August 26, 2021 (Thursday)
Sometimes it seem that Paul and James contradict each other.
Maybe, it’s just our theology that contradicts the Word of God.
Paul dealt with two early errors. The first was “Judaism”
and the second was “Gnosticism.” The first one insisted there was a way for
humans to achieve merit toward salvation. It also held to traditions as a
source of truth. The second error was that secret knowledge was passed down
from master to disciple to be kept safe from those who might misunderstand it.
If we consider the issue of Judaism, Paul was adamant that
one was saved by grace through faith. Unfortunately modern theology has tended
toward pushing this emphasis to the point of error. What has happened is that
some think faith is a noun, something given by God. I don’t have space to get
into this but most first year Greek students know the difference between “pistis”
(noun) and “pisteuo” (verb). I really don’t understand theological systems that
deny “pisteuo” as a noun. I think the Bible is clear. God takes the initiative,
humans are required to respond (“pisteuo”).
James is a preemptive strike against this error. Or maybe,
James is responding to those in his generation that separated faith and works
in an unhealthy way. For the record, Paul was clear, we “work” because of our “faith”
(as a response to God’s initiative). So let’s crack open the book of James and
learn something.
James starts with, “From James, a slave of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ.” [James 1:1a CEB] The James who wrote this book is
Jesus’ brother. Yet he identifies himself as a slave. A more common translation
is “servant,” which means someone who has contracted to be a slave. Possibly
the closest we have in current American culture is an employee under contract
(without free will).
James begins with a simple shocking statement. “Count it all joy,
my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds.” [James 1:2 ESV]
For those who remember the KJV it reads “divers temptations.” English lesson
alert. “temptation” is part of our Latinized English. Why is it important to
know this? Because the word means “trials.” A trial can be good or evil. For instance
it can be what we call a “temptation.” It can also mean a test that proves
something, like a driver’s test.
Still, facing a temptation or test can be a source of
anxiety and possibly pain. Yet James urges us to accept these events with joy.
Why? I am so glad you asked! These events produce progress. Kind of like the
weight lifter who knows that good pain produces results.
James continues, “For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance
has a chance to grow.” [James 1:3 NLT] Endurance (or steadfastness)
is seen only under stress. Endurance is not a sprint. Neither is life, or
faith. Without endurance, strength can be negated. Another point behind
endurance is consistency. Both endurance and consistence require training. It
doesn’t just happen.
James finishes the idea with, “Let this endurance complete its work so that
you may be fully mature, complete, and lacking in nothing.” [James 1:4 CEB] If you ever think it is possible to
be “perfect” (meaning “flawless”) you are dreaming. Ain’t happening. However,
we can be mature. We can have all the skills and tools we need to meet any
trial.
Okay, Biblical couch potatoes, strap on the running shoes.
We are training for a marathon! James will be our trainer.
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