The Book of James

Background

The book was likely written between the dates of a.d. 44-49 which makes it the earliest book included in the New Testament. Authorship is historically attributed to James the half brother of Jesus. Four James are mention in the new testament:

1. James, the son of Alpheus
2. James the father of Judas (not Iscariot)
3. James the son of Zebedee (and brother of John – the beloved)
4. James the half brother of Jesus (and brother of Jude)

James, the son of Alpheus and James the father of Judas have not historically been considered as potential authors of the book of James. James the son of Zebedee was martyred prior to the time the book of James was written which leaves James the half-brother of Jesus as the most likely author of the book. There is further compelling evidence that the latter James authored the book because language used by the writer of James is analogous to that of the letter written by James in the book of Acts (Acts 15).

James also writes with the authority of one who had been in close contact with Jesus and as one who had witnessed the resurrected Christ and was recognized as the leader of the church in Jerusalem (Acts 15:13) as well as an apostle (Gal 1:19).¹

Opinion

As I read the book of James I am struck by the notion James speaks as one who sat at Jesus feet listening intently to the words of the teacher. But James did not become a believer until after Jesus earthly ministry was complete. It is noted in Acts 1:14 that James was with his mother and the apostles. So why was James not a believer until Jesus appeared to him after His resurrection ( 1 Cor 15:1).

Remember that Jesus said a prophet was not welcome in his own town (Mark 6:4). Further, it seemed Jesus brothers believed he had lost his marbles (Mark 3:21). The old phrase “familiarity breeds contempt” comes to mind. James grew up with Jesus and probably looked at Jesus simply as the older brother. That being the case the parallel between the book of James and the beatitudes (Matt 5:5-7) is remarkable and leaves me with the impression that James speaks from a heart that was profoundly affected by Jesus. Maybe James was there for some of Jesus teaching. But it was not until the resurrection that James came to a saving faith in Jesus.

James 1

1 Greeting

James 1:1 James, a bond-servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, to the twelve tribes who are dispersed abroad, greetings.

Most commentaries focus on the fact that James was greeting the twelve tribes who were dispersed because of persecution and I will get to that later. But I first want to focus on a more strident and personal issue; servant hood. The term bond-servant (δοῦλος – doo’-los) is indicative of someone who, of their own free will, places themselves under the authority of another without any right of ownership. This is a strong parallel to the manner in which a Hebrew slave, when they had fulfilled their obligation to their owner, would willingly become a bond servant of their master for life. This is depicted in Exodus where Moses instructed the Israelites: “⁵ But if the slave plainly says, ‘I love my master, my wife and my children; I will not go out as a free man,’ ⁶ then his master shall bring him to God, then he shall bring him to the door or the doorpost. And his master shall pierce his ear with an awl; and he shall serve him permanently”(Exodus 21:5-6 ). Note the distinctive change from a slave compelled to serve out of debt to a servant desiring to serve out of love. Subtle but essential. In this case James clearly took the awl.

MacArthur states this a different way. He equate doulos to a slave who was born into his masters house. While this is true in the sense that when we transfer our trust to Jesus and Jesus alone for our salvation we are, in fact, born into the kingdom of God, we also must willingly submit to the call of the Holy Spirit in order to do that. So I like the notion of the awl because it signifies our willing submission to God’s Holy Spirit in submitting our lives wholly and completely to God through saving faith in Jesus Christ and Jesus Christ alone.

James offered greetings to the “twelve tribes” who were “dispersed abroad”. The term “twelve tribes” is common title for Jews in the New Testament. In this case James was addressing the Jews who had been dispersed outside Palestine.² The term used for dispersed was diaspora (διασπορᾷ – dee-as-por-ah’) which is associated with a scattering of seed. This calls into view the parable of the sower in Matthew 13 and the great commission in Matthew 28.

