James 1:1 James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, to the twelve tribes which are scattered abroad, greeting.
The writer is identified as James. Although James doesn’t identify himself as the brother of Jesus, their is great circumstantial evidence to support that conclusion. I liked the way Bob Deffinbaugh summed it up:
“First, the writer did not think it necessary to further identify himself. The Book of Acts presents James as a prominent leader of the church in Jerusalem. When Peter was miraculously released from prison and went to the house of Mary, he instructed his friends to go to James, and to the brethren (Acts 12:17). When Paul went up to Jerusalem after his conversion, he saw none of the apostles but James (Galatians 1:19). James presided over the Jerusalem Council, as recorded in Acts 15. The prominence of James, the brother of our Lord, and leader in the church in Jerusalem, was such that no further identification was needed so far as he was concerned.
Second, there are a number of striking similarities in the vocabulary of the Epistle of James to the speech of James at the Jerusalem Council as recorded in Acts 15. Just one example is the form of greeting found in James 1:1 and Acts 15:23. This greeting is not used by any other writer in the New Testament in the commencement of their writing.
Third, this Epistle seldom speaks of the Lord Jesus, but is strongly influenced by His teaching….Especially does James draw from the teachings of our Lord on the Sermon on the Mount.”
I think it is pretty interesting that James became one of the primary leaders of the early church since we know that Jesus’ brothers did not believe in Him during His ministry.
John 7:3–5 “His brethren therefore said unto him, Depart hence, and go into Judaea, that thy disciples also may see the works that thou doest. For there is no man that doeth any thing in secret, and he himself seeketh to be known openly. If thou do these things, shew thyself to the world. For neither did his brethren believe in him.”
When did James become a believer? Although the Bible doesn’t reveal that answer, Paul tells us that Jesus appeared to James personally after His resurrection.
1 Corinthians 15:4–7 “And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures: And that he was seen of Cephas, then of the twelve: After that, he was seen of above five hundred brethren at once; of whom the greater part remain unto this present, but some are fallen asleep. After that, he was seen of James; then of all the apostles.”
James simply wants to be known as a servant of God (the Father) and the LORD Jesus Christ (the Son). The Greek for the word servant indicates a slave. It’s interesting to me that he didn’t just say Jesus or Jesus Christ but the “Lord Jesus Christ.” He is emphasizing the fact that he is in a position of submission. Not the natural response of a brother.
To whom is he writing? The twelve tribes—Jews/Israelites—who are scattered abroad. Evidently this was a general letter to be shared with all Jewish believers in foreign lands. Commentators note that James was written very early, and the church was primarily Jewish at that time.
James 1:2 My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations;
“Brethren” – We know he isn’t saying that they are from the same physical family, but they are of the same nationality. It is also reference to the fact that all who claim Jesus as Savior are part of a spiritual family.
“joy” = cheerfulness, calm delight—Webster adds that this delight is rooted in the prospect of possessing what we love or desire.
Why would he say to count it all joy when you fall into divers (various, different kinds of) temptations? This is pretty cool since it parallels what I was just studying in 1 Peter; this is the same thought as expressed in 1 Peter 1:6: “Wherein ye greatly rejoice, though now for a season, if need be, ye are in heaviness through manifold temptations….”
“It was interesting to check out the Greek for “temptations.” The words used were putting to proof through trial or testing or temptation; an experiment. What is the purpose of an experiment? To test a theory or prove an accepted truth. These manifold (various types) temptations are necessary to reveal who we are and what we actually believe—to us, not to God; He knows everything about us. They reveal the positive and weak areas of our lives—our strengths and areas of need and weakness.”
Notice that the definition for joy references a calmness and serenity through the time of testing because you are focused on the end result identified in the next two verses. When we choose to respond to trial and temptation with joy, it keeps us from becoming bitter, fearful, worried or full of doubt.
The word “when” is also significant. Every believer should expect to experience different types of trials and temptations.
The word “fall” references being surrounded. As I am going through this book again, we are in the midst of the chaos of events that mark June 2020. Christians are surrounded with so many trials and temptations to tempt us to respond in the flesh. I have to pray daily regarding my attitude toward our governmental leaders and even some of the responses of church leaders in connection with the narrative that is creating such fear and irrationality among the people of our nation. It is only because of the truth declared in God’s word that I can respond to these events with the joy that James is talking about in this verse.
James 1:3 Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience.
James goes on to explain that we should “count it all joy” when our faith is tried (tested/proved) because it produces patience. I always think of patience as enduring, but when I checked the Greek, it implied cheerful endurance. (And the measurement bar rises higher and higher.)
