Study: The Book of James

Part 1: Originally published in the September 2018 Personal Letter.

JAMES

James, one of the first-century writers of the New Testament, offered instructions for how to handle life’s tribulations Biblically. Over the next few months, we will work through the Book of James that offers practical advice for the Christian life.

First, we need to identify which James authored this book. The New Testament mentions five different first-century men named James:

• James the half-brother of Jesus — Galatians 1:19
• James the father of Judas (not Iscariot) — Luke 6:16
• James the son of Alphaeus (one of the 12) — Matthew 10:3
• James the “little” — Mark 15:40
• James the brother of John (both of the 12), sons of Zebedee — Matthew 10:2

Scholars concur that James, the half-brother of Jesus, authored the Book of James. The only identifying evidence we have is the first verse, where the writer identifies himself as “James a bondservant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ.” I think it is significant that he didn’t say, “Hey, I’m Jesus’s brother.”

James is not an easy book to understand, especially when trying to resolve the issue of faith and works. Martin Luther said that James was “a right strawy epistle.” Another commentator noted,

“It is only ‘strawy’ to the degree that it is ‘sticky.’ There are enough needles in this haystack to prick the conscience of every dull, defeated, and degenerated Christian in the world. Here is a ‘right stirring epistle’ designed to exhort and encourage, to challenge and convict, to rebuke and revive, to describe practical holiness and drive believers toward the goal of a faith that works. James is severely ethical and refreshingly practical.”
— J. Ronald Blue, The Bible Knowledge Commentary, 2018

Keep two points about trials in mind as we begin our study in the first chapter of James.

• Trials are certain; they will occur.
• Trials are numerous. James speaks of them, using a Greek word that means “many-colored” or “polka dotted.” Trials constitute various, multifaceted difficulties.

ATTITUDE

When approaching such challenges, we must adopt the right attitude. James advises us to “count it all joy,” or to look beyond the circumstance to see the future reward. I understand that we mortals live in the now and find it difficult to consider a distant eternity (which may be closer than it seems). But remember what Jesus taught:

“Blessed are you, when men revile you and persecute you and say all manner of evil against you falsely for My sake. Rejoice and be exceedingly glad; for great is your reward in heaven; for so they persecuted the prophets that were before you.” — Matthew 5:11–12

Without our knowledge, God may be purifying our faith in order to give us greater responsibility now and in His kingdom to come. Think of purifying gold by placing it in a “white-hot” fire. The dross (or impurities) rise to the top and are skimmed away, leaving behind a purer gold. Our faith becomes tested, proven, and pure. Testing perfects our character!

Trials also produce patience. That concept may hit you close to home, as it did me. The writer of Hebrews urges us to “run with patience the race that is set before us” (Hebrews 12:1). When patience is the response to the trials of life, we become mature in character and in living lives of faith.

I find James encouraging because he doesn’t leave us struggling in the “how to” department.  In verses 5–8, he outlines the resources we need to victoriously face our inevitable tribulations.

WISDOM

We need wisdom! Verse 5 tells us: “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.” We examined this promise in last month’s Personal Letter. Isn’t it amazing that God tells us that we will need wisdom to face our trials, and that He will give us that wisdom?

How many of you are asking, “What to do, what to do?” Here is your answer: Ask God for wisdom! Keep in mind that James was Jewish and his education centered in the Old Testament’s laws of moral and spiritual purity. He had been instructed to write that faith works. (We’ll discuss that statement in depth later).

Wisdom seekers need only ask in confident faith that God will be true to His Word. God cannot lie! “… in hope of eternal life which God, who cannot lie, promised before time began” (Titus 1:2). James encourages his audience to make praying a priority because God gives to all men, generously, unconditionally, and doesn’t judge the one praying.

I am convinced that when the disciples asked Jesus to teach them to pray (Luke 11:1), they were not asking for a model (which He gave them anyway) but were asking Jesus to help them to “just do it!” Jesus gave them a model as an encouragement to pray!

WATCH AND LEARN

The third thing we can do is learn from examples, as found in 1:9–11. The term “low” (in v. 9) does not mean our spiritual state, but rather our earthly state. Though not wealthy, when we consider the treasure of our salvation and heavenly inheritance, faith wins the day!

Verses 10 and 11 teach the lesson that prosperity brings its own test. While a person may be wealthy in earthly possessions, life is uncertain. Remember the rich man who was certain that he should build more barns to store his bounty only to find out that his life would be required of him that very night?

