Be Mature [James]: Growing Up in Christ

The "Be" Commentary

by Warren W. Wiersbe

Perhaps of all the books in the New Testament, James most squarely focuses on results. His pull-no-punches approach to spiritual maturity, his preference for action over words, makes his text the perfect backdrop for a study of how to grow in our faith.Beloved author and teacher Warren W. Wiersbe leads you through this practical book with advice on how to overcome temptation, control the tongue, effective prayer, and how to practice what the Bible teaches. If you're going to make progress in these areas, you will need a growing faith and dependence on Christ.

Genres: Christian, Nonfiction, Christian Living, Reference, Christian Non Fiction, Theology, Ebooks

194 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 1978

About the author

Warren W. Wiersbe, former pastor of the Moody Church and general director of Back to the Bible, has traveled widely as a Bible teacher and conference speaker. Because of his encouragement to those in ministry, Dr. Wiersbe is often referred to as 'the pastor's pastor.' He has ministered in churches and conferences throughout the United States as well as in Canada, Central and South America, and Europe. Dr. Wiersbe has written over 150 books, including the popular BE series of commentaries on every book of the Bible, which has sold more than four million copies. At the 2002 Christian Booksellers Convention, he was awarded the Gold Medallion Lifetime Achievement Award by the Evangelical Christian Publishers Association. Dr. Wiersbe and his wife, Betty, live in Lincoln, Nebraska.

Reviews

[Michael Philliber · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love Wiersbe's "Be..." series. Warren W. Wiersbe (16 May 1929 - 2 May 2019), pastor, bible teacher on "Back to the Bible Radio Ministries," and teacher of practical theology at Trinity Evangelical Divinity School. Though he was a dispensational and a Baptist, and I'm a post-millennial Presbyterian, nevertheless, he was a master communicator and Bible-explainer. These short books will add loads of clear-headed fodder to any study one does for sermons, bible studies, or devotions. I highly recommend "Be Mature" and the whole "Be..." series.

[Rhoda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Warren Wiersbe's Be series is an excellent study of God's Word. The writing is not intellectual but it is thought provoking and very practical for Christian living. Be Mature studies the book of James with its many practical commands to live and grow in the Christian faith.

[Joy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent book which we used for Sunday school. There was great interest in studying James. Wiersbe's books have wonderful content, but the chapters are manageable with minimum study each week. Of course, some chapters require several weeks for a thorough discussion. The format of the book was looking at five marks of a mature Christian: patient in testing, practices the truth, power over tongue, peacemaker (not troublemaker), and prayerful in trouble. "When you find yourself in the fire, remember that God keeps his gracious hand on the thermostat."

[Andy Febrico Bintoro · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is one of the difficult book in the Bible, for many of the contents was about soteriology. The author of this book made a simple yet powerful commentary here.

[Dawn Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

I started this devotional with a friend who wanted to do something like this together and so someone would hold her accountable to get it done. She then flaked out and I haven't heard from her since September. :-/
So, for awhile, it sat languishing on my shelf as I waited to see if she would come back and we could finish it together; alas, that did not happen. So I started it back up again on my own. And I thoroughly enjoyed this. It was my first devotional by Warren Wiersbe and it most certainly will not be my last. His writing is concise, backed by scripture and very straight-forward. There is no ambivalence here; just straight from the heart and gut and the Bible.
I had never done such an in-depth study of the Book of James and while this was enjoyable, it was also uncomfortable. The Book of James deals with the tongue and how we need to control it; to say I was convicted several times over how I often use mine is a gross understatement. I never felt he was judging me though, just encouraging me to pray about my offenses, learn from them and what the Book of James was teaching me and let God lead. And because of that [and the lack of judgment], I was able to really delve in and learn to apply what I was learning to my life.

I am glad my friend suggested this, even if she did not finish it with me. I hope that wherever she is, she has finished it as well and has learned as much as I have from this study.

[David Cowpar · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think Weirsbe has done a great job of outlining the book of James towards the goal of Christian maturity. Using James 1:4 as the theme verse for the book: "And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing." (ESV)
Wiersbe outlines the five characteristics of mature Christian believers using one characteristic per chapter in the book of James.

The Marks of a Mature Christian:
- He is patient in testing (James 1) from external sources (:1-12) and internal sources (:13-27)

- He practices the truth (James 2) in faith and love (:1-13) and in faith and works (:14-26)

- He has power over his tongue (James 3)

- He is a peacemaker and not a troublemaker (James 4)

- He is prayerful in troubles (James 5). Be they economic (:1-9), physical (:10-16), national (:17-18) or Church related (:19-20)

Really helpful and easy to read commentary on James.

[Carol · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love this study!! Warren Wiersbe is a great Christian writer and teacher. He has written "Be" series on both the Old Testament (27 books) and New Testament (23 books).