James 1:4 But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.
“perfect” work – reaching completion
“perfect and entire” – mature, complete in every part
My paraphrase – When you have learned to have cheerful endurance in the tough times, you will become a spiritually mature person, complete in every way, lacking nothing—the result: A joyful servant of Jesus Christ.
Note from Wiersbe: “Let” denotes a surrendered life.
James 1:5 If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.
“Wisdom” – skill, cleverness, learning…….Webster: power of judging rightly and following the soundest course of action based on knowledge, experience, understanding, etc.
Seems to me that the whole description of wisdom is involved in making decisions. This wisdom is based on knowledge (of which our best source is the Bible), experiences (both good and bad), and understanding (the base of which is God-given and is further built upon through reading, listening and observation).
James is saying that God will provide us with the necessary wisdom if we will just ask Him. We just need to remember that He may answer that prayer in a way we don’t expect. This also implies that one must first recognize his need.
It’s also interesting that he says that God will give this wisdom to “all.” Obviously, he is writing to fellow believers, and the verse does start with “if any of you.” It also seems obvious that only those who believe in God would approach Him to ask Him for wisdom. We also know from other scripture that the keys to answered prayer are “abiding in Him,” having His “words abide in you” and asking “according to His will.”
John 15:7 “If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you.”
1John 5:14 “And this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask any thing according to his will, he heareth us.”
God won’t just give a little bit of wisdom—He will give liberally, abundantly, generously. He will never answer you by “upbraiding” you, using insult, taunting or reproach. You don’t have to fear that He will think your request stupid.
There is no equivocation in his statement—This prayer will be answered.
James 1:6 But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed.
James 1:7 For let not that man think that he shall receive any thing of the Lord.
James 1:8 A double minded man is unstable in all his ways.
When we ask in faith, we are to ask confidently, without doubt.
“wavering” = to distinguish, to judge
Maybe the above entry from Strong’s on “wavering” will shed some extra light on the next couple of verses. I thought of wavering as maybe changing your mind or just doubting in response to the changing circumstances around you. It’s interesting that the root words mean to distinguish, to judge. Faith means we are confident, trusting implicitly on God’s answer or provision without passing any kind of judgment or having any misgivings regarding what the answer or provision is or how it is given. Though I still often wonder about how God is working in the lives of those I love that love the LORD, I have grown to the point of peace and confidence in the fact that He is working for the good—no matter what it looks like to me.
Romans 8:28 “And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.”
I think that goes on to explain verses 7 and 8. Either we have faith in God or we don’t. Either we believe His word or we don’t. The LORD will only honor that prayer that is made in faith. My paraphrase for verse 8 would be: If a person isn’t sure about what he believes, how can you depend on or trust him in other areas of his life. This reminds me of the importance of I Peter 3:15.
1Peter 3:15 “But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear….”
James 1:9 Let the brother of low degree rejoice in that he is exalted:
James 1:10 But the rich, in that he is made low: because as the flower of the grass he shall pass away.
James 1:11 For the sun is no sooner risen with a burning heat, but it withereth the grass, and the flower thereof falleth, and the grace of the fashion of it perisheth: so also shall the rich man fade away in his ways.
These are some hard verses. The only way I can make sense is to go back to verses 2-4. If you interpret “low degree” to mean poor (in contrast to rich, v10), then the rejoicing is rooted in the expectation of the exalted position in God’s kingdom one attains after “letting patience have its perfect work” (v4). I think this poor/rich contrast can apply to any area in which we are comparing ourselves to others (e.g., money, talent, friends, intelligence, etc.).
Using the same logic, when the rich face “temptations,” times when they are brought low, it is cause for the same rejoicing—what it produces in their lives in the end. Why? Because though he may endure suffering, he will gain an eternal reward—he will be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.
The sun with the burning heat = trials and temptations
“withering grass” = man
As the rich man goes through the time of testing and it has its perfect work, he realizes that earthly riches are nothing compared to the spiritual riches he gains.
James 1:12 Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him.
“blessed” = fortunate, well off, happy
The reward for the “man that endureth temptation” comes when he is tried (at the judgment seat of Christ). The Greek for the word “endure” carries with it the idea of patiently persevering under the weight or stress of the time of testing. The reward for the person that endures—the crown of life, eternal life in the presence of the Father. This reward is promised to “them that love Him.” Obviously, only those who love the LORD will be able to endure the temptations and let patience have its perfect work.
I liked Guzik’s comment: “The passions of sinful temptation can only really be overcome by a greater passion, and that is a passion for the honor and glory and relationship with God.”
