Background Material
James Biographical Info:
• The author was James, Jesus’ half-brother; James and Christ had different Fathers (Matthew 13:55; Mark 6:3).
• James, also called James the Just, (Matthew 13:55; Mark 6:3).
• James was not a believer (John 7:3-5) until after the resurrection (Acts 1:14; 1 Corinthians 15:7; Galatians 1:19).
• James was the pastor of the church in Jerusalem and was Jewish and this book reflects his Jewish up bring; he is mentioned first as a pillar of the church (Galatians 2:9).
• According to the historian Josephus, James was martyred in approximately A.D. 62, prior to the first council of Jerusalem in A.D. 50.
Date:
• This book was written to Hebrew Christians outside of Palestine. It was written around A.D. 46-49. Approximately fifteen years after the resurrection of Christ.
• Even before Paul went on his first missionary Journey.
• It possible that this was the first letter written in the New Testament.
• James 1:1 says "James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, To the twelve tribes scattered among the nations: Greetings." These who James was writing to were Jewish Christians who were under a lot of persecution which started right after the stoning of Stephen in Acts 7:54-60; 8:1-3, which describes the scattering of the Christian.
• They had no Bible to speak of except the Old Testament. The only thing they had to hang on too was their faith in Christ. Then after ten years of suffering persecution you receive this letter that says.
The Stoning of Stephen
The death of Stephen and the scattering of the believer happen around 35 to 37 A.D. Have been scattered for about ten or twelve years.
(Acts 7:54-60)
54 When the members of the Sanhedrin heard this, they were furious and gnashed their teeth at him. 55 But Stephen, full of the Holy Spirit, looked up to heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God. 56 “Look,” he said, “I see heaven open and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God.” 57 At this they covered their ears and, yelling at the top of their voices, they all rushed at him, 58 dragged him out of the city and began to stone him. Meanwhile, the witnesses laid their coats at the feet of a young man named Saul. 59 While they were stoning him, Stephen prayed, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.” 60 Then he fell on his knees and cried out, “Lord, do not hold this sin against them.” When he had said this, he fell asleep. 8 1On that day a great persecution broke out against the church in Jerusalem, and all except the apostles were scattered throughout Judea and Samaria. 2 Godly men buried Stephen and mourned deeply for him. 3 But Saul began to destroy the church. Going from house to house, he dragged off both men and women and put them in prison.
The Living Dead
James 2:1-26
Key Center:
26 As the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without deeds is dead.
Holiness in Church (2:1-7)
21 My brothers, as believers in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ, don’t show favoritism. 2 Suppose a man comes into your meeting wearing a gold ring and fine clothes, and a poor man in shabby clothes also comes in. 3 If you show special attention to the man wearing fine clothes and say, "Here’s a good seat for you," but say to the poor man, "You stand there" or "Sit on the floor by my feet," 4 have you not discriminated among yourselves and become judges with evil thoughts? 5 Listen, my dear brothers: Has not God chosen those who are poor in the eyes of the world to be rich in faith and to inherit the kingdom he promised those who love him? 6 But you have insulted the poor. Is it not the rich who are exploiting you? Are they not the ones who are dragging you into court? 7 Are they not the ones who are slandering the noble name of him to whom you belong?
