Study of James

Lesson 1
Lesson 2
Lesson 3


Lesson 1
Chapter Titles

Introduction
Chapter 1 Victorious Faith
Chapter 2 Manifested Faith
Chapter 3 Controlling and Energizing Faith
Chapter 4 Submissive Faith
Chapter 5 Patient and Expectant Faith

Introduction:

Justification

There is a seeming conflict of teaching.  James has confused many theologians with its teaching regarding Justification. On one hand Paul clearly taught that justification before God was by faith. However, James seems to teach that justification before God is a “works” issue.

  • Rom 3:28 Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith without the deeds of the law.
  • Gal 3:11 But that no man is justified by the law in the sight of God, it is evident: for, The just shall live by faith.
  • James 2:24 Ye see then how that by works a man is justified, and not by faith only.
We will look at this subject more closely in Lesson 2.

James the Author

James is really the equivalent of Jacob. It is the same as Jacques in French, Diego is Spanish and other forms in other languages. However, the meaning is always the same...”heel catcher” as Jacob in the Old Testament.  

There were two called James, or Jacob, among the twelve apostles who were selected by our Lord on earth: James the son of Zebedee, the brother of John the beloved disciple, and James the son of Alpheus, brother of Judas, not Iscariot. However, none of these are the author of our text.

The first was slain by Herod very soon after Pentecost. James the Less has been thought of as the author, but most theologians believe that James of the Book of James was none the less James the ½ brother of Jesus.

Mar 3:31 There came then his brethren and his mother, and, standing without, sent unto him, calling him.

Mar 3:32 And the multitude sat about him, and they said unto him, Behold, thy mother and thy brethren without seek for thee.


James a Brother to Christ

  • Mat 13:55 Is not this the carpenter's son? is not his mother called Mary? and his brethren, James, and Joses, and Simon, and Judas?
  • Luk 8:19 Then came to him his mother and his brethren, and could not come at him for the press.
  • Luke 8:20 And it was told him by certain which said, "Thy mother and thy brethren stand without, desiring to see thee."
  • John 7:5 For neither did his brethren believe in him.
  • Gal. 1:19 But other of the apostles saw I none, save James the Lord's brother. 
  • 1 Co 15:6-7 After that, he was seen of above five hundred brethren at once; of whom the greater part remain unto this present, but some are fallen asleep.  After that, he was seen of James; then of all the apostles.

All these passages seem to prove conclusively that Mary had other children besides Jesus which negates the teaching of Mary's perpetual virginity as taught by the Catholic church.

James a Leader of the Early Church.

Gal 2:11-12  But when Peter was come to Antioch, I withstood him to the face, because he was to be blamed.  For before that certain came from James, he did eat with the Gentiles: but when they were come, he withdrew and separated himself, fearing them which were of the circumcision.

It appears from this verse that James had a vital role of leadership in the early church.  It is not possible to decide with certainty just when the Epistle of James was written. Many have supposed it was the earliest NT book, designed to bridge the gulf between the OT and NT, and so prepare the way for Paul's gospel which was to follow.

Introduction to a Victorious Faith (Chapter 1)

It would be a grave mistake to infer, as some have done, that this Epistle emphasizes works rather than faith. James' letter actually stresses the importance of faith throughout, but shows that real faith is never separated form a life of piety expressed outwardly as seen by others. We have been saved by GRACE through FAITH. Therefore, we are to live a life that demonstrates that grace/faith before others. That is what James is all about.

It must be made clear that Paul did not teach a different gospel as he clearly warned his readers by the following: 


James the Servant

James 1:1 James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, to the twelve tribes which are of the Dispersion, greeting.

In verse one we have the salutation. If attributing the letter to the Lord's brother is correct then the way James speaks of himself is all the more striking...”a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ.” Can you imagine coming to the realization that your very own brother is actually God manifested in the flesh!

I can only imagine that all the careless youthful sayings and behaviors came back to his memory with an intense conviction of guilt and sadness. But in return, we never see or hear Jesus saying, something like...”James, some day you'll be sorry when you realize who I really am.”

James knew Him in the flesh, but no longer. Now he knows Him as his Lord and Savior. Life changes when we come to the time in our life when we realize just who Jesus really is and what He did for me on the cross of Calvary. He gave His life for me in order that I might experience forgiveness of sin and live a life full of meaning and purpose in love, joy and peace.

Part of demonstrating my faith outwardly to the world is having a SERVANT'S HEART.