2 A Tested Faith is an Enduring Faith

2.1 Persevere with Joy Under Trials (The 1st test of a true believer)

James 1:2 Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials,

The obvious reference to the twelve tribes dispersed abroad is an indication that persecution was under way against Jewish believers. As a result this verse begins with a command, “Consider it all joy”, which calls the believers to “Count with rejoicing” each time a period of testing is encountered. This is in direct contrast to the normal response to trials. Consider (ἡγέομαι – hayg-eh’-om-ahee) or think about, ponder, recall, count it a source of joy when you fall into the midst of trials, temptations, afflictions or calamity (πειρασμός – pi-ras-mos’). This is a clear command to embrace adversity with a joyful heart.  In today’s world it seems that the pursuit of happiness and peace is the lack of adversity in one’s life. The strong desire for a pattern of easy living is broken by actions and events that disrupt the pattern. As the writer of Ecclesiastes said,  “I have seen all the works which have been done under the sun, and behold, all is vanity and striving after wind.” (Eccl 1:14). The phrase “under the sun” clearly references the futility of man’s effort in his own strength. Ultimately life will bring challenges and we need to face them in faith with a foundation of joy based on our confidence in God through Christ Jesus rather than confidence in our own strength and intellect.

James 1:3-4 ³ knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. ⁴ And let endurance have its perfect result, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.

The key to embracing adversity with joy is rooted in knowing (γινώσκω – ghin-oce’-ko) or coming to the realization that our faith will be tested resulting in steadfastness (ὑπομονή – hoop-om-on-ay’). In other words the foundation of our faith will increase through adversity resulting in a stronger foundation of faith.

Can you imagine the foundation under your house getting stronger every time there was a storm? This is the result of faith under testing. According to James that is exactly what happens with our foundation of faith. Endurance will have a perfecting (τέλειος – tel’-i-os) effect until we are complete (ὁλόκληρος – hol’-ok’-lay-ros) in every way. The apostle Paul wrote “For this reason I also suffer these things, but I am not ashamed; for I know whom I have believed and I am convinced that He is able to guard what I have entrusted to Him until that day.” (2 Timothy 1:12). So we can believe that God is able if we trust Him without doubt or wavering. Verses 2-4 closely resemble Romans 5 where the apostle Paul encouraged the church at Roman in a similar manner: “ ²…we exult in hope of the glory of God. ³ And not only this, but we also exult in our tribulations, knowing that tribulation brings about perseverance; ⁴ and perseverance, proven character; and proven character, hope; ⁵ and hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us.” (Romans 5:2-5)

The close resemblance between the James’ encouragement to the dispersed Jews and Paul’s encouragement to gentile church in Rome is an indication that encountering adversity is not only to be expected but something to be embraced with a level of joy that can only come from faith in God that is rooted in knowing what Jesus Christ has done for the believer.

What are some of God’s purposes in allowing trials. MacArthur gives 8 reasons -

1. Testing the strength of our faith (2 Chr 32:31, Luke 14:26) It is clear that God allows the strength of our faith and commitment to Him to undergo testing. The entire book of Job is about the testing of ones faith. but God allows us to be tested as a people (Ex 16:4) as well.
   
2. Trials are given to humble us. The apostle Paul was given a thorn in the flesh to keep him from “exalting” himself (2 Cor 12:17).
   
3. Trials are given to wean us from our dependency on worldly things. When we get comfortable with the things of this world, education, jobs, knowledge, experience and other things that subvert our attention we begin to focus more on the things which are seen and less on the things of faith which are not seen. In John 7:5-6 Jesus test Philip by asking him where to buy bread for the weary crowd. Philip failed the test because he looked at the worldly resources that were available to him rather than the infinite resources available through Jesus. How many times do we fail the test by looking first at the things we can see?
   
4. Another reason is to call us to a heavenly hope. In 2 Cor 4:16-18 the apostle Paul tells us how the affliction we are going through now will result in an eternal weight of glory and that we are to look at the things which are not seen because they are eternal.
   
5. Further we are tested to see what we really love. Jesus said that the greatest command was to love the Lord your God with all your hear, soul and mind (22:38). God will allow us to be tested to see if He is our first love. Remember the church at Ephesus in Rev 2:1-4. They did everything right but left God out of the process. God wants us to willingly, completely always turn to Him.
   
