James: Living Out Your Faith
What’s more important:
The wedding or the marriage that follows?
We surely would agree the marriage is more important, but it’s often a challenge in premarital counseling to get the couple to shift their attention from their wedding ceremony and focus on preparing for their life together in marriage. After all, the wedding date is fast approaching, and they want the perfect wedding. But it is possible to have a magnificent wedding and still have a failed marriage. To have a lasting marriage the couple will need to do more than celebrate their love; they will have to live out their love.
Let’s switch the picture to our faith. A lot of people celebrate the fact that they believe in Jesus and have followed that with baptism. But we must do more than express our faith; we must live our faith.
For a couple to say they’re in love, they must do more than state it publicly at a wedding. It needs to be evident in how they live their lives. Our faith in Christ is the same; faith is seen in how we live. But what does it look like to live a life of faith? In the book that bears his name, James challenges us to see how we can live out our faith in hard times, in our relationships, our actions, and our conversations. He shows us how to live out our faith when facing the enemy and in setting our priorities.
Knowing what you believe is one thing. Living it is greater.
Welcome to the journey.
6 Lessons on Living Out Our Faith
1 Faith on Display in Hard Times James 1:1-12
2 Faith on Display in Your Relationships James 2:1-13
3 Faith on Display in Your Actions James 2:14-26
4 Faith on Display in Your Conversations James 3:1-5a,9-10,13-18
5 Faith on Display in Facing the Enemy James 4:1-10
6 Faith on Display in Your Priorities James 4:13-17; 5:7-11
1
Faith on Display in Hard Times
Question 1: What’s an important lesson you’ve learned after coming through a tough experience?
THE POINT
God uses trials to mature your faith.
THE BIBLE MEETS LIFE
The road has not always been easy for Dave Dravecky. While a pitcher for the San Francisco Giants, doctors diagnosed cancer in Dravecky’s pitching arm. The ensuing surgery did not deter him; he was determined to keep pitching. On August 10, 1989, just ten months after surgery to remove the tumor, Dave won the first game of his comeback. Five days later, however, in the bottom of the sixth inning, he delivered his sixty-ninth pitch of the night. He would not throw another.
With that final pitch, Dravecky snapped his humerus bone and fell to the ground in pain. His left arm, weakened by cancer and the accompanying surgery and radiation, couldn’t hold up to the stress of a major league pitch. Eventually, doctors amputated Dravecky’s left arm to save his life when radiation and other surgeries failed to stop the cancer.1
It’s difficult to think of joy in trying moments such as those Dravecky experienced, yet James wrote that we should consider trials joyous. He wasn’t teaching that the trials themselves are joyous, but that we can live with joy even as we go through disastrous, difficult moments.
WHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY?
James 1:1-4
1 James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, To the twelve tribes scattered among the nations: Greetings. 2 Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, 3 because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. 4 Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.
After a brief introduction, James got straight to the point. He called his readers and us to face our “trials of many kinds” with “pure joy.” To be a joyful Christian is not optional; in fact, to “consider it pure joy” is an imperative. Happiness and joy are easy when things are pleasant and going our way, but joy is not our first reaction in difficulties. The natural tendency is to respond to trials with fear, anger, or anxiety. To have joy in disastrous, trying moments is not an instinctive reaction!
As he did thirteen other times in this letter, James referred to his readers as “my brothers and sisters.” That’s important to remember as we consider this unusual command. The world sees no joy in trying times because it can be a time of isolation, but for those who follow Christ, we are not alone; we have fellowship with other believers. In Christ, we can have joy. Joy is a supernatural response, empowered by God, who “is full of compassion and mercy” (Jas. 5:11). Out of genuine concern, James wanted us to think about our trials in a uniquely Christian way: not complaining, but with “pure joy.”
The phrase “trials of many kinds” encompasses the shared challenges that all people face and the unique trials believers experience because of persecution for their faith (5:10-11). Christians can experience joy in everyday life challenges as well as in more serious misfortunes. Any trials can test our faith, and in the process, those trials can strengthen our faith. Our trials act as a certification process for the faith.
Question 2:
What are some common trials people experience in our world today?