Exegesis: This is practical religion in the mist of persecution. This illustrates the bare essential issues of Christian living. As Christians they were not to show favoritism to the poor. Apparently those Jewish Christian were oppressing the poor among them and thus not fulfilling the law of love. There one basic lesson for us here and now from then and there. That is we cannot discriminate against anyone rich or poor. The natural tendencies of society is to want something out of another man wealth or want the rich person to be our friend for selfish gain, thence, we judge with evil thoughts. In this context evil thoughts appear to be malicious intent or pre-planned selfish deception. This certainly indicated that the poor were being exploited by the rich. Also a very strong indicator that the church had a diverse financial status among the believers. As a result James is address how the church is dealing with this diversity. The issue here clear faith and favoritism? “The way we behave toward people indicates what we really believe about God!” This is not less than pure condensation and an elevation of others to make themselves look good. The Greek word for poor in this context is "ptosso" which means: a beggar or someone stricken with little or no material goods. Also can be in a qualified or relative sense. To be in a fallen state of knowledge or circumstances whether it is social or spiritually. Their sense of identity should not be based on outward appearances but rather their common belief in the Lord Jesus Christ. “The term brothers is a reminder of the high position they already have on the basis of faith. If they were to show partiality toward certain people because they are rich, these Christians would be acting as if high position came by wealth instead of faith. In that sense, favoritism is a clear contradiction of faith.” James calls this kind of favoritism “evil” (4) because it stems from an attitude of assumed superiority. In God’s economy no one is superior over anyone. Favoritism contradicts faith and holiness; this principle could be applied to many levels of our culture, education levels, race, nationalities, just about anything else that separates someone else as lower or lesser than ourselves. It applies to. . .
• How much money someone has or doesn’t have?
• How old someone is?
• Physical condition?
• What color they are?
• How much education?
There is no limit of favoritism or decimation that can happen. Their sense of identity The principle here is not just about the poor but any favoritism. James is saying that favoritism is not conducive to the Christian life. Even the Apostle Peter had to learn that God is no respecter of persons (Act 10:34). The Scriptures are full of references to the impartial nature of God (Rom 2:11; Eph. 6:9; Col 3:25; 1 Pet 1:17). ". .has not God chosen those who are poor in the eyes of the world to be rich in faith and to be inherit the kingdom" this almost exactly what Christ said in Luke 6:20, "Blessed are those who are poor for your is the Kingdom of heaven." “The Lord does not see as man sees; for man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart” (1 Sam 16:7).
Illustration: What shape, size, or color is the human soul? A soul has no such boundaries and neither should the Christian. In a battle field in the mist of heat conflict your not concerned with rich, poor, color of skin, big, small, short, tall, or even what color eyes a person has; all your concerned about it that he pointing his weapon at the same enemy as you are. That is what the Kingdom of God is about.
Application: Are we showing favoritism? Are we being condescending towards other’s for any reason? If so then we are not operating under the influence of the Holy Spirit. Do have an attitude of superiority and treat others accordingly? Anyone whether it be by skin, social, educational class, success, reputation, mental or physical challenges and of course by wealth.
Transition: Is our faith matching how we treat others? It is vital that we have “Holiness in the Church” because. . .Read Key Center. . .
26 As the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without deeds is dead.
Holiness of the Heart (2:8-13)
8 If you really keep the royal law found in Scripture, Love your neighbor as yourself, you are doing right. 9 But if you show favoritism, you sin and are convicted by the law as lawbreakers. 10 For whoever keeps the whole law and yet stumbles at just one point is guilty of breaking all of it. 11 For he who said, "Do not commit adultery," also said, "Do not murder." If you do not commit adultery but do commit murder, you have become a lawbreaker. 12 Speak and act as those who are going to be judged by the law that gives freedom, 13 because judgment without mercy will be shown to anyone who has not been merciful. Mercy triumphs over judgment!
