James 1:19-27

“Understand this, my dear brothers and sisters! Let every person be quick to listen, slow to speak, slow to anger. For human anger does not accomplish God’s righteousness. So put away all filth and evil excess and humbly welcome the message implanted within you, which is able to save your souls. But be sure you live out the message and do not merely listen to it and so deceive yourselves. For if someone merely listens to the message and does not live it out, he is like someone who gazes at his own face in a mirror. For he gazes at himself and then goes out and immediately forgets what sort of person he was. But the one who peers into the perfect law of liberty and fixes his attention there, and does not become a forgetful listener but one who lives it out – he will be blessed in what he does. If someone thinks he is religious yet does not bridle his tongue, and so deceives his heart, his religion is futile. Pure and undefiled religion before God the Father is this: to care for orphans and widows in their misfortune and to keep oneself unstained by the world.”

— ‭‭James‬ ‭1‬:‭19‬-‭27‬‬

 I love James, and I know so many people do because of its practicality. Although, we still need to understand its historical and social context. Several of its passages can still be easily understood and there are still some very difficult passages, like ch 5. 

The one major theme is works supporting one’s faith, especially in the face of famine and persecution ransacking the early church. Helping others would be a visible sign of inner faith. 

I’m sure v. 19 finds a better home in this context as well. But it also applies in nearly every human situation. Quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger/wrath. We could probably spend all day reflecting on these implications. Send a lifetime trying to live it out. 

God’s righteousness in v. 20 is debated. Could be a characteristic of God, or that which comes from God, a moral standard, or something eschatological. I’ll leave it to scholars to sort out those details and come to a conclusion later.

Message implanted probably goes back to Jeremiah 31 when law is written on the hearts. External law does no good except points out our failures and shows us our imperfections. Law on hearts allows us to live in light of love.

We cannot just receive the law. We have to live it out. This is the whole message of James. Saying to have faith and not doing anything about it is not only pointless, it’s hypocrisy. It’s deceitful. 

A mirror has a purpose. To show us imperfections so that we can (hopefully) fix them. Not the time for a self esteem lesson. Comb your hair. The point is not to look at the mirror more. The point is to allow the looking to prompt a response. Mirror= internal law. It must move to external actions.

He then gives two examples. Use of the tongue and helping those in need. Tongue will be revisited in ch 3. Have to control speech (see v. 19)—perhaps just not talk if we can’t.

And then help the most needy in society, in 1st century (and still mostly in 21st) it’s the orphans and widows. These would have little status, support system, money, etc. Not exactly outcasts, but in middle of famine, there would be little hope. To say we have faith in 1st century context and ignore them is just silly. 

Not sure if the unstaining is related to the care for others or if it’s separate. “And” can sometimes have a result affect. Need to do more research here. Since he does mention “filth” and “excess” previously, he could just be talking about moral living. 

In either case, the point here is that claiming faith and not showing works toward others doesn’t add up. He’ll dig deeper into this in chapter 2.

James 1:1-8

“From James, a slave of God and the Lord Jesus Christ, to the twelve tribes dispersed abroad. Greetings! My brothers and sisters, consider it nothing but joy when you fall into all sorts of trials, because you know that the testing of your faith produces endurance. And let endurance have its perfect effect, so that you will be perfect and complete, not deficient in anything. But if anyone is deficient in wisdom, he should ask God, who gives to all generously and without reprimand, and it will be given to him. But he must ask in faith without doubting, for the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed around by the wind. For that person must not suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord, since he is a double-minded individual, unstable in all his ways.”

— ‭‭James‬ ‭1‬:‭1‬-‭8‬‬

Only two or three men could possibly be the James here. The apostle was murdered in AD 42 (Acts 13). The most likely option is James, the brother of Jesus. This leaves the remarkable classification of “slave of God and Jesus.” Post resurrection, James’ view of his half-brother changed, and he became the leader of the church in Jerusalem (see Acts 15). He is fully surrendered to Jesus as Lord. Some argue against him as author based on grammar and his lack of mentioning Jesus, but there are counter arguments that can be discussed elsewhere. 

Diaspora: scattered tribes. Jewish Christians ran away from Jerusalem. This started in Saul’s persecutions, but also by Agrippa I in AD 44. Acts 11:27-30 talks about a famine at this time period. Poverty greatly affected all, and Christians were no exception. Wealthy landowners would certainly have sided with Agrippa and his view of believers. James’ book is begging believers to put faith in practice and care for one another. 

After greeting the 12 tribes, James turns to the most pressing issue that would be facing these people scattered throughout the empire: some form of persecution. Since James is probably the earliest book written in the NT (probably early 40s), this is probably not like the full blown persecution of Nero or later emperors. But these people are facing trials, perhaps ostracized from family, business deals not going through, etc. This maybe similar to the audience in 1 Peter. 

