An Eight-Week Thematic Study on. The Epistle of JAMES

Transcription

1 An Eight-Week Thematic Study on The Epistle of JAMES

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3 FAITH REVEALED IN OUR WORKS An Eight-Week Thematic Study on The Epistle of James 2

4 Written by Bob Williams for the Broomfield Island Bible Study 3

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6 Copyright 2012 by Bob Williams Broomfield, Colorado Unless otherwise stated, all parts of this study may be reproduced only for non-profit ministry purposes and at no cost to others. Unless otherwise indicated, "Scripture taken from the NEW AMERICAN STANDARD BIBLE, Copyright 1960,1962,1963,1968,1971,1972,1973,1975,1977,1995 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission." 5

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8 What Others Say About the Epistle of James A January 2012 Survey of Selected Christian Leaders James has always fascinated me. Much like Peter when writing to the elders, identifying himself as a fellow elder, rather than an apostle; or Jude who merely suggests that he was a servant of Jesus Christ and brother of James, the author identifies himself as a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ. It reflects the genuine humility which these had picked up by association with Jesus. Think of it, he could have started out by saying that he was the half brother of Jesus, therefore you should really sit down, shut up and listen up. But, no, he merely identifies himself as a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, and proceeds to walk us through some pretty heavy but quite understandable information. People have suggested that James speaks of justification by works while Paul addresses justification by faith. But on closer reflection Paul speaks of justification by works far more than James. Both ultimately leave a thinker with the realization that while I may claim faith in Jesus Christ, I must be about His business or my claim is hollow. - Tim Arensmeier Missionary and Pastor in Sonoma, CA I like the summary I have heard, IT IS FAITH ALONE THAT SAVES BUT THE FAITH THAT SAVES IS NEVER ALONE. It has been enriching to my own life to have the clarification of James 2:23. God s only file photo of us is at our highest point of pleasing Him. In Abraham s case, it was when he offered Isaac. - Jim Downing Past President of The Navigators, Missionary & Author The book of James has been one of my favorite parts of the Bible since the first time I studied it. In contrast to some of the headier theology that often characterizes Paul, James is straightforward and practical. His emphasis on how to live with one another as a community of believers is very relevant in a time when individualism and self-interest dominates Western thinking. James high interest in the wellbeing of the poor is relevant within our local communities, calling us to action to assist those in need. His emphasis on not looking down on those in lesser situations is pertinent for a growing global church that is increasing in diversity. His writing to a church under persecution and helping to form a perspective on suffering is significant in a time when Christians are persecuted in much of the world. - Ryan Hannah SIM Missionary in Africa & Thailand 7

9 As to a work about the Catholic Epistle by James, I suppose if I were Martin Luther early in his Reformation career I would excise James from my copy of the NT altogether since it seems to say that works matter at least as much as faith, if not a bit more and that concept contradicts (or appears to contradict) Romans and Galatians. (A bit later, of course, he pasted it back in his Bible. I have left it intact in mine.) One of the ways in which we handle topics that are not easily defined is to hold opposites or apparent opposites in tension. (Another is to attempt a synthesis, whether Greek or Hegelian.) Thus we find ourselves living with the theological concepts of predestination and freewill, particle theory and wave theory in physics, as well as balancing judgment and mercy in the practice of law. In the Bible (more clearly in the NT, but also in the OT), the issue of the seeming contradictions between the necessity of grace and the necessity of works has caused folks concern. Sometimes works seem to hold the upper hand and sometimes works recede before the realization of the incredible grace of God. But both seem to be crucial to the Christian life. And these two sides of the mystery surrounding our relationship to God seem to go hand in hand. Thus in Eph 2:8 9 we have grace followed immediately by Eph 2:10 works. Indeed, the resurrection which is the ultimate demonstration of God s grace is followed by the command to make disciples. It is, in my opinion, no accident that one of the great works celebrating Jesus and the grace of our God, the Epistle to the Hebrews, is followed by James letter to the church saying that works are the other side of the coin and that a life of faith without works is about as vital as a corpse. Our task is not to fall off the fence into either heresy: that all I have to do is believe and live anyway I want, or to base my salvation on the good works that I do. It is to practice an important balance that recognizes faith as absolutely necessary and that recognizes works as of equal significance in the demonstration of our having accepted God s grace. - Dr. Allan Emery III Pastor, Associate Professor, Author & Editor in Boston, MA The book of James is fundamental for the establishment of a healthy perspective for discipleship. It is the first book written in the New Testament. James, coming from the same family as Jesus, had the opportunity to see true faith in action throughout his development years. This exposure provided him with insights that obviously are enhanced by the ministry of the Spirit of God. The book of Proverbs and the Sermon on the Mount are the backdrop that enriches its insights. Knowing and practicing the imperatives of this book will result in a deepened love and enriched life for God. - Dr. Leonard Hale Pastor and Bible College Associate Professor in Kansas City, MO 8

