The Book of James - 12
The Main Points of the Book
God's revelation of Himself is given to us in the Bile, and this has come to us through the inspiration of the Holy Spirit working in men wholly yielded to Him. God has not only revealed something of His own nature, but He has made it clear how Christians should live day by day. This is the purpose of this letter written by James which we have been studying. In concluding this series we are going to think over the main points of the whole letter.
No Christian will find life always easy. It is inevitable that in this world, where there is so much evil, great problems and difficulties will come our way. But God always enables those who trust Him to win through.
Chapter 1 v.12: "Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those that love Him."
Even in the midst of such times of difficulty, the Christian is expected to stand firm and not allow these things to defeat him. The way we live and speak in times of trial are quickly noticed by those around us. By keeping true to the Lord, and being victorious in Christian living, we bring honour to His Name. This is the kind of wisdom we should have as we live in this world.
We must carry out god's Word and not merely read it -
Chapter 1 v.22: "Do not merely listen to the word and deceive yourselves. DO what it says."
Christians should be those who exhibit real care for others. We need to give practical help to those in need, and we need to be aware of the needs of others -
Chapter 1 v.27: "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."
Very often the Lord uses thoughtful acts of kindness to stir up interest in the things of God in the people being helped. They feel that because someone has shown them practical kindness, that person's Christianity is something worth knowing about. Practical Christianity can be very fruitful in winning others for the Lord Jesus. Sometimes such acts of kindness may cost us something, but when done in the Name of the Lord and for His sake, we can never be the loser. God always honours those who honour Him.
Chapter 2 v.8-9: "If you really keep the royal law found in Scripture, 'Love your neighbour as yourself', you are doing right. But if you show favouritism, you sin and are convicted by the law as a law-breaker."
Another important point that James makes is that believers must not show favouritism towards other people. Those who are materially rich should not be regarded as superior to those who are poor. We must show equal love and respect to both, for both are precious to the Lord.
Chapter 2 v.14-17: "What good is it, my brothers, if a man claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save him? Suppose a brother or sister is without clothes and daily food. If one of you says to him, 'Go, I wish you well; keep warm and well fed', but does nothing about his physical needs, what good is it? In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead."
Genuine Christianity isdemonstrated by its practical outreach, and not merely by words spoken. Positive action in doing good is the real evidence of one's faith. It is not enough to go around TALKING about being a Christian, if your life does not exhibit the graciousness of the Lord Jesus in all you do. What we ARE matters tremendously.
Chapter 4 v.7: "Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Come near to God and He will come near to you. Wash your hands you sinners, and purify your hearts you double-minded. ... Humble yourselves before the Lord, and He will lift you up."
Christian must keep clear ofany involvement with the evil things of this world. We are to be a separated people and to avoid contact with unclean things. By this is meant we must not show any sympathy towards things that are impure or contrary to the Word of God. This is why we must get to know the Scriptures for ourselves so that we know what is right and wrong in the sight of God, and so we can build up our faith in Christ. It is to HIM that we must submit ourselves, and resist every device of Satan to pull us down.
Those who are humbly obedient to the Lord will find that He cares for them, and is ready to guide them daily in every way. Such confidence in the Lord will mean that we can face the future with assurance. It means, too, that we shall commit all our plans to Him, and trust His good hand upon us in leading us day by day.
Chapter 4 v.15: "...you ought to say, 'If it is the Lord's will, we will live and do this or that'".
In the concluding chapter of this letter, James warns against the deceitfulness of riches. A greed for material wealth can so easily displace faith in the Lord, and harden one's attitude to others. This is clearly a very unchristian situation, and those to whom the Lord has entrusted material wealth must be on their guard. They must be ready to share what God has given them, and must be fair and just in dealing with those whom they employ.
I trust that as you have shared in this consideration of the Letter of James, you will be truly yielded to the Lord Jesus, and will serve him faithfully and practically in your life as a Christian, and so bring glory to Him.