(Outlines from Romans to Hebrews by A.J. Higgins were published from 2012 to 2015. See first articles in above Series Index.)
Focus Questions:
- What relevance can this epistle have on 21st-century western society and assembly life?
- Why are some very common themes such as the death of Christ not mentioned?
- What is my relationship to the Law?
- Since James was not saved until after John 7, and therefore was not at the Sermon on the Mount, how did he know it so well and make so many references to it?
Principles
- A Belief that Behaves
- A Faith that Follows
- Convictions that Control
- Creed and Conduct
- Works not Words
The Penman
- James the Lord’s brother (the best candidate of the four Jameses of the NT). See Galatians 1:19; 2:6-9; John 7:5; Acts 1; 12:17; 15:13; 21:19-26.
- Tradition says that he was stoned to death in AD 62.
- James is actually “Jacob.” You can find Jacob’s 12 sons (Gen 49) in these chapters (hint: the unstable man of ch.1 and Reuben).
- His style is crisp, concise and authoritative. He is pointed and personal.
- James a bondman – listening and uncompromising obedience, loyalty and unconditional fidelity, labor and unceasing activity.
The Period
- The epistle addresses believers of the twelve tribes of the dispersion (Act 8) in contrast to the elect strangers of the dispersion (1Pe 1:1-2), where it is used figuratively. It is essentially Jewish.
- Very likely an early date can be set for the epistle (AD 48). Internal evidence for this is good. It is important to see that the background of the epistle is Jewish and that it was written during a “transition” period.
- James is extremely practical. He does not develop doctrine but is concerned with Christian ethics. There are over 50 commands (imperatives) in his short epistle of 108 verses. At times, James almost sounds like one of the OT prophets thundering against the social injustices in Israelite society. He alludes to over 20 OT books.
The People Who Received It
They were Jews who were converted to Christ and living outside Judea. Since it is written in Greek, it would be to those living in the west. Recall the persecutions of Acts 8 and 12:1-9, and the famine of Acts 11:27-30. This gives us some insight into the material and physical condition of these believers. Note also their zeal for the Law (2:8-11). Note the absence of doctrine, the gospel and the cross. Brethren 15x, My brethren 11x; beloved 3x; brother 4x.
The Purpose
- The Comfort for Suffering Saints
- The Challenge to Growth
- The Certifying of their Faith – main theme of the epistle is “Tests of Faith”
The Problem Confronted
Is James’ insistence on justification by works contradicting Paul’s doctrine as well as the rest of Scripture’s teaching of justification by faith alone?
Points in the Epistle
- Value of Divine Truth
- Vanity of Material Treasures
- Virtue of a Controlled Tongue
- Vision of Future Tribunals
- Variety of Divine Titles
- View of Earthly Trials (1:2-4,12-17; 5:1-12)
- Vital Need for Spiritual Traits:
- Meekness (1:21; 3:13,17)
- Wisdom (1:5; 3:13)
- Patient Endurance (1:2-4; 5:7-8,10-12)
- Mercy (2:13)
- Humility (4:6-11)
- Kindness (1:27)
Counter-cultural Norms
- Ch.1 – Avoid trial
- Ch.2 – Use people
- Ch.3 – Assert yourself
- Ch.4 – Demand your rights
- Ch.5 – Go for riches
Proverbs and James – Look for some of James’ pithy sayings which echo the teachings of the book of Proverbs.
Parallels to Other Books – How many similarities can you find between James’ teaching and the Sermon on the Mount of Matthew 5-7?
Pictures from Nature – 30 references to nature: graphic, illustrative, insightful
The Pattern of the Epistle
Ch.1 – The Proof of Faith (Faith and Your Reaction to Trial/Response to Truth)
Ch.2 – The Practice of Faith (Faith and Your Righteous Treatment of Others)
Ch.3 – The Power of Faith (Faith and Regulation of Your Tongue)
Ch.4 – The Pathway of Faith (Faith and Your Reaction to the Times)
Ch.5 – The Patience of Faith (Faith and Your Resources Amidst Testing)
Or
Ch.1 – Consistency in Response to Trials
Ch.2 – Consistency in Respect to Treatment of Others
Ch.3 – Consistency in the Regulation of the Tongue
Ch.4 – Consistency in Relationships to Others
Ch.5 – Consistency in Regard to Patience
Or
Ch.1 – Faith and Trial (A Clean Tongue – Do I believe in a God of sovereign control?)
Ch.2 – Faith and Tests (A Consistent Tongue – Do I believe in a self-humbling God?)
Ch.3 – Faith and Tongue (A Clear Tongue – Do I believe in a God who is sacred and searching?)
Ch.4 – Faith and Turning (A Careful Tongue – Do I believe in a God of satisfaction and sufficiency?)
Ch.5 – Faith and Treasures (A Confessing Tongue – Do I believe in a God of sympathy and support?)
