The Book of JamesThe Book of James

(Today’s focus Chapter 1:1-8)(Today’s focus Chapter 1:1-8)

July 2, 2009July 2, 2009

Pastor Timothy HinklePastor Timothy Hinkle

Please Stand In Please Stand In Reverence For The Reverence For The

Reading Of The WordReading Of The Word

James James

   1 James, a bondservant of God and of the Lord 1 James, a bondservant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, To the twelve tribes which are Jesus Christ, To the twelve tribes which are scattered abroad: Greetings.    scattered abroad: Greetings.    

2 My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into 2 My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, 3 knowing that the testing of your various trials, 3 knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. 4 But let patience have faith produces patience. 4 But let patience have itsits perfect work, that you may be perfect and perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing. 5 If any of you lacks complete, lacking nothing. 5 If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him. 6 But let him ask in faith, with no to him. 6 But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for he who doubts is like a wave of the doubting, for he who doubts is like a wave of the sea driven and tossed by the wind. 7 For let not sea driven and tossed by the wind. 7 For let not that man suppose that he will receive anything that man suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord; 8 from the Lord; 8 he ishe is a double-minded man, a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways.    unstable in all his ways.    

JamesJames    

9 Let the lowly brother glory in his 9 Let the lowly brother glory in his exaltation, 10 but the rich in his exaltation, 10 but the rich in his humiliation, because as a flower of the humiliation, because as a flower of the field he will pass away. 11 For no sooner field he will pass away. 11 For no sooner has the sun risen with a burning heat than has the sun risen with a burning heat than it withers the grass; its flower falls, and its it withers the grass; its flower falls, and its beautiful appearance perishes. So the rich beautiful appearance perishes. So the rich man also will fade away in his pursuits. man also will fade away in his pursuits.

            

JamesJames      

12 Blessed 12 Blessed isis the man who endures temptation; for the man who endures temptation; for when he has been approved, he will receive the when he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him. 13 Let no one say when he is who love Him. 13 Let no one say when he is tempted, “I am tempted by God”; for God cannot tempted, “I am tempted by God”; for God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does He Himself tempt be tempted by evil, nor does He Himself tempt anyone. 14 But each one is tempted when he is anyone. 14 But each one is tempted when he is drawn away by his own desires and enticed. 15 drawn away by his own desires and enticed. 15 Then, when desire has conceived, it gives birth to Then, when desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, brings forth sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, brings forth death. death. 16 Do not be deceived, my beloved brethren. 17 16 Do not be deceived, my beloved brethren. 17 Every good gift and every perfect gift is from Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning. 18 Of His own will He brought us forth by turning. 18 Of His own will He brought us forth by the word of truth, that we might be a kind of the word of truth, that we might be a kind of firstfruits of His creatures. firstfruits of His creatures.

JamesJames

      19 So then, my beloved brethren, let 19 So then, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath; 20 for the speak, slow to wrath; 20 for the wrath of man does not produce the wrath of man does not produce the righteousness of God. righteousness of God.

      

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21 Therefore lay aside all filthiness and 21 Therefore lay aside all filthiness and overflow of wickedness, and receive with overflow of wickedness, and receive with meekness the implanted word, which is meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls. able to save your souls. 22 But be doers of the word, and not 22 But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. 23 For if hearers only, deceiving yourselves. 23 For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man observing his natural doer, he is like a man observing his natural face in a mirror; 24 for he observes himself, face in a mirror; 24 for he observes himself, goes away, and immediately forgets what goes away, and immediately forgets what kind of man he was. 25 But he who looks kind of man he was. 25 But he who looks into the perfect law of liberty and continues into the perfect law of liberty and continues in it,in it, and is not a forgetful hearer but a doer and is not a forgetful hearer but a doer of the work, this one will be blessed in what of the work, this one will be blessed in what he does. he does.

JamesJames      

26 If anyone among you thinks he is 26 If anyone among you thinks he is religious, and does not bridle his religious, and does not bridle his tongue but deceives his own heart, tongue but deceives his own heart, this one’s religion this one’s religion isis useless. 27 Pure useless. 27 Pure and undefiled religion before God and undefiled religion before God and the Father is this: to visit and the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their trouble, orphans and widows in their trouble, andand to keep oneself unspotted from to keep oneself unspotted from the world. the world.

