New Testament Study Guides - ElectronicGospel

THEMES
The Christians who first read this wonderful little letter were a
downtrodden bunch. Verse one makes it appear that they were already
scattered from Jerusalem be persecutors and now they are falling prey to the
wealthy as well. Nevertheless, the letter addresses both the rich and poor
among the flock of God.
The lowly brother is encouraged to glory in his exaltation, while the
wealthy brother is reminded to participate in the humbling of discipleship.
The objective is for brethren at both ends of the economic spectrum to find a
place to meet in the middle with Christ. The church is warned against
showing partiality to the wealthy, because God accepts the poor, the rich
often persecute Christians, partiality violates Christ’s law and God will
judge those who are thus guilty.
The fifth chapter lays the subject bare, exposing the oppression wrought
by the rich of that long ago age. James counsels patience but acknowledges
the egregiousness of the crimes committed against the poor.
Several quote-worthy verses pepper the book of James, beginning in
verse 2 where the writer encourages his readers to find joy even in various
trials because such testing of one’s faith produces perseverance. Toward the
end of the book, James illustrates his point with the case of Job,
emphasizing God’s desire to be merciful and compassionate in such
circumstances.
James is intent on teaching that faith without works–faith only–is dead.
He uses the same illustration employed by Paul, who taught that justification
is not according to perfect keeping of the Law of Moses (Romans 4,
Galatians 3-4), and there is no disharmony between the two inspired writers.
Salvation is by God’s grace through man’s faith, which is not simply mental
assent, but is obedient, trusting and penitent. Therefore, men must be doers
of the word who exhibit their faith in their works, as did Rahab also.
Paul and James simply examine faith and works from different
perspectives and for different audiences. More than any other, James
destroys the Calvinistic concept of salvation or justification by faith alone.
James is also concerned about the everyday temptations of life, for
which he does not not fault God who does not tempt men. He reveals the
doctrine of Christ regarding anger, the tongue, selfishness and covetousness
by distinguishing between heavenly wisdom and earthly opinion.
The writer is not shy about rebuking his readers, no matter what
millennium they happen to call home. He warns them about becoming
teachers without the proper attitude and diligence, and invites spiritual
adulterers to put off the world and approach God for mercy and cleansing.
James also introduces the idea of confessing sins one to another, not in the
auricular confessional of the Roman tradition, but on a personal level among
brethren in need.