This theme of calling for joy in the middle of danger relates to other passages in James: how do poor and wealthy relate to one another? Where do we find wisdom? How does believing in Jesus affect everyday life? 

James 1:2 is one of those verses that seems nearly impossible to obey. 

Testing/trials is same word here and in v. 12-13. It certainly has negative connotation (tempted to sin) in vv 12-13, but here it can’t mean that. James uses the idea of wisdom to relate the two. James is probably using the term in a neutral way and surrounding verses inform his intended meaning each time.

I always hesitate to classify everything in my life as a “trial.” Considering what this audience was facing or Christians around the world are facing, there’s certainly a spectrum of “various kinds of trials.” But the need for endurance remains. 

Specifically, I would think these trials are those that are “testing faith.” Forcing these people to question if God cares, or if Jesus is worth it, or if they need this Christianity thing at all. I don’t know of many situations that make me ask those questions, but sure I’ve been on that spectrum of line of thought. Haven’t reached the end of that path, but those questions are rough. 

Those types of situations rarely produce a joyful emotion. That’s way down the list of responses. But biblical joy is never based on a whim or bubbling over just from reaction.

James gives a reason for joy, so it does imply some thought process. Testing faith produces endurance. It makes the faith stronger. It shows me that God’s power and presence is real. It shows that my situation is not nearly as fearful as I anticipated. It demonstrates that Christ is worth my faith and worth following.

There’s some similarity to Abraham in Gen 22 and Job here. Testing faith isn’t always for God’s benefit. He knows our heart, how we’ll respond. But a trying situation will demonstrate to us His love and presence. It may be more for our benefit.  Cf Rom 5:2-5; 1 Pet 1:6-7

The word “lacking” obviously links vv. 4-5. When we’re surrounded by a chaotic situation, we definitely need wisdom. And God loves to give it to those who are seeking it. 

I don’t think James is condemning all doubt. We are going to have seasons of questions that need answers, where we wrestle with our faith. But James is talking about asking for wisdom, knowing that God will give it. 

Double minded is a person who has a divided attention. Per the context, it seems he/she is doubting that God will give wisdom. Other passages talk about double mindedness, and could mean devotion to God is divided for other things. This individual is unstable and unable to receive from God.

Mark 11:12-25

“Now the next day, as they went out from Bethany, he was hungry. After noticing in the distance a fig tree with leaves, he went to see if he could find any fruit on it. When he came to it he found nothing but leaves, for it was not the season for figs. He said to it, “May no one ever eat fruit from you again.” And his disciples heard it. Then they came to Jerusalem. Jesus entered the temple area and began to drive out those who were selling and buying in the temple courts. He turned over the tables of the money changers and the chairs of those selling doves, and he would not permit anyone to carry merchandise through the temple courts. Then he began to teach them and said, “Is it not written: ‘My house will be called a house of prayer for all nations’? But you have turned it into a den of robbers!” The chief priests and the experts in the law heard it and they considered how they could assassinate him, for they feared him, because the whole crowd was amazed by his teaching. When evening came, Jesus and his disciples went out of the city. In the morning as they passed by, they saw the fig tree withered from the roots. Peter remembered and said to him, “Rabbi, look! The fig tree you cursed has withered.” Jesus said to them, “Have faith in God. I tell you the truth, if someone says to this mountain, ‘Be lifted up and thrown into the sea,’ and does not doubt in his heart but believes that what he says will happen, it will be done for him. For this reason I tell you, whatever you pray and ask for, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours. Whenever you stand praying, if you have anything against anyone, forgive him, so that your Father in heaven will also forgive you your sins.””

‭‭Mark‬ ‭11‬:‭12‬-‭25‬ ‭NET‬‬

                                                

                                                    Cleansing of the Temple: Mark 11:12-25

Matt 21:10-19; Mark 11:11-17; Luke 19:45-46 (John 2:13-17)

Do you ever get angry? What for? And is it valid? And who gets to determine if it’s valid? You? That seems pretty biased. 

Why do we get angry? Well, people say some pretty hurtful things toward us. We can expect some aspect of our day to go one way, and it doesn’t. I can get angry with myself for not doing something I should or not doing my best.

I want to reflect on the humanity of Jesus, and the most prominent time that He was angry, why He was angry, and what that means for us today. Now when I say, His humanity, I simply mean (for the sake of this passage) He had emotions, and He showed them. His actions were completely in line with the purpose and plan of God as we will see.