James James

   1 James, a bondservant of God and of 1 James, a bondservant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, To the twelve the Lord Jesus Christ, To the twelve tribes which are scattered abroad: tribes which are scattered abroad: Greetings.    Greetings.    

James‘ GreetingJames‘ Greeting

James introduces himself first as one James introduces himself first as one such such servant of God and of the Lord servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ.Jesus Christ. His letter will be about this His letter will be about this servant-Lord relationship in which all servant-Lord relationship in which all Christians are to persevere. Along the Christians are to persevere. Along the way, true servants of the Lord will have way, true servants of the Lord will have to put their servanthood into practice in to put their servanthood into practice in the midst of suffering, in choosing their the midst of suffering, in choosing their relationship with material wealth, in relationship with material wealth, in controlling how they speak and in other controlling how they speak and in other life issues James will address. life issues James will address.

James‘ GreetingJames‘ Greeting

At the very start of this letter, James is At the very start of this letter, James is identifying himself as one who is self-identifying himself as one who is self-consciously accepting this way of life consciously accepting this way of life for himself. His purpose in this letter for himself. His purpose in this letter does not require that he assert his does not require that he assert his apostleship (as Paul and Peter do in apostleship (as Paul and Peter do in their letters) or his eldership (as John their letters) or his eldership (as John does in his letters). James's identity is does in his letters). James's identity is already known to the church at large. already known to the church at large. It is only his servanthood to the Lord It is only his servanthood to the Lord Jesus Christ that matters to him here, Jesus Christ that matters to him here, for this is the theme of his letter: How for this is the theme of his letter: How shall we live as servants of the Lord shall we live as servants of the Lord Jesus Christ? Jesus Christ?

James‘ GreetingJames‘ Greeting

His readers' life setting is equally pertinent to His readers' life setting is equally pertinent to the content of the letter. He is writing to the content of the letter. He is writing to Christian Jews Christian Jews (the twelve tribes)(the twelve tribes) who are who are scattered among the nations.scattered among the nations. The reference The reference speaks of a literal speaks of a literal diaspora,diaspora, a scattering of a scattering of these Christians mainly through persecution. these Christians mainly through persecution. Acts 8:1-3 gives the likely background. By Acts 8:1-3 gives the likely background. By addressing them as ones addressing them as ones scattered among the scattered among the nations,nations, he is telling them at once: "I know you he is telling them at once: "I know you are persecuted; I know you face various trials; are persecuted; I know you face various trials; I know you are suffering." All that James will I know you are suffering." All that James will have to say to his readers is said with this have to say to his readers is said with this knowledge of their life setting. All that he will knowledge of their life setting. All that he will have to say to his readers is applicable even in have to say to his readers is applicable even in their life setting of suffering. their life setting of suffering.

James‘ GreetingJames‘ GreetingImagine the implications, drawing from the Imagine the implications, drawing from the actual phrases of Acts 8:13. Young Christians actual phrases of Acts 8:13. Young Christians of Jewish upbringing had become the objects of Jewish upbringing had become the objects of "a great persecution" by the very ones of "a great persecution" by the very ones who had been their leaders in Judaism. who had been their leaders in Judaism. Stephen, a loved and respected leader of this Stephen, a loved and respected leader of this Christian movement, had been stoned to Christian movement, had been stoned to death for his faith in Christ. The church death for his faith in Christ. The church "mourned deeply for him." Meanwhile, Saul "mourned deeply for him." Meanwhile, Saul was determined to destroy the church and so was determined to destroy the church and so was "going from house to house" forcibly was "going from house to house" forcibly taking men and women to prison. With "all taking men and women to prison. With "all except the apostles" being driven from except the apostles" being driven from Jerusalem, James now writes from there to Jerusalem, James now writes from there to believers believers scattered among the nations.scattered among the nations. Certainly among James's readers are people Certainly among James's readers are people experiencing confusion, fear, sorrow, experiencing confusion, fear, sorrow, injustice, loneliness, poverty, sickness, loss of injustice, loneliness, poverty, sickness, loss of home and family members and livelihood--in home and family members and livelihood--in fact, "trials of many kinds," as he fact, "trials of many kinds," as he acknowledges right away in 1:2. acknowledges right away in 1:2.