And from Chuck Smith: “God allows the adversity so that I can see the truth about myself and how I would respond in adversity. And when the adversity comes and I respond after the Spirit, Ah man, what a joyful delight.”
James 1:13 Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God: for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth he any man:
James 1:14 But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed.
Again, it is interesting that James is using different words that we have translated tempted(ation)(eth). The word in v12 is the one for putting to proof and the one in this verse is “causative, because, how, the fact that.” I’ve always preferred to use the word “testing” for what comes from God and the word “temptation” for what Satan puts in our path. (Yet in Job’s case, it was a combination of both.) The key is that God cannot be tempted with evil; He is holy and righteous. It would produce no desire in His being to go against His will. Man, on the other hand, can be tempted with evil because of his sinful nature, the lust of the flesh, and pride. God will not “put man to proof” through the use of evil (by appealing to our flesh or pride). It doesn’t even have to be Satan when we are “drawn away by our lust and enticed”; it is often just our own sinful nature.
I found some old bible conference notes from Warren Wiersbe on the book of James. Following is an excerpt from those notes.
Here he talks of temptations. If we aren’t careful, trials can become temptations. What turns trials into temptations? God tests many to bring out the best in many, and the devil tempts many to bring out the worst in many. Trials turn into temptations when we start blaming God and looking for a shortcut method to get out of difficulty. Temptation is a bad way to do a good thing. It is a good thing to graduate from school; it is a bad thing to cheat to do it. A temptation is a shortcut to do a good thing. Every time we have fallen for temptation, it is because we have fallen for the bait. [end excerpt]
James 1:15 Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death.
The word conceive jumps out. In my mind it is the planting of the seed to bring forth fruit. If lust is given a chance to root itself in our being, it will result in sin. The consequence of sin is spiritual death.
James 1:16 Do not err, my beloved brethren.
Paraphrase based on the Greek for “err”—Do not wander, go astray, be misled, or be misguided my beloved brethren, members of my family in the faith.
James 1:17 Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning.
The first words that jump out at me are good and perfect. What is the difference? Good implies moral, honest, kind, things that are beneficial. Perfect implies that something has attained completion, without flaw or blemish, or maturity (according to Webster and the Greek). I had always thought about the “without blemish” part, but not the part about being completed. The point being, that all the best things are gifts from above. What is above? It is explained in the next phrase, “cometh down from the Father of lights.” We know that this is God, but why the phrase “Father of lights”? The Greek does give some insight. The word for “lights” indicates revealing or making manifest and making known one’s thoughts. He is showing us who He is by the gifts that He gives us. He is love.
1John 4:8 “He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love.”
In reading through this verse again, I am now reminded of the One who gifts people with ‘every good and every perfect gift.” It is God the Holy Spirit.
1Corinthians 12:7-11 “But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal. For to one is given by the Spirit the word of wisdom; to another the word of knowledge by the same Spirit; To another faith by the same Spirit; to another the gifts of healing by the same Spirit; To another the working of miracles; to another prophecy; to another discerning of spirits; to another divers kinds of tongues; to another the interpretation of tongues: But all these worketh that one and the selfsame Spirit, dividing to every man severally as he will.
The good and perfect gifts being primarily referenced are the gifts of the Spirit as described in Romans 12, 1Corinthians 12, and Ephesians 4. For so many years I connected these gifts with physical, material blessings. Though that can also be true, the most valuable gifts—the gifts that can be described as good and perfect—are the gifts of the Spirit.
Another great truth—God has no variableness; He doesn’t change. He doesn’t even have a shadow of turning. Our shadow reflects our image, our position; His shadow never turns. His reflection is always the same. This is one of the key truths to me in interpreting scripture. Even though I admit that there are sections of scripture that are problematical in light of other scripture, I rely on the fact that God doesn’t change and He doesn’t lie. He will never contradict Himself. The perceived problem has to have something to do with man’s translation (admitting much change in the understanding of the meanings of words over the years, as well as the fact that some languages have more shades of meaning that we lump into one word—e.g., the word LOVE, which in Jesus’ time was expressed by three different words). Sometimes the problem can be caused by our own closed minds and not being open to the leading of the Spirit. I am sure there are many other explanations.
James 1:18 Of his own will begat he us with the word of truth, that we should be a kind of firstfruits of his creatures.
This is still in the context of talking to fellow believers. How did we receive faith? Through the word.
Romans 10:17 “Faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.”