This event certainly happened. It is widely attested in all four gospels. It has elements of embarrassment. You’re probably not going to make up a story about your Messiah showing this much anger. In fact, nerd moment: there’s another passage where Jesus did a healing of a leper, and in the text manuscripts are divided as to whether Jesus responds with compassion or anger. Most of your Bibles are going to say compassion, but a case can be made that Jesus was actually angry, but scribes softened the response because who wants Jesus to be angry? But anyway, this story also has dissimilarity and similarity. Jesus is clearly claiming that the old way of doing things isn’t cutting it, and He is distancing Himself from Judaism, but He’s not shutting down everything cold turkey. Yes, there won’t be sacrifices eventually, but at this point Jesus isn’t destroying the temple. He’s pointing the people to a new and proper way of worship. But the point is that this story is certainly historical, and everyone agrees.

Now what’s interesting in Matthew and Mark, especially in Mark is that the incident in the temple is closely associated with another event. 

vv. 12-14 and then vv. 20-21.

Now the reader notices the phrase, “it was not the season for figs,” in v. 13 and thinks, “Poor fig tree. It never stood a chance. Jesus must have just been in a bad mood.” 

Two things: (1) When you notice the story that comes between the cursing of the fig tree and its actual dying, the story makes sense, which is the cleansing of the temple. Jesus is in the habit of removing or cursing or cleansing dysfunctional things. (2) The fig tree is the only tree that forms leaves after its fruit. So that the tree had leaves at least presents the possibility that there is fruit. Fruit is being promised but not delivered, and so Jesus curses the tree. Again, it looks like a healthy tree; it looks fruitful; but it is full of lies, and Jesus won’t tolerate that. 

What’s scary is that the cleansing of the temple falls between the story of cursing the fig tree, meaning they complement and explain each other. This is one of Mark’s famous “sandwiches.” 

vv. 15-19. Driving money changers out of the temple and throwing over tables. That sounds pretty intense. Now there’s some debate as to how many times Jesus did this, because John 2 has a cleansing of the temple. That could be a separate event at the beginning of Jesus’ ministry, since John says in that instance that Jesus made a whip of cords and drove the people out. Mark’s event doesn’t have such details, so maybe they got the picture until it got to that point. (I think John moved the story forward in his narrative, since Jesus’ cleansing of the temple was one of the main reasons religious leaders pushed towards his death.)

But the temple is divided into several areas, you have certain levels that you are able to pass through depending on your status: Gentiles, Jews, men, women, slaves, free, priests, high priest. So these tables are set up in the outermost court—the court simply for Gentiles—because that’s where everybody would pass through, and they’re exchanging people’s money. Why? Well, because you had to offer a certain animal or pay a temple tax in a certain denomination of coin, so you brought what you had, and they would give you what was “legal/acceptable.” 

Now, it is quite likely that the human heart caused these people to add a little to the regular prices, if you know what I mean. That’s usually what you’re going to hear taught from this passage, and it’s most likely correct, but maybe not all the money changers were as corrupt as we suppose. This was a service of convenience for the people, and money changers in the temple are described in other Jewish sources in later centuries, so they probably were corrupt, but that may not be Jesus’ main purpose.

What’s His point? Well, look at that quote again. Why is He so angry? He combines quotations from Isaiah 56:7 and Jeremiah 7:11. Isaiah looks forward to a new day when Israel is restored in her glorious exalted state after exile. Isaiah talks about the foreigners. V. 7 has all peoples. Look at Mark’s quote. He has it as “all nations.” Same thing. See the purpose of Israel was always to be the light to the world and attract foreigners from their paganism to the one true God, so that all would come worship, and that would happen at the temple. 

In Jesus’ day that was sort of kind of happening, I mean Israel wasn’t in her exalted state, but foreigners, Gentiles, were coming to the temple to worship, right? But Jesus combines the quote with Jeremiah 7, saying you’ve made this whole process robbery. Not so much because you’re skimming money, but in that it’s a market place to begin with. 

Go to 1 Kings 8. Vv 41-43 speak of the foreigner, and his prayer toward the temple, called by God’s name, and all nations knowing God. This is very similar to Isaiah 56, and it provides more insight to the original purpose of the temple. A purpose that it was not fulfilling.

In other words, Hooray, Israel, you are providing access for both Jews and God-fearers and proselytes to come worship at the temple, but you’ve taken the focus off God, and almost onto yourselves. Israel provided access for worship but did not have the required prepared heart. They became distracted by making sure other people were ready to sacrifice or “worship” correctly. And just like the fig tree that promised fruit but offered none, the temple had the title “house of prayer” but when you went there you left with less than you had, financially but probably spiritually and emotionally, too.

