Pietist Reading of the Epistle of James

Pietist Reading of the Epistle of James: Mike Sperou, Senior Pastor of ncBc, made this presentation to Pastor’s Breakfast, September 17, 2008.

Contextual assumptions: Written by James, the Lord’s brother and leader of the Jerusalem church, to the Jewish-Christian churches spread throughout Palestine sometime prior to A.D. 50.

Salutation, 1.1 A figurative use of “the twelve tribes who are dispersed abroad”

Faith in Private, 1.2-25 The testing of our faith in our everyday personal life
1. Growing in character, 1.2-4 Rejoice, knowing that the various testings of your faith are used by God to fill out your Christian character.
2. Searching for wisdom, 1.5-11 Ask for wisdom from God in a single-minded way, and recognize it when it begins to change your perspective—with regard to eternal values.
3. Battling with sin, 1.12-18 Be faithful in your devotion to God, who is good, and has chosen us for a special purpose, “a kind of firstfruits among His creatures.”
4. Applying the word, 1.19-25 Open your heart to the word in humility, and prove to be truly doers of it.
Faith in Public, 1.26–5.12 The testing of our faith in our everyday public lifeTransition: Governing theme, 1.26-27 The distinction between worthless religious works and pure ones
1. The church gathered, 2.1–3.18 It is all about treating people with love.
  1. Greeting newcomers, 2.1-13 Show mercy without partiality—if anything, show a preference for the unimpressive.
  2. Supporting the brethren, 2.14-17 Be sure to meet pressing needs.Parenthesis: on faith and works, 2.18-26 Works are explained as spontaneous actions toward others out of a love for God.
  3. Speaking and teaching with wisdom, 3.1-18 Let the community conversation be about blessing, not cursing.
2. The church scattered, 4.1–5.12 It is all about patience without complaining.
  1. Attitude: Humble yourselves in the presence of the Lord, 4.1-12 Avoid worldly attitudes when dealing with others.
  2. Activities: Seeking the Lord’s will, 4.13–5.6 Avoid worldly aims of seeking monetary advantage at the expense of others.
  3. Demeanor: Fixing your hopes on the coming of the Lord, 5.7-12 Be patient—those who endure will be blessed.