community.logos.com · Web view1James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, To the twelve tribes scattered among the nations: Greetings. Introduction to the Book of Jacob

James -- Teacher1 James, a

servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ,

To the twelve tribes scattered among the nations:

Greetings.

Introduction to the Book of Jacob

In the New Testament, four men are named James:

• James, the son of Zebedee, brother of the Apostle John (Matthew 4:21, Acts 12:1-2)

• James, the son of Alphaeus, also known as James the Younger (Luke 6:15, Mark 15:40)

• James, the father of Judas (Luke 6:16)

• James the Just, the (half-)brother of Jesus (Matthew 13:55, Acts 12:17)

Which one wrote the letter?

…to the twelve tribes…

Q: What does the lack of teaching about God in this letter tell you about the intended audience?

They already know about God. This letter is about application of that knowledge.

Q: Why would a letter by Ιακωβ be called "James?"

Names change as they migrate from one culture to another: Jacob > Jacobus (Vulgate) > Iamo > James > Iago > Diego.

Perhaps a simpler answer would suffice. The person who funded the Authorized Version was King James. It never hurts to suck up to the boss.

Nope. That's not it. Tyndale's translation that predates the KJV also says "James."

Sidebar: Spanish Bibles list this book as "Santiago" a variant of "Saint James."

According to tradition, the James the son of Zebedee preached in Spain and is buried at Campostela. In the Clementine Vulgate, Jerome's translation of the Greek Bible, the Book of James is listed as "Epistola Catholica B. Jacobi Apostoli" and Jude is listed as "Epistola Catholica B. Judæ Apostoli." No wonder Spanish translators identify Santiago with the Apostle. The Book of Acts contradicts this idea.

• Acts 8:1 says that "all except the Apostles were scattered." The Apostles remained in Jerusalem for the rest of the Book of Acts.

• Acts 12:2 says James the brother of John was murdered in Jerusalem by Herod. This is another case where a mistaken idea just keeps rolling forward.

• Acts 12:17 mentions a different James as being prominent in the Jerusalem church. We meet him again in Acts 15 where he settles a controversy for the whole church.

So why don’t new Bibles say “Jacob” instead of “James?”

Because no one would buy them with that change. Translators still want to get paid for their work, and book publishers want to sell books.

Most scholars believe the author of this Book of Jacob is James, the brother of Jesus. Maybe you didn’t realize that after the virgin birth of Jesus, Mary and Joseph went on (Matthew 1:25) to have at

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least six other children. Jesus’ four brothers are named in Matthew 13:55 and verse 56 of that chapter says he had sisters.

These were technically half-brothers and -sisters through Mary as Jesus was conceived by the Holy Spirit, not by Joseph.

You have to have some sympathy for James, growing up with a brother who had a messiah complex.

--Buddy Gray

John 7:5 tells us that Jesus' brothers did not believe he was the Messiah.

The book of James is evidence that Jesus really was God. What would your brother have to do to convince you that he is God?

--Jonathan Storment

1 Corinthians 15:7 tells that after his resurrection, Jesus appeared to James.

James became leader of the church in Jerusalem and summarized the conclusions of the council in Acts 15 .

James “used to enter alone into the temple and be found kneeling and praying for the forgiveness of the people, so that his knees grew hard like a camel’s because of his constant worship of God, kneeling and asking forgiveness for the people. So from his excessive righteousness he was called the Just.”

--Eusebius

James's nickname was "Camel Knees," and died as a martyr in 62AD. (Acts 12:1-2)

James could have claimed quite a resume in his opening line, but instead refers to himself as a slave.

The book of James is an effective way to reach out to Jews and Muslims who believe in one God, but do not accept Jesus as Messiah.

How can we tell that the book of James was written early in the first century?

It mentions no other Christian writing or church issues.

Q: Why would a letter by Ιακωβ be called "James?"

Names change as they migrate from one culture to another: Jacob > Jacobus (Vulgate) > Iamo > James > Iago (Santiago) > Diego.

...Lord Jesus Christ...

Here is gospel, the good news about Master King Jesus.

James 2:1 our glorious Lord Jesus Christ (more gospel)

James 5:12 James finally gets around to quoting Jesus. All of the Book of James is the message of Jesus.

..twelve tribes...

Could this be the reason why this letter is placed next to the Hebrews in the canon of scripture?

See comment at verse 18.


Q: Weren't the ten tribes of Israel lost?

A: Nope. The Jews knew exactly where they were--in Medo-Persia.

1 Chronicles 5:26

2 Kings 15:29

2 Kings 17:3-6

2 Kings 18:11-12

Also, many people in the Northern Kingdom who were loyal to YHWH deserted to Asa in Judah long before Assyria's victory.

2 Chronicles 15:9

Q: When was this letter written?

It is often said to be the earliest book of the New Testament, possibly 45AD. According to Josephus, James the Just was martyred in 62AD, well before the fall of Jerusalem in 70AD.

2 Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds,

...consider it...

ἡγήσασθε [hē-Gē-sas-the] regard, to lead, be influenced

...pure joy...

My first reaction was, you gotta be kidding! Joy?

As I get older, I recognize sooner when a time of testing/temptation is occurring. Now I can (begin to) see the benefits of the test, and it is (a little) easier to appreciate it. It's like drawing an arrow back to shoot it forward.

Lack of joy makes a chore out of any activity, but if I'm willing to go through the trial, it's much easier to bear.

See notes about the temptation of Christ at Matthew 4

The Chinese character for "crisis" contains characters for both "risk" and "opportunity."

Acts 5:41 The Apostles practiced this reaction, honored that they had suffered.

...trials...

Christians are never promised a life without suffering. God promises to be there with you to help you through it. (1 Corinthians 10:13)

"When you are going through something hard and wonder where God is, remember the teacher is always quiet during a test."

The Greek word περιασμος [pe-ri-AS-mos] is translated by both “trial” and “temptation.” Its meaning is rooted in the Old Testament, where a variety of Hebrew words speak of “tests” that God brings into the lives of believers. There the Hebrew words (nasah, sarap, and bahan) indicate a difficult situation as a test devised by God, but intended to demonstrate the quality of an individual’s faith or to purify his or her character. Thus tests are shaped by God to enhance our lives.


--Lawrence O. Richards

...of many kinds...

ποικίλοις [poi-KI-lois] many colored, motley

Life is ten percent what happens and ninety percent how you react--the 90:10 rule. Adversity is a lesson to be learned, not a loss.

--Jordan Coss

Q: How do you react when life hands you a bitter cup?

Do you drink it, or pour it out on others.

What do doctors call “an arthritic smile?” Some of the sweetest old ladies I know have twisted hands from rheumatoid arthritis. They have learned to live with terrible pain.

Q: Do you learn from success, or from failure?

We fail most of our trials.

--Jonathan Sacks


3 because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance.

...perseverence...

ὑπομονὴ [hu-po-mo-NAY] patience, a remaining behind, a patient enduring

Remaining under the ills that beset us (like Job), rather than μακροθυμια [mak-ro-thu-MI-a], enduring other people, the way David did Saul.

--RCHLenski

Suffering is the unmistakable evidence that Satan is here.

--Mike Mason, The Gospel According to Job

Testing > Perseverance > Maturity

Q: Do you ever pray for patience? Should you?

I used to urge hearers not to pray for patience, since the only way to receive patience is through trouble (See also Romans 5:3 ), until corrected by Byron Crowley, a fourth grader at the time. "We should pray for patience because the result is worth the trouble." Smart kid.

Trial: External origin

Temptation: Internal origin

What to do when I hit bottom:

• Relax Trust God

• Remember How did I get here

• Reflect What the memories mean

• Relate Rebuild relationships

Q: Is God is more concerned with your happiness, or with your character?

He might deal severely with you to shape you--think: hammer, anvil. It takes great heat and pressure to make a diamond.

An admiring Christian told a preacher, "I'd give half my life to know the Bible like you do." The preacher scratched his ear and replied, "Well, that is the price I paid."

Look for clues of God's coaching.

The answer to trouble is not that we escape, but that we change. (1 Corinthians 10:13 )

--Larry Hart

...testing...

When you are going through something hard and wonder where God is, remember the teacher is always quiet during a test.


4 Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.

...not lacking anything...

Q: After my square corners are knocked off, what is left?

I still have everything I really need. The rest is gone.

5 If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him.

...wisdom...ask God...

It is normal when under pressure and frustration to be uncertain what to do next. James says, "Ask God."

6 But when he asks, he must believe and not doubt, because he who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. 7 That man should not think he will receive anything from the Lord;

This verse is not connected to verse 5, except that both are about prayer. Verse 6 is another command, not a modifier of how verse 5 works.

...doubt...

διακρινόμενος [di-a-kri-NAW-me-naws] to doubt, to distinguish, to judge

Q: How far is it from doubt to disbelief?

It depends on what I assume, and my actions that follow. If I'm not sure that I am really saved, I can act obediently as though I am. Or I can throw up my hands and fail to obey.

James 2:19 demons believe, and shudder (but they do not obey)

James paints a picture of instability in two dimensions:

• Blown horizontal, yaw

• Tossed vertical, pitch

...double-minded...

δίψυχος [DI-psu-chos] two-souled, of two minds, wavering

He wants God's will, but also his own contradictory will. This is the formula for every temptation. Look at both Eve's (Genesis 3:6) and Jesus' temptations in Matthew 4. Am I going to do what God says, or what feels good to me?

Divided loyalty makes one impotent. You can't follow both ends of a compass needle at once. (Matthew 6:24)

That is why the prayer that never fails is, "Thy will be done."

8 he is a double-minded man, unstable in all he does.

...double-minded... δίψυχος [DI-psu-chos] two-souled, of two minds, wavering

"Give me a one-handed economist." --Harry Truman

He wants God's will, but also his own contradictory will. This is the formula for every temptation. Look


at both Eve's (Genesis 3:6) and Jesus' temptations in Matthew 4. Am I going to do what God says, or what feels good to me?

Deuteronomy 6:5 Love YHWH with ALL your heart...

Divided loyalty makes one impotent. You can't follow both ends of a compass needle at once. (Matthew 6:24)

That is why the prayer that never fails is, "Thy will be done."

Q: Who defines God's will for you?

Beware any teacher who says, "Trust me. I will define God's will for you." That will result in another Jim Jones and People's Temple disaster.

Instead, spend much time in the Word, listening for God to spell it out for you. Only listen to men who have your best interests at heart, working toward your success.

9 The brother in humble circumstances ought to take pride in his high position. 10

...high...low...

Q: Relative to what?

A: Relative to God. Show neighborly love to each other.

A group of neighborhood kids organized themselves into a club. Their first rule: "Nobody act big; nobody act small. Everybody just act medium."

You get to play a temporary game called "life" that has eternal stakes. Don't lose your perspective and begin to think that this life is the whole game. Would you give up your soul to gain Monopoly money?

