Gospel according to James

[lightbearer]

Of his own will begat he us with the word of truth, that we should be a kind of firstfruits of his creatures.
(Jas 1:18 KJV)

We are begotten through the word of truth.Behold old things are passed away all things are new and of GOD

Now Watch how James builds on that.

Wherefore lay apart all filthiness and superfluity of naughtiness, and receive with meekness the (begotten) engrafted word, which is able to save your souls. But be ye doers of the (engrafted) word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.
(Jas 1:21-22 KJV)

Begotten,receiving with meekness the engrafted word. So Say not in thine heart, Who shall ascend into heaven? (that is, to bring Christ (the engrafted Word) down from above Or, Who shall descend into the deep? (that is, to bring up Christ (the engrafted Word) again from the dead.) But what saith it? The word (Christ) is nigh thee, even in thy mouth, and in thy heart: that is, the word of faith, which we preach;
(Rom 10:6-8 KJV)

For if any be a hearer of the (engrafted) word, and not a doer, he is like unto a man beholding his natural face (the new man in Christ, the firstfruits of his creatures) in a glass: For he beholdeth himself, and goeth his way, and straightway forgetteth what manner of man he was. But whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty (the engrafted word, begotten, first fruit of HIS creatures) , and continueth therein, he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work (that is now part of him), this man shall be blessed in his deed.
(Jas 1:23-25 KJV)
We went from obeying to being. Behold all things are new and of God. By HIS stripes we have been healed. The Commandments are no longer thou shalt not. Now through Christ, through the Gospel they are thou will not. For it is HE that works in us both to will do HIS good pleasure. Not an outward observance but an inward adherance, following the change that HE has imparted to us through Christ.

So when He speaks of the Perfect Law of Liberty in chapter two verse twelve it must be understood in context to what is shared in chapter one

 

[EliBeth]

I absolutely love the book of James! It is probably my current "favorite." It is SO full of basic wisdom and instruction. Your thread title is interesting. Have you heard that this James, Jesus's brother, was one of the main early church leaders in Jerusalem?
I totally agree Christ works in us to do His good pleasure. Glory to God that He puts His power in human vessels! (I ❤️ Ephesians 3:20.)

However, we still have responsibility to cooperate by following His instruction and commands. By commands I mean, for example, in James 4:11 it admonishes, "Do not speak against one another, brethren." Or personal specific instruction in your life to forsake or do something.
Is this what you mean by "inward adherance"? 😀

 

[EliBeth]

However, we still have responsibility to cooperate by following His instruction and commands.

By "we" I mean Christians already saved by the grace of God and propitiation of Christ Jesus through faith.

 

[Guojing]

By "we" I mean Christians already saved by the grace of God and propitiation of Christ Jesus through faith.

It will be a mistake to read and understand the book of James on the assumption that "James has read Paul's epistles and understood them already".

The book of James was written before Acts 15. James was brought up under the Law and he was not aware of the secrets of the mystery that the ascended Christ revealed to Paul, before he wrote it.

Thus, when James stated that faith without works is dead, he meant exactly what he stated.

 

[Sipsey]

For an in depth study of this wonderful book (James) may I recommend a book entitled “Faith, Love & Hope“ by Spiros Zodhiates. It took him 3 years to complete and contains nearly 800 pages. It is a very readable and humbling exegesis of an often misunderstood writing.

 

[EliBeth]

Hi, Guojing! 🙂 Oh no, I wasn't under the impression that James had read Paul's writings. And yes, I do believe he literally meant faith without works is dead. I was only using James 4:11 as an example of a commandment/instruction/directive from God to those who are already His heirs through faith alone in Christ Jesus. I firmly agree that absolutely no deed can aid you in becoming a child of God, only by belief in the substitutionary death of Christ may we become His child.
What I was trying to say was, after we become His child, we are called to obey Him by following His directives. One should not "get saved" and then abandon any and all regard for heeding their Master's orders. Every day we are to take up our cross and follow Him. I'm sorry if I did not make myself clear.

 

[Melach]

It will be a mistake to read and understand the book of James on the assumption that "James has read Paul's epistles and understood them already".

The book of James was written before Acts 15. James was brought up under the Law and he was not aware of the secrets of the mystery that the ascended Christ revealed to Paul, before he wrote it.

Thus, when James stated that faith without works is dead, he meant exactly what he stated.

i hit my head some time ago and i havent been the same since(just saying because i might ask same question now). i got a feeling i have asked this before but maybe i havent and ive just read your reply but still: how do we know book of james was written before acts meeting in jerusalem?

why is book of james in bible then?

 

[EliBeth]

Hello, Sipsey! 😀 Thank you for your recommendation. I have heard the name Spiros Zodhiates. Do you remember any details of this book?

 

[Sipsey]

Hello, Sipsey! 😀 Thank you for your recommendation. I have heard the name Spiros Zodhiates. Do you remember any details of this book?

