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On Monday, for the next few months I will write an Interruption in summary of one book of the New Testament. Today it’s the OG (Old Guy—that’s me) on the Book of James.
I memorized the Book of James decades ago. How many of us have found comfort in James 1:2-3?
Consider it all joy, my brothers and sisters, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance (NASB1995).
The book is a string of pearls going from one pithy and instructive thought to another. We learn about faith without works, controlling the tongue, endurance, the power of God’s Word, overcoming prejudice, drawing closer to God, and praying for the sick.
I love the following verses…
Therefore, ridding yourselves of all filthiness and all that remains of wickedness, in humility receive the word implanted, which is able to save your souls (1:21).
But resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Come close to God and He will come close to you (4:7-8, NLT).
The prayer of faith will restore the one who is sick, and the Lord will raise him up (5:15, ESV).
Some scholars have trouble with the theology of James, believing it infers salvation by works rather than faith. Martin Luther dubbed it “straw” because of his preference for the faith emphasis found in the Book of Romans.
Through meditating on James, I’ve come to disagree with Luther.
I find the practicality of James, and the advice gleaned from his wisdom has increased my faith. In fact, the key passage of James is…
If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him. But he must ask in faith without any doubting (1:5-6).
I ask for wisdom by faith every day. How about you?
The Book of James lives up to its own words by providing wisdom on essential topics of Christian faithfulness…
But each one is tempted when he is carried away and enticed by his own lust (1:14, NASB1995).
Everyone must be quick to hear, slow to speak, and slow to anger (1:19).
Who among you is wise and understanding? Let him show by his good behavior his deeds in the gentleness of wisdom (3:13).
If the Lord wills, we will live and also do this or that (4:15).
I hope that you read the Book of James often, and while James teaches wise and practical Christian living, the end of the book has one of the most inspiring verses on hope in the entire Bible…
Elijah was a man with a nature like ours, and he prayed earnestly that it would not rain, and it did not rain on the earth for three years and six months (5:17).
Yes, Elijah, a man who performed great miracles, had a nature and faith like ours.
Amen! Let’s pray like Elijah.