INTRODUCTION TO JAMESThe book of James was most likely written by James, the younger half-brother of Jesus. James did not initially believe that Jesus was the Messiah (Jn 7:5) but later became a committed believer after meeting the Risen Christ (1 Co 15:7). James became the leader of the Jerusalem church and was instrumental in the direction not to require Gentile Christians to also become religious Jews (Acts 15). James wrote this letter to the twelve tribes scattered among the nations. This directly refers to the Jewish Christians living outside Palestine. But the contents of this epistle apply to all Christians in all generations. In particular, James addresses the matter of good works as necessary for justification and Christian life. This is not a contradiction of St. Paul who asserted that we are justified by faith alone. Paul refers to our initial acceptance before God whereas James refers to our final standing before God on the day of judgment. Without Christ, no amount of good works will get us right with God. At the same time, in the final judgment, we shall be judged according to the fruit produced in our lives, which includes good works. Genuine faith in Jesus necessarily produces good works in a Christian. The style of James is much like Proverbs. It is intensely practical and contains many imperatives. James also contains promises to claim. May the Holy Spirit work mightily in our hearts and bodies to put God's word into practice through good deeds.
TRIALS AND TEMPTATIONS
1. Depend on God in trials (1-12)
We can have joy in trials when we remember that God uses them for our good. God allows trials to come to test our faith, to produce perseverance, and to make us mature and complete. We may not know what to do in trials but we can always ask the Lord for wisdom. God generously supplies what we need when we ask him in faith and do not doubt. Earthly riches will fail us but God never fails. Those who love Jesus and persevere through trials will receive the crown of life.
2. Our Father gives perfect gifts (13-18)
Temptations are inward trials. God does not tempt us. The devil tempts us through manipulating our own evil desires. He takes our desires which leads to sin and eventually to death. But God gives perfect gifts. He never changes. He loves us and gave us new birth through his word as a kind of first fruits.
Application: Lord, thank you for helping us through every trial and temptation. Please make us mature and complete.
One Word: Persevere under trial