6. Trials teach us to value God’s blessings. Now that seems like an oxy-moron right! Remember our tendency is to value the things of the world and our sensual nature yearns to embrace pleasure and ease. Burn adversity teaches us to value God’s provision, care, strength and most of all His salvation of our very souls. Remember the landowner in Luke 12:16-20. He neglected to consider the blessing of the Lord and it cost him his life. On the other hand the psalmist felt that God’s loving-kindness was better than life (Ps 63-3-7).
   
7. We embrace trials to gain endurance and strength. Paul described this phenomenon in 2 Cor 12:10 when he described how contentment in weakness and suffering for Christ’s sake made him strong. This is a particular issues with regard to our desire to attain a comfort zone that is nominal and without a lot of change. Comfortable, yet in our comfort we become complacent and in our complacency we forget God who strengthens us.
   
8. God allows us to endure trials so that we may help others in the midst of their trials. Have you ever heard someone make the statement “Nobody knows what I’m going through right now.” Well chances are that many people know exactly what they are going through. The adversary wants us to believe that no one else could possibly understand, sympathize, empathize or otherwise-ize with our situation. But we should never make such an inaccurate assumption. Everyone endures trials, many endure trials much worse than we face or maybe will ever face. Remember what Jesus told Peter, “ Simon, Simon, behold, Satan has demanded permission to sift you like wheat.” (Luke 22:31-32). Wow, should we be surprised? Not at all, Rev 12:10 tells us “the accuser of the brethren has been thrown down, who accuses the before our God day and night.” The fact that we know that any trial we endure for Jesus sake will be beneficial in encouraging someone else.

2.2 Faith in God Without Doubting

James 1:5-8 ⁵ But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all men generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him . ⁶ But let him ask in faith without any doubting, for the one who doubts is like the surf of the sea driven and tossed by the wind. ⁷ For let not that man expect that he will receive anything from the Lord, ⁸ being a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways.

James 1:5 The first word in verse 5 gives us a hint as to why James wrote verses 1-4. There was a need for encouragement and direction “but” there was also a need for correction. Obviously there was persecution going on and there was also confusion as to why it was happening and what to do about it. James started by pointing the readers at the source for wisdom and insight (σοφία – sof-ee’-ah). God’s will give simply, sincerely and bountifully (ἁπλῶς – hap-loce’) to those who ask.

James 1:6 However, the one who asks must ask in faith (πίστις – pis’-tis) that is to say with belief, trust and confidence without doubt (διακρίνω – dee-ak-ree’-no) hesitation or wavering. He compares the doubter to the sea surf which tossed to and fro by the wind. Here, I am reminded of Jesus when he told his disciples that “if you have faith the size of a mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move; and nothing will be impossible to you.” (Matt 17:20)

James 1:7-8 James then continues by stating clearly that faith is the basis for approaching God. If a man does not ask in faith (with belief, trust and confidence) without doubting (no hesitation or wavering) he will not receive anything from God and even more he is a double-minded (δίψυχος – dip’-soo-khos), having a split personality, in everything he does. I’ll always wonder if this is where we get the term “dip”.

This is an interesting contrast in that James clearly saw a problem that needed correction and the answer was faith in God. James denotes a stark contrast between the sovereignty God versus the weakness of man.

2.3 Money Can’t Buy God’s Love

James 1:9-11 ⁹ But let the brother of humble circumstances glory in his high position; ¹⁰ and let the rich man glory in his humiliation, because like flowering grass he will pass away. ¹¹ For the sun rises with a scorching wind, and withers the grass; and its flower falls off, and the beauty of its appearance is destroyed; so too the rich man in the midst of his pursuits will fade away.

James moves from day-to-day active practicality to eternal positional practicality beginning in verse 9. Perhaps there were situations among the believers where wealth and maybe beauty presented status issues. To reinforce the fact that all have equal status in the kingdom of God James broke through with clarity on the issue of humility.

