The General Epistle of James
The title of this book bears the name of it's author. Of the four individuals named James within the New Testament (James, the son of Zebedee, brother of John - Mark 1:19; James, son of Alphaeus - Mark 3:18; James, the brother of Judas - Luke 6:16). It is generally accepted James, the Lord's brother, was the writer. James in the beginning had not been a believer (John 7:3-5). But eventually came to faith after having been a witness to the resurrected Christ (I Corinthians 15:7). He would thereafter, go on to become the leader of the Jerusalem Church and a martyr for his faith. Tradition holds that after his death, it was discovered his knees were as camel skin. A testimony to his prayer life.
The original audience for this epistle appears to have been Jewish believers who were not in the land (addressed in 1:1 below). It is believed to have been written during the mid 40s A.D.
It would seem that James' reason for writing to these believers was twofold. To give encouragement and to warn, regarding their faith in trials and times of suffering. There had perhaps, been problems arising due to the persecution of Jewish believers, and this would appear to be his address of those issues. Although, it was written to the original church, the truths contained within the Epistle of James are just as applicable today as they were then.
In an effort to conserve space I have omitted the actual scriptural passages and have given the passage numbers. Please use your Bible or open one of the many available on the internet and follow along. I have also provided links, just click on the passage number and it should take you to the scripture itself.
This study is a work in progress and will take some time to complete. I will add to it as often as the Lord allows me.
All Scripture is taken from the King James Bible.
Chapter 1
1:1
Greeting
Servant in the original Greek here is, "doulos " (Strong's 1401), of which the proper rendering is, "slave".
"James, a slave of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ...". So how does this affect the way we are to view our binding to Christ? What could be the implication? Are we to be His servants, or his slaves? Slave denotes a stronger compulsion and obedience to the Savior.
"Lord Jesus Christ...", the designation of "Lord" is a reinforcement of our compulsion to Christ. As in "Lord of our life".
"...to the twelve tribes which are scattered abroad". Israelites had been spread all over the known world by that time. The same was due to the Northern tribes having been taken captive by the Assyrians in 722 BC, the southern tribes taken by the Babylonians in 586 BC., the Roman invasion, and immigration.
1:2 - 1:4
Faith in trials
When it comes to the trials we endure, instead of bemoaning them we should take joy. Why? It is by trials we learn patience.
The Lord will allow these difficult times in our lives to take place to strengthen us. We must keep in mind that, regardless of the circumstances, God is in control.
Each time a trial arises, it is an opportunity for us to exercise our faith. A demonstration for others to see that whatever situation we are in the midst of, we have peace. Peace that has been imparted to us by God through the Holy Spirit.
To have impatience and fly off the handle is to show a lack of faith in an Almighty God who has our best interest in mind. Such action shows a lack of Christian maturity. Or worse, someone devoid of the Holy Spirit if it were to be an ongoing permanent reaction. To be devoid of the Holy Spirit would mean God's Spirit is not indwelling and the person not truly saved.
"...have her perfect work, that ye maybe perfect and entire..." Perfect in the Greek here is, "teleios". (Strong's 5046) meaning complete. Not in the sense we can attain perfection while still within our sinful flesh. "Entire", "holokleros" (Strong's 3648) meaning complete in every part, perfectly sound. Perfectly sound within our faith.
1:5 - 1:8
Faithful prayer during trials
May we all be of the same mind as King Solomon when he asked the Lord for wisdom as seen in I Kings 3:9. God is a loving and giving God, and wants to give to his children, provided it coincides with His will.
"...and upbraideth not..." In the Greek, "oneidizo" (Strong's 3679) meaning revileth, reproach. When the Lord answers prayer, he does not give begrudgingly as he gives it out of a pure love.
In instances of personal tribulation which would be greater. To pray and ask the Lord to remove us from the situation at hand. Or to give us the wisdom to use the same situation to glorify Him?
When we go to the Lord in prayer, we need to anticipate it will be answered. Either the answer will be yes or no, depending upon it coinciding with His will. If we ask God for wisdom to use a trial for His glory, well assured it will coincide.
Do not go to God in prayer asking for something with doubt in your heart. Especially if God has already promised it to us. To doubt God at His word is tantamount to calling him a liar, and this is a sin. What provocation does the Lord have to answer such a prayer.
(Soap Box Warning!) All this stands in contrast to the Word of Faith movement or prosperity gospel theology. The same, of which, teaches that God wants all believers to be prosperous in all aspects of their lives. Not only spiritually but financially, physically, and materially as well. I would defer to Matthew 6:19, "Lay not up for yourselves treasure upon the earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt and where thieves, break through to steal". Trials, tribulations, and hardships are deemed a result of faith lacking. The expectation is for the believer to increase their faith and pray. Or, in some cases speak themselves out of the situation, or into the money. If the situation remains unchanged, that individual did not have enough faith. This can be an incredibly damaging doctrine on true believers. How could you apply this to Christians in third world countries and nations where they are in the midst of persecution. Even the apostles were constantly enduring hardships, with martyrdom being the end result for most. For true believer's who are blessed in these matters, it is a by - product. A grace given by God to them. It is not an objective to strive for as proof of their faith. The Lord God is not a magic genie, whom we can rub his lamp with our words and prayers and demand the material desires of our evil hearts.
