Christian Living Today

It is right and proper we look to Scripture for directives on walking uprightly. However, sometimes it is hard to put feet to our faith. Even when we know what is right, it is hard to envision how to respond rightly.

First we must remember we have only looked at the first verse in this passage. James will provide us greater insight as we proceed. However, James is not the only Scriptural passage dealing with a Christian’s proper attitude in trial. We have looked at a few verses in our last two posts. Never the less, because putting what we know in our head into practice in our lives is the hardest part, we will spend this post delving deeper into living James’ words: “My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials,. .” (James 1:2) First let us look at one more Scripture which describes the Christian life.

Hebrews 12:1-3, 12-15 says, “Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. For consider Him who endured such hostility from sinners against Himself, lest you become weary and discouraged in your souls. . .Therefore strengthen the hands which hang down, and the feeble knees, and make straight paths for your feet, so that what is lame may not be dislocated, but rather be healed. Pursue peace with all people, and holiness, without which no one will see the Lord: looking carefully lest anyone fall short of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up cause trouble, and by this many become defiled . . .”Our first and foremost example is our Lord Jesus Christ. Calvin, speaking on the passage above says, though Christ was free “to exempt himself from all trouble and to lead a happy life, abounding in all good things, he yet underwent a death that was bitter, and in every way ignominious. . .[thus] he commends to us the patience of Christ on two accounts, because he endured a most bitter death, and because he despised shame. He then mentions the glorious end of his death, that the faithful might know that all the evils which they may endure will end in their salvation and glory, provided they follow Christ.”First, then, as we have discussed, we must get our perspective right. We must put our eyes on the goal ahead. We must resolve to be steadfast and resolute in following our Master’s steps. Then, following the directives in the second part of this passage, we strive to make our actions fall in line.Barnes comments on the second half, “Courage and resolution may do much, however, to make them firm, and it is to this that the apostle exhorts those to whom he wrote. They were to make every effort to bear up under their trials. The hope of victory will do much to strengthen one almost exhausted in battle; the desire to reach home invigorates the frame of the weary traveler. So it is with the Christian. In persecution and sickness and bereavement, he may be ready to sink under his burdens. The hands fall, and the knees tremble, and the heart sinks within us. But confidence in God, and the hope of heaven, and the assurance that all this is for our good, will reinvigorate the enfeebled frame, and enable us to bear what we once supposed would crush us to the dust. A courageous mind braces a feeble body, and hope makes it fresh for new conflicts.”This is another clear passage exhorting us to not only think like a Christian, not only talk like a Christian, but to walk the straight and narrow, even when the pathway is rough and the trials come in like a flood. We not only have Scripture’s strong words to bolster our faith, we have powerful examples.Karolina W. Sandell-Berg penned a mighty hymn in 1858. What makes “Children Of The Heavenly Father” so powerful, however, is not just the words, it is the incident which sparked their writing. Karolina wrote this hymn after watching her father fall over board and drown! Let’s look at three verses:

God His own doth tend and nourish;

In His holy courts they flourish;

From all evil things He spares them;

In His mighty arms He bears them.

Neither life nor death shall ever

From the Lord His children sever;

Unto them His grace He showeth,

And their sorrows all He knoweth.

Though He giveth or He taketh,

God His children ne’er forsaketh;

His the loving purpose solely

To preserve them pure and holy.

Here is an example of a Christian, in her own words, showing us how to bear up under an awful trial. Note where she places her focus - on God’s goodness and grace. She has just lost her father yet she says God tends and nourishes His own. She says He spares them from evil.

Wow, I’m afraid I would consider a similar situation evil. Yet, we see how she can say this, she places her focus heavenward. She says, “In His holy courts they flourish;” her eyes are one heaven, but she finds comfort in His grace (and care - in spite of what had happened) here below, “In His mighty arms He bears them.”

A couple more observations

1) She realized nothing could sever her from her Lord - and that was her most precious possession. 2) She realized her God knew her sorrows and would give her grace to bear up under them. 3) She knew God would never leave her nor forsake her, regardless of what bad things happened in her life. 4) She understood God’s loving purpose was to create her in Christ’s image (pure and holy).Karolina lived James 1:2. If we live long enough, we will lose people we love. Karolina has shown us how to respond to loss as a Christian. What about other trials? Karolina’s example is basic to any trial. However, let us look, briefly, at a few more situations and the basic Christian response.

Pregnancy resulting from rape - Our culture automatically responds to this situation with abortion. Even many well-meaning Christians recommend this as the solution. However, is this the Christian response? No. Committing a second sin does not negate the first. The Christian response is to bear the child, to embrace the child (before and after its birth), to love the child, to recognize the child is a gift from God “Behold, children are a heritage from the LORD, The fruit of the womb is a reward.” (Ps 127:3) Only a Christian can look evil in the face and see it as a gift from the hand of a loving God.