⁹”Let the brother of humble circumstances (ταπεινός – tap-i-nos’) or rather lowly in position or spirit, glory (καυχάομαι – kow-khah’-om-ahee) in his high position (ὕψος – hoop’-sos); ¹⁰and let the rich man glory in his humiliation (ταπείνωσις – tap-i’-no-sis) or his abasement, because like the flowering grass he will pass away. The KJV for verse 10 says “But the rich, in that he is made low”. In this case I like the KJV because it denotes a process for the rich man that takes him to a humble state at which the brother of humble circumstances has already arrived. James then completes the point with an analogy in verse 11 describing how beauty is destroyed by a hot sun and withering wind while the rich man’s pursuits will fade away. Jesus dealt with His disciples on this issue clearly in Mark 9:34-35 “³⁴ …on the way they had discussed with one another which of them was the greatest. ³⁵ Sitting down, He called the twelve and said to them, ‘If anyone wants to be first, he shall be last of all and servant of all.’”

2.4 Summary: Blessing for those Who Persevere Under Trial

James 1:12 Blessed is a man who perseveres under trial; for once he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life, which the Lord has promised to those who love Him. 

Once James makes the points about faith in testing and position in the church, he summarizes and reinforces with a promise of blessing and affirmation for those who, having been tested, persevere in their love of the Lord. “¹² Blessed is the man who endures under trial; for once he has been approved, he will receive the crown (στέφανος – stef’-an-os) or garland of life (ζωή – dzo-ay’), which the Lord has promised to those who love Him.” The interesting thing here is the term zóé which indicates both physical and spiritual life are tied to and sustained by God’s self-existent life.

2.5 Where is the Focus during Temptation (The 2nd test of a true believer)

James 1:13-15 ¹³ Let no one say when he is tempted, “I am being tempted by God”; for God cannot be tempted by evil, and He Himself does not tempt anyone. ¹⁴ But each one is tempted when he is carried away and enticed by his own lust. ¹⁵ Then when lust has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and when sin is accomplished, it brings forth death.

James 1:13-14 Here James takes a sharp turn with regard to human nature. From the beginning our tendency is to blame someone else for our troubles and in this case temptations (Gen 3:12 – Adam blames God, Gen 3:13 – Eve blamed the serpent). Temptations here is (πειράζομαι from πειράζω peirazo pei-rad’-zo) and is only used once in the new testament.  The notion here is that God cannot be blamed for our evil nature (Hab 1:13). Back to the situation in Genesis where Adam committed the original sin. Adam pointed a finger at God but God was not responsible for Adam’s fall into sin. The implication here is that we will fall into temptation because of our sinful nature but we cannot blame God for our failures.

James 1:15 The consequences of falling to our own lusts, resulting in sin, is death. The word used here is syllabousa (συλλαβοῦσα from συλλαμβάνω – sool-lam-ban’-o) meaning “having been conceived” and tiktei (τίκτει from τίκτω – tik’-to) or “giving birth”. In context this is analogous to the process of conception through birth of a child. But in this case rather than the emergence of a new life at birth, the result is death. Back to Genesis 4:7 “If you do well, will not your countenance be lifted up? And if you do not do well, sin is crouching at the door; and its desire is for you, but you must master it.” God spoke to Abel here because Abel was in the very state that James described in verse James 1:15-16.

2.6 Focus on God’s Infinite Supply

James 1:16-17 ¹⁶ Do not be deceived, my beloved brethren. ¹⁷ Every good thing bestowed and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation, or shifting shadow.

James 1:16 Here the writer begins with a clear warning. Don’t allow yourself to be seduced off the straight path (πλανᾶσθε from πλανάω- plan-ah’-o). This is the same term the apostle Paul used in Galatians 6:7. Planasthe (πλανᾶσθε ) is used 7 times in the new testament and 4 of those references are interpreted “Do not be deceived” and 3 are interpreted as “ you are mistaken”. The inference here is that we can allow ourselves to be led off the path. Remember the landowner in Luke 12:16-20. He allowed himself to be led off the path and the result was devastating. Rather than glorifying God and turning first to how he could demonstrate his thankfulness to God, he took the sensual route and chose to make life comfortable for himself.