And I will say to my soul, “Soul, you have many goods laid up for many years; take your ease; eat, drink, and be merry.” But God said to him, “Fool! This night your soul will be required of you; then whose will those things be which you have provided?” — Luke 12:19–20

ENDURE

Finally in verse 12, we read that the man who endures temptation will receive a reward: the crown of life. William Barclay (1907–1978) gives the best description of the word used for “crown” in his Daily Study Bible Series:

“In the ancient world, the crown (stephanos) had at least four exalted associations:

• The crown of flowers was worn at times of joy… it was the sign of festive joy
• The crown was the mark of royalty. It was worn by kings and by those in authority
• The crown of laurel leaves was the victor’s crown in the games, the prize that the athlete coveted above all
• The crown was the mark of honor and dignity

“The Christian has a joy that no other man can ever have … The Christian has a royalty that other men have never realized, for, however humble his earthly circumstances, he is nothing less than the child of God. The Christian has victory which others cannot win, for he meets life and all its demands in the conquering power of the presence and the company of Jesus Christ… The Christian has a new dignity, for he is ever conscious that God thought him worth the life and death of Jesus Christ. No man can ever be worthless if Christ died for him.” — [The Letters of James and Peter, 2nd ed., The Daily Study Bible Series (The Westminster Press, 1960), pp. 57–58]

Part 2: Originally published in the October 2018 Personal Letter.

In the second part of chapter one, James talks about trials that often come inwardly — he calls them “temptations.” Looking again at the Jewish State, one might think that they have things figured out as the only true democracy in the Middle East; yet, nothing could be further from the truth! Israelis encounter the same challenges in their democratic setting as Americans do in the United States: the secular Jews blame the religious Jews; the conservatives blame the liberals, the government blames its citizens, and the citizens blame the government. And some even blame God for their internal troubles.

Where does temptation originate? Let’s go back to the beginning — Genesis. The story of original sin by Adam and Eve stands out as a good example. An amusing saying that preachers and teachers sometime use when speaking of the problem in the Garden goes like this: Adam blamed Eve. Eve blamed the serpent. The serpent was left without a leg to stand on. ☺

I believe you will concur that James 1:14 answers the question of temptation’s origin: “But each one is tempted when he is drawn away by his own desires and enticed.” It certainly fits the case for Adam and Eve.

Two points about temptation are indisputable:

1. It never comes from God, and
2. Its prevalence is a certainty.

James tells us in 1:13, “Let no one say when he is tempted, ‘I am tempted by God’…” Notice that James did not say if you are tempted, but when you are tempted.

The next couple of verses inform us that temptation has a process, and that process puts the blame fully in our laps! Humans cannot excuse ourselves from our own decisions.

The “desire” that James mentions doesn’t necessarily point to sexual lust. It can be the hunger to be noticed — put on a pedestal, catapulted to fame or earthly riches, just to name a few ambitions. Is it wrong to want to be noticed? No. Is it wrong to seek fame and fortune? Not as long as they don’t take the place of “seeking first the Kingdom of God” (Matthew 6:33).

In my opinion, James is not speaking of physical or spiritual death when he explains in verse 15 that desire births sin, and “sin, when it is full-grown, brings forth death.” I believe he is talking about the constant, inward struggle with temptation that we mortals face in this earthly body, which eventually will die. It harkens to Paul’s anguish in Romans 7:24, “O wretched man that I am! Who will deliver me from this body of death?”

So, how are Believers in Yeshua/Jesus as Messiah delivered in our time of temptation?

Just in case you wondered, temptation is not a sin. The sin is acting on the temptation against the purposes of God.

James offers sound advice in verses 17–19 when he tells us that we need to focus on the good gifts of God. You and I live in a negative, judgmental world. And yet, the Bible instructs us to dwell on the good things in life. That message is especially true in Philippians 4:8, where Paul encourages his fellow-Believers in Philippi. “Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy — meditate on these things.” This verse should be etched in the halls of the U.S. Congress and Israel’s Knesset (parliament)!

Next, verses 22–25 instruct Bible readers to do something. “… be doers of the Word, and not hearers only…” (vs. 22). That may seem simple, but applying the truth we hear is how we make progress in holding off temptation and living the life of a true Believer. How many people have observed Christians in action and said the same thing as King Agrippa: “You almost persuade me to become a Christian” (Acts 26:28). Paul had reasoned convincingly with Agrippa, but perhaps Agrippa’s memory of Paul being a persecutor of the Church kept Agrippa from believing. We’ll never know. Remember: Our actions always color our witness to others!

1. The individual who only hears the Word will soon forget and not become an influential person in a world that needs the Gospel. For example (and we’ve all done it): A student memorizes all the facts necessary to pass a test; then, once he gets the grade, relaxes and forgets.
2. The Believer who acts on the Word will be blessed in what he does. For example: Someone studies a particular subject daily, then applies all the various components of that particular discipline, because he or she has chosen the field as a calling or vocation.

I don’t know about you, but I’d prefer a surgeon who remembers 20 years after medical school exactly where to make the incision to remove my appendix, rather than a surgeon who quickly memorized the information just to pass the final exam. [Note: I’m not picking on the medical profession; this is just an illustration.]