Exegesis: The Law of Love is the supreme law that is the very foundations of living a holy life. In Matthew 22:27-38, Jesus says that this law of love standalone above all the other laws that govern human relation (reference see Lev. 19:18). This is Practical religion in the mist of persecution. The bare essentials issues of Christian living. As Christians they were not to show favoritism to the poor. Apparently those Jewish Christian were oppressing the poor among them and thus not fulfilling the law of love. The Law of Love is the supreme law that is the very foundations of living an holy life. In Matthew 22:27-38, Jesus says that this law of love standalone above all the other laws that govern human relation (for another reference see Lev. 19:18). This is just one example of showing favoritism. Showing Favoritism violates the royal law of love and therefore become sin. It’s possible that since this was most likely the first book to be written in the New Testament that James is referring to one commandment he quotes in 2:8 from Leviticus 19:18. It would be consistent with the whole passage to see this as James’s central focus: favoritism is a violation of this Levitical command. James uses the phrases “royal law” and “law that gives freedom” indicate that he is being more distinctive in in his reference. Most likely James is inferring the moral law and not the pharisaic legalism of his Jewish clergymen of his day. James does not seems to be indicating that there’s direct conflict the Old Testament but rather he is reinforcing the Old Testament moral obligations that he mentioned in 2:11. For the believer this law to lead to "mature and complete, not lacking anything" (1:4), being "a kind of first fruits" (1:18) and living "the righteous life that God desires" (1:20). It is no wonder that Christ that all the law of the prophets rests upon this Matthew 22:36-40. . .
36 “Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?” 37 Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ 38 This is the first and greatest commandment. 39 And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ 40 All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.”
James states, "has not God chosen those who are poor in the eyes of the world to be rich in faith and to be inherit the kingdom" this almost exactly what Christ said in Luke 6:20, "Blessed are those who are poor for your is the Kingdom of heaven." And Blessed are the merciful for they will receive mercy” (Matt 5). Now, by placing this meaning back into the context is means: Don’t discriminate against anyone whether it be by skin, social, educational class, success and of course by wealth; for when we do we stand in judgment of ourselves by become lawbreaker and, thus, are in sin. "Lawbreakers": According to the Scripture Matt. 5:18-19 and 23:23 by breaking one part of the law one is guilty of breaking the whole law in God’s sight.
18 For truly I tell you, until heaven and earth disappear, not the smallest letter, not the least stroke of a pen, will by any means disappear from the Law until everything is accomplished. 19 Therefore anyone who sets aside one of the least of these commands and teaches others accordingly will be called least in the kingdom of heaven, but whoever practices and teaches these commands will be called great in the kingdom of heaven.
We are not to show favoritism to the rich, not only towards the poor but towards anyone, because God does not do so with us when it comes to His love, grace and mercy. It is quite possible that judgment in this context is not talking about eternal destiny but rather about one’s rewards in heaven (1 Cor. 3:12-14 and Rev. 22:12). Psalm 119:165-167,
“165 Great peace have those who love your law, and nothing can make them stumble. 166 I wait for your salvation, LORD, and I follow your commands. 167 I obey your statutes, for I love them greatly.
Illustration: We are all in the same the boat and we all deal with the same problem: sin. I visited a church in Dallas and on the front of the door there was a sign, which said, “Professional Attire Required.” This is not the Spirit of God. God’s not concerned with so much what we ware as much as He concerned that we are there in His house. The Kingdom of God is not about eating, drinking, or the kind of cloths that we were but about how we treat other. That was a church that was showing favoritism up front. In order to get inside the sanctuary you had to have “professional attire” and be a part of the upper class of society. That was a church judged other based on cloths.
Application: Are you fulfilling the “royal law” of love in your life towards others? The Royal “Law” of Love writes large upon our hearts, revealing nothing less than our union with God. Are you still smuggling on others because you think you are righteous because your sins are more social accepted or “hidden?” Everyone who breaks the Law is guilty of break the whole law. This is particular true with homosexuality. Do you condemn the homosexual and yet commit sexual immorality and premarital sex yourself? Are you treating the Law of God according to your measures or are seeing from God’s perspective? The Kingdom of this world is about me, mine and I which is in contrast to the Kingdom of God which is love. Is your faith working in conjunction with your love? There is great reward in following God’s law (Psalm 119:165-167). Is this what you live out, do you have “Holiness of the heart?
Transition: Holiness of the heart is only manifested though the way we treat others. Its manifested as a result of our faith because. . . read Key Center. . .