ILLUSTRATION:

“An old Scotsman operated a little rowboat for transporting passengers.  One day a passenger noticed hat the good old man had carved on one oar the word ‘Faith’, and on the other oar the word ‘Works’.  Curiosity led him to ask the meaning of this.  The old man, being a well-balanced Christian and glad of the opportunity for a testimony, said ‘I will show you.’  So he dropped one oar and plied the other called ‘Works’, and they just went around in circles.  Then he dropped that oar and began plying the oar called ‘Faith’, and the little boat just went around in circles again- this time in the other direction.  After this demonstration the old man picked up Faith and Works, and plying both oars together, sped swiftly over the water, explaining to his inquiring passenger, ‘You see, that is the way it is in the Christian life.  Dead works without faith are useless and faith without works is dead also, getting you nowhere.  But faith and works pulling together make for safety, progress and blessing.’” 

The church has always struggled with the relationship between faith and works.  There are some who emphasize faith to the neglect of works and others who emphasize works to the neglect of faith.  We need both.

I.  BE PATIENT

Demonstrating Patience in Adversity

There is no greater demonstration of our faith to others than how we handle trials.
James 1:2 says that we are to receive those times with “joy” because those times produce “patience” in us.

The word used here is peirasmos (adversity).  It is “putting to proof” or a “trying time.”  Some might say a “testing of your metal.”  Metal is often “tested” to see its strength.  One way to test metal is with “acid.”  You've heard the term “acid test.”

Our acid tests prove just how “hard” we are to life around us.  Acid tests are even used to determine “tooth decay.”  

The mouth is a naturally non-acidic environment. Healthy saliva is neutral or slightly alkaline, which is at the opposite end of the spectrum to acidity. Acid and alkaline are measured on a logarithmic scale of "pH" running from 1, which is very acidic, to 14, which is intensely alkaline, with a pH of 7 being "neutral". 

How do I handle the “acid tests” of life?  They reveal what I'm really made of.”  Do I have any “faith-decay”?  What is my true “metal” like?

Acid tests may include such things and dealing with one's mate's or child's behaviors, attitudes, and behaviors.  How I handle life's issues?  Church related decisions.  Political or governmental decisions.  Employee's work or behavior.  You name it...........

Let's consider how steel is hardened. 

Hardening steel can be somewhat of an art form, as it takes practice in seeing the colors of the heated steel and knowing how to plunge the hot steel into a liquid. It will take practice. You should know that if at first you do not succeed, you can always reheat the steel and try again.

What is our “color” today?  Do I have a Christian glow or am I red-hot with anger.

Withdraw the steel from the hot liquid and plunge the steel into the water. This will hard-set the steel. This method will take the steel and make it very hard. Never plunge the hot steel into the water first, as this method will crack and damage the steel, causing the steel to be permanently damaged.

Plunge Into the Word of God.

The best approach for us for spiritual growth, is to plunge ourselves into God's Word (the “water of the Word”) dealing with the topic of our testing.  We will be strengthened in the Lord.

Nave's Topical Bible on Line – Tribulation John 16:33 "I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble.  But take heart! I have overcome the world." 

God allows us to go through the fires of life to test the actual placement of our trust.  Is it in Him, ourselves, or our job, our bank account, our appearance?  

DISCUSSION:  In what do people place their trust?

II.  BE IN PRAYER

Patience in Prayer 

James 1:5-6  But if any of you lacketh wisdom, let him ask of God, who giveth to all liberally and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.  But let him ask in faith, nothing doubting: for he that doubteth is like the surge of the sea driven by the wind and tossed. 

How many times have we said, “Lord, why is this happening to me.....again?”  I'm so tired of always having to face one trial after another.  You would think that I have learned my lesson by now!  Lord, I just don't understand!

In essence, we are saying to God, “God, I really lack wisdom here.”  God responds time and time again.  “This is just where I want you, for it is in the midst of life's trials that you fully understand that I love you and in me you have your answers to life's issues.”

Trials drive us to the Throne of Grace.

God Answers Prayers Offered In Faith.

Cross References

Mat 18:19  Again I say unto you, that if two of you shall agree on earth as touching anything that they shall ask, it shall be done for them of my Father who is in heaven. 
Joh 14:14  If ye shall ask anything in my name, that will I do. 
Joh 16:23  And in that day ye shall ask me no question. Verily, verily, I say unto you, if ye shall ask anything of the Father, he will give it you in my name. 
1Jn 5:14  And this is the boldness which we have toward him, that, if we ask anything according to his will, he heareth us: 

Here we have one of James's WORKS.  The work of PRAYER.  Prayer is a demonstration of one's faith.   An individual, family, or church that has no prayer life is not walking by faith.  It is a dead faith. 