As believers we are like the firstfruits of His creatures—the beginnings of a new kingdom born from a fallen creation. I think we have to keep in mind that James is writing to the Jewish believers that were part of the early church. In that regard, they were the first portion of the harvest that would result from the growth of the church.
I almost missed a crucial point—we are begotten, given new life, a new beginning, because of His will. 2Peter 3:9 says, “The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.”
James 1:19 Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath:
What wonderful advice!! Our natural tendency (or maybe I should say my) is usually to speak quickly, respond with a short fuse, and be slow to listen. I have really had to work at being a listener. Over the years I have developed the ability to be a good listener and to work with a much longer fuse, but I still have a lot of work to do on the “slow to speak” part. The writer of Proverbs addressed this truth.
Proverbs 10:19 “In the multitude of words there wanteth not sin: but he that refraineth his lips is wise.”
I found a quote in the Believer’s Bible Commentary attributed to Epictetus that I liked: “Nature has given to man one tongue, but two ears, that we may hear from others twice as much as we speak.”
By the way, the “wherefore” is important. God has given us so many good and perfect gifts as representatives of His new kingdom. We should be ever conscious of how our actions reflect on the Savior, and that should motivate us to develop these three character traits in our lives.
James 1:20 For the wrath of man worketh not the righteousness of God.
When we respond in our flesh, in anger or wrath, we are not reflecting the righteousness of God. In fact, we are reflecting quite the opposite.
James 1:21 Wherefore lay apart all filthiness and superfluity of naughtiness, and receive with meekness the engrafted word, which is able to save your souls.
Wherefore–Since our goal is to work the righteousness of God (v20)
Naughty—worthless, good for nothing, corrupt, disobedient
Filthy—nasty, corrupt, polluted, impure, obscene, unclean, vulgar
When you look at the meanings of these words, it is very convicting to me. How much time in my life has been spent on things that are worthless, good for nothing, polluted, even vulgar (e.g., especially so called “entertainment”). I have made far too many compromises in my life. It’s interesting that James chose to use the word “superfluity,” meaning a super abundance of something, with the word naughty. We all try to avoid filthiness, but are often quick to justify “naughty” (therefore it is in more abundance in our life). Filthy sounds dirty; naughty doesn’t sound so bad.
To “lay apart” involves a choice to put away these sinful actions. This requires desire, purpose and follow through.
When I looked up the word “engrafted” in the Greek, it said “innate, implanted.” Webster states that it is “to insert or introduce in such a way as to make a part of something.” Meekness is gentleness and humility. We are to receive the Word with gentleness, not with a defensive posture ready to fight for and justify our way of living. We are to receive the word with humility, in a posture of recognition of our need and desire to do whatever it takes to make it a part of our being. We are to receive the Word so as to make it a part of our being, ready to apply its teaching to our lives. Why? For the salvation of our souls.
James 1:22 But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.
Following in context here, James is saying that we should be doers of the Word. The Word directs us to strive for perfection.
Matthew 5:48 “Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect.”
The word perfect is a reference to growth in mental and moral character to the point of spiritual maturity. We can only reach such perfection by being doers of the word, by submitting to God’s revealed will in obedience. Verse 4 above tells us that we should be patient that we may become perfect. We aren’t just supposed to listen to the Word and pretend that makes us good. We can’t even rest on the time we spend reading or studying the Word. We have to be doers of the Word if we want to reflect Jesus and the righteousness of God.
James is basically saying that if we aren’t motivated to act in obedience to God’s word, we are deceiving ourselves as to the sincerity of our declaration of faith in Him. Jesus worded it this way: Luke 6:46 “And why call ye me, Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say?” and John 14:23 “Jesus answered and said unto him, If a man love me, he will keep my words….”
James 1:23 For if any be a hearer of the word, and not a doer, he is like unto a man beholding his natural face in a glass:
James 1:24 For he beholdeth himself, and goeth his way, and straightway forgetteth what manner of man he was.
James uses an object lesson here. He compares the one who hears the Word but doesn’t act on what it says to a person who is looking in a mirror. You look in the mirror to make yourself presentable and go on about your business. You’re no longer thinking about that reflection in the mirror as you go about your business. When we just listen to the Word and don’t try to apply it to our daily living, it’s like we forgot what we heard. I think many “Christians” respond to the Word this way. They do the appropriate thing by going to church on Sundays or by reading a daily devotional, but they never really intend to “partake” of the Word and let its truth produce any changes in their life. They figure they are good enough. (I think I’ve gone through many such periods in my life—justifying decisions made by the fact that those words were for other times, people, and places. I chose only to absorb the words that were comforting and affirming and didn’t impact my choices so as to infringe in areas of desire or pleasure. That is one of my biggest regrets.)
