a common thread

As I was beginning to read and study the book of James in preparation to preach through this fabulous little powerhouse book, one of the common statements I would find in commentaries over and again is how unconnected or disjointed the subject material is. Commentaries would struggle to find a general theme or an overarching purpose statement that might anchor much of what James is writing into a singular concept. Giving up too soon, some start to make the assumption that the book ought to work like a collection of truisms, or an anthology of proverbial wisdom for the New Testament reader. Not unlike the book of Proverbs, James could be dissected into nuggets of practical living or be approached like a “how to” encyclopedia for the Christian life. The message of James, then, is reduced to little more than a reference guide for various kinds of circumstances to be used on an “as needed” basis, but otherwise it can be left off the reading list… (at least, this is the impression some writers create, whether they’re intending to or not).

Much of this attitude can be traced back to Martin Luther and the Reformation who labeled James, “an epistle of straw,” implying that James is the runt of the New Testament. He did not condemn people for reading it, but he certainly couldn’t recommend it nor appreciate its message. There’s also an indication that his view is perpetrated by the assumption that books towards the back of the New Testament are somehow less important than earlier books. Because Romans and Corinthians follow the four Gospels and Acts, the assumption of 16th century theologians is that earlier means superior… those books placed earlier in the NT canon are done so because they are deemed more important than latter books.

Today, we understand this to be a faulty assumption.

Now that we have worked our way through the first three chapters of James (taking a break for the Sundays surrounding Holy Week), I’ve found a great amount of continuity within the book… statements that James uses to help align ourselves with the actions and attitude of Christ, ever-learning to reflect Him in all areas of life. It may be subtle, but there are verses that help guide our thinking and shape our understanding as we make our way through the book. Here are a few examples:

“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)

“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 1:18 (ESV)

“Listen, my beloved brothers, has not God chosen those who are poor in the world to be rich in faith and heirs of the kingdom, which He has promised to those who love Him?”

James 2:5 (ESV)

“You see that faith was active along with his works, and faith was completed by his works…”

James 2:22 (ESV)

“Who is wise and understanding among you? By his good conduct let him show his works in the meekness of wisdom.”

James 3:13 (ESV)

Looking ahead to chapters 4 and 5, James uses some difficult language as he addresses the scattered church in the final two chapters of his letter. I think what we’ll discover in the end is his strong desire for the churches, who ought to reflect Christ, to stand united as they reflect Christ. The verses listed above will become the anchors that stabilize them against the swift currents of cultural rejection, reminding of the promises we have in Christ as well as giving hope of the life we’ll live in the presence of Christ. The first three chapters prepare us for the final two, providing a common thread urging the church on to good works and to greater faith.