The Book of James was a critical document for the early church, especially for those Jews who had become Christians. Having lived lives characterized by obedience to the Law, they needed to understand that their new faith, based upon God’s grace, requires good words for that faith to be considered genuine. James says that faith without accompanying works is actually a “dead” faith, and a “dead” faith is really no faith at all. In order for one’s faith to be genuine, it must produce good works that are visible to the world. Just talking about one’s faith is not enough, because real faith inspires and requires action.

The Book of James also tells us that genuine faith endures trials of all kinds, but a strong faith will face them head-on, realizing that endurance will be the by-product of this kind of faith. This faith not only understands trials, but it also recognizes temptation, and it will not allow us to slide down the slippery slope of sin. Genuine faith obeys the Word of God, allowing it to determine the path of obedience that will give us victory over sin.

James also enters into specific areas of temptation such as showing favoritism. He reminds his readers that genuine faith extends favor to all and not just a select few. Furthermore, genuine faith bridles the tongue, a small but powerful part of the body that can easily set a forest ablaze. Genuine faith also results in being separated from the world of sin and helps us produce godly wisdom to chart a path of obedience to God. Finally, genuine faith provides us with the strength and ability to resist the devil and draw near to God.

So, who is the “James” who wrote this book? There are many who were named “James” in the New Testament, but the one that is favored by the majority of scholars is James, the half-brother of Jesus, born to Joseph and Mary after Jesus’ birth. Apparently, he didn’t accept Jesus’ claims of divinity until after the resurrection, and he was among those who were gathered in Jerusalem on the Day of Pentecost (1 Cor. 15:7; Acts 1:14). He later became the leader of the Jerusalem Council which met after Paul’s First Missionary Journey (Acts 12:17).

Consider his counsel to his readers, and to all of us when trials come our way,

“Count it all joy my brethren when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. And let endurance have its perfect result that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing” (Jas. 1:2-4).

And then James provides a special note of encouragement for all who are undergoing trials,

“Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial; for once he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him (Jas. 1:12)

Furthermore, James reminds us to,

“Prove yourselves to be doers of the word, and not merely hearers who delude themselves” (Jas. 1:22)

And he then asks each of us a very important question,

“What use is it , my brethren, if a man says he has faith, but he has no works? Can that faith same him?…Even so faith, if it has no works is dead, being alone” (Jas. 2:14-17)

Regarding our need for true wisdom, James tell us

“If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God who gives to all men generously, without reproach, and it will be given to him” (Jas. 1:5).

And later in the book, James contrasts the wisdom that is from “above” with the wisdom that is from “below” saying that the wisdom from “below” is natural, and even demonic, producing such things as jealousy, selfish ambition, and disorder. But he goes on to say that,

“The wisdom  from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, reasonable, full of mercy and good fruits, unwavering, and without hypocrisy” (Jas. 3:17).

And finally, James provides this important note about how God views pride, by saying,

“God is opposed to the proud, but gives grace to the humble. Submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you. Draw near to God and He will draw near to you….Humble yourselves in the presence of the Lord, and He will exalt you” (Jas. 4: 6-8).

I don’t know about you, but it would be a tragic thing for me to realize that God is “opposing” me, and it can happen to any of us if we allow pride to enter into our hearts. We need to submit our lives to God, asking Him to guide us on the path of righteousness. And when we sense the devil is attacking us, we are not to try and run because we could never outrun him. We are to stand firm, recognizing his tactics of creating fear, and claim the truth of God’s power over anything he might throw at us. And finally, if we draw near to God with a humble heart, He promised to exalt us at the proper time.

Friends let’s put these truths into practice, and then watch God do some amazing things in and through our lives. May the Lord richly bless you during this season of Lent as we look forward to Easter, which is coming soon.

Peggy and I send our love to you!