Chapter summary:
James writes to Jewish Christians everywhere (1:1). He encourages them to greet trials with joy, aware of their potential benefits (vv. 2-4). Anyone who feels a need for guidance in such situations may ask God. But when a person asks, he or she must be willing to do what God directs, rather than waver between obedience and going one's own way (vv. 5-8). As far as financial trials are concerned, rich and poor must each find life's meaning in something other than material circumstances (vv. 9-11).
It is particularly important if we are to persevere to know the difference between "trials" and "temptations." Temptation comes from within and is a response of man's sin nature to circumstances. God has nothing to do with temptation. All that God brings into our lives is a good gift—and that includes trials (vv. 12-18). Whatever happens we must be committed to a righteous life (vv. 19-21) and practicing God's Word (vv. 22-27).
The believer’s personal application: Don't blame God or the devil for feeling tempted—or for giving in to temptation.
TEXTUAL INSIGHT
“Trials and temptations” (1:2):
The Greek word “periasmos” is translated as both "trial" and "temptation." Its meaning is rooted in the Old Testament, where a variety of Hebrew words speak of "tests" that God allows 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. So test are shaped by God to enhance our lives. “Periazo” and “periasmos”, whether rendered as "trial" or as "temptation" also indicate a test, devised by God, with the intent to benefit the believer. It is in view of this reality that James urges his fellow believers to welcome trials with joy, knowing that while they test one's faith, if we persevere they will contribute greatly to the development of spiritual maturity.
"Wisdom" (1:5):
In the Old Testament and New Testament "wisdom" is a practical, "what do I do next" kind of thing. It's common when we're under pressure to feel deep frustration and be uncertain of what to do. When we are in that situation, James says, "Ask God."
"Doubt" (1:6):
The Greek word here is “diakrino”, which when used in the sense of "doubt" is uncertainty about something set forward as an object of faith. In (James Chapter 1) we ask God what to do. He shows us. But then we hold back, uncertain whether or not we want to obey. James says that if you are going to hold back, don't bother asking. When God shows you His way, He expects you to take it.
“Perspective” (1:9-11):
Don't evaluate by the world's standards. Focus on your high position in Christ. Remember you are nothing but a human being, destined to die, whose only hope is in the Lord. Keep these things in mind and your financial situations will be irrelevant.
“Analysis of temptations” (1:13-18):
The pull toward evil we feel when tested—a pull toward anger, striking out, or surrender to passion—does not "come from" God. That is, temptation is not located in the test but in our response to the test. If we realize God intends the test as a "good and perfect gift," our perspective changes. Rather than viewing tests as temptation and giving in, we can welcome tests as blessings intended to help us grow. James reminds us that God has given us a new birth (v. 18). That new life is the source of an inner power that will enable us to triumph not only over the circumstances but our sinful tendencies as well.
“Doers of the Word” (1:22-25):
Just listening to the Word of God won't help us with the tests God allows, however, a commitment to “doing the Word” will lead to blessing in all we do.
Tuesday, March 27, 2012
Saturday, March 24, 2012
The Book of James: Summary
The letter of James was possibly the first New Testament letter to be written. It seems to have been addressed mainly to Jewish Christians—not those of a specific local church, but Jewish Christians in general. Like God's people in later Old Testament times, these Christians were scattered throughout the region of the Bible's story (James 1:1). Further indications of the Jewish background to the book are the writer's reference to the Christian meeting as a synagogue (James 2:2), and his references to the law of Moses (James 1:18; 2:8-11; 5:4).
Author of the letter
From early Christian times it has been understood that the person named James who wrote this letter was James the brother of the Lord Jesus (James 1:1; cf. Mark 6:3). During Jesus' earthly life, James and his brothers did not believe him to be the Messiah (John 7:3-5), but by the time of his ascension they had become believers (Acts 1:14). This suggests that Jesus' special appearance to James after the resurrection may have helped turn him and his brothers from unbelief to faith (1 Cor 15:7).