10 But the one who is rich should take pride in his low position, because he will pass away like a wild flower. 11 For the sun rises with scorching heat and withers the plant; its blossom falls and its beauty is destroyed. In the same way, the rich man will fade away even while he goes about his business.

12 Blessed is the man who

Crown [στέφανος, stephanos]

Q: There are two kinds of crowns in the Bible. What is the difference?

The royal crown is a diadem [διαδημος, diademos], the stephanos (that which wraps around) was a temporary crown, awarded for victory.

An exception was the crown of thorns that the Roman soldiers put on Jesus to mock him.

Matthew 27:29

Mark 15:17

John 19:2, 5

Nowhere in the Gospels is there any other mention of στεφανος.

1 Corinthians 9:25 in the games...to get a crown

Philippians 4:1 [Paul's] joy and crown

1 Thessalonians 2:19 the crown in which we glory

2 Timothy 4:8 the crown of righteousness

James 1:12 stood the test...the crown of life (not βιος physical life, but ζωης eternal life)

Revelation 2:10 be faithful...I will give you the crown of life


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perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him.

Revelation 3:11 let no one take your crown

Revelation 4:4 the elders had crowns of gold

Revelation 6:2 the rider of the white horse was given a crown

Revelation 9:7 the locusts had something like crowns of gold

Revelation 12:1 the woman had a crown of twelve stars

Revelation 14:14 the son of man with a crown of gold

Testing vs tempting (πειραζω) ==> genuine (δοκιμος)

...blessed is the man...

James 1:12 echoes the Beatitudes of Matthew 5 and Psalm 1. James is urging us to take the long view from the tests of this life toward the rewards of the next. Yes, it will be worth it.

Q: Is this a wish, or a judgment?

...tested...

test, try, prove, tempt, assay, put to the proof, put to the test (nāsâ) ָנָסה

ἐπείραζεν [e-PAY-rad-zen] was testing, was tempting

Q: So which way should this be translated: Tempt, or test?

James 1:13 nor does [God] tempt anyone

Genesis 22:1 God "tested" Abraham. (Same Greek word: πειραζω)

Job 1:12 God allowed Satan to tempt Job.

Deuteronomy 8:2 God tested Israel 40 years in the wilderness

Psalm 26:2 Test me, O Lord.

Genesis (LXX) and James use the same verb. The difference between understanding it to mean "tempt" (destroy) and "test" (discipline, strengthen) is intent. Satan tempts us to destroy us; God tests us to build us up. Abraham was expected to pass the test; we will see that he did. Each event is like a coin with two sides. There is temptation in every test, and vice versa. It's like looking through a telescope through one end, then the other; the same scene looks entirely different.

It appears that Abraham failed the previous test concerning Ishmael, so God set up a makeup exam.

The Ishmael test risked the child's life; the Akeidah carried even greater risk to the child.

Q: How often has God tested men's faith?

Genesis 22:1 God tested Abraham

Exodus 20:20 God tested Israel

1 Chronicles 29:17 God tested David

Psalm 139:23 David invited God's testing








James 1:3 testing of your faith develops patience

James 1:12 Blessed when you pass God's test

Why would God test us, or allow Satan to tempt us?

We are fickle. God never misses a chance to see if we still trust Him.

Passing God's test proves that we are genuine: (δοκιμος, dokimos)

1 Corinthians 11:19 Differences show who is genuine.

2 Corinthians 10:18 We don{t get to announce that we are genuine.

2 Corinthians 13:7 People might see that we passed the test.

2 Timothy 2:15 Do your best to present yourself to God as approved.

James 1:12 Passing the test ==> crown of life from God.

In Jesus' time, pottery that survived baking in the kiln without cracking was stamped "dokimos"--tested, genuine.

13 When tempted, no one should say, “God is tempting me.” For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone;

...God is tempting me...

Q: Who did Adam blame? (Eve)

Who did Eve blame? (the snake)

The snake did not get to speak, but if he had, who would he have blamed?

God. "You made me this way. I was only following my instinct."

Every temptation we face is a choice between our instinct (what I want to do), versus what God said to do.

Q: Has God ever said to do something that was not good for us? (No)

Q: Have our instincts ever led us toward something that was bad for us? (Often)

So who do we blame? ("My accountability group hasn't called me in a week.")

Q: What is the difference between a test by God and a temptation by Satan?

A: God expects us to pass every test, but Satan is hoping that we will be destroyed by failing to withstand a temptation. Each of these events can be both a test and a temptation at the same time, depending on your perspective. God expects you to pass it, and Satan hopes you fail.

Similarly, discipline is intended to make you stronger, but punishment is intended to destroy you.14 but each one is tempted when, by his own evil desire, he is dragged away and enticed.

...his own evil desire...

This is a description of our instinct.

1 John 2:16 Satan's treblehook.

...enticed...

This is Satan's worm on the treblehook, covering one of the three barbs. The "worm" that Satan uses for you might be a hundred-dollar bill (See the "Monopoly?"), or maybe something illegal. Every bait


that Satan dangles in front of us is designed to look like more fun that what God says.

15 Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death.

...desire has conceived...

The cure is to turn tail and swim away. Put some distance (physical or metaphorical) between yourself and the desire.

2 Timothy 2:22 Flee youthful desires.

16 Don’t be deceived, my dear brothers.

...don't be deceived...

Like Adam and Eve were. And like every one of us has been, from time to time. Recognize Satan's bait so you can swim away. Don't nibble. If you bite, it is guaranteed not to work out, not in this world, and it can keep you out of heaven.

17 Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the [heavenly] lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.

Father of the [heavenly] lights...good and perfect gift...τέλειον [teleion] complete, having reached its end, matureGod gives us gifts, not temptations. They are perfect in the sense of complete, same as our goal in verse 4.

...Father of the [heavenly] lights...Q: What lights?NIV suggests that lights in the heavens are what James meant.Genesis 1:14-18 Creation of the heavenly lights, to mark seasons and passage of timePsalm 136:7-9 Psalm 148:1-5

...Father...who does not change like shifting...παραλλαγὴ [parallagē] changeτροπῆς [tropēs] turning

18 He chose to give us birth through the word of truth, that we might be a kind of firstfruits of all he created.

...us...

Q: Who is "us?"

A: May I suggest that it is all Israel, the addressee in verse 1?

...through...

In the sense of "by means of."

...firstfruits...

Q: If so, what would "firstfruits" mean?

A: Firstfruits were the first omer of barley brought to God as a sacrifice on Pentecost to show Israel's trust that God would grant them the rest of the harvest. Messianic Jews would correspondingly show God's grace to the rest of humanity. God blesses the rest of us in response.


19 My dear brothers, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry

Q: How have you learned to control your temper?

Humility is a good thing. God can only speak to humble listeners. If you want to hear from God, be willing to have your opinions challenged.

You learn through your ears, not your mouth.

--Navajo proverb

20 for man’s anger does not bring about the righteous life that God desires.

...man's anger...This is most often fueled by ego, the pride of life.Q: What is “the righteous life that God desires?”See verse 27 for an example.

21 Therefore, get rid of all moral filth and the evil that is so prevalent and humbly accept the word planted in you, which can save you.

...moral filth...

ῥυπαρίαν [hru-pa-RI-an] dirtiness, filthiness, "wax in the ears"

If we don't listen, we won't hear when God speaks.

...which can save...δυνάμενον σῶσαι [du-NA-me-non Sō-sai] one being able, have power to deliver.Wait a minute! James just called them "my dear brothers" in verse 19. Why is he now talking about their salvation?Yes, they were in God's family ever since their conversion, but they arrived in the Kingdom carrying the same sinful habits. We were not miraculously transformed at the baptistry. Jesus accepted me "Just As I Am," but I must afterward allow God to clean up my dirty ways. God's scrub brush can be painful at times. Over half a century later, I am not the eleven-year-old kid who submitted to baptism to wash away my sins, and then kept right on committing the same ones.James is talking about the difference between salvation and sanctification. This is another case of "already, but not yet."

22 Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.

Q: Can we be deceived by the gospel? Where did we get the idea that you could decide whether to do what God said if it pleases us?

God speaks to those who have already decided to say, "Aye aye, Captain."

Exodus 24:7 "we will obey" is literally, "we will hear" [shema]

Deuteronomy 6:4 "Hear [shema] O Israel..." (The most-often quoted verse by Jews.)

Q: Is it possible to be so focused on the words of the Bible that we miss the point?

The greatest dictionary of Biblical Greek was produced by Gerhard Kittel, an enthusiastic Nazi and anti-Semite. He produced propaganda for the Third Reich posing as scholarship. More than any other Christian, he contributed to mass murder of Jews by Nazis.

--Wikipedia

Q: Which voice are you listening to?

Satan is a liar and wants to distract and mislead you. Make sure you are listening to God's voice by staying in the word. Compare all "nudges" to scripture.



• The voice of the Lord will encourage my spirit. Acts 18:10 Paul was urged to stay in Corinth.Micah 5:8 It’s more than right knowledge; it’s about right action.

• The voice of the Lord will change my character.

I must know the difference between the accusing voice of the Enemy (who wants to destroy me) versus the voice of God (who loves me, and points me toward change). You can't let God down; you are not holding Him up.

• The voice of the Lord will challenge my comfort zone.Satan always leans toward safety and security. God tells His followers to take holy risks. Acts 21:10 Paul ignored the prophecy of Agabus, even unto death.

23 Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like a man who looks at his face in a mirror 24 and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like.

...but does not do it...

It's the trying that counts, not whether we succeed or not. A random number will succeed. What counts is the valor with which we try.

...forgets what he looks like...

Wife: Do you have a good memory for faces?

Hubby: I suppose so. Why?

Wife: I just broke your shaving mirror.

25 But the man who looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues to do this, not forgetting what he has heard, but doing it—he will be blessed in what he does.

Q: How should you handle situations where someone tells you they heard a message from God--for you?

A: Get your hearing tested. Where did the message originate?

1 Thessalonians 5:21 Test everything; hold onto what is good. Do not treat prophecy with contempt.

Paul is talking about a message to you through someone else.

"God told me to tell you..." followed by his agenda is the ultimate form of bullying. This is one way to use God's name in vain.

Because "prophecy" can be abused, some churches have forbidden prophecy entirely. ("Word only")

Never correct abuse by commanding disuse, but by teaching proper use. (Example: Dancing is not always sinful.)

--Rick Atchley

Give God a chance, but don't leave it to chance. Test all prophecy against scripture. Hearing test:

• Does the prophecy agree with scripture?

• Does the prophecy lift up the Lord Jesus Christ?

• Does the prophecy hold up the gospel of grace?(Any kind of slavery is a bad thing.)


• Does the prophecy show up in the speaker's life?(False prophets bear bad fruit in their lives.)

• Does the prophecy build up the body of Christ?

(The proper use of prophecy always creates better disciples.)

See also notes at Psalm 22:1.

26 If anyone considers himself religious and yet does not keep a tight rein on his tongue, he deceives himself and his religion is worthless.