When James spoke of “the testing of [our] faith” (v. 3), he used a word that appears in the New Testament only here and one other place. Peter also used the word to compare believers’ various trials with a refiner’s fire, which burns away impurities (1 Pet. 1:6-7). Difficult days function to refine our faith. Trials purify a believer’s faith.
Through trials, believers gain the ability to endure hardships. We become steadfast. Trials can strengthen our faith just as exposure to wind strengthens trees. Just as wind makes a tree stronger, giving it the strength to hold up its own weight, trials also strengthen believers, giving us the ability to bear up under the weight of life. This isn’t a test of our personal strength or wisdom; rather, it is a test of our faith in the wisdom of God to see us through. Faith is a muscle that must be exercised to gain strength.
The testing of our faith works to accomplish something specific. God’s ultimate goal in testing is that our faith becomes “mature and complete.” Through the trials we experience, He is developing “perseverance”—staying power—in us. The word persevere means to remain under. We sometimes call it endurance, faithfulness, or steadfastness, but it is God’s work of developing our spiritual muscles and resolve to stand firm. We therefore become unswerving from His purpose even during the greatest trials and sufferings, and our faith will then lack nothing.
James 1:5-8
5 If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you. 6 But when you ask, you must believe and not doubt, because the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. 7 That person should not expect to receive anything from the Lord. 8 Such a person is double-minded and unstable in all they do.
Question 3:
What are some spiritual benefits we stand to gain from experiencing trials?
Steadfastness and perseverance are needed qualities, but they are not enough. We also need wisdom.
Trials lead some to think that their suffering is punishment for wrongdoing. Sometimes friends add to this impression by implying those going through various trials deserve the suffering they’re experiencing. Compounded by the weariness of the trial itself, those implications can start to wear us down. Before long, we become discouraged, spiraling into self-doubt and defeat. Certainly, our trials sometimes are the results of poor decisions and immoral behavior, but not all trials are corrective punishment. It takes discerning wisdom to know the difference.
During trials, we don’t need worldly judgment; we need the wisdom of God, wisdom that He generously gives. Believers can approach God boldly. When we approach Him, we can ask for wisdom with full assurance that He will provide it. God doesn’t give us wisdom because we are worthy. We can approach God, asking Him for wisdom because of God’s character. God is a generous giver of wisdom; He won’t belittle those who need it. God is also faithful. He won’t keep wisdom from believers who ask with unwavering faith.
Question 4:
What are some obstacles to seeking God’s wisdom during a trial?
Even people who believe in God can become paralyzed by a ceaseless, internal argument that makes them spiritually seasick. In one moment, they trust that God will respond to their request; in the next moment they don’t. Tossed back and forth by the soaring waves, they have no solid footing. They believe God exists, but they don’t trust Him to respond to their request.
God will respond, but only if their request is accompanied by a firm, unwavering confidence in Him—a solid belief that God will supply wisdom. Those with wavering faith won’t enjoy the fruit of God’s faithfulness. This wavering faith doesn’t doubt the existence of God; it wavers because they doubt the faithfulness of God.
James 1:9-12
9 Believers in humble circumstances ought to take pride in their high position. 10 But the rich should take pride in their humiliation—since they will pass away like a wild flower. 11 For the sun rises with scorching heat and withers the plant; its blossom falls and its beauty is destroyed. In the same way, the rich will fade away even while they go about their business. 12 Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him.
James commanded the “believers in humble circumstances”—the poor believer—to “take pride in their high position.” What do the poor have to boast or rejoice about? James would answer that more fully later: “Has not God chosen those who are poor in the eyes of the world to be rich in faith and to inherit the kingdom he promised those who love him?” (Jas. 2:5). Their poverty is a constant reminder of their dependence upon God, providing them with nonstop opportunities to exercise their faith.
Wealth can also be a trial. James didn’t instruct the wealthy brother to boast in his wealth; instead, he should “take pride in their humiliation.” Wealth has many outward advantages. For example, those with plenty of money most likely will never have to worry about life’s basic necessities. However, they can still have deep needs that money can’t meet, or their money may have created problems they never had before (5:1-6).