James 1:25 But whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty, and continueth therein, he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed.
The word “looketh” in the Greek has the implication of stooping down or bending down to see, putting forth extra effort to look intently. The Word states in many places that the child of God has liberty and freedom in Christ. I believe the “perfect law of liberty” is referring to God’s Word, the scripture. When we, as believers, put forth the effort to look intently at the scripture, and continue in it, abide in it, and live according to its truths, we will be blessed in our deeds, actions, and work because we are striving to act as unto the LORD.
James 1:26 If any man among you seem to be religious, and bridleth not his tongue, but deceiveth his own heart, this man’s religion is vain.
James warns the believers that there may be some among them who appear to be genuine in their manner of worship, yet they can’t control their tongue. This refers to a person whose speech shows no respect for the LORD and the truth of His word. Such a person has deceived himself and his observance of worship is vain, empty, profitless (or could it mean prideful and for show).
James 1:27 Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world.
What does God call pure, unsoiled religion, worship?
To do the acts that reflect His love, expecting nothing in return—to visit the fatherless and widows who are in need or are in distress. And I don’t think that just means go to see them; I think it means to do our part in providing help according to our means.
To put forth the effort to keep ourselves unspotted, without spot or blemish that physically or morally connects us to the corrupt ways of the world. We are to be distinct and separate from the world. Because of the pressures and temptations in this world and the tug of our sin nature, this is very difficult. When we succeed in any given effort in this area, we are showing true worship before the Father and His power in our life.
James 2:1 My brethren, have not the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory, with respect of persons.
James 2:2 For if there come unto your assembly a man with a gold ring, in goodly apparel, and there come in also a poor man in vile raiment;
James 2:3 And ye have respect to him that weareth the gay clothing, and say unto him, Sit thou here in a good place; and say to the poor, Stand thou there, or sit here under my footstool:
James 2:4 Are ye not then partial in yourselves, and are become judges of evil thoughts?
The key to this first group of verses is that there should be no discrimination among those in the body of Christ. The gift of salvation is free to each and every person who will accept it, and every person that will accept it should be welcomed into the church without partiality. God is just as interested in the soul of the poor man as the rich man. When we show partiality to the person of wealth, position and power (or for whatever reason), we are always motivated by “what’s in it for me” whether we want to admit it or not. I like the way the New Living Translation puts it in verse 4, “doesn’t this discrimination show that you are guided by wrong motives?” This principle was established from the inception of the law.
Leviticus 19:15 “Ye shall do no unrighteousness in judgment: thou shalt not respect the person of the poor, nor honour the person of the mighty: but in righteousness shalt thou judge thy neighbour.”
And affirmed by the Apostle Peter: Acts 10:34–35 “Then Peter opened his mouth, and said, Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons: But in every nation he that feareth him, and worketh righteousness, is accepted with him.”
Guzik re “Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory": “This is especially significant because James is widely (and properly) regarded as one of the first letters of the New Testament written (perhaps somewhere between AD 44 and 48). This means that the earliest Christians considered Jesus to be God, and said so in strong, unmistakable words.”
James 2:5 Hearken, my beloved brethren, Hath not God chosen the poor of this world rich in faith, and heirs of the kingdom which he hath promised to them that love him?
My expanded paraphrase—Listen; pay attention; think about it. Hasn’t God chosen those who are considered poor in this world to be rich in faith, to be the ones that will trust in Him in spite of the circumstances, to inherit the kingdom of love, truth, peace and prosperity (God’s kingdom) which He has promised to those that love Him?
I think that one of the key phrases here is “to them that love Him.” Those who truly love God will show it by how they live their lives. There will be evidence of that love in their lives. One of those evidences will be the love they show to others without discrimination.
It’s always interesting to note the differences in what we consider important and what God considers important. We judge people or make assessments about people based on their wealth and position of influence; we consider their wealth to evidence God’s approval. God on the other hand reminds us that true riches are those that are laid up in heaven; the riches of this life on earth are temporary.
Matthew 6:19-20 “Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal….”
When Jesus was here, He obviously spent much more time with the “lower” class peoples than He did with the upper classes. The poor were the ones who were well aware of their needs. Those who are rich are less likely to recognize their needs or admit their needs. I realize now that it was a blessing not to be born into a wealthy family. Those with wealth have different priorities—maintaining social standing, accumulating material possessions, and ever climbing the ladder of power and influence. It’s harder to get them to recognize their need for a Savior. This is truth from the mouth of Jesus.