...religious...

θρησκὸς [thrays-KOS] pious, religious (outwardly), one who observes the cultus exterior

Q: How do our tongues tell everyone whether our religion is worthless or pure?

The native tongue of the church is gossip. --Bill Mounce

The lack of a tight rein on his tongue shows James's emphasis--lack of proper control. Gossip is the most destructive sin in the church. It makes the person's outward religion worthless. Can you say, "Hypocrite" boys and girls?


27 Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.

...orphans and widows...

Q: Where might James have gotten the idea to emphasize support for orphans and widows?

Exodus 22:22

Deuteronomy 10:18

Deuteronomy 14:29

Deuteronomy 16:11, 14

Deuteronomy 24:17-21

Deuteronomy 26:12-13

Deuteronomy 27:19

Job 22:9

Job 24:3

Psalm 68:5

Psalm 94:6

Psalm 109 9

Psalm 146:9

Isaiah 1:17, 23

Isaiah 9:17

Isaiah 10:2

Jeremiah 7:6

Jeremiah 22:3

Lamentations 5:3

Ezekiel 22:7

Zechariah 7:10

Malachi 3:5

Just look at that bandwidth! God kept emphasizing the topic over the centuries, so it remains important for us today.

In Acts 6, contrast "overlook" in verse 1 with "choose" (watch over) in verse 3.

Widows and orphans today are still being overlooked instead of being watched over.


...to look after...

ἐπισκέπτεσθαι [e-pi-SKEP-to-mai] to look on, to inspect, by extension, to visit

This compound Greek word is επι ("over") plus σκοπ (see, watch, look). The "visual" verb makes all the difference in its meaning.

1. "Oversee" (The noun form sometimes translated "Bishop") would mean someone who exercises authority over another. Jesus specifically forbade this in Luke 22:24-27.

2. "Overlook" in English would equal "ignore."

3. "Watch over" implies responsibility and agapic love. This option has the added attraction of agreeing with the other two words for this role: "shepherd" or "elder."

Recall that Mary's husband Joseph disappears from scripture with no explanation. (The gospels are about Jesus, not the rest of his family.) We do not know how soon this happened after the birth of the rest of Mary's children.

One has to wonder — if it is true that James is the brother of Jesus, and thus Mary’s son — if these words express a bitter reality James knew: his mother and his siblings all knew poverty and came to believe that genuine religion means taking care of people like them.

--Scot McKnight

This might explain why Jesus put his mother into the care of John (John 19:27), who might be better able to afford to take care of her needs. Remember that John was well-placed politically. (John 18:15)

...polluted by the world...

For instance, we are careful to teach our children not to say, "Heck." (Heck is where people go who disbelieve Gosh.)

...God [our] Father...

θεῷ καὶ πατρὶ [the-O kai pa-TRI] God and father

A hendiadiadys: "Father God"

Matthew 25:43 you looked after me Acts 7:23 (Moses) visited

Luke 1:68 he has come (visited) Acts 15:14 (God) showed concern

Luke 1:78 will come (to visit) Acts 15:36 visit (the brethren)

Luke 7:16 has come to help Hebrews 2:6 you care for

Acts 6:3 choose (deacons) James 1:27 look after (orphans)


James 2 Notes2 My brothers, as believers in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ, don’t show favoritism

Q: Would you like it if Jesus had his arbitrary favorites, and you were not included?

Q: How can you avoid jealous comparisons (Genesis 4)

Q: Have you ever been excluded because of your:

• Social status?

• Economic status?

• Ethnic group?

• Education?

• Language?

Q: James is writing to an economically-distressed community. Why would favoritism be a problem in this setting?

...believers...favoritism...

Our faith should keep our connections with other people from being tainted by prejudice.

Leviticus 19:15 Do not prefer the poor over the mighty, or vice versa

Deuteronomy 1:17 Righteous judgment is impartial

Acts 10:34 God is no respecter of persons

Romans 2:11 No respect of persons with God

Colossians 3:25 No respect of persons2 Suppose a man comes into your meeting wearing a gold ring and fine clothes, and a poor man in shabby clothes also comes in.

This is an obvious example of favoritism, based on prosperity. Other examples of such evil thoughts are more subtle and sinister:

• Ethnic or racial

• Education

• Social status (beauty, bucks or brains)

Such bias can work in either direction. Instead, Christians ought to love everyone and strive to help them, but impartially.

...meeting...

συναγωγὴν [su-na-go-GAYN] synagogue, a bringing together, by extension, an assembling, hence a synagogue

James is writing to Jews, remember?3 If you show special attention to the man wearing fine clothes and say, “Here’s a good seat

...at my feet...ὑποπόδιόν [hupopodion] footstoolThis is not a place of honor, but of subjection. It is certainly no way to make a visiting stranger feel welcome. But such an "invitation" is a message to a person of low status. We don't welcome your kind.


for you,” but say to the poor man, “You stand there” or “Sit on the floor by my feet,

Years ago a woman came to worship with us wearing what were probably her best clothes. They were, um, revealing. After church, one of the elders offered her a ride home. During that ride, Sister Elder lectured the woman on proper attire. Guess what? We never saw that woman again.

Psalm 110:1 make your enemies a footstool for your feetQuoted or alluded to at:

Hebrews 1:13 Hebrews 10:13 Acts 2:35 Luke 20:43

4 have you not discriminated among yourselves and become judges with evil thoughts?

Q: What reasons does James give for opposing favoritism in verses 4-13?Does it depend on their ability to do something for us?Luke 6:31-34 Even the Mafia returns favors. Does that make them noble?Leviticus 19:15 do not show partiality to the poor or favoritism to the greatIf James father Joseph died early, leaving Mary with a flock of children, James likely grew up in a very poor home, which might make him especially sensitive to such insults.ac

5 Listen, my dear brothers: Has not God chosen those who are poor in the eyes of the world to be rich in faith and to inherit the kingdom he promised those who love him?

Q: Why would the "winners" as the world sees them be less interested in Jesus?

1 Corinthians 1:26 not many wise, mighty, noble...

1 Timothy 6:17-19 orders for rich people

If they see themselves as winners, they are less likely to see any need for God to bless them. Affluenza. An exception was Nicodemus:

John 3 Sneaked out to talk to Jesus

John 7:50 Argued in favor of releasing Jesus

John 19:39 Helped bury Jesus' body

Poor folks are more likely to seek Jesus:

• They have nothing to lose in this world.

• "Have-nots" are always willing to "share" with those who have.

• They are aware of their desperate need (Matthew 5:3)

But have you ever met a homeless elder, or even a poor one? --Dusty Rush6 But you have insulted the poor. Is it not the rich who are exploiting you? Are they not the ones who are dragging you into court?

If you are tempted to suck up to the rich, famous, or powerful, remember that they are the most likely to persecute you.

In those days, Sadducees were mighty, noble, and rich. Look how that worked out:

John 11:49-51 The High Priest urged Jesus' death.

Acts 9: 2 Paul took arrest warrants against Christians

Acts 26:11 And punished Christians in other ways

Q: Would you rather participate in outreach to people who live under the Ninth Street Page of 47 November 7, 2017.


https://ref.ly/logosref/bible$2Bniv.63.6.31-63.6.34






bridge, or to Del Rio Country Club? Recovering alcoholics, or investment bankers?

Q: Which outreach would be more successful in the number of souls saved?

...court...

κριτήρια [kri-TAY-ri-a] judge a law court in a synagogue

Acts 26:11 Paul dragged Christians into synagogue courts.

In Corinth the proconsul Gallio (Acts 18:14-16) remands Paul’s accusers to the Jewish tribunal to try him there if he has been guilty of an infraction of Jewish law. Rich and powerful Jews in the Diaspora were thus able to maltreat poor Jews and especially Christian Jews by dragging them before their synagogue κριτήρια, courts or judgment seats.

--RCHLenski7 Are they not the ones who are slandering the noble name of him to whom you belong?

Q: Who in our church has the highest status? (name names)

Q: By what standard are they measured?

Q: What can we do to raise up the status of our dalits?

(Dalits are the "untouchables" of India.)

...they are slandering...

βλασφημοῦσιν [blas-fay-MOU-sin] blaspheme, insult, slander, hence to speak lightly or profanely of sacred things

Acts 26:11 James agrees with Paul about what Jews expected messianic Christians to do.

“That which is said in the law: ‘Cursed is everyone that hangeth on a tree,’ confirms our hope which is hung upon the crucified Christ, not as if God were cursing that crucified One, but because God foretold that which would be done by all of you (Jews) and those like you.… And you may see with your eyes this very thing coming to pass; for in your synagogues you curse all those who from him have become Christians”

--Justin Martyr, Trypho, XCVI8 If you really keep the royal law found in Scripture, “Love your neighbor as yourself,” you are doing right. 9 But if you show favoritism, you sin and are convicted by the law as lawbreakers.

...royal law...

There are two ways James could have stated this:

• Law of the Lord

• Law of the king

Q: What would be the difference in meaning?

"King" would seem to me to be more detached, impersonal, and aimed at justice, to my way of thinking. "Lord" would seem more relational to me.

(βασιλικον ("king") was the one James chose.)

...love your neighbor...


Leviticus 19:18

Matthew 22:39

Hillel: "...the rest is commentary."

Breaking this law is like sticking a pin in one part of a baloon; the whole thing explodes.

--Lawrence O. Richards

Q: What are the consequences of breaking this law?

• Between us and our neighbor?

• Between us and God?

______________________________

Love your neighbor...you have heard...hate your enemy...The Bible does not say that, but the Essenes who wrote the Dead Sea Scrolls did. The Rule of the Community does state: “You shall love all the sons of light . . . and hate all the sons of darkness” (1QS 1.9–11).Psalm 97:10 Love YHWH, hate evil.

...love your neighbor...LXX translated these Hebrew consonants two different ways:ע .friend, neighbor, companion, another person (rēaʿ) ֵרַπλησιον [PLAY-si-on] neighbor (Leviticus 19:18) .evil, bad [one] (raʿ) ַרעπονηρα [po-nay-RA] evil, enemy, porn

Jesus wanted the lawyer (Luke 10:26) to re-read the command and see that the ambiguity included both neighbor and enemy. (He did not see, or would not admit, that the ambiguity existed.) In the Lawyer's defense, the whole verse of Leviticus 19:18 reads: “ ‘Do not seek revenge or bear a grudge against one of your people, but love your neighbor as yourself. I am the Lord. "One of your people" gives the Lawyer room to ask his question, "Who is my neighbor?"

Loving my neighbor is easy if he is just like me. But what if he is not? Then what? (Jesus showed this in the parable of the Good Samaritan, Luke 10.)

Notice that there are never any qualifiers on the command.This is especially difficult if I suffer from plank-eye. Will I use it to build a wall, or a bridge?

Even though Peter confidently proclaimed (Acts 2:39) that everyone could be saved, when it came to making it happen (Acts 10:1), Peter was a deeply prejudiced and self-righteous guy. Up until then, Peter had felt comfortable.

