James 2 opens with an admonition against partiality. In James 2:1-7, he addresses the different treatments of the rich man and the poor man. He is speaking a principle here that uses a hypothetical example. As God's people, we are not to judge and LIMIT access to God based on a standard seen in our culture. We should show no special favor to a rich man simply because he is rich. Both the rich and poor have the same access to salvation by God's grace. At the same time, we are not to show favoritism toward the poor man (class envy). Worldly wealth is not a barometer of holiness or an indicator of God's favor. Men are to be treated according to their possession of Jesus as Lord and Savior...not according to their wealth.
Some may have begun to argue (at least in their minds) that if they were guilty, it was only of a "small sin"...and was no big deal in God's eyes. James 2:8-13 reminds us that to be guilty of one sin makes us guilty. To obey one aspect of God's law and not another...still makes us guilty under the Law. NOTE: For those who may say..."Whew! We are under grace and not the Law...so this doesn't apply to us." NOT SO! Remember real religion is the life of holiness. We are called to live holy lives (James 1:27).
Some may begin to object...saying that our relationship with God is not dependent on our works...but by faith alone. This is true...but what kind of faith? Are we speaking of mental ascent (an intellectual agreement with a set of facts); Or, are we speaking of a saving faith? James explores the distinction in the remainder of the chapter.
"Faith" without corresponding action based on that faith is not really faith...at least not the "saving kind" (James 2:14-17). Even the demons (who are obviously not in the "saved" category) know and accept/believe the facts about God (James 2:18-20). The faith that saves always manifests itself with corresponding works (James 2:20-26).
Works do not save us. God saves us when we respond to Him by faith. Our response to Him is evident in our actions. Our "confession" of belief in a set of facts is no more effective in "saving" us than anything in the world. Our response to the God the facts speak of...is one of faith and is evident by our actions. As someone said, "what you do speaks so loudly, I cannot hear what you say."
Proverbs 6:30-31 is the takeaway today. There is understanding when a man sins because he is overwhelmed by his need. This is not an excuse...but an explanation. Still, the man must repay/make restitution for his sin. He is not absolved from responsibility simply because he was overwhelmed.
Showing posts with label james. Show all posts
Showing posts with label james. Show all posts
Monday, April 06, 2009
Sunday, April 05, 2009
Take Two: James 1, Proverbs 5
The Book of James is one of my favorites in the New Testament. It is penned, under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, by James, the half-brother of Jesus. The time of writing is prior to AD 67 and many believe a decade before.
James was a prominent figure in the early church...seen as the leader of the Jerusalem church. His teachings are similar in many respects to those of the gospels...and certainly indicate his close affinity and familiarity with the manner and teachings of Jesus Himself. Much like Paul, James gives us a picture of what is NORMAL Christianity as it is understood by those who were not among the 12 disciples but had first hand knowledge of Christ's teachings.
Throughout the years, some controversy has arisen about the focus on "works" in James' letter. Some (influenced by Reformation teaching) have read from the Letter that James is presenting a view that is contrary to a "Salvation by Grace through Faith" message as presented by Paul. Luther quipped often that he could not reconcile the teachings of James and Paul...and called the Letter a "bit strawy epistle," indicating his limited respect for it. He even noted that he would have preferred to remove the letter from the Canon were it up to him.
A better approach is to understand the teachings in their context. James does not write (prominently) about "how" to be saved; rather, he presumes salvation upon his audience. He speaks more prominently about the outworking of salvation by those who name the Name of Christ. There is a definite "eschatological" theme apparent in the letter. In other words, James has constantly in mind...the Day of the Lord. In light of the coming reunion with Jesus, one should conduct Himself in a certain manner.
As He speaks of the Law, his reference is more to the decalogue (the 10 Commandments) than to the Jewish ceremonial Law; however, he does refer to the royal law as in the Kingdom of God...in context.
James 1:1 addresses the letter to the dispersed Jews of the 12 tribes. It seems that the audience is under persecution of sorts for their alignment with Christianity. The focus on the twelve tribes is an allusion to the Old Testament imagery of God's people.
James 1:2-4 gives a perspective on how to view our circumstances/trials/pressures. We are to "consider" them joy, knowing that God uses the trials of life to perfect our faith. This is not a reference to making us perfect (as if sinless perfection were even possible; rather, it means developing a maturity as we examine the circumstances of life.)
James 1:5-9 speaks to the fact that God gives wisdom to all who seek after it in faith and without doubting. The implication is that if a person claims to seek the wisdom of God but doubts...he is unstable. He vacillates between godly wisdom and worldly wisdom. This man should expect to gain nothing from the wisdom of God.
