Key word: Works
James is almost certainly the first book written in the New Testament. James is a common name in the Bible. One of Jesus’ most valued apostles, and the first one martyred, is one example, and must be distinguished from our author, who was the half-brother of Jesus and recognized head of the early church in Jerusalem. Written around 45 A.D., James ministry was exclusively to Jewish believers, so we are not surprised that he addresses his audience as the 12 tribes of Jews scattered throughout the known world (1:1). He begins with the recognition that his readers were facing trials, but rather than getting down about this situation, James calls for joy, knowing that the Lord uses such trials as His instruments to produce maturity (1:2-4). But he does not minimize the difficulty in having such a perspective in the midst of trials, and therefore commands the need for wisdom, which is available to the child of God who asks in faith (1:5-6).
The great burden of this epistle was to show the place and importance of works in the life of the believer. James does not add works to faith. As a requirement for salvation, contrary to some who have misunderstood his message in chapter two. But he highlights the role of works as an evidence of our salvation: when he writes that faith without works is dead (2:17). He means that a supposed faith in Christ, which does not produce the fruit of a changed life evidenced by works, is useless. Such a Christian has no outward evidence of salvation that he can see, and others can not see evidence of our faith either (2:18).
Our key verse is 2:22, which captures the essence of the book. If we are mere “hearers” of the word, but not doers, we delude ourselves. We are to live out God’s word, not just listen to it. Works is our key word – works not for salvation, but works as evidence of our faith is the theme of James. Some have called James the New Testament Equivalent of the Old Testament book of Proverbs. The central theme of Proverbs is wisdom, and wisdom plays an important role in James. It virtually begins with wisdom, and tells us if we lack it we are to call on God and in faith believe that He is able to provide it. In the first chapter, the context was wisdom in the face of trials. It is a wisdom that enables us to mature in Christ, regardless of the circumstances. In chapter three, James returns to the subject of wisdom and distinguishes between two kinds.
1. Earthly/natural demonic, characterized by jealousy, selfish ambition (3:14-15). Such wisdom leads to disorder, which is translated as unstable in 1:18, and restless in 3:8. Living by earthly wisdom leads to an unstable life that lacks foundation. It also leads to all sorts of evil, for it is unable to distinguish between right and wrong (3:16).
2. Wisdom from above, which is marked by the Fruit of the Spirit (3:17- 18), such wisdom leads to peace (3:18).
Key verse: James 2:22 – You see that faith was working with his works, and as a result of the works, faith was perfected