Luke 18:25 “For it is easier for a camel to go through a needle’s eye, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God.”
Again, you can’t get away from the fact that God “chose” those who would be rich in faith. If you try to isolate this verse, or any verse, you can come up with some real problems in understanding. When I take the whole scripture in context, I have no problem in understanding. This choosing is made according to His will based on His foreknowledge.
2Peter 3:9 “The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.”
Romans 8:29 “For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren.” (See journal on Romans.)
James 2:6 But ye have despised the poor. Do not rich men oppress you, and draw you before the judgment seats?
Mankind as a whole looks down on the poor and is quick to judge them and criticize them. They are not the ones who are in a position to oppress others. They are not the ones who have the power and influence to take you to court for any perceived injustice. It is the rich who are more likely to oppress others, using their power and influence to promote self at the expense of others.
James 2:7 Do not they blaspheme that worthy name by the which ye are called?
It is the rich who more readily blaspheme (dishonor, slander, speak evil of) the name of Jesus Christ, the one from whom you get your name “Christian.” Though James was speaking in reference to the culture of his day, it is obvious that the application is just as relevant today.
Why do you think this is so? I think it is because the more money one has, the more it has hold of him, the more it seems to become a priority in one’s life. Scripture is clear that “the love of money is the root of all evil” (1Timothy 6:10). Just look at the lives of the rich and famous. They are always focused on attaining more money, more power and more influence. Just think of the impact they could make on the lives of others for good if they loved the LORD with all their heart, soul and mind and their neighbors as themselves!
I think another reason they are so ready to blaspheme the Savior is because it is His truth that confronts them with their sin—their selfishness, pride and corrupt morals.
Obviously, this application is general. There are wonderful Christian men and women of wealth that strive to honor the LORD with their lives and their wealth.
James 2:8 If ye fulfil the royal law according to the scripture, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself, ye do well:
James 2:9 But if ye have respect to persons, ye commit sin, and are convinced of the law as transgressors.
“fulfils” - keeps, accomplishes, performs
“royal” - befitting the king
“according to the scripture” – In the minds of these believers, the scripture is a reference to the Old Testament.
“neighbor” – fellowman, countryman, friend
My paraphrase – If you can keep the command of the law (Lev 19:18) in scripture to love your neighbor as much as you love yourself, you are doing well. That means that you are showing no partiality in your treatment of individuals. It means that you would only show kindness, helpfulness, patience, etc. in dealing with others. In other words, you would treat others as Jesus treats you. If you show partiality in your dealings with others, you are sinning; and the law condemns you as transgressors (violators, breakers) of the law. That’s a pretty black and white statement.
Leviticus 19:18 “Thou shalt not avenge, nor bear any grudge against the children of thy people, but thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself: I am the LORD.”
Great comment from Wiersbe in Be Mature: “The important question is not ‘Who is my neighbor?’ but ‘To whom can I be a neighbor?’”
And another: “‘Love is the fulfilling of the law’ (Romans 13:10). There would be no need for the thousands of complex laws if each citizen truly loved his neighbors.”
James 2:10 For whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one point, he is guilty of all.
This is a hard truth for many to accept. Anyone who breaks the law at any point becomes a transgressor, a sinner, a person guilty before the LORD. It doesn’t matter if it is one of the little points of the law or one of the major points of the law. Sin is sin. As a society, we have categorized things, i.e., little white lies vs. big lies—little sins vs. big sins. Of course, the LORD got right to the heart of things in the Sermon on the Mount by teaching us that the intent of our heart makes us just as guilty as the physical commission of a sin.
James 2:11 For he that said, Do not commit adultery, said also, Do not kill. Now if thou commit no adultery, yet if thou kill, thou art become a transgressor of the law.
James is emphasizing his point. Sin is sin in the eyes of God. God is the “he that said.” When you transgress the law, you are guilty of sin.
James 2:12 So speak ye, and so do, as they that shall be judged by the law of liberty.
James 2:13 For he shall have judgment without mercy, that hath shewed no mercy; and mercy rejoiceth against judgment.
Who are those “judged by the law of liberty?” I believe they are those who have trusted Jesus as Savior.
John 8:32 & 36 “And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free….If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed.”
I Corinthians 7:22 “For he that is called in the Lord, being a servant, is the Lord’s freeman: likewise also he that is called, being free, is Christ’s servant.”
So, whatever we say or do should be done as befits a believer, a follower of Jesus. We should be merciful. If we judge others without being merciful, we will be judged without mercy.
Wiersbe: “Liberty does not mean license. License (doing whatever I want to do) is the worst kind of bondage. Liberty means the freedom to be all that I can be in Jesus Christ.”
