James 1:1
1 This letter is from James, a slave of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ.
I am writing to the “twelve tribes”—Jewish believers scattered abroad.
Greetings!
I Corinthians 15: 7
7 Then he was seen by James and later by all the apostles.
As we continue to pursue Wisdom, we turn to the Book of James. There are a few things that need to be established in order to place this book in its proper context.
As there are several ‘James’ mentioned in the New Testament, the writer of this tome is generally thought to be James, the half brother of Jesus.
John 7:5
5 For even his brothers didn’t believe in him.
He did not believe Jesus was Messiah during his earthy ministry. Only after the resurrection did James become s believer.
Galatians 1: 18-19
18 Then three years later I went to Jerusalem to get to know Peter,[g] and I stayed with him for fifteen days. 19 The only other apostle I met at that time was James, the Lord’s brother.
James was regarded as an Apostle and as a preeminent leader of the Church at Jerusalem by the other Apostles.
These are important facts to know as a preface to the book of James. Let’s get started. In James1:1 we are introduced to James, who, interestingly, does not identify himself as ‘the brother of the Lord, but rather as a ‘slave’ of the Lord. In doing so, immediately sets the tone for the remainder of the book: humility. Humility must guide the life of believers from spiritual birth to spiritual maturity. James, in wisdom, demonstrates one of the greatest lessons of example: lead by example. Pay attention.
Verse one also informs us that James is writing to … a predominately Jewish audience. While there is a great deal of debate about who James is writing to, James makes it clear that he is writing to Jewish Christians (Messianic Jews) that have been forcibly dispersed from Israel because of their conversion to Christianity. This truth also contributes to the tone of the book. To this point, allow me to, add that while James was writing explicitly to Jewish believers, Christians of every ethnos benefit from James’ heartfelt entreaty to his fellow, former countrymen. God, through the Holy Spirit, used James to instruct the entirety of the Ecclesia (the Universal Church).
James 1: 2-4
2 Dear brothers and sisters,[a] when troubles of any kind come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. 3 For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. 4 So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete, needing nothing.
How many of us know that it is easier to grow in faith from a position of humility? When we are tested, we may not know the why, we may not completely comprehend the depth of the what, but, as believers, if we will trust that God knows and that he cares, that he loves us; if we will just hold to these simple, foundational truths; Hallelujah! Troubles will come. I certainly have had my share. But we serve God, who is able to use any tests that we endure to our eternal benefit. Amen!
James 1: 5-8
5 If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and he will give it to you. He will not rebuke you for asking. 6 But when you ask him, be sure that your faith is in God alone. Do not waver, for a person with divided loyalty is as unsettled as a wave of the sea that is blown and tossed by the wind. 7 Such people should not expect to receive anything from the Lord. 8 Their loyalty is divided between God and the world, and they are unstable in everything they do.
And when you find yourself lacking, ask God. Isn’t that what humility looks like? Who else would you ask? The wisdom of God in Joseph confounded the pharoahs of Egypt. The wisdom of God in Daniel caused Babylonian and Persion kings to throw up their hands in surrender to God. Additionally, Solomon was found to be highly favoured by God for simply requesting … wisdom. Money, fame, possessions; none are as important to the believer as wisdom. Fear not. Ask. God is faithful.
James 1: 9-11
9 Believers who are[b] poor have something to boast about, for God has honored them. 10 And those who are rich should boast that God has humbled them. They will fade away like a little flower in the field. 11 The hot sun rises and the grass withers; the little flower droops and falls, and its beauty fades away. In the same way, the rich will fade away with all of their achievements.
This first lesson closes with a final thought: God is not a respecter of persons. He makes no difference between the haves and the have nots. God looks on the heart. We mistakenly attribute riches to blessing. That’s poor theology, and not necessarily good Christianity. God cares about people, not about stuff. To the poor He say’s, “ Don’t worry about stuff. Keep your eyes and yor devotion on me.” To the rich he says, “Remember where your stuff came from. In all things, honor me.”
I Peter 5:5
5. Likewise you younger people, submit yourselves to your elders. Yes, all of you be submissive to one another, and be clothed with humility, for “God resists the proud, But gives grace to the humble.”
That concludes the first of this multi-week over view on the book of James. Remember the prelude to this lesson. We delved just a little into the background of James. We will further explore his motivations in upcoming lessons.
Selah,
wb
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