Hello EliBeth! The book lays on the table beside me. It has been some time since I read it. It is a thorough presentation of key koine words that are translated within their context and then presented within a summary of application.
is there a passage or section I can type for you?

I came across Mr. Zodhiates some years ago in a Bible study. I use his dictionary extensively and have several other works by him.

 

[Guojing]

i hit my head some time ago and i havent been the same since(just saying because i might ask same question now). i got a feeling i have asked this before but maybe i havent and ive just read your reply but still: how do we know book of james was written before acts meeting in jerusalem?

why is book of james in bible then?

The order of the nt books was planned by the Holy Spirit. Paul wrote about the rapture first in 1 and 2 Thessalonians and his romans book was one of the final books he wrote. The Holy Spirit wanted new believers to be clear about doctrine first, so romans and Galatians were placed first, which made perfect sense on hindsight by us.

One way to view the order of the books is again using the time periods terms that Paul used many times in his letters:

1. time past: Matthew to John for Jews during Jesus on earth
2. But now: romans to Philemon for the body of Christ (both Jews and gentiles)
3. Age to come: Hebrews to revelations, the tribulation period for Jews after the body of Christ is raptured.

During the tribulation, you need to believe in Jesus as the messiah as well as to reject the mark of the beast in order to be considered saved (revelation 14:12). Those who are rich will especially find rejecting the mark to be very tough since that means they will be cut off from the economic system.

James chapter 2 as well as his warnings to the rich in chapter 5 will make perfect sense in such a scenario.

 

[EliBeth]

Hello EliBeth! The book lays on the table beside me. It has been some time since I read it. It is a thorough presentation of key koine words that are translated within their context and then presented within a summary of application.
is there a passage or section I can type for you?

I came across Mr. Zodhiates some years ago in a Bible study. I use his dictionary extensively and have several other works by him.

(Had to look up koine😌) Thank you kindly; but I don't want to cause you trouble! I would be interested in James 4:4 and 4:7-9.
You said James is an often misunderstood writing. Respectfully, may I ask how? I am not disputing you, simply wondering if I could be misunderstanding it.

 

[Sipsey]

(Had to look up koine😌) Thank you kindly; but I don't want to cause you trouble! I would be interested in James 4:4 and 4:7-9.
You said James is an often misunderstood writing. Respectfully, may I ask how? I am not disputing you, simply wondering if I could be misunderstanding it.

In my humble opinion, James has been used by “works” oriented people to justify “do’s & don’ts.” I believe James is a wonderful and practical book that distinguishes ”real” faith from a hollow one.

 

[EliBeth]

In my humble opinion, James has been used by “works” oriented people to justify “do’s & don’ts.” I believe James is a wonderful and practical book that distinguishes ”real” faith from a hollow one.

Yes, it has been helpful to me to live a more godly life. I like your descriptive word, "practical." It is that. I think it's neat that Jesus's half brother was a strong believer and actually wrote a book in the Bible!

 

[Sipsey]

Yes, it has been helpful to me to live a more godly life. I like your descriptive word, "practical." It is that. I think it's neat that Jesus's half brother was a strong believer and actually wrote a book in the Bible!

There are 9 pages just on verse 4:4, 32 pages on 4:7-9, so I am reluctant to try and distill that amount of thought.

But, a key phrase in 4:4 is “don’t you know? He explains how there are two Greek words for ”know”; one is to know by “observation” the other by “reflection,” and reflection is in mind here due to the particular word used.

He goes on to say that the Christian does not have to know sin by observation or by personal experience, but by reflection. They are to use the mind which God has given them (in Christ) to discern good from evil without having to “taste” evil itself. James takes a very serious tone that reflects his determination to speak the truth of Christian living that he learned from his brother & Savior.

 

[John146]

The order of the nt books was planned by the Holy Spirit. Paul wrote about the rapture first in 1 and 2 Thessalonians and his romans book was one of the final books he wrote. The Holy Spirit wanted new believers to be clear about doctrine first, so romans and Galatians were placed first, which made perfect sense on hindsight by us.

One way to view the order of the books is again using the time periods terms that Paul used many times in his letters:

1. time past: Matthew to John for Jews during Jesus on earth
2. But now: romans to Philemon for the body of Christ (both Jews and gentiles)
3. Age to come: Hebrews to revelations, the tribulation period for Jews after the body of Christ is raptured.

During the tribulation, you need to believe in Jesus as the messiah as well as to reject the mark of the beast in order to be considered saved (revelation 14:12). Those who are rich will especially find rejecting the mark to be very tough since that means they will be cut off from the economic system.

James chapter 2 as well as his warnings to the rich in chapter 5 will make perfect sense in such a scenario.