10 "I like to call James letter shoe-leather Christianity. As you study this provocative message, you will chew over such phrases as under pressure, your faith-life shows it's true colors, don't fool yourselves into thinking you are a listener...letting the Word go in one ear and out the other..., act on what you hear..., anyone who sets himself up as religious by talking a good game is self-deceived. This kind is hot air!.... James' message is one of tough love! His is not a comfortable letter to read, but it will change your life." - Dave Haynes Missionary in Australia and Malaysia In this epistle, James explains in very practical terms, how a believer s life should exhibit helping fellow believers, enabling them to serve together to the glory of God. He does not leave out the acts of service to the poor, the needy, the helpless, and to non-christians which are natural/normal responses when walking in our faith. Some of my thoughts regarding James teachings: The trying of my faith is like developing a muscle by exercising it. I have always liked the picture of the instability of a double-minded man because it reminds me that I want to have a single minded focus. Laying apart all filthiness is like a snake shedding it's old skin and getting a new one. God brings to mind often the phrase have no respect of persons when I begin to judge someone by appearance. The body has no stronger muscle than the one in our mouths. (Swindoll) It may be little but it is connected directly to the heart and it can be tamed only by purifying the source There is nothing wrong with making our plans; the problem is presuming that we know God's plans. Interesting that it is the prayers of the faithful, not the faith of the afflicted that save the sick. Therefore, since the effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much, I understand that my prayer life on behalf of others is critical. Is the epistle of James significant to me and my world today? As I read it and think about it deeply, I ask the question, What is God saying to me, and what am I going to do about it? - Tom Hoisington Teacher & Church Discipler in Lawrence, KS 9

11 James, like the Synoptics is void of grace. The verse that bothers people is James 2:24 in that it seems to contradict Paul in Ephesians 2:8-9. Biblical faith is always active, never passive. In this both, Paul and James say the same thing. James is saying that it must be active faith. Obedience cannot save you, but you cannot be saved without obedience. Cf., 1John 2: Walt Henrichsen Pastor, Missionary & Author The book of James first captured me in my early 20 s when I was a high school Bible teacher. The book is so practical and hits the human adventure straight on. In the very real experiences of sickness, fights, worries, doubts, prejudice, listening, and speaking, James drives his readers deep into genuine faith in the God of the universe. It has been my joy to work through the book with many men over the last couple of decades and see the power of God through this relatively short letter. In our world of political correctness, the words of James are refreshing in their clarity and precision. The Church in America, and indeed around the world, would be stronger in fellowship and brighter in witness if the five chapters of this epistle were regularly read and practiced. That is, after all, the point that the younger brother of Jesus is after Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. (James 1:22 NIV) - Steve Kalb Pastor in Broomfield, CO 10

