The Book of James- Chapter One

This first teaching of the book of James begins in chapter one, and will continue each week, to the end of the chapters. It is a series of teachings I gave when I taught at Teen Challenge in Johnson Vermont between the years 2007-2009. There are many scripture references, and comments in them, that can give added guidance and direction. James was a devout believer, who had keen discernment and much can be learned by him, for our own walk with the Lord.

James 1:1-18 - Trials and Temptations

Memory verse - James 1:2-3
Who was the author of this letter? (Matt 13:55, Mark 6:3, Luke 24:10, Gal 1:19)
Note: This epistle of James was not written by the apostle James, who was killed by Herod before it was written (Acts 12:2). The most likely author is James, the brother of Jesus Christ (e.g. Matthew 13:55), who became a highly respected leader in the early church (Acts 12:17, 15:13, 21:18, 1 Corinthians 15:7, Galatians 1:19)
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James, Jesus' brother. There are three (and possibly four) James in the New Testament. Two were apostles: James, the brother of John (Matt 4:21-22, 10:2, Mark 3:17, Luke 5:1-10) who was killed by Herod (Acts 12:2) and James, the son of Alphaeus (Matt 10:3, Mark 3:18, Luke 6:15). Interestingly, the name "James" was not the actual name of these men; some say it was Iames but most scholars agree that it was something closer to Ya'akov in Aramaic. Ya’akov is a fairly common name and usually becomes Jacob. But it has also undergone metamophosis, becoming James in English, Santiago in Spanish, and Jacques in French. Because the translators of the King James version of the Bible wanted to please the king and get his approval for the translation, they translated at least three of the men named Ya'akov into James.

A Sure Sign of Life

The book of James, controversial because of its emphasis on “good works,” is perhaps best understood through the analogy of motion. In both the physical realm as well as the spiritual realm, where there is life there will be motion.

When a person becomes a Christian, new life begins, and inevitably that life must express itself through “spiritual motion,” or good deeds. In James' words, “What good is it ... if a man claims to have faith but has no deeds?” (2:14)

Movement does not cause life, but it does inevitably follow life. It is a sure sign that life is present. Similarly, genuine faith in Christ should always result in actions that demonstrate faith.

An important point: On the subject of good deeds-do not allow the world to dictate or define the level of importance of what those good deeds may be. An example: Paul's greatest accomplishments, were achieved behind prison walls. His books and epistles are in the bible today, for our learning, and guidance. Even in chains, the devil could not stop him from making the best use of his abilities and skills in proclaiming Christ to a wicked world. In our situations, we can use Paul's life as a good example of what possibilities are within our reach as well.

Straight to the Point

Unlike the apostle Paul, James was no urbane man of letters. He was a simple, homespun preacher, perturbed at people who were not living right. His letter covers a wide range of topics, applying the Christian faith to specific problems, and commanding readers to live out their beliefs.

Be humble, James orders. Submit to God. Stop sinning. James is as forthright as an Old Testament prophet; it is hard to miss his point.

I listened once to a pastor who said of James- "James gives us the picture-"The verses in scripture that I don't understand doesn't bother, me. It's the ones I do understand that bother me."

Modern readers of James face the same dilemma as the first recipients of this unsettling letter. His words are easy enough to understand, but are we doing as he says? What kind of motion characterizes our spiritual lives? As Luther himself said, "You are saved by faith alone, but if faith is alone, it is not faith."

As leader of the headquarters church in Jerusalem, James knew how to speak with authority. You don't have to look for hidden meanings in this book. James tells you clearly how you should act in 54 direct commands. Note that many of these have parallels to Jesus' Sermon on the Mount. As you study these verses, keep in mind the diverse audience he was addressing which included the rich and the poor. Note, too, his "asides" to specific groups.

When did James become a disciple of Jesus? (1 Cor 15:7)

Sometime after Jesus' resurrection. Prior to that, James is mentioned only as Jesus' brother and not a disciple or church leader.

