Introduction and summary of James

What? 20th New Testament book, between Hebrews and 1 Peter

Who? This letter to scattered Jewish Christians is named for its writer, probably a half-brother of Jesus the Christ

When? Perhaps the first writing of our New Testament - as early as A.D. 45

Unique: The most earthy of NT letters, James has the flavor of Solomon's wisdom or Jesus' Sermon on the Mount. This manual for Christian conduct is not written to evangelize the infidel, but to energize the believer.

On one hand . . . on the other hand

• Jesus Christ is mentioned only twice . . . He is the Lord from glory (1:1; 2:1).
• Healing follows faithful prayers . . . healing includes more than physical wellness, and does not preclude the use of medicine, i. e., oil (5:13-16).
• Human obedience and good works are vital to Christian life (2:14-26) . . . God's grace and love among believers also receive James' emphasis.

Faith in God's loving grace

• God gives to all men liberally and without reproach (1:5).
• The Lord promises a crown of life to those who love Him (1:12).
• Good gifts come from the Father who begat us (1:17, 18).
• The implanted word of God is able to save our souls (1:21).
• God chooses the poor to be faith-rich and inherit the kingdom (2:5).
• Mercy triumphs over judgment (2:13).
• God's wisdom is full of mercy (3:17).
• God draws near and gives more grace to the humble (4:6-8).
• The Lord is compassionate and merciful (5:11).
• Prayers of faith save the sick, and sins will be forgiven (5:15).
• Turning sinners from their way saves from death and covers many sins (5:20).

Works prove faith

• controlling the tongue - no grumbling, swearing, criticizing, cursing (1:19, 26; 3:2-12; 4:11; 5:9, 12)
• acting generously to orphans, widows, the poor, hungry (1:27; 2:2-7, 14-16)
• responding patiently and wisely through tests (1:2-12; 5:7-14)
• showing a peaceable spirit and conduct (3:13-18)
• turning from an evil world (4:4-10)
• doing the good we know to do (4:17)
• practicing what's preached (1:22-25)
• praying earnestly (5:13-18; 1:5-8)
• obeying God's royal laws (2:8-12)

Paul vs. James

• Paul teaches grace and faith for sinners; he insists that good works never justify, or approve, us before God (Romans, Galatians, etc.)
• James assumes this foundation of faith and grace, and insists that good works can and must justify Christians before an unbelieving world (2:14-26).

Great topical study units:

• trials and temptations (1:2-15)
• true religion: doing the Word (1:18-27)
• partiality and prejudice against the poor (2:1-12)
• relation of faith and works (2:14-26)
• the untamed tongue (3:2-12)
• earthly vs. heavenly wisdom (3:13-17)
• basic conflicts; basic repentance (4:1-12)
• future plans; present duty (4:13-17)
• problems of the selfish rich (5:1-6)
• patient waiting for the Lord (5:7-12)
• effective prayer and healing (5:13-18)

Nature lover: the writer makes many references to animals (3:7) and outdoors: wave of the sea (1:6); flower, reapers in the field (1:10; 5:4); horses' mouths (3:3); ship rudder (3:4); forest fire (3:5); spring water (3:11); trees, vines (3:12); vapor (4:14); moth-eaten garment (5:2); farmer, fruit (5:7); rain (5:7, 18); etc.

Vehement chastisement for those dominated by lust for pleasure or possession. Selfish desire yields all kinds of hatred, strife, violence, and wars (4:1-4). Material hoarding deafens us to cries of the less blest, masks the corruption and corrosion inside and the destruction ahead (5:1-6).

James in a sentence: A true and living faith in Christ is demonstrated by showing patience under trial, doing the Word, befriending the lonely and helpless, controlling the tongue, giving to the poor, and turning continually away from sin to God.