“Mercy rejoiceth against judgment” – As believers, though we deserve judgment, God has shown us mercy. That mercy is cause for rejoicing. Because we understand our position before God, we should be quick to respond in kind to others and leave all judgment to God.
This has been a learning thing for me. I was always quick to judge and ready to call for the harshest punishment for some of the more notorious criminals in particular. I remember making bold statements about what I would do to anyone who harmed any of my children in particular. I still have to fight this tendency. The Spirit has really spoken to my heart regarding my attitude toward such people. (I think most recently of the guy who killed his family in California and the mother who drowned all of her children.) I don’t understand these people, but I know that God is just as concerned about their soul as He is mine. My prayer should be for them to come to know the LORD through some miracle and to leave all judgment to God.
This struggle has reared its ugly head in earnest again as I witness what the current (2021) leaders of our country are doing to accomplish Satan’s purposes and destroy as many people as they can in the process. God is the One in Sovereign control, and I need to trust Him; He is the only one authorized to exercise vengeance. My responsibility is to pray for these people to have their eyes opened and recognize their need for Jesus as their Savior.
Romans 12:19 “Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord.”
LORD, please keep me cognizant of the fact that I am just a sinner saved by grace!! I’m no better or more deserving of your saving grace than anyone else. Thank You for Your wonderful mercy!
James 2:14 What doth it profit, my brethren, though a man say he hath faith, and have not works? can faith save him?
James is a plain speaking man; he doesn’t pull any punches. My paraphrase: What do you gain by saying that you have faith if your life shows no evidence of that profession? Is such a faith really saving faith? (The implied answer is “no.”)
This is a verse that causes me much concern regarding certain members of my family. I think James is trying to get his audience to think about the kind of faith they have. We can say that we believe or have faith in something; but if we don’t act on it, is it really faith? If we say we have faith that a chair can hold us up, but refuse to sit down in it—is that faith? If we say that we have faith in the work of Jesus Christ on the cross, but our lives show no evidence of that faith—is it real? The more I’ve thought about it, the more it concerns me. A person can “backslide” or fall into sin, but I think that even then that person will feel the conviction of the Holy Spirit. They may choose to ignore it for a time, but they won’t ignore it forever; and/or God will chasten him (Hebrews 12:6-7). Bottom line, I don’t know what goes on in the heart of my loved ones; but God does. This verse is one of those that motivates me to send letters, tapes, etc.
Hebrews 12:6-7 “For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth. If ye endure chastening, God dealeth with you as with sons; for what son is he whom the father chasteneth not?”
Other scriptures support this truth.
John 15:8–10 “Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit; so shall ye be my disciples….If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father’s commandments, and abide in his love.”
Ephesians 2:10 “For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.”
Philippians 2:12–13 “Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling. For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure.”
Titus 3:8 “This is a faithful saying, and these things I will that thou affirm constantly, that they which have believed in God might be careful to maintain good works.”
1 John 5:3 “For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments….”
I liked Wiersbe’s quote of an anonymous quote: “Faith is not ‘believing in spite of evidence, but obeying in spite of consequence.’”
James 2:15 If a brother or sister be naked, and destitute of daily food,
James 2:16 And one of you say unto them, Depart in peace, be ye warmed and filled; notwithstanding ye give them not those things which are needful to the body; what doth it profit?
James illustrates his point. If a person needs clothing or food and we do nothing to help them, any words of comfort or encouragement are useless. If we express sorrow when tragedy strikes, but offer no help according to our abilities or resources, our words are without meaning and the people receive no benefit. People in need only benefit when someone acts to provide for their need.
James 2:17 Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone.
James 2:18 Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: shew me thy faith without thy works, and I will shew thee my faith by my works.
Now James makes his statement bluntly—Faith without works is dead; it is not real. The word for “dead” in the Greek “nekros” means “dead.” It is not alive; it is good for nothing. He basically answers the question he posed in verse 14.
People shy away from this verse. They like to lean on the verse that says that salvation is by grace alone. That is true. But it is also true that our actions, the way we live, prove our faith.
Why can’t we accept the whole word of God instead of just part of it. I truly believe that has been one of Satan’s most effective tools. So much division has been created in the “church” because men choose to leave out or ignore the parts of scripture they don’t like. We like the teaching of grace, but we don’t want to actually feel the responsibility of living in a way that proves it. Or, on the other hand, we feel like we must work to earn our salvation instead of just accepting the finished work of Jesus on the cross. Why not just accept the truth that the Bible teaches salvation by grace through faith that is proved by how we live.
