The word “righteous” occurs seven times in the five chapters of James’ letter. It is a word that summarizes well James’ down-to-earth approach and overlaps with Jesus’ instruction in Matthew 5-7 where a major focus is righteousness (5:20, 6:22). His use of the word in his letter falls into four categories. 1. There is theContinue reading “James & Righteousness”
Category Archives: James
A Wonderful Servant, But A Lousy Lord
In 5:1-6, James addresses unrighteous landowners who had repeatedly taken advantage of their workers by withholding wages (5:4) and using their influence to obtain legal judgments against them (2:6, 5:6). Additionally, they showed antagonism toward their workers’ faith as they “blasphemed” the name of Jesus (2:7). These words are a continuation his message to theContinue reading “A Wonderful Servant, But A Lousy Lord”
Tools for Trials
The first chapter of James deals with trials and temptations (v. 2, 12, 13). This resonates with everyone because no one is immune from either of these things. They were a part of Jesus’ life, and they are a part of ours. James talks about how to handle these and I’ve touched on that here.Continue reading “Tools for Trials”
A Lesson for Life
We’re not surprised when a Jewish disciple writing Jewish people speaks of blessing as James does in 1:12 of his letter. Here’s the complete verse from the NIV: Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those whoContinue reading “A Lesson for Life”
The Way Out Is Always Up
Here’s a quick look at some context for the letter of James that I think will be helpful for framing its words and applying its teaching to our lives. James is writing to dispersed people experiencing trials. The history of Jewish dispersion began in the middle of the eighth century BC with the Assyrians and later continuedContinue reading “The Way Out Is Always Up”
Connecting the Dots
It seems to me that James receives some bad press for not being as linear as we’d like him to be. One writer remarks, “It is difficult, if not impossible, to extract from it a continuous and coherent plan. Its sections follow one another with a certain disconnectedness.” Another uses the word “rambling” in regardContinue reading “Connecting the Dots”
Background on James
The letter of James is a bit different than what we’re used to in the New Testament. Most of the NT letters are written to a church (Romans, Corinthians), churches (Galatians, Revelation), or an individual (Timothy, Titus, Philemon). There are a few letters like Hebrews or 1 John where the recipients aren’t identified, so ourContinue reading “Background on James”
A Taste of Grace with Bruce Green 