The trials that God uses to perfect us are not temptations (James 1:13-15). God does not desire our failure, but our perfection. To look at the trial and the temptation at face value...there is little distinction; however, it is important to know that God never desires our demise...but our victory.
James "focuses" on the assertion that there should be a corresponding action to our stated beliefs. We should be "doers" and not "hearers" only (James 1:22-25). It is not enough for us to have a confessional faith...we must have a faith that reveals itself in application. This is very clear in James 1:26-27. If anyone claims to be a Christian but does not seek to care for those in need...who are most vulnerable in society (widows and orphans), then his faith is worthless. The second characteristic of genuine faith is that the Christian seeks to be holy (unstained by the world). Any professing believer who is comfortable participating in the world's rebellion against God...has an empty and ineffectual faith in God. ALL CHRISTIANS who understand what it is to name the NAME of Jesus...are uncomfortable with their own propensity to sin and bemoan their sinful actions.
Proverbs 5:3 is the takeaway today. The enticement to sin is attractive to us. It is always presented as sweet and pleasant...smooth and wonderful. BEWARE. It's end is bitter and results in death. FLEE from sin and avoid the conversation with that which seeks to detour you from the path of righteousness.
James was a prominent figure in the early church...seen as the leader of the Jerusalem church. His teachings are similar in many respects to those of the gospels...and certainly indicate his close affinity and familiarity with the manner and teachings of Jesus Himself. Much like Paul, James gives us a picture of what is NORMAL Christianity as it is understood by those who were not among the 12 disciples but had first hand knowledge of Christ's teachings.
Throughout the years, some controversy has arisen about the focus on "works" in James' letter. Some (influenced by Reformation teaching) have read from the Letter that James is presenting a view that is contrary to a "Salvation by Grace through Faith" message as presented by Paul. Luther quipped often that he could not reconcile the teachings of James and Paul...and called the Letter a "bit strawy epistle," indicating his limited respect for it. He even noted that he would have preferred to remove the letter from the Canon were it up to him.
A better approach is to understand the teachings in their context. James does not write (prominently) about "how" to be saved; rather, he presumes salvation upon his audience. He speaks more prominently about the outworking of salvation by those who name the Name of Christ. There is a definite "eschatological" theme apparent in the letter. In other words, James has constantly in mind...the Day of the Lord. In light of the coming reunion with Jesus, one should conduct Himself in a certain manner.
As He speaks of the Law, his reference is more to the decalogue (the 10 Commandments) than to the Jewish ceremonial Law; however, he does refer to the royal law as in the Kingdom of God...in context.
James 1:1 addresses the letter to the dispersed Jews of the 12 tribes. It seems that the audience is under persecution of sorts for their alignment with Christianity. The focus on the twelve tribes is an allusion to the Old Testament imagery of God's people.
James 1:2-4 gives a perspective on how to view our circumstances/trials/pressures. We are to "consider" them joy, knowing that God uses the trials of life to perfect our faith. This is not a reference to making us perfect (as if sinless perfection were even possible; rather, it means developing a maturity as we examine the circumstances of life.)
James 1:5-9 speaks to the fact that God gives wisdom to all who seek after it in faith and without doubting. The implication is that if a person claims to seek the wisdom of God but doubts...he is unstable. He vacillates between godly wisdom and worldly wisdom. This man should expect to gain nothing from the wisdom of God.
The trials that God uses to perfect us are not temptations (James 1:13-15). God does not desire our failure, but our perfection. To look at the trial and the temptation at face value...there is little distinction; however, it is important to know that God never desires our demise...but our victory.
James "focuses" on the assertion that there should be a corresponding action to our stated beliefs. We should be "doers" and not "hearers" only (James 1:22-25). It is not enough for us to have a confessional faith...we must have a faith that reveals itself in application. This is very clear in James 1:26-27. If anyone claims to be a Christian but does not seek to care for those in need...who are most vulnerable in society (widows and orphans), then his faith is worthless. The second characteristic of genuine faith is that the Christian seeks to be holy (unstained by the world). Any professing believer who is comfortable participating in the world's rebellion against God...has an empty and ineffectual faith in God. ALL CHRISTIANS who understand what it is to name the NAME of Jesus...are uncomfortable with their own propensity to sin and bemoan their sinful actions.
Proverbs 5:3 is the takeaway today. The enticement to sin is attractive to us. It is always presented as sweet and pleasant...smooth and wonderful. BEWARE. It's end is bitter and results in death. FLEE from sin and avoid the conversation with that which seeks to detour you from the path of righteousness.
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