"A double-minded man..." In the Greek, "dipsuchos" (Strong's 1374) meaning two - spirited, vacillating.
Another place we find this word is in 4:8. James uses it in a descriptive sense to his original audience in a litany against worldliness. The double-minded man will be indecisive. He will partially believe and not believe. Therefore, during a trial he will be a prime candidate to abandon God and depend upon himself and his own devices.
It is also notable, given it's usage in 4:8, the double-minded man may be in need of true salvation. His double - mindedness could be an indicator that he is a false convert.
He is also, "unstable in all his ways". Hardly descriptive of a new creation in Christ who has the Holy Spirit indwelling them.
1:9
Joy in poverty
“…brother of a low degree…” (KJV) In contrast with the rich individual mentioned in verses 10 and 11. It would appear this is a reference to a believer who is not of wealthy means, but poor.
Let him take joy in the fact that he has something worth more than all the riches on the earth… his salvation. Although a Christian may be materially impoverished, he is spiritually and eternally wealthy.
However, poverty cannot always be looked upon as a qualifier that one is spiritual blessed. It can also be the result of divine chastening (not to be confused with the Word of Faith or prosperity doctrine), or merely the result of one’s own ignorance. There are lost indigent people in the world who are bitter and hard hearted due to their condition. Some who would blame God and curse Him for it. For those, they are blinded by the here and now, giving no thought to their eternal future. It can show self-centeredness where their primary concern is for the things of this earthly realm rather than the glorification of God.
1:10-1:11
Humility in wealth
“But the rich, in that he is made low:” (KJV) in the Greek, “tapeinosis” (Strong’s 5014),meaning spiritual abasement. This would imply a wealthy person who is cognizant of his own littleness. He is humble.
A wealthy believer should take joy not in his riches, but in his humility despite his riches. He is aware from whom he has received this blessing. It is by the grace of God.
“…he shall pass away.” Regardless of how much the wealthy man possesses, he will perish just as the poor man will.
“So also shall the rich man fade away in his ways.” (KJV)In the Greek, “maraino” (Strong’s 3133) meaning make to waste away, perish, come to a miserable end.
Just as mentioned above, the wealthy man will pass away. How sad it would be for that person to place all his faith in his material possessions only to come to a miserable end.
Wealth has a way of instilling pride within a person, causing them to rely upon their own selves. It can give way to a belief of “I don’t need God.” Idolatry is the end result with the wealthy person placing money, possessions, or themselves upon the throne that rightly belongs to God.
1:12
Final reward of trials endured
“…when he is tried, he will receive the crown of life…” (KJV) When we come to the end of our journey, and have been tested. The believer, whose faith has remained intact, shall receive their reward… the crown of life.
“…to them that love him.” (KJV) To love Christ is to have faith and be obedient to Him.
1:13-1:16
God is not a tempter
“…God cannot be tempted with evil…” (KJV) Evil exists in direct opposition to, and is the opposite of God’s will. He cannot be divided against himself, lest he cease being God.
“…neither tempteth he any man.” (KJV) The Lord will not send evil onto any man, but he will allow our sin to bear its own fruits.
“…every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust…” (KJV) We will sometimes blame Satan or his demons for our temptations, when in fact it is our own sinful flesh. With our fallen nature, we will always be attracted to the lusts of the flesh.
“…when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin; and sin, when it is finished bringeth forth death.” (KJV) This is the progression that takes place when we allow and entertain the fleshly desires of our evil hearts. The awareness of God’s presence and the nurturing of our relationship with Christ are of the utmost importance in staving off sin.
“Do not err, my beloved brethren” (KJV) In the Greek, “planao” (Strong’s 4105) meaning to be led away.
1:17
All Good things are from God
“Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above…” (KJV) Evil does not beget good from itself. But, God can take an evil situation and have good come from it. The Lord is the author of all that is good and every blessing we receive is from him, whether it comes from what at first appears to be a tragedy or directly.
“…Father of lights…” (KJV) This is a reference to the Lord having been the Creator of the heavens.
“…whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning.” (KJV) This speaks to the immutability of God. He is unchanging. He is the same yesterday, today, and tomorrow.
1:18
We belong to God
“…begat He us with the word of truth…” (KJV) Us - We are God’s,”…a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people...” (I Peter 2:9, KJV), the word of truth – His holy scriptures, the Word of Truth – Christ, the living Word.