What stature did he have in the early church? (Acts 1:13-14, 12:17, 15:13, 21:17-19)

James was a leader of the church at Jerusalem. At the first Pentecost, it is simply noted that the apostles gathered together along with some women and Jesus's mother and brothers. (Acts 1:13-14). However, after several of Paul's journeys, he mentions James in a leadership context, especially in Acts 15:13 where James states the position of the church regarding Gentiles coming to salvation in Christ's name.

To whom was he writing this letter? When? Why?

James wrote his letter to early Jewish Christians residing in Gentile communities outside of Palestine. Some commentators say it was also to Christians everywhere, but the reference to the twelve tribes and the use of the Hebrew title for God ('Lord Almighty' in verse 5:4) suggests it was written to a Jewish Christian audience. It was written approx. 49 A.D., prior to the Jerusalem Council held in 50 A.D. His purpose was to expose hypocritical positions and to teach right Christian behavior. It also expresses his concern for persecuted Christians who were once part of the Jerusalem church.

Notice the three themes; hardship, perseverence, and wisdom. What does James say is the purpose for hardship? (James 1:2-3, Romans 5:1-5, 1 Peter 1:3-9)

Note that James doesn't say, "if" you face trials, but "whenever" you face them. He assumes that we will all have trials and can profit from them. The point is not to be happy when you face pain, but to have a positive outlook ("consider it pure joy") because of what trials can produce in our lives. James tells us to turn our hardships into times of learning. Tough times can teach us perseverance.

What does he tell us about perseverance? (Romans 2:7, 8:24-25, 2 Cor 6:3-7, 2 Peter 1:3-9)
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It leads to maturity and completeness and eventually to eternal life (Rom 2:7). Paul enlarges on this in 2 Cor 6:3-7 where he says that persevering in trials leads to purity, understanding, patience, kindness, and love. Peter points out that perseverence is part of a process; that it is one step we must go through to demonstrate that our faith is genuine.

Where does he tell us to seek wisdom? (James 1:5, Job 28:28, Ps 111:10, Prov 2:6 and 29:15, 1 Cor 12:8, Col 3:16. Also see first four chapters of Proverbs)
Proverbs 8:11 "For wisdom is better than rubies; and all the things that may be desired are not to be compared to it". 

By wisdom, James is speaking not about knowledge, but rather the ability to make wise decisions in difficult circumstances and about "practical discernment." When Christians need wisdom, the first place to turn is to God in prayer. God is willing to give us wisdom, but we will be unable to receive it if our goals are self-centered rather than God-centered.

Although wisdom originates with God, it comes to us in many ways: as a gift from God (Prov 2:6, Dan 2:21), as a gift from the Holy Spirit (1 Cor 12:8, Eph 1:17), starting with a fear of the Lord (Job 28:28, Ps 111:10), from listening to the wise (Pr 1:2, 13:20), from discipline (Pr 29:15), from admonishing one another (Col 3:16), and from research and education (Ecc 1:13, 17, 7:25).

The first four chapters of Proverbs speak about wisdom, exhorting us to embrace it (Prov 1:8-33), describing the moral benefits of wisdom (Prov 2:1-22), describing its further benefits (Prov 3:1-35), and pointing out that wisdom is supreme (Prov 4:1-27).

How should we treat doubt? (Ps 33:4, Matt 21:21-22)

James now tells us that when we pray and ask God for wisdom we must do it with faith. "The greatest enemy to answered prayer is unbelief." 

James says we must believe and not doubt. For the Lord is faithful (Ps 33:4) and, as Jesus said, will answer the prayers of those who believe (Matt 21:21-22).

So often we go through the motions of prayer, but we really don't believe that God will answer our prayers. The Greek word for "faith" (pistis) speaks of a "persuasion, assurance, or of clutching God". When we pray and ask God for wisdom, we need to be fully persuaded that God will answer us without any hesitation or doubt. James says that those who do waver are like the waves on the sea, one moment they are up and then the next they are down. This is speaking about those believers who say they will trust God to answer their prayers, but then turn around and rely on themselves. 

James 1:7 "For let not that man think that he shall receive any thing of the Lord". 

