Westside Church

May 21, 2010 by Pastor Jeremiah

This summer, beginning on May 30th, we will be teaching through the book of James at Westside Church.  I’ve spent the past month studying for this series and the more I learn about this book and it’s author James, the brother of Jesus, the more excited I’ve become about what God is going to teach us through the writings of Jesus little brother James.

What first drew my interest in teaching through James was the simple fact that in many ways the book is largely ignored.  Though it was written by one of the most influential figures in the early church, the Epistle has been neglected by the early church fathers, the reformers, and even many pastors today would prefer to preach through the letters of Paul which they deem to be more theologically rich.  It’s true, James does not deal in detail with the doctrines of salvation, the atonement, or the Holy Spirit, rather, it is an instructional epistle, inspiring believers to develop a mature faith and to become like Christ.

If it wasn’t for the unwavering support of early church fathers Jerome (A.D. 347-420) and Augustine (A.D. 354-430) the book of James may not have been included in the canon of scripture at all.  It would seem that the book was largely neglected by many of the early church fathers.  Paul’s letters proved most helpful in developing the early church doctrinal issues of Jesus deity, the Trinity, and the salvation of the Gentiles.  It wasn’t until Augustine placed his stamp of approval on the Epistle that it gained full support.  Even as late as the reformer Martin Luther (A.D. 1483-1546), there were significant doubts shed on the validity of the Epistle of James as scripture.  Luther’s complaint was that it seemed to be in conflict with Paul’s views on justification by faith alone.  James emphasizes that faith without works is dead (James 2:26).  Paul said that we are saved by faith apart from works prescribed in the law (Rom. 3:28).   Because of this apparent contradiction, Luther placed James along with Hebrews, Jude, and Revelation in a J.V. category of Bible books.

While Luther is held in high regard and rightfully so, he shows poor judgment in his assessment of the book of James on two counts.  First off, the apparent contradiction between James and Paul on the issue of faith and works can be cleared up when one considers the context in which each apostle was writing.  Paul is clearly emphasizing that works will never lead to salvation while James is simply pointing out that salvation should always lead to good works.  James is referring to the good works following one’s conversion while Paul is referring to the good works done prior to one’s salvation Paul describes these works as powerless to save.  Secondly, Luther makes the mistake of dismissing James, questioning whether he had the authority to write about the delicate balance between faith and works.  Luther underestimates James’ prominence within the early church.  Not only was he the leader of the church in Jerusalem, but one could argue that he was the most respected leader of the church at large until he was martyred in A.D. 62. It is to James that Peter sends word of his escape from prison (Acts 12:17).  James presides over the Council of Jerusalem, which agreed to the inclusion of Gentiles into the Christian movement (Acts 15).  It is James, Peter, and John that Paul reports to following his conversion (Gal. 1:19; 2:9).  It is to James that Paul brings his collection from the Gentiles for the poor in Jerusalem (Acts 21:18-25).  The weight of his authority is hardly to be questioned when considering that Peter, John and even Paul himself considered James in the very least an equal.

In considering James role within the early church, his authority, and the respect the other apostles gave him, we should anticipate that he has made a significant contribution to the scriptures with this simple Epistle of only five chapters.  Indeed, his teachings reveal a man of wisdom whose deep faith is expressed through his obedience to God.  His message couldn’t be more relevant in a day and age where Christians are demonstrating an inability to walk the talk.  James was willing to give his life for his faith in Christ.  I guess such devotion and self-sacrifice must run in the family!  So, come join us, or tune in online starting May 30^th as we explore the book of James “A Faith that works.”