May 10, 2009
Evening Service

James 1:1-18

 

Intro:

According to the oldest arrangement of the New Testament, the epistle of James stands first in order of all the Apostolical epistles. The most competent critics generally agree in designating as its author James, the president of the church at Jerusalem, and known as the Lord's brother.  AD46.

 

About James:

The later traditions of the Jewish Christians invest him with a priestly sanctity. His austerities and devotions are described in extravagant terms. 

·         He went barefoot, and practiced abstinence from wine, and wore the long hair, the linen ephod, and the unshorn beard of the Nazarites, and even abstained from washing.

·         He was known as “The Just.” The people vied with each other to touch the hem of his garment; and he is reputed to have called down rain in the drought, after the manner of Elijah. His chair was preserved as a relic until the fourth century, and a pillar in the valley of Jehoshaphat marked the spot where he fell.

 

As we will see, James writes to the Twelve tribes scattered abroad.  The Israelites.  So this, as was the letter to the Hebrews, is written to the Jews.

We will see that James leans toward keeping the O.T. law.  He showed this in Acts 21.  However, it is quite clear that his encouragement to keep the law was only to the Jews, and not to the Gentiles.  Acts 15, and 21.

 

In Hebrews the writer showed how much greater the N.T. was than the O.T. laws, here in James we see the importance of FAITH WITHOUT WORKS IS DEAD.

 

Let’s begin;

Jam 1:1-27  James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, to the twelve tribes which are scattered abroad, greeting. 

• Here we see who is writing, even though there are 4 James’ listed in the Gospels.  Also, who it is written too.
• And something to remember is the comment he made in chapter 21 of Acts;  Act 21:20  And when they heard it, they glorified the Lord, and said unto him, Thou seest, brother, how many thousands of Jews there are which believe; and they are all zealous of the law:
• So he is writing to thousands of Jews.

(2)  My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations;  (3)  Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience.  (4)  But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing. 

• This is extremely hard for us in these days.  We are so fast geared for immediate results, and live so fast a life style, that this is wonderful advise, if we can only learn to do it.
• Each temptation we overcome makes us stronger, and better prepared for the next one.

(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 = 1. The right use or exercise of knowledge; the choice of laudable ends, and of the best means to accomplish them.
• You have not because you ask not.  See what is at our fingertips??  Wisdom from God.

It is said in the Scriptures;

• Moses was learned in all the wisdom of the Egyptians. Acts 7.

But notice;

(6)  But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering.

• When you ask God, believe that you will receive it.  Just remember Who you are asking.  One who can deliver.

For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed.  (7)  For let not that man think that he shall receive any thing of the Lord.  (8)  A double minded man is unstable in all his ways. 

• Yes He can, no He won’t.  Yes He can, and no He won’t.   Double minded.

(9)  Let the brother of low degree rejoice in that he is exalted:  (10)  But the rich, in that he is made low: because as the flower of the grass he shall pass away.  (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. 

• The Lord giveth, and the Lord taketh away.
• But less of this worlds goods, and more of God is always what’s best for us.

(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. 

• Rev 3:11  Behold, I come quickly: hold that fast which thou hast, that no man take thy crown.

(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:  (14)  But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed.  (15)  Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death. 

• Paul tells us of this struggle in our lives in the 7^th chapter of the Roman letter.
• John tells us 1Jo 2:16  For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world.
• So the lust of the world that is still in us is what brings on the temptations.

(16)  Do not err, my beloved brethren.  (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. 

• This is how you can tell if God is in it.

(18)  Of his own will begat he us with the word of truth, that we should be a kind of firstfruits of his creatures. 

• Of his own will begat he us with the word of truth Joh 15:16  Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you,.
• WITH THE WORD OF TRUTH; Joh 6:63  It is the spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life.  His words received by us gives us life;
• that we should be a kind of firstfruits of his creatures.  Jesus said, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain: that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in my name, he may give it you.

 

Are we allowing His words of truth to abide in our bodies, and minds, that we might be His chosen, and bear the fruit that He wants us to bear?  Here again, our choice.