What are the main points of James chapter 1?
James opens with an unexpected theme — maturity through trials. Right after his greeting, James says to his readers that they will endure challenges as Christians. He goes so far as to say these challenges are a good thing because they will result in greater maturity.
Who is James speaking to in James 1?
James the Apostle, abbreviation James, New Testament writing addressed to the early Christian churches (“to the twelve tribes in the dispersion”) and attributed to James, a Christian Jew, whose identity is disputed.
What does the book of James teach us?
The main theme of the book of James is receiving wisdom from God's Word. Wisdom from God results in a life that bears fruit. Wisdom from God's Word that affects every area of life and results in a life the is fruitful and thrives even in the face of trials.
What was significant about James 1?
James's rule of Scotland was basically successful. He was able to play off Protestant and Roman Catholic factions of Scottish nobles against each other, and, through a group of commissioners known as the Octavians (1596–97), he was able to rule Scotland almost as absolutely as Elizabeth I ruled England.
What is the spiritual meaning of James?
In fact, the name James means the same exact thing as Jacob—“supplanter” or substitute—and comes from the original Hebrew word for Jacob. Because of its connection to Jacob, James is a Biblical name (two of Jesus' apostles were named James).
What is the crown of life in James 1?
The Crown of Life, also called the Martyr's Crown, is referred to in James 1:12 and Revelation 2:10; it is bestowed upon "those who persevere under trials." Jesus references this crown when he tells the Church in Smyrna to "not be afraid of what you are about to suffer...
How is the book of James relevant today?
The Book of jamrs is one of the truly relevant sacred writings in the New Testament, meant for just such times as our own. It contains the counsel that will keep us, unlike Rip Van Winkle, from sleeping through a revolution. The Book of James demonstrates in a dramatic way the contempor- aneity of Scripture.
What is faith according to the book of James?
True faith means our hearts have been changed, and a changed heart is demonstrated through action. Faith with no demonstrable action is no real faith at all. It's dead, James tells us, like a body without a spirit.
What does firstfruits mean in James 1?
By giving the firstfruits as an offering to God, the Israelites acknowledged that all the harvest—in fact, everything they had—came from God and belonged to Him. The offering of firstfruits was likewise an expression of faith that something else—the harvest of the rest of the crop—would come later.
Was James 1 a good king?
He was also known as the 'wisest fool in Christendom', but he was far wilier than his 'fool' tag suggests. James I was the most academically gifted monarch, being both stoic and practical. He had once hoped to bring peace to Europe but had to settle with peace between England and Scotland.
Who is James in the Bible?
The character by which our author desires to be known: James, a servant of God, and of the Lord Jesus Christ. Though he was a prime-minister in Christ’s kingdom, yet he styles himself only a servant. Note hence, Those who are highest in office or attainments in the church of Christ are but servants.
Who professes himself a servant of God?
Hence let us learn to prize this title above all others in the world—the servants of God and of Christ. Again, it is to be observed that James professes himself a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ; to teach us that in all services we should have an eye to the Son as well as the Father.
What is the chapter 1 after the inscription and salutation?
Chapter 1 After the inscription and salutation ( v. 1) Christians are taught how to conduct themselves when under the cross. Several graces and duties are recommended; and those who endure their trials and afflictions as the apostle here directs are pronounced blessed and are assured of a glorious reward ( v. 2-12 ).
Why were the Bible scattered?
Having the scriptures of the Old Testament, the providence of God so ordered it that they were scattered in several countries for the diffusing of the light of divine revelation. 2, . They began now to be scattered in wrath.
What does the Bible say about sin?
But those sins which bring sufferings, or the weakness and faults men are chargeable with under them, are by no means to be imputed to God, who cannot be the author of sin, but is the author of all good ( v. 13-18 ). All passion, and rash anger, and vile affections, ought to be suppressed.
