James
Chapter 1
Chapter 1
Vs 1 James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, To the twelve tribes scattered among the nations.
Taken from Francis Chan James Study Notes:
“Twelve tribes” reflects language that points back to Israel, which originally had twelve tribes—each tracing their lineage back to one of the twelve sons of Jacob. The twelve tribes are used throughout Scripture to symbolize the fullness of God’s people. We see this picture carried on in the New Testament as Jesus chose twelve disciples—a clear reflection of the twelve tribes of Israel (See Matt. 19:28). In the book of Revelation the apostle John uses imagery of twelve tribes to denote the fullness of the people of God, now Jew and Gentile (Rev. 7:5–8; 21:12).
Through the centuries, many Jews had emigrated from their homeland in times of exile, war, famine, or economic hardship. This is known as the diaspora, which means “scattering.” The diaspora, or “Dispersion” as translated in the ESV, became a technical term for all places outside of Palestine where Jews lived. In Acts 8 we see the beginnings of a new Dispersion among Christ-followers. Persecution forced believers out of Jerusalem into Samaria, and eventually the far reaches of the Roman Empire.
So James is likely referring to Christ-followers, likely of Jewish decent, who had been scattered around the world as a result of persecution.
“Twelve tribes” reflects language that points back to Israel, which originally had twelve tribes—each tracing their lineage back to one of the twelve sons of Jacob. The twelve tribes are used throughout Scripture to symbolize the fullness of God’s people. We see this picture carried on in the New Testament as Jesus chose twelve disciples—a clear reflection of the twelve tribes of Israel (See Matt. 19:28). In the book of Revelation the apostle John uses imagery of twelve tribes to denote the fullness of the people of God, now Jew and Gentile (Rev. 7:5–8; 21:12).
Through the centuries, many Jews had emigrated from their homeland in times of exile, war, famine, or economic hardship. This is known as the diaspora, which means “scattering.” The diaspora, or “Dispersion” as translated in the ESV, became a technical term for all places outside of Palestine where Jews lived. In Acts 8 we see the beginnings of a new Dispersion among Christ-followers. Persecution forced believers out of Jerusalem into Samaria, and eventually the far reaches of the Roman Empire.
So James is likely referring to Christ-followers, likely of Jewish decent, who had been scattered around the world as a result of persecution.
Vs 2 Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds.
Consider the word "consider"
Some translations use the word "count". The Greek word used is hegeomai and occurs 28 times. But a more specific derivative used in this verse hegesasthe which is more closely translated as "count." Hegesasthe is an accounting term that doesn't have anything to do with emotions. This word (variation) relates to organizing or collecting things. James is implying that we should enter hardships as "deposits" not "withdrawls." He's not talking about our immediate emotional response (i.e. illness or loss of loved one)but in categorizing [keeping the right perspective] that moment when assessing life as a whole [keeping perspective in light of eternity]. The broader Greek "hegesasthe" in simplest terms means to "lead, govern, rule." We might feel sorrow or anger but we can keep a right perspective and let joy rule. I think this means we should let joy rule even in the face of trials - because in subsequent verses we will see that it produces positive results. |
Note that this verse doesn't say that we are to "feel happy". Feelings cannot be commanded. We are to consider our circumstances and choose joy.
We may not be able to control circumstances but we can choose how we think about our circumstances. When bad things happen we can immediately say , "This is terrible. This is a bad day. My life is going wrong. Why did this happen to me?" OR we can say to ourselves, "this is a bad thing but I will get through this. I will learn and be stronger. I will consider the growth and strength worth rejoicing over." Francis Chan, in his study on James, says that trials in our lives are like all the ingredients in a cake. Each ingredient on its own may not taste good but collectively, they come together to produce a cake. |
vs 3 "...because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance."
Why would God ask us to respond to bad things in this way?