James 1:17 James begins this verse with a definitive statement. “17a Every good thing bestowed and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights”. This statement is rich with description but the focus is not on the gifts (dōrēma) but the Father of lights (τοῦ (tou) πατρὸς (patros) τῶν (tōn) φώτων (phōtōn)). James alludes to a Jewish reference for God as the creator. Of course we already know that God created everything including light but this has special significance in that it references creation in a special way. Every source of light, the sun, the moon and the stars are born out of the Father. He is the source or light, all light, every light. But the sun, moon and stars change, twinkle and fade.

The Easton Bible Dictionary says – “the offspring of the divine command (Gen. 1:3). "All the more joyous emotions of the mind, all the pleasing sensations of the frame, all the happy hours of domestic intercourse were habitually described among the Hebrews under imagery derived from light" (1 Kings 11:36; Isa. 58:8; Esther 8:16; Ps. 97:11). Light came also naturally to typify true religion and the felicity it imparts (Ps. 119:105; Isa. 8:20; Matt. 4:16, etc.), and the glorious inheritance of the redeemed (Col. 1:12; Rev. 21:23-25). God is said to dwell in light inaccessible (1 Tim. 6:16). It frequently signifies instruction (Matt. 5:16; John 5:35). In its highest sense it is applied to Christ as the "Sun of righteousness" (Mal. 4:2; Luke 2:32; John 1:7-9). God is styled "the Father of lights" (James 1:17). It is used of angels (2 Cor. 11:14), and of John the Baptist, who was a "burning and a shining light" (John 5:35), and of all true disciples, who are styled "the light of the world" (Matt. 5:14).”

What a lead-in to the second part of verse 17.

“17b with whom there is no variation, or shifting shadow.”  Heb 13: 8 says “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today, yes and forever.” Mal 3:6 says “I, the Lord, never change.” James tells us there is not even a shadow of shifting, not even a hint of  a change. The word used is parallagē (παραλλαγὴ – par-al-lag-ay’) or literally a change, variation or mutation. The landowner in Luke 12:16-20 changed but God never changes. We change but God never changes. Aren’t you glad that the principles of physics that God has ordained don’t change. Can you imagine flying along at 35 thousand feet and the bernoulli effect decides to change. The very thing that causes the wings to lift the airplane no longer functions in the same manner. Thank God that He never changes. The sun and moon vary in brightness and color, the stars twinkle and fade but God never even hints that he will change.

2.7 Focus on God’s Infinite Truth

James 1:18 In the exercise of His will He brought us forth by the word of truth, so that we might be, as it were, the first fruits among His creatures.

James 1:18 There is a tremendous amount of truth packed into this short verse. James exemplifies the sovereignty, omniscience and timelessness of God by drawing a clear connection between salvation and creation. This further expands the theme begun in verse 17 where James exposits the fact that the Father of lights (tou patros tōn phōtōn) is the source of every perfect gift.

This verse is broken into four parts, Who, What, How and Why -

1. Who – “In the exercise of His will” or literally “by His own will”. This is from the Greek boulomai (βούλομαι- bou’-lom-ai) and is literally a predetermination on the part of God. Understanding the God exists outside of time means that He sees the beginning and the end at the same time and thus is able to predetermine in His own sovereignty what He is going to do. Not from a perspective of observing all possible outcomes and choosing the most appropriate position, but acting in His foreknowledge to effect His will according to His purpose.
   
2. What – “He brought forth”. The term brought forth is apokueo (ἀποκυέω – ap-ok-oo-eh’-o) which is a verb comprised of two words,  apo (ἀπό – ah-poh’) or a completion and kuma (κύμα – koo’-mah) to swell (as in with young). So literally, God has completed something new in us.
   