A Down’s Syndrome baby - With our current medical technology, doctor’s have the ability to determine if a child has Down’s Syndrome, even in the womb. According to a recent report, most of these children are being killed in-utero. Is this the Christian response? Certainly not! 1 Thess 5:14 says, “Now we exhort you, brethren, warn those who are unruly, comfort the fainthearted, uphold the weak, be patient with all.” The Christian response is to welcome, embrace, love, see as a blessing and look forward to this child, knowing God will display His power to a watching world through what they consider weak and foolish things.

Job Loss / Economic Uncertainty - I heard someone say, recently, the current economic situation will reveal who is really a Christian and who just says they are a Christian. Why? Because Christians should have a completely different response to an economic downturn, whether from a job loss or from the general economy. A Christian knows His Father will provide for his needs (Matt 6:27-33). Thus, while a Christian seeks to make wise financial decisions, while a Christian diligently looks to work with his hands and whatever job will provide for his / her needs, a Christian does not fret and worry and speculate and complain!

Loss of health or ability - Most people recognize the name: Joni Erickson Tada. Few, in comparison, have met her. At seventeen, when she suddenly went from a vivacious young woman with years of normal life ahead of her, to the bleak future of confinement in the body of a quadriplegic, she did not embrace her trial. Nonetheless, God by His grace taught her to find her joy in Him, to find her strength in Him, to find her fulfillment in Him.

Furthermore, she has not complained about her lot. Instead she has worked diligently as a spokesperson for others with disabilities and as a mouthpiece for Christ to a hurting world. She could have spent her life bitter and angry and self-focused. As Christ’s child, however, by His grace she chose to make a difference in her world, in spite of her limitation. And, what a difference she has made!

We could go on and on. Look at Joseph. Look at Moses. Look at Paul. Look at Job. Person after person after person facing incredible trials. Person after person who acted in a way we do NOT consider normal. Person after person who would have been (in our minds) completely justified to ‘curse God and die’. Yet time after time, they are given the grace to rise above the ashes of their life to praise and bless their Creator.

This, my friend, is what we are called to do. Is this not a high calling? Is this not a blessed calling? Instead of despair, we have hope. Instead of bitterness, we have peace. Instead of sorrow, we have joy!

“My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.” (James 1:2-4)Last time we looked at the first part of verse two “. . .count it all joy. . .”. Today we will look at the second part of the verse, “. . .when you fall into various trials,” In the first part we were instructed to change our thinking about trials. Although trials will ‘hurt’, we will be ‘grieved’, and our hearts will be ‘troubled’, as Christians we are called to look beyond the present and set our sights on the future.

In the end, trials reveal if our faith is living or dead; saving or non-saving. Everyone experiences trouble. Job 5:7 tells us, “Yet man is born unto trouble, as the sparks fly upward.” As Pastor MacArthur put it, “Man’s fallen nature is a fire that spits out sparks.”

Several other passages speak to this truth:

Job 14:1: “Man that is born of a woman is of few days, and full of trouble.”

Ps 22:11: “Be not far from me; for trouble is near. . .”

Is 8:22: “And they shall look unto the earth; and behold trouble and darkness, dimness of anguish; and they shall be driven to darkness.”

Eccl 2: 20 - 22: “Therefore I turned my heart and despaired of all the labor in which I had toiled under the sun. For there is a man whose labor is with wisdom, knowledge, and skill; yet he must leave his heritage to a man who has not labored for it. This also is vanity and a great evil. For what has man for all his labor, and for the striving of his heart with which he has toiled under the sun?”

No one is exempt. Matthew Henry reminds us, “It is implied that troubles and afflictions may be the lot of the best Christians, even of those who have the most reason to think and hope well of themselves. Such as have a title to the greatest joy may yet endure very grievous afflictions.”

James’s directives are not unique. In fact, his words echo Matthew 5:10-12. In the beatitudes, Jesus addressed this same subject. He said, “Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness’ sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake. Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you.”

Trials and troubles are as old as man’s fallen nature. On the other hand, the Christian is no masochist, looking for trials in some kind of sick perversion (Mt 6:33). James says, “when you fall.” These troubles come upon us unawares. Nonetheless, they are not chance happenings. Gill puts it this way, “these they “fall” into; not by chance, nor altogether at an unawares, or unexpectedly; but they fell into them through the wickedness and malice of their enemies, and did not bring them upon themselves through any crime or enormity they were guilty of. . .”

Even our Lord, when He walked this earth, experienced troubles and trials (Jn 11:33, Jn 12:27, Jn 13:2). Yet, He remained without sin. This reveals two things:

1) Trials are to be expected. They are a normal part of our sojourn here on earth.

