“It is a bewildering paradox that one-third of all American adults claim to be born again and yet fail to impact our society which becomes sicker and more corrupt by the day. Religion is up but morality is down,” says Chuck Colson. George Gallup reached the same conclusion when he polled the nation in 1984. He said, “Religion is growing in importance among Americans but morality is losing ground.” [Colson and Gallup quoted by John D. Woodbridge in Renewing Your Mind in a Secular World (Chicago: Moody Press, 1985), vii]. Ken Blue says there has been a drastic shift in our worldview. We still believe in God but “He has become nonessential to the way we live our lives. We...may be theists in our heads, but we tend to act like secularists in our daily activities.” [Authority to Heal Downers Grove: InterVarsity Press, 1987) 55f].l
The book of James may be the earliest of New Testament writings. Perhaps before any of Paul’s letters or the Gospels were written he was concerned about a Christian worldview. A growing dichotomy between belief and behavior troubled him most.
James’ letter is not primarily a doctrinal discourse, but a practical paper on correct conduct. The name of Jesus appears only twice, and the cross or the resurrection is never mentioned in the epistle. James just assumes that you know doctrine and he concentrates on the importance of living the truth. If you really believe as you should, then you will not behave as you shouldn’t?
I. MEET THE AUTHOR ... v. 1
The author introduces himself simply as “James, a servant of God, and of the Lord Jesus Christ.” He makes no reference to his position or his family relationships. This probably means that he was so prominent the readers would immediately know his identity. At least five New Testament men were named James, though only two of these were well known in the early church —James the son of Zebedee and James the Lord’s brother. James the apostle, brother of John, was beheaded by Herod Agrippa (Acts 12) in 44 AD, probably too early to have written this letter.
Most conservative New Testament scholars believe the author was the half-brother of Jesus, born and raised in the same family. In his younger years he joined his family in thinking his elder brother was a mental case. He was still an unbeliever at the cross because Jesus assigned the care of his mother to a spiritual brother, John. James came to faith when the risen Christ appeared to him personally.
This letter is probably the first piece of literature in the New Testament. James may have introduced himself in such a humble way because he was sick of name-dropping and self-promotion. He refused to indulge in the practice. He attacks phoniness with a vengeance. A fraudulent attitude won’t last long in a study of this book, because James essentially says, “be genuine, or be gone!”
James knew that his more important relation to Jesus was spiritual rather than physical. They shared a physical relationship because they both came from Mary’s womb. Their spiritual relationship was a result of a kinship with the same Father, God.
If James’s epistle was the first NT book written, it may be dated as early as A.D. 45. It has no reference to Gentiles and fits a time when the gospel was just beginning to open to them. The lack of discussion of the controversy over the Jewish insistence on Gentile circumcision is best explained by an early date, probably some time before the Jerusalem Conference of Acts 15.
II. BACKGROUND OF THE LETTER
Those addressed were “the twelve tribes scattered among the nations” (1:1). These Christian Jews were not centered in one locality but had spread from Jerusalem during the persecution that followed Stephen’s death. James, now the leader of the Jerusalem church, felt responsible for these former “parishioners.” His letter was to instruct them just as he would have if they were still under his care in Jerusalem.
They faced great difficulties. Many were oppressed in their poverty by the wealthy. For some Christianity was becoming a mere formality. The practice of partiality demonstrated a lack of love. Bitterness was reflected in their speech.
Too often there is a gap between what Christians profess or say we believe and what we actually practice. This disparity greatly concerned James. His teachings relate to the practical problems of everyday living. He deals with disappointment and hardship; he insists that we get our priorities ordered. The common sins of the quick temper, the loose tongue, class discrimination, and the tendency to judge others all come in for a sharp look. James even deals with the sin of doing nothing! [Addison J. Eastman, A handful of Pearls, (Philadelphia: Westminster Press, 1978), 8].3
III. OVERVIEW OF THE LETTER
James’ main theme is that genuine faith produces authentic works. He insists that Christians must walk their talk. The key section begins at 2:14 - “What good is it, my brothers, if a man claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save him?” Faith is the root, but a productive root produces fruit—deeds of righteousness. James illustrates with vv15-16, “Suppose a brother or sister is without clothes and daily food. If one of you says to him, ‘Go, I wish you well; keep warm and well fed,’ but does nothing about his physical needs, what good is it?” He answers with v17, “In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.” The declaration is in v20, “...faith without deeds is useless”.
There are many attempts to outline James. It is an almost impossible task, but I have adapted the following framework for our from an old tape by Charles Swindoll:
Chapter 1 teaches that faith when strained shouldn’t snap, but produce perseverance. It is strong in times of trouble (vv2-12) and temptation (vv13-18), and responsive to the scripture (vv. 19-27).
In chapter 2 we learn that when faith is squeezed, it doesn’t stumble, but responds with principle. When squeezed into a corner and you’re tempted to show prejudice or indifference, genuine faith brings love to the surface.
Chapter 3 demonstrates that when faith is exposed it doesn’t explode, but produces genuine control. Our words often expose us and James offers a marvelous study of the tongue. The product of wisdom is peaceful self-control.
4:1-5:6 teaches that when faith is challenged it doesn’t struggle, but submits. It is natural to fight and quarrel when challenged, but faith submits to God. It surrenders the sovereignty of our planned tomorrows and self-indulgent lives.
5:7-20 shows that when faith is frustrated, it doesn’t worry but responds with patience. Listen to James: “Be patient then brothers, until the Lord’s coming” (5:7). “Is any one of you in trouble? He should pray.... Is anyone of you sick? He should call the elders of the church to pray.... The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective” (5:13-16).
IV. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS
The major theme of James is closely related to Jesus’ warning: “Not everyone who says to me, “Lord, Lord,” will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only he who does the will of my Father who is in heaven” (Matthew 7:21).
Jesus made a sharp distinction between folks who only talk religion and those who live their beliefs. James shares the same concern. He sounds his keynote in the words, “Do what it says” (James 1:22).
James deals head on with one of the most serious problems of our times—moral and ethical confusion. In the context of our laid-back lifestyles we hear James’ insistence that in God’s plan some things are right and others are wrong. And there must be no confusion between them.
James has read our mail. He’s looked in our closets and examined our nightstands. He knows us and he calls us to know ourselves. It is appropriate that we begin this self-examination at the table of the Lord, where Jesus also invites us to look deeply at our motives, and to examine ourselves before we eat of the bread or drink of the cup.
We recognize at this table that we are all sinners still. We are undeserving and therefore totally dependent on the grace of God. We have nothing to offer; we come to receive. Hungry, we come to be fed. And the Lord welcomes us at His table, encourages our reflection and bids us go and be active for Him.