James tells us in verse 7, that the prayers of flip-flopping Christians are faithless prayers, and God will not honor them. In fact, they shouldn't even expect God to answer them. James commands (he uses the imperative volitional command of "think") them not to even think that God will answer them.
J. Vernon McGee says, "If you are going to work out your problem for yourself, then God cannot work it out for you." 

Many Christians today think that God is under an obligation to give them whatever they ask, but James puts this false concept to rest in the next verse. 

James 1:8 "A double minded [ dipsuchos {dip'-soo-khos} = two-spirited, vacillating (in opinion or purpose), double minded ] man is unstable in all his ways [ odois {hod-os'}; a road, a progress (the route, act or distance), journey ] 

Not only should the believer who wavers expect nothing, James tells us that they are "double minded." They are literally, "two-spirited" or "vacillating." In other words "their hearts, minds, and loyalties are divided between God and the world". 

He will not fully commit himself to God. And we know that Jesus said concerning this: 
Luke 16:13 "No servant can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon". 

These Christians had divided hearts. As a result they are "unstable in all their ways." In other words, they are inconsistent in their Christian walk because they cannot seem to make their mind up whom they will trust or follow. There is a continual battle within them over this issue. Believers need to make up their minds like Joshua, "...choose you this day whom ye will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the flood, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD." (Joshua 24:15), then God can and will give us the wisdom we need to handle those trials that come our way. 

What is the "spiritual contradiction" raised in vs. 9-11? (See the parable of the sower in Mark 4:3-20 for Jesus' words on this subject.)

James now tells us that the Christian needs to rejoice not because of their earthly circumstances or their poor economic situation, but because of their spiritual position. The brother of "low degree" is speaking about those who find themselves hitting "rock bottom", they are literally in the "valley place." 

James says that when we find a Christian brother hitting rock bottom, we can rejoice because God can "exalt" them. This carries the idea of lifting someone up to put them up high on the top of the mountain. "How do you get up to the top of the mountain?" By being humble and letting God lift you up. God sometimes has to allow the proud heart to be broken before He can use it. Proverbs 11:2 says: 
Proverbs 11:2 "When pride cometh, then cometh shame: but with the lowly is wisdom".

When trials come your way, rejoice-because God is getting ready to lift you up and place you where He wants you. 

The poor person should take pride in his high position, the rich person should take pride in his low position. This means that a poor person should be glad that riches mean nothing to God, otherwise he would be considered unworthy. A rich person should also be glad that money means nothing to God because money is easily lost. By taking pride, James may mean that a wealthy Christian is to take pride in trials that bring him low, perhaps including the loss of his wealth. In Jesus' parable, a rich man might be likened to the seed which came up and produced a beautiful flower, but was then scorched and withered by the sun because it had no roots.

In what should we take pride? (vs 9, Romans 15:17, Gal 6:4)

Although James says to take pride in your low position, it's kind of an oxymoron to take pride in humility. In Romans, Paul says he glories in his service to God, but then says in his letter to the Galatians that you can take pride in your actions as long as you test them against the teachings (law) of Christ (and presumably, find them satisfactory against that test). Paul also boasts about God-fearing churches (2 Cor 1:14, 7:4, Php 2:16) and boasts "in the Lord" (1 Cor 1:31) as does Jeremiah (9:23-24) and David (Ps 34:2, 44:8). All of the other references to pride in the Bible -- and there are many -- speak of it as sinful and warn against it.

What is the difference between God's view of wealth and the world's view?

James tells us in verses 10 and 11 that the rich man cannot buy his way out of his trials either. Like the poor man who has to be humbled so God can lift him up, the rich man cannot rely upon the earthly things to see him through his trials. Trials help the rich to see the vanity of riches, because in spite of having wealth he is still made low. 

James also points out the fact that all the wealth that this world can provide is still only temporary in light of eternity. Therefore "a rich man should rejoice when he is made low so that God can elevate him also". Foy Valentine stated this best: 
"Riches may buy special status in this world's clubs but in the church, bought by the blood of Christ, everybody is somebody".