Now it’s too easy to make the immediate jump to the 21st century and start bashing churches that we suppose do a similar thing. Oh, they ruin how people want to worship. They are too religious. They control the structure, and they’re too rigid, or how people look and act and dress. And those are good discussions to have, I suppose. (Now, all those things I just mentioned don’t belong in the same category.) That is a very broad spectrum of perspectives, and the reason those conversations are usually full of conflict and unhelpful is too many types of churches or people are thrown into the same category. Or emotions take over. Or both. Probably the best approach is one of balance and obviously remaining biblical and attempting to remain in healthy conversation.

Back to the passage. With both the fig tree and the temple, what made Jesus so angry? You had a plant and an institution prepared and designed and organized for one purpose and mission, but it wasn’t being fulfilled. Specifically, in the case of the temple, that purpose was to provide unbridled access for eventually all nations to the one true God in true worship. And when Jesus came on the scene, He knew He was going to replace the temple and Judaism and the sacrificial system. Why? Because He’s the Messiah. He’s the only way an individual can have true access to the one God. 

And after He died and resurrected, and the veil was torn, and sacrifices were no longer needed, and He was established as the way to God, His new community, the church took on a mission to reach all nations with the gospel about their Savior and Lord. 

And so each day we as disciples are following and pursing Him. He is our focus. Not ourselves. Not our friends. Not the world. Jesus. He is the Messiah. He is the Savior. He alone is worthy of our worship. And when we gather from our busy little lives throughout the week on our one day or our mid-week day, we don’t focus on bringing our lamb and exchanging it for the proper coins. We don’t focus on whether the money changer remembered the name of our second cousin this time. We don’t focus on whether we got a receipt, or if we got the proper change, or if this is tax deductible. We don’t focus on what we gain, because God’s house is a house of prayer and worship, and our focus is on … Jesus. 

We say that’s what we’re doing. That’s what the church promises. That’s what we claim. And if we peel back the layers, what do we find underneath? Are we meeting and fulfilling our purposes or not? Are we dysfunctional like the temple was? The first question that must be answered is are we more focused on who we are worshipping or … anything else?

Now our passage isn’t over. Because after Jesus curses the fig tree, He offers two clear practices of a true worshiping disciple. Mark 11, v. 21 had Peter saying, “Rabbi, you killed it.” VV. 22-24. Jesus said the temple was to be a house of prayer. Jesus’ disciples are to have the same mindset. Just because the temple will no longer exist in the first century doesn’t mean you abandon faith in God and prayer and all that. Jesus says, My followers must pray and pray earnestly. Why? Because that means you’re humble. Your dependent. You have faith in God. And God acts on behalf of those who have strong believing faith in Him as expressed in prayer. Faithful prayer is a crucial function of a true disciple.

Look at v. 25. God always hears our prayers, but in this passage, there are two characteristics of an absolutely strong prayer life: faith and forgiveness. And the community that contrasts with the dysfunctional temple is built on this foundation of following Jesus and being characterized by faithful prayer and forgiveness—did you catch those words. Anything…against anyone. One of those verses that you like to take a Sharpie to, but you can’t. 

[Side note: some believe that the “mountain to be moved” in this passage is actually Jerusalem/Mt Zion with its imminent destruction. It would make sense in the context of Jesus somewhat promising the overthrow of the temple. I don’t think I’m fully convinced, since He says similar prayer and fasting things in other contexts.] 

The main point is that His new community still holds to these practices of prayer and forgiveness. These would survive the future destruction. These are the evidence of a heart of worship.

So there’s really three questions.

What’s your focus when you come into a “worship service”? If the answer’s not Jesus, then walk back out and try again.

As you follow Jesus, how much do express dependence on God for help, and do you even have faith that God can help you?

And what’s hindering proper worship in your life more than forgiving somebody? Probably nothing. So take care of that.

So imagine yourself as some kind of fruit tree, doesn’t have to be figs. You don’t even have to be in season. But Jesus could come inspect you at any time, and if you have the label of Christian or church member on you, there’s expectations of following Him, praying, having faith, forgiving. Signs of a true worshipper, ready to welcome others inside the community and point them to the Savior properly because your heart is clean. What will He find?

1 Peter 5:8-11

“Be sober and alert. Your enemy the devil, like a roaring lion, is on the prowl looking for someone to devour. Resist him, strong in your faith, because you know that your brothers and sisters throughout the world are enduring the same kinds of suffering. And, after you have suffered for a little while, the God of all grace who called you to his eternal glory in Christ will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you. To him belongs the power forever. Amen.”

— ‭‭1 Peter‬ ‭5‬:‭8‬-‭11‬‬ 

The humility and dependence on God of the previous verses must inform this paragraph as well. We cannot fulfill these commands on our own power/strength.

Alert/awake. Engaged in thought and action. This probably is the same train of thought as Paul’s renewal of the mind. Christianity is not a passive, go with the flow mindset. We are counter cultural by nature, even though that does not mean we are anti-people. (I know we can easily confuse that).

