James:

[Rob Morgan]

James:

James is on intensely practical manual on the outworking of true faith in everyday life. lt explores Christian conduct from several perspectives and shifts abruptly from topic to topic. Faith perseveres under trials, resists temptations, responds to the Word, overcomes prejudice, produces good works, controls the tongue, manifests wisdom, submits to God rather thon worldly pleasure, depends on God rather than wealth, and waits patiently for the return of the Lord. Biblical faith moves from assent to actions, from words to works.

James is the "Proverbs of the New Testament" because it is written in the terse moralistic style of Wisdom Literature. lt is evident that James was profoundly influenced by the Old Testament (especially by its Wisdom Literature) and by the Sermon on the Mount. But James’s impassioned preaching against the inequity and social injustice also earns him the title of the "Amos of the New Testament." Because of the many subjects in this epistle, it is difficult to outline; suggestions have ranged from no connection between the various topics to a unified scheme. The outline used here is: the test of faith (1: 1 - 18); the characteristics of faith (1:1 9-5:6); and the triumph of faith (5:7 -20).

The Test of Faith (l: l-18): The first part of this epistle develops the qualities of genuine faith in regard to trials and temptations. After a one-verse salutation to geographically dispersed Hebrew Christians (1:1), James quickly introduces his first subject, outward tests of faith (1:2-12). These trials are designed to produce mature endurance and a sense of dependence upon God, to whom the believer turns for wisdom and enablement. Inward temptations (1:13-l 8) do not come from the One who bestows "Every good gift" (l: l7). These solicitations to evil must be checked at an early stage or they may result in disastrous consequences.

The Characteristics of Faith (l: I 9-5:6): A righteous response to testing requires that one be "swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath" (1:'19), and this broadly summarizes the remainder of the epistle. Quickness of hearing involves an obedient response to God's Word (1:19-27). True hearing means more than mere listening; the Word must be received and applied. After stating this principle (1:21-22), James develops it with an illustration (1:23-25) and an application (l: 26-27). A genuine faith should produce a change in attitude from partiality to the rich to a love for the poor as well as the rich (2: l-13). True faith should also result in actions (2:14-26). ln Romans 4, Paul used the example of Abraham to show that justification is by faith, not be works. But James says that Abraham was justified by works (2:21). ln spite of the apparent contradiction, Romans 4 and James 2 are really two sides of the some coin. ln context, Paul is writing about justification before God while James writes of the evidence of justification before men. A faith that produces no change is not saving faith.

Moving from works to words, James shows how a living faith controls the tongue ("slow to speak,” 1:1 9). The tongue is small, but it has the power to accomplish great good or equally great evil. Only the power of God applied by an active faith can tame the tongue (3:1 -1 2). Just as there divine manifestations of wisdom (3:13-l8). James contrasts seven characteristics of human wisdom with seven qualities of divine wisdom.

The strong pulls of worldliness (4:1-12) and wealth (4:13-5:6) create conflicts that are harmful to the growth of faith. The world system is at enmity with God, and the pursuit of its pleasures produces covetousness, envy, fighting, and arrogance (4:1-6). The believer's only alternative is submission to God out of humble and repentant spirit. This will produce a transformed attitude toward others as well (4:7-12). This spirit of submission and humility should be applied to any attempts to accrue wealth (4:13-'17), especially because wealth can lead to pride, injustice, and selfishness (5:1-6).

The Triumph of Faith (5:7-20): James encourages his readers to patiently endure the sufferings of the present life in view of the future prospect of the coming of the Lord (5:7-12). They may be oppressed by the rich or by other circumstances, but as the example of Job teaches, believers can be sure that God has a gracious purpose in His dealings with them. James concludes his epistle with some practical words on prayer and restoration (5:.l3-20). The prayers of righteous men (e.g., elders in local churches) are efficacious for the healing and restoration of believers. When sin is not dealt with, it can contribute to illness and even death.