12 Preface To be completed later 11

13 FAITH REVEALED IN OUR WORKS An Eight-Week Thematic Study on The Epistle of James Lesson 1 Introduction James 1:1 - Who is James? - Who is His Audience? - Key Themes in Epistle of James Page Faith & Prayer - James 1:5-8; 2:1-7; 2:14-26; 5:13-18; 5:19-20 Enduring Trials & Temptations - James 1:2-8; 1:12-15; 1:16-18; 5:9-11; 5:12; 5:13-18; 5:19-20 Wisdom - James 1:2-8; 3:13-18 Rich & Poor and Partiality - James 1:9-11; 2:1-7; 2:8-13; 5:1-8 Applying the Word in the Use of Our Tongue - James 1:19-21; 1:22-25; 1:26-27; 2:8-13; 3:1-12; 4:11-17 Renouncing Arrogance & Worldliness - James 4:1-3; 4:4-10; 4:11-17; 5:1-8 Conclusion Applying the Epistle of James in the 21 st Century 12

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15 Lesson One Notes Lesson One INTRODUCTION TO THE EPISTLE OF JAMES Before you start Lesson One, it is recommended that you read through the Epistle of James at least three times and in three different translations. James 1:1 James, a bond-servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, To the twelve tribes who are dispersed abroad: Greetings. A. The Author of the Epistle of James Since the first publication of the Epistle of James, the authorship of the Epistle has been a matter of some dispute. There are traditionally four options put forward on who the author was. 1. A Jewish Christian not named James Since the author does not provide much information about himself, some scholars have speculated that the author is not actually a person named James at all, but is some unknown person who used the name James simply to establish some authority with the readers. There is no actual evidence of a pseudo-author for this Epistle. In addition, the author appears to be well-known by the readers, so this is an unlikely option. 2. James, the Apostle, son of Alphaeus (Also called James the Less or James the Younger ) Read Matthew 10:1-3 (also recorded in Mark 3:14-19 and Luke 6:13-16) and Acts 1:13 What do these passages tell us about James, the son of Alphaeus? Knowing that this James was with Jesus at least until after the Ascension, what else might you discern about this James? This James was so obscure, that it is also unlikely that this is the author of this Epistle. 14

16 3. James, the Apostle, son of Zebedee (Also called James the Greater ) We know quite a bit more about this James than James, the son of Alphaeus. Lesson One Notes Read Matthew 4:21-22 (also recorded in Mark 1:19-20 and Luke 5) What do you learn about James, the son of Zebedee, from these passages? Read Mark 3:13-19 What more do you learn about James, the son of Zebedee from this passage? What happened to this James as recorded in Acts 12:1-2? (This was in approximately AD44) Since John s brother, James, was executed by Herod Agrippa I around AD44, it is not likely that he wrote this Epistle. 4. James, the Brother of Our Lord It is more likely that this is the James who authored the Epistle and we know a great deal more about this James than any of the others. He was the respected leader of the Church in Jerusalem, had a strong sense of what it meant to be both Jewish and a Believer, and his authority would have been recognized by Jewish Believers throughout the kingdom. In the next two pages, we will explore the background and experiences of James, the Brother of the Lord. 15

17 Lesson One Notes James, before his conversion All of the following passages occur prior to the Crucifixion and probably prior to James conversion. Read these verses and then note what you learn about James prior to his conversion. John 2:12 Matthew 12:46-17 (also recorded in Mark 3:31-34 & Luke 8:20-21) Matthew 13:55-58 (also recorded in Mark 6:1-5) John 7:3-10 James Meeting the resurrected Lord Between the resurrection and the ascension, Jesus appeared privately (presumably) to James. Read I Corinthians 15:3-7. Write a description of how you think this meeting might have gone. Then, after the ascension, but before Pentecost, Jesus mother and brothers gathered with the Apostles in the upper room as recorded in Acts 1: Imagine the impact of this gathering on James and record your thoughts. 16

