Studies in James - Part 1 (Introduction)

  I am attempting, in the following weeks, to write within my blog a series of posts wherein I go in-depth through the book of James.
  There are few books in the Bible which have garnered as much controversy from theologians through the ages as the book of James.  Luther, upon finally rediscovering the truth of Justification by Faith, made the error of disregarding this book, as it seemed upon first glance to contradict what Paul said in Romans and Galatians about justification by faith.
  However, God did not fumble when it was included as part of the canon of scripture, and it most certainly has its rightful place there.  Therefore, let us go into this book with the same respect as we would have for the writings of Paul, Peter, or any other apostle.
   This book seems to consist of exhortations and warnings. The readers are exhorted:

  To count it all joy when falling into diverse temptations (1;2)

To let patience (some translations read 'steadfastness') have its perfect work (1:4)

To ask God for wisdom, without doubting (1:5-8)

Not to blame God for temptations, for God cannot be tempted, nor does he tempt with evil (1:13)

To be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath (1:19)

To put aside all filthiness and receive the word with meekness (1:21)

To be a doer of the word, and not a hearer only (1:22)

To cease showing partiality (2:1)

Speak and act as one who will be judged by the law of liberty (2:12)

Not to have many 'masters' (meaning teachers) (3:1)

To submit to God and resist the devil (4:7)

To draw nigh to God. (4:8)

To humble themselves in the sight of the Lord (4:10)

Not to speak evil of each other (4:11)

To be patient to the coming of the Lord (5:7)

To be patient and establish their hearts (5:8)

Not to not grumble against each other (5:9)

Not to swear, but to let their yes be yes, and let their no be no. (5:12)

To confess one another's faults to each other (5:16)

To convert those who err from the truth (5:19-20)

One of the prevailing themes throughout this book seems to be action. Just because the gospel is true, and Jesus did wonderful things for us, even allowing us access into His Kingdom and justification by faith, does not mean we have an excuse to grow lethargic and slack off.  The book of James is full of profitable advice for both the saved saint and the lost sinner, as we will soon see. Those who have true faith will see it evidenced in works, for faith without works is dead (Jam. 2:20, 26).  

There is a prevailing idea today that each apostle had their own distinct theology that often contradicted with the theology of the other apostles.  It is my aim to disprove this notion and rather agree with Paul that all scripture is inspired, and profitable (2 Tim. 3:16).  

I hope you all enjoy this study in the book of James.