What does the Bible say about the crown?
of life --"life" constitutes the crown, literally, the life, the only true life, the highest and eternal life. The crown implies a kingdom ( Psalms 21:3 ). the Lord --not found in the best manuscripts and versions. The believer's heart fills up the omission, without the name needing to be mentioned.
How many ears are given to us in the Bible?
Two ears are given to us, the rabbis observe, but only one tongue: the ears are open and exposed, whereas the tongue is walled in behind the teeth. slow to wrath -- ( james 3:13 james 3:14 , 4:5 ). Slow in becoming heated by debate: another Jewish fault ( Romans 2:8 ), to which much speaking tends.
What does religion interest us about?
Religion in its rise interests us about ourselves in its progress, about our fellow creatures: in its highest stage, about the honor of God. keep himself --with jealous watchfulness, at the same time praying and depending on God as alone able to keep us ( John 17:15 , Jude 1:24 ). James - Introduction. James 2.
What does "perfect" mean in the Bible?
If God's teachings by patience have had a perfect work in you, you are perfect [ALFORD]. entire --that which has all its parts complete, wanting no integral part; 1 Thessalonians 5:23 , "your whole (literally, 'entire') spirit, soul, and body"; as "perfect" implies without a blemish in its parts. 5.
Where in the Bible does it say "double minded"?
The words in this James 1:8 are in apposition with "that man," James 1:7 ; thus the "us," which is not in the original, will not need to be supplied, "A man double-minded, unstable in all his ways!". The word for "double-minded" is found here and in James 4:8 , for the first time in Greek literature.
Who was the apostle of circumcision?
1. James --an apostle of the circumcision, with Peter and John, James in Jerusalem, Palestine, and Syria; Peter in Babylon and the East; John in Ephesus and Asia Minor. Peter addresses the dispersed Jews of Pontus, Galatia, and Cappadocia; James, the Israelites of the twelve tribes scattered abroad.
Does God require simplicity in his children?
God requires the same "simplicity" in His children ("eye . . . single," Matthew 6:22 , literally, "simple"). upbraideth not --an illustration of God's giving simply. He gives to the humble suppliant without upbraiding him with his past sin and ingratitude, or his future abuse of God's goodness.
What does James 1:10-11 mean?
James 1:10-11. But the rich, in that he is made low: because as the flower of the grass he shall pass away. For the sun is no sooner risen with a burning heat, but it withereth the grass, and the flower thereof falleth, and the grace of the fashion of it perisheth: so also shall the rich man fade away in his ways.
Who is James the Apostle?
James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ. He was an apostle, and he was the Lord’s brother, yet he mentions not these greater things, but he takes the lowly title, in which, no doubt, he felt the highest honour, and calls himself “a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ.”.
Who is James in the Bible?
James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, to the twelve tribes which are of the Dispersion, greeting. ( James 1:1) The manner in which James here bracketed the names of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ carries the affirmation of the deity of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Who was James writing to?
He was writing to Christians who, like himself, were servants of God and of Jesus Christ; and he had already mentioned their common faith a moment earlier in James 1:3. Modern exegetes who limit faith in the book of James to the mere belief in God are absolutely wrong.
What does the Bible say about perfection?
