Just over 15 minutes to read through James. It's an interesting read - very different in style to Paul's letters.
Possibly the earliest of the New Testament letters, written to the 'twelve tribes scattered' - a common way of referring to the nation of Israel. Since he doesn't mention the Jerusalem Council, this is probably before that occasion, during one of the series of persecutions. At the Jerusalem Council, the Gentiles were recognised as being equal recipients of the grace of God - before that time, the Gentiles coming in were considered to be 'under the umbrella' of Israel, and thus we can see that the 'twelve tribes' is therefore indicative of all believers, and is equally applicable to us. The author James is evidently well-known, because he doesn't give any introduction of himself personally, and due to this and other hints in Acts and the various epistles, it is agreed that the author is James, son of Joseph and Mary, and brother of Jude - making him the half-brother of Christ. He was a 'pillar of the church' at Jerusalem, and therefore had a reputation that would justify the greeting in this letter with little introduction. It is significant that he doesn't list his blood relationship with Christ, but simply calls himself a servant of God and the Lord Jesus Christ.
James is a very practical letter - it is not primarily a doctrinal letter, although we can see the doctrine that underlines the passages. He is writing to believers (or at least people who consider themselves believers), and he does not touch much on salvation, except in a past sense. There is a strong emphasis on a life consistent with belief in God - again and again hypocrisy is condemned, apathy and compartmentalisation is condemned, and elitism is condemned. He assumes knowledge of salvation and faith, and shows how they cannot stand alone unseen by others and be genuine - the genuine will be evident to those around. It is both a statement of fact, and an encouragement to live this out even more - to embrace the fact. The teachings are in many ways a test - for those with genuine faith, it is an assurance and encouragement to go on; the people without genuine faith are shown for what they are - and the tests provide a means for us to examine our own lives, and be aware of false profession by others.
James gets right into the thick of it straight-away. Starting out with the circumstances of persecution, he shows that with the wisdom that God has already promised, we can have joy in difficult times - not necessarily because of the difficult times, but because of their results, and confidence in God's sovereignty. Some translations use different words for 'temptation' or 'trial' between the first twelve verses, and from verse thirteen on - in the Greek the root word is the same, but the early section uses a noun to speak of external temptation, and from verse thirteen it uses the verb form, which focuses on the active part, and indicates internal temptation.
We see the corollary to Hebrews looked at yesterday - Christ was tempted in all points like we are (yet without sin), and here we see that God cannot be tempted. The difference is a bit like our own lives - we can be tempted to do evil and resist it without sin, but as soon as is takes root in our desires (lusts), we sin - God can never sin. He is Righteous and Holy, and there is no lust or sin in Him.
James goes on to talk about our speech, and the importance of meekness and listening. There is a saying I like about meekness - "Meekness is not weakness, but strength under control" - important to remember. He then goes on into the responsibility of acting upon what we have heard, and the evidence of a person that is not genuine, and the evidence of the genuine.
The idea hinted earlier about elitism is expounded further with an example of both poor and rich entering a church. There is nothing wrong with how the rich is treated - it is the treatment of the poor that is wrong, and the difference of treatment between them based solely on their wealth. Another important teaching about how even minor infractions of the law means that we have broken the law - nothing can be 'glossed over' - once it is broken at all, we have no longer met the perfection the law demands. He also shows the futility of trying to claim that belief by itself is enough - it doesn't help anyone, and even the demons believe the truth!
Looking more closely at teachers, James calls them to understand the seriousness of the role they are considering. Their speech is more important and more influential than others, and thus they have even more responsibility to guard their tongue, and seeking heavenly wisdom. Responsibility that we all have, but especially teachers.
He goes on to show the perverseness of a life ruled by lusts and pride, and how to combat it by submitting and drawing near to God. Not just drawing near by words either - but by cleansing and purifying our lives, through His power. This humbling of ourselves is in contrast to those who build themselves up by condemning others' actions, and not looking to their own.
Returning to wealth and the pursuit of worldly gain, he exhorts us to be humble in all we do, and remember our lives are in God's hands. We must also be just in our dealings with others, and not cheat them for our gain (or others' gain, for that matter). Without mentioning it directly, he is basically preaching against allowing money to be our god.
He concludes with encouragement concerning suffering and persecutions, and talks about the way we are to love each other during these times. Remaining confident in God, relying on God, supporting each other in the community in prayer and by meeting physical needs (anointing with oil in this context seems to be oil for massaging sore muscles). The importance of prayer both for ourselves and others is emphasised, and forgiveness associated with a repentant person's prayer.
O Lord, we seek You and Your wisdom as we live here on earth. Grant us this, as You have promised, that we might know how to respond appropriately in all circumstances. Lord, keep us from pride and arrogance, but keep us humble, and draw us near to You - search our hearts, and purify our lives, Lord - may we listen to You, and cleanse our lives of anything repulsive to You. Lord, thank You for the privilege of prayer. Thank you for leading us in this way of dependence upon Yourself, and moulding our hearts to Yours. May our lives shine as a lamp on the hill, evident to all around, despite any persecution, animosity, apathy, and malice around us - let us shine to Your glory, and not our own.
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