2) We can face trials without having a sinful response. Jesus did.

The trials into which we fall are “various”. The word means, literally, many colored. Calvin said, “The Lord then afflicts us in various ways, because ambition, avarice, envy, gluttony, intemperance, excessive love of the world, and the innumerable lusts in which we abound, cannot be cured by the same medicine.” Our sin has permeated ever aspect of our lives. Thus our Lord sends us trials to purge every area of our lives.

We have been using the word ‘trials’ as we have discussed verse two. However, if you read the KJV, you will see the word “temptations”. While the Greek word can be translated ‘temptation’, it can also be rightly translated ‘trials’. This is a rare word in secular Greek, yet it is very common in biblical Greek. In its verb form it means ‘to put someone to the test’. Our response determines whether this ‘test’ remains a trial or becomes a temptation.

Barnes explained it like this, “the word is used in the sense of trials, to wit, by persecution, poverty, calamity of any kind. These cannot be said to be direct inducements or allurements to sin, but they try the faith, and they show whether he who is tried is disposed to adhere to his faith in God, or whether he will apostatize. They so far coincide with temptations, properly so called, as to test the religion of men. They differ from temptations, properly so called, in that they are not brought before the mind for the express purpose of inducing men to sin.”

Every trial which God allows us to experience tests our faith. If we pass the test, it remains a trial. If we fail the test (handle the trial in an ungodly manner), it becomes a temptation. As Pastor MacArthur said, “Trials lead you to strength and make you stand.”

Trials reveal the genuineness of your faith. When you go through a trial, look carefully at how you react. Your response says much about your faith. If you persevere through trials and never abandon your trust in God, you prove to have genuine faith.

I leave you with this quote from Robert Johnstone. He said, “James shows that where there is but an empty profession or a mere dreamy sentiment unbased on firm and intelligent convictions of truth, the fire of trouble will burn them up. But where there is true faith, affliction naturally leads to deeper thought than under other circumstances on sin and its deserts and thus frees the heart from the control of self-righteousness. The source of weakness leads to earnest wrestling with God in prayer and experience of the sustaining grace thus obtained strengthens and exhilarates one’s hope with regard to the time to come.”

Next time we will look at how to face trials and come through victoriously. We will seek to see what it looks like to ‘count it all joy’ in trials.

“My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.” (James 1:2-4)

As we discussed last time, James begins his brief epistle with an abrupt jump into some hard words. However, this does not reveal a lack of love, but a deep concern which forbad him to withhold the directive which would allow them to bear up under the persecutions which surrounded them.When we are faced with trials, we must begin with repentance. In other words, we must change our way of thinking about our trials. How we face a situation depends much more on what we ‘think’ than on the actual circumstances. Consider these two scenarios:

One: A friend invites you to spend the weekend backpacking into the high mountains. The climb will be extensive, the days long. Your food will consist of a re-hydrated, semi-tasteless menu. Your bed will be lumpy and narrow. Your comforts will consist of whatever you can carry on your back. However, the views will be spectacular, the chances to glimpse wildlife likely, and the peace and quiet beyond comprehension. In spite of potentially sore feet, hours of sweat, and tired muscles, you jump at the chance! You focus on the positives and the negatives seem small in comparison.

Two: Your boss asks you to prepare an in-depth report for an upcoming presentation. The information you will need is not available on line but stored in the basement. The subject is diverse thus you will spend hours, possibly days, gathering the information, putting it into logical order, and then preparing a top-notch presentation. However, this could be the difference between your company continuing to motor along as it has been or shooting to the top of its competition. Do you jump at the chance or does your mind fill with the long hours in a dingy, dark basement? Do you look at the possibilities or do you consider the likelihood you will expend all this energy for nothing since it just might not work?

Our response to trials is much the same, except, there is no question whether or not the outcome will be positive. We know God is in control. We know He is working something which is ultimately good in our lives through this trial. Therefore, if we are to face this trial to His glory, it is imperative we are correctly focused.Scripture mentions several possible attitudes we can take when facing trials. We can rebel and boast in our own power (Heb 12:5). We can lose heart and succumb to fatalism (Heb 12:5). We can grumble and complain (1 Cor 10:10). Or, we can accept God’s hand in our circumstances (Heb 12:11, James 1:2-4). The latter, obviously, is what James is calling his readers to do.

The Greek word translated ‘count’ actually means ‘to lead something somewhere.’ This change in perspective is not a response our flesh will naturally choose. Thus we must guide our wayward emotions in the proper direction. Because we know we have the Holy Spirit’s power working in our lives, we know this is possible.

