The book of James was written to the Jews who were scattered abroad. They were scattered because of persecution. Some had never returned from captivity hundreds of years before. These people were no strangers to temptation and difficulty, but James tells them to count it all joy when they fall into temptation because it strengthens their patience. And, if they left patience have her perfect work, they would become perfect and entire.
Then, James addresses those who lack wisdom. He says that if we ask God for wisdom, believing that He will answer, we will receive liberally. James also tells us not to worry about our financial or social status because wealth is fleeting. Next, he pronounces a blessing on those who endure temptation because they will receive a crown in heaven. He also warns us not to feel that we are tempted of God. Our temptations come from our own lusts. If we yield to that lust, then we have sinned.
In verse 22, he tells us to be doers of the word and not hearers only. It does not do us any good to hear the word if we do not do it. It is like looking in a mirror and realizing that we should wash our face and comb our hair, but then going away and forgetting what we looked like. It didn't do us any good to look in the mirror. But, if we look into the word of God and remember what we have seen and we act on that knowledge, God will bless us for our obedience.
No comments:
Post a Comment