THE BOOK OF JAMES
STUDY PART 1:
I. INTRO: The 5 chapters, 108 versus of James Epistle contain some of the most needed instruction for present day Christians. The church as a whole is faced with a very serious breach between faith and practice (works). The practical instruction of James if followed would heal that breach and restore spiritual power once more.
A) Martin Luther called James, “an epistle of straw” because he grew up believing works was the way towards salvation. We all would agree that the Bible teaches us that salvation has nothing to do with our works as Christ alone paid the price by dying on the cross and it is by faith alone in him we are saved and receive the gift of eternal life. However, you cannot throw the baby out with the bath water so to speak. What is the role of practice (works) for the believer? The key to James is found in (James 2:17) “Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone.” It is regretted that Martin Luther made this comment about James as an “epistle of straw”. James is not an “epistle of straw” but of strength. The path to victorious Christian living will be found in the study and practice of this epistle. To the person humble enough to listen and courage to practice, spiritual victory is assured.
B) This book of James has caused some to feel that Paul in the book of Romans and James disagree on the subject of “mans justification”
1. Let us remember that Paul in the book of Romans deals with mans justification before God and sees the heart as God sees it (Romans 3:28)
2. The book of James deals with mans justification as men see it (James 2:24) “for men can only discern my faith in Christ as they witness and outward evidence” Our dear Lord declared in (Matthew 7:20) “Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them”
II. HISTORY: About the writer James, as was customary in the east his name appears first and leads us to ask, who is this man? There are 6 references to James in the New Testament. However, these 6 references refer to 3 different men Thus; the question arises who wrote this epistle.
A) James, son of Zebedee and brother of John could not have been the writer for he was killed by Herod before the epistle was probably written (Acts 12:1-3)
B) James the son of Alphaues was an apostle and like Paul and Peter would have claimed Apostleship had he written this book, so it was not him.
C) From all Biblical evidence, we believe that James, the Lord’s brother is the author of this epistle. As the Lords half brother (Jesus’ virgin birth) James lived under the same roof as Jesus. He no doubt observed that Jesus was no ordinary person. Yet, it was not until after the resurrection of Jesus that James believed that Jesus was the Christ, the Son of the living God (I Cor. 15:7). After this, James made a rapid climb and was soon recognized as one of the leading brethren in the church of Jerusalem.
D) As it was with James, so is with each of us. Growth comes as the result of a spiritual birth in believing and accepting Christ as their Lord and Savior. There can be no spiritual advance until this happens. As with James, you will make no spiritual advances, until you have received spiritual life through regeneration (John 3) –Plan of salvation.
III. Verse 1: “The Attitude of A True Christian Servant”-
A) “James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ”- James was a servant or a bondman, a slave of God. Notice, James does not in the greeting call attention to the fact he is the brother of Jesus here. To mention it would have brought out the attitude, because he is the Lord’s brother, he thinks he is better than we are. Rather James followed Jesus words found in (Matthew 12:50) to be in the family of God, one will be found doing the will of God.
B) Christ purchased us from the slave market of Sin with His own Blood. We have been bought with Jesus blood, (I Cor. 6:20; Eph 1:7; Rom 8:1) Therefore, shouldn’t we be Christ willing slaves forever? “He was obedient unto death for all of us” How can we do less than to give Him our best, to live for Him completely after all He’s done for me”
C) Book of James teaches us to be a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ. A servant of God must of necessity be a servant of the Lord Jesus Christ. Those who deny that the Father and Son are ONE are embraceries of Satan- example. Jehovah Witness (John 5:22-23; John 6: 35-40; John 8:42-47; John 10:25-30; John 14:6; John 15:23-25; I John 4:1-3; I John 2:23 which declares whosoever denieth the Son, the same hath not the Father.
D) (vs. 1) “To the twelve tribes scattered among the nations”- This book of James is addressed to the 12 tribes. Who are these 12 tribes? James addresses his Jewish brethren in Christ primarily. He is anxious to encourage those who were enduring much suffering at this time and didn’t understand the reasons behind it. Many had been scattered because of persecution and their testimony. To the scattered tribes, God had warned His people to keep His commandments and promised chastisement for failure to do so “I will scatter you among the nations” (Lev. 26:23).” In 740 BC the scattering commenced with the Assyrian captivity and has continued through the centuries. However, God will one day regather His chosen people Israel and the Jews will be fully restored (Rom 9,10,11)
E) This letter/book is addressed to the Christian as well. “There is neither Jew nor Greek” (Gal 3:28) and “All scripture is given by inspiration of God and is profitable” (II Tim. 3:16)
F) Greeting or hello-after this simple word of introduction, James comes right to the purpose of his writing to them. James as the servant of God holds before us an attitude which becometh a true child of God. May we never think more of ourselves than we ought to think (Rom 12: 3-8) and may God find in us willing servants who are ready to do His bidding in His time, in His way, and in His place. Our next lesson the next time we meet will cover James 1: vs. 2-4 “The Christian and Trials.”