As we correct our perspective we realize we must not judge by our senses. Hebrews 12:11 tell us, “Now no chastening seems to be joyful for the present, but painful; nevertheless, afterward it yields the peaceable fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it.” Look at these words: ‘for the present’ Our natural senses can feel no joy in this trial. They will suggest nothing but bitterness and sorrow. Thus we must not use sense as our guide. As Christians we are called to live above our senses because we judge by a another standard.

In Rom 8:18 Paul put it this way, “For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.” He ‘considered.’ He reasoned by another manner. So must we.

In Heb 11:26 we read, “esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures in Egypt; for he [Moses] looked to the reward.” Moses is a perfect example of someone who adjusted their perspective. He esteemed - considered, thought, realized - the reward to come far outweighed his current benefits.

As we assess our trials, therefore, we must make our judgments based upon supernatural light. 1 Cor 2:9, 11 reminds us, “But as it is written: “Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, Nor have entered into the heart of man The things which God has prepared for those who love Him.” . .For what man knows the things of a man except the spirit of the man which is in him? Even so no one knows the things of God except the Spirit of God.”

Secondly, we must remember, a true evaluation of our situation (and thus our response) always follows a spiritual reasoning. This requires us to practice principles of faith and / or patience. Thus, with the Holy Spirit’s help, the Christian can face trials with an attitude of ‘all joy’. 

If we could only remember afflictions provide opportunities for patience and great joy. In other words, grace’s worst is still better than the world’s best. And, as Robertson pointed out, we are not talking about “”some joy” along with much grief.”

THIS is a tough standard. James is not talking about a stiff upper lip. He does not mean Christians are to be false, act like stoics, and show no emotions. This is not even the example our Lord gave. Jesus was troubled. In Jn 12:27 we read, “Now is my soul troubled; and what shall I say? Father, save me from this hour. . .”

The ‘joy’ with which we are to respond to trials is far from a ‘don’t worry, be happy’ faked response. Ultimately our joy comes from recognizing we are suffering for Christ. Furthermore, as Christians we reckon this an honor. Paul said, “For unto you it is given in the behalf of Christ, not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for his sake;” (Phil 1:29).

In Acts 5:41 we read “So they departed from the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for His name.” In Matthew 5:12 Jesus told those facing trials (that includes us) to “Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you.”

Barnes put it this way, “Though God does not require us to seek persecution, yet all this shows that there is something in religion to sustain the soul, which the world does not possess.” Thus our proper response to trials brings glory and honor to God. 1 Peter 4:14, 16 reminds us, “If you are reproached for the name of Christ, blessed are you, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you. On their part He is blasphemed, but on your part He is glorified. . .Yet if any man suffer as a Christian, let him not be ashamed; but let him glorify God on this behalf.”

We must also remember, others are watching. Not only the world, but our brothers and sisters in Christ. They are watching not only to see if our faith is real, they are watching because they know their time is coming. Can we show them how to face trials with joy? If so, our response will build up other believers’ faith.

This is NOT a natural response. We must not be surprised when our flesh fights against us in this endeavor. As Thomas Manton said, “We are all apt to divorce comfort from duty, and to content ourselves with a barren and unfruitful knowledge of Jesus Christ.”

However, we are called to much, much more. 2 Pet 1:8 says, “For if these things be in you, and abound, they make you that ye shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.” Matthew Henry put it this way, “. . .Christianity teaches them to be joyful, because such exercises proceed from love and not fury in God.”

Our hearts will rebel. Our flesh will run the other direction. However, we must have this as our goal. By God’s grace, following Jesus’ example, and with the Spirit’s power, we can and we will be enabled to correct our perspective - to put the ultimate end in our sights and stay focused. Though the trial will hurt, we can still find joy in knowing our God is in control, and the end is worth the trial.

Because we know trials will come our way, because we know our calling is high, because we know the battle will be stiff, we are wise to prepare beforehand. We should study passage like this one in James. We should commit Scriptures specifically related to comfort and encouragement to memory. Thus I leave you with several passages which relate directly to James’ subject.

Job 5:17 “Behold, blessed is the one whom God reproves; therefore despise not the discipline of the Almighty.”

Rom 8:17-18 “if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint–heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together. For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.”

2 Co 12:9-10 “And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ’s sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong.”

Php 1:29 “For unto you it is given in the behalf of Christ, not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for his sake;”

1Pe 1:6-8 “In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be, you have been grieved by various trials, that the genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ, whom having not seen you love. Though now you do not see Him, yet believing, you rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory,”

Have you ever noticed the abruptness with which James, a Pastor, jumps from his succinct greeting into a hard subject? He pulls no punches. He offers no soothing words to soften the blow. He seems to lack sympathy, empathy, or even an ounce of pity.

