the book that James wrote

James in context

We can’t understand James without taking the whole of scripture into consideration. James message is to believers. He expects us to understand that we are JUSTIFIED (saved by Grace from God, through faith in Jesus Christ) He is not contradicting this truth, but expanding on it. James is speaking to SANCTIFICATION (being made in His image). As believers we are called to be disciples of Jesus, here and now. Salvation is not just the hope of heaven upon earthly death, but also an expectation of renewal now.

The book of James

James was written in or around 48 AD and is believed to be one of the earliest letters. He was a half-brother of Jesus. James Ministry didn’t begin until Jesus appeared to him after the resurrection. James became a leader of Jesus ministry in Jerusalem. His letter was written to Jewish Christians throughout the world. The apostle Paul wrote very formal letters, while James letters could be described as emails. They assume previous knowledge and understanding of scripture, and are poignant. The underlying message of James is faith without action is not true faith.

James 1:2 - 16 (Trials and temptations)

NIV translation and my paraphrase

2Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, 3because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance.
Be encouraged my friends when you face difficult circumstances, for by it you are being trained, and this training produces endurance.

4Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.
The endurance attained will allow you to grow spiritually becoming mature and complete.

5If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him.
If you need wisdom, ask God for it. He willingly gives without prejudice.

6But when he asks, he must believe and not doubt, because he who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. 7That man should not think he will receive anything from the Lord; 8he is a double-minded man, unstable in all he does.When you ask, believe it will be given.
The man that comes before God with doubts is the type that is easily swayed. He doesn’t trust God with everything. That mans assurance rests in things apart from God.

9The brother in humble circumstances ought to take pride in his high position. 10But the one who is rich should take pride in his low position, because he will pass away like a wild flower. 11For the sun rises with scorching heat and withers the plant; its blossom falls and its beauty is destroyed. In the same way, the rich man will fade away even while he goes about his business.
If you are poor, rejoice in your blessing. If you are rich, be dismayed, for it will pass. Just as the blossom of a rose withers, so will your wealth.

12Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him.
Blessed are those who preserve in difficult circumstances, for when you have stood firm, your reward is a life filled with purpose and meaning.

13When tempted, no one should say, "God is tempting me." For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone; 14but each one is tempted when, by his own evil desire, he is dragged away and enticed. 15Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death.
When tempted, no one should say, “God is tempting me.” For God does not tempt you to sin. You sin when you hide from His presence and give into your own evil desires. Return to Gods presence least you fall into temptation, which leads to sin, and a lifestyle of sin leads to destruction.

16Don't be deceived, my dear brothers. 17Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.
Don’t let the devil deceive you my friends, everything that is good and perfect is from God. God is, was, and will always be, and He reigns over all creation.

18He chose to give us birth through the word of truth, that we might be a kind of firstfruits of all he created.
We have been renewed by the truth (His word), so that we could be set apart for His purposes.

Questions:
6But when he asks, he must believe and not doubt, because he who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. 7That man should not think he will receive anything from the Lord; 8he is a double-minded man, unstable in all he does.
Isn’t this redundant? If this letter is addressed to “believers,” isn’t believing a prerequisite?
1) Why did James have to reiterate this point? James says this type of man “should not” think he would receive anything, does that mean he still would, even despite his doubt? What is the purpose of these three verses? What type of person are they directed toward?

9The brother in humble circumstances ought to take pride in his high position. 10But the one who is rich should take pride in his low position, because he will pass away like a wild flower. 11For the sun rises with scorching heat and withers the plant; its blossom falls and its beauty is destroyed. In the same way, the rich man will fade away even while he goes about his business.
2) Does verse 9 refer to someone with few material possessions? How do you take pride in or rejoice in your low position? Is verse 10 referring to someone with material wealth? Are these verses saying that a true believer should not be wealthy? What does it mean he’ll fade away while he goes about his business?

12Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him.
3) Is the crown of life a heavenly treasure? Is it just another way of saying eternity with God?

18He chose to give us birth through the word of truth, that we might be a kind of firstfruits of all he created.
4) What does this mean? How were we giving birth through the word of truth, and what does firstfruits refer to?

Answers:
1) James is addressing those who have accepted the good news, but haven’t allowed God to take total control of them. They’ve put God in a box, and only allow Him control over certain parts of their lives. They are “double-minded” not trusting God with everything. They maintain their own will and God’s will and choose as it suits them.

2) James is saying our focus shouldn’t be on the things of the world that are temporary and pass away, but our focus should be on things that are eternal. The material things just distract us. They ensnare us and prevent us from fully giving our lives over to him. Jesus tells us in Matthew 19:24 that it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle then it is for a rich man to enter heaven.

3) The Romans of this time gave different types of crowns as rewards for races, service, etc. James knew the people he was addressing understood that, and encourages fellow believers with the reward for persevering in trials. The crown of life represents a life filled with meaning and purpose.

4) The word of God is the Good news or the truth. The word renews us, and is part of our process of sanctification (becoming like Jesus). God has called us to be set apart (firstfruits) for His purpose.