Church leaders have to resign for sexual or financial sins. Have you ever heard of a church leader resigning for a lack of love? No whispers or gossip about this moral failure.








Survey of 1000 churches: "What is the primary purpose of the church?"

89% My needs and the needs of my family80% of all US churches are plateaued or declining4000 churches in USA will close each year.

--Gene Appel

What are my relationship boundaries?Leviticus 19:34 Love the stranger as yourselfInside my boundaries I am:

Helpful Jump in when my neighbor needs help? Kind Share what I have? Protective Watch out for my neighbor’s interests? Identify Never treat my neighbor as Other? (“Not me”)

Who is outside my relationship boundary?

Culture People who don’t get my jokes Food People who don’t like my food (Chitlins? Blood sausage?) Race People who don’t look like me Language People who don’t talk like me Religion People who understand the Bible differently

In our low-information world, if you mention “Samaritan,” someone is likely to respond, “Oh yes, the good guys.”

10 For whoever keeps the whole law and yet stumbles at just one point is guilty of breaking all of it

If a batch of brownies has the smallest amount of the ingredient scooped up at the dog park, the whole batch is rejected, even if there’s not enough to taste it.

Similarly, the slightest violation of God's law makes us unfit for heaven. Except for God's grace, none of us would ever enter the Pearly Gates. Grace is the product of relationship, not law.

11 For he who said, “Do not commit adultery,” also said, “Do not murder.” If you do not commit adultery but do commit murder, you have become a lawbreaker.

...adultery...

Exodus 20:14

Deuteronomy 5:18

...murder...

Exodus 20:13

Deuteronomy 5:17

You do not need to touch a high voltage wire at many places to get electrocuted. You are dead after the first touch.

Joke: Moses carried stone tablets down Mount Sinai and said, "I argued Him down to ten, but adultery is still on the list."

12 Speak and act as those who are going to be judged by the law that

Q: How do you drive when a policeman is right behind your car?



gives freedom,13 because judgment without mercy will be shown to anyone who has not been merciful. Mercy triumphs over judgment!

...judgment...mercy...

Q: Do you want God to give you justice?

No? Then show mercy to others.

Hosea 6:6 God desires mercy more than sacrifice

Matthew 6:14 God forgives you if you forgive others

Matthew 9:13 Jesus quotes Hosea

Matthew 12:7 Jesus quotes Hosea, again

1 Peter 3:7 If you abuse others (especially your spouse), God does not hear your prayers.

Matthew 25:34 Sheep showed mercy, goats did not.

...mercy triumphs over judgment...

1 Corinthians 13:13 ...faith, hope, and love; but the greatest is love.

Love is even greater than faith.14 What good is it, my brothers, if a man claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save him?

This paragraph was misunderstood by Martin Luther to contradict Paul, who said that our works cannot save us. (Romans 3:27, 9:32) Luther claimed that we are saved by faith alone. James said faith without works is dead, being alone. (KJV)

Q: So which is it?

Both, depending on what you include in your definition of faith.

Loyal faith saves, works confirm our allegiance.

Matthew 7:16-20 A tree and its fruits

The root produces the fruit, which we can see. God knows the root, which we cannot see. God knows who has faith and does not. We can see who has faith when we see that person's obedience, as James illustrates in the following verses.

...can such faith [without deeds] save him?

The expected answer is, "No."

Q: Yet have you ever heard a suggestion from any pulpit that church attendance (alone) is insufficient for salvation?

15 Suppose a brother or sister is without clothes and daily food. 16 If one of you says to him, “Go, I wish you well; keep warm and well fed,” but does nothing about his physical needs, what good is it?

...keep warm...

Q: What good does saying “good luck” to someone do?

In other words, let someone else keep you warm and fed. I will not help you. The implication is that I have food, but refuse to share--able, but unwilling.

Q: Why do you think James is concentrating on how Christians deal with poor folks? What is he trying to fix?

Possessions?


Money? Status? Control?

Notice that helping the poor is the opposite of karma, which teaches that the poor deserve what they don't have.

17 In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.

...faith without works...

The unwillingness (not to be confused with inability) to act proves that the claim to have faith is false. God does not expect from us what he has not already given to us to share. This is clearer if you read, "Loyalty without works..."

Theologians define faith this way:

• Fides generalis

General belief that God exists

• Fides historica

Agrees with gospel history and biblical facts

• Fides dogmatica

Intellectual agreement with doctrines, and wants to argue about them

• Fides divina

Saving faith, which saves before it ever does a single work, saves by embracing Christ and reveals itself by producing love and works of love, which, wherever they appear, show that real, saving faith is present. It is also the faith that stands trials (James 1:12, etc.) and overcomes temptation (1:2, etc.). Note also “faith” in 1:3, 6; 2:1.

Combine Ephesians 2:8 and James 2:17. Hereʼs what you get:

"For by grace you are saved through faith without works is dead." You canʼt eliminate “faith” from the statement because it produces a contradiction (“for by grace you are saved through works”). But if you took away “without works” faith is dead. Itʼs really not complicated. Ιtʼs just that our emotions get in the way of clear theology.

The key idea: Works are therefore necessary for salvation, but they are NOT the meritorious CAUSE of salvation.

Salvation is by faith, not by works. Works contribute nothing as the cause or means of salvation. Zero. But works validate that faith is real -- and it is faith that saves.

--Michael Heiser

You may have heard the fascinating story of the French acrobat Charles Blondin, whose spectacular feats in the mid-1800s captured global attention. In August of 1860 he crossed Niagara Falls on a tightrope 1,100 feet long strung 160 feet above the water. Then he pushed a wheelbarrow across. Ignoring protests from the Prince of Wales, he carried his agent on his back all the way across and then back again.




Then he turned to the crowd and asked, “Do you believe I could do that with you?”

“Of course,” responded a man. “I’ve just seen you do it.”

“Well, hop in,” said Blondin, “and I’ll take you across.”

The man had no intention of following through on his affirmation. The crowd had a good laugh from a display of words without faith.

--Thomas Lea

Q: Do you have enough faith to get into God’s wheelbarrow?18 But someone will

say, “You have faith; I have deeds.”

Show me your faith without deeds, and I will show you my faith by what I do.

Q: To whom do works prove that a person has faith?

A: To other people. (God already knows. Romans 4:9) James is not comparing faith to works, but compares two kinds of "faith." We see only the fruit, God sees the root.

Q: Would you want to risk your salvation on God's knowing your heart, if you are unwilling (unable is different) to obey God?

Q: Can there be works without faith?

Yes, but it does no good.

Romans 9:32 Jews who wanted to earn salvation failed.

Matthew 7:21-23 Works without a relationship to Jesus will not save you.19 You believe that there is one God. Good! Even the demons believe [that]—and shudder.

"eternal" securityJust as Israelite branches were broken off, so can Gentile branches. (This is about individuals, not denominations.)Faith is absolutely required. Unbelievers cannot be in heaven. God will not make any mistakes.Faith ==> obedienceMatthew 10:32-33 Confess or deny, it's your choice.James 2:19 Demons believe, but don't obey.The words of the "sinner's prayer" are not a magic incantation to save you in the absence of faith.You can start believing; you can stop believing. It's your decision.Not all sin is apostasy; doubt is not unbelief.

That which cannot be gained by moral perfection [merit] can't be lost by moral imperfection. The issue is believing. You must believe, and we all know of believers who professed to believe, but who have abandoned their faith.

Hebrews 6: 4-6 therefore isn’t saying it’s impossible for the apostate to come back to belief. It’s telling us that those who turn their back on the gospel have no other hope— there is nothing else [no Plan B] that can bring salvation.

--Michael Heiser

...one God...

Allusion to Deuteronomy 6:4 YHWH is echad





...demons believe...

"You hold the same beliefs as demons? Good job! Have a cookie."

So demons have faith, but it is not saving faith. There are three parts to saving faith:

• Content (notitia):

Demons believe that God exists, and is the Most High Gjod. They are spirit beings, and can actually see Him. We cannot.

• Assent (assensus):

Demons believe that what God says is true. Satan has an absolutely correct understanding of who God is. Demons admit that they are doomed to eternal punishment, and shudder in dread.

• Surrender (fiducia):

This is the part that Satan and his demons lack. Intellectual agreement is not saving faith; obedience is. We must do this daily (Luke 9:23) and act upon our faith, even to the point of death.

--Philip Melanchthon, Commonplaces

Demons are not loyal to Him. They reject any relationship with him and certainly are unwilling to obey.

Romans 1:5, 16:26 both speak of the obedience of faith, emphasizing and explaining "surrender." Demons would never give allegiance to God.

Galatians 6:2 illustrates the same: Bear one another's burdens.

“The Devil has more knowledge [of God] than any of us, but is no better for it.”

--J. C. Ryle

...shudder...

The demons react, but only partly. Remorse (worldly sorrow at being found out 2 Corinthians 7:10) is not the same as repentance (returning to God for relationship, cleansing and forgiveness). They are frightened because they know that God is one, (Deuteronomy 6:4) and that they are under judgment (Psalm 82:1).

Q: Is it possible for demons to be saved?

In theory, yes they may. Scholars are divided as to whether they are can, or not. (No effect on Christians either way.)

20 You foolish man, do you want evidence that faith without deeds is useless?

...O foolish man...κενέ [kene] emptyJames does not use the word that Jesus condemned at Matthew 5:22--μωρἐ [mow-RAY] "moron." The original meaning of "silly" would fit James's intent.

Examples of deeds because of faith: (Can you agree with a straight face?)



Regular Bible study is important. As a result, I continue to rethink what I believe. I pray daily (not just during emergencies). I tell others about Jesus, especially what Jesus has done for me.

(This describes a witness, not a teacher. See James 3:1) I give sacrificially to support the Lord's work. My life continues to be transformed.

Notice that none of these statements are about earning salvation, but responding to it.21 Was not our ancestor Abraham considered righteous for what he did when he offered his son Isaac on the altar?

...Abraham...

We know that Abraham was righteous because of what he did. (Genesis 22)

God knew that Abraham was righteous (Genesis 15:6) even before Abraham acted in faith. (Romans 4)

Far from being weighed against Paul and found wanting, James gives us a canonical perspective from which we can ask if we are reading Paul appropriately.

--Peter H. Davids22 You see that his faith and his actions were working together, and his faith was made complete by what he did.

Here is James's key thought: Oneness, with no conflicts.

Abraham had integrity, most of the time.

23 And the scripture was fulfilled that says, “Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness,” and he was called God’s friend.

...Abraham believed God...

Genesis 15:6 The original statement

Romans 4:3, 9 Paul quotes the same verse (twice)

James was emphasizing Abraham's surrender, and Paul was emphasizing Abraham's trust in God.

God knows who really has faith, but we do not. A person's deeds show us that the person's faith is real.

Romans looks at the root of faith. James looks at the fruit.

