The Epistle of James is one that has caused many anxious souls difficulty. Those who would falsely teach salvation through works emphasize it. However, a careful reading of the epistle and recognizing to whom it is addressed dispel all difficulties.
James writes to the twelve tribes of the dispersion, both the saved and the unsaved. In that day, a saved Jew could still be found in attendance at the synagogue and was zealous for the law they were still in association with the unbelieving nation (Acts 21:20). One might have confused a believer with his unbelieving compatriot. This epistle calls upon the believer to show his faith by his outward walk it is justification before men, in distinct contrast to Romans, where we have justification before God.
One cannot see faith any more than one can see the wind; each, however, affects that which surrounds it in a very visible way. Christendom is full of empty profession; what we find in the Epistle of James is necessary admonition for today. Do we seek to blend in, or is the reality of our faith visible to all?
Outline
Chapter 1. Acting as a Christian is easy when the winds are fair, but what is our response when the storms arise? “Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love Him” (James 1:12). Alas! We are apt to let our tongues slip; being a doer of the Word is not in our old nature. However, God the Father has begotten us according to His own will by the Word of truth and, thus, doing is no longer bondage, but rather we possess a nature governed by the perfect law of liberty (vss. 18,25).
The second chapter presents the inseparable link between faith and practice. We are to walk as those who are to be judged by the law of liberty (ch. 2:12). In James, Abraham’s public act of faith-offering up Isaac is mentioned prior to his believing God. “The Scripture was fulfilled which saith, Abraham believed God, and it was imputed unto him for righteousness: and he was called the Friend of God” (vs. 23). Nothing here contradicts Romans; all is in perfect harmony (Rom. 4). Abraham’s obedience on Mount Moriah corroborated his faith.
Chapter 3. “My brethren, be not many masters [teachers], knowing that we shall receive the greater condemnation” (James 3:1). The word “master,” more correctly translated “teacher,” has the sense of a Rabbi (see John 1:38; 3:2). The rabbinical system, characteristic of modern Judaism, has no counterpart in Christianity. Moreover, to walk contrary to that which is taught is a most serious thing. More than anything, it is our speech that betrays us. “Who is a wise man and endued with knowledge among you? let him show out of a good conversation [behavior] his works with meekness of wisdom” (James 3:13).
The fourth chapter addresses the unbridled nature. Man’s heart is full of covetousness and manifests itself in envy and strife. Such a heart finds fellowship with the world, but friendship with the world is enmity with God (ch. 4:4). The judicial spirit is condemned, as is self-will (vss. 11-17).
The fifth chapter begins with a solemn warning against gathering riches, especially at the expense of the poor (ch. 5:16). These were familiar exhortations to the Jew, who naturally looked for earthly blessing (see Amos 2:6). The believer is to wait patiently for the coming of the Lord (James 5:7-8). Faithful men of old are given as examples men of like passions such as we are. We too have a powerful resource in prayer (vss. 11-18).
N. Simon