New Testament Survey: The Book of James “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be.

New Testament Survey: The Book of James

“If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach,

and it will be given to him.” (1:5)

Background

• James, one of the New Testament’s “general” epistles.

• “Church that had been dispersed” (1:1)

• Primarily concerned with the ethics of Christian living and service.

• Revealed truth written to guide the believer’s life.

• Gospel of “common sense.”

• The book was written by James—the Lord’s brother.– Interview with Jesus (Matthew 12:46)– With Jesus in Capernaum (John 2:12)– Went to the feast as an unbeliever (John 7:5-10)– Following the Lord’s resurrection, He appeared to

James. (1 Corinthians 15:7)– Among those waiting for the Holy Spirit (Acts 1:14)– Visited by Paul (Galatians 1:18,19)

Background

Controversy…

• To whom was the letter written?• Some think it was written only to the Jews and

that it belonged in the Old Testament cannon.• Martin Luther thought it did not belong in the

cannon.– Thought Romans and Galatians taught justification

by faith only– James taught that we also need works.– This conflict, he could never resolve…– The “epistle of straw”

• “12 tribes dispersed” not a problem…• Consider the remainder of NT teaching.• Jews and Gentiles alike—Galatians

3:28,29• Apostles had authority over “spiritual

Israel”—not fleshly Israel.– Matthew 18:18; 19:27,28– Romans 4:11,12– This is the church!

Controversy…

• Prejudice of “faith only” critics• Date—Some support an early date—44-

50 A.D.; other scholars think 60 A.D.• “General” Christian epistle:

– James 1:18—”firstfruits of his creatures”– James 2:1—brethren—believers – James 2:7—called by a worthy name– James 5:7—Jesus coming in judgment

Controversy…

Keys to the Book of James

• Key words– “Faith” (12) “Works”

(13)

• Key phrase– “Be ye doers of the

word” (1:22)

• Key chapter– Chapter 1

• Key verses– 2:24-26

“You see then that a man is justified by works, and not by faith only. Likewise, was not Rahab the harlot also justified by works when she received the messengers and sent them out another way? For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also.”

Main Points in Each Chapter

• Chapter 1—Pure religion

• Chapter 2—Faith and works

• Chapter 3—Controlling the tongue

• Chapter 4—Sin

• Chapter 5—The disciplined life

Characteristics of Pure and Undefiled Religion

• Joy and patience in the midst of trials (1:2-4)

• Unwavering faith and single-mindedness (1:5-8)

• Contented acceptance of life’s providential allotments (1:9-11)

• Endurance of temptation (1:12)

• Recognition of the source of temptation and the consequences of yielding to it (1:13-15)

• Recognition of the source of all divine blessings (1:16-18)

• Spiritual hearing and deliberation of speech (1:19,20)

• Forsaking evil and purging it from our lives (1:21)

• Searching after and practicing truth (1:25)

• Practicing benevolence toward others. Purity of life (1:27)

Characteristics of Pure and Undefiled Religion

• Demonstration of our faith—the work of our faith. Fruit is borne when one obeys the Lord. (2:18)

• To perform God’s will, one must have faith. (2:21-25)

Characteristics of Pure and Undefiled Religion

• Careless, forgetful hearing of God’s word (1:22-24)

• Profession of religion nullified by an unbridled tongue (1:26)

• Respect of persons among brethren, honoring the rich, while despising the poor (2:1-9)

• Partial obedience to the law (2:10-12)

• An unmerciful disposition toward others (2:13)

Characteristics of Vain Religion

• A mere profession of faith, unaccompanied by acts of mercy (2:14-16)

• Inactive faith (2:17,18)

• Intellectually assenting or agreeing to truth, with no change in life (2:19,20)

• Failure to control and bridle the tongue—allowing it to be destructive (3:1-8)

• Blessings and cursing from same mouth (3:9-12)

Characteristics of Vain Religion

• Envy and strife; following earthly and sensual wisdom (3:14-16)

• Giving ourselves to discontent and unholy passions (4:1,2)

• Unanswered prayers because of lustful desires and asking amiss (4:3,4)

• Prideful and impure hearts; stubborn spirits (4:5-9)• Speaking evil of others; uncharitable in our

judgments of them (4:11,12)

Characteristics of Vain Religion

• Presumptuous arrangements for future business, leaving God out of the plans (4:13-16)

• Neglecting to do what one knows to be right (4:17)

• Contrast is often between PURE religion and VAIN religion—only one type is acceptable to the Lord!