James is against faith only. Paul is against works only.24 You see that a person is justified by what he does and not by faith alone.

Q: How can these two verses be harmonized?Romans 3:28 justified by faith apart from observing the lawJames 2:24 justified by what he does and not by faith aloneRomans is from God's perspective. God knows the hearts of men. James is from man's perspective. We can only observe works that come from faith.______________

...justify through faith...If salvation is all the gospel is about, then Jesus did not preach it, even though he taught justification (Luke 18:4). Instead, the good news is a life-long relationship as a disciple that transforms the faithful believer.Early debates about justification/salvation were about Law vs. Gospel. Reformation debates were about Law vs. Grace.






Does the Bible say we are saved:

By works alone?By faith alone?By grace alone?By our loyal allegiance alone? By some combination of these choices?

John 1:17 Torah came through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ.Our membership on the Jesus Team has to be more than mere mental assent.See James 2:19. See also: Scot McKnight, The King Jesus GospelSee also: Matthew Bates, Salvation by Allegiance Alone

25 In the same way, was not even Rahab the prostitute considered righteous for what she did when she gave lodging to the spies and sent them off in a different direction?

...prostitute...commit fornication, be a harlot, play the harlot (zānâ) ָזָנהQ: Was Rahab a good woman?Prudish Christians are unwilling to let the Bible mean what it says. God rewards loyalty wherever He finds it, even for the rest of us sinners.

Rahab, who hid the spies sent by Joshua, is called by this term. The contention that she was merely an innkeeper is based on finding the root of this participal in zûn “to feed,” rather than zānâ; but for this little evidence exists.

--TWOTHebrews 11:31 By faith Rahab the prostitute...

...spies...

ἀγγέλους [an-GE-lous] messengers, angels

Here are human messengers who were described as "angels."

James 2:25 spies (sent into Jericho by Joshua)

Luke 7:24 messengers (sent to Jesus by John the Baptist)

Luke 7:27 messenger (Malachi 3:1's prophecy about John the Baptist)

Matthew 11:10 messenger

Mark 1.2 messenger26 As the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without deeds is dead.

...body without the spirit is dead...

Never the other way around.

Also: Deeds without relationship to Christ is dead (Matthew 7:21)




James 3 Notes3 Not many of you should presume to be teachers, my brothers, because you know that we who teach will be judged more strictly.

James now expands "slow to speak" from verse 19.

...not many...teachers...

The church has a problem if everybody wants to lead the church. The physical body has two ears, but only one mouth. Everybody wants to be the mouth.

Romans 12:4-8 One body, many members

1 Corinthians 12:8-11 One Spirit, many gifts

Ephesians 4:11 One Lord, many tasks

It is a different problem if nobody wants to lead. Then wolves enter in and ravage the church. (Acts 20:29)

Q: What would motivate anyone to become a teacher?

• Prestige

Matthew 23:9 call no man "father"

• Money

2 Corinthians 12:17-18 Neither Paul nor Timothy profited

1 Timothy 6:5 think that godliness ==> financial gain

...we who teach...

James pointed to, and included, himself.

...judged more strictly...

Q: Why do school bus drivers take a harder driving test?

More responsibility. If you choose to believe a lie (2 Thessalonians 2:11 ), you are free to do so. But God will not be gentle with you if you lead others off a theological cliff.

Matthew 12:36 We will be judged for every word

Matthew 23:1-33 Evil teachers will be judged more severely

Mark 12:40 Evil teachers will be judged more severely

Luke 20:47 Evil teachers will be judged more severely.

1 Corinthians 9:27 Even Paul's teaching would be judged.

Revelation 2-3 Warnings to leaders of seven churches2 We all stumble in many ways. If anyone is never at fault in what he says, he is a perfect man, able to keep his whole body

...stumble...

πταίομεν [PTAI-o-men] to cause to stumble, to stumble

πταίει [PTAI-ei] to cause to stumble, to stumble ("is at fault" NIV)

Q: What does a verbal “stumble” look like?


in check. As opposed to a fatal fall. Notice that the second usage of the word is restricted to what we say.

Psalm 141:3 As for the rest of us, even King David knew that he could not restrain his tongue by his own efforts.

James 1:26 Remember, an out-of-control tongue == worthless religion

Matthew 15:11 What comes out of a man makes him unclean.

3 When we put bits into the mouths of horses to make them obey us, we can turn the whole animal. 4 Or take ships as an example. Although they are so large and are driven by strong winds, they are steered by a very small rudder wherever the pilot wants to go.

Q: How does my tongue act like a rudder or a horse’s bit?

Horse bits and ship rudders have an effect much larger than their small size.

Since James was writing to exiles, he could have used the illustration of a hook in the nose to lead a captive.2 Kings 19:28 God threatened Hezekiah with a hook in his nose.Isaiah 37:29 (Another record of the same event)2 Chronicles 33:11 Hezekiah's son Manasseh was led away with a hook in his nose.Q: Have you ever wondered why dynamite comes in small packages?

5 Likewise the tongue is a small part of the body, but it makes great boasts. Consider what a great forest is set on fire by a small spark.

Q: How is my tongue like a loaded gun?A man's tongue is a tool, neither good nor bad. It can accomplish wonderful goals, or do great harm....great forest...

James is not speaking of a lone tree that would be destroyed by a fire, but a fire that would spread from tree to tree and destroy a whole forest. Bad teaching can wipe out a whole church. Even a split congregation is a terrible thing to watch.

6 The tongue also is a fire, a world of evil among the parts of the body. It corrupts the whole person, sets the whole course of his life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell.

If the power behind the tongue is evil, then the result is probably going to much greater evil.

...hell...

τῆς γεέννης [tays ge-EN-nays] Gehenna, the valley southwest of Jerusalem, also a symbolic name for the final place of punishment of the ungodly

Q: What did James mean by “hell”?

James did not use ἁδες (hades), which Jewish readers would understand to be the unseen place of the dead.

Gehenna / Hell / Topheth

...hell...

γέενναν [GE-en-nan] GehennaThe Valley of Ben Hinnom SW of Jerusalem, near the Potsherd Gate, was Jerusalem's city garbage dump. Trash was burning constantly there, and there was no shortage of maggots. It is a popular Jewish belief that the Final Judgment will occur there. (Danker, Greek-English Lexicon, page 191)Jesus spoke about Gehenna more often than anyone else.





Until the time of King Josiah, Molech was worshiped there. Babies were barbecued alive ("pass through the fire"). The unwanted babies resulted from the orgies that were also part of the worship....Topheth...ֶפת burning [topheth] ֹת֖"Topheth" comes from toph (drum), which was beaten loudly to drown the wails of the babies and their mothers. These places of child sacrifice to pagan gods were so horrible to Jews that when Jeremiah 7:32 is read, the word is vocalized as "bosheth" (shame).

2 Kings 23:10 Josiah defiled Topheth (the valley of Ben Hinnom) where babies were formerly sacrificed to Molech. 2 Chronicles 28:3 [King Ahaz] burned sacrifices in the Valley of Ben Hinnom and sacrificed his sons in the fire.2 Chronicles 33:6 [King Manasseh] sacrificed his sons in the fire in the Valley of Ben Hinnom.2 Chronicles 33:22 Amon offered sacrifices to all the idols Manasseh had made.Jeremiah 7:31 built the high places of Topheth in the Valley of Ben Hinnom, which I commanded them not.Jeremiah 7:32 shall no more be called Topheth, nor the valley of Ben Hinnom, but the valley of slaughter, for they shall bury in Topheth until there be no more place.Jeremiah 19:6 no more Topheth, nor Ben Hinnom, but the valley of slaughterJeremiah 32:35 valley of Ben Hinnom to pass sons through fire to Molech, which I commanded them not

At the beginning of the siege of Jerusalem in AD 67, the Jews had stored grain to last for years, but they fought among factions that burned each others' supplies, causing starvation. More Jews were killed by Jews than by Romans. They buried the bodies until there was no more space, then piled them in vacant houses. Bodies were thick in the street, and the Jews threw thousands upon thousands over the wall into the valley of Hinnom ("gehenna").

However, when Titus, in going his rounds along those valleys saw them full of dead bodies, and the thick putrefaction running about them, he gave a groan; and spreading out his hands to heaven, called God to witness that this was not his doing: and such was the sad case of the city itself.

--Josephus, Wars of the JewsOn an average day, 500 people tried to sneak out of Jerusalem. The Romans crucified them. Josephus's final total at the end of the siege was 97,000 captives and 1,100,000 dead. This number was made higher by the fact that the siege began at Passover, when myriads of unbelieving Jews attended Passover.

Compare Mark 9:43-48, which also describes the never-ending fire and maggots. This is no place you would want to visit, even briefly. ("Would you take out the garbage" could strike fear into anyone.)

The Jews thought that some life experiences were worse than Gehenna:

E. Three classes of person never see Gehenna: one who suffers the scourge of poverty, one who suffers intestinal ailments, and one who is subject to the government.

F. And some say, “One who has a bad wife.”








--Talmud (b. Erubin 4:1, I.1.E–F)

See also:Tartarus 2 Peter 2:4 The unseen place of the wicked deadGreat tribulation Matthew 24:21, Revelation 2:22, 7:14

7 All kinds of animals, birds, reptiles and creatures of the sea are being tamed and have been tamed by man, 8

but no man can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison.

Q: Can your tongue be domesticated?Man's tongue cannot be tamed. I know, because I have tried, and still catch myself wondering, "Where did that come from?"The worst kind of speech is slander (malicious lies, James 4:11-12 ).

9 With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in God’s likeness. 10 Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers, this should not be.

Q: What is the best solution so far:?Matthew 12:3 4 Out of the abundance of the heart, the mouth speaks.Luke 6 :45 DittoJude 16 Grumblers...boast about themselves and flatter others.

If you fill your heart with good things, then good words will come out of your mouth, and vice versa.

11 Can both fresh water and salt water flow from the same spring? 12 My brothers, can a fig tree bear olives, or a grapevine bear figs? Neither can a salt spring produce fresh water.

Q: Why is our tongue so hard to control?

A: It's what happens when "our cup runneth over." Our tongue reflects our character.

Q: What approach makes it easier to control our tongues?

A: Who controls our hearts? Our hearts are connected to our tongues.

Matthew 12:34

Matthew 15:18

Luke 6:45

Romans 10:8-10

Q: How can we transfer control of our hearts to God?

A: At Marah ("bitter"), Moses cast certain wood (think "the cross") into the water and its bitterness became sweet.

Q: Does this transformation happen all at once? Is it permanent?

Q: If anyone hears you curse, is it possible for that hearer able to believe you when you utter a blessing?


https://ref.ly/logosref/bible.86.1.16











13 Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show it by his good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom.

The Art of Thinking

Q: What is the difference between being wise and being clever?

A: Cleverness can get you out of trouble. Wisdom avoids trouble altogether.

Q: Does every person want wisdom? Explain.

