties. One bit of wisdom that will help us endure hardship is the knowledge of God's love for us. Such insight enables us to know that ultimately God's love is greater than any situation we have to bear. Seasons happen for a reason and they do not last indefinitely.

Chapter three explains how to view temptation. Maturation will not occur unless one has overcome trials and temptations (p. 36). "A temptation is an opportunity to accomplish a good thing in a bad way, out of the will of God" (p. 36). Desires are to be servants, not masters. We're encourage, in the next chapter, to mediate on the Wrod of God and put it into practice. Chapter five gives fresh nuggets of truth on grace. Toward the end of the book, he argues persuasively for the viewpoint that God' will is not to be feared, but to be relished. God wants the best for us. It is not logical to fear doing His will. You will be greatly encouraged by the spiritual truths in this wonderful book.

Warren Wiersbe shares a practical and excellent commentary on the book of James. It has helped me tremendously, not only to expand my understanding of God's Word, but does it with expanded resources using the original Greek words for increased understanding and comprehension on my part.

The study guides from Warren Wiersbe are always a good
way to study a book of the Bible. There is plenty of information
for teachers to develope a lesson.

Great addition to my Bible study of James. Used this w/ workbook to supplement the study. Key insights on Scripture and how to apply to life. And a great price adds to the attraction!

I am working through this book as part of a group study. It is well written and the questions after each chapter are thought-provoking.

I purchased this book used. There were some remarks written in it as noted when I bought it. The remarks were good and I was able to get someone else's ideas. I was very satisfied with my purchase.