The Epistle of James takes a slightly different focus than the letters of Paul. It instructs us how to live a joyful Christian life that truly reflects Jesus to the world. Whereas Paul the apostle presents first and foremost the theology of salvation. He taught the gospel of Christ for salvation and describes how that changes our life from the inside out.
James takes a practical approach to describe what that should look like. Knowing the truth that Salvation is by Grace Alone through Faith Alone in Christ Alone, he declares genuine faith will set about a transformation in one’s life. Knowing Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior will undoubtedly change how one approaches every other aspect of one’s life. He, therefore, in his epistle is addressing believers foremost. In a world filled with tumultuous trials, he tells them the steps to live out their faith regardless of the circumstances. Therein joy and hope are the natural byproducts of that faith.
This James is believed to be the half-brother of Jesus. There seems little doubt of this fact as the apostle James, the brother of John was killed by Herod before this letter was written. James, the lesser, does not fit the portrait . Furthermore, we know from Galatians 1 that James was a leader in the Jerusalem church. Paul wrote of his trip to Jerusalem.
I went up to Jerusalem to see Peter and remained with him fifteen days. But I saw none of the other apostles except James, the Lord’s brother. Galatians 1:18-19 (NKJV)
James played a prominent role in the Council in Jerusalem where we noted in Acts 15, a style and reference much the same as the epistle of James.
James Concerning the Gentile Believers
At first the Jewish believers in Jerusalem were skeptical of the gentile outreach. Peter told them God had come to him in a vision saying “do not call what I have cleansed, unclean.” He had even gone to the house of a Centurion where the Centurion and his entire family were saved and received the Holy Spirit as confirmation the same as the Jewish believers. Then it was James who spoke up.
After they stopped speaking, James responded, saying, Brothers, listen to me. Simeon has described how God first concerned Himself about taking a people for His name from among the Gentiles. The words of the Prophets agree with this, just as it is written:
‘After these things I will return,
I will rebuild the fallen tabernacle of David,
And I will rebuild its ruins,
I will restore it,
So that the rest of mankind may seek the Lord. And all the Gentiles who are called by My name,’ Says the Lord, who makes these things known from long ago.
Therefore, it is my judgment that we do not cause trouble for those from the Gentiles who are turning to God, but that we write to them that they abstain from things contaminated by idols, from acts of sexual immorality, from what has been strangled, and from blood. For from ancient generations Moses has those who preach him in every city, since he is read in the synagogues every Sabbath.” Acts 15:13-21
A Letter Sent by James to the Gentiles to Encourage a Joyful Christian Life
“The apostles and the brothers who are elders, to the brothers and sisters in Antioch, Syria, and Cilicia who are from the Gentiles: Greetings. Since we have heard that some of our number to whom we gave no instruction have confused you by their teaching, upsetting your souls, it seemed good to us, having become of one mind, to select men to send to you with our beloved Barnabas and Paul, men who have risked their lives for the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Therefore, we have sent Judas and Silas, who themselves will also report the same things by word of mouth. For it seemed good to the Holy Spirit and to us to lay upon you no greater burden than these essentials: that you abstain from things sacrificed to idols, from blood, from things strangled, and from acts of sexual immorality; if you keep yourselves free from such things, you will do well. Farewell.” Act 15:22-29 (NASB)
Hence, he was saying you do not have to worry about all the traditions the Jewish people tried to place on them. However, to do well and live joyfully, remember these few ordinances to help you grow in Christ.
Saved by Grace; yet Exemplified by Actions to live a Joyful Christian Life
Very similar in style to his epistle, James felt there were some actions that would display that would help them live a joyful Christian life that reflects Jesus to the world. Very similar to what Paul wrote to the Corinthians.
what accord has Christ with Belial? Or what part has a believer with an unbeliever? And what agreement has the temple of God with idols? For you are the temple of the living God. As God has said:
“I will dwell in them
And walk among them.
I will be their God,
And they shall be My people.”
Therefore
“Come out from among them
And be separate, says the Lord.
Do not touch what is unclean,
And I will receive you.”
“I will be a Father to you,
And you shall be My sons and daughters,
Says the Lord Almighty.” 2 Corinthians 6:15-18
Though we can never be saved by works, we must remain mindful that the Holy Spirit indwells us and there will be no peace unless we surrender fully to Him and doing so means, our actions will also change. We must remain always mindful of this.