A.W. Tozer noted,

“There is an evil which I have seen under the sun. … It is the glaring disparity between theology and practice among professing Christians. So wide is the gulf that separates theory from practice in the church that an inquiring stranger who chances upon both would scarcely dream that there was any relation between them. An intelligent observer of our human scene who heard the Sunday morning sermon and later watched the Sunday afternoon conduct of those who had heard it would conclude that he had been examining two distinct and contrary religions. …

It appears that too many Christians want to enjoy the thrill of feeling right but are not willing to endure the inconveniences of being right. So the divorce between theory and practice becomes permanent in fact, though in word the union is declared to be eternal. Truth sits forsaken and grieves till her professed followers come home for a brief visit, but she sees them depart again when the bills come due.”

— A.W. Tozer, The Root of the Righteous, 1955;
Camp Hill, Pa.: Christian Publications 1986, pp 51–53.

Conclusion

As you and I reach the end of this first chapter in James, we find two very significant lessons in the final two verses:

1. Every believer in Yeshua should learn to bridle his tongue. A church goer can keep all the rules and rituals of religion — outwardly appearing very “religious.” And yet that same person can spout some of the most useless things an unbeliever has ever heard. For example: You may understand the concept of “kenosis” (a Greek word that describes Yeshua emptying Himself of all His Godly attributes) in Philippians chapter 2, but esoterica is not the best place to start when explaining the Gospel to an unbeliever.From time to time while on tour in Israel, I would hear Zola paraphrase Francis of Assisi, “Preach the Gospel. Use words if necessary.” Good advice! Effective witnessing!
2. Verse 27 teaches itself. “Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.”

James’s statements bring us to a simple conclusion. Inward temptation can be minimized when the Believer is uninfluenced by the world and busy in ministry.

The Apostle Paul expressed it like this:

“Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God — this is your true and proper worship. Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is — his good, pleasing and perfect will.” — Romans 12:1–2

Part 3: Originally published in the November 2018 Personal Letter

As we consider the second chapter of James, the theme of the first thirteen verses deals with favoritism. Was God showing favoritism when He chose the Jews as His own special people? The answer, to me, is simply this: He is God and He can do whatever pleases Him. (And if it was indeed a blessing, then explain the common Jewish feeling that Tevye expressed in Fiddler on the Roof when he implored God, “I know; I know — we are your chosen people. But, once in while, can’t You choose someone else?!”)

The centuries-old problem developed when many parishioners concluded that God has turned His back on the Jews (because they would not accept Yeshua as Messiah) and is concerned only with His bride — the Church.

NO PARTIALITY

James is quick to point out that the Gospel is for everyone. James 2:1, “My brethren, do not hold the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory, with partiality.” What James states in that verse connects very closely with the teachings of Paul in Galatians 3:28:

“There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus.”

James continues in verses 2–4 with an illustration of a well-dressed, wealthy man who enters a worship meeting. The worshipers fawn over him and invite him to use the best seat to display his presence among them. The next man who enters wears ragged, dirty clothes. He is directed to a place on the floor where he cannot be seen by others — shamefully stowed away out of sight. James points out the evil — yes, he called it “evil” — of making judgments based on outward appearances.

Yeshua addressed this hypocrisy in Matthew 23:1–3:

“Then Jesus spoke to the multitudes and to His disciples, saying: ‘The scribes and the Pharisees sit in Moses’ seat. Therefore whatever they tell you to observe, that observe and do, but do not do according to their works; for they say, and do not do.’”

The Pharisees wanted places of authority and recognition while counterfeiting the law with their personal interpretations. Sound familiar?

Dr. W.A. Criswell, the famed pastor of the First Baptist Church in Dallas, described how a homeless person was found lying on the sanctuary steps. Unfortunately, the person was also deceased. Dr. Criswell was so disturbed in his spirit that he charged the church to begin a ministry to provide food and shelter for the homeless. That ministry continues to this day.

The Bible does not offer Believers (“Believers” is short for “believers in Yeshua/Jesus as Messiah.”) the option to show partiality! There should never be a difference in the faith that a Believer professes and the action that he takes in life. We all look different, talk, dress, and eat differently, and respond in life differently. Our existence would be dull and boring if we were all alike!

RICH AND POOR ALIKE

Next, James challenges his readers with God’s purposes in verses 5–7. Verse 5 sets the tone for his reasoning:

“Listen, my beloved brethren: Has God not chosen the poor of this world to be rich in faith and heirs of the kingdom which He promised to those who love Him?”

Luke’s Gospel records Yeshua reading from Isaiah 61,

“The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me, because He has anointed Me to preach the gospel to the poor: He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind. To set at liberty those who are oppressed: To proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord.”

There is no partiality — no selection process. Yeshua came “to seek and save that which was lost” (Luke 19:10). God has chosen rich and poor alike to be heirs of His Kingdom. What does an heir of the Kingdom look like? If you know Yeshua as your Lord and Savior, look in the mirror! Then, look at your neighbor. He could also be an heir!

Unfortunately, the rich (people in authority) were not content with oppressing the poor, but condemned a person because of his or her relationship with Yeshua. Because of their identification with Christ/Yeshua, those known as “Christians” were scorned as contemptible. Acts 5:31 tells us:

“Him [Yeshua] God has exalted to His right hand to be Prince and Savior to give repentance to Israel and forgiveness of sins.”