Look at the first four verses:

“James, a bondservant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, To the twelve tribes which are scattered abroad: Greetings. My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.” (James 1:1-4)

Now imagine yourself a persecuted Christian, struggling to endure under severe trial. A letter arrives by courier from your previous (and only - remember these were scattered Christians without any formal church) Pastor. After identifying himself, he gives three words - three words - which might be considered encouragement (he says ‘greetings’ and calls them ‘my brethren’), then he says, “Count it all joy when you fall into various trials. . .” WHAT?

That is not what we want to hear from someone who comes to encourage us in our trials. We want soothing words. We want empathy. If hard words must be spoken, we say, “Wait until another time. Wait until I am stronger. Wait until I can bear up under the load which you would add to my already overburdened shoulders.”

How foolish! The first thing we need is a change of perspective. We do not need sympathy. We need heavenly spectacles (as Pastor Tomlinson said) with which to properly view our situation.

While at first glance James’ response seems cold, curt, and unloving, if we adjust our perspective we can almost perceive the intense love driving him to jump to the solution. He wants them to GET it, to grasp hold and cling tightly to the only real medicine for what is ailing them. Thus, like any loving counselor, he side-steps the self-indulgent words our ears want to hear and says what is, in reality, the kindest, most helpful council he can give.

James is an instructive book. It addresses many ‘uncomfortable’ but extremely ‘necessary’ issues. Why, then, does he begin with our attitude during trial? I believe there are at least two reasons:

One - he is writing to a persecuted church. As we saw in a previous post, the “the twelve tribes which are scattered abroad” were Christians who had been scattered across the known world in the dispersion. They were probably made up of two groups of people:

A - Those who had been scattered in dispersions which had occurred over the last hundreds of years. Quite likely at least some had been part of the group referred to in Acts 2:5-12, 37-42: “And there were dwelling in Jerusalem Jews, devout men, from every nation under heaven. And when this sound occurred, the multitude came together, and were confused, because everyone heard them speak in his own language. Then they were all amazed and marveled, saying to one another, “Look, are not all these who speak Galileans? And how is it that we hear, each in our own language in which we were born? Parthians and Medes and Elamites, those dwelling in Mesopotamia, Judea and Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia, Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the parts of Libya adjoining Cyrene, visitors from Rome, both Jews and proselytes, Cretans and Arabs––we hear them speaking in our own tongues the wonderful works of God.” So they were all amazed and perplexed, saying to one another, “Whatever could this mean?” Now when they heard this, they were cut to the heart, and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, “Men and brethren, what shall we do?” Then Peter said to them, “Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. For the promise is to you and to your children, and to all who are afar off, as many as the Lord our God will call.” And with many other words he testified and exhorted them, saying, “Be saved from this perverse generation.” Then those who gladly received his word were baptized; and that day about three thousand souls were added to them. And they continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers.”B - Those who had been scattered because of persecutions which had occurred since the formation of the early church in Acts 2.

Regardless of when they had left, these people had at least one thing in common. They were Jewish Christians. While the Jews, in general, were hated because they were ‘different’, Jewish Christians were not only hated by the world, they were hated by their own people. Thus these Christians were suffering persecution from every side. In other words, this was a BIG issue in their lives!Two - The second reason I believe James begins with this issue relates not only to his original audience, but to us today. As we will see, James is addressing a heart issue. Thomas Manton put it this way, “Miseries are sweet or bitter according to how we take them.”

This is more than just ‘necessary hard words’. I think James addressed this first because once we get our perspective corrected, we are better able to understand the directives which follow. As Seneca said, “our grief liveth in our own opinion and apprehension of them.”

Trials are trials because they hit us where it hurts the most. Imagine you are watching a car race. Two vehicles are involved in a severe crash. You might be concerned. You might be empathetic, You might even pray, for a few days, for those involved. However, if your son, or husband, or best friend is one of the drivers - well, that changes it completely. Suddenly you go from a bystander to the middle of the fire. Suddenly this hurts, and hurts BAD!

If we can get our perspective correct in the midst of the worst situations, we are better prepared to correctly view the sins which beset us in everyday situations. Thus James starts with our hardest situations, and he address our thinking about these situations.

Next time we will delve into what James says in verse two.

James, that short general epistle near the end of our New Testament is an often underestimated book. It is packed with practical truth and, as Pastor MacArthur pointed out, numerous tests. Because James focuses so succinctly on our Christian walk, it is of invaluable worth to a real Christian seeking to affirm their faith. Nonetheless, many Christians, even those who ought to know better, have belittled the book, called it hard to understand, or avoided it all together.

Pastor Tomlinson pointed out three reasons why we should read and study James. Since this is my goal, the results of which I intend to share with you over the long haul, I wanted to share Pastor Tomlinson’s thinking with you in an effort to encourage you to join me in digging deeply and meditating long on this biblical treasure trove.