The Conversion of James as Proof of the Gospel Message of Grace
Some critics say that the Epistle of James is too works oriented; yet a brief review of his own journey might cause you to pause and think differently. He too was saved by grace only after the resurrected Christ appeared to him. He too had to learn how to live a Joyful Christian Life. Being saved and bowing to the Lordship of Christ presented a world of great tribulation, so James can speak to that reality. He had rejected Jesus and been ashamed of the ministry of Christ for a long time.
Growing up in the household with Jesus as the 2nd son of Mary must have had its challenges. After all, Jesus had no sin and therefore was never the son at fault with anything. Maybe his sibling had some resentment there?
Then he with his brothers tried to restrain Jesus believing Him to be crazy.
Then Jesus entered a house, and again a crowd gathered, so that he and his disciples were not even able to eat. When his family heard about this, they went to take charge of him, for they said, “He is out of his mind.” Mark 3: 20-21 (NIV)
Jesus Mocked by His Brothers
Imagine the turmoil of so much publicity, fame, as well as the disdain of the Jewish Priests and elders. We also know James did not believe Jesus was who He proclaimed to be and mocked Him.
After this Jesus went about in Galilee. He would not go about in Judea, because the Jews were seeking to kill him. Now the Jews’ Feast of Booths was at hand. So his brothers said to him, “Leave here and go to Judea, that your disciples also may see the works you are doing. For no one works in secret if he seeks to be known openly. If you do these things, show yourself to the world.” For not even his brothers believed in him. John 7:1-5 ESV
What a weight of sorrow as Jesus tried to explain, there would be a day when His brothers would believe.
Jesus said to them, “My time has not yet come, but your time is always here. John 7:5 (ESV)
Although their time was always open to embrace Him. But they did not for so long. No wonder James later would want all believers to learn to live a Joyful Christian life with dignity, grace, fearlessly growing in the strength of the Holy Spirit. He had seen so many “false followers” of Jesus, who were not true believers in the true gospel of Jesus Christ.
Then at the Cross—No siblings of Jesus came.
As Jesus hung on the cross, naked, beaten and bleeding, His brothers were not there. It was considered the most shameful form of death.
Now there stood by the cross of Jesus His mother, and His mother’s sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene. When Jesus therefore saw His mother, and the disciple whom He loved standing by, He said to His mother, “Woman, behold your son!” Then He said to the disciple, “Behold your mother!” And from that hour that disciple took her to his own home. John 19:25-27 NKJV
At that point, James, Jude and Josias did not come to the crucifixion. By then they despised Jesus. He had brought dishonor to the family name. How could He have done this to them, at least this is what they thought. Imagine, the scene. Yet, in all the post resurrection appearances of Jesus to the believers, He also appeared to the unbeliever James, His brother as Paul relates to us.
Jesus appears to James
For I handed down to you as of first importance what I also received, that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, and that He was buried, and that He was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures, and that He appeared to Cephas, then to the twelve. After that He appeared to more than five hundred brothers and sisters at one time, most of whom remain until now, but some have fallen asleep; then He appeared to James, then to all the apostles; and last of all, as to one untimely born, He appeared to me also. I Corinthians 15: 3-8 (NASB)
Imagine turning the corner one day and your brother, whom you thought dead is standing there in front of you. Well, that also is another proof of the reality of the resurrection of Jesus. His brother who believed it all a hoax was later killed for standing firm, unwavering at preaching the truth of the gospel in Jerusalem.
So with Great Credibility James Teaches How to Live a Joyful Christian Life
His is like the Proverbs of the New Testament with quick short admonitions and nuggets of truth. So let’s go back to the beginning.
Consider it all joy, my brothers and sisters, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. And let endurance have its perfect result, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing. But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him. James 1:2-5 NASB
So, who better to advise us on how to life out this faith we have been so graciously given. It is a joyous thing to grow in faith, to get stronger and bolder. That comes as we face trials and see how wonderfully God brings us through. The farther we walk, the more we can look back and see His hand of grace through it all. Besides that when we do not understand the why for any trial, He is standing ready and willing to help us see His blessing in the midst of our trial.
James goes on to write:
Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him. James 1: 12 (ESV)
To live a joyful Christian life, we must focus on tomorrow. We have a crown of Glory awaiting us.