The enemy—Peter clarifies—is the devil. He’s hungry, he’s prowling. This verse is easy to use to scare people, and sometimes rightfully so. We underestimate the enemy way too often. But we also forget the devil has been defeated, too. We need a viewpoint of tension here. Don’t forget that we are still weak in our own strength and bodies. But we do have the Spirit inside and the old man/flesh is dead. 

Resist him…I wish Peter would have made it a bit more explicit exactly how this is to be done. I strongly discourage talking to Satan or demonic forces. I don’t think that’s what he was saying. I don’t want to get into a mind game with the king of evil. Also see the sons of Sceva in Acts. 

Perhaps “strong in faith” defines our resistance. Being weak in faith would make us easy targets/prey. But strong in faith, enduring suffering would be a testimony to the power of the resurrection and Jesus’ lordship.

The same suffering are being endured by the brotherhood around the world. The Christian community is global, and we forget this so often. The early church may or may not have had a better understanding of this, but it is a truth we must constantly remind ourselves. Get a bigger picture of the church. 

I always must remember the “suffering” in Peter is not burning at stake/lions in Colosseum, yet. It’s close. But it’s ostracism, it’s isolation. Business deals failing. Family neglect. Maybe legal rulings against Christians. They’re one emperor away from being harshly abused and killed. This is why Peter can tell them throughout the book to maintain witness and be holy among their communities.

This suffering (and any suffering) is temporary. Then God will establish the believers. Strengthen, confirm. Peter doesn’t give a timeline or definition of what that eternal glory is. But we do get to experience God in His glory. And all glory and power does belong to Him.

Esther 4:10-17

“Then Esther replied to Hathach with instructions for Mordecai: “All the servants of the king and the people of the king’s provinces know that there is only one law applicable to any man or woman who comes uninvited to the king in the inner court – that person will be put to death, unless the king extends to him the gold scepter, permitting him to be spared. Now I have not been invited to come to the king for some thirty days!” When Esther’s reply was conveyed to Mordecai, he said to take back this answer to Esther: “Don’t imagine that because you are part of the king’s household you will be the one Jew who will escape. If you keep quiet at this time, liberation and protection for the Jews will appear from another source, while you and your father’s household perish. It may very well be that you have achieved royal status for such a time as this!” Then Esther sent this reply to Mordecai: “Go, assemble all the Jews who are found in Susa and fast in my behalf. Don’t eat and don’t drink for three days, night or day. My female attendants and I will also fast in the same way. Afterward I will go to the king, even though it violates the law. If I perish, I perish!” So Mordecai set out to do everything that Esther had instructed him.”

— ‭‭Esther‬ ‭4‬:‭10‬-‭17‬‬

 I haven’t researched the customs of Persia beyond what Esther says here. It would be intriguing to read stories of kings accepting or rejecting the entrance of people with the scepter. This also lends credibility to the idea that Xerxes was not the best husband (just ask Vashti). I’ll wait until I discuss chapter one to rethink the “beauty pageant,” but the fact that he hasn’t asked to see his wife for 30 days shows what sort of arrangement this is. Definitely not the tender loving man, building a relationship that many young women desire. (Who knows what other women have entered his life for various reasons?)

4:14 is one of the most popular verses in Christian culture, and “such a time as this” has turned into Christianese at this point. There’s some debate regarding what Mordecai was referencing with “some other source/place.” Could be just a generic reference to God’s sovereignty—He can do anything. Some think it’s Jewish leadership or a revolt. I would think a religious person like Mordecai would steer clear of revolution or fighting for deliverance. (Of course, that is the solution at the end—self-defense, so apparently, there were enough Jews with weapons to deter Persians from annihilating them.)

The king’s command would eventually apply to Esther. She would die, because she would not be able to hide her ethnicity forever. 

“Who knows” is similar to Jonah 3 when the king questions if God’s decree on Nineveh would be conditional on their repentance or not. It’s worth a shot. Who knows? Mordecai is just throwing out the possibility. A lot has happened to bring Esther into the king’s palace…some of it bad, some of it horrific and tragic. Mordecai’s response is maybe all of this happened to save the lives of all the people.

It is a testament to faith, and we can certainly see sovereignty throughout. But this is also an example where narratives need to be heavily considered before brought over into modern life. Do I believe in sovereignty? More than many things. Do I know Romans 8:28? Yes (including vv 29-30). But if I’m talking to someone who has endured similar things to Esther, even achieving greatness in the midst of them, I will hesitate to say, “This or that is why God allowed tragedy to affect you. OR This path has led to this because God ordained/orchestrated it to happen just like this.” 

