Over
the years, James has received a lot of criticism for seemingly contradicting
Paul’s justification by faith doctrine. Luther called it an “epistle of straw”,
implying that James was less worthy of canonship than Paul’s epistles (Elwell and
Yarbrough 353). As a mix of wisdom reminiscent of Proverbs and doctrine,
James definitely stands out amongst all other New Testament writings. Taking a
closer look at the book reveals that James carries as much weight as the rest
of the New Testament. James is a book full of wisdom and imperative commands
that speak truth into all times and cultures. The epistle of James is a message
to all Christians on how to handle trials that life throws out way.
James defines the theme of trials
right away in 1:1-4. This particular passage in the Bible has proven
encouraging to generations after generations of Christian who have found
comfort in James’ words. According to James, trials are tests that all go
through in life that develop character and lead to being complete and mature.
This truth is once again repeated in 1:12-15, but James goes further and
addresses temptations that test and build up perseverance.
Nestled in between these two
introductory paragraphs is a small section on wisdom (1:5-8). It is no
coincidence that James pairs life’s trials with wisdom, which is pertinent to
struggling through hard times. Christians cannot face difficulties in life
without Godly wisdom. God’s presence commands a sense of peace that quells the
stress of life. Only in that peace will Christians find the strength to stand
tall in the darkest of storms.
James is a book that’s tied very
nicely together. Each theme in this book relates perfectly to one another.
Godly wisdom, James says, comes through prayer (1:5-6) and is a gift “coming
down from the Father of lights” (17). Prayers are to be made in faith and
without doubt, “for the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea that is driven
and tossed by the wind” (1:6). The theme of prayer runs throughout the entirety
of James, but its strongest appearance is made at the end of James in 5:13-18.
In the midst of difficulties, the righteous person can be assured that his
prayers have “great power” (1:16).
Therefore all of James’ teaching on
trials can be summed up by: Trials, temptations, and hardships in life are only
faced through Godly wisdom which is granted to Christians through the power of
faithful prayer. Instead of stressing out and worrying about what life may
bring, Christians can be assured that God’s wisdom will guide them through each
and every storm. Also, Christians and non-Christians alike can be comforted in
the fact that God does not tempt nor act as the cause of evil (1:13). The great
apologetic debate regarding God and evil has been going on for ages. Sin is
ultimately the root of all evil, not God.
James is a tight book that packs a
lot into its few pages, and the book focuses on withstanding trials and
temptations. James concurs with the rest of the Bible and presents Christ as
the answer to difficult times. Unfortunately, during hardships it can be easy
to lose sight of God and his care. James is just another constant reminder that,
through prayer, God will grant us the wisdom and strength we need to face hard
circumstances.
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WORKS CITED
Elwell,
Walter A., and Robert M. Yarbrough. Encountering the New Testament: A
Historical and Theological Survey with CDROM. Edition Unstated. Baker
Academic, 1998. Print.
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