To follow Yeshua and live out His teachings in the first century meant putting your life in danger.

Yeshua had very strong words for the rich/Pharisees (people in authority) in His day.

“Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you devour widows’ houses, and for a pretense make long prayers. Therefore you will receive greater condemnation.”

LESSON

In conclusion, James verifies that bias — favorable and otherwise — violates what some have called “the royal law” (2:8–11). The royal law is stated in Leviticus 19:18:

“You shall not take vengeance, nor bear any grudge against children of your people, but you shall love your neighbor as yourself: I am the Lord.”

Yeshua taught that anyone who needs our help is our neighbor. The royal law governs all human relationships.

The Jews looked at the Mosaic Law as numerous but disconnected requirements. In doing so, they set some aside and followed others “to the letter of the law.” James dealt with the entire Law of divine authority. If any part of the Mosaic Law was broken, all of the Law was broken. Thank God that mercy and grace appease the Law in Yeshua!

James sternly warns that people who show no mercy will find no mercy when God judges them. We are God’s children, and we bear His image. We are challenged to share His mercy and compassion.

Part 4: Originally published in the December 2018 Personal Letter

PAUL vs. JAMES

Before we press on, let’s clarify the difference between Paul’s teaching on faith and the one before us as James sees it. Bible critics often complain that the Bible makes contradictory statements and therefore cannot be trusted. Every serious Bible student must be versed in the truth and not be swayed.

Paul writes, “Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith apart from the deeds of the law.” — Romans 3:28

James states, “You see then that a man is justified by works, and not by faith only.” — James 2:24

Paul’s statement addressed those who were denying salvation by grace through faith alone. Some of his congregation in Rome wanted to continue adding works of the Jewish law (circumcision, etc.) as necessary for salvation. That false concept is the main reason that Paul wrote to the Romans in great detail about the subjects of law, grace, justification, faith, and other points of concern in theology.

James, on the other hand, was addressing the absence of “good works” in those who claimed to be true believers in Messiah. He was not suggesting a different route to salvation, but rather that the evidence of true believing shows in believers’ works. Works of love are proof that faith is real and alive.

Verse 14 asks two questions: “What does it profit, my brethren, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can faith save him?”

James points out in the first part of this verse that someone saying he has faith doesn’t make it a true statement. Where is the proof, James asks. He warns that people can tell you anything, but that you must put their statements to the test!

In the second part of verse 14, James asks, “Can that kind of faith save him?” [my emphasis]. James, as we will discover later, is convinced that there is a real, live faith that saves, and that there is a stone-faced faith that does nothing.

THE BROTHER OR SISTER IN NEED

The next two verses (2:15–16), provide an illustration. A person — a brother or a sister, a believer in Yeshua — is in desperate need of life’s necessities. (The term “naked” might mean stripped down to one’s “birthday suit” or lacking the undergarment that was customary in the layered robes of Biblical times.) The daily food is gone and all options are exhausted, except asking for help. The “believer” who wishes them well but doesn’t provide for the real need — food and clothing — shows that his faith is not alive.

How often does a person in need (it doesn’t have to be food and clothing) stand before us, and we could help, but we give them a strong pat on the shoulder and tell them that God loves them and will provide? The likely truth is that God sent them to us because we can help. But, instead, we miss the blessing! Being sensitive to a need and ready to help shows active, live faith.

John reiterates this lesson:

But whoever has this world’s goods, and sees his brother in need, and shuts up his heart from him, how does the love of God abide in him? My little children, let us not love in word or in tongue, but in deed and in truth. — 1 John 3:17–18

James addresses the certainty of an objection in verses 18 and 19:

But someone will say, “You have faith, and I have works.” Show me your faith without your works, and I will show you my faith by my works. You believe that there is one God. You do well. Even the demons believe — and tremble!

James anticipates the objection by pointing out that if you have faith, it will show; if it doesn’t show, then you don’t have it. In verse 19, he states that real faith goes beyond intellectual assent. He could be referencing the Shema at this point: “Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one!” (Deuteronomy 6:4). James challenges the objection with Scripture. Believing there is one God is wonderful. But even the demons believe … and they tremble! James asserts that the dead faith of intellectual agreement doesn’t produce action. So, faith without deeds is useless. It has no point!

TWO ILLUSTRATIONS FROM JAMES

He completes the teaching in verses 21–25 with two opposite illustrations of faith. The first uses Abraham. He was an upright, respected Jewish patriarch. Abraham “justified” (proved) his faith by offering up his son Isaac (Genesis 22). James doesn’t teach that justification depends on works and excludes faith, or that works must be added to faith. He teaches that justification is simply by faith.

The offering of Isaac was proof of the faith that Abraham had professed for many years. It was evidence that his faith was alive. In the phrase “Was not Abraham our father justified by works?” (verse 21a), the Greek verb for “justified” means “to vindicate.” Abraham showed complete obedience to God, and therefore was vindicated, declared upright, before God.

