1:2-15
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This is how I think James goes:
Suffering is a vehicle for spiritual growth, but spiritual growth isn’t
guaranteed. Essential to
sanctification is a posture of absolute neediness, a belief that God is
faithful to Himself, and a recognition that the impulses of the heart are
contrary to the purposes of God.
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1:13-21
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Whereas I desire badly and my desires bring forth death, God gives
perfectly and He has brought me forth as a new creation. The Word is the instrument of my new birth,
and I will only grow spiritually as I return to the Word.
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1:19 - 3:18
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The irony is that although I won’t get anywhere apart from God’s work
and Word, words aren’t enough for spiritual growth. I must put the Word into action; and the prime
case study for doing the Word is
the way I treat other people.
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3:13-18
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To recap, another case study: proclaiming my own wisdom means
nothing. True wisdom will be seen in
my works; and true wisdom is from above, given by the sanctifying God. So when I grow in grace, my works show God’s
work.
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3:13 - 4:10
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True wisdom makes peace; counterfeit wisdom is betrayed by jealousy
and selfish ambition. Far from making
peace, my desires birth only strife, destruction, and enmity with God. The answer is to come back to God’s
gracious work and acknowledge my absolute neediness.
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4:11 - 5:6
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[This is where Pastor James
starts shouting from the pulpit. I
think the last section (5:1-6) might be addressing unbelieving oppressors,
for the benefit of his suffering congregation.]
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5:7-20
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In conclusion, be patient in your suffering because it has an end and
a purpose. Don’t waste your
suffering. Pray to the sanctifying
God, for yourself and for your fellow believers. This is how God works.
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*On the title: It's a pun. Luther called James an epistle of straw; thatching is straw woven together; this is how I think James is woven together...
