1. James, the Skeptic
The Gospel writers clearly identify James as an unbelieving skeptic. Just when Jesus' public ministry began gaining some momentum, James and James' other brothers came to take custody of Him because they thought He was insane (Mark 3:20-21).
2. A Radical Change
In time, James became the pastor of the church in Jerusalem. In Galatians 2:9, the apostle Paul called James a "pillar" of the church. The James we see as a leader in the New Testament church is much different than the James we see in the Gospels.
3. James, a Servant of Jesus
James identifies himself as "a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ" (1:1). The first identifier, "servant of God," while significant, was not entirely revolutionary. The revolutionary title is the next one--"servant of the Lord Jesus Christ." This marks a shift. James identifies himself as a slave Jesus, who is God.
4. A Radical Confrontation
James went from skeptic to servant of Jesus. How did this transition occur? One simple answer: James had a personal encounter with the risen Jesus. This is the pivot point.
Before this moment, James was skeptical toward the idea that Jesus was and is the Messiah. After this moment, James not only supported his brother, but gave his very life to proclaim to the world that Jesus is the Son of God come to save us.
Identity Shift
James 1:1
May 17, 2015 • Toby Henson
The Healing Ministry of the Church
September 13, 2015 • Toby Henson
1. Speak Truthfully (5:12) Healing requires believers to speak truthfully. "Speak truthfully" is not a license to say whatever is on your mind. It means that you are engaged in honest, real, transparent relationships. As believers, we are to search for the truth as a united body, loving, and caring for the needs of each member. 2. Pray Faithfully In times of trouble, Christians often fall victim to self-pity or anger. James directs Christians to pray rather than surrender to these wrong responses. James is quite clear that any form of suffering should lead us to pray. Prayer is to be our response in all situations of life. God delights to hear the prayers of his people and answer them, often in amazing ways. 3. Restore Lovingly (5:19-20) James describes a Christian who has strayed "from the truth" (5:19), one who has neglected his or her faith. This person is in need of spiritual restoration. Reconciliation with God can happen to anybody no matter how dark, broken, or twisted one's life may have become. God releases His power through prayer and loving ministry.
Mercy Triumphs
September 6, 2015 • Toby Henson
1. Be Patient (5:7) Patience requires waiting and enduring until the Lord takes action on our behalf. The problem is that we detest waiting. Is there as purpose in the Lord's delay? Always! We are to live with a positive, patient, eager anticipation in the Lord. 2. Stand Firm (5:8-9) The imperative "stand firm" could be literally translated "strengthen your hearts" (5:8). Trials are an opportunity to strengthen our faith. Our faith is strengthened as we: A. Stand Firm in Truth B. Stand Firm in Unity C. Stand Firm in Service 3. Be Amazed (5:10-11) There is an unseen battle raging over our heads. James uses Job as an example. The God who tested Job in the furnace of hardship finally brought him to an experience of "compassion and mercy" (5:11). This glorious reversal will be equally true of us. The final outcome will amaze us.
The Economy of God
August 30, 2015 • Toby Henson
1. Understanding Wealth We need to open our eyes to the reality that when most people in the world hear the word "rich," they picture us. Average, ordinary, middle-class, working Americans are extremely wealthy in a world surrounded by billions of extremely poor neighbors. 2. Convicting Judgments The possession of wealth is not evil. Abusing wealth by selfish living and by harming people dependent on you is. James addressed rich oppressors who used their wealth only for themselves. God cares about people, and we are supposed to leverage our wealth to bless others. 3. Loving Actions David Platt, in his book, "A Compassionate Call to Counter Culture", identifies five significant implications of the gospel for our lives in a world of urgent spiritual and physical poverty: A. Work Diligently B. Live Simply C. Give Sacrificially D. Help Constructively E. Invest Eternally