Wealth, power, and status mean nothing to God but the world attributes much importance to them and honors those that have them. If your wealth, power, and status were gone, what would you have left? You would have what is in your heart and that, not your bank account, and that is what matters to God and endures for eternity.

What is the difference between a "trial" and a "temptation"?

According to the dictionary, a trial is "a test of faith, patience, or stamina by suffering or temptation." A temptation is "an enticement to do something wrong by promise of pleasure or gain." It is "the act of tempting, especially to evil." Temptation comes from evil desires inside us, not from God. It begins with an evil thought and becomes sin when we dwell on the thought and allow it to become an action. People who live for God sometimes wonder why they still have temptations. Does God tempt them? No. God tests people but he does not tempt them by trying to seduce them into sin. But God does allow Satan to tempt people in order to refine their faith and help them grow in their dependence on Christ. Don't ever confuse temptation with God's testing your faith as a way to strengthen it.

Where do temptations come from? (Matt 4:1, 18:7-9, Mark 9:42-50, 1 Cor 7:5)

Certainly from Satan (Matt 4:1, 1 Cor 7:5), but also from inside yourself (Matt 18:7-9), from other people (Mark 9:42), taking the easy way (Matt 7:13-14), pride in yourself (Gal 6:1), persecution (1 Thess 3:4-5), and riches (1 Tim 6:9).

How should we deal with temptation? (Matt 4:1-11, 26:41, Luke 22:40, 46, 1 Cor 10:13, Heb 4:15, 2 Tim 2:22, 1 Peter 5:8)

Know the word of God and look to it for strength (Matt 4:1-11), pray and call upon the Lord (Matt 26:41, Luke 22:40, 46 2 Tim 2:22), know that God and Jesus are standing along side of you (1 Cor 10:13, Heb 4:15, Eph 6:11), and be alert to temptation so you can recognize and resist it (1 Peter 5:8).

What is the difference between the "birth description" in verse 15 and verse 18?
James 1:15 "Then when lust [epithumia {ep-ee-thoo-mee'-ah} = a personalized self-longing (espec. desire for what is forbidden), desire, lust after] hath conceived, [sullabousa {sool-lam-ban'-o} = to clasp, seize (arrest, capture), to conceive, to aid, catch] it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death. [thanaton {than'-at-os} = of spiritual death, to which everyone is subject unless he has been called to the life of grace; the misery of soul arising from sin, which begins on earth but lasts and increases after the death of the body] 

In this verse James tells us what the result is of giving in to temptation, by giving us an analogy of a woman "giving birth to a child". Once we give in to our selfish desires, it conceives sin. James is saying that when a person actually begins to look at and think about that which is forbidden; desire and lust are conceived in his mind. Thinking about that forbidden desire is sin. Jesus taught this same principle in Matthew: 
Matthew 5:28 "But I say unto you, That whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart".

A person may never actually do the act that they are thinking about, but they have still committed a sin because of their desire to do it.

In verse 15, James is speaking of an evil desire (temptation) giving birth to sin, which, in turn gives birth to death. In verse 18, he is speaking birth as regeneration, of God giving us birth through his word, i.e., being born again.

James 1:16 "Do not err, [planasthe {plan-ah'-o} = to roam from safety, go astray, deceive, seduce, wander, to be led into error, to go astray] my beloved brethren." 

In verse 16, James commands us to pay attention and stop being deceived. "Do not err" is in the imperative mood with a present tense, which literally means, "Stop erring now!" We are not to miss the point of all this discussion; "trials are for helping us to grow spiritually, and that God is not the source of our problems and sins" (as James will demonstrate in the next few verses). 

So it seems that the Christians in James' day "misunderstand" this principle. This is a good lesson for all Christians to learn. Over the years I have seen so many Christians who believe or hold to something that has no biblical foundation. When confronted with the truth of the Scripture, they still deny the truth. We err when we do this, and roam from the safety of God's Word. "What are the Christian's options?" There is only one, "Stop erring now." 

