James 1:1 | Part 1
James, Part 1
Matthew 5:3-12 “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for the kingdom of heaven is theirs. 4 Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted. 5 Blessed are the humble, for they will inherit the earth. 6 Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled. 7 Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy. 8 Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God. 9 Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons and daughters of God. 10 Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for the kingdom of heaven is theirs.
All these things are given to whom???? Those who seek after Jesus Christ. The only one who enables us to live any of this out.
Introduction:
Simple book about The Disciple Life. A How To book if you will, with an instruction manual feel. Anyone interested yet? Let me begin with a quote by Martin Luther, ex-priest, Husband of an ex-nun who was a brewmaster, and who singlehandedly put the whole Catholic church on notice that by GRACE we have been saved, not by works. And I quote:
The Romans, Galatians, Ephesians, and Saint Peter’s first epistle,—these are the books which show thee Christ, and teach thee everything that is needful and blessed for thee to know even though thou never see or hear any other book or doctrine. Therefore is Saint James’s epistle a right strawy epistle in comparison with them, for it has no gospel character to it. (Cited in James H. Ropes, The Epistle of St. James, The International Critical Commentary [Edinburgh: T. & T. Clark, 1978], 106)
Quote by Martin Luther, one of the fathers of the reformation
Luther was quite a historian and theologian. Should we listen to him? Should be bypass James? Absolutely not. Though James is simple, its beauty is found in its straightforwardness. You can’t misconstrue it. You just have to…obey.
Here is some interesting background information on James:
Specifically written to Jewish Christians
NOT written by one of the Apostles, OR Paul
One of the last books added to the NT
James is not a doctrinal treatise, but a simple 101 manual for Christians
James is Jesus half-brother by Mary and Joseph
He did not believe his brother was the Christ for a while
Once he believed he became an adamant follower and was heavily influenced by the Sermon on the Mount. So much so that he referenced it 21 times and in all 5 chapters of James
James was head of the Jerusalem church (Acts 12:17; Gal. 2:9)
Martyred for his faith in AD 62
James loved the OT. Four direct quotes and 40 indirect references in the book. Did James value ALL of scripture? Yes he did and so should we
James wrote his epistle between AD 44-49, making it the FIRST NT book written
James wrote the book to CHALLENGE the believers FAITH, and that is why we are studying this book. To challenge you!! To push you, to irritate you to love and good works as Hebrews says.
James 1:1
James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ:
Brother of Jesus
Knew him growing up
ZERO memory of any sin of his brother
Servant of God (the Father)
And Jesus. His brother. Who happens to be the King of all
Anyone interested in being a servant of your sibling and calling them God?
To the twelve tribes dispersed abroad.
OT reference
Honoring of his history and lineage
Greetings.
Godspeed
Cheers
Be well