James later became the most prominent leader in the Jerusalem church (Acts 12:17; 15:13; Gal 1:18-19; 2:9,12). Although most of the Jews in the Jerusalem church still held to former beliefs and customs, James was not in bondage to the law. He constantly encouraged his fellow Jews to be more tolerant of others (Acts 15:13,19). The common people respected him for his sincere faith and called him James the Just.
Purpose of the letter
Jews who became Christians had the advantages of a long-established belief in God and a moral outlook moulded by the law of Moses. But these advantages could also become a hindrance. Some Christians were so devoted to the law that they became coldly legalistic and their Christianity lacked vitality. Others erred in the opposite direction. Now that they were released from the law's restrictions, they thought they were free to join in whatever practices were common in the society around them. As a result their behaviour became unchristian.
James dealt with these problems by giving teaching on the nature of Christian faith. Faith is not obedience to a set of rules, nor is it mere intellectual belief. It is something that is living, and it expresses itself in right behaviour. It does not give people the right to do as they like, but directs them towards a greater love for God and for others. Christian faith changes people's thinking and behavior, and is relevant to the problems of daily life. It enables Christians to live positively for God in an ungodly society, without accepting the ungodly standards of that society. This applies not to Jewish Christians only, but to all God's people.
A outline for the book of James:
Chapter 1:1-18: (Life's trials and difficulties)
Chapter 1:19-2:26: (Putting belief into practice)
Chapter 3:1-5:6: (Worldly ambition and Christian faith)
Chapter 5:7-20: (The need for patience and prayer)
Author of the letter
From early Christian times it has been understood that the person named James who wrote this letter was James the brother of the Lord Jesus (James 1:1; cf. Mark 6:3). During Jesus' earthly life, James and his brothers did not believe him to be the Messiah (John 7:3-5), but by the time of his ascension they had become believers (Acts 1:14). This suggests that Jesus' special appearance to James after the resurrection may have helped turn him and his brothers from unbelief to faith (1 Cor 15:7).
James later became the most prominent leader in the Jerusalem church (Acts 12:17; 15:13; Gal 1:18-19; 2:9,12). Although most of the Jews in the Jerusalem church still held to former beliefs and customs, James was not in bondage to the law. He constantly encouraged his fellow Jews to be more tolerant of others (Acts 15:13,19). The common people respected him for his sincere faith and called him James the Just.
Purpose of the letter
Jews who became Christians had the advantages of a long-established belief in God and a moral outlook moulded by the law of Moses. But these advantages could also become a hindrance. Some Christians were so devoted to the law that they became coldly legalistic and their Christianity lacked vitality. Others erred in the opposite direction. Now that they were released from the law's restrictions, they thought they were free to join in whatever practices were common in the society around them. As a result their behaviour became unchristian.
James dealt with these problems by giving teaching on the nature of Christian faith. Faith is not obedience to a set of rules, nor is it mere intellectual belief. It is something that is living, and it expresses itself in right behaviour. It does not give people the right to do as they like, but directs them towards a greater love for God and for others. Christian faith changes people's thinking and behavior, and is relevant to the problems of daily life. It enables Christians to live positively for God in an ungodly society, without accepting the ungodly standards of that society. This applies not to Jewish Christians only, but to all God's people.
A outline for the book of James:
Chapter 1:1-18: (Life's trials and difficulties)
Chapter 1:19-2:26: (Putting belief into practice)
Chapter 3:1-5:6: (Worldly ambition and Christian faith)
Chapter 5:7-20: (The need for patience and prayer)
Tuesday, March 6, 2012
Overcoming Temptation
The temptations that we face today are very real, and very strong. Many are giving in to them and, as a consequence, wrecking and ruining their lives. Satan’s main objective in his attack on us is the destruction of our life and testimony for Jesus Christ.
