James (7) The Law

In James 2, the reader comes upon the business that has caused some to marginalize or even reject this letter as Scripture. It is the matter of the law and the believer. And it comes up as James writes of caring for those in need. How are we to treat people? [...]

In James 1:26-27, James gives us the three points of his “sermon” to former members. The three features of pure and faultless religion are a controlled tongue, caring for those in need, and personal holiness. These are external actions in conformity with the Gospel. Why did James select these three? Why [...]

To the modern ear, the phrase “religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless” sounds almost oxymoronic, a self-contradictory idea. Many prefer spiritual to religious, religion having less than a stellar reputation in the public square. What is James up to?
On some level, we should not be surprised that James throws [...]

What Did Jesus Do?
There are those who ask themselves as they live their lives, what would Jesus do? Some wear bracelets with WWJD to remind of this perspective. While this approach may be commended as it reflects a desire to follow the Savior, to think carefully about the actions they take, the choices [...]

Trial versus Temptation
In verses 2-11, James deals with the matter of trials- I would add external trials as illustrated by the example of the outward circumstances of poverty and wealth (verses 9-11). Verses 12-19 focus on internal struggles- temptations. Verses 12 speaks of trial, verse 13 of temptation. Both words come from [...]