James Part 1: Introduction To The Book

Intro:

Date: 42-56AD

Person: James, The brother of Jesus

Type: Wisdom, exhortation

Key Verse: James 1:17.

The Controversy of James

Lots of Law, Little Jesus

In 108 verses, 54 imperatives. Jesus, Twice.

Do we then conclude that this book is less interested in Jesus? no

James relies heavily on two things

The sermon on the Mount

The finished work of Christ

Obedience to God is a worthless, vain, and trivial venture if the finished Work of Christ is not the main picture of a Christians life.

other wise, these verses make no sense

James 1:4 ESV

And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.

James 1:27 ESV

Religion that is pure and undefiled before God the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their affliction, and to keep oneself unstained from the world.

James 2:10 ESV

For whoever keeps the whole law but fails in one point has become guilty of all of it.

James 3:2 ESV

For we all stumble in many ways. And if anyone does not stumble in what he says, he is a perfect man, able also to bridle his whole body.

Proof of Contradiction

Justification by faith, by faith and works, or by works?

Romans 4:5 ESV

And to the one who does not work but believes in him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is counted as righteousness,

James 2:24 ESV

You see that a person is justified by works and not by faith alone.

“It is impossible to separate faith and works. Just as impossible to separate burning and shining from fire.” - Martin Luther

The Focus of James

Not Theology Or Salvation

Martin Luther, “An epistle of straw”

Practical Wisdom

In Light of the Messiah and his finished Work, Christians should......

Be steadfast under trial as Jesus was, James 1:12

James 1:12 ESV

Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him.

Doers of the Word, not hearers only, as Jesus was James 1:22

James 1:22 ESV

But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.

Not showing of favoritism, treating all as equal, as Jesus did, James 2:8

James 2:8 ESV

If you really fulfill the royal law according to the Scripture, “You shall love your neighbor as yourself,” you are doing well.

Displaying the fruit of possessing salvation, as Jesus did, James 2:22

James 2:22 ESV

You see that faith was active along with his works, and faith was completed by his works;

Wise in our words, as Jesus was James 3:2

James 3:2 ESV

For we all stumble in many ways. And if anyone does not stumble in what he says, he is a perfect man, able also to bridle his whole body.

Displaying wisdom in our lives, as Jesus did, James 3:17

James 3:17 ESV

But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere.

Despising the devil and removing worldliness in our lives, as Jesus did, James 4:7

James 4:7 ESV

Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.

Submitting to God’s will in our lives, for today and the future, as Jesus did, James 4:15

James 4:15 ESV

Instead you ought to say, “If the Lord wills, we will live and do this or that.”

Placing our treasure in heaven, not on earth, as Jesus did, James 5:3

James 5:3 ESV

Your gold and silver have corroded, and their corrosion will be evidence against you and will eat your flesh like fire. You have laid up treasure in the last days.

Endure suffering in this world, knowing what glory awaits, as Jesus did, James 5:10

James 5:10 ESV

As an example of suffering and patience, brothers, take the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord.

Let you’re prayers be intercessory, praying for the sick, depressed, and the wayward, as Jesus did, James 5:20

James 5:20 ESV

let him know that whoever brings back a sinner from his wandering will save his soul from death and will cover a multitude of sins.