Characteristics of Vain Religion

Exhortations…

• In view of the coming of the Lord:– Be patient and steadfast; refrain from

murmuring (5:7-10)– Emulate the example of the prophets and

Job (5:10,11)– Refrain entirely from oaths (5:12)

Instructions…

• Final exhortation and instruction regarding prayer:– Prayer in time of trouble and for the sick—genuine

reliance on God (5:13-15)– Confessing our faults (5:16)– Effectual and fervent prayer (the power) as

illustrated by Elijah (5:16-18)

• Duty to win souls and turn them from the error of their ways (5:19,20)

Discussion of Faith and Works

• “What does it profit, my brethren, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can faith save him?” (2:14)

• Can a professed faith, separate from any works of obedience to God’s will, be the means of justification.

• Nowhere is “justification by faith only” taught in the scriptures!

Dead Faith

• “Thus also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead.” (2:17)

• “But do you want to know, O foolish man, that faith without works is dead?” (2:20)

• “For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also.” (2:26)

• Not only is such faith DEAD, it is unfruitful and barren, producing no benefit!

• “If a brother or sister is naked and destitute of daily food, and one of you says to them, Depart in peace, be warmed and filled, but you do not give them the things which are needed for the body, what does it profit?” (2:15,16)

• “You believe that there is one God. You do well. Even the demons believe--and tremble!” (2:19)

• So faith without obedient works is no better than mere conviction of the person of Christ—which the demons possessed!

Dead Faith

• “Was not Abraham our father justified by works when he offered Isaac his son on the altar? Do you see that faith was working together with his works, and by works faith was made perfect?” (2:21,22)

• “And the Scripture was fulfilled which says, Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness. And he was called the friend of God.” (2:23)

• When Abraham obeyed God’s instructions, he exhibited Bible faith—God knew what Abraham’s faith would cause him to do when he was put to the test!

Justifying Faith

Two Types of Wisdom

• “Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show by good conduct that his works are done in the meekness of wisdom. But if you have bitter envy and self-seeking in your hearts, do not boast and lie against the truth. This wisdom does not descend from above, but is earthly, sensual, demonic.” (3:13-15)

• Earthly wisdom did not descend from above. Such wisdom comes from Satan!

• “But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality and without hypocrisy. Now the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace.” (3:17,18)

• God’s Wisdom leads in the opposite direction! One points downward; the other upward. One points to heaven and eternal life; the other to destruction!

Two Types of Wisdom

Temptation

• Temptation does not wreck or injure true faith; enduring temptation makes one’s faith stronger.

• Enduring trials develops the maturity of a person’s character.– “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.” (1:3,4)

• Such endurance carries with it the promise of the crown of life.– “Blessed is the man who endures

temptation; for when he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him.” (1:12)

Temptation

Temptation As It Relates to Sin

• Temptation does not come from God.– “Let no one say when he is tempted, I am tempted

by God; for God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does He Himself tempt anyone.” (1:13)

• Originates within uncontrolled desires. Lures the individual to follow his own desires.– “But each one is tempted when he is drawn away by

his own desires and enticed.” (1:14)

• Entices the individual as bait ensnares a fish.– “But each one is tempted when he is drawn away by

his own desires and enticed.” (1:14)

• Conceals, takes hold, finds lodging within the heart; bringing sin to reality.– “Then, when desire has conceived, it gives birth to

sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, brings forth death.” (1:15)

Temptation As It Relates to Sin