James‘ GreetingJames‘ GreetingLook squarely now at the issue those Look squarely now at the issue those Christians were facing as they received Christians were facing as they received James's letter. Would these times of suffering James's letter. Would these times of suffering and uncertainty be an interruption in their and uncertainty be an interruption in their servant-Lord relationship with Jesus Christ? For servant-Lord relationship with Jesus Christ? For example, is any trial a reason not to be joyful example, is any trial a reason not to be joyful (1:2)? Are the differences in poverty and (1:2)? Are the differences in poverty and wealth to cause favoritism (2:1-13)? Even in wealth to cause favoritism (2:1-13)? Even in trials, shall we be cursing other people (3:9) or trials, shall we be cursing other people (3:9) or grumbling against each other (5:9)? Is loss of grumbling against each other (5:9)? Is loss of anything a reason to fight with each other anything a reason to fight with each other (4:1-2)? Is sickness or other trouble a cause to (4:1-2)? Is sickness or other trouble a cause to cease praying or trusting in God (5:13-14)? cease praying or trusting in God (5:13-14)? Even in these "trials of many kinds," the Even in these "trials of many kinds," the servant of the Lord Jesus Christ is to continue servant of the Lord Jesus Christ is to continue living the life that James will describe. His living the life that James will describe. His burden in writing is this: "Don't put off your life burden in writing is this: "Don't put off your life of faith until times get better. Right now, in the of faith until times get better. Right now, in the midst of your suffering, is the very time to be midst of your suffering, is the very time to be putting your servanthood toward Christ into putting your servanthood toward Christ into practice." practice."

James‘ GreetingJames‘ Greeting

The message is clearly applicable for Christians The message is clearly applicable for Christians today. When we encounter trials, what do we today. When we encounter trials, what do we experience? In most of us there is probably a experience? In most of us there is probably a mixture or succession of reactions: fear ("what mixture or succession of reactions: fear ("what will become of me?"), anger ("how can they do will become of me?"), anger ("how can they do that to me?"), self-pity ("won't somebody feel that to me?"), self-pity ("won't somebody feel sorry for me?"), envy of others ("why aren't sorry for me?"), envy of others ("why aren't they suffering like I am?") and confusion ("why they suffering like I am?") and confusion ("why is this happening?"). With these reactions, we is this happening?"). With these reactions, we often fall into precisely the problems James often fall into precisely the problems James addresses for his original readers: a jealous addresses for his original readers: a jealous focus on material wealth, a selfish neglect of focus on material wealth, a selfish neglect of others' needs, a judgmental spirit and hurtful others' needs, a judgmental spirit and hurtful speech, and a bitter fighting with one another. speech, and a bitter fighting with one another.

James‘ GreetingJames‘ Greeting

The church needs a sound theology of The church needs a sound theology of suffering. Philip Yancey points out that Helmut suffering. Philip Yancey points out that Helmut Thielicke was asked once what he saw as the Thielicke was asked once what he saw as the greatest defect among American Christians greatest defect among American Christians (1977:15). Thielicke's surprising reply was (1977:15). Thielicke's surprising reply was "They have an inadequate view of suffering." "They have an inadequate view of suffering." We would be helped by a more adequate study We would be helped by a more adequate study of James. His message is this: Your trial is not of James. His message is this: Your trial is not the time to rejoice less. Your sickness is not the the time to rejoice less. Your sickness is not the time to pray less. Your loss is not the time to time to pray less. Your loss is not the time to love others less. Rather, now is the very time to love others less. Rather, now is the very time to practice the joy, peace and love that we know practice the joy, peace and love that we know theoretically to be the Christian life. For the theoretically to be the Christian life. For the Christian life is not mere theory; it is the life of Christian life is not mere theory; it is the life of the servant of God and the Lord Jesus Christ. the servant of God and the Lord Jesus Christ.

James‘ GreetingJames‘ Greeting

Therefore it must have been of more Therefore it must have been of more than perfunctory significance to James than perfunctory significance to James when he told his readers, when he told his readers, Greetings.Greetings. The The word is word is chairein:chairein: "Joy be to you." Yes, "Joy be to you." Yes, joy! Even though you are scattered joy! Even though you are scattered among the nations and facing trials of among the nations and facing trials of many kinds, do not be robbed of your many kinds, do not be robbed of your joy. This joy in the midst of trial joy. This joy in the midst of trial becomes the first major topic of James's becomes the first major topic of James's letter.letter.

James James

   2 My brethren, count it all joy when 2 My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, 3 knowing you fall into various trials, 3 knowing that the testing of your faith that the testing of your faith produces patience. 4 But let patience produces patience. 4 But let patience have have itsits perfect work, that you may perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking be perfect and complete, lacking nothing. nothing.

