Please read my list of study questions on the Epistle of James (the first nine questions on the link here), and then James itself. Suggest an answer to one or two of the study questions and cite or two a verse from James in support of your answer.
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In James 1: 9-11, he explains that Christians who are poor will be happy when God lifts them up, and Christians who are rich should be happy when God brings them down. I get the feeling that James believes that rich Christians can still be good people, bu they must be careful with the situation they are in.
ReplyDeleteJames uses chapter 2 to warn people about prejudice and he uses the rich and the poor as an example. James says to never judge someone by outward appearance, but rather by what kind of person they are. You are supposed to love your neighbor as yourself. I'm guessing that there was a lot of prejudice going on at this time, especially between rich and poor. James is trying to combat this throughout his writings.
Why is James writing his letter? Who is he writing to? What particular ethical challenges do his readers seem to be facing?
ReplyDeleteJames is writing this letter to the Jews who have now been dispersed throughout the world (James 1:1). The Jews have been struggling with various trials, and James starts off his letter by encouraging them to keep up the good fight. His readers are also struggling with the issue of faith and works, as Jews all they know are works: the 613 laws of the Torah. With the entrance of Jesus, it could be misconstrued that one only needs faith, not works like the old way, and James is telling the Jews that they need both! Abraham was known to be righteous by his works, but he also couldn’t have done those without faith (James 2:21-22). James appeals to a specific audience, who hopefully were able to fix some of their ethical dilemmas with his words of advice.
1.Why is James writing his letter? Who is he writing to? What particular ethical challenges do his readers seem to be facing?
ReplyDeleteHe is writing the letter to correct people on how they should be practicing their faith. He is writing to God's people/ his brothers and sister's in Christ. They are facing problems of temptation. They are facing problems of not really following the faith right.
1. Why is James writing his letter? Who is he writing to? What particular ethical challenges do his readers seem to be facing?
ReplyDeleteI believe that James is writing this letter to everyone. He is writing it to every because he wants everyone to now the truth. I don't believe that this is directed to one specific group.
His readers seem to be facing the same problem I feel everyone faces. Trials and Temptations, Listening and Doing, Faith and Deeds, Favoritism Forbidden, all of these are things that everyone faces sometime in their lives. Do you know how hard it is to actually listen and then do? It is extremely hard. It is very easy to ask for something, but to truly listen for the answer and then do what is necessary...that can drive a person insane.
The best verse in James is James 4:15, “If it is the Lord’s will, we will live and do this or that.” So, if it is the Lords will we will have class tomorrow and we can discuss this more.
4. James feels richer Christians have lost sight of what really means to be a follower of Christ. In James 5: 1- 6 says, "Now listen, you rich people, weep and wail because of the misery that is coming on you. 2 Your wealth has rotted, and moths have eaten your clothes. 3 Your gold and silver are corroded. Their corrosion will testify against you and eat your flesh like fire. You have hoarded wealth in the last days. 4 Look! The wages you failed to pay the workers who mowed your fields are crying out against you. The cries of the harvesters have reached the ears of the Lord Almighty. 5 You have lived on earth in luxury and self-indulgence. You have fattened yourselves in the day of slaughter. 6 You have condemned and murdered the innocent one, who was not opposing you.". The connection with other ethical issues is that Christians need to have humility while walking in faith. His belief is that it is better to face trials and build your faith then it is to be rich and flaunt it.
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