James
Although Jesus is hardly mentioned by name in this letter, his teaching is evident throughout. James writes to Christians who come from a Jewish background, applying truths very comparable to those in the Sermon on the Mount. This letter probably contains more of the teachings of Jesus than all the other New Testament letters together. James also uses Old Testament characters, with whom his readers would be very familiar, to illustrate his teaching: Abraham, Rahab, Elijah and Job.
Walk the Talk
Someone has written that the message of this letter ‘speaks especially to those who are inclined to talk rather than walk their way to heaven.’ In other words, any claim to have a saving faith must be tested by the quality of our lives. This is a blunt letter, with the briefest of greetings at the start and an ending that simply stops rather than reaching a measured conclusion. The letter is about duty rather than doctrine: ‘Speak and act as those who are going to be judged by the law that gives freedom…’ (2:12) We submit to God the lawgiver as well as to Christ the life-giver.
In 108 verses, fifty-four clear commands are given. The two central emphases are personal growth in the spiritual life and sensitivity in social issues. If we lack wisdom in any area, the message is simple: ask God for it and believe that he will give it to you.
Kingdom Principles and Kingdom Practice
If faith is genuine it will be apparent in the high quality of the believer’s life. Obedience to the Scriptures is fundamental, according to James. As kingdom people, we cannot afford to be sloppy in obeying what God says. The Word of God will highlight areas in which we may be falling short of God’s best, enabling us to repent and become obedient. We must not only hear what God is saying, but also put it into practice. And when life’s pressures are strong, perseverance needs to be added to faith to maintain our witness to the power of God in our lives.
James urges Christians to be actively involved in serving and doing good. We should likewise use a manner of speech that is positive, wholesome and honours God. The tongue has great potential for good, so we must guard against speaking in a way that goes against Kingdom principles.
James offers no alternative to a brokenness before God that leads to purity, generosity, humility and fair dealing. A Kingdom life exhibits compassion for those in need and no favouritism towards different kinds of people.
Prayer Works
The practical nature of James’ advice includes what to do when a believer is sick and leads on to the undoubted effectiveness of the prayers of ordinary Christians. We might not think ourselves worthy of being bracketed with a man like Elijah, but James does not hesitate to do so.
Written by David Raynor, an elder of The Community Church In the North West of England