Studies from James

 -by Paul Sudhakar

 

1. INTRODUCTION:

New Testament can be divided into 4 main streams:

1. Matthew to John (4 gospels) - presentation/ manifestation of the gospel
2. Book of Acts - propagation of the gospel
3. Romans to Jude - exclamation of the gospel
4. Book of revelation - consummation of the gospel.

Thus the book of James comes in the 3rd main section of the new testaments.

Paul’s letters includes what Christian faith is all about.

John’s letters includes what Christian love is about.

Peter’s letters includes what Christian hope is about.

Jude shows how to defend our Christian faith

James shows how we can demonstrate our faith in our works.

In this letter James shows that the church was doctrine rich but not in works. The words ‘work’ and ‘works’ comes 17 times, the word'faith' comes 16 times and the word ‘perfect’ comes 5 times.

James was the half brother of Jesus. John 7:5 shows that Jesus brothers did not believe in him. James too was one such brother. But the turning point in his life was when James saw the resurrected Lord Jesus Christ. Acts 1:14 shows that Mary his mother and brethren believed on him.

Bible speaks of James elevation in 3 places. This was because of his faith:

1. Acts 12:17 James was looked upon as an elder.
2. Acts 15:13 James was chosen to lead the local church at Jerusalem.
3. Acts 21:18, Gal 2:9 Paul referred James as a pillar to the church.

James had a unique position in leading this local church. Why?

• Church at Jerusalem was the first local church and was to be a role model to the future local churches. If the leadership in this place failed, those will be carried to the following churches. Thus James had to be very care full in leading this local church.
• The shadow of Judaism was still there in this local church. They had only the OT in their hands. They had to rightly interpret the OT and preach to both the gentiles and the Jews. Preaching to the Jews is tough than preaching to a gentile. James had this tough work to do. James did not have any other church to support or learn from. Neither did he have any experience like that of Peter or John, who had opportunities to spend time with Lord Jesus Christ. But with that few knowledge he completely depended on the Lord. Jesus counts our maturity not by the years but by the depth of our commitment or surrender to the Lord.

What history says about James:

• James was nicknamed as ‘James the holy one’. He was named because he lived such a holy life.
• James spent a lot of time in prayer. His knees became like camel knees because of constant kneeling.
• James was a martyr. He was pushed from the top of the temple, for confessing the Lords name in spite of their perceutions. Even falling from the top he did not die. Like Stephen, James saw the Lord and prayed for those around him. Later he was killed.

The Spirit of God lead the people to write the Bible.Not only writing but also the composition and the order.

Chronologically the book of james comes firstin the new testemant and the book of job comes first in the old testemant.

The book of james is sandwiched between the book of hebrews which talks of christian faith and the book of 1 peter which talks of the future hope.

To whom is James writing?

1. To the scattered people. (the 12 tribes)  James1:1  These people had to pay a prose for what they believed.They faced opposition by the roman empire. 
1. Because they thought they worshiped another king      
2. early belivers used to gather at night and Romans thought they gathered so to plot against the king.
3. partaking of the tables.Romans said that they are carnibals coz they talk of eating and drinking flesh and blood.For the early church, to stand for christ, it demanded their lives. Matyers means willing laying down their lives.
2. To the bretheren James1:2 In Christ we are brothers and sisters.
3. To the begotton people  James1:18   Christ payed a prise to save us coz we were (a)born in sin Rom3:10, Psalm 51:5  (b)unable to help ourselves.  John 8:34, Jer17:1

James1:2- "fall" actual translation is'coming across a temptation', not falling into sin.

God allows trials and temptation in our life. why? He allows it for our growth and to add blesings.so how can we convert these trials into joy?