A: Many want to do as they please, and depend on cleverness to get out of the problems that result.

Q: How can you tell whether a person is wise, or not?

A: By their deeds.

...understanding...

επιστημος [e-pi-STAY-mos] "experts in their own estimation" --BAG

...show it by his good life...

Before you become an addict, look around for an old one, and see whether that is how you want to end your life.

For the best illustration of addiction, see how the Ring of Sauron in Lord of the Rings affects people. Many wise characters have opportunity to take the ring, but refuse. This story is a sneaky, underhanded way of presenting the gospel, but I like it.

Before you invest in something, look around and see what became of the investments of others. Jimmy Dean's father told him, "Son, buy land. It's the only thing they ain't making more of." Jimmy became rich enough to get out of the music business and into the sausage business as a sideline. Mighty good sausage in the morning, too.

Q: How you define "...deeds done in humility"? (literally "meekness"--power under control)

A: If you really "have it," you do not need to flaunt it. A good rule for life is, "nice enough to be admired, but not so nice as to be envied."

You can see from the definition that wisdom is definitely a factor.14 But if you harbor bitter envy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast about it or deny the truth.

Definitions:

Greed: I want more. Jealousy: I want yours Spite: I do not want you to have it

Q: So what would you add to envy to get "bitter envy?"

A: The clue is rivalry, or selfish ambition. This springs from jealous comparisons, which we should always avoid making.

This sounds like the attitudes we see around us in the worldly culture. Have you ever seen this in a Christian community? Why was it there? (Or why not?)

...do not boast about it...

If we think we are so smart, there is a great temptation to make sure others know that we are smarter than they are, even if we have to tell them so. People would really figure it out for themselves.


...or deny the truth. (literally: "lie against the truth.")

Q: What is James saying when he contrasts "lie" with "truth?"

A: If we spout "wisdom" that we just made up, is it likely to be the truth?

Q: What is likely to happen after we have gone on record as supporting some idea that we assumed to be true?

A: When the real truth shows up, we are most likely to defend our idea against it, regardless.15 Such “wisdom” does not come down from heaven but is earthly, unspiritual, of the devil.

Q: Can you think of anywhere in scripture that the Devil's "wisdom" bit mankind?

A: The serpent tricked Eve into eating the forbidden fruit.

Q: Once Eve had committed the sin and her eyes were opened, did she protect her husband?

A: Quite the opposite--she tricked Adam into making the same mistake.

The word James used was literally, "demonic."

Q: Why are they called "demons," instead of some other term?

At work we have processes called "demons," not because they are evil, but because they are in control. The Greek word means "controller." It tells you something important about the function of spiritual demons.

...unspiritual...

Literally: "Soulish" or "natural," not "spiritual."

Q: How did Eve do the natural thing instead of the spiritual thing? What were her choices?

A: Do I do what God said, or follow my instincts?

Q: What made Adam and Eve's actions so evil? It was just a piece of fruit, after all.

A: All of life is a series of choices to follow our animal instincts, or to do what God said.

Q: What is the outcome of following our instincts? Of obeying God?

A: If I released a 500-pound Bengal tiger into the hallway as the four-year-olds were let out of class, and he killed one and ate it, would you consider charging him with sin?

The same kind of outcome is likely if you merely follow your natural desires.

One definition of civilization is when a woman or small child has no need to be afraid of a strange man.

16 For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice.

Q: Is ambition always wrong? When does it become wrong?

A: Ambition to serve God is one thing. Ambition to advance one's own interests is quite another.

For example, Jimmie Lovell bought a truck and trailer, and loaded them with a large tent, chairs, and loudspeaker system. He gave the whole rig to R. N. Hogan, who preached across the western states, baptizing thousands. And Brother Lovell? He stayed quietly in the background, unknown and unpraised--by men, that is. He did this during the 1930s, when black preachers were not held in particularly high esteem by many of the white brethren.


Teachers who are used to having their words accepted without question are particularly vulnerable. (Think: Elmer Gantry, or Jimmy Swaggart)

Brother Hogan was criticized by a well-known white preacher whose name you would recognize because they wound up in the same town, and Hogan's audiences were larger than the other preacher's. Of course, the white preacher was careful to try to conceal the real motive for his attack.

I suspect that the factor that made the Bereans noble (Acts 17) was that they searched the scriptures daily to check what Paul was saying. I would be honored if you would do the same for me, because I have found to my horror that I have been wrong at times.

...disorder and every evil practice.

There is no limit to the evil that has been done by people who do not follow the attitudes that God commands. The nastiest fights of all occur in churches, in my opinion. The wife of a deacon slapped the taste out of an elder's mouth in one lobby of the church building, in one fight with which I am acquainted. The back-biting and gossip in such situations knows no boundaries.

17 But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere.

Q: What did James mean by "pure," and why put that first in the list?

A: The Brownies Recipe

Without purity and integrity of character, nothing else matters. God's leaders must have integrity first, people-skills second, and technical skills third.

...peace-loving...

Q: What is the difference between "peace" and "quiet?"

A: Do not settle for mere quiet. Press on for real peace.

Q: Are there limits to achieving peace?

Romans 12:18 If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.

It takes two to make peace, or to rebuild trust.

...considerate...

Or forebearing, making allowances for others, quick to forgive.

...submissive...

Q: Does this mean that James wants you to be a doormat?

(eu-PAY-thays) means "easily persuaded."

Hebrews 13:17 does not mean that the congregation is to be a doormat for the leaders, but tells the congregation to trust the leaders and give them the benefit of the doubt.

Neither does the word mean "wishy-washy." Think of God's reaction when Moses entreated Him not to destroy Israel at Sinai after the Golden Calf incident.

...full of mercy...

The word for "mercy" comes from the same root as the word for "alms." We are supposed to be


generous in all our ways.

...impartial...

Literally: "Fruits of good, without uncertainty," the opposite of "judgmental."

...sincere.

The word "sincere" comes from a Latin expression "without wax." Imperfections in sculptures were filled in with wax so you would not notice that they fell short.

James's word means "without hypocrisy."

Sometimes people claim that they would be acting hypocritical when called upon to do the right thing that they want to avoid. (Think: A wife placing herself in a subordinate role toward a husband she no longer loves. Or: Changing a dirty diaper.)

Hypocrisy is when you claim to follow a high moral standard, but your actions fall short of.

18 Peacemakers who sow in peace raise a harvest of righteousness.

Consider the result of obeying God, instead of following your own instincts.

1 Corinthians 15:43

it is sown in dishonor, it is raised in glory; it is sown in weakness, it is raised in power;

Q: When is the harvest time, in your life?

Q: Do you offer bouquets to those you respect now, or send flowers to the funeral?

A: I have tried to show respect for Carolyn by sending flowers when others will notice--not to make me look good, but to make her look good. Our children have noticed this, and add their praise to their mother now, in this life.

One way to arrange this is to send her flowers at work, for no special occasion. She will gain great face, as the Chinese say. Be aware that you run the risk of bruised lips from her enthusiastic kiss when she gets home.

Q: For ten trivia points, do you happen to know the name that comes from the Greek word for "peace?"

A: Irene

Summary:

The noted revivalist, Cowboy Crimm (North Texas and Oklahoma, during the 1930's and 1940's), at San Augustine under a huge tent, preached a rousing sermon on "The Tongue." The town's most notorious gossip, who was also a religious leader, responded, saying:

Oh Brother Crimm, I have come forward to lay my tongue on the altar of God.

Crimm replied: I apologize, Sister, our altar is only ten feet long; but whatever part of it you can get on there, go right ahead!

--James Burton Coffman


James 4 Notes4 What causes fights and quarrels among you? Don’t they come from your desires that battle within you?

Q: What kind of desires cause fights?

Genesis 4:7 Cain made a jealous comparison.

2 Samuel 13:1 Amnon wanted his sister Tamar.

1 John 2:16 Satan's treblehook2 You want something but don’t get it. You kill and covet, but you cannot have what you want. You quarrel and fight. You do not have, because you do not ask God.

Q: What is the right way to get what we want?

Ask God.

Q: What are the limitations of this method?

Our request must be according to His will.

3 When you ask, you do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, that you may spend what you get on your pleasures.

No fair praying for things that will merely benefit our pleasures.

Emo Phillips: “I used to pray for a bicycle. Then I found out prayer does not work that way. So I stole a bike and prayed for forgiveness.”

4 You adulterous people, don’t you know that friendship with the world is hatred toward God? Anyone who chooses to be a friend of the world becomes an enemy of God.

...adultresses...

Q: Why use the feminine form of the word?

James struck a nerve with his Jewish readers, who knew that Israel was married to God.

Q: When was the wedding?

At Sinai, when Israel agreed to be committed to God alone. This is celebrated each year since as Shavuos or Pentecost, because it occurred fifty days after leaving Egypt. It is sill a major holiday. Yet Israel continually committed spiritual adultery with the false gods of their neighboring nations.

...friend of the world...enemy of God...

James expanded the concept of idolatry to include worldly desires.

Luke 14:26 Loyalty to God must come before loyalty to our earthly family.5 Or do you think Scripture says without reason that the spirit he caused to live in us envies intensely?

...spirit...envies intensely...

This might be an allusion to Numbers 11:29 where Eldad and Medad were prophesying and Joshua asked Moses to forbid them.

6 But he gives us more grace. That is why Scripture says:

“God opposes the proud

...grace to the humble... (Proverbs 3:4)

Q: What is humility?

• Opposite of pride (Positioning self ahead of others). See Isaiah 14, Ezekiel 28


but gives grace to the humble.”

Whenever you hear anyone continually using first person singular (I, me, my), this is a big clue that you are looking at pride.

• An accurate assessment of oneself, neither better nor worse.

• Putting the interests of others (to God, and to others) ahead of one's own.

Romans 12:10 Honor others above yourself.

Q: Why would this attract God's grace?

God is not interested in encouraging bad attitudes.7 Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.

...resist the devil...

Q: How soon will the Devil flee?

Matthew 4:11 Satan took three runs at Jesus before leaving.

Jesus chose to undergo Satan's temptations instead of using his God-power to make Satan go away. By Jesus' submitting to the test, we have a Messiah who knows what it means to be weak, tempted, and human.Possibly the most difficult "if you are the son of God" came at the cross (Matthew 27:40),1 Corinthians 10:13 God will not test us to destruction, but expects us to go through it.Hebrews 2:18 he suffered when tempted, and is able to help usHebrews 4:15 tempted in every way--yet without sinNo matter how bad we think our life is, Jesus had it worse.Q: Does Satan ever try again?

At least, he tries again with me, just as he tried later with Jesus (Luke 4:12).8 Come near to God and he will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded.

...double-minded...

This appears to be the same as "lukewarm" (Revelation 3:16), neither for God, nor against Him.

9 Grieve, mourn and wail. Change your laughter to mourning and your joy to gloom. 10 Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up.

...humble yourselves...He will lift you up...

