STEADFAST FAITH: The Bossiest Book of the Bible

James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, 

To the twelve tribes in the Dispersion: Greetings.

James 1:1

Dear Radiant Friends, 

We are still in the beginning stages of our journey through the book of James. There’s so much to learn and so much to apply to our modern lives! I am so excited to keep exploring this book with you one little step at a time. 

The book of James is an epistle, which simply means it is a letter. As expected, the very first sentence of the letter contains the greeting. In this greeting, James reveals not only his own identity and also the identity of the people to whom he is writing. Today we will learn a little bit about James’ intended audience and even more about his message to them. In two weeks, we will learn what James has revealed about himself in the opening verse of his letter. And let me tell you, he has revealed far more than just his name.

James states that his letter is written to the “twelve tribes in the Dispersion.” These were Christian Jews whose families had been living in foreign countries since a prior era in Israel’s distant history. These Jewish Christians were living in harsh conditions including poverty, social injustice, and spiritual conflicts. James’ letter also hints at the fact that some of these believers may have been living worldly lives. 

If I, Tina the counselor, were to sit down today and write a letter to such a group of impoverished and oppressed brothers and sisters in Christ living in a foreign land - I can imagine myself offering words of encouragement and trying to inspire hope. However, James’ agenda was something quite different! His primary goal was to instruct. His letter is full of words meant to correct and challenge the scattered followers of Christ.  

Specifically, James set out to instruct the believers in how to walk in God’s wisdom while addressing the many trials they were facing. He offers them much practical guidance, which he accomplishes by issuing many commands. In fact, proportionately, his letter contains a greater number of commands than any other book of the Bible! That’s why some have called it the 

Bossiest Book of the Bible!  

He penned just over 100 verses in five chapters, and they contain 54 commands! That means roughly every other verse is a command!

Are you wondering what kinds of commands James focused on? He focused on how to walk in wisdom during tests, trials, and temptations. This included the wise use of one’s words, the power of prayer, how to handle conflict, and even social injustices.  

His overarching message seems to be that genuine faith in Christ 

is what produces these good works in one’s life.

Therefore James challenges his readers to be hearers and doers of God’s Word 

even in their most difficult seasons!

If you have read my last blog post, you can see how James’ instructions were consistent with his own steadfast faith. He was a man who practiced what he preached. Actually, James was a man who practiced what Jesus preached! James’ letter indicates that he became very familiar with Jesus’ teachings, especially the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5-7). I can’t help but wonder when he learned about Jesus’ teachings - and from whom. We don’t know. But we can clearly see that James came to know the Truth, and the Truth set him free indeed (John 8:31-32).  

I don’t know whether you find yourself in a position of being mistreated for your faith. I also don’t know the status of your financial security. But as a follower of Jesus, it is certain that you and I are foreigners and aliens in this world. And it is also certain that you and I will face conflicts, tests, trials, and temptations. My prayer is that by studying James together we will be strengthened with a steadfast faith that helps us persevere as hearers and doers of God’s Word - no matter what we face.  

Until next time, be wise! And live out your faith! Oh, and I’m sorry for being so bossy!  

Looking to Him,

Tina

P.S. For some thought-provoking discussion on the book of James, please join The Radiant Women Group. We’d love for you to join us!