Chapter 1
-James writes to those of the Dispersion, spread abroad by
persecution (James 1:1). This I takes to be the new Israel, the church of the
Lord Jesus Christ, who has just experienced a dispersing from Jerusalem and the
predominantly Jewish areas because of their belief in the resurrected Savior.
Much like when the Assyrians and Babylonians came in and spread out the Hebrew
people, now the Christians were being spread out and needed a common identity
in Christ. James addresses this as his letter begins.
-This Dispersion has created many tests and trials for the
believers, and James wastes no time in encouraging them. He tells them to “count
it all joy” when you meet various trials in this life because the testing of
faith produces steadfastness and perfects the individual making him/her
complete, lacking in nothing (James 1:2-4). When we need wisdom, we can ask of
God who gives generously to all with reproach, but it must be done in faith.
The one who doubts is like a ship on the driven sea and is unstable in all
his/her ways (James 1:5-8). *Application* Trust in the Lord when things are
rough. Ask and seek His wisdom and direction in all matters. He will guide and
grow you if you have faith and do not doubt. This is His promise to you.
-The lowly are encouraged, again in the context of
persecution and abandonment, to exalt in their position compared to the fleetly
glory of the rich who is wicked in his/her vain pursuits (James 1:9-11). This
too is a trial and blessed is the man who stays unshakeable in this
circumstance for they will receive the crown of life promised to those who love
Christ Jesus (James 1:12). God doesn’t do the tempting. It is Satan who lures
and entices, and it is people in their natural-fallen desires, who give birth
to sin in their hearts, which when it is fully grown produces death (James
1:13-15). *Application* The Lord is on our side and wants to rescue us even in
our greatest distress. It is easy to blame God for all our trials and errors,
but He is the only One to deliver and save. Don’t get carried away by
temptation and fall. Trust in the Lord to heal you and give you new life in Him.
-Every good and perfect gift comes from above, coming down
from the Father of lights (James 1:17). We are not to be deceived by the enemy
(James 1:16). There is no variation or shifting shadow with God. He is the Word
of truth that we should be the first fruits of His creatures by faith (James
1:17-18). Therefore, we are to be quick to hear, slow to speak, and slow to
anger (James 1:19). The anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God.
We are to receive the implanted Word, which is able to save souls, and put away
all filthiness and rampant wickedness (James 1:20-21).
-James now gets to the crux of his message. We are to be
doers of the Word, and not just hearers who deceive themselves (James 1:22). If
anyone is just a hearer, he/she is like a person who looks in a mirror and then
forgets what they saw. The one who looks at the perfect law of liberty, which
is in Christ Jesus, perseveres as a doer who acts is the one who will be
blessed in his/her doing (James 1:23-25). The tongue is an important theme
which now surfaces and the person who cannot bridle it deceives his heart
making his religion worthless. The doing includes pure and undefiled religion
before God (not above Him) by visiting the widows and orphans in their
affliction and keeping oneself unstained by the word (James 1:26-27).
*Application* It is not what you say or think that matters, but what you do
that actually reveals what you believe. Don’t fool yourself. This is a tactic
of the enemy to deceive. Evaluate what you actually do and you will then know
what you believe.
Verses to memorize:
James 1:2-5, 22-25
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