This is how we move toward God.

Q: Which is more important: Your position, or your direction?

Example: Luke 18:10 Pharisee and publican

Your direction is more important than your position.11 Brothers, do not slander one another. Anyone who speaks against his brother or judges him speaks against the law and judges it. When you judge the law, you are not keeping it, but sitting in judgment on

...slander...

καταλαλεῖτε [ka-ta-la-LAYN, "down" + "talk"] talk against, speak evil of

Q: How would bad mouthing speak against the law?

Leviticus 19:18 Love your neighbor





it.12 There is only one Lawgiver and Judge, the one who is able to save and destroy. But you—who are you to judge your neighbor?

...only one Lawgiver...

The throne of God has room for only one.

...judge your neighbor...

Q: What is the sense of “judge” as James uses the word?

"Judge" in the sense of "condemn."

Matthew 7:1-2 Your standard of judgment will be used against you.13 Now listen, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city, spend a year there, carry on business and make money.”

Myth of a risk-free life

Q: Can anyone remove all the risks from life?

You can't put enough padlocks on your door to prevent a heart attack. You can't guarantee you will get another breath. There is no guarantee of safety in this life, even if you take precautions.

• You can't protect your assets (Matthew 6:19), however hard you try.

• You can't protect your physical family, either.

There is eternal safety, if you will accept it, in Jesus Christ.

Look at the cruel way that Daniel and his friends were treated:

• Instead of a life of luxuries, they were stripped naked.

• Instead of freedom, they were bound and enslaved.

• Instead of a family and children, they were neutered. (2 Kings 20:18, Isaiah 39:7)

• Instead of opportunities, they wore a hook in their noses.

Yet they trusted God (Daniel 3), believing that He could save them from the fiery furnace, but still would not bow to the idol even if God did not.

14 Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes. 15

Instead, you ought to say, “If it is the Lord’s will, we will live and do this or that.”

...you are a mist...

ἀτμὶς [at-MIS] vapor

Q: What is the meaning of Abel's Hebrew name in Genesis 4?

This is not obvious from looking at the LXX because it transliterates the name as Αβελ.

It is also the same Hebrew word translated "vanity" in Ecclesiastes.

Q: Are you feeling more permanent now?

16 As it is, you boast and brag. All such boasting is evil.

...brag...

ἀλαζονείαις [a-lad-zo-NAY-ais] boasts

Ancient situation comedies had stock characters One of the more recognizable was the


αλαζων, the narcissist, who had lines like, "I have slain a hundred warriors but I'm not tired."17 Anyone, then, who knows the good he ought to do and doesn’t do it, sins.

It's not about us

…knows the good he ought to do…

Q: What was James including in “the good” we ought to do?

Here's the rub. God expects our obedience to show that we love Him--even the commands that we do not want to obey.

• I tell others about salvation if I think they will accept it, but remain silent if I think they will reject me.

To obey anyway is not a risk, but a sacrifice, like taking a bullet for someone you love. The greater the likelihood of harm, the greater the outcome.

In Matthew 25 the goats are separated from the sheep because they failed to do (simple) good deeds.


James 5 Notes5 Now listen, you rich people, weep and wail because of the misery that is coming upon you.

...you rich people...Not "those rich people." James is focused squarely on Americans, who are all rich, compared to the rest of the world. This is the only country where people go to the Poor Folks Rally driving their own cars....weep and wail...

Q: Are we entitled to a life of ease and freedom?

Refer back to 4:9; pride will bite you. Rich people who have an easy life often think that they are entitled to it.

2 Your wealth has rotted, and moths have eaten your clothes.

...moths have eaten your clothes...Matthew 6:19-20 moth, rust, thieves

3 Your gold and silver are corroded. Their corrosion will testify against you and eat your flesh like fire. You have hoarded wealth in the last days.

...hoarded wealth in the last days...Q: Was James prophesying about the destruction of Jerusalem and the scattering of the Jews that would occur in 70AD? 135AD?We should also be generous and share our possessions because we do not know how long we will get to keep them, in this life. Sharing will send value into the World To Come.Today's equivalent would be identity theft, where your retirement account and bank account are suddenly drained. Or runaway inflation that makes your savings worthless....and afterward....to be, become, exist, happen (hāyâ) ָהָיהεσται [estai] will beThis expression also appears at:Jeremiah 48:47 restore Moab in days to comeJeremiah 49:39 restore Elam in days to comeEzekiel 38:16 Gog, I will bring you against my landHosea 3:5 They will come to the Lord in the last daysIt referred to some indefinite future time when the world would set right and people would worship the true God.

Acts 2:17 Peter inaccurately quoted Joel's words from the LXX as "last days.".Translations of the Old Testament commonly have "in the last days." How come?In the rest of the New Testament, this Greek expression is translated as "will be."

The translators of the Old Testament might have been influenced by the rest of Peter's quote, in which he tied Joel's prophecy to the Messianic Age.

"In the last days" is a typical Jewish expression used to describe the time of the Messianic age in which God would fully accomplish those promises that he had made to his people. It was taken over by the first Christians and applied to the period that began when Jesus came into the world, especially from the time of his resurrection onward. It is quite significant that these words are not in the Hebrew or Greek texts of Joel but are supplied by Peter.

--Barclay Newman, UBS Handbook

The phrase "in the last days" (ἐν ταις ἐσχαταις ἡμεραις [en tais eschatais hēmerais]) Page of 47 November 7, 2017.







comes from the Textus Receptus. I suspect that once the KJV translated (accurately, but fake) as "in the last days, we're stuck with it. At least John said "last hour is" (1 John 2:18) so it's covered.

Other references to "last days:"Isaiah 2:2 In the last days, the mountain of the Lord's temple

The phrase literally means “in the afterward of these days.” The Hebrews did not face the future as we do. Rather, they faced the past and backed into the future. So the past was before them and the future behind them.

Hosea 3:5 to His blessing in the last daysMicah 4:1 (quoted Isaiah, above)John 6:39-40 raise him up at the last dayJohn 6:44 raise him up at the last dayJohn 6:54 raise him up at the last dayJohn 11:24 raise him up at the last dayJohn 12:48 condemn him at the last day (Jesus tied it to Judgment Day)Acts 2:17 Peter's inaccurate quote of Joel's prophecy, declaring it fulfilled2 Timothy 3:1 terrible times in the last daysHebrews 1:2 He has spoken to us by His son in the last daysJames 5:3 You have hoarded wealth in the last days.2 Peter 3:3 in the last days scoffers will come

4 Look! The wages you failed to pay the workmen who mowed your fields are crying out against you. The cries of the harvesters have reached the ears of the Lord Almighty.

...failed to pay workmen..Q: What is “privilege?”Q: In the long run, is anyone above the law?Rich men made this mistake in that day too, thinking that they were beyond reach of justice. God is watching, and everything will come out square and level in the end. Honest wealth is not the problem. Money is to be stewarded, not hoarded. But the love (and single-minded pursuit) of wealth that will bite you. (1 Timothy 6:10) The modern equivalent of withholding wages would be to max all your credit cards, then declare bankruptcy. It also reminds me of the man who got credit cards in the name of his mother-in-law without her knowledge, maxed all five and then hid (successfully, in this life) from creditors.Q: Even if you are so smart that you are never caught?

5 You have lived on earth in luxury and self-indulgence. You have fattened yourselves in the day of slaughter

...the day of slaughter...

σφαγή [spha-GAY] of slaughter by slashing the throat, laughter, feasting, lawful taking of life as opposed to murder. The word is similar to the word for "eat" (φαγομαι, PHA-go-mai).

Q: An alternate translation is "day of feasting," or even "day of laughter." How would this change our understanding of what James meant?

We also associate the word "barbecue" with happy times.

Q: Who would be slaughtered, and for what purpose?

• The rich, who would die when Jerusalem was about to be destroyed

The day their lives would end was closer than they realized. James makes no mention of the destruction of Jerusalem, so it was still in their future.

• The poor, of whom the rich were taking advantage

This sounds much like Lazarus and the rich man. (Luke 16-19-31)


















The problem was not their luxury, but their self-indulgence while others starved.

• Animals that would be slaughtered for riotous feasting, parallel to James charge of luxury and self-indulgence.

There is a long tradition in scripture about the Day of Judgment as the slaughter of God's enemies.

• Isaiah 34:5-8 sword of the Lord bathed in blood

• Luke 19:27 Slaughter my enemies in front of me

• Revelation 19:17-21 Judgment Day6 You have condemned and murdered innocent men, who were not opposing you.

Q: When men follow proper legal procedures, are their actions OK?

Rich men have long taken legal advantage of the poor, for instance; consolidating farms.

1 Kings 21:13 Ahab killed Naboth to get his vineyard.7 Be patient, then, brothers, until the Lord’s coming. See how the farmer waits for the land to yield its valuable crop and how patient he is for the autumn and spring rains.

Q: Is James speaking to a different audience in verse 7?

...the Lord's coming...

Q: Keeping in mind that James is writing to Jews, what does he mean by “the Lord’s coming?”

• The end of the world?

• The end of the Jewish age?

• The end of the city of Jerusalem?

• The end of each person's life?8 You too, be patient and stand [firm], because the Lord’s coming is near.

Q: How near was judgment to these Jewish readers?

The Lord's return was so near that he was standing at the door. It arrived in the form of the Roman legions that destroyed Jerusalem in AD 70 and ended the Jewish Age.

9 Don’t grumble against each other, brothers, or you will be judged. The Judge is standing at the door!

GrumbledGrumbling against God is not recommended.Q: What usually prompts grumblimg?Grumbling is what happens when God is unwilling to meet the expectations of people.Exodus 16:7-9 Israel grumbled against Moses about manna.

Jesus is leading whoever will follow him on a new Exodus. Liberation. Freedom. A promised land. A land flowing with milk and honey—or loaves and fishes, as the case may be. Away from the Egypt and Babylon and Rome of our time, into the wide-open space of eternal life. But wouldn’t you know it—there’s this nasty, vicious thing that seems to accompany most any Exodus: Grumbling. People freak out. They see all this unfamiliar land. Their senses magnify dangers and threats. People who feel walled in by the unfamiliar will tend to white knuckle what they already know. They may even want to turn around and go back to wherever they came from. No matter how ugly it was.

--Jeremy MarshallJohn 6:41 The crowd grumbled about Jesus' loaves and fishes1 Corinthians 10:10 Warning to Christians against grumbling.




James 5:9 Grumbling = judgment against you

Caution: Grumbling, complaining, or finding fault is not one of the gifts of the Spirit, no matter who says so. This is the one thing that makes God angry quicker than any other action.

10 Brothers, as an example of patience in the face of suffering, take the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord.

...patience in the face of suffering...

This sounds like what Peter wrote:

1 Peter 3 Suffering for doing good

2 Peter 3 The Day of the Lord

...prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord...Q: Can you think of any prophets who died of old age?