That ye may be perfect ... It is a gross error to read "perfect" as used in the New Testament as if it meant "maturity." This is exactly the word that Jesus Christ our Lord used of the heavenly Father himself ( Matthew 5:48 ), where Christ commanded, "Be ye therefore perfect as your heavenly Father is perfect." Nothing short of absolute perfection shall ever inherit eternal life; and, while it is freely admitted that no man may achieve such perfection, it is nevertheless available to all men who will receive the gospel, be baptized into Christ, and thus become partakers of the heavenly perfection of the Saviour himself. See the dissertation on "The Perfection of Christians" in my Commentary on Galatians, Ephesians, Philippians, and Colossians, pp. 120-124. This is the theme of the whole epistle of James, all of its various instructions fitting into the category of what is required for perfection. Implicit in the admonitions of this epistle is that Christians must do their very best to achieve whatever degree of perfection is possible, whatever is lacking to be made up by Christ himself (and there will always be something lacking in every Christian). Dummelow and many others insist upon reading "perfect and entire" as "full grown and complete"; [14] but it would be impossible to speak of God as "full grown"! The meaning here is "perfection," which is exactly what the text says. It is believed that the reason why so many are unwilling to accept this obvious meaning lies in their failure to understand how the total perfection of Christ becomes the inheritance of all who are truly "in Christ." See Colossians 1:28. It is certain that James understood this; and his entire letter is directed to the admonition that the Christian should not presume that Christ's perfection would be bestowed upon Christians who trusted a subjective trust/faith alone to procure such a status, or who might fail in any manner of doing everything within their power to honor "the perfection in Christ" through their constant imitation of it. The testing of the Christian's faith by various external trials, as in this verse and the preceding verse, carries the inherent message that the Christian must pass such tests. If in his sincerely trying to do so, the Christian should nevertheless fail, Christ in that extremity will surely provide what is lacking.
What does the Bible say about looking into the perfect law?
But he that looketh into the perfect law, the law of liberty, and so continueth, being not a hearer that forgetteth but a doer that worketh, this man shall be blessed in his doing.
What does Paul say about the crown?
Paul mentioned the "incorruptible crown" ( 1 Corinthians 9:25) and the "crown of righteousness" ( 1 Timothy 4:8 ); Peter spoke of "the crown of glory that fadeth not away" ( 1 Peter 5:4 ); and John wrote, "Be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee the crown of life" ( Revelation 2:10 ).
What does the Bible say about the sun?
For the sun ariseth with the scorching wind, and withereth the grass; and the flower thereof falleth, and the grace of the fashion of it perisheth: so also shall the rich man fade away in his goings.
Who promised the apostles that they would sit on twelve thrones?
It was Christ who promised the apostles that they would "sit upon twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel" ( Matthew 19:28 ); and James here used exactly the same terminology to describe the church of Jesus Christ. Wessel declared that "This is a symbolical designation of the Christian church." [4] .
What is the epistle of James?
This epistle of James is one of the most instructive writings in the New Testament. Being chiefly directed against particular errors at that time brought in among the Jewish Christians, it does not contain the same full doctrinal statements as the other epistles, but it presents an admirable summary of the practical duties of all believers. The leading truths of Christianity are set forth throughout; and on attentive consideration, it will be found entirely to agree with St. Paul's statements concerning grace and justification, while it abounds with earnest exhortations to the patience of hope and obedience of faith and love, interspersed with warnings, reproofs, and encouragements, according to the characters addressed. The truths laid down are very serious, and necessary to be maintained; and the rules for practice ought to be observed in all times. In Christ there are no dead and sapless branches, faith is not an idle grace; wherever it is, it brings forth fruit in works.
What does the command of God show?
The commands of God, and the dealings of his providence, try men's hearts, and show the dispositions which prevail in them. But nothing sinful in the heart or conduct can be ascribed to God. He is not the author of the dross, though his fiery trial exposes it.
What happens when your faith and spirits rise and fall with second causes?
When our faith and spirits rise and fall with second causes, there will be unsteadiness in our words and actions. This may not always expose men to contempt in the world, but such ways cannot please God. No condition of life is such as to hinder rejoicing in God.
What is God's gracious recompense hereafter?
His gracious recompence hereafter, would be connected with his present peace and comfort. Every part of Divine revelation has its use, in bringing the sinner to Christ for salvation, and in directing and encouraging him to walk at liberty, by the Spirit of adoption, according to the holy commands of God.
Is the Sun the same as God?
As the sun is the same in nature and influences, though the earth and clouds, often coming between, make it seem to us to vary, so God is unchangeable, and our changes and shadows are not from any changes or alterations in him. What the sun is in nature, God is in grace, providence, and glory; and infinitely more.
