Introduction to James

Intro to Nick

Good Morning Clear Creek family, 

Listen to what Chris says to introduce you and give some of the basics past that.

Tessa, and the kids

The last two stops, but Indiana/Clay County Kid

[SEAM] With all of that said, let’s dive into what we are really here for this morning. With some more group participation. (SMILE)

Context

I want you to image you that you are walking through a room. You see a small note lying on the table as if it were just written. There are some names on it, but no envelope, no titles. I am going to read the note to you, and based on the context you are reading I would love to hear some guesses as to WHO this note is being written to, or what the context of the note is.

Casey, The recipient of this letter is Alex’s School lunch lady

Dear Casey, I’ve gotta say, you always know how to brighten my day—especially right in the middle when I need it most. You never rush me, but you’re quick when it counts. I love how you always have something warm to offer, and somehow you know exactly what I’m in the mood for. And the way you lean in when I speak—it makes me feel like I’m really being heard. Honestly, I look forward to our time together every single day. —Your friend, Alex

JAMIE, the recipient of this letter is Taylor’s parol officer

Dear Jamie, You’ve been so attentive lately, and I want you to know I’ve noticed. Running into you at the grocery store, outside my apartment, even that time when I was just taking the trash out—it’s… a lot. And while I’m flattered, I think maybe we should give each other a little breathing room. I’d love to spend some time on my own—maybe take a few long drives, visit some friends out of town even, just clear my head without feeling like someone’s always there. I’m sure you understand. —All the best, Taylor

Now let me give you a single piece of context as a read each of those again.

So as we study any book of scripture we need to take a moment to ask questions about who is writing, who are they writing to, and why are they writing it.

One of my professors said while I was in school that, especially in the New Testament, it is important to remember that we are reading someone else’s mail.

So as we open the book of James over these next several weeks we need to ask ourselves, who is James?

JAMES BROTHER OF JESUS

49AD Council of Jerusalem

44AD James son of thunder is killed at the start of intensifying of Church persecution.

generally believed that he did not accept Jesus’ authority until receiving a vision of the risen Christ after the resurrection (1 Cor 15:7)

brother of Jesus died in 62AD

Josephus tells us that he was stoned.

Hegesippus - gives the more legendary account - tope of temple and given an opportunity to denounce Christ. Instead he declared Jesus the Son of Man who would return. In rage they threw him down, which he survived, so they then began to stone him. As this was still no doing the trick, someone finally came in with a club to finish the job, however it is said that he, like his brother, was praying for their forgiveness the whole while. James was someone who cared for others and humbly cared for the way of Jesus, even in the midst of extreme suffering.

JAMES THE BOOK

Martin Luther wondered if it belonged in the canon because he thought it preached so little of Christ.

Written to those who were faithful followers who have spread out and away from this area due to the persecution that has been taking place

20 references to the sermon on the mount

54 direct calls to obedience in how to follow in the way of Jesus.

Believe to be one of the first letters/books written in the new testament.

Some people think that this is a very practical and straight forward book that offers a lot of “what to do”. We are a people who like simple instructions of what to do. We are people of action who like tasks lists. And though James at times seems like important things to remember and do, I think it’s important to remember that he is not in contradiction with Paul’s grace by faith teaching.

JAMES 1:1 James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ,

To the twelve tribes scattered among the nations:

Greetings.

He is writing to this group of dispersed people who are facing new and increasing persecution, in the early stages of this new way of Jesus. There are new converts coming to faith all the time, and things are growing rapidly, so it’s exciting. However, there is a lot of fear, question and uncertainty.

Many in the church may be asking….NOW WHAT?

For those who have been following, what do we do now? As all of this gets more dangerous, and we are seeing leaders like James Son of Thunder fall…NOW WHAT?

For others new in their faith it may be challenging to feel like they really know what to do, and how to do it. THey are trying to figure out how to step into this new beginning of life, and James is helping them also answer that question….NOW WHAT?

SO WE HAVE A PROMINANT CHURCH LEADER IN THE EARLY CHURCH WRITING TO THOSE WHO ARE LEARNING TO WALK IN THIS NEW ERA OF FAITH, IN THE MIDST OF TRIAL AND PERSECUTION, HELPING THEM ANSWER THIS QUESTION….

NOW WHAT?

GALATIANS 3:5-16 5 So again I ask, does God give you his Spirit and work miracles among you by the works of the law, or by your believing what you heard? 6 So also Abraham “believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness.”

7 Understand, then, that those who have faith are children of Abraham. 8 Scripture foresaw that God would justify the Gentiles by faith, and announced the gospel in advance to Abraham: “All nations will be blessed through you.” 9 So those who rely on faith are blessed along with Abraham, the man of faith.

10 For all who rely on the works of the law are under a curse, as it is written: “Cursed is everyone who does not continue to do everything written in the Book of the Law.” 11 Clearly no one who relies on the law is justified before God, because “the righteous will live by faith.” 12 The law is not based on faith; on the contrary, it says, “The person who does these things will live by them.”  13 Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us, for it is written: “Cursed is everyone who is hung on a pole.” 14 He redeemed us in order that the blessing given to Abraham might come to the Gentiles through Christ Jesus, so that by faith we might receive the promise of the Spirit.

James Reminds us that….

Genuine faith brings us to a place where we can consider it pure joy when we face trials of many kinds

Genuine faith gives us clarity on temptations and blessings

Genuine faith will help us to see how powerful our words and actions can be and the impact they make around us

Genuine faith will help us learn how to see and treat those around us, even when they are very different than us.

Genuine faith will help us learn pure wisdom

“Spiritual formation is the great reversal: from acting to bring about the desired results in our lives to being acted upon by God and responding in ways that allow God to bring about God’s purposes.”

Robert Mullholland Jr - Invitation to a Journey