Gillian Bayford learned about the trials of wealth the hard way. She thought all her problems were over when she won 148 million pounds in a British lottery in 2012. Fifteen months later, her marriage was over. She said the wealth tore her family apart. Instead of the happiness she expected to find, Gillian said her marriage ended and she no longer spoke to her parents or her brother.2 Money doesn’t fix everything. It breaks some things.
The wealthy make a dire mistake if they think their greatest resources are what they own. Those resources are temporary, at best. Even if financial wealth happens to survive the next economic downturn, nobody takes their money with them to the grave. The wealthy also need the grace of God. Only as they realize their great need will they be led to seek and find eternal riches in Christ. For that reason, the wealthy can and should boast in their “humiliation.” The ultimate reason for both the poor and the wealthy believer to celebrate is not found in this life, but in the life to come. In this world, trials strengthen our faith, and that faith remains with us as we live with Christ for eternity.
Question 5:
How does a view of eternity change the way you respond to trials?
Engage
JOURNEY TO MATURITY
On the timeline covering the past ten years of your life, note significant trials you’ve experienced. Then list some ways these trials strengthened your faith.
2013 - 2014 - 2015 - 2016 - 2017 - 2018 - 2019 - 2020 - 2021 - 2022
List ways these trials have strengthened your faith:
1.
2.
3.
“In all this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials.”
1 PETER 1:6
LIVE IT OUT
How will you live out the truth that God uses trials to mature your faith? Choose one of the following applications:
Pray for strength. In whatever trial you are facing, cry out to God for help. “Seek the Lord while he may be found; call on him while he is near” (Isa. 55:6). Our Lord has experienced trials just as we have, and He is sympathetic about our human weaknesses (Heb. 4:15).
Ask for help. It is easier for most believers to offer help to others than it is to ask for help. If you are experiencing a difficult trial, reach out to a close friend, your Bible study leader, or pastor and ask for their help. They will be willing to help carry your burden (Gal. 6:2) just as you are willing to help others with theirs.
Look for the ministry opportunity in your pain. After his career-ending amputation, Dave Dravecky and his wife began a ministry, endurance.org, to minister to people who are facing their own trials. Find a way to use your pain to benefit others.
We all have our struggles. Life is challenging. But we can live with joy even as we go through difficult times. And out of that joy, we can be a blessing to others.
Teacher's Notes:
When a person says, ‘I wish I knew then what I
know now’, they mean they have learned during their lifetime, learned from
their mistakes, become wiser and, if in the past, they had had the wisdom and
knowledge they have now, they would have lived their life differently and made
better decisions.
THE POINT: God uses Trials
to mature your faith.
James wants us to learn how to allow the Lord
to transform us through our trials. He teaches how to have joy in what’s
happening in us, regardless of what’s happening to us. James wants us to
understand that trials can play an important role in deepening our faith and
strengthening our walk with Christ.
James 1:1-4
James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus
Christ: To the twelve tribes dispersed abroad. Greetings. Consider it a great
joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you experience various trials, because
you know that the testing of your faith produces endurance. And let endurance
have its full effect, so that you may be mature and complete, lacking nothing.
James begins with, “consider it a great joy,
whenever you experience various trials” what does he mean? What joy is there in
hardship?
- Trials are part of the Christian experience. James
doesn’t say if you face trials, but whenever you face them. Jesus told His
disciples, “In this world you will have trouble” (John 16:33).
- Trials are difficult and painful. But they
exist for a purpose. Turn hardships into times of learning. Trials have the
potential of producing something good in us, and, for this reason, they are an
opportunity for expressing joy.
- We see trials in a negative light, we consider
the hard times as God’s curse or punishment for our sin, rather than what they
really are — opportunities to joyfully mature into Christlikeness.
- Knowing there is a bigger picture, we can
consider trials as things to rejoice in.
- We can’t really know the depth of our character
until we see how we react under pressure. Its easy to be kind to others when
everything is going well, but can we still be kind when others are treating us
unfairly?