26 As the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without deeds is dead.
Holiness in Actions (2:14-18)
14 What good is it, my brothers, if a man claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save him? 15 Suppose a brother or sister is without clothes and daily food. 16 If one of you says to him, "Go, I wish you well; keep warm and well fed," but does nothing about his physical needs, what good is it? 17 In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead. 18 But someone will say, "You have faith; I have deeds." Show me your faith without deeds, and I will show you my faith by what I do.
Exegesis: Holiness in action is the kind of faith that reaches out to the powerless and helpless. To those who can not defend themselves.
• The national rate of homelessness was 21 homeless people per 10,000 people in the general population.
• 1 in 50 children in the US are homeless.
• On any given day, 200,000 children have no place to live.
• Almost 40% of the entire homeless population is under 18
• 42% of these homeless children are younger than 6
To those who are homeless, hungry, cold and hurting. People do not care about what we have to say unless they know that we care, right? Well, James is making the same point about faith and deeds. People will not see our faith by what we say if our action do not match up. Being holy is action not passive. James reiterates the core of Kingdom theology and living. That is putting your faith into action. James makes his point by an illustration of false faith, hence, by not caring for you brother need if one has the opportunity to do so is false faith. It appears that James is still presenting what it means to fulfill the law of Love. 1 John 3:16-20 says. . .
"16 This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down His life for us. And we ought to lay our lives for our brothers. 17 If anyone who has material possessions and sees his brother in need but has no pity on him, how can the love of God be in him. 18 Dear children let us not love with words or tongue but with actions and truth. 19 This than is how we know we belong to the truth, and how we set our hearts at rest in His presence 20 whenever our hearts condemn us. For God is greater than our hearts, and He know everything."
This is the same point Christ made to the expert of the law if you recall. He was the one who when Jesus cornered him about loving his neighbor tried to justify himself and asked who is his neighbor. Christ answered with the parable of the good Samaritan. This idea can be captured in almost every parable Jesus told. Look at the parable of the Sheep and the Goats, "what you do to the least of these my brethren you have done it unto me!" Love is supplying food, clothing, shelter, medicine etc., if you have the means to do so, to your brother in need. Faith without works is dead. The word dead in this context is a past tense pronoun, which means it has not been nor can it become a reality or truth. James uses the word faith 11 times in chapter two. It is interesting to note that the Greek word for faith ", pisteos" which means: a conviction of religious truth; to rely upon with confidence and truthfulness. To believe and yield oneself with assurance. A total dependence upon. The phrase "Show me your faith without deeds" is an irony. James destroys that the possibility of such a thing can occur in a Christian life. A Christian can not have faith without deeds or it is a falsehood. Be on guard, because there are many people that maintain that this passage is a direct contradiction to Rom. 3:28, Gal. 2:15-16 and Eph. 2:8-10. However, this is not the case at all. James means that only righteous action is evident of genuine faith in Christ. The faith in this passage is not what save you, for it appears in verse 23 that the illustration says otherwise. Because Abraham believed God and he credited it (faith not works) as righteous. In the context of Gen. 15:6 God credited Abraham with faith before he was asked to offer his son Isaac. Therefore, he had faith than he had deeds that demonstrated his faith do you understand. For example, if a man truly get born again and receive Christ in his life, that is faith. Then turns from his old lifestyle, that is deeds. If he does not have a change of lifestyle they cannot say they had true faith because repentance is an action verb which is the same with word deeds it is an action verb. John calls Love an action and not just word we can speak (again I John 3:16-20). The same is with faith it is an action. Faith is demonstrated through one’s deeds.
