Introduction to James

James was written by the half-brother of Jesus who, at first, rejected Jesus as the Messiah but later believed and became the leader of the church in Jerusalem.  He was later martyred for his faith so we know that this is one of the earliest books of the New Testament to be written if not the earliest.  It is written to believing Jews who had been scattered from Jerusalem by persecution initially by the Jews with Saul (Paul) leading the way and then by the Roman Empire.  It is a very practical book that clearly tells us how we are believers ought to live in the midst of trials, how we ought to obey the Word of God, how we can tell that our faith is genuine, how we out to treat one another and how we ought to walk with God.  There are times where James seems to contradict Paul’s teaching on justification by faith apart from works when he declares that faith without works is dead.  However, upon closer examination we can clearly see that both Paul and James agree that salvation is by faith but that genuine faith will always be demonstrated in our works.  God gives us clear instructions as to how He expects us to live as believers in this wonderful and practical book.

TESTED FAITH:  One of the great paradoxes in all of Scripture is the consistent admonition to rejoice in the face of suffering.  James assures us that there are eternal benefits to having our faith tested through the refining fires of trials and temptations.  We have a hard time looking at life from an eternal perspective especially in the midst of pain and suffering.  James challenges us to ask God for wisdom in order to be able to bear up under the trials we face.  The rich and prosperous people around us may have comfort and stability without much suffering.  We may have a tendency to be jealous of that kind of lifestyle, but James clearly warns us of the fact that their riches are short lived and will simply fade away one day.  Our eyes must be fixed on the Crown of Life that is promised to all who face persecution with perseverance and joy.  Although God may make use of temptations in our lives in order to make us stronger and more like Jesus; He never tempts us.  The world in which we live, Satan and our own corrupt hearts provide all the temptation we face.  God, in His wisdom, is able to use these adversities and even our own sins to complete His sanctifying work in our hearts.

TRUE FAITH: Without a doubt the most important thing in our lives is the validity of our faith.  Satan constantly wants to produce fraudulent faith in order to keep us from being reconciled to God.  James provides us with some very clear ways that we can identify whether or not we have a true faith or a fake faith.  The first proof is our response to the Word of God.  Simply hearing the Gospel or the Word of God is not genuine faith.  Hearing is vital to faith but it, in and of itself, is not faith.  Obedience to the Word of God is the true indication of genuine faith.  If we say that we believe but our tongue is out of control and we do not show love to widows and orphans; our faith is not genuine.  We naturally give preference to prosperous people who hold positions of power and influence.  This demonstrates a self-seeking and self-centered heart that should never be a part of genuine faith.  Unconditional love for people regardless of their wealth or lack thereof is a mark of true faith.  These types of attitudes and actions are not the means by which we are saved but they are the means by which we demonstrate the reality of our salvation.  Perhaps the most telling test of our faith is the use of our tongue.  God revels Himself through words, so words are very important to Him.  He has given us the ability to speak words so that we might effectively reveal Him to others as well as honor and praise Him.  Our speech is meant to reflect and reverence God.  Sin has had a terrible effect on our speech.  Instead of fulfilling its intended purpose, our tongues are too often used to blaspheme God and reveal hatred towards others.  True faith will always have an effect on our speech and the way we use our words.  God saves us from sin so that we might live wisely on this earth.  It is not wise to be selfish, prejudice and proud.  True faith will be pure, peaceful, gentle, just, impartial and sincere in our dealing with one another.

TRUSTING FAITH: The very essence of our faith is a trust in God.  We have a natural tendency to trust what we can see.  We can see the world and we can see money so it is easy for us to lust after these things that seem to provide comfort and pleasure.  God calls us to a very different standard.  Instead of trusting ourselves or the world around us we are to trust Him and ask Him for that which will make us pleasing to Him.  We must learn to trust the truth that whatever is best for God is ultimately best for us.  Following our own desires only brings passing pleasure but will result in permanent pain.  We must also learn to trust the Lord with our plans as we understand that He is in control of whatever takes place in our lives.  It is not wrong to make plans but it is wrong to trust in our plans or boast about our plans as if the fulfillment of them depends upon us.  The rich have a strong tendency to trust in themselves and all of their possessions.  God reminds us that all of these riches will simply pass away with time.  All trust that is place on things will end in disappointment.  Only trust in our Lord and His provisions will stand the test of time.  The reality of this life is that if we are serving the Lord as a priority; we will, more than likely, suffer a certain amount of persecution, discomfort and rejection.  We are called to face these things with patience, joy and a steadfast trust in the Lord.  Our orientation is not to be towards a comfortable life in the present but faith in the eternal life that God is preparing for us.  We cannot see the eternal which is why faith is vital to a life pleasing to the Lord.  The wonderful thing about our life of faith is that we do not have to live it alone.  When we face suffering and sickness; we are to call on our brothers and sister in Christ and ask for help.  God is faithful to use the spiritual leaders around us to minister grace in our lives, pray for healing as well as spiritual encouragement.  Our faith will not always be strong so we must learn to lean on our brothers and sisters in Christ during those times and when we see our brothers struggling in their faith we are to take the initiative to try to bring them back into a right relationship with God and seek to restore their faith. True security, peace and joy only comes from a trusting faith in our Lord Jesus Christ.