- Trials are like training challenges for an
athlete. They build physical endurance and stamina. The athlete looks forward
to physical and mental challenges because of the benefits that follow. If we
were to walk through life and never face hardship, our faith would remain
untested and underdeveloped. Trials develop our spiritual muscles, giving us
the stamina and endurance to stay the course (Romans 5:2–5). We can count it
all joy in trials because in them we learn to depend on God and trust Him.
Faith that is tested becomes genuine faith, rugged faith, and uncompromising
faith.
- God also uses trials to discipline us: “God
disciplines us for our good, in order that we may share in His holiness”
(Hebrews 12:10). Trials help to purge our spiritual shortcomings and mature our
faith. They promote joy because they produce holiness in the life of steadfast
believers.
- James encourages Christians to embrace trials
not for what they presently are, but for the outcome God will accomplish
through them.
Trials can Strengthen our faith.
So, submit to the work of the trial. God
intends to build you up, so let Him work. The goal of spiritual endurance is
spiritual maturity.
When Joseph was sold into slavery by his
brothers (Genesis 37:1–38), he could not see the beautiful, life-saving outcome
that God would accomplish through his years of suffering and perseverance in
Egypt. After his ordeal with Potiphar’s wife, Joseph spent long years forgotten
in prison. Eventually, God’s plan came to fruition, and Joseph was raised up to
the second most powerful position over Egypt. Through many trials and tests, Joseph
learned to trust God. Not only did Joseph rescue his family and the
nation of Israel from starvation, but he saved all of Egypt, too. Joseph’s
faith had been tested through trials, and perseverance finished its work. After
coming through the trials victoriously, Joseph understood God’s good purpose in
all he had endured. Joseph was able to see God’s sovereign hand in it all.
Mature and complete, Joseph spoke these words of forgiveness to his brothers:
“You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is
now being done, the saving of many lives” (Genesis 50:19–20).
To consider it all joy when we face trials, we
must evaluate the difficulties in life with eyes of faith and see
them considering God’s good purpose. Realize that they come to test our
faith and to produce in us - endurance.
If an unbeliever asked you why you still
believe in God after a season of hardship, what would be your answer?
James 1:5-8
Now if any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask
God — who gives to all generously and ungrudgingly — and it will be given to
him. But let him ask in faith without doubting. For the doubter is like the
surging sea, driven and tossed by the wind. That person should not expect to
receive anything from the Lord, being double-minded and unstable in all his
ways.
James tells us to not only submit to the work
of trials but to seek God’s wisdom in our trials.
Trials require the wisdom of God.
Why do trials require the wisdom of God?
David tells us in Psalm 25: No matter how
difficult your trials or what their cause, seek the Lord for His wisdom and
trust Him to work for His glory and your good. Many of us are right in the
midst of a trial, and we need the wisdom that God has to give us. The good news
of scripture is that He promised that He will!
Have you ever been in a difficult trial, and
you knew that you were in the trial because of your own sin? You knew that you
should cry out to God for help, but you were afraid to do so because of your
sin. Or maybe your problems were not due to deliberate sin, but rather because
of immaturity or stupid decisions. Sometimes even though I have prayed for
guidance and wisdom, I still have done something that resulted in a heap of
trouble. What should you do at such times?
Seek God’s wisdom in trials. Believers desire
that which enables them to grow in faith and loyalty to the Lord. Believers
need wisdom — spiritual insight — to understand how trials
fit into God’s plan for their lives. God gives wisdom to those who ask in faith.
The doubters and persons of divided loyalties cannot expect to receive anything
from the Lord in response to their prayers.
James tells them — and us — who to go to when
you are going through trials. He speaks to the asking you must do and the
assurance you will have. His advice is that when we lack wisdom about anything —
our trials in particular — we must talk to God about what we are going through.
Our God is willing and able to give us leadership in every situation (Prov.
3:5-6). James gives us that assurance. He says the Lord will give His wisdom
“generously and without criticizing.” We must ask Him in faith. We must trust
that the Lord will provide us the wisdom to get through what we are going through.
There is one other application here: Whenever I
am in a difficult situation, whether a health need, a financial need, an
interpersonal conflict, or whatever, I use the trial to examine my own heart.