Be Encouraged!Be Encouraged!

As believers in Christ Jesus, we do As believers in Christ Jesus, we do not have to be anxious! not have to be anxious! – Philippians 4:6Philippians 4:6

Be Be anxiousanxious for nothing, but in for nothing, but in everything by prayer and everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God;your requests be made known to God;

We can actually REJOICE when We can actually REJOICE when others are discouraged!others are discouraged!

Be Encouraged!Be Encouraged!

God allows trials for our good!God allows trials for our good!– 1 Thessalonians 5:17-19 (New King 1 Thessalonians 5:17-19 (New King

James Version) James Version) 17 pray without ceasing, 17 pray without ceasing, 18 in everything give thanks; for this is the 18 in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. 19 Do not will of God in Christ Jesus for you. 19 Do not quench the Spirit.quench the Spirit.

– Romans 8:28 (New King James Version)Romans 8:28 (New King James Version) And we know that all things work together And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His who are the called according to His purpose.purpose.

James James

5 If any of you lacks wisdom, let him 5 If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be and without reproach, and it will be given to him. 6 But let him ask in given to him. 6 But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for he who faith, with no doubting, for he who doubts is like a wave of the sea doubts is like a wave of the sea driven and tossed by the wind. 7 For driven and tossed by the wind. 7 For let not that man suppose that he will let not that man suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord; 8 receive anything from the Lord; 8 he he isis a double-minded man, unstable in a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways.    all his ways.    

Ask God!Ask God! We know we lack wisdom, but we We know we lack wisdom, but we

don’t have to worry. We can ASK don’t have to worry. We can ASK GOD to give us His wisdom!GOD to give us His wisdom!– Matthew 7:8 (New King James Version)Matthew 7:8 (New King James Version)

For everyone who asks receives, and he who For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be openedopened

– Matthew 21:22 (New King James Version)Matthew 21:22 (New King James Version) And whatever things you ask in prayer, And whatever things you ask in prayer, believing, you will receive.”believing, you will receive.”

– Luke 11:10 (New King James Version)Luke 11:10 (New King James Version) For For everyone who asks receives, and he who everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened.opened.

– John 16:24 (New King James Version)John 16:24 (New King James Version) Until Until now you have asked nothing in My name. Ask, now you have asked nothing in My name. Ask, and you will receive, that your joy may be full.and you will receive, that your joy may be full.

Ask God!Ask God!

We MUST TRUST that God will give We MUST TRUST that God will give us the wisdom once we ask.us the wisdom once we ask.– Isaiah 50:10Isaiah 50:10

“ Who among you fears the LORD? Who “ Who among you fears the LORD? Who obeyobeys the voice of His Servant? Who walks s the voice of His Servant? Who walks in darkness And has no light? Let him in darkness And has no light? Let him trusttrust in the name of the LORD And rely upon his in the name of the LORD And rely upon his God.God.

We can not be double-mindedWe can not be double-minded– Luke 9:62 (New King James Version)Luke 9:62 (New King James Version)

But Jesus said to him, “No one, having put But Jesus said to him, “No one, having put his hand to the plow, and looking back, is fit his hand to the plow, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God.”for the kingdom of God.”

The Formula!The Formula!

To view our lives biblically (which is to view To view our lives biblically (which is to view our lives accurately), we must perceive the our lives accurately), we must perceive the spiritual realities. Circumstances and spiritual realities. Circumstances and events are only the surface; James tells his events are only the surface; James tells his readers to look for the deeper meaning. readers to look for the deeper meaning. This is especially important in facing the This is especially important in facing the trials of many kinds.trials of many kinds. James wants his James wants his readers to see a progression of events in readers to see a progression of events in the following pattern.the following pattern.

TRIAL => TESTING => TRIAL => TESTING => PERSEVERANCE => MATURITYPERSEVERANCE => MATURITY

Proclamations!Proclamations!

I will count it all joy and REJOICE I will count it all joy and REJOICE when I face trials knowing that when I face trials knowing that God is perfecting me!God is perfecting me!

I will ASK GOD for His wisdom in I will ASK GOD for His wisdom in all things with FAITH BELIEVING!all things with FAITH BELIEVING!

I will not look back in doubt, but I will not look back in doubt, but only forward trusting God!only forward trusting God!