Illustration: Steve and Fatima did not tell me about Christianity, they showed it to me. I was hungry, dirty, unsocialized, uneducated, undisciplined, scared and cold. I was living a tent, rejected by biological family, ridicule and threaten by old friends and lonely. I was in that situation because I accept Christ. But Steve and Fatima took me in home, challenged me to grow, disciplined me in love, let me take a shower, bought me cloths, soap, even gave me cake and ice cream for my birthday. They believed in me when I did not even believe in my self. They even taught me how to hold me silver ware and answer the phone. There we times when I mouth off, there were times when I made mistakes and I even got on their nerves. There were times when they had to correct me, disciplined me and even they need a break from me but they never once kicked me out and rejected me. I was not the best kid, in fact I was not even their own child but I was homeless, powerless, rejected, abused, misused and even misunderstood they showed me their faith not by just what they said but what they did towards me. That’s faith and action together; they showed me their faith by what they did. I was boy name “Lyne” but now I’m a man named “Leonard,” not because of whom I am but because of this couple who shared me their faith by what they did not just what they professed to believe.
Application: Now, by remember what was said earlier also don’t discriminate against anyone whether it be by skin, social, educational class, success and of course by wealth; for when we do we stand in judgment of ourselves by become lawbreaker and, thus, are in sin. There are lots of Lyne’s in the world hoping that some has real faith. Sometimes these Lyne’s will make bad choices and ruin what you offer them it’s always a risk. But a real faith is faith that takes risk and dares to love and protects the unlovable. Do you have real genuine faith in Christ that’s demonstrated love?
Transition: Read Key Center. . .
26 As the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without deeds is dead.
Holiness in Life (2:19-26)
19 You believe that there is one God. Good! Even the demons believe that-- and shudder. 20 You foolish man, do you want evidence that faith without deeds is useless? 21 Was not our ancestor Abraham considered righteous for what he did when he offered his son Isaac on the altar? 22 You see that his faith and his actions were working together, and his faith was made complete by what he did. 23 And the scripture was fulfilled that says, "Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness," and he was called God’s friend. 24 You see that a person is justified by what he does and not by faith alone. 25 In the same way, was not even Rahab the prostitute considered righteous for what she did when she gave lodging to the spies and sent them off in a different direction? 26 As the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without deeds is dead.
Exegesis: The demons believe and know the power and glory of God and they “shudder” or tremble. Even the demons respect the power of God because they know the realities of God’s holiness. This is where the bare issues of faith and deeds come into play. The question James is brings forth is "does your action and the things you do back up what you confess? If your acts are not Christ like and do not bring honor to Him then your faith is questionable. This is the heartbeat of the Gospel. James reiterates the core of Kingdom theology and living. That is putting your faith into action. James makes his point by an illustration of false faith, hence, by not caring for you brother need if one has the opportunity to do so is false faith. This is the same point Christ made to the expert of the law if you recall. He was the one who when Jesus cornered him about loving his neighbor tried to justify himself and asked who is his neighbor. Christ answered with the parable of the good Samaritan. This idea can be captured in almost every parable Jesus told. Look at the parable of the Sheep and the Goats, "what you do to the least of these my brethren you have done it unto me!" Love is supplying food, clothing, shelter, medicine etc., if you have the means to do so, to your brother in need. Faith without works is dead. The word dead in this context is a past tense pronoun, which means it has not been nor can it become a reality or truth. James means that only righteous action is evident of genuine faith in Christ. The faith in this passage is not what saves you, for it appears in verse 23 that the illustration says otherwise. Because Abraham believed God and he credited it (faith not works) as righteous. Genesis chapter 22:1-19 . . .