Long before Abraham offered Isaac in Genesis 22, he was shown to be righteous in Genesis 15:6. “And he [Abraham] believed in the Lord and He [the Lord] accounted it to him for righteousness.” The word translated “believed” is from the Hebrew “aman,” meaning to trust or confirm. God declared Abraham righteous because of Abraham’s faith. Abraham would later demonstrate that faith on Mount Moriah with Isaac. God’s accounting books record Abraham’s faith.

The final words of verse 23 declare how close Abraham was to God: “and he was called the friend of God.” James is referencing Isaiah 41:8, “But you, Israel, are My servant, Jacob whom I have chosen, the descendants of Abraham My friend.”

James’s second illustration uses Rahab, a foreigner and a prostitute (2:25). Please take time to read Rahab’s full story in the second chapter of Joshua. I offer you a condensed version at this time. Rahab believed that the Israelites were chosen by God and that they would soon be successful in their conquest of Canaan. To gain their favor, she allowed two Israelite spies to enter her house, and she hid them from the king of Jericho. Even though she lied to the king, James considers hers an act of obedient faith. She had faith that the two spies would keep their agreement to spare her and her father’s house. Rahab’s faith came at great personal risk: If the spies had been found in her house, she would have been put to death.

The writer of Hebrews, in chapter 11 — sometimes called the “Faith Chapter” — mentioned Rahab and Abraham: “By faith the harlot Rahab did not perish with those who did not believe, when she had received the spies in peace.”

As I noted in last month’s lesson, God is sovereign and will do as He wants with whomever He chooses.

WHAT’S YOUR POINT?

My sermon preparation classes advised us aspiring preachers to prepare our exegesis of the Bible passage in the original language, gather other commentators’ notes, bring the sermon to life with timely illustrations, and then sit back and ask the question: So what?

James adequately answers the “so what” question with his final words in verse 26: “For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also.”

Our faith should bring glory to God and greatly benefit mankind.

Part 5: Originally published in the February 2019 Personal Letter

With your favorite Bible in hand, walk with me through James chapter three. I believe that God will reward our efforts to embrace His wisdom!

FIRST WARNING: TO TEACHERS (3:1)

James knew that leaders/teachers in New Testament times held places of high esteem and respect. Because of that, James realized that some would seek such positions for the wrong reason. He is correct in that those whom God chooses to teach the Scriptures should do so as Paul noted in 1 Corinthians 2:3 — “I was with you in weakness, in fear, and in much trembling.” Paul was speaking of his opportunity to preach the Gospel. One of my professors in graduate studies would muse aloud that a lot of young men “feel” the call to ministry when the economy goes bad — wrong motive!

James wants his audience to know that the privileges of teachers may seem greater than most but that they will be judged at a higher standard. Any teacher who is well-studied and maintains a Godly character can have a lasting legacy!

Woe to teachers who haphazardly carry out their esteemed position. Yeshua spoke some of His harshest words against religious teachers in Matthew 23:3–4, 24. “Therefore whatever they (scribes and Pharisees) tell you to observe, that observe and do, but do not do according to their works; for they say, and do not do. For they bind heavy burdens, hard to bear, and lay them on men’s shoulders; but they themselves will not move them with one of their fingers. … Blind guides, who strain at a gnat and swallow a camel!”

SECOND WARNING: THE DESTRUCTIVE POWER OF THE TONGUE (3:2–5)

James is upfront with his warning that we all stumble; but if a man can gain mastery over his tongue, then he can master his entire body. James uses three words for illustration:

1. Bits in a horse’s mouth — The application references what James meant in regard to mastery of the entire body. The bit in a horse’s mouth attached to a bridle can turn the horse’s full body with a corrective position. It’s remarkable to watch a bridled horse in action. It also is extraordinary to be in the presence of a bridled Believer (“Believers” is short for “believers in Yeshua/Jesus as Messiah.”) who offers an encouraging word no matter the circumstances of life.
2. Rudders on ships, despite being relatively small, turn massive vessels. If you have ever been on a cruise ship, you understand this illustration. I had the privilege of joining the captain on the bridge of one of Zola Tours’ Greek Isle cruises as he maneuvered the ship between two outcrops of rock. It was fascinating that the entire ship turned by means of a “toggle handle” much like video gamers use. (Secret: It was actually linked to a satellite, and a computer directed us through the strait). But, the captain oversaw that every maneuver occurred with precision.
3. Fire — a bit different from the other illustrations. It takes only a small spark or cinder to ignite a horrendous forest fire. Ask most anyone from America’s West Coast about the devastating fires they have experienced in the past couple of years. Well, the tongue can light fires of deceit, violence, distrust, and hate … and crush the human spirit.

Consider the following quote of Adolf Hitler cited by Spiros Zodhiates in The Behavior of Belief (Grand Rapids, Mich.: William B. Eerdmans Publishing Co., 1959, p. 115).