Do not be deceived, my beloved brothers. Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change. Of his own will he brought us forth by the word of truth, that we should be a kind of firstfruits of his creatures. James 1:16-18 (ESV)
To Live a Joyful Christian Life There are Pitfalls to avoid
- Bridle your tongue
If anyone thinks he is religious and does not bridle his tongue but deceives his heart, this person’s religion is worthless. Religion that is pure and undefiled before God the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their affliction, and to keep oneself unstained from the world. James 1: 26-27 (ESV)
- Hold fast your anger
Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger; for the anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God. Therefore, put away all filthiness and rampant wickedness and receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls. James 1:19-21 (ESV)
When you humbly remember the words of Jesus implanted in you through the indwelling Holy Spirit bring them to mind you will reflect Jesus to the world. Otherwise, the turmoil leads to your own unhappiness.
- Avoid partiality or favoritism
He speaks of not showing partiality to those who have wealth verses the poor when they enter the church.
If you really fulfill the royal law according to the Scripture, “You shall love your neighbor as yourself,” you are doing well. But if you show partiality, you are committing sin and are convicted by the law as transgressors. James 2:8-9 (ESV)
To joyfully live the Christian Life One’s Life Displays their Faith
James urges us to grow in our faith. As we do, our works will naturally flow forth from the Holy Spirit within us. If I see no growth in my thoughts, my love for others, and my deeds, then I need to look within myself and ask—am I saved? If I have no conviction for sin, then has my heart hardened against my Savior? That would be the most miserable place on earth, if He indwells me. Or what if I can watch a movie or show while His name or His glory is cast aside without feeling the pangs of grief, where is my heart truly? He who gave everything for me and loves me more than I could ever conceive of, would my heart not cry when I hear His name so misused? That is what James is trying to say.
You believe that God is one; you do well. Even the demons believe—and shudder! Do you want to be shown, you foolish person, that faith apart from works is useless? Was not Abraham our father justified by works when he offered up his son Isaac on the altar? You see that faith was active along with his works, and faith was completed by his works; and the Scripture was fulfilled that says, “Abraham believed God, and it was counted to him as righteousness”—and he was called a friend of God. James 2:19-23 (ESV)
The works are the outward manifestation of the faith within. They come from the inner workings of the Holy Spirit as we grow and mature in Jesus Christ. This is the point James is trying to get across.
To live a Joyful Christian Life, we need Spiritual Wisdom not Earthly
We hear so many who cry out from a place of pride, believing they know what everyone must follow. They scream this forth as though tolerant of all, while in the end sowing seeds of dissidence. True wisdom only comes from above and is found as we meekly seek God’s truth.
if you have bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast and be false to the truth. This is not the wisdom that comes down from above, but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic. For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there will be disorder and every vile practice. But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere. And a harvest of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace. James 3:14-18
To Live a Joyful Christian Life: Keep Yours Eyes On Jesus Return
Be patient, therefore, brothers, until the coming of the Lord. See how the farmer waits for the precious fruit of the earth, being patient about it, until it receives the early and the late rains.You also, be patient. Establish your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is at hand. Do not grumble against one another, brothers, so that you may not be judged; behold, the Judge is standing at the door. James 5:7-9
When we keep our eyes focused on the Return of Jesus, it is much easier to remain patient with others around us. Also, consider this when we are busy tearing down or judging others—there is very little joy in our own hearts.
And Most Important: Pray, Confess Our Sins, and Pray for Others
Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working. Elijah was a man with a nature like ours, and he prayed fervently that it might not rain, and for three years and six months it did not rain on the earth. Then he prayed again, and heaven gave rain, and the earth bore its fruit. James 5: 16-18 (ESV)
There is nothing more healing and more necessary to live a joyful Christian life than to spend time alone with Father in prayer.
DO YOU KNOW CHRIST AS YOUR SAVIOR AND LORD? He is our only Hope in Life and Death! Our Joy is found in Him.
Therefore if you don’t know Jesus Christ as your Savior and Lord: I urge you today. Go to my page titled How to Be Saved by clicking on this link. There is nothing more important than this; because He is the way, the truth and the life. Therefore, I urge you to seek Him today.
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©Effie Darlene Barba, 2024
Disclosure of Material Connection: I have not received any compensation for writing this post. Furthermore, I have no material connection to the brands, products, or services that I have mentioned except for my own books. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.
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