Chuck Smith: “Now a lot of people made mistakes; going forward and saying the sinner’s prayer and then going away and living the same kind of life doing the same kind of thing. They say, ‘Oh yeah, I was saved. I went forward and I said the sinner"s prayer.’ No, no, the sinner’s prayer isn’t going to save you. It is a living faith in Jesus Christ that brings about actual changes in your life and the proof is in the works; the proof of your faith. Your works have to be in accordance, in harmony with what you are declaring to be true.”
James 2:19 Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble.
James’ audience is comfortable because they believe that there is only one God. That’s true, and that’s wonderful. But the fact is that the “devils” (demons, evil spirits) also believe in the one God. They know without a doubt that He exists and who He is, and this knowledge makes them “tremble” (shiver, shudder, bristle or chill). This knowledge doesn’t bring them comfort; it scares them.
Another good Wiersbe quote: “A person can be enlightened in his mind and even stirred in his heart and be lost forever. True saving faith involves something more, something that can be seen and recognized: a changed life.”
James 2:20 But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead?
My paraphrase—Don’t you know, you empty-headed, foolish man, that faith with no evidence in your life is just empty words; it’s useless. Rich Mullins states this truth cleverly in one of his songs, “Faith without works is like a screen door on a submarine.”
James 2:21 Was not Abraham our father justified by works, when he had offered Isaac his son upon the altar?
James 2:22 Seest thou how faith wrought with his works, and by works was faith made perfect?
James 2:23 And the scripture was fulfilled which saith, Abraham believed God, and it was imputed unto him for righteousness: and he was called the Friend of God.
James was writing to a Jewish audience that was very proud of the fact that they were children of Abraham, the father of the Jewish nation. So James uses Abraham to prove that faith and works go hand in hand. Abraham was justified (declared righteous) before God because of his act of obedience in offering his son Isaac on the altar. It wouldn’t have been enough for him to say in his heart, “LORD, you know I am willing, but you told me that you were going to make me a great nation through Isaac. So, I know you don’t really mean that you want me to actually offer Isaac up to you. You just want to know that I am willing.” That type of faith would never have resulted in Abraham being justified before God. It was his action of obedience that proved his faith.
Vs 23 is referencing Genesis 15:6—“And he believed in the LORD; and he counted it to him for righteousness.”
God already knew Abraham’s heart. He had already credited Abraham with faith that acts because He is God. But He also put this example from Abraham’s life in the scripture as a proof text to those of us who can’t see into the heart—to emphasize the importance of obedience. So that scripture was fulfilled when Abraham obeyed God in chapter 22. His actions placed him on a special relationship level with God; he was God’s friend.
2Chronicles 20:7 “Art not thou our God, who didst drive out the inhabitants of this land before thy people Israel, and gavest it to the seed of Abraham thy friend for ever?”
James 2:24 Ye see then how that by works a man is justified, and not by faith only.
I don’t believe James is trying to change or take away from the truth of Ephesians 2:8-9 with this statement.
Ephesians 2:8-9 "For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast.”
Taken in context with the whole of what he has been saying, he is just trying to make a statement regarding “true faith.” That is something that I always warn my ladies about in the Foundations of Faith classes. I make sure that they know to test themselves regarding the profession they have made. Was it real, or was it just a movement in response to an emotion of the moment. If it was real, they will see a change in their lives. You can’t be the “temple of the Holy Spirit” and live in sin without feeling His conviction. It is grace alone as the gift of God that saves, but there will be actions to evidence a faith that is real. It seems so clear to me. Someone who truly realizes what it took for Jesus to become their sin on the cross and decides to accept that sacrifice for salvation WILL SHOW IT in their life because of their love and gratitude to the Savior.
I liked Mark Hitchcock’s definition for “justified”—vindicated by visible evidence.
James 2:25 Likewise also was not Rahab the harlot justified by works, when she had received the messengers, and had sent them out another way?
James is bending over backwards to make his point from the scriptures (which to them was the Old Testament). Rahab was protected because of her actions in protecting the spies who had come to check out Jericho. If she had not protected the spies and followed their instructions, she would have been destroyed along with everyone else. Her actions proved her heart and the truth of her declaration of faith in God.
James 2:26 For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also.
James gives his final example—The body without the spirit (Greek “pneuma”—wind, spirit, breath, the rational soul) is dead. Without the life force, the body does not function. In the same way, faith without works is dead. Faith that doesn’t result in actions that are obedient to God and show our love and gratitude for the provider of our salvation is dead, useless, empty. It is just not real faith.