3. How – “by the word of truth”. This phase is the lynchpin for us as believers who are called to evangelize. The phase logos aletheia is used by Paul several times in reference to the Power of God, the truth of the gospel and boldness ( 2 Cor 6:7, Col 1:5, 2 Tim 2:15). This exemplifies the scripture in Romans 10:17 “So faith comes from hearing, and hearing by the word of Christ.”
   
4. Why – “so that we might be, as it were, the first fruits among His creatures”. This had to be a tremendous encouragement to the listeners. Remember James is talking to the Jews who were scattered due to persecution. Here he makes reference to the old testament law where the Israelites were to bring the “first fruits”, the first and best part of their harvest, to the Lord as an indicator of what the remainder of the crop would be (Lev 23:10-11, Ex 23:19, Deut 18:4). This also references creation which is a common theme in verses 16-18.

Now we get to address the hard part. The theme of verses 16-18 is that God is eternal and we are predestined to be the brought forth as new creations in Christ. Predestination is a very difficult subject but my position is that since we are locked in a time-space, chicken & egg, existence and since God exists outside of time, He exists in the beginning and the end simultaneously , we can never comprehend what predestination really means. Because I use finite terms to describe God’s timeless nature this demonstrates my point. Therefore, we must rely on faith. Faith in the unseen, uncomprehendable, incomparable, eternal nature of God.

Eph 3:16-19 ¹⁶ that He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with power through His Spirit in the inner man; ¹⁷ so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; and that you, being rooted and grounded in love, ¹⁸ may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, ¹⁹ and to know the love of Christ which surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled up to all the fullness of God.

2.6 Response to Gods Word (The 3rd test of a true believer)

James 1:19-21 ¹⁹ This you know, my beloved brethren. But let everyone be quick to hear, slow to speak and slow to anger; ²⁰ for the anger of man does not achieve the righteousness of God. ²¹ Therefore putting aside all filthiness and all that remains of wickedness, in humility receive the word implanted, which is able to save your souls.

Here James issues a series of commands that that are to be embraced by believers. There is not question that James is concerned about speech and behavior. Does that seem like any big surprise. Throughout church history the most prominent issue has been the tongue. In Matthew 15:11 Jesus said “It is not what enters into the mouth that defiles the man, but what proceeds out of the mouth, this defiles the man.” James clearly addresses the same issue from a different perspective.

James 1:19-20 ¹⁹ This you know, my beloved brethren. But let everyone be quick to hear, slow to speak and slow to anger;

John 21:15-15 ¹⁵ So when they had finished breakfast, Jesus *said to Simon Peter, “Simon, son of John, do you love Me more than these?” He *said to Him, “Yes, Lord; You know that I love You.” He *said to him, “Tend My lambs.” ¹⁶ He *said to him again a second time, “Simon, son of John, do you love Me?” He *said to Him, “Yes, Lord; You know that I love You.” He *said to him, “Shepherd My sheep.” ¹⁷ He *said to him the third time, “Simon, son of John, do you love Me?” Peter was grieved because He said to him the third time, “Do you love Me?” And he said to Him, “Lord, You know all things; You know that I love You.” Jesus *said to him, “Tend My sheep.

James 1:19a – “This you know, my beloved brethren,” Here James starts by telling the believers how much he cares for them. He used the term agapetos (ἀγαπητός  – ag-ap-ay-tos’: beloved) which comes from the root word agapao (ἀγαπάω – ag-ap-ah’-o: love of the heart, wholehearted) and that, in turn, is rooted in the Hebrew word `agab (עָגַב – aw-gab’: to breathe after – to love).

So now there are three things that James want to be clear. He shifts gears into correction mode. There was obviously a problem here. Look at James 4:1-2 –

James 4:1-2 ¹ What is the source of quarrels and conflicts among you? Is not the source your pleasures that wage war in your members? ² You lust and do not have; so you commit murder. And you are envious and cannot obtain; so you fight and quarrel. You do not have because you do not ask.

In that context James is dealing with quarrelsome spirits who became angry with one another. He begins by telling them to listen before they talked.