Am I in this mess, whether in part or in whole, because of my own sin? No
matter why I’m in this difficulty, what is the Lord trying to teach me? Even
when I get a cold, I use it to humble myself by realizing my own weakness and
mortality. I’m like the grass of the field, here today and gone tomorrow. I’m
dependent on God for every breath I take and every bite of food that I eat. So,
use your trials to examine your heart and life before God.
If you conclude that your trial is directly
related to your sin or to your stupidity, what should you do? The tendency is to
try to cover it up and bluff your way through. But that’s a wrong approach.
There is a better way:
In whatever trials we find ourselves, seek the
Lord and His wisdom for what to do.
One of God’s main reasons for bringing such
trials into our lives is to get us to seek Him more fervently as we recognize
in a new way how dependent on Him we really are. And, if our trial is due to
some sin that was previously a blind spot, He wants us to confess it and turn
from it.
What’s the difference between godly wisdom and
worldly wisdom?
The Bible urges us often to seek wisdom above
all things (e.g., Proverbs 4:7). But there are different kinds of wisdom. First
Corinthians 3:19 says, “For the wisdom of this world is foolishness in God’s
sight.” And verse 20 says, “The Lord knows that the thoughts of the wise are
futile.” There is obviously a difference between godly wisdom and worldly
wisdom (see James 3:13–17).
- Godly wisdom is, of course, from God and honors God. Godly wisdom starts
with the fear of God and results in a holy life. Godly wisdom enables us to
prepare ourselves for eternity. With godly wisdom, we trade earthly values for
biblical values (1 John 2:15–16). We recognize we are citizens of another
kingdom, and we make choices that reflect that allegiance (Philippians 1:27;
3:20). Having godly wisdom means we strive to see life from God’s perspective
and act accordingly.
- Worldly wisdom, on the other hand, is not concerned with
honoring God but with pleasing oneself. With worldly wisdom, we may become
educated, street-smart, and have “common sense” that enables us to play the
world’s game successfully.
Godly wisdom may look very different from worldly wisdom. Jesus highlighted these differences in His Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5—7). For example, He said, “You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be children of your Father in heaven.” Godly wisdom often requires us to do that which is opposite our natural inclinations. Godly wisdom goes against the “conventional wisdom” of the day; it is not focused on self-preservation but on furthering the kingdom of God. We can only live in godly wisdom when we are committed to crucifying our flesh and living in the Spirit (see Galatians 2:20; Ephesians 5:16, 25).
The primary way we gain godly wisdom is by
learning God’s Word (Psalm 119:169). “The unfolding of your words gives light;
it gives understanding to the simple” (Psalm 119:130). No one is born wise; we
must acquire wisdom from God if we are to be truly wise: “Your commands are
always with me and make me wiser than my enemies. I have more insight than all
my teachers, for I meditate on your statutes. I have more understanding than
the elders, for I obey your precepts” (Psalm 119:98–100).
Colossians 3:16 says, “Let the word of Christ
dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom,
singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts
to God.” Immersion in God’s Word produces a heart of worship and thanksgiving.
That heart of worship becomes fertile soil for seeds of wisdom to grow. Jesus
prayed to the Father: “Sanctify them by your truth; your word is truth” (John
17:17). He wants His followers to be set apart from the world, making godly
choices and living godly lives (1 Peter 1:15). We can only do that when His
Word lives in us.
We can also develop godly wisdom by carefully
selecting those who journey through life with us: “Whoever walks with the wise
becomes wise, but the companion of fools will suffer harm” (Proverbs 13:20).
Paul instructed the Corinthians to “imitate me as I imitate Christ” (1
Corinthians 4:16; 11:1). Those who want godly wisdom will choose for their
heroes those who exhibit wisdom in their personal lives.
Scripture tells us to ask for godly wisdom. God
wants us to have His wisdom. He is delighted to give it to us when our hearts
are set to receive it. James goes on to say, “But he must ask in faith without
any doubting, for the one who doubts is like the surf of the sea, driven and
tossed by the wind. For that man ought not to expect that he will receive
anything from the Lord, being a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways”
(verses 6–8). God knows the position of our hearts. When we are committed to
trusting Him and obeying His Word, He pours out His wisdom on us. But if we
want to retain the right to disobey, we are double-minded and may not receive
the wisdom we ask for.