In short, it's about faith. It's about trusting God. God wants us to respond to trials - to the hard things in our lives - in a way that demonstrates our trust in Him. It authenticates our faith. A trial takes away our ability to see the clear path to getting what we think will make us happy. It's in these moments, we will either decide not to trust God and look to someone or something else or you can choose to take control. OR the struggle will push us to turn to God for more help, to trust more deeply that He is with us and for us, to believe that He will carry us through. When we choose to trust Him, He provides. Our endurance - the ability to keep trusting Him while trials continue unresolved - grows our faith. And since our faith is the most important thing to God, that is worth rejoicing. From God's perspective, our growing faith in Him is far more important than not experiencing hardship. |
Refined by the fire
The Greek word used for testing is "dokimion" and it means to be found approved (genuine) after testing. This term was used by the silversmiths to test silver. They would heat it up by fire. At a certain temperature, all the impurities rise to the surface and the top layer would be scooped off. The process would be repeated until the silver was tested - purified. The smith would know when the silver was tested - found approved - when he would look down and see his own reflection in the silver. Faith and Faithfulness How do we remain faithful in hard times? [See Eyewitness study] Note: The Greek word used for perseverance is hypomone Definition: a remaining behind, a patient enduring Usage: endurance, steadfastness, patient waiting for. 5281 hypomonḗ (from 5259 /hypó, "under" and 3306 /ménō, "remain, endure") – properly, remaining under, endurance; steadfastness, especially as God enables the believer to "remain (endure) under" the challenges He allots in life. Endurance (hypomone) is inspired by hope: 1 Thessalonians 1:3 We remember before our God and Father your work produced by faith, your labor prompted by love, and your endurance (Hypomone) inspired by hope in our Lord Jesus Christ. |
Vs 4 "Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything."
Trials can't be avoided - so let it serve its purpose
James point is that we shouldn't make the effort of our lives to avoid trials. We should let perseverance "finish its work." When we encounter trials, we should make the most by letting endurance - trusting God through another trial - create the result in us that God desires. Namely - more maturity and greater trust in God. These trials aren't a waste of time - God can use them in your life. James uses the concept of endurance - steadfastness or perseverance - to describe the ability to trust God more and more. As a runner gains endurance the more he runs - the longer the distance he is able to run. Christians also gain the ability to trust God through trials. |
Transformed in His image
Remember, these trials in our lives is God testing us so that He can look down and see His own reflection as we are becoming more and more mature and complete. We become more and more like Him in our suffering. He uses the trials in our lives to rid ourselves of the impurities so that we can be more and more like Him. Often in the Christian life, we don't think of that - we think "follow Jesus and He will make everything wonderful...He will take away all your pain and make you prosperous. God doesn't just want to make you happy. He wants to make you holy. He wants us to be a reflection of Him. It is the trials and sufferings that make us more and more like Christ. |
Vs 5-8 "If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you. But when you ask, you must believe and not doubt, because the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. That person should not expect to receive anything from the Lord. Such a person is double-minded and unstable in all they do.
"Lord, I do not know what to do!"
How often I feel desperate in the midst of a trial because I do not know what to do. Good news! God promises that we can ask for wisdom and it will be provided generously. Francis Chan added a unique perspective to this. He said that if you don't have the wisdom to understand that these trials are for your benefit - then pray and ask God and He will give you the wisdom. |
Believe when you ask
There's a saying that if you ask 5 people for their opinion regarding a problem, you will get 5 different answers. When faced with a challenge or trial, if you go to God with your requests, the Scriptures promise that you will have peace. Philippians 4:6-7 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. But if you pray and continue fretting over your problem and continue to seek to take control of the situation, if you don't believe that God is working on your behalf, you may take action that is against His plans. Or you might seek finding the solution by asking others for their opinion. You are going to feel like you are being bounced like the waves of the sea. It is good to seek godly counsel and advice but go to God and trust Him with guiding you and seek His peace. |
Vs 9-11 "Believers in humble circumstances ought to take pride in their high position. But the rich should take pride in their humiliation - since they will pass away like a wild flower. 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 will fade away even while they go about their business.
Its the riches that are unstable. If life seems easy and without challenges, things can change so easily and are a false security.
Vs 12 Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love Him.
It is the one who loves Him that perseveres and makes it through the trial and receives the crown of life. It is easy to say you love God when you have what is needed to make life comfortable. But He wants to put trials in your life to produce character. Allow God to use them to purify you because when you endure, you will receive the crown the of life - the crown that IS life.
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Romans 5:2b-5 And we boast in the hope of the glory of God. Not only
so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering, produces perseverance, perseverance, character, and character hope. And hope does not put us to shame, because God's love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us. |
Vs 13-15 When tempted, no one should say, "God is tempting me." For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does He tempt anyone; but each person is tempted when they are dragged away by their own evil desire and enticed. Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death.