One of the problems that we face in overcoming temptation is recognizing where the attack originates. Many of us attempt to blame it on someone else, including the Lord. Look at (James 1:13): “let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God: for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth he any man.”
Temptations do not come from the Lord; many times they come from our own sinful flesh. James 1:14 reads: “But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed.” The troubles come when Christians yield to the lust that burns within the flesh. “In this flesh dwelleth no good thing.”
We must understand that even though we Christians possess a new nature, many of us still possess the old sin mind-set (Ephesians 4:22-25). "That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts; and be renewed in the spirit of your mind; and that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness.”
Another problem that we face in overcoming temptation is: recognizing the results that sin produces. James 1:15 says: “Then when lust hath conceived it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death.”
When sin is finished with us, after it takes your purity, affects our mind, and taints our character, it brings forth death. If we could just see the end result and all that happens in between, there would be more victory in our daily living.
There is a way of escape from all temptations:
1) Through Prayer: (Matthew 26:41) instructs us to “watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation.” Ask the Lord for help when the temptation arises instead of thinking that in your flesh there is victory.
2) Perception: is another key to victory. The Scriptures instruct us to “watch and pray”. Christians must be very sensitive and aware of the weakness of their own flesh and Satan’s daily attack.
3) Through involvement in good and positive things: keeping busy is important; too much idle time will open the door wide for yielding to temptation. Be active in your school work, which will help form your future. Stick to the task and get the job done. Be active in your church and youth group. And let good, godly people help you. By all means become involved in sharing the Gospel with others. This will not only build your spiritual life but also enable you to keep your mind off your problems and difficulties.
4) Your love for Christ: this will unlock the door to victory over temptation. James 1:12: “Blessed be the man that endureth temptation; for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him.”
5) The best safeguard one can put into life is: loving the Lord and developing a daily relationship with Him. It will make a difference in everything you do when your love is set on the Lord Jesus. Psalm 91:14: “Because he hath set his love upon me, therefore will I deliver him.”
One of the problems that we face in overcoming temptation is recognizing where the attack originates. Many of us attempt to blame it on someone else, including the Lord. Look at (James 1:13): “let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God: for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth he any man.”
Temptations do not come from the Lord; many times they come from our own sinful flesh. James 1:14 reads: “But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed.” The troubles come when Christians yield to the lust that burns within the flesh. “In this flesh dwelleth no good thing.”
We must understand that even though we Christians possess a new nature, many of us still possess the old sin mind-set (Ephesians 4:22-25). "That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts; and be renewed in the spirit of your mind; and that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness.”
Another problem that we face in overcoming temptation is: recognizing the results that sin produces. James 1:15 says: “Then when lust hath conceived it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death.”
When sin is finished with us, after it takes your purity, affects our mind, and taints our character, it brings forth death. If we could just see the end result and all that happens in between, there would be more victory in our daily living.
There is a way of escape from all temptations:
1) Through Prayer: (Matthew 26:41) instructs us to “watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation.” Ask the Lord for help when the temptation arises instead of thinking that in your flesh there is victory.
2) Perception: is another key to victory. The Scriptures instruct us to “watch and pray”. Christians must be very sensitive and aware of the weakness of their own flesh and Satan’s daily attack.
3) Through involvement in good and positive things: keeping busy is important; too much idle time will open the door wide for yielding to temptation. Be active in your school work, which will help form your future. Stick to the task and get the job done. Be active in your church and youth group. And let good, godly people help you. By all means become involved in sharing the Gospel with others. This will not only build your spiritual life but also enable you to keep your mind off your problems and difficulties.
4) Your love for Christ: this will unlock the door to victory over temptation. James 1:12: “Blessed be the man that endureth temptation; for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him.”
5) The best safeguard one can put into life is: loving the Lord and developing a daily relationship with Him. It will make a difference in everything you do when your love is set on the Lord Jesus. Psalm 91:14: “Because he hath set his love upon me, therefore will I deliver him.”
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)