The book of James is a favorite of many believers. The teaching is concise, memorable, and practical. Similar to Proverbs, it’s packed with wise sayings on a wide variety of subjects. The tone is warm, yet the message is convicting. Using colorful images, rhetorical questions, and startling statements, James is a powerful preacher, whose writing can sometimes jolt you! It’s obvious he is well-versed in the Old Testament; and more than any other New Testament writer, James weaves the teaching of Jesus into his instruction, using similar themes and vocabulary. This is not surprising, since Jesus was his half-brother! Though they grew up in the same home, James came to faith only after the risen Christ graciously appeared to him. Then James became a respected leader of the early church (see Matt 13:55; Gal 1:19; John 7:2-5; Mark 3:20-21; 1 Cor 15:7; Acts 12:17; 15:13; 21:18). He humbly begins, not by highlighting his special relationship with Jesus, but by calling himself a servant, and Jesus his Lord. Putting Jesus on the same plane as God, James says he serves both! The letter is addressed to the “twelve tribes in the Dispersion,” because the church is the new Israel, the true people of God, now separated from their heavenly homeland (v 1-2). From there, James launches into some encouragement regarding trials, a constant feature of a life of faith. People are often weakened by the troubles they encounter, but God designs them to produce endurance and maturity. For trials to be effective, believers need wisdom to handle them correctly. And God will generously provide this for all who ask Him in true faith (v 3-8). Before God, all people are the same—lowly and mortal. But those who remain “steadfast under trial” are promised “the crown of life.” This crown is not a special gift for the highest achievers; the crown is life itself—eternal life, given to all who demonstrate saving faith through their perseverance. Temptations will come, but we should never blame God when we sin, for each of us is tempted by our own sinful desires. Believers should repent of such desires, recognizing the deadly consequences of habitually yielding to them (v 9-15). We must learn to see God, not as One who sends dangerous temptations, but as One who gives good gifts, especially His Word. As the “word of truth,” Scripture produces new life in those who receive it meekly. Like a mirror, it discloses our true selves, so that by God’s grace, we might reject the sins which enslave us, to become liberated “doers of the Word” instead (v 16-27). For further meditation: