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.
"Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective." (James 5:16 NIV)
ReplyDeleteTrials and tribulations; One will be tested, but they should not run from it. Listen and do what the gospels say or one deceives themselves. Don't allow favoritism. Have faith in God and have deeds to prove ones faith. Watch what one says; the tongue is a double edged sword that is used for good and evil. Submit to God by resisting temptations. Finally pray for one another and confess sins to others. These are the main points that James says will lead to a life more pleasing to God. I believe that James really wanted to emphasize prayer, since it was one of the last things written in the book.
As a Lutheran, the only reason I can see that the Book of James is "an epistle of straw" to Uncle Marty would be that it conflicted with his doctrine. Luther believed that faith alone will earn redemption for man, but James is saying faith AND deeds, where Luther thought deeds unnecessary. I think both men are right; Luther is right in that we just need faith in God for the remission of sins, but James has a point that with deeds we grow in our faith and we would also spread the Good News in the process.
Petra- Stand in the Gap
from their 1988 album "On Fire!"
Based partially on James 5:16 (with Ezekiel 22:30 and 1 Timothy 2:1)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GBEMJaIfY2g
Petra- Praying Man
from their 1993 album "Wake-Up Call"
Based on James 5:16
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yPzoAp3Cgc8
4.What is James’ attitude toward wealth/richer Christians? How is James’ attitude to wealth connected with his concern with ethics?
ReplyDeleteJames believes that the wealthier Christians have "murdered the righteous man." In James 5:1-6, he tells of the problems he as with rich people. Two verses within this section are James 5:3, which says "Your silver and gold are corroded, and their corrosion will be a witness against you and will eat your flesh like fire. You stored up treasure in the last day", and James 5:5, which says "You have lived luxuriously on the land and have indulged yourselves. You have fattened your hearts for the day of slaughter." The connection to his belief on ethics is that he believed that Christians should humble themselves. The wealthy Christians who show off their luxurious lifestyle are definitely not showing themselves as humble.
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.
ReplyDeleteWhat, according to James, are the main keys of living a life pleasing to God?
ReplyDeleteThe main keys to pleasing god are actually quite blatant and obvious, they have to do with perseverance, listening, and no favoritism. These are just some of the examples that James mentions. My favorite is when he discusses deeds and how important it is to do good ones. "What good is it, my brothers, if a man claims to have faith but has no deeds?" James 1:14 shows how James thinks that it is much more absurd to not do good deeds than it is to do them. Essentially James lays out a few key points, one of which is submitting yourself to God, and then he explains them so commonly that it is very difficult to not see it how he does.