How would you summarize the first 18 verses of James? What actions are called for?
James 1:17 "Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, [parallage {par-al-lag-ay'} = to interchange, a shifting, mutation, change, fickleness, variableness] neither shadow [aposkiasma {ap-os-kee'-as-mah} = a shading off, obscure, to throw a shadow, a shade, the slightest trace] of turning. [tropes {trop-ay'}; a turning round, a turning back, change, mutation, revolution, variation] 

In verses 17 and 18 (below), James gives us assurances to help us to overcome our temptations. In verse 17, we are given an illustration of God's reliability. God's gifts are "good" (agathos; beneficial, useful, practical) and "perfect" (teleios; perfect, nothing lacking in them; i.e., it is perfectly matched to the person or the situation) and His liberty is wholly consistent. 

This verse speaks of God the Father's "immutability". God never alters his purposes or changes His nature. Scripture tells us that God never changes His being (or essence), or in his character and nature (also see Exod.3:14; Psa.102:26-28; Mal.3:6). 

James' point in this verse is that God only gives good gifts, and the way He gives is good; "God gives constantly, and He does not change". Since God is so consistent in all His ways, and He cannot sin or tempt others to sin, we should not err in our thinking about this (v.16). God gives us every good and necessary gift, we do not need to give in to Satan when he tempts us. "It is only when we begin to doubt God's goodness in giving us what we need that we will be attracted to Satan's enticements." 
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James 1:18 "Of his own will begat he us [ apekuesen {ap-ok-oo-eh'o} = to generate by spiritual birth, beget, bring forth ] with the word [ logo {log'-os} = the Divine Expression (i.e. Christ), account, cause, communication, doctrine, preaching, speech, talk, tidings, treatise, utterance, word, work, instruction ] of truth, [ aletheias {al-ay'-thi-a} = divine truth revealed to man, true, verity ] that we should be a kind of firstfruits [ aparchen {ap-ar-khay'} = the first act of a sacrifice, first portion, first-fruits ] of his creatures."
 
Verse 18 outlines the part played in the new birth by the Word of God as it applies to us by the Holy Spirit. God deliberately chose the method in which He would save us. Kenneth Wuest brings this out in his translation of verse 18: 
"In accordance with His deliberate purpose He brought us into being by means of the word of truth, resulting in our being a kind of first fruits of His creatures." 

Matthew Henry states: 
"The original of this good work is here declared: it is of God's own will; not by our skill or power; nor from any good foreseen in us, or done by us, but purely from the good-will and grace of God". 

It's good to know that God never changes and in eternity past He deliberately set forth a plan to save those who would accept His Son, Jesus as their Savior. "There are not many ways to God, but one; His way - His Gospel." 

James also said that we should be the "first fruits of His creatures." The feast of first fruits is found in Leviticus 23:10. God commanded the Jews to observe this feast, it was to be a feast of celebration that also carried the idea of the resurrection of the land. It was to always be observed on the first Sunday after the Passover (the same day that the Lord Jesus arose from the grave to become The First Fruit).
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God wanted a special feast during which the Israelites would acknowledge the fertility of the fine land He gave them. They were to bring the early crops to their spring planting (first fruits) to the priest at the Temple to be waved before the Lord on their behalf. 

Likewise, James says Christians are each individually like the "first fruits" (i.e., crops) that come up in the spring (that God gave birth to), so we too need to be dedicated to the Lord and not succumb to the temptations that come our way. 

As a side note to this verse, many have claimed that the epistle of James conflicts with the writings of the apostle Paul. But Paul expresses a similar thought as James in Ephesians: 
Ephesians 1:11-14 "In whom also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated according to the purpose of him who worketh all things after the counsel of his own will: That we should be to the praise of his glory, who first trusted in Christ. In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise, Which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of his glory". 

In the Christian life, there are trials and temptations. Successfully overcoming these adversities produces maturity and strong character. Don't resent troubles when they come. Pray for wisdom and God will supply all that you need to face persecution or adversity. He will give you patience and keep you strong in times of trial.
Lorna Couillard