On the Book of James
Also, before I get started, I want to mention that my journey through the book of James was inspired by the lovely community of She Reads Truth. I have been a fan of this Bible study resource for ages, but this is the first time I have done a book study with them and I LOVED it. So much. If you are interested in finding out more about what they are about, check out their site, She Reads Truth. All of their past studies (including James of course) are available for free on their website. They release their studies as daily devotionals, and are currently spending the summer in Romans - so look forward to that review soon!
One of my favorite parts of the James experience came with my new journaling Bible. I purchased this Bible (ESV Journaling Bible ) with the intention of being all artistic and hand lettering pretty things in the margins, but I quickly realized that 1) I am not as artistic as I like to think and 2) the act of actually journaling - writing thoughts and feelings and new lessons in the margins as I go - is a beautiful thing. James was the first full book I read through in this journaling Bible, and the prayers, notes, and lessons I learned from She Reads Truth are genuine treasures to look back whenever I return to James in the days to come.
This was such a solid book to read through, because at its heart, the book of James contains so much practical, transformative advice. A common thread throughout is that tricky balance between faith and works when it comes to salvation. James gives example after example of the folly that comes on either end of this extreme. Because clearly, our works alone cannot bring us anywhere close to relationship with a righteous God. But on the other hand, faith without works is dead - "even the demons believe - and shudder!" James 2:17. What a frightening image! The balance of faith and works is beautifully illustrated in the person of Abraham, for his "...faith was active along with his works, and faith was completed by his works." James 2:22 I love this, because as James makes his case that both faith and works are elements of genuine salvation, he reveals so much advice about what our lives should look like if we are living God's work through faith.
We are called to fulfil the "royal law according to the scripture..." (scripture is royal law!) through loving our neighbor as ourselves (2:8), taming our tongues (3:8), guarding against jealously and selfish ambition (3:16), resisting the devil (4:7), drawing near to God (4:8), living each moment by the will of God (4:15), avoiding attachment with earthly possessions (5:1-6), dwelling in patience (5:7), and staying strong in faith (5:15).
This list is so daunting when spelled out this way. But God is too good to us, and He never lays out his guidance in a cold, bulleted list. No, He knows our flaws - and when we fail "He gives more grace" (4:6). And He goes above and beyond even that, because each of the instructions on this list comes with its very own promise
"Resist the devil and he will flee from you." (4:7)
"Draw near to God and He will draw near to you." (4:8)
"You also be patient. Establish your hearts. For the coming of the Lord is at hand." (5:8)
"The prayer of faith will save anyone who is sick... and the Lord will raise him up." (5:15)
Promise after promise after promise. God is so strong and so good and so gracious. He knows we will fail in all these things, yet he promises us more grace and so many good gifts. The book of James is such a beautiful picture of God's expectations, His understanding, and his grace. It is so frightening - because how can I possibly be all of these things? Yet, such a relief. Because I can't. And God knows that. <3 Thank you Jesus for your great grace, and for knowing just how much we need it daily.
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All scripture references are ESV unless otherwise noted, all emphasis added.
This post is not sponsored by Lifeway or She Reads Truth.
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