18 James, Leader of the Jerusalem Church The next time we see James is through the eyes of Paul. Approximately three years after Paul s conversion, he went to Jerusalem. Lesson One Notes Read Acts 9:26-30 and Galatians 1: We are not told a great deal about James in these two passages, but from the narrative, record some insights about James that you may have. James is next mentioned by Peter, immediately after Peter was released from prison in Acts 12: What is implied about James in Peter s instructions? Approximately 17 years after Paul s conversion, Paul and Barnabas travel to Jerusalem to meet with the Church leaders and elders in what has come to be called, The Jerusalem Council. Paul describes this meeting in Galatians 2:1-10 and Luke records the events in Acts 15:1-29. During this meeting and as recorded in Acts 15:13-21, James delivers an authoritative treatise. From Paul s descriptions in Galatians 2 and Luke s record in Acts 15, what do you learn about James? The last time James is mentioned in the book of Acts is just prior to Paul s arrest as Luke records in Acts 21: What are some additional insights can you glean about James in this passage? 17

19 Lesson One Notes B. The Audience of the Epistle of James To the twelve tribes who are dispersed abroad: Greetings. My brothers (James 2:1) What do we learn about James intended audience? 1. To the twelve tribes a. What does this phrase tell you about James audience? References: Matt 19:28; Acts 26:7; Rev 21:12; 2. The Greek word, diaspora, translated dispersed simply means a scattering or dispersion. a. List an instance or two from the Old or New Testament when the Jews were forced to leave their homeland. b. What are some promises from the Scriptures that the Lord makes to His people who are scattered? References II Chronicles 36:17-21; Daniel 1:1-7; Ezek 11:16; Jeremiah 29:7,11; c. This Greek word, diaspora, is used two other times in the New Testament. Read John 7:35 and I Peter 1:1. What additional information do you get from these passages about Jews who are scattered? 3. What further information does James 2:1 provide regarding his audience? 4. Based on all the above observations, who would you say is the primary audience for James Epistle? Note: What we do know is that James is writing to Jewish Christian brothers, who do not live in Palestine but are living among Gentiles. The letter is written in Greek, rather than Aramaic, which implies that these Jewish Believers are likely living in the western regions of the dispersion, e.g. Syria. 18

20 C. Key Themes in The Epistle of James As noted earlier, the book of James is frequently compared with the book of Proverbs because of James straight-forward statements regarding what constitutes righteous living. Lesson One Notes It also appears that James, although likely not a follower of Christ at the time, was at some point significantly impacted by the messages from the Sermon on the Mount. In the following chart, note the common themes from the James and the Sermon on the Mount as recorded in Matthew 5-7. Parallel Themes in James & Sermon on the Mount James Matthew Parallel Themes 1:2 5: :4 5:48 1:5 7:7-12 1:9 5:3 1:12 7:14 1:20 5:22 1:22 7: :5 5:3 2:13 5:7 2:13 6: : : :6 5:22 3: : : :9 4:4 6:24 4:10 5:3-5 4: :1-5 5:2-3 6: :10 5:12 5:11 5:10 5:12 5:

21 Lesson One Notes D. Lesson One - Summary Having studied which James wrote this Epistle; who his audience was; and some of the key themes in the Epistle, write a short paragraph on why you think James wrote this Epistle. Although as citizens of 21 st Century Western culture, we were not the original intended audience that James likely had in mind when he wrote this Epistle, what are some ways that you can identify with his original intended audience? Looking forward to the next few lessons, how might the lessons in James Epistle apply to your life? 20