It is our own corrupt desires that function like a "lure" and drag us away. We have a choice, like a fish that chooses to take the bait or swim away. Being tested is not sin. Sin only occurs when we take the bait and let our corrupt desires entice us. Only after our corrupt desire (because we have a fallen nature) is conceived - when we choose to engage and meditate on that desire - that it gives birth to sin.
Vs 16-18 Don't be deceived, my dear brothers and sisters. Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows. He chose to give us birth through the word of truth, that we might be a kind of firstfruits of all He created.
Don't be Deceived
Satan’s great strategy in temptation is to convince us that the pursuit of our corrupt desires will somehow produce life and goodness for us. Not all longings within us are good. Sometimes the longings within us feed our pride or wrong desires. Don't be deceived by them. Swim toward God.. God would never tempt us in this way. God provides only good gifts. Emotions are powerful things, but they are not outside of our control. Our feelings often follow the lead of our perspective. Emotions and sinful thinking can trick us into turning away from God. if we blame Him for our circumstances or to react in a way that is not godly. If for example, if we feel that we have been wrongly mistreated, our sense of entitlement may cause us to "give birth to sin" because of a corrupt longing for recognition. What Jesus gives is for our fulfillment. What He gives life! John 10:10 The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full. In the midst of our trials, we may be tempted to change our opinion of the trustworthiness of our God. We start to make lists of all the things we think we are missing in our lives, of all of the things we have lost. If God were good, wouldn't we have those things? This attitude leads to even more temptation. We begin to look elsewhere for the good things we think we're missing. "If God won't provide them," we think, "we'll have to go and get them for ourselves." We attempt to take control. We struggle to find our own satisfaction. |
God is the Giver of Good Gifts and Rightful Longings
James urges us to flip the typical human script. He calls us to make a new list: all the good things we do have. Where did all those good things come from? James is encouraging believers in Christ to tell themselves the truth: God gave you every single good thing in your life. He is the source of all the good you have and all the good you crave. Who God is does not change when our circumstances change. He doesn't go from being a good God to a bad God when our trials began. He is still the source of all the good in our lives; He never changes. Father of heavenly lights Turning from God in order to escape hardship is as ridiculous as hiding from the sun in an effort to escape darkness. When faced with ordeals, we should seek the one who can make all things new. What more evidence do we need that our God is good and loving and powerful and faithful to us? No matter how dark our circumstances in the moment, nothing can change the enormous good gift that God has given to us in Christ. First Fruits James may refer to his own generation of believers when he calls them firstfruits, especially as being mainly written to Christians from a Jewish background. The fact that these Christians from a Jewish background are firstfruits (Deuteronomy 26:1-4) shows that James expected a subsequent and greater harvest of Christians from a Gentile background. |
Vs 19-21 My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this. Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires. 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.
Stay Focused
When we are pursuing the things of God - when we are following the Spirit into action - it makes resisting temptation and bearing up under the trials so much easier. If we are busy about the mission of God, it's a lot easier to forget about our temptation when we are focused on the mission itself. Believers are instructed to maintain trust in God, even during hard times. In fact, believers are to consider their hardships as "joy," since trials are how God strengthens our faith. This raises the question of what it means to remain faithful to God—to continue to trust Him—even when the trials of life come our way. For one thing, those who trust God continue to obey Him. Starting in verse 19, James begins to describe what that obedience looks like. Those who trust and obey God learn to adjust the speed of their listening and speaking. If God is truly in control, we can afford to take the time to understand. Rather than shooting from the hip, we can respond in a way that is helpful. Doubting that God is in control speeds up our mouth and slows down our mind. Remember, self-control is a fruit of the Spirit As believers, we shouldn't be obsessed with ensuring that we are heard and understood in order to get what we want. When we act according to our immediate desires, and our immediate reactions, we feel a lack of control. And when we feel like we're losing control, we will get angry. Notice that this is not a command to never feel anger. Anger is a human emotion that everyone experiences, and it can be justified. However, James' instruction here makes it clear that we can learn to control—or at least slow down—our angry responses. In fact, to refuse to let anger control us is itself an act of faith. It is a choice to believe that the Father is in control, that He loves us, and that He is good. |
The Impact of Human Anger