This book is amazing, so much to learn in the book of James. It would make a great group bible study.

[Natalya · Rating 3 out of 5]

SO far VERY INTERESTING! I love the book of JAmeS and this book opens a lot of new things to me I never thought about.

[Mariah Dawn · Rating 4 out of 5]

I try to go through these commentaries in sync with what book of the Bible we’re studying at church. Wiersbe is no Matthew Henry, but I appreciate the broader perspective I gain from the text and the questions for contemplation.

[Kimberly · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great commentary for the book of James. This was given to me for a resource when our Bible study decided to do a study on James and at first I thought the title was odd but it ended up being a great book.

[B · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an excellent commentary of the Book of James and really brings out the theme of spiritual maturity in a believer's life. Mr. Wiersbe outlines the marks of a mature Christian: patient in testing, practices the truth, power over the tongue, peacemaker, and prayerful. The practical applications helped me establish and/or strengthen these traits in my daily walk with the Lord. My only complaint with the study is the six different Bible translations used when quoting biblical references, which included The Living Bible, The New Testament in Modern English, and the New International Version.

[Lynn's · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great commentary on the book of James. To me, out of all the commentaries I’ve read from Wiersbe on the shorter New Testament epistles, James is the book he wrote the most about. As I read “Be Mature” along with my yearly Bible reading plan, I had a hard time keeping up! Each chapter Wiersbe wrote was full of practical advice about the Scriptures. Then again, James is a very practical book and Wiersbe did a great job of relating those truths to our day. He had a lot to say about the tongue, how we treat both rich and poor, and of course, faith. A read worthwhile!

[Jack Hansen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wiersbe explains scripture so well. He refers to several scriptures when making a point that the Book of James teaches. Being a mature Christian requires more than time in church or attending a bible study. A personal relationship with God, Jesus Christ, the Holy Spirit is necessary for one to grow in Christ. Be Mature: Growing Up in Christ directs the reader to passages that guide them closer to God which humbles while freeing the individual of fear, angst, and worry that they would not otherwise possess.

[Bob Mendelsohn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wiersbe never disappoints for the homiletical - homespun style of his writing. The few Greek words he references in "Mature" are helpful. I"m glad for the simplicity and the directness of James and also of Wiersbe. I'm not sure the overarching theme is maturity, but even so, it was a useful guide for me as I studied this book again and again. I had an old copy of the "Be" series, and I really like the updated version.

His illustrations are often helpful, too.

[Abraham Vivas · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good, concise, and very pastoral commentary on the book of James. Each chapter is a 'mini-sermon' with usually 3 to 4 points. Any believer can benefit from this book.
If you are interested in more in depth commentary dealing through certain lexical and translation difficulties, this is not your book.

[Mike Eccles · Rating 5 out of 5]

James' epistle is really quite short at just five chapters. Nevertheless it's packed with practical advice on Christian living. Wiersbe, as usual, takes the Word and explains, expands and challenges. I have been given much food for thought and encouragement for action by this excellent, easy-to-read commentary.

[Clara Roberts · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a maverlous book telling the reader that after justication before God comes the process of santification. A major problem of the church was"a failure on the part of many to live what they profeesed to believe."

[Jim Teggelaar · Rating 3 out of 5]

A good, theologically conservative commentary on the book of James. A bit breezy, I would have liked it if he slowed down and spent a little more time in some of the really special texts of the letter.

[Andy]

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[Melissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very good thought provoking book. The stories and such are a little dated, but the material is timeless.

[Ian · Rating 3 out of 5]

straight-forward reading, good for a morning devotional

[Shelley Moss · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great analysis of one of my favorite books of the Bible. This book challenged me to live out my christian walk in a more vibrant way. Engaging stories and historical context.

[Jeff · Rating 4 out of 5]

Always, I have enjoyed Wiersbe's studies. This one especially has been helpful as I have taught through the book of James and worked through some of the intricacies and imperatives that are there.

[T.M. · Rating 5 out of 5]

A thought provoking bible study. I recommend it for anyone that needs a perspective on their faith.

[Frans Kempe · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great companion when studying James. I like the way Wiersbe in an easy but still deep way brings out the main ideas in the book. Recommended

[Bjørn · Rating 5 out of 5]

So dead on!

Simple and easy to read, alot of good questions to reflect on, I've already bought the next book for the next letter our study group is gona go through.

[Tim Chavel · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great "little" commentary on the book of James.

[Dale Callahan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Used as the basis for a class I was teaching. Good insights to guide you through the book of James.

[Read1000books · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good commentary on the New Testament book of James; devotional , without skipping the hard parts.

[J Henderson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Life Changing Material!

A wonderful study for those seeking to grow and mature in Christ. Very practical points of application. I strongly recommend this book.