Nothing will prevent me from tearing up Christianity, root and branch… We are not out against a hundred-and-one different kinds of Christianity but against Christianity itself. All people who profess creeds…are traitors to the people. Even those Christians who really want to serve the people…we have to suppress. I myself am a heathen to the core.

THIRD WARNING: THE VICIOUS AND DESTRUCTIVE NATURE OF THE TONGUE (3:6–8)

James hones in on just how destructive the tongue can be if not kept bridled! Again his analogy uses fire that brings devastation to many people. But fire under control, of course, can be useful. It heats our homes, cooks our meals, and drives the engines of industry. Out of control, it leaves wreckage that cannot be recovered.

He really drives the message home when he notes that the tongue “is set on fire from hell” (3:6). That statement, Dear Reader, should put all of us on our knees to ask for control of this small muscle that, if left unruly, can defile our whole body.

Before we leave the illustration of fire, let’s remember that fire can also purge and purify. Take a quick look at Isaiah 6:6–7.

Then one of the seraphim flew to me, having in his hand a live coal which he had taken with the tongs from the altar. And he touched my mouth with it and said: “Behold, this has touched your lips; your iniquity is taken away, and your sin purged.”  

After fire purged Isaiah of his sin, he answered God’s call and enthusiastically declared at the end of verse 8, “Here am I! Send me.”

CONCLUSION: HOW FICKLE THE TONGUE CAN BE (3:9–12)

James concludes that our tongue is unruly and cannot be tamed. He seems to have given up! We bless God and we curse men, who, remember, are created in the image of God. James relates to his readers that he has heard both blessing and cursing coming from the same mouth, and states that we shouldn’t be that way. He leaves us with two illustrations:

1. Can a spring of water bring forth both fresh water and saltwater from the same opening? The obvious answer: it cannot!
2. Can a fig tree produce olives, or a grapevine bear figs? Again, the obvious answer: they cannot!

James closes by stating that if his conclusions are accurate, then the bridled, Godly tongue of the Believer cannot produce both blessing and cursing. If it does, then that’s a symptom of needing more Bible reading and/or prayer.

Some Believers might gather from this passage by James that sometimes the best bridle for the tongue is a piece of duct tape! 😀

“Courage is what it takes to stand up and speak; courage is also what it takes to sit down and listen.” — Winston Churchill

Part 6: Originally published in the March 2019 Personal Letter

DIVINE & HUMAN WISDOM

We continue our study of James with 3:13, where James asks a probing question: “Who is wise and understanding among you?” James is probably addressing teachers, given his attention to teachers in chapter three. The question seeks to learn who has spiritual discernment, can see what is right, and act accordingly. “Spiritual discernment” concerns exercising wisdom, both divine and human, and applying that wisdom to everyday life.

The second half of verse 13 confirms that a Believer with spiritual discernment (wisdom) seeks to walk a good walk and not just talk a good talk. As we learned in December’s study, the tongue can say anything, but the standard by which to judge a person’s wisdom and intent lies in that person’s actions — his doing something that is good and noble.

FALSE WISDOM

False wisdom shows itself in “bitter envy and self-seeking in your hearts” (3:14). This kind of wisdom is earthly and can be demonic. The thought continues in verse 16, explaining that bitterness causes confusion, which tells us that it is not from God. In fact, we can trace confusion most often back to the tongue, as James described earlier in the chapter. The Proverbs also teach that, “A lying tongue hates those who are crushed by it, and a flattering mouth works ruin” (Proverbs 26:28).

Paul agrees with James that confusion does not come from God when he writes, “For God is not the author of confusion but of peace, as in all the churches of the saints” (1 Corinthians 14:33).

TRUE WISDOM

In contrast, true wisdom is “first pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy” (3:17). All of these attributes, and more, are seen in the life of Yeshua during His earthly ministry. They are evidence of true wisdom from above!

As you and I conclude chapter 3, please weigh Paul’s words in Romans 8:28–29. Verse 28 is often orphaned when people memorize Bible verses. But 8:28 was never meant to stand alone. True wisdom teaches us that all things that God allows in our lives have a definite purpose.

“And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose. For whom He foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the firstborn among many brethren.”

Those verses do not say that all things are good, but rather that in the wisdom of God they all work together for our good. Think of all the events that have occurred in your life as a woven tapestry. On the back side, you will see the frazzled ends of threads that look chaotic. But, turn that tapestry over and you see a beautiful, perfectly stitched masterful work. That’s God — and He’s not finished with you yet!

CAUTION

As we enter into chapter 4, Godly wisdom is left at the doorstep, and the world that James describes is appalling. This chapter looks at wars and fighting and everything that comes from a self-indulgent life. As you may know, this is not a pleasant, edifying chapter in James, or in the Bible as a whole. Yet, here is a challenge of studying an entire book: You cannot skip over the difficult parts.