Samuel

11 As you know, we consider blessed those who have persevered. You have heard of Job’s perseverance and have seen what the Lord finally brought about. The Lord is full of compassion and mercy.

...Job's perseverance...

ὑπομονὴν [hu-po-mo-NAY, under + remain] patience, remaining behind, patient enduring

Romans 5:3-4 suffering ==> ὑπομονη

James 1:3 testing your faith developes ὑπομονη

12 Above all, my brothers, do not swear—not by heaven or by earth or by anything else. Let your “Yes” be yes, and your “No,” no, or you will be condemned.

...do not swear...Matthew 5:34-37 do not swear at all -- Jesus

Q: Was Jesus forbidding all oaths?

He was willing to take an oath when required. He is saying that our first resort must not be an oath to show that we are telling the truth. Instead, build a reputation for truthfulness.

The Jews developed many rules in the Talmud (Tractate Nedarim) to figure out when an oath or vow must be kept, or could be ignored. Instead of having to remember all the tricky rules, wiser not to swear at all.Also, when someone swears, be on your guard. He probably does not mean it.Instead, consistently mean "yes" when you say yes, and "no" when you say no. Then you won't need to confirm your word with an oath.The US Navy has used these verse as a basis for the proper response to an order with, "Aye aye, Sir."

I hear the order. I understand the order. I obey the order.

Q: When someone adds “I swear” to a statement, do you trust what he just said?13 Is any one of you in trouble? He should pray. Is anyone happy? Let

Q: What prompts you to pray? A friend requests prayer? Disappointment?


https://ref.ly/logosref/bible.61.5.34-61.5.37


him sing songs of praise. Illness? Thanks to God? Risk? Scheduled prayer time?

1 Thessalonians 5:17 Stay in constant communication with God. James 5:13 Whether you are happy or troubled.You are much less likely to stumble into sin if you constantly see God out of the corner of your eye.

14 Is any one of you sick? He should call the elders of the church to pray over him and anoint him with oil in the name of the Lord.

Q: Where does our faith come from?I grew up memorizing Romans 10:17--faith comes by hearing the word of God.Later I found out about the faith of the woman with the hemorrhage (Matthew 9:20, Mark 5:25, Luke 8:43) whose faith was the source of her healing. The surprise was that her faith to touch Jesus' tzitzit did NOT come from any command of God. She acted in the belief that her loyalty to God would result in a blessing. And it did, because Jesus said so.

The case of Renee Petty

Around the year 2000 someone responded to an invitation, asking for prayer. All the elders gathered around the person, and laid hands on as we asked God's blessing. (We received a scorching letter about our custom, accusing us of trying to perform miracles, but that's a different adventure.) After services ended, a woman I did not recognize came up to me and asked, "Do the elders of this church ever anoint with oil for healing?"

"Oh sister," I replied, "I have waited years for someone to ask this question. May we come to your home this afternoon?"

That afternoon, all the elders sat down with Renee Petty and her husband to hear her explain that she had been diagnosed with ovarian cancer. After chemotherapy she had been in remission for several years, but now she had inoperable metastatic brain tumors. She was terrified of the nausea that she had experienced before from chemotherapy. Would we pray that God would protect her from nausea? (Continued below.)

Q: What if we mis-read God's word? Will God honor the faith that comes from our misunderstanding?I suggest saying what Jesus said: “Let it be done for you according to your faith.” Tell me what you expect.

I never offer anointing with prayer unless someone asks for it. If he does not have faith to ask, If I were acting on my faith, not theirs, it would do no good, and might even do harm. Instead, when someone is seriously ill, I ask them to read this chapter. Then it's up to them to ask for help.

This is the most explicit teaching about healing in the New Testament. Bias against the [physical] body has led people to spiritualize James’s healing and sickness language. Yet what one has in James is a discussion of a practice that must have been assumed to have been part of the community’s teaching.

--Peter H. Davids...sick...ἀσθενεῖ [as-the-NEH-o] is weak to be weak, feeble








This word may refer to physical sickness, but more often to weakness, not necessarily physical.2 Corinthians 12:10 weakness in general2 Corinthians 11:21 weakness caused by fear or caution2 Corinthians 11:29 faint-hearted, timidRomans 8:3 weakness of the lawRomans 14:2 weak in faith, subject to food laws...anoint...Q: What kind of anointing?This is the kind of anointing we first think of—a sacred act. But that is not the word that James chose.Psalm 133:2 Fragrant oil upon the head, running down upon the beardἀλειφω [a-LAY-fo] to smear, as opposed to χριω [chri-o] to anoint in the sense of consecration.

Isaiah 1:6 From the sole of your foot to the top of your head there is no soundness— only wounds and welts and open sores, not cleansed or bandaged or soothed with oil.

Matthew 6:17 when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your faceMark 6:13 they…anointed many sick people with oil and healed them.Luke 7:38 she wiped them with her hair…and poured perfume on themThis sounds more like ordinary medicine than spiritual blessing.Note the different word for "sick" in the next verse.

15 And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick [person] well; the Lord will raise him up. If he has sinned, he will be forgiven.

...the prayer...

εὐχὴ [eu-CHAY] vow, prayer

Q: What kind of prayer?

James 5:14 is the only place in the New Testament where this is translated "prayer."

Acts 18:18 [Paul] had his hair cut off at Cenchrea because of a vow he had taken.

Acts 21:23 There are four men with us who have made a vow.

Q: What kind of oath would the elders be expected to make?

Notice that James does not say, "The prayer and the oil."

...sick person...

Q: What kind of sickness?

κάμνοντα [KAM-non-ta] to be weary, fatigued

This is the only place in the New Testament where this is translated "sick person."

Hebrews 12:3 not grow weary and lose heart

Notice the different word for "sick" in the previous verse.

...raise him up...







ἐγερεῖ [e-ge-RAY] to waken, to raise up

Q: What kind of healing?

This verb appears 144 times in the New Testament, with a wide range of meanings:

Acts 13:22 caused to appear ("raised up David")

Ephesians 5:14 woke up

Luke 7:16 helped up

Matthew 17:7 got up

Anointing with oil does not necessitate the idea of physical healing, especially since the NT does not necessarily connect the two; and certainly elders visiting a brother or sister should be for reasons in addition to sickness.

I am not ready to take what appears to be a minority position on this passage. The use of εὐχή [eu-CHAY] is the strongest argument for this position, although it is somewhat negated by the previous verse’s instruction not to make a vow [ομνυω, a different word --Jack], and I am not sure how the elders would take a vow.

But I must say that I am surprised at how weak the argument is for healing (did you catch the pun?) and how strong it is for spiritual depression.

What do you think?

--Bill Mounce

Consider the woman with the hemorrhage who was healed (Matthew 9:21) because of her own expectation, not because she had been taught to believe she would be healed.

16 Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective.

...confess your sins...

Q: What kind of confession?

You are as sick as your secrets.

If you walked into the room and saw your son kick your daughter, then he asked for the keys to the family car, what are his chances?

...prayer of a righteous...

It’s commonly understood like this: Be righteous and your prayers will work. It’s what I used to think. But that’s the skim-milk meaning. It’s what happens when we fly by the text without questions. Our broken bent is to make the burden of this passage something to do with us. We simply settle to think that if we want our prayers to be effective then we need to be righteous.

But this reading doesn’t hold up.

First, look at the context surrounding verse 16. James’s whole point is that prayer is effective. He asks in verse 13, “Is anyone among you suffering?” Then he replies, “Let him pray.” What about cheerfulness? Or sickness? Or sin? In each case, James encourages his readers to pray. Why? Because prayer is effective, which means, God hears his people and acts on their behalf.


Then in the beginning of verse 16, because prayer is effective (verses 13–15), he says, “Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed” (James 5:16). To make it even clearer, he follows this with, “The effective prayer of a righteous person has great power.” That line is the second portion in a double dose of support for our praying. James’s point is to repeat his theme to pray because prayer is effective. His concern is not how prayer is made effective, but that prayer is effective.

James doesn’t say for us to be like Elijah for our prayers to be answered but that Elijah was like us and his prayers were answered — therefore pray.

This means that the focus of effective prayer is not us, but God. Prayer has less to do with the specifics of how we say what we say, and more to do with the one to whom we are saying it.

We pray as ordinary people who have an extraordinary God.

--Jonathan Parnell

Renee Petty (Continued from verse 14 above.)

The elders all gathered at the Petty’s home that afternoon, and read this passage. Then we asked her to confess any sins that would prevent God from hearing our prayer. (“If you have been mean to Frank, how can you expect God to be nice to you?”)

Then we anointed her and took turns praying that God would extend His mercy and grace. We asked God to heal her outright. We asked God to make her doctors wise if that was the method He chose for healing her. Finally we asked God to prevent her suffering any nausea from the drugs she was about to take.

Rene died about six months later of the brain tumors, but never experienced a day of nausea from the drugs.

In both the Lord's Prayer, and in Jesus' prayer in Gethsemane, he prayed that the Father's will be done. Jesus knew what he wanted, but did not always get his way.

--Randy Harris17 Elijah was a man just like us. He prayed earnestly that it would not rain, and it did not rain on the land for three and a half years. 18

Again he prayed, and the heavens gave rain, and the earth produced its crops.

...a man just like us...

James is making the point that our prayers can have the same effect as that of Elijah. Just make sure you are praying according to what God wants to happen.

Heaven might be stacked with piles of presents, beautifully wrapped, with a bow on top. They are still in heaven because no one prayed to receive them.

...did not rain...

At times in California, it appears that there is not a single righteous man.

19 My brothers, if one of you should wander from the truth and someone should bring him back,

...my brothers...Christians can stray away from truth. This can affect the rest of the Christian community. (Galatians 5:9 , 6:1 )...wander from the truth...Q: What does James mean by “wander?”



https://ref.ly/logosref/bible$2Bniv.69.6


πλανηθῇ [planēthē] might be deceived, to cause to wander; to wander

I do not think this is about a person who is determined to leave Christianity. Remember how the father of the Prodigal Son did not pursue him, but awaited his return? (Luke 15:11)

20 remember this: Whoever turns a sinner from the error of his way will save him from death and cover over a multitude of sins.

...cover a multitude of sins...

Psalm 32:1 Blessed...sins are covered

Psalm 85:2 God...covered all their sins

1 Peter 4:8 love covers a multitude of sins (whose love?)

Proper discipline is designed to build up, unlike punishment that is intended to destroy.Therefore reassure your child after discipline that love covers a multitude of sins.We must strive to be like God, whose anger lasts but a brief moment, followed by everlasting love.

When a Christian loses the truth, it is notoriously difficult to turn him back to it. It is not easy to revive a lost faith. As the passages in Hebrews state (Hebrews 6:4), faith may be so completely lost that rekindling it may even become impossible.

--RCHLenski

Q: Whose sins are covered?


Documents

community.logos.com · Web view1James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, To the twelve tribes scattered among the nations: Greetings. Introduction to the Book of Jacob