1Some time later God tested Abraham. He said to him, “Abraham!” “Here I am,” he replied. 2 Then God said, “Take your son, your only son, whom you love—Isaac—and go to the region of Moriah. Sacrifice him there as a burnt offering on a mountain I will show you.” 3 Early the next morning Abraham got up and loaded his donkey. He took with him two of his servants and his son Isaac. When he had cut enough wood for the burnt offering, he set out for the place God had told him about. 4 On the third day Abraham looked up and saw the place in the distance. 5 He said to his servants, “Stay here with the donkey while I and the boy go over there. We will worship and then we will come back to you.” 6 Abraham took the wood for the burnt offering and placed it on his son Isaac, and he himself carried the fire and the knife. As the two of them went on together, 7 Isaac spoke up and said to his father Abraham, “Father?” “Yes, my son?” Abraham replied. “The fire and wood are here,” Isaac said, “but where is the lamb for the burnt offering?” 8 Abraham answered, “God himself will provide the lamb for the burnt offering, my son.” And the two of them went on together. 9 When they reached the place God had told him about, Abraham built an altar there and arranged the wood on it. He bound his son Isaac and laid him on the altar, on top of the wood. 10 Then he reached out his hand and took the knife to slay his son. 11 But the angel of the LORD called out to him from heaven, “Abraham! Abraham!” “Here I am,” he replied. 12 “Do not lay a hand on the boy,” he said. “Do not do anything to him. Now I know that you fear God, because you have not withheld from me your son, your only son.” 13 Abraham looked up and there in a thicket he saw a ram caught by its horns. He went over and took the ram and sacrificed it as a burnt offering instead of his son. 14 So Abraham called that place The LORD Will Provide. And to this day it is said, “On the mountain of the LORD it will be provided.” 15 The angel of the LORD called to Abraham from heaven a second time 16 and said, “I swear by myself, declares the LORD, that because you have done this and have not withheld your son, your only son, 17 I will surely bless you and make your descendants as numerous as the stars in the sky and as the sand on the seashore. Your descendants will take possession of the cities of their enemies, 18 and through your offspring all nations on earth will be blessed, because you have obeyed me.” 19 Then Abraham returned to his servants, and they set off together for Beersheba. And Abraham stayed in Beersheba.”
In the context of Gen. 15:6 God credited Abraham with faith before he was asked to offer his son Isaac. Therefore, he had faith than he had deeds that demonstrated his faith. James says Abraham’s faith and actions were working together, “and his faith was made complete by what he did” (Gen. 22:1-19). It no wonder that James says, "26 As the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without deeds is dead." (James 2:26). John calls Love an action and not just word we can speak (again I John 3:16-20). The same is with faith it is an action. Faith is demonstrated through one’s deeds. Rahab the prostitute (Joshua 2) is yet another example that James uses. Rahab who’s lifestyle was less than desirable in society believed YHWH and helps His soldiers escape unarmed. “31 By faith the prostitute Rahab, because she welcomed the spies, was not killed with those who were disobedient” (Heb.11:31). Rahab faith also was working together with her actions, and her faith was made complete by what she did. If Abraham and Rahab faith was made complete by their actions than so is ours and this is measure of follower of Christ. This is the faith that James is emphasizing here. Faith that is expressed in what they do. This is not dead faith but faith that is alive and contagious. Faith that is alive, active in actions is the faith that is contagious is the completeness of the resolve of true believers. If not then they are truly the “Living Dead!” 2 Corinthians 13:5, “5 Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith; test yourselves. Do you not realize that Christ Jesus is in you—unless, of course, you fail the test?” If you are dead inside than you are useless. The Bible clearly states that, “19 Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. 20 Thus, by their fruit you will recognize them.” (Matthew 7:19-20).
Illustration: The difference between faith and trust illustration. Believe that there is a God or Believing in God does not mean that you are trusting God to help you in life.
Application: “." Show me your faith without deeds, and I will show you my faith by what I do.” Is your faith demonstrated by what you do? Or is it a selfish based faith that’s only around on Sunday Morning? Do you trust God? Is your faith DEAD. Are you the living the body but dead in the spirit. are you “Living Dead.” Your faith does not have to be dead. A converted heart is working in sharing, living in servanthood, and reaching out with love. A loveless believer will never meet a lost world. Faith that is alive, active in actions is the faith that is contagious is the completeness of the resolve of true believers. It no wonder that James says, "26 As the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without deeds is dead." (James 2:26). A faith that is contagious is “complete mature and not lacking” in anything.
Transition: Read Key Center. . .
26 As the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without deeds is dead.