Chapter 4 begins with a question: “Where do wars and fights come from among you?” (4:1a). The question isn’t about military wars of the world, but about conflict in the Christian community. Bible readers don’t know the nature of the conflicts that prompted James’s comments, but some scholars agree that the struggles concerned worldly interests, such as influence, reputations, position, and money. Unfortunately, many of you, our ZLM partners, have witnessed divisive attitudes in churches — parishioners no longer considering each other as brothers and sisters in the Lord but as adversaries. In our modern world, we cannot escape Solomon’s insight that “nothing is new under the sun” (Ecclesiastes 1:9).

James’s question is answered in the second part of verse 1: “Do they not come from your desires for pleasure that war in your members?” This sounds a lot like Paul’s struggles in Romans chapter 7. We don’t have time to consider all of Romans 7, but one verse will serve as a reminder of Paul’s struggles.

“For the good that I will to do, I do not do;
but the evil I will not to do, that I practice” (Romans 7:19).

Verse 2 reveals the connection between “lusts” and “wars and fighting.” James points out the obvious: that when someone seeks his own will instead of God’s will, the consequences can be staggering. The warning is clear: When a man wants something that he cannot have (i.e., covets), he will be filled with jealousy, causing strife (war) within the community of faith.

But, the answer to this dilemma is given in the last part of verse 2, where James tells us that prayer is the solution. “Yet you do not have because you do not ask.”

Verse 3 states that prayers were being made, but with the wrong motive. Verse 2 gave the impression that prayer was not being offered. Verse 3 clarifies that prayer was being offered, only for the wrong purpose. God delights in hearing and answering the prayers of His people, and we can come to Him with confidence that He listens and answers, as John tells us in 1 John 5:14. “Now this is the confidence that we have in Him, that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us.”

The terms “adulterers” and “adulteresses” in verses 4–6 are not meant sexually but, rather, characterize spiritual adultery, like the story of Israel’s unfaithfulness to God in the Book of Hosea. The Believer is instructed to have his heart set on things above, not on things below. God has great expectations for Believers, but He makes great provision to carry out His expectations. “He gives more grace” (4:6).

Verses 7–12 offer directives to overcome self-will. The first directive, “submit to God,” is followed closely by “resist the devil.” In this passage, the Greek word for “resist” means to stand firm in your convictions. I find it comforting that God encourages us to take a stand against evil (the devil), assuring us that when we do, evil will flee.

God will draw near to us when we draw near to Him. When this happens, we gain confidence in our service to God and others. We know from verse 6 that God uses those who humble themselves. If you are looking for a place of service in the Kingdom, then humble yourself before God, “and He will lift you up” (vs. 10). In order to be individuals whom God can use, we must leave the final judgment of other Believers to God. He is the Lawgiver and the only One who has the right to judge. But, does that imply that we should turn a blind eye to sin? In his book Who are You to Judge (Moody Press, Chicago 2002, pg. 42), Pastor Erwin Lutzer wrote:

“Keep in mind that the word judge means to exercise discernment; at other times, it can mean to condemn; and sometimes, both ideas are present. But clearly, Jesus does not teach that all judging is wrong. Judging, or discernment, lies at the heart of Christian living.”

And finally, verses 13–17 are a wake-up call to all of us. What person with Biblical wisdom would plan anything without God? The nature of our lives is like the vapor formed by your breath on a cold morning, or as Job described it in Job 7:9, “a vanishing cloud.” Is it wrong to plan for the future? Of course not! But, as James has shown in his conclusion of chapter 4, it is presumptuous for us to make plans without the guidance and blessings of God.

Part 7: Originally published in the April 2019 Personal Letter

With chapter 5, we say farewell to our friend James, one of the first disciples to join Yeshua. I pray that his insights thus far have made a lasting impression on your spiritual journey. The best way to acquaint yourself with God’s Word and His purpose for you is to study each book of the Bible individually. I realize that working through James has been a long walk together, but it’s been a very productive one for me personally, and I hope for you also!

James’s closing words of chapter 4 guard against arrogance and boasting: “… whereas you do not know what will happen tomorrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapor that appears for a little time and then vanishes away” (James 4:14).

The final chapter divides itself nicely into four categories: patience, reverence, prayer and praise, and diligence.

PATIENCE: IN LIFE’S TRIALS

James began his letter with an exhortation to “let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and entire, lacking nothing” (1:4). He continues in 5:7 with “Be patient.” James is encouraging his readers to leave revenge and retribution to God for the wrong that was often committed against Believers (“Believers” is short for “believers in Yeshua/Jesus as Messiah.”) in his day. To be patient or long-suffering is a fruit of the Holy Spirit in the Believer’s life. “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, long-suffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness…” (Paul in his letter to the Galatians 5:22).

James, like Paul, expected the Lord to return soon. He writes in 5:7–11 that His coming is to be met with patience, like “the farmer waits for the precious fruit of the earth, waiting patiently for it until it receives the early and latter rain” (5:7). Our generation is not patient. In fact, people today have been trained to be impatient with fast food, self-service gas stations, convenience stores, internet purchases delivered next-day to our front door, and more! The satiric saying echoes true: “I want patience, and I want it now!”