James 5
8 Be ye also patient; stablish your hearts: for the coming of the Lord draweth nigh.
9 Grudge not one against another, brethren, lest ye be condemned: behold, the judge standeth before the door.

Correct! The above statements are true. During the church age, the Lord is seated at the right hand of the Father. During the tribulation, the Lord is standing ready to return to judge the nations.

Besides, who’s the book written to? The twelve tribes scattered abroad. The Church is not the twelve tribes.

 

[Sipsey]

Of his own will begat he us with the word of truth, that we should be a kind of firstfruits of his creatures.
(Jas 1:18 KJV)

We are begotten through the word of truth.Behold old things are passed away all things are new and of GOD

Now Watch how James builds on that.

Wherefore lay apart all filthiness and superfluity of naughtiness, and receive with meekness the (begotten) engrafted word, which is able to save your souls. But be ye doers of the (engrafted) word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.
(Jas 1:21-22 KJV)

Begotten,receiving with meekness the engrafted word. So Say not in thine heart, Who shall ascend into heaven? (that is, to bring Christ (the engrafted Word) down from above Or, Who shall descend into the deep? (that is, to bring up Christ (the engrafted Word) again from the dead.) But what saith it? The word (Christ) is nigh thee, even in thy mouth, and in thy heart: that is, the word of faith, which we preach;
(Rom 10:6-8 KJV)

For if any be a hearer of the (engrafted) word, and not a doer, he is like unto a man beholding his natural face (the new man in Christ, the firstfruits of his creatures) in a glass: For he beholdeth himself, and goeth his way, and straightway forgetteth what manner of man he was. But whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty (the engrafted word, begotten, first fruit of HIS creatures) , and continueth therein, he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work (that is now part of him), this man shall be blessed in his deed.
(Jas 1:23-25 KJV)
We went from obeying to being. Behold all things are new and of God. By HIS stripes we have been healed. The Commandments are no longer thou shalt not. Now through Christ, through the Gospel they are thou will not. For it is HE that works in us both to will do HIS good pleasure. Not an outward observance but an inward adherance, following the change that HE has imparted to us through Christ.

So when He speaks of the Perfect Law of Liberty in chapter two verse twelve it must be understood in context to what is shared in chapter one

Lightbearer,
you obviously see the wisdom contained within the writings of James, as do many others. I brushed the dust off of one of my most valued books and opened it again. It is by Spiros Zodhiates and is a methodical, practical and relevant treatment of his words.

I would love to share its pages with those here that wish to go deeper into it’s pertinent wisdom. Do you feel as if this would be something that would garner enough interest to pursue?

With nearly 800 pages it will be an arduous but, I think, rewarding venture for all involved. Anyone else interested in what Mr. Zodhiates has to say about the book of James?

 

[EliBeth]

There are 9 pages just on verse 4:4, 32 pages on 4:7-9, so I am reluctant to try and distill that amount of thought.

But, a key phrase in 4:4 is “don’t you know? He explains how there are two Greek words for ”know”; one is to know by “observation” the other by “reflection,” and reflection is in mind here due to the particular word used.

He goes on to say that the Christian does not have to know sin by observation or by personal experience, but by reflection. They are to use the mind which God has given them (in Christ) to discern good from evil without having to “taste” evil itself. James takes a very serious tone that reflects his determination to speak the truth of Christian living that he learned from his brother & Savior.

Thank you, Mr. Sipsey, for looking that up! That is interesting. It kind of reminds me of Romans 1, how even unbelievers have a form of understanding about God that leaves them without excuse... But that's a different subject.

In referenece to your last post which I did not cite, Yes! I, for one, would enjoy hearing what Mr. Zodhiates has to say since I am so taken with the book of James and also considering the exposition is one of your favs..must be good! It might be fun to digest it with others instead of solo. But if it's too big of a project that would take up too much time and effort, then I understand. Would you begin a new thread?

 

[EliBeth]

Would you, as in "if you were to do it would you open up a new thread?"

 

[Sipsey]

Would you, as in "if you were to do it would you open up a new thread?"

Indeed, a new thread would be initiated. I will try and begin the first installment this evening.

 

[EliBeth]

James 5
8 Be ye also patient; stablish your hearts: for the coming of the Lord draweth nigh.
9 Grudge not one against another, brethren, lest ye be condemned: behold, the judge standeth before the door.

Correct! The above statements are true. During the church age, the Lord is seated at the right hand of the Father. During the tribulation, the Lord is standing ready to return to judge the nations.

Besides, who’s the book written to? The twelve tribes scattered abroad. The Church is not the twelve tribes.

This is off topic, but I am in an organized study of the book of Acts and we recently covered Stephen's martyrdom. Isn't it incredible how God allowed Stephen to look into heaven and see Jesus STANDing! (Acts 7:55)
Apologies to Lightbearer if he is not amused with my chasing rabbits on his thread. ☺️