James 19b – “But let everyone be quick to hear,”. Wow this is the antithesis of America today, right, everyone wants to be heard but nobody wants to listen. In Proverbs 17:28 it says “Even a fool, when he keeps silent, is considered wise; When he closes his lips, he is counted prudent.” Remember the old phrase “Silence is Golden”. How about “Speech is Silver but Silence is Golden.”?

James expresses the positive quality first. It is always better to listen.

Harry was a shy person who could not speak in public but he was invited by the king at the palace for dinner. No one could reject the invitation and the King had a condition that everyone would have to give a speech after the dinner. Any one who would not comply, would be thrown in a cage where there was a ferocious, hungry, roaring lion where they would be killed and eaten.

After dinner everyone began taking turns speaking and each spoke a few words but now it was Harry’s turn. He could not gather the courage and consequently did not speak. Angry at Harry’s disobedience, the king ordered him to be thrown into the cage with the ferocious, hungry roaring lion.

Every one looked on with horror as Harry was thrown in the cage. After a time of complete silence it became evident that the Lion was not going to kill and eat Harry. Surprised, the king, asked that Harry be brought out of the cage and when he came out, the king asked Larry the secret of why the Lion did not kill and eat him?

Harry replied to the king; Well, it’s quite simple really, when thrown in the cage I told the Lion that if he ate me he would have to give an after dinner speech.

James 19c – “slow to speak” In Proverbs 29:20 is says “Do you see a man who is hasty in his words? There is more hope for a fool than for him.” Remember silence causes a fool to be counted wise. This was the beginning of the correction on the part of James but he was not finished. There was another facet to cover and that is “and be slow to anger;”

My son David graduated the Memphis Tennessee police academy not long ago. While in the academy he did well graduating in the top 10 recruits. One thing that happened was really quite amazing, David completed the combat course in record time with a perfect shooting score. Upon exit from the course the captain asked him, who are you. David replied with is name and the captain asked why have I never heard of you? David replied, well I don’t talk much to which the captain replied, well why not, you’re very good. David responded “two ears, one mouth". The captain said “I like your attitude.”

Typically, when we feel like someone is not listening we begin to talk without listening. We begin to march toward the dark side of anger. We find ourselves thinking of the next thing we are going to say rather than hearing out what someone else has to say while paying full attention to their words. The less we listen the more frustrated the person with whom we are talking becomes and the cycle degenerates to anger. James used the term orge (ὀργή – or-gay’) which means desire or violent passion. It comes from the root oregomai (ὀρέγομαι – or-eg’-om-ai) which means to to reach out after (covet or desire).

We like to call our anger “righteous indignation” but in truth most of the time it is just sinful wrath on our part. Can there be righteous indignation? Sure there can. Jesus provided an example of righteous indignation but did rail, yet or shout but simply made a single statement.

John 2:14-17 ¹⁴ And He found in the temple those who were selling oxen and sheep and doves, and the moneychangers seated. ¹⁵ And He made a scourge of cords, and drove them all out of the temple, with the sheep and the oxen; and He poured out the coins of the moneychangers, and overturned their tables; ¹⁶ and to those who were selling the doves He said, “Take these things away; stop making My Father’s house a house of merchandise.” ¹⁷ His disciples remembered that it was written, “ZEAL FOR THY HOUSE WILL CONSUME ME.”

Do you think that Jesus was filled with “righteous indignation”?

So why is it important to check anger at the cross?

James 1:20 – “for the anger of man does not achieve the righteousness of God.” James not puts our unrighteous anger into perspective by comparing that anger with the righteousness of God. He uses the same term dikaiosune (δικαιοσύνη – dik-ai-os-oo’-nay: equity of character) or the “equity of character’ or God and what that produces katergazomai (κατεργάζομαι – kat-er-gad’-zom-ai: to work fully or accomplish from kata (κατά – kat-ah’  down (in place or time)) and  ergazomai (ἐργάζομαι – er-gad’-zom-ai: to toil  as a task, occupation and by implication effect, be engaged in or with)) to the orge (ὀργή – or-gay’: violent passion) anger of man.

To understand the difference between the anger of man and the righteousness of God let’s look at a couple of scriptures.