The early Jewish Christians were looking for Yeshua to come back soon, but they were not confident that it would happen immediately. “For you yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so comes as a thief in the night” (1 Thessalonians 5:2). They also knew that “with God, one day is as a thousand years and a thousand years as one day” (2 Peter 3:8). In times of difficulty, we all become impatient for God to act! James warns Believers not to blame our troubles on each other.

James gives his readers three examples of patience (5:7–9).

• The first example: James speaks of the “early rain” that came near the end of October, just before the fall planting, and the “latter rain” that came in late April or early May, just before the harvest. If you have ever been involved in agriculture, you understand the nail-biting patience it takes to trust God for the rain necessary to grow your crop, blessing your hard work and providing an income.
• The second example: James uses the experiences of the prophets. Keep in mind that prophets like Isaiah, Ezekiel, Daniel, and Jeremiah were tasked with messages that had to be delivered regardless of the personal consequences. Their messages were rarely received in a positive manner, so they waited patiently for God’s deliverance.
• The third example: the experience of Job. Nothing more needs to be said, as Believers all admire Job’s patience and loyalty to God. But we also should remember the mercy of God in the trials that beset Job.

REVERENCE: FOR GOD’S NAME

Our modern culture has fallen short in reverence for God’s name. How often do you hear someone say, “Oh my God” or exclaim, “Jesus Christ!”? When did you last hear someone ask God to damn something? I’ve heard self-proclaimed agnostics use God’s name maliciously. And what about the athlete who raises his hands toward Heaven as if God cared about who won an athletic event? Don’t get me wrong; I’m glad that some athletes use their public venue to give thanks to God for His blessings on their lives. But honestly, do you think that with all the problems and chaos in the world God really cares to influence who wins a football game? (Apologies for my soapbox moment.)

James asks Believers in 5:12 for reverence and honesty in their everyday conversation. The clear message is that no one should use God’s name flippantly to guarantee that a statement is true, e.g., “I swear to God.” James’s use of the phrase “above all” references the Pharisees who made frivolous oaths on Heaven, Earth, Jerusalem, or anything else. He is warning that people need to know that a Believer’s “yes is yes” and “no is no” (see also Matthew 12:34–37).

As the Lord’s return rapidly approaches, we Believers need to be respected in our speech so that unbelievers give serious consideration to Yeshua’s gospel when it is preached and shared in our traffic patterns of life. He is coming! We must venerate His name as witnesses to His great mercy and saving grace.

PRAYER & PRAISE: MAKE THEM PRIORITIES

James takes us through a very practical lesson regarding prayer in verses 13–18 as we look toward Yeshua’s Second Coming.

Regardless of the circumstances in life, we should first pray! If we are suffering, we should pray. If we are joyful and everything is going our way, we should pray. In fact, consider with me James’s advice: It is easy for us to forget about God when everything is going our way. We are healthy. Our children are healthy. There’s food on the table and money in the bank, and our roof doesn’t leak. But James, as well as Paul, tells us that we should especially think about God in those times and sing praises to His name. Consider Paul’s words in 1 Thessalonians 5:18, “In everything give thanks (or praise); for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.”

All is well, except that verses 14 and 15 have caused more than just a little difficulty for some Believers. When someone is sick, James advises calling together the elders (men of prayer) of the Church to pray over and anoint the sick one with oil “in the name of the Lord.”

It is absolutely true that God heals! He can do so with or without medical means. In fact, if there is healing, God does it. But it may not be in God’s will for healing to occur in a particular case. Believers are instructed to pray for healing, but we are also instructed to seek God’s will. “Now this is the confidence that we have in Him, that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us” (1 John 5:14). Our Lord set the perfect example: “nevertheless not My will, but Yours, be done” (Luke 22:42). We’ve all prayed for someone whose physical body was not healed.

When Zola became ill with cancer, multitudes prayed earnestly for his healing. Did God heal Zola Levitt? Not in his physical body in this earthly existence. But God did call Zola out of his suffering and into His peaceful presence. He will restore to Zola a perfect body at the resurrection — like that of Yeshua, his Messiah (Philippians 3:20–21).

As we approach the end of the Church Age and the time for our Lord’s return, the Church must be a people of passionate prayer — confessing our trespasses and forgiving others. James reminds us, “The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much” (5:16).

DILIGENCE: REACHING FOR THE FALLEN

Believers have an obligation to reach out to those who “wander from the truth” (5:19). This could be someone who professes to follow Christ, but whose lifestyle doesn’t support that claim. It could be someone who has wandered down the endless road of sin and is in danger of losing his or her life. Clearly, James is bringing out the “works” part of “faith.” Whatever the interpretation of “truth” may be, James considers wandering from it to be extremely serious.

In 5:20 James warns that this wanderer risks losing his soul. James concludes by admonishing all Believers that eternal separation from God is real. We must be diligent to proclaim the Gospel while there is time! James echoes the words of Yeshua from Matthew 16:26, where He asked, “For what profit is it to a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul?”