One - Christians should read James because it is an often neglected book. If you attend a church where expository preaching is the norm (preaching through the word, book by book, not jumping around from here to there and back again), you are blessed. Even so, it is likely (unless your situation is unique), you have heard sermons which covered only a subject or two from James or just skimmed the book’s surface.

Furthermore, I would dare to suggest you have probably never tried to feed deeply, in your own studies, on this book’s teachings. This is an extremely sad commentary when we take into the account the extreme practicality of James’ teaching.

I believe there are two reasons we tend to overlook this book. First is Martin Luther’s railing against it. When a respected church father speaks negatively abpit something, we tend to listen. In some cases more than we ought. While Martin Luther said, “This is a right strawey epistle,” he spoke out of turn.

Remember Martin Luther’s challenge. He fought against the heretical teachings which had infiltrated the church of his day. These teachings said a man was saved by Christ’s sacrifice and his own good works. In response, Martin Luther rediscovered, delighted in, and dedicated his life to bringing the truth of justification by faith to the forefront.

Because James focuses on the ‘evidences’ of spiritual life, Martin Luther originally (he later came recognize his error) believed the book contradicted ‘justification.’ All this does is reveal Luther’s own humanity - something we are too quick to forget when remembering our heros. In reality, as we have discussed briefly in an earlier blog, James compliments Paul and vice versa.

Second is the negative connotations given to the book by more modern commentators. I have found several who say the book is little more than a collection of wisdom sayings. They interpret James as having no set theme - and thus no set purpose. As we will see, this could not be further from the truth.

Two - James is a neat book. It contains 40 illusions to the Old Testament. It has 20 illusions to the Sermon on the Mount. Furthermore, its unique layout makes it refreshing to read, and it adds challenging depths to its teaching.

Three - This book is an extremely important book. If ever there was a time, in America, when Christianity was under attack from within, it is now. The church, at large, is filled with many nominal Christians and many non-Christians. We have watered down Christian teaching and spurned doctrine to the point many are feeding on white water instead of milk or, as we should be, the meat of the word.

Furthermore, modern day Christians lack discernment. In a culture which celebrates a relativistic definition of truth, we fear to take a stand. Worse yet, many of us cannot take a stand. We really do not know what we believe well enough to defend it. Even more, we are not sure we should defend it. Are we really right? Is Christ the only way? Do we have the right to judge? If so, in what areas and on the basis of what?

In the end, many of us have failed to respond with any depth - even in our own lives. We no longer practice discernment in what we read, what we listen to, or who we follow. We no longer take our own sin seriously - teaching ourselves to despise our fleshly nature. We no longer examine our faith to see if it is real or false. In fact, as a general rule, our Christian walk is superficial at best and often scarcely existent. James is a great book for shaking us from our lethargy.

Thus, as we continue through our study, I encourage you to read James. Take some time to try and understand what the author is saying. While this will be a long process, I am excited to see and apply what James has to say.

Furthermore, I pray God will grant us the grace to really apply the faith tests in this book to our lives. May we not reach heaven’s gates only to find we have been trusting in a false faith!

Just a few more words about James, the author of the book which bears his name. The book of James has been surrounded by misconceptions. Not only did Martin Luther misunderstand its purpose and goal, numerous readers down through the ages have labeled it little more than a collection of ‘wisdom sayings’. This, however, could not be further from the truth. A thorough understanding of the author will help us understand his purpose, which, in turn will help us understand the contents.

Writing style: James’ writing style is short, direct, prophetic in tone, authoritative yet warmly pastoral. It is very directed, powerful, and conviction oriented. He commands his way through the text. His writing is very black and white about the matters of living. Spirituality: Tradition has labeled James, “James the Righteous” or “James the Just”. Many legends grew up about his extreme holiness. While we can discount most if not all as just legend, they do strengthen our reason to believe James was more than just a ‘nice’ guy. He took his Christian calling seriously.We see this in his writing. The very first verse tells us the man is humble. Instead of calling attention to his familial relationship to Jesus he describes himself a slave from birth to God and Christ. The term he uses is doulos. This is not a freeman turned slave. This is one who, from birth, has been a slave. William Barclay says the use of this term characterizes absolute obedience, absolute humility, absolute loyalty and pride. James was proud, in the positive sense, to be a servant.

James obviously understands worldly issues, man’s tendency to sin, superficially and selfishness yet he writes without compromise. This shows his courage. Furthermore he is compassionate. He sympathizes with the poor. His defense is quick and bold. He cannot abide partiality. He warns of the dangers of swinging Christian liberties and offending others.

As we look deeper into the epistle, we see James’ understanding of theology. He exhibits extensive comprehension of the truths presented on the Sermon on the Mount. In addition, he has an excellent grasp on Old Testament theology. Furthermore, his subject matter is very diverse: suffering, evil, righteousness, worship, sin, and temptation.

