THE EPISTLE OF JAMES - OUTLINE OF TEACHING AND AUTHOR
'CP' denotes 'Compare Passage'
THE EPISTLE OF JAMES -
OUTLINE OF TEACHING AND AUTHOR This Epistle calls for special study. Although its message is intended for Jewish Christians – it is addressed to the Twelve Tribes of Israel scattered throughout the earth – it is applicable to all Christians everywhere, in every era of Church history, whether they be Jewish or Gentile Christians. The object of the author is to rebuke and correct the error and sins into which all Christians fall, and to encourage those undergoing trials of their faith how they must have the right attitude toward trials and tribulations in order to overcome them. The Epistle draws attention to community–building virtues and to the destructive force of improperly used wealth. It supplements the Doctrine of Justification by Faith by showing up the insufficiency of faith without works. It sets forth the nature of true and false religion and gives instruction on numerous other subjects, all of which are important for Christian living, such as patience, Prayer, the restraining of the tongue, humility, Holy duties, the repression of lusts and contempt for the world, among many other teachings.
(CP Jas 1:1-27). In introducing himself in V1, James declares that he is the servant of both God and the Lord Jesus Christ, emphasising their co-equality in the Godhead of Christianity, and the truth that they are two distinct and separate Beings (CP Jas 1:1 with Jn 1:1-3; Php 2:6-8). In V2-8 that follow in Jas 1, the emphasis is on the temptations – testings and trials – Christians undergo that test their faith and patience. If they lack wisdom to cope with their situation, Christians need only to ask God and He will provide that which they lack. Wisdom is not simply a high degree of intelligence or vast knowledge, but the skill of living Godly lives in all of life’s situations as God intended man to live. Temptations and testings have to be endured to teach patience, and to lead to maturity (CP Jas 1:2-8 with 1Pe 5:8-10; 2Pe 1:1). Next, James teaches that the same Grace that exalts the lowly, humbles the rich. Both are cause for rejoicing. The rich rejoice in new values because they realise that earthly riches are only temporary, as opposed to the true riches of God (CP Jas 1:9-11 with Mt 6:24-34; Lu 6:24-25).
In Jas 1:12 the author emphasises the reward of Eternal life God has laid up for Christians who, despite the temptations and testings they undergo in this life, love Him and remain faithful to Him unto death (CP 1:12 with 2Pe 10-11; Rev 2:10; 3:5, 10-12). James also emphasises the truth that God does not tempt anyone to sin – it is the lusts of their own hearts that they yield to. Every evil comes from within (CP Jas 1:13-15 with Jer 17:9; Mt 12:34-35; Mk 7:21-23; Lu 6:45). God is the source only of good things, and He never changes (CP Jas 1:16-17 with 1Pe 1:23-25). See also author’s comments on Jas 1:1, 1:2-4, 1:5-8, 1:9-11, 1:12 and 1:13-15, and all related cross-reference Scriptures and studies referred to therein, in his book A Question and Answer Study of the New Testament.
Finally, in V18-27 of Ch 1, James reminds Christians that they were saved by God’s Word, and they must honour that fact and live in strict conformity to the Word. They should be eager to listen to Godly teaching but at the same time not be eager to voice their opinions on issues in the Church. They must consider very carefully what they have to say before they say it. This applies to every matter that arises in the Church. James admonishes them to be doers of the Word, not merely hearers. He stresses the point that it is folly for anyone thinking they will be saved merely by hearing, and not doing, the Word of God. They must also bridle their tongues – rein them in and not be so talkative. The outward expression of Christians’ true inward faith and commitment to God is to visit orphans and widows in need and not allow themselves to be defiled by worldly lusts of any description (CP Jas 1:18-27 and 4:4 with Ro 6:11-14 and 1Jn 2:15-16). See also author’s comments on Jas 1:19-21, 1:22-25, and 1:26-27, and all related cross-reference Scriptures and studies referred to therein, in his book A Question and Answer Study of the New Testament.
(CP Jas 2:1-26). The first half of this chapter (V1-13), denounces the practice of showing respect of persons in the Church. Favouritism is totally foreign to the example set by both Jesus and God in Scripture. There is no place for it in Christianity whatsoever (CP V1-13 with De 10:17; Pr 28:21; Ac 10:34-35; Ro 2:11; Eph 6:9; Col 3:25). The simple teaching in Jas 2:10 is that one sin is enough to damn the Soul. (See also author’s comments on Jas 2:1-5, and 2:10-12, and all related cross-reference Scriptures and studies referred to therein, in his book A Question and Answer Study of the New Testament). Jas 2:14-26 next, are probably the most controversial verses in the Epistle of James. They are commonly used in the professing Church in support of teaching that Christians are saved by faith plus works, not by faith alone, as Paul teaches elsewhere in Scripture, thus one teaching contradicts the other, but that is not correct – there is no contradiction, as Scriptures clearly prove. (See also author’s comments on Jas 2:14-26 and 2:25, and all related cross-reference Scriptures and studies referred to therein, in his book A Question and Answer Study of the New Testament).