Why do we listen to the book of James?
(cited in Moo) v. In many ways, we listen to the book of James because it echoes the teaching of Jesus.
Who is James the Less?
i. Other men named James include: - James, brother of John and son of Zebedee, the first apostle martyred, also known as James the Less ( Matthew 10:2, Mark 15:40, Acts 12:2 ). - James the son of Alphaeus, another of the twelve disciples ( Matthew 10:3 ). - James, the father of the "other" apostle Judas ( Luke 6:16 ).
When you fall into trials, do you count it all joy?
Count it all joy when you fall into various trials: James regards trials as inevitable. He says when, not if you fall into various trials. At the same time, trials are occasions for joy, not discouraged resignation. We can count it all joy in the midst of trials, because they are used to produce patience . i.
Doers of the word and not hearers?
But be doers of the word, and not hearers only: We must receive God's word as doers, not merely hearers. To take comfort in the fact you have heard God's word when you haven't done it is to deceive yourself. i. In the ancient world, it was common for people to hear a teacher.
Is the book of James important to Christians?
Some people have thought that the book of James isn't important for Christians, and some have quoted Martin Luther's famous estimation of James as "a letter full of straw.". But Luther's remark should be understood in its context.
Who is James in the Bible?
i. Other men mentioned in the Bible named James include: · James, brother of John and son of Zebedee, the first apostle martyred and also known as James the Less ( Matthew 10:2, Mark 15:40, Acts 12:2 ). · James the son of Alphaeus, another of the twelve disciples ( Matthew 10:3 ). · James, the father of the “other” apostle Judas ( Luke 6:16 ).
Why did James look like a camel?
An early history of the church says that James was such a man of prayer that his knees had large and thick calluses, making them look like the knees of a camel. It also says that James was martyred in Jerusalem by being pushed from a high point of the temple.
What does "Jam" mean?
A. Trials and wisdom. 1. ( Jam 1:1) A Greeting from James. James, a bondservant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, To the twelve tribes which are scattered abroad: Greetings. a.
Why can we count joy in the midst of trials?
We can count it all joy in the midst of trials because they are used to produce patience . i. Moffatt translated James 1:2 as, Greet it as pure joy, pointing out a play on word between the Greetings at the end of James 1:1, and a similar word used to start James 1:2.
When you fall into trials, do you count it all joy?
a. Count it all joy when you fall into various trials: James regarded trials as inevitable. He said when, not if you fall into various trials. At the same time trials are occasions for joy, not discouraged resignation. We can count it all joy in the midst of trials because they are used to produce patience .
Is the book of James important to Christians?
Since this was written for the body of Christians as it existed at that time, this is also a letter for us today. Some think the book of James isn’t important for Christians, and some quote Martin Luther’s famous estimation of James as “a letter full of straw.”. But Luther’s remark should be understood in its context.
Was Jesus more than James' brother?
Jesus was more than James’ brother; more importantly , Jesus was his Lord . i. Bondservant is an important word. It translates the ancient Greek word doulos, and is probably better simply translated as slave. “A slave, a bondservant, one who is in a permanent relation of servitude to another...
Inscription.
- 1 James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, to the twelve tribes which are scattered abroad,greeting. We have here the inscription of this epistle, which consists of three principal parts. I. The character by which our author desires to be known: James, a servant of God, and of the LordJesus Christ. Though he was a prime-minister in Chr...
Necessity of Faith and Patience; Evil Ofindecision.
Procedure and Results Ofsin.
- 13 Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God: for God cannot be tempted with evil, neithertempteth he any man: 14 But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed. 15 Then when lusthath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death. 16 Do not err, my belovedbrethren. 17 Every good gift and every perfect gif…
on Suppressing Corrupt Affections; The Dutyof Hearers; Practical Religion.