Ministry: James is not an apostle. In fact, while we have every reason to believe he was present when the apostles were choosing a replacement for Judas, his name is not even mentioned. Although he was highly regarded, it is obvious God had another role for him to fill.In James we see the first model pastor. Just as obvious, he is a committed Jew. Most striking, however, is his servant’s attitude. He not only calls himself a ‘slave’, he says he is a slave to both God and Christ.

This statement might seem to fly in the face of Jesus’ warnings about serving two masters, however, looking a little deeper reveals James had a grasp on the Trinity which even some of the apostles, early on, did not have. He understands Jesus is God!

About the Recipients:Twelve tribes: a common term for the Jews

Dispersed: Numerous dispersions had occurred since the 10 tribes were taken captive by Assyria (2 Kings 17). As a result they were scattered far and wide across the known world. Josephus said, “There is no city, no tribe, whether Greek or Barbarian in which Jewish law and Jewish customs have not taken rest.” Beloved Brethren: the term ‘brethren’ or a close derivative, is used several times through the epistle. This shows James’ close association with his readers. Most likely he was writing, specifically, to Christian Jews who were dispersed abroad.James had a specific purpose and a specific audience. Furthermore, James is more, so much more, than just a wise man with a collection of wise saying he wants to share. James is, as I have said, a test, actually a series of tests, to help his readers (that means us) judge the validity and reality of their claim to Christianity.

Having looked at the supposed disagreement between Paul’s teachings and James’ teachings, we are going to dig a bit more into the background of this book to set the foundation for our studies in the book.

About the Author:James’ author gives us little personal information. Everything revealed about the author is included in the first sentence. “James, a bondservant of God and of our Lord Jesus Christ, to the twelve tribes which are scattered abroad, Greetings.”

What can we learn from the author’s own words?

One: His name was James.

Two: He serves God and our Lord Jesus Christ

Three: He is writing to the twelve tribes scattered abroad

Four: He uses a salutation unusual to the gospels, “Greeting”

Let’s look at each of these points and see what we can discern.

Point One: James is a common Jewish name. It is an English derivative of Jacob. There are four potential candidates with this name mentioned in the New Testament.- James the son of Alphaeus who was one of the twelve. We know very little about this James other than he was possibly Matthew’s brother (see Mark 2:14). However, this is all we know about him. He is not mentioned in any later accounts, and there is no reason to believe he penned this epistle.

- James the father of Judas who is mentioned in Luke 6:16. This is not Judas Iscariot but the other disciple named Judas. This is the only reference we have to this James. Due to his extreme obscurity (and the fact the writer of James feels no need to introduce himself - which implies he was well known), it is highly unlikely he is the book’s author.

- James, the apostle, the son of Zebedee and John’s elder brother. While we know much more about this James than the other two, we also know he was martyred very early on in the church’s history. In fact, he was the first apostle to be martyred and the second martyr for Christianity, Steven being the first. Thus he, also, could not have written this book.

- James the brother of our Lord appears to be the best candidate. Let’s see what our other points do to increase the likelihood of his authorship.

Point two: “He serves God and our Lord Jesus Christ.” This tells us a couple of things about the book’s author. One, he served God. This seems, most likely, to indicate a Jewish connection, i.e. ‘The God of his fathers’. Two, he served our Lord Jesus Christ. This indicates he was a Christian - a follower of Christ.We do know a few things from James’ history which appear to collaborate these points. There is reason to believe James is Mary’s second son, the eldest among Joseph and Mary’s offspring, because the eldest son’s name was usually listed first when the offspring were listed (Mar 6:3). We also know none of Jesus brother’s believed in Him (Jn 7:5) before His resurrection. However, Jesus showed James great mercy by appearing to him, personally, after His resurrection (1 Cor 15:7). Jesus had a special role for James to fill.

James was clearly converted either when Jesus appeared to him or shortly thereafter. We know this because we find James in the Upper Room with the disciples in Acts 1:14. He was one of those empowered by the Holy Spirit after Jesus’ ascension.

As Pastor MacArthur said, James went on to “become senior pastor of the first church at Jerusalem”, if you will. We see him serving in an important role (Acts 12:17; 15:22; 23:17). James was an important and well-known member of the early church. This clearly concurs with the book’s introduction.

James is a Jew. James is a Christian. James is well known, thus he needs no further introduction.