Solomon received godly wisdom when he asked the
Lord for it (2 Chronicles 1:10–11). He became known for his great wisdom, yet,
in his later years, he turned away from following the wisdom he’d been given.
He disobeyed the Lord and even began to worship idols (1 Kings 11:1–11).
Receiving wisdom did not ensure that Solomon would follow the path of wisdom.
Sadly, he exchanged his godly wisdom for worldly wisdom, and he suffered for
it. The rest of 1 Kings 11 details Solomon’s downfall as the Lord removed His
hand of blessing from a man who was once great.
James 1:9-12
Let the brother of humble circumstances boast
in his exaltation but let the rich boast in his humiliation because he will
pass away like a flower of the field. For the sun rises and, together with the
scorching wind, dries up the grass; its flower falls off, and its beautiful
appearance perishes. In the same way, the rich person will wither away while
pursuing his activities. Blessed is the one who endures trials, because when he
has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to
those who love him.
What are the challenges of wealth from a
spiritual perspective?
If wealth, power, and status mean nothing to
God, why do we attribute so much importance to them and so much honor to those
who possess them?
Why is humility important to our faith?
Trials can help us keep the Right
perspective.
Solidify your walk, in trials. Both the poor
and the rich are to find glory in the Lord not in the things of the world. Wealth
will fade away and those who trust in it have no future hope. The Lord adds His
favor to the one who stands firm for Him during life’s trials. The Lord
promises eternal life to those who love Him faithfully.
In these three verses, James speaks to the
prosperous, the poor, and the pure. He encourages his readers — and us — to
have the right perspective, have the right practices, and assures us that we
will receive the right payment. He encourages the poor person to see himself as
rich in the Lord. He counsels the rich person to see himself as poor before the
Lord. And he tells the person who is enduring temptations and trials to be
encouraged by the fact that the Lord promises to bless him with the crown of
life. We must solidify our walk with the Lord by having the right
perspective about our positions in life, engaging in the right practices by
enduring temptation, and by keeping our eyes on the Lord’s promise (the right
payment) as we go through our trials.
Poverty is a trial for obvious reasons. People
need clean water, nutritious food, adequate shelter, and warm clothing. If they
do not have these things, they suffer. Yet James commanded the poor believer to
“boast in his exaltation” (James 1:9). What do the poor have to boast or
rejoice about? James would answer that more fully later: “Didn’t God choose the
poor in this world to be rich in faith and heirs of the kingdom that he has
promised to those who love him?” (2:5). Their poverty is a constant reminder
of their dependence upon God, providing them with nonstop opportunities to exercise
their faith.
The wealthy make a dire mistake if they think
their greatest resources are what they own. Those resources are temporary, at
best. The wealthy are not to boast in what they have because their wealth will
wither and pass away — just like the grass and flowers. The wealthy also need
the grace of God. Only as they realize their great need will they be led to
seek and find eternal riches in Christ.
Conclusion: Remember friends, what happens in us is more important than
what happens to us. God will use your trials to transform you now and teach someone
else later. When you go through hard times, submit to the work of trials, seek
God’s wisdom in trials, and solidify your walk during the trials.
TALK IT OUT
Want to go a step further? Gather with two or
three Christ-followers of the same gender. Read James 1:1-12, then use the
following summary and questions for a deeper discussion.
Life can be hard. No one goes looking for
difficulties and trials; they have a way of finding us! While no one enjoys
going through the hard days, we can experience joy despite the difficulties.
The joy does not come from the trial itself but from the realization that God
is at work. Trials can play an important role in deepening our faith and our
walk with Christ.
What does James 1:5-8 teach us about the
character of God?
If an unbeliever asked you why you still
believe in God after a season of hardship, what would be your answer?
When has a trying circumstance led you to a
stronger commitment to Christ?
