| |
|
Outline of James
The letter of James in your New Testament is a precious
gem which will enrich each one who will carefully study
its message. A key theme of the letter is faith, and
each chapter presents at least one major characteristic
of faith. James is a letter which was intended to be
practiced, not just studied. It challenges our behavior
as well as our thinking.
In the first chapter, James stresses that our faith is
going to be tested. In verses 2-4, 12 he encourages us
to be joyful when these trials come, as we look for the
patience and growth which results from the tests. Verse
12 pronounces a person "happy" (or "blessed") when
temptation is endured, because a crown of life is
promised by the Lord to those who endure.
In James 2, we find two major points. Verses 1-13
emphasize an impartial faith. James teaches us that we
cannot show "partiality" or "prejudice" toward mankind,
which is based on social standing, prestige, position,
influence, etc. Since the Lord is "no respecter of
persons" (Acts 10:34,35; Rom. 2:11), neither should His
people be swayed by outward displays of wealth.
James 2:13-26 explains that faith must be demonstrated
by action. Some have a difficult time harmonizing James
and Paul (especially Romans 5:1ff.). The difficulty
disappears when it is realized that James is discussing
"works" as the fruit of faith, while Paul is discussing
"works" as a means of earning salvation. James is saying
that a faith that is not demonstrated by action is no
faith at all. Incidentally, Paul did not teach that we
are justified by "faith only" (Rom. 5:1), because in
Romans 3:24 he says we are justified by God's grace; in
Romans 4:25 he says that Christ was raised for our
justification; in Romans 5:9 he says that we are
justified by Christ's blood; and in Romans 5:18 he says
that our justification is by the righteousness of
Christ. Since Paul attributes our justification to five
things within a short space, it would be a contradiction
to add the word "only" after the word "faith" in Romans
5:1). We must be careful not to create dis-unity among
the authors of the Bible, especially when there is a
simple way of seeing the harmony between James and Paul.
James 3 instructs us that our faith is going to be a
controlling faith, or a temperate faith. In verses 1-12
he illustrates temperance, or self-control, by how well
one can keep his tongue under control. He warns us of
the power of the tongue, and how easily it can run wild,
and the damage which can result from a failure to use it
properly. James 3:1-12 ought to be read frequently,
especially by those who are accustomed to using the
tongue regularly!
In James 4, we are exhorted to develope a humble,
submissive faith. A humble faith is characterized by
drawing near to God, resisting the devil, mourning over
the sin in one's lfe, refraining from speaking evil of
one's brother, and refusing to make long-term plans
without taking the Lord into account (James 4:6-17).
In the fifth chapter, James shows us two more qualities
of faith. In verses 1-12 there is an emphasis on a
patient, enduring faith. The idea is not to let
circumstances drive us away from our hope in the Lord.
He uses the prophets (v. 10) and Job (v. 11) as examples
of encouragement to steadfastness. Then, in verses 13-20
James exhorts us to be a people whose faith causes one
to pray. Prayer is to be another fruit of our faith, and
one more way we can demonstrate our faith!
Truly, the letter written by James is filled with
practical exhortations and demonstrations of what faith
should be!
Kenneth W. Burton
|
|
|
|
