Please read my list of study questions on the Epistle of James (the first nine questions on the link here), and then James itself. Suggest an answer to one or two of the study questions and cite or two a verse from James in support of your answer. Please read my list of study questions on the Epistle of James (the first nine questions on the link here), and then James itself. Suggest an answer to one or two of the study questions and cite or two a verse from James in support of your answer.
James seems to be writing this message to encourage Christians to show and share their faith to others. James has an ability to share in these parables that seem very similar to that of Jesus. Many of the issues in this book are regarding the treatment of people (James 2:1-13), being careful to watch the tongue (James 3:1-12), not finding fault with others (James 4:11-12), being patient in hard times (James 5:7-11), and praying when we are sick (James 5:13-16).
ReplyDeleteOn top of that, the thing that stood out to me personally in James was the fact that I tracked him discussing pride throughout it. The verse that personally stuck out was him quoting Proverbs 3:34 which says, "God opposes those who are proud. But he gives grace to those who are not." Then right after it says in James 4:7, "So obey God. Stand up to the devil. He will run away from you." It supports how the act of being proud has nothing to do with God and has everything to do with the devil's schemes.
I think if there was one takeaway from James' advice for a life pleasing to God, it would be putting faith into action. James it probably most famous for "So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead" (2:17), and for good reason. I think James differs from other NT writers not necessarily in the emphasis on works (1 John 3:17, Matthew 7:21, Ephesians 2:10), but more so in how bluntly and matter-of-factly he states it. James wants people to be not only hearers of the word, but doers (1:22). We are also called to tame - to the best of our ability - our tongues. Other than a couple other places in the NT and some spots in Psalms as far as I know, James talks more about "taming the tongue" and watching what we say more than anyone. James seems like one of the best modern-geared NT books to me. His emphasis on not just walking the walk but also talking (or sometimes not talking) the talk are applicable to anyone's life, especially to someone looking to please God.
ReplyDeleteThe Book of James seems different to me than the other New Testament books in that James writes a lot about works and how they must accompany faith. That is the prevailing theme throughout, as I see it. James says “faith without works is dead” (2:26), and he describes different works that should be done. He says it is pointless to bless a poor and hungry brother with words when you do nothing to provide for his physical needs.
ReplyDeleteThere is also this superficially confusing verse “You see that a man is justified by works and not by faith alone.” This statement could appear heretical when compared to books like Romans which says, “For we maintain that a man is justified by faith apart from works of the Law” (Romans 3:28), but I think these can coherently be understood when you consider that justification is being used in two senses. In Romans it is pretty clear that justification refers to us being made right with God; through faith we accept His grace and forgiveness. On the other hand, James refers to justification as a way of proof of faith. Example: “You claim to be a servant of Christ. What evidence do you have? Justify your claim.” James shows us that our faith should be obvious. Other Christians shouldn't wonder, “is he saved or not” and non-Christians should be able to see that we have a love for one another that surpasses what is common in society. James makes a good point. If you say you are a disciple of Jesus, and you don't do what Jesus did, are you really a disciple? If you claim that God changed your life, and you are the same as you always were, were you really changed?
The Bible tells us what disciples are supposed to be doing. It also tells us what Jesus did. Our own conscience prompts us day to day to do the things that we know we should do, and yet, we have to choose to listen and do those right things.
Here in James might be one of the hardest passages in the Bible: “Therefore, to one who knows the right thing to do and does not do it, to him it is sin” (4:17). Boy, I wish that wasn't in there! Life would be so much easier: just avoid doing bad things and leave people alone. That seems pretty straight forward. But there's more to it than that. It keeps coming back to that same thing: Love. Love God and love people, that's really the only rule, since that fulfills the whole Law. We will do those good things that we know to do, if we live our lives out of love. So maybe we could say then that sin is missing the mark of love. I'm glad God has perfect love even though we miss the mark so many times.
According to James, the main keys to living a God-pleasing life include faith, works that accompany it, trials, charity, prayer, and confession.
ReplyDeleteFaith that motivates good works makes all the other things, whether charity or prayer possible, so that would be the most key or essential to a God-pleasing life (2:26). James also describes how trials are good and even necessary to refine and purify one's faith (1:2). Charity seems to fall into the category of works, but James does specifically say that "Religion that is pure and undefiled before God, the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their affliction (1:27)." This would show charity as a way of living a God-pleasing life. Finally, prayer and confession ultimately help a person "be healed" and transformed into one who lives for God (5:16). It is interesting that James pairs these ideas so closely together. Prayer is not just to ask God for things but to be used as a chance to change and purify the heart. Confession, especially to another, James seems to say is more effective in making a change. Then, if you add prayer for the one who confessed to you, they pray for you who also confessed, that James says, is most effective. This would ultimately lead to a more godly life.
Why do you suppose Martin Luther called this letter “an epistle of straw”?
ReplyDeleteJames 2:17
17 So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead.
Luther was convinced that the book of James wasn't very clear when it came to the simple gospel. In some ways it seemed to contradict Paul letters and his writings on justification being by grace through faith alone. However, the audience James is talking to matters quite significantly. Some people need a push to not abuse the grace of God and some motivation to do the work of the ministry.
What is James advice to Christian leaders on the handling of ethical problems?
ReplyDeleteJames 1:5 5 If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.
The advice her is always look to the lord when faced with a problem. The lord always has a way of working things out. Sometimes we don't always have the answer and the lord will sometimes send us someone to answer our problems even if we don't like it.