We lose our integrity, the trust of others, and our self-control when we live by anger. We were created for far more than simply getting the superficial things out of life. Part of our purpose as believers is to be used by God to help contribute to His righteousness, to help accomplish His purpose in the world. We have a glorious, eternal purpose, far greater than what we can achieve through anger or sin. Human anger is nearly always an expression of human selfishness, fear, or desire to control the world around us. Those who trust the Father to be in control, to provide what is needed, to bring justice when the time is right, can afford to let go of human anger. What should we do? We are to "get rid" of all moral filth. The Greek word used here is apothemenoi, which means to remove something as one would remove clothing. To take off something is a choice, a conscious action. What do we choose instead? It's interesting that James doesn't yet give us a concrete list of good things to do here, instead of the bad things we were doing. He writes that we should, in humility, accept the Word planted in us. Throughout the Bible, Christ is often described as "the Word." James likely refers to Christ, to the message of Christ, when he calls us to accept, with humility, the Word that was planted in us when we believed in Jesus. James doesn't tell us to stop sinning and just be better people. He tells us to stop sinning and accept—or keep accepting or accept on a deeper level—the message of Christ, with humility. It is Christ's goodness in us that counts, not our own efforts to be good. Christ in us is what will save our souls. |
Vs 22-25 Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like someone who looks at his face in a mirror and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like. But whoever looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom; and continues in it - not forgetting what they have heard, but doing it - they will be blessed in what they do.
How do people who truly trust God the Father live from day to day?
What does the life of a genuine, trusting, saving faith look like? When we humbly accept the word planted in us,...when we let the word soak in...we will be moved to act upon it in obedience. Those who trust God don't merely become experts at listening to God's Word. To believe is to act on what we hear. |
How to be blessed in what we do.
Christians should look intently into the perfect law, the law that gives freedom. When they routinely do that and obey what they see there, they will be blessed in what they do. James is not calling believers to see legalistic rule-following as the path to being blessed. He is writing to people who believe that Jesus fulfilled the Law of Moses by obeying it perfectly Himself. In Christ, the Word has been planted in us (James 1:21). That's the Word we hear and obey because we trust our Father. That Word is the perfect law, the law of the love of Christ, which brings freedom. |
Vs 26- 27 Those who consider themselves religious and yet do not keep a tight rein on their tongues deceive themselves, and their religion is worthless. 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.
What is acceptable religion?
James lived in a very religious time in history. He was born into the religion of Judaism, a political-religious system instituted by God Himself. It had been corrupted over time by its human leadership, leading to great misunderstanding about who God was and what He wanted from His people. In addition, the culture of that era was packed with religions that included the worship of all kinds of idols and false gods. All of them had specific rules and practices. All of them gave people a false sense of security in exchange for money or loyalty or ritualistic obedience. None of them was pure or undefiled religion. It is not enough to participate in religious ceremonies, keep a few commands, or refer to ourselves as a religious followers. So far as Christianity is concerned, obedience to God is meant to be followed down to the level of every word we speak. There is a form of religious expression that is still pure and undefiled before God. It is simple, though not easy: show up with the widows and orphans in their suffering. Help them. And don't let yourself be polluted or stained by the world. According to this verse, "pure" religion is defined as caring for those who are in need, and avoiding the sins of the world. To be unstained by the world means that we refuse to be driven by our own appetites and desires and selfish goals. It means not compromising with a system that hates God. It's very difficult to practice pure and undefiled religion before God…unless we see some serious changes inside of us. Merely planning to follow the right list of regulations is not enough. |
Do you consider yourself religious?
Most Christians avoid referring to themselves as religious. In the modern world, the word "religion" tends to be associated with keeping of rituals or rules in hopes of earning some divine favor. Those who are saved by faith in Christ understand that they have already received God's favor. We seek to use His power in us to live as Jesus would, to make good choices in response to the grace He has already given to us. In other words, while Christians tend to recoil at the modern meaning of the term "religion," we certainly embrace the concept James is speaking of in these verses. Nobody should think of himself as a religious person if he doesn't keep a bridle or tight rein on his tongue. That is, if we cannot control the words that come out of our mouths, we are lying to ourselves about being religious people. This closely relates to James' prior comments on anger (James 1:19–20), in that self-control is key to the Christian life (2 Peter 1:5–6; Galatians 5:22–23). |