James 1 - Introduction

CHAPTER I.

ANALYSIS.

James, a servant of Christ, writes this letter to the twelve tribes then in dispersion; and while some are mentioned as unbelievers and some as believers, the Epistle is intended mainly for the latter. He desires them to count the temptations to which they are subject as gain, advising them to ask wisdom of God, to the intent that their patience may be strengthened. He tells them that God imparts wisdom when the request is made in faith. This wisdom from on high enables the possessor to act properly, and also enables him to endure temptations. He warns them against the sin of imputing evil to God, or that he is the cause thereof, and assures them that the contrary is true; that all God's gifts are good and perfect. He shows them that temptations arise from man's own sinful desires and passions, and exhorts them to lay aside all sinfulness, and to receive and be guided by God's infallible Word, assuring them that the doers of the Word are saved; that the perfect law of liberty is the only safe guide; that one may think himself religious, but, failing to observe the requirements of the infallible guide in bridling his tongue, will find his religion a failure; that pure religion consists of benevolent acts to the orphan and widow, and in keeping one's self untainted by the vices of the world. Plainly, that religion is something to do belief in action, faith in operation rather than something to get.