All things happen for a reason? Maybe, maybe not. I learned in my language studies that “reason,” can be backward looking (cause) or forward looking (goal). And I’m not in a position to nail down either one through logic or experience. Believing in sovereignty doesn’t give me authority to lay out exactly why things happened in His plan.

Evil is evil. Period. This world is filled with chaos and pain. “Reason” may not the best word for it. But I do know that God can use our chaos for good and His glory. (Obviously the debate wages why He would allow all the evil and suffering to begin with.)

Esther’s response is to fast and pray. All the Jews in the city do the same. Then she will enter the king with her life literally on the line. That’s courage. Faith. 

She is a tremendous example, even if my circumstances look way different. My language when discussing these things, though, needs to reflect my culture/beliefs/situation not her narrative.

James 2:14-19

“What good is it, my brothers and sisters, if someone claims to have faith but does not have works? Can this kind of faith save him? If a brother or sister is poorly clothed and lacks daily food, and one of you says to them, “Go in peace, keep warm and eat well,” but you do not give them what the body needs, what good is it? So also faith, if it does not have works, is dead being by itself. But someone will say, “You have faith and I have works.” Show me your faith without works and I will show you faith by my works. You believe that God is one; well and good. Even the demons believe that – and tremble with fear.”

— ‭‭James‬ ‭2‬:‭14‬-‭19‬‬ 

So many lessons to learn from this passage (and yes it extends to the end of the chapter), both in wisdom, faith, and hermeneutics and grammar. Someday I’ll have a separate post on the functions of the article, but that really is the key here. That “the” in v. 14 has been translated by the NET as “that kind of faith.” Seems odd at first, but it’s their way of interpreting an article that points back to something previously mentioned. 

If we saw a truck drive by making a crazy sound, or a certain person in the park, or we were talking about a famous event, we could use the English article in a similar way. We wouldn’t describe the whole item or concept every time. We would just say, “the truck” or “the boy,” (or more likely, “that truck/that man/that incident”). The article can function this way in Greek.

As much as I argue for staying in one book and gleaning its themes primarily, there’s nothing to be scared of when it comes to the big “James vs. Paul” showdown. Comparing Romans 3 and James 2 can be spooky at first, but that’s only because we strip verses of their context and don’t let authors say what they want to.

James is talking to a people hurting in famine. Impoverished. Far from home (Diaspora). He’s talked a bunch to the “poor/wealthy” divide in the church already in ch 2, and now he asks how any believing individual cannot help those in need? 

Genuine faith demonstrates itself in works. Empty words mean nothing. “I’ll pray for you.” “I hope you find some clothes and food.” God bless you and your family.” That doesn’t show faith. 

The question, “Can that faith save him?” is also written in a way to expect a negative answer. No, he has the wrong kind of faith. 

Are we to judge one another’s salvation? No, probably not a good idea. Is this the metric that lets me know someone’s eternal status? Again, I’m probably not going to judge. That’s not James’s point. His conclusion is simply that believers should help other believers in need. 

If not, our so-called faith is a lot like the demons. We believe God exists and even know Jesus pretty well. But we are not willing to share His love with others.

The neat thing is that Paul has nearly identical themes in his letters. “We owe no one anything but love.” Gal 5

Doing good things can never earn God’s favor, free us from sin or death, or gain life. But once we have received His life and love, it should be impossible not to share it with others. When we receive goodness and grace, we extend it. Otherwise, pretty much every NT author should conclude it’s possible we haven’t received anything.

Hebrews 10:19-39

 “Therefore, brothers and sisters, since we have confidence to enter the sanctuary by the blood of Jesus, by the fresh and living way that he inaugurated for us through the curtain, that is, through his flesh, and since we have a great priest over the house of God, let us draw near with a sincere heart in the assurance that faith brings, because we have had our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed in pure water. And let us hold unwaveringly to the hope that we confess, for the one who made the promise is trustworthy. And let us take thought of how to spur one another on to love and good works, not abandoning our own meetings, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging each other, and even more so because you see the day drawing near. For if we deliberately keep on sinning after receiving the knowledge of the truth, no further sacrifice for sins is left for us, but only a certain fearful expectation of judgment and a fury of fire that will consume God’s enemies. Someone who rejected the law of Moses was put to death without mercy on the testimony of two or three witnesses. How much greater punishment do you think that person deserves who has contempt for the Son of God, and profanes the blood of the covenant that made him holy, and insults the Spirit of grace? For we know the one who said, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay,” and again, “The Lord will judge his people.” It is a terrifying thing to fall into the hands of the living God. But remember the former days when you endured a harsh conflict of suffering after you were enlightened. At times you were publicly exposed to abuse and afflictions, and at other times you came to share with others who were treated in that way. For in fact you shared the sufferings of those in prison, and you accepted the confiscation of your belongings with joy, because you knew that you certainly had a better and lasting possession. So do not throw away your confidence, because it has great reward. For you need endurance in order to do God’s will and so receive what is promised. For just a little longer and he who is coming will arrive and not delay. But my righteous one will live by faith, and if he shrinks back, I take no pleasure in him. But we are not among those who shrink back and thus perish, but are among those who have faith and preserve their souls.”