The Book of James
Author: The author of this epistle (letter) is James, also called James the Just, who is thought to be the brother of Jesus Christ (Matthew 13:55; Mark 6:3). James was not a believer (John 7:3-5) until after the resurrection (Acts 1:14; 1 Corinthians 15:7; Galatians 1:19). He became the head of the Jerusalem church and is mentioned first as a pillar of the church (Galatians 2:9).
Date of Writing: The Book of James is probably
the oldest book of the New Testament, written perhaps as early as A.D. 45,
before the first council of Jerusalem in A.D. 50. James was martyred in
approximately A.D. 62, according to the historian Josephus.
Purpose of Writing: Some think that this epistle was written in
response to an overzealous interpretation of Paul’s teaching regarding faith.
This extreme view, called antinomianism, held that through faith in Christ one
is completely free from all Old Testament law, all legalism, all secular law,
and all the morality of a society. The Book of James is directed to Jewish
Christians scattered among all the nations (James 1:1). Martin Luther, who
detested this letter and called it “the epistle of straw,” failed to recognize
that James’s teaching on works complemented — not contradicted — Paul’s
teaching on faith. While Pauline teachings concentrate on our justification
with God, James’ teachings concentrate on the works that exemplify that
justification. James was writing to Jews to encourage them to continue growing
in this new Christian faith. James emphasizes that good actions will naturally
flow from those who are filled with the Spirit and questions whether someone
may or may not have a saving faith if the fruit of the Spirit cannot be seen,
much as Paul describes in Galatians 5:22-23.
Key Verses: James 1:2-3: "Consider it pure joy, my brothers,
whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of
your faith develops perseverance."
James 1:19: "My dear brothers, take note
of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become
angry."
James 2:17-18: "In the same way, faith by
itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead. But someone will say, ‘You
have faith; I have deeds.’ Show me your faith without deeds, and I will show
you my faith by what I do.”
James 3:5: "Likewise the tongue is a small
part of the body, but it makes great boasts. Consider what a great forest is
set on fire by a small spark."
James 5:16b: "The prayer of a righteous
man is powerful and effective.”
Brief Summary: The Book of James outlines the faith walk through genuine
religion (1:1-27), genuine faith (2:1-3:12) and genuine wisdom (3:13-5:20).
This book contains a remarkable parallel to Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount in
Matthew 5-7. James begins in the first chapter by describing the overall traits
of the faith walk. In chapter 2 and the beginning of chapter 3 he discusses
social justice and a discourse on faith in action. He then compares and
contrasts the difference between worldly and godly wisdom and asks us to turn
away from evil and draw close to God. James gives a particularly severe rebuke
to the rich who hoard and those who are self-reliant. Finally, he ends with
encouragement to believers to be patient in suffering, praying and caring for
one another and bolstering our faith through fellowship.
His letter deals more with Christian ethics
than Christian theology. Its theme is the outworking of faith—the external
evidence of internal conversion.
Connections: The Book of James is the ultimate
description of the relationship between faith and works. So ingrained in the
Mosaic Law and its system of works were the Jewish Christians to whom James
wrote that he spent considerable time explaining the difficult truth that no
one is justified by the works of the law (Galatians 2:16). He declares to them
that even if they try their very best to keep all the various laws and rituals,
doing so is impossible, and transgressing the tiniest part of the law made them
guilty of all of it (James 2:10) because the law is one entity and breaking one
part of it is breaking all of it.
Practical Application: We see in the Book of James a challenge to
faithful followers of Jesus Christ to not just “talk the talk,” but to “walk
the walk.” While our faith-walk, to be certain, requires a growth of knowledge
about the Word, James exhorts us to not stop there. Many Christians will find
this epistle challenging as James presents 60 obligations in only 108 verses.
He focuses on the truths of Jesus’ words in the Sermon on the Mount and
motivates us to act upon what He taught.
The epistle also puts to rest the idea that one
can become a Christian and yet continue living in sin, exhibiting no fruit of
righteousness. Such a “faith,” James declares, is shared by the demons who
“believe and tremble” (James 2:19). Yet such a “faith” cannot save because it
is not verified by the works that always accompany true saving faith (Ephesians
2:10). Good works are not the cause of salvation, but they are the result of
it.
