D. Scott Meadows
The epistle of James is God’s Word addressed particularly to Christians. This important observation is confirmed in several ways. He writes “to the twelve tribes scattered abroad” (1.1), probably a metaphorical reference to the whole believing community as “the Israel of God” (Gal 6.16). An alternative view is that this refers especially to Jewish Christians. In either case, we know for sure that it is directed to Christians because they share, with James, “faith in our Lord Jesus Christ” (2.1). Further, they are directed in some cases to call for “the elders of the church” (5.14), an unlikely designation of synagogues with unbelieving Jews (cf. Rev 2.9; 3.9).
James’ epistle offers much to its readers which might be applied to the subject of a Christian’s self-image in this present age, prior to Christ’s return. It is clear that James intends his readers to take his doctrine to heart very personally. His style is direct, applicatory, and urgent. He uses sweeping designations of his readership, having qualified them from the beginning as those presumed to be Christians. Therefore it makes an interesting study to survey the epistle to see how Pastor James addresses the Church, and to consider his doctrine theologically, psychologically, and practically.
This study is only introductory; James’ epistle offers so much more!
I am holy and beloved by God and His servants
James’ opening intimates as much. For centuries it was customary in the Jewish mind to think of the whole world in two categories: God’s people (Israel), and everyone else (Gentiles). Israel was distinguished from the rest not by anything inherent in them but by God’s sovereign pleasure. Deuteronomy 7.6-8 drives home that point. “You are holy to the Lord your God, Israel, not because you were more in number than other nations (i.e., greater than them), but because the Lord loved you,” etc. It could hardly be clearer that the whole basis for their election, while God passed by other nations, was entirely within the Lord, and unconditional with respect to Israel. He loved them above others simply because He loved them!
This unconditional election is basic for a Christian’s self-image. You should daily remember that you have been spiritually set apart by God Almighty. He chose you not on account of anything in you, but from His own good pleasure. You are, in an elevated sense, one of His beloved ones. Because your election is unconditional and all of grace, any boasting in yourself is completely wrong (1 Cor 4.7).
Note also that James uses terms of endearment. “My brethren” (1.2) is pastoral and affectionate, as the counsel that follows. Because you are a Christian, you are especially loved by pastors and other believers.
I am tried and in need of much encouragement
Every Christian can appreciate James’ counsel, “Count it all joy when you meet with trials of various kinds” (1.2 ESV), because we all face them. Our faith is often tested (1.3), we are too eager to escape suffering (1.4), and we need wisdom from God (1.5) and biblical counsel as James here gives.
All this runs squarely against the foolish notion that if your faith is great enough, you can have an easy life, without sickness, sorrow, and perplexity about what to do in trouble. When experience proves otherwise, you must remember that all Christians are tested, sometimes excruciatingly so. You are not self-sufficient; you need the Lord and encouragement through others.
I am sinful and in need of strong warning
James warns and reproves his readers for all kinds of sins in this letter. Sometimes the tone becomes a bit severe. For example, still addressing Christians, he wrote, “Ye adulterers and adulteresses, know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God?” (4.4). He startles them out of complacency and shames them for their worldliness, whatever degree it might have infected them. A few verses later, he wrote, “Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded” (4.8). Without skipping a beat, he continues a few verses later, “Speak not evil one of another, brethren” (4.11).
James is not teaching that characteristically worldly people, sinners indistinguishable from the rest of the world, should be considered credible Christians. Rather, he intimates that we must be deeply humbled by our remaining sins, whatever they are. In ourselves, apart from God’s grace, we are no better than others. Just such strong preaching as James offers here is a means of grace for our safety and recovery from spiritual relapses.
James is not denying their new spiritual status in Christ, or the forgiveness of their sins, or that they are holy and beloved. He is helping them to remember that they must daily practice self-examination and repentance.
I am weak and in need of Christian fellowship
James knows some of his readers are grievously oppressed by rich men (5.1-11). Some are “afflicted” (5.13). Some are “sick” (5.14). They all have “faults” to confess to one another (5.16). Sometimes a brother “wanders from the truth” (5.19). An indispensable resource in such cases is found in communion with fellow believers, dead and alive. Remember Job (5.11) and Elijah (5.17). Call your elders so they can pray for you in particular (5.14). Maintain your friendships within the church so that you can confess your faults to another, and hear his or her confession to you. Be alert to your opportunity to recover a wandering brother or sister, and open to others’ concern for your spiritual condition.
A “maverick Christian” is an oxymoron. We all need one another’s help within the church. And we will see ourselves that way as we embrace the counsel of Pastor James. Yes, I am beloved, tried, sinful, and weak. Ironically, Christians with this humble self-image are on their way to glory!