— ‭‭Hebrews‬ ‭10‬:‭19‬-‭39‬‬

This is the fourth of five warning passages in Hebrews. These grow in fierceness throughout the book. Very difficult to understand, but it can be helpful to look for discussion of five topics throughout these passages: spiritual descriptions of audience, description of sin, promised consequences of sinning or repenting, how they should respond, confidence in God. 

Also genre of Hebrews is important and historical context: persecution. Written to primarily Jewish Christians. These people are being tempted (probably bc of persecution) to return to former Judaism. 

Too long of a passage to walk through each phrase. Overall message is that we have access to God because of Jesus’ sacrifice. Endure. Endure. Endure. Do not turn back. Judaism does not equal following Jesus/Christianity. 

“Keep on sinning” is not same as 1 John 3. This is not just a habit of sinning. I understand this at least as relying on sacrifices to cover sin. Generally it means remaining in Judaism. If we take away Jesus, “no other sacrifice remains.” Where else can we find forgiveness? Judaism or any other religion does not reconcile humans with God. 

Rejecting Christ profanes the blood of the covenant. Makes it useless. 

Descriptions of these people make it sound like their saved. Same as in 6:1-4. Probably because author is speaking to mixed audience. (Obviously this is one of the most heated aspects of debate). Hebrews is written in sermon form, so to me it make sense that he is writing as if everyone is saved but pleading for those thinking to walk away, not to do so.

How can a community endure best? By spurring one another to love and good works. This is encouragement, accountability, service, support for each other. Hard to do this in isolation. V. 25 really isn’t talking about going to a church building each week. It certainly includes regular worship services, but it’s much more meaningful than that. There are no Lone Ranger Christians. We need community. Do not abandon one another. That leads to not spurring each other to love and good works. That leads to going back to sacrifices and ultimately leaving Jesus. Stick together.

But author has confidence that people will endure. In ch 6 he makes this explicit that God is faithful and will preserve them. 

We are those who have faith…And ch. 11 explains what that faith is like. 

I love the book of Hebrews. It’s so much more than just the “Jesus is better” book. It’s a comparison of New and Old covenant. It’s a plea to stick with Jesus because He is the only source of hope and life. He reconciles human to deity. Through faith and endurance of this world’s pain and anger (toward them), believers find their joy.

Ephesians 2:8-10

 “For by grace you are saved through faith, and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God; it is not from works, so that no one can boast. For we are his workmanship, having been created in Christ Jesus for good works that God prepared beforehand so we may do them.”

— ‭‭Ephesians‬ ‭2‬:‭8‬-‭10‬‬

Eph 2 is an amazing chapter, and I don’t think it’s so clear a break as vv 1-10 are individual salvation and 11-22 are reconciliation of ethnic groups through Jesus. The New Perspective of Paul may have too much emphasis on the latter but classic Reformation interpretation may have too much emphasis on the former in all the traditional “salvation” passages in the NT. The early church struggled mightily in understanding how to morph the Gentiles into the Jesus community. New Perspective has much to offer in at least being sensitive toward the background situation.

“Are saved” is perfect tense, so “have been saved.” Something has been completed and results continue, but many uses of perfect tense. In this case, NET is taking as intensive perfect which emphasizes results (translates as present tense in English “are”). See Introduction to Perfect Tense.

“Works” is NPP vs typical reformed understanding. Jewish boundary markers vs. all moral attempts. In light of second half of chapter, one can make case for the Jewish boundary markers. Looking at v. 10, one can argue it refers to any work, because we can’t do anything good until God enables us to do it.

Workmanship, word study fallacy to say it means poem, but that is the Greek word behind the translation. 

These first 10 verses are a marvelous trajectory of being dead, no hope, in sins, and God makes us alive in Christ. It’s all His doing and for His glory. Debate in v. 8 whether grace or faith is “gift” Both are feminine words, so gender doesn’t help the grammar. Most likely, refers salvation as whole—the entire sentence. 

God did not just rescue us from death period. He saved us for something. There’s purpose now, and that’s for good works. Would need more context to see how this passage fits in Paul’s thought through Ephesians as whole.

Hebrews 11:1

 “Now faith is being sure of what we hope for, being convinced of what we do not see.”