Num 20:11-13 ¹¹ Then Moses lifted up his hand and struck the rock twice with his rod; and water came forth abundantly, and the congregation and their beasts drank. ¹² But the LORD said to Moses and Aaron, “Because you have not believed Me, to treat Me as holy in the sight of the sons of Israel, therefore you shall not bring this assembly into the land which I have given them.” ¹³ Those were the waters of Meribah, because the sons of Israel contended with the LORD, and He proved Himself holy among them.

James 3:17-18 ¹⁷ But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, reasonable, full of mercy and good fruits, unwavering, without hypocrisy. ¹⁸ And the seed whose fruit is righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace.

Gal 5:22-23 ²² But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, ²³ gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.

While on a road trip, an elderly couple stopped at a roadside restaurant for lunch. After finishing their meal, they left the restaurant, and resumed their trip. When leaving, the elderly woman unknowingly left her glasses on the table, and she didn’t miss them until they had been driving for about forty minutes. 

By then, to add to the aggravation, they had to travel quite a distance before they could find a place to turn around, in order to return to the restaurant to retrieve her glasses. 

All the way back, the elderly husband became the classic grouchy old man. He fussed and complained, and scolded his wife relentlessly during the entire return drive.

The more he chided her, the more agitated he became. He just wouldn’t let up for a single minute. 

To her relief, they finally arrived at the restaurant. As the woman got out of the car, and hurried inside to retrieve her glasses, the old geezer yelled to her, "While you’re in there, you might as well get my hat and the credit card."

James 1:21a – “Therefore putting aside all filthiness and all that remains of wickedness, ” My dad used to tell me that, when reading the Bible, anytime you see therefore, you need to see what it is there for. So here the reference is to the statement just made by James. He said “the anger of man does not achieve the righteousness of God”. So in consideration of that fact we are to “put away” apotithemi (ἀποτίθημι – ap-ot-eeth’-ay-mee) any and all pas (πᾶς – pas`) moral dirtiness  rhuparia (ῥυπαρία – rhoo-par-ee’-ah) and superfluity perisseia (περισσεία – per-is-sei’-ah) of depravity kakia (κακία – kak-ee’-ah).

We are to literally lay aside all of our worldly lusts and desires.

Eph 4:22-24 ²² ..that, in reference to your former manner of life, you lay aside the old self, which is being corrupted in accordance with the lusts of deceit, ²³ and that you be renewed in the spirit of your mind, ²⁴ and put on the new self, which in the likeness of God has been created in righteousness and holiness of the truth.

James 1:21b – “in humility receive the word implanted, which is able to save your souls.” In addition to laying aside our worldly desires and lusts we are to, in humility prautes (πραΰτης – prah-oo"’-tace: mildness) to receive (accept, take hold of) the implanted  emphutos (ἔμφυτος – em’-foo-tos) word (logos) which is able dunamai (δύναμαι – doo’-nam-ai) to save your soul.

Let’s look at 1 Peter 2:1-5 -

1 Peter 2:1-5 ¹ Therefore, putting aside all malice and all guile and hypocrisy and envy and all slander, ² like newborn babes, long for the pure milk of the word, that by it you may grow in respect to salvation, ³ if you have tasted the kindness of the Lord. ⁴ And coming to Him as to a living stone, rejected by men, but choice and precious in the sight of God, ⁵ you also, as living stones, are being built up as a spiritual house for a holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.

How powerful is that word from Peter. the amazing parallel here is that James and Peter are talking to different audiences. Can you image what would happen if we all put aside all malice and sought after god through His Word?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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1. The MacArthur Bible Handbook – ISBN-13: 978-0-7852-4968-9
2. The MacArthur Bible Commentary – ISBN-13: 9-978-0-7852-5066-1
3. The International Bible Commentary – ISBN 0-310-22020-3
4. The MacArthur New Testament Commentary – James – ISBN-13:978-0-8024-0900-3
5. Bible study sources – www.biblos.com , www.biblegateway.com , The Word