Point three: “He is writing to the twelve tribes scattered abroad.” This tells us he is writing to Jews scattered outside the boundaries of Judea. What can we learn from this clue?James is a Jewish epistle. The more one studies the book, the more obvious this becomes. Furthermore, the book is written in some of the finest Greek in the New Testament. This tells us two things about the author:

One - He was intimately familiar with Judaism. Furthermore, he personally understood Jewish characteristics, particularly, perhaps, Jewish Christian characteristics. Two - He was familiar with not only the Jewish language of his day, Aramaic, but he was also extremely well acquainted with Greek. This supports the presupposition the author did not grow up in Jerusalem where Aramaic was the primary language. In fact, it suggests he spent quite a bit of time where Greek was common.The most logical place where he could have gained this experience and exposure is in Galilee. Galilee was the cultural cross-roads; the focal point for Gentile commerce. Jesus and his brothers grew up in Galilee.

Point four: “He uses a salutation unusual to the gospels, ‘Greetings’.” This one word is even more conclusive evidence pointing to James, the brother of Jesus, as the book’s author. This particular word is used rarely in the New Testament, only twice by a Christian leader - in James 1:1 and in Acts 15. This seems to confirm James, Jesus’ brother, as the books author. Why? Read Acts 15. You will find a record of the council of Jerusalem.The Council of Jerusalem was a meeting of church leaders where Paul defended his outreach to the Gentile churches. After Paul makes his speech, we see someone responding. Who? James (Acts 15:13). Thus we know James was in attendance. In his response, James suggests those gathered put into writing their collective conclusion (vs 20). At the beginning of their ‘letter’ we find our word, “Greeting” (vs 23).

Thus not only does tradition support James, Jesus brother, as the book’s author, many points within the New Testament support his authorship as well.

The book of James could be called a ‘salvation test’. Certainly James seeks to show us real living faith. “His chief aim is to impress his readers with a conviction that true Christianity is always a great moral power and will, therefore, reveal itself through growth in the energies and beauties of holiness.” ~ Robert Johnstone

While some, including Martin Luther (at one point Luther called James, “an Epistle of straw, and destitute of an evangelical character” - he later came to understand the book’s value), have defamed the book, these defamations were based on a false conception of a doctrinal conflict between James and Paul. However, this could not be further from the truth.

As John MacArther said, “To Paul the question was, ‘How is salvation received?’” This is the question Paul answered in Romans. “But to James,” MacArthur continues, “the question is, ‘How is salvation verified?’” The two go together hand-in-hand. One focuses on salvation; the other on sanctification.

To take this a little further:

Paul’s point: Justification comes by faith. The basis for justification is the atonement of Christ. Good works will never merit justification. Faith alone, in Christ alone, is the onlymerit for justification. As Barnes NT notes say, “The aim of Paul is not to demonstrate good works are not necessary or desirable in religion, but that they are not the ground of justification.” (emphasis mine)

Paul’s point of view: Pre-conversion with a focus on a person’s standing before God.

Paul’s question: On what ground can a man be justified before God?

James’ point: Good works and holy living are evidences of justification. Again we turn to Barnes NT notes. James’ “aim was to show, not that faith is not essential to justification, and not that the real ground of dependence is not the merit of the Savior, but that conformity to the law of God is indispensable to true religion.”

James’ point of view: Post-conversion with a focus on how to determine if a person’s faith is genuine. More specifically, a person’s testimony before men.

James’ question: What does a justified man look like? How does he act?

Each writer’s focus fits their audience. Paul is writing primarily to Gentiles (new converts and seekers) who were basically unfamiliar with Christianity. James is writing to Jewish Christians, most likely some of the members of the early church described in Acts, who had been dispersed throughout the known world by persecution and other events. As a general rule James’ recipients, therefore, had a basic, fundamental understanding of salvation. Most likely, as suggested in James 1:1, 2:1, and 5:7,11,14, they were believing Jews.

Furthermore, examining both books reveals many similarities between the book of James and Paul’s writings which suggest they did not oppose one another in their teaching, and they were also aware of and in full agreement with one another. Compare the similarity between these passages:
James 1:2,3 with Romans 5:3
James 1:4 with 1 Cor 1:17
James 1:6 with Eph 4:4
James 1:12 with 2 Tim 4:8
James 1:15 with Romans 7:7-8
James 1:18 with Romans 8:23
James 1:21 with Col 4:8
James 1:22 with Romans 2:13
James 2:5 with 1 Cor 1:27

I belabor the point only to make it clear there is no contradiction between these two men of God. In a day when skeptics seek to discredit the Scriptures from every side, it is important we understand the continuity between the Gospel writers. Thus, it is important we see James and Paul as united in their understanding of salvation. Their supposed difference is due, entirely, to the particular ‘facet’ of salvation upon which they focus.

With uncanny similarity to The Sermon on the Mount, we will find James prodding his readers to test the ‘title’. In other words to practice ‘real Christianity’. As we dig deeper into this book, I expect we will find ourselves challenged on many fronts, for, as a general rule, Christianity in America is ‘a mile wide and less than an inch deep’.