— ‭‭Hebrews‬ ‭11‬:‭1‬‬

“And these all were commended for their faith, yet they did not receive what was promised. For God had provided something better for us, so that they would be made perfect together with us.”

— ‭‭Hebrews‬ ‭11‬:‭39‬-‭40‬‬

I’m not philosophical/theologically inclined enough to distinguish hope and faith right now. No pithy or tweetable definitions to astound. I’m sure there are biblical passages to help separate them, but I’m just as confident there are passages where the semantic range overlaps. This is why I stick to individual passages and branch out to books, or the author’s corpus (and if need be other portions of the Bible if a topic demands it).

It does appear here that faith is a more grounded hope, and it is grounded in something stable, i.e., the faithfulness of God. We can only be convinced of something we have not touched or seen because we are confident in the character of the One who has promised. And we can only be confident in His character because of past kept promises. 

Yet, even in this chapter, the context of the book of Hebrews is more important. After listing many OT individuals and what they gained or accomplished by faith, the author of Hebrews says these “did not receive what was promised.” So did God fail? No, the point is that Jesus and the New Covenant is superior. This has been the point throughout the whole book. 

Stick with Jesus and receive the promises, just as those saints will. Endure (12:1-2). Do not return to Judaism, even if it is safer and you escape imminent persecution. 

This book is amazing, but it must be read sequentially and fully. Chapters 10 and 12 surround this chapter as warning passages (the most harsh warnings to not turn back). We are going to inherit a kingdom that doesn’t fade away. We enter by faith. We see it now by faith.

Romans 1:16-17

 “For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is God’s power for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek. For the righteousness of God is revealed in the gospel from faith to faith, just as it is written, “The righteous by faith will live.””

— ‭‭Romans‬ ‭1‬:‭16‬-‭17‬‬

Gospel is the means God used to save people. It is what He has chosen to do His work. People cannot be saved apart from the gospel (and I’m not going to get into people who haven’t heard… let’s just leave that to Gods character for now).

This verse is key to understand Romans. I try to have balanced approach. Since Reformation, interpretation has been individualistic. New perspective on Paul emphasizes ethnic approach of Jew/Gentile relations. V 16 supports this. I like a both/and but Paul’s main point and throughout first century may be the Jew/Gentile relations.

Righteousness of God is debated: could be his character, believers new identity, or Christs imputed righteousness. Cant solve that here. 

From faith to faith is just as hard bc prepositions can mean different things. Point is that those who enter Gods family or inherit His righteousness do so on the basis of faith, and both Jew and Gentile are equal in this regard.

James 5:13-18

 “Is anyone among you suffering? He should pray. Is anyone in good spirits? He should sing praises. Is anyone among you ill? He should summon the elders of the church, and they should pray for him and anoint him with oil in the name of the Lord. And the prayer of faith will save the one who is sick and the Lord will raise him up – and if he has committed sins, he will be forgiven. So confess your sins to one another and pray for one another so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great effectiveness. Elijah was a human being like us, and he prayed earnestly that it would not rain and there was no rain on the land for three years and six months! Then he prayed again, and the sky gave rain and the land sprouted with a harvest.”

— ‭‭James‬ ‭5‬:‭13‬-‭18‬‬

Maybe one of the most difficult passages in James. 

Prayer is a common theme in James (sometime find a list of passages and what he has to say). The believer is always reminded to have an attitude of faith. God’s response is always described as one of mercy/generosity.

The point of the passage is v. 16. Prayer “accomplishes” much, but I am always weary of how we phrase these things today because we emphasize what we say or how often we say it or even that we say it, and not the God behind the response. God is the generous/merciful/healing one (and yes, I know what James said).

Anointing with oil: I’ve heard it as referring to regular medicine, since doctors used oil in 1st cent. It could also be a simple ritual before the church to connect a prayer to God’s power (somehow). Oil is a symbol often of God’s presence and activity. So perhaps not medicinal, sacramental, or psychological.  (Cf. Mark 6:13)

Some denominations are terrified of this passage (i.e. praying for healing). Some churches and groups of churches can rely too heavily on it and even abuse people’s psyche. This cannot be reduced to a guarantee of healing (not to mention seeing the book of James as wisdom literature.) 

If someone is not healed, that cannot mean the person does not have faith. If someone is healed, that doesn’t necessarily mean the person should right a book on how to have faith. The point is that the church should pray and (shock) be accountable to one another. Grow in community. Prayer leaves a situation in God’s hands (4:3), and He can do incredible things.

Is this a more moderate view than what James seems to say? Perhaps. But it is wisdom literature. Do miracles exist? Absolutely. Experience has to inform our understanding of what he intended for this church. Imagine a church where praying together and being accountable was the norm.