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23 Lesson Two Notes Lesson Two Faith & Prayer References: James 1:2-8; 2:1-7; 2:14-26; 5:13-18; 5:19-20 The focus of this week s study is the relationship between faith and prayer. Some of the passages from James that we will study this week also talk about suffering, trials and endurance and some address wisdom. We will revisit these passages again in Lesson 3 when we study Enduring Trials and Temptations and again in Lesson 4, when we study Wisdom. Read James 1:2-8: 2 Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, 3 knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. 4 And let endurance have its perfect result, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing. 5 But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him. 6 But he must ask in faith without any doubting, for the one who doubts is like the surf of the sea, driven and tossed by the wind. 7 For that man ought not to expect that he will receive anything from the Lord, 8 being double-minded man, unstable in all his ways. The first reference to prayer in James Epistle is in Chapter 1, verse 5: 5 But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him. From verses 2-4, what is the context for this prayer? Why would we need wisdom during times described in verses 2-4? 22

24 Let s break this verse apart to discover some of the implications for our lives: Who does James say he is addressing in verse 5? Who does that include? Lesson Two Notes What is the problem addressed in verse 5? What should they do? of Whom? What does it mean to ask? i.e. What is the difference between asking, begging, & bargaining? Which do you tend to do when you talk to the Lord? Why? How does God give? What does this mean? What is the result? 23

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26 Lesson Three Notes Lesson Three Enduring Trials & Temptations References: James 1:2-8; 1:12-15; 1:16-18; 5:9-11; 5:12; 5:13-18; 5:

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28 Lesson Four Notes Lesson Four Wisdom References: James 1:2-8; 3:

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30 Lesson Five Notes Lesson Five Rich & Poor and Partiality References: James 1:9-11; 2:1-7; 2:8-13; 5:1-8 29

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32 Lesson Six Notes Lesson Six Applying the Word in the Use of Our Tongue References: James 1:19-21; 1:22-25; 1:26-27; 2:8-13; 3:1-12; 4:

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34 Lesson Seven Notes Lesson Seven Renouncing Arrogance & Wordliness References: James 4:1-3; 4:4-10; 4:11-17; 5:1-8 33

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36 Lesson Eight Notes Lesson Eight Conclusion Applying the Epistle of James in the 21 st Century 35

37 Reference Sources and Suggested Reading for Further Study A Critical and Exegetical Commentary on the Epistle of St. James James Hardy Ropes, Professor of Divinity at Harvard University T&T Clark, Edinburgh 1916 The Great Texts of the Bible: James Jude James Hastings, Scottish Pastor Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing, Grand Rapids, MI Commentaries on The Catholic Epistles John Calvin, 16 th Century Theologian, Pastor & Teacher Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing, Grand Rapids 1948 The Interpreter s Bible George Arthur Buttrick, Ed. Abindgon Press, Nashville 1957 Profiles of Faith / The Good News James / The Crossway Classic Commentaries Thomas Manton, 17 th Century Puritan Pastor & Teacher Crossway Books, Wheaton, IL 1995 James / The MacArthur New Testament Commentary John MacArthur / 20 th -21 st Century Pastor & Teacher Moody Publishers, Chicago 1998 Life in Year One Scott Krob / 20 th 21 st Century Theologian and Author Riverhead Books, New York 2010 James Mercy Triumphs Beth Moore / 20 th 21 st Century Teacher and Author LifeWay Books, Nashville

38 An Introduction to the New Testament D.A. Carson & Douglas J. Moo / 20 th 21 st Century Professors and Authors Zondervan, Grand Rapids 1992, 2005 Jewish Backgrounds of the New Testament J. Julius Scott, Jr. 20 th -21 st Century Professor and Author Baker Academic, Grand Rapids 1995 New Testament Survey Merrill C. Tenney, 20 th Century Professor, Dean and Author Wm. B. Eerdmans, Grand Rapids 1961 The New Testament - Its Background and Message Thomas D. Lea & David Alan Black 20 th -21 st Century Professors and Authors B&H Publishing, Nashville 2003 Africa Bible Commentary Tokunboh Adeyemo, Ed. 20 th -21 st Century Theologian, Professor & Author Zondervan, Nashville 2006 The Treasury of David Charles H. Spurgeon, 19 th Century Pastor, Teacher and Preacher Hendrickson Publishers, Peabody, MA 37