While he never mentions his family background, the author of this epistle is generally considered to be the James who was the half-brother of our Lord Jesus. He identifies himself, however, as “a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ.” Regarded as one of the earliest New Testament writings, the epistle is addressed to Jewish believers.
This letter may be over 1900 years old, but it deals with problems that are commonplace to believers of any era. We can benefit from it greatly, provided we are, as James says, “doers of the word, and not hearers only” (1:22).
Content and style
In five short chapters, James touches on more than a dozen topics, including:
Trials and patience (1:2-4; 5:7-11).
Wisdom (1:5; 3:13-18).
Faith and works (1:6-8; 2:14-26).
Riches (1:9-11; 5:1-6).
Temptations (1:12-15).
God the source (1:16-18).
The tongue (1:19-20,26; 3:1-12; 4:11-12; 5:12).
Actions (1:21-25; 5:19,20).
Pure religion (1:27).
Respect of persons (2:1-9).
Law and judgment (2:10-13).
Covetousness (4:1-2).
Prayer (4:3; 5:13-18).
Double mindedness (4:4-10).
God’s control (4:13-17).
The development of the points resembles the Sermon on the Mount (Matt. 5-7) and Proverbs in that the topics are presented in a punctuated style. One topic is covered and then rapidly followed by another. This technique gives impact to exhortations that are very practical.
The endurance of trial
The opening exhortation regards the faithful endurance of trial: “Count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations (NIV/RS V trials).” The natural man finds James’ words hard to accept. Trial is associated with pain and suffering, which we recoil. How is it possible to count it joy when tribulation comes our way?
A right response starts by emulating the attitude of our Lord: “Jesus…for the joy…set before him endured the cross despising the shame” (Heb. 12:2). By having a vision of future joy constantly before us, daily trials can be kept in their proper perspective.
The apostle Paul advises us to put our fears to one side because: “All things work together for good to them that love God” (Rom. 8:28). In like manner, James assures us that a proper attitude toward trial produces immediate benefit. He claims “that the trying of your faith worketh patience” (1:3).
Later in the epistle, James continues the theme, citing the prophets and Job as examples of suffering affliction and of patience (5:10,11). While Job is the best known example of suffering, most of the prophets suffered when patiently delivering their announcements from God (Luke 11:49). The gospel also met opposition and the early disciples suffered much affliction. They would not be silenced, however even though beaten and imprisoned, they rejoiced “that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for his name” (Acts 5:29-41).
Thank worthy suffering
Based on his experiences, Peter says: “For this is thankworthy, if a man for conscience toward God endure grief, suffering wrongfully. For what glory is it, if, when ye be buffeted for your faults, ye shall take it patiently? but if, when ye do well, and suffer for it, ye take it patiently, this is acceptable with God. For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps” (I Peter 2:19-21).
When we experience suffering, we need to carefully assess the reasons behind it. If the suffering resulted from our own folly, accepting it patiently is expected of anyone. Suffering experienced for well-doing on behalf of Christ, says Peter, “is thankworthy.” Furthermore, if we respond properly, steadfastness and spiritual maturity will develop. The change will be gradual, but we must to some extent come to reflect the character of our Lord who “endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God” (Heb.12:2).
James concludes this point with: “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” (1:12).
Trials from within ourselves
In addition to external forces that seek to injure us, we have powerful internal drives with great potential to do us harm. James uses the word “temptation” in this context as well (1:13-15). Whereas the first form of temptation (trial) comes from without and is not fought but endured, the temptation of which he now speaks comes from within and must be striven against. Unlike trials, that bring suffering, internal lusts often promise instant joy and satisfaction. These two temptations must be carefully distinguished from one another and each must be dealt with in a different manner.
James is markedly clear in describing where temptations to sin originate; they spring from within us. They are our internal desires. We thus cannot mistake them for the work of a supernatural devil.
While internal lusts may not seem as threatening as persecution, the danger they present to our spiritual health is more subtle than any trial brought on us by an enemy from without. If the strong desire is not set aside early enough, it will urge us on. If we give in to it, sin will inevitably result. The progression of this enemy is well illustrated in the lives of Adam and Eve (Gen. 3) and king David (II Sam. 11).
Appropriate countermeasures
James urges his brethren not to err and explains that God has provided His “word of truth” that will help us become “a kind of first fruits of his creatures” like our Master (1:18).
If we recognize that temptations (trials) of the first sort are ultimately from God, while temptations of the second sort are from within ourselves, then James has summed up appropriate countermeasures for each in a single verse. “Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil [sinful lusts], and he will flee from you” (4:7).
Words of a familiar hymn make the same point: “Christian walk carefully, danger is near: On in thy journey with trembling and fear! Snares from without and temptations within seek to entice thee once more into sin.”
The Origin of the Organic World – Part One