Why isn't a church alive, healthy and growing?....One reason may be the lack of prayer!  (James 5:13ff)

III.  BE CONTENT

Patience in Position

  • Jas 1:6  But let him ask in faith, nothing doubting: for he that doubteth is like the surge of the sea driven by the wind and tossed. 
  • Jas 1:7  For let not that man think that he shall receive anything of the Lord; 
  • Jas 1:8  a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways. 
  • Jas 1:9  But let the brother of low degree glory in his high estate: 
  • Jas 1:10  and the rich, in that he is made low: because as the flower of the grass he shall pass away. 

How many people say to themselves:

  • Oh, I would be happy if we just lived in a different city, state, community, house.
  • Oh, if my child would only....
  • What I need is a different job....
  • A different spouse....

DISCUSSION:   What areas in life bring discontentment?

There is nothing in life that is permanent.

It will all fade away....health, wealth, prosperity, homes, people, friends, relatives, church members, pastors, teachers, Sunday School classes. 

Give thanks and appreciate what God has given you. 
Avoid the trap of making decisions based on circumstances.
A person that is given to change will struggle in all areas of life.
Paul said that the he had learned the secret....

Developing Contentment

  • Php 4:11  Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content.
  • 1Ti 6:8  And having food and raiment let us be therewith content. 
  • Heb 13:5  Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee. 
  • Jas 1:11-12  For the sun arise with the scorching wind, and withereth the grass: and the flower thereof falleth, and the grace of the fashion of it perisheth: so also shall the rich man fade away in his goings.  Blessed is the man that endureth temptation; for when he hath been approved, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord promised to them that love him. 

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, we demonstrate the true nature of our faith walk before others by: 

  • How we handle or react to trials/adversity...when things do not go as expected or desired.
  • The reality of our prayer life.
  • Being content with the blessings we have received from our Lord including our family, where we live, our gifts, talents, appearance, and lot in life.

If everything was stripped away, what would be left?

Lesson 2

Last week we talked about Justification by Faith and that James presents that justification also includes that we demonstrate our justification of faith by our works before those around us.  Works don't save, but they do show to others (and ourselves) who we really are and where we are in our faith-walk.

I discovered the image to the right on the WEB and was surprised that it fit right in with the opening illustration to this lesson.

Lesson 3

Overcoming Temptations

Introduction

A Quick Thinking Tongue

A man working in the grocery produce department was approached by a lady who asked if she could purchase half a head of lettuce. He replied, "Half a head? Are you serious? God grows them whole and that's how we sell them!"  "You mean," she persisted, "that after all the years I've shopped here, you won't sell me half-a-head of lettuce?"  “Well, if you insist... I'll ask the manager."  She said, “I would appreciate that.”  So the young man went to the front of the store to see the manager.  "You won't believe this, but there's a wacky woman back there who wants to know if she can buy half-a-head of lettuce."  He noticed the manager gesturing, and turned around to see the lady standing right behind him, obviously having followed him to the front of the store.  "And this nice lady was wondering if she could buy the other half."
You never know who's listening or watching.

I.  Why does Satan tempt us?  ...for the purpose of disqualifying us.

What if Adam and Eve had never sinned?  There would have been no need for a Savior.  But Christ gave His life that we could be put back into a right standing with God and now Satan is constantly trying to tempt us to sin again.  However, everytime Satan point his finger at us before God, Jesus holds up His nail-scarred hands before His Father and says, “Forgiven!”

Satan put Christ to test to get Him to sin.  This would have disqualified Him as Savior as He would no longer would have been sinless.  A "spotted" Lamb of God would not have been qualified to be sacrificed as our "sinless" substitute.  No human can ever be qualified to be God (a Savior).  Satan's time is drawing near and he is ever working hard on God's people.

II.  How does Satan Attack Us?

False Accusations

Rev 12:10  And I heard a great voice in heaven, saying, Now is come the salvation, and the power, and the kingdom of our God, and the authority of his Christ: for the accuser of our brethren is cast down, who accuseth them before our God day and night. 

More and more you will hear of God's people being falsely accused.  If a Christian stays true to his/her belief what is Satan left with but to bring false accusations.  He is the false accuser of the brethren.

God Does Not Tempt Man to Sin

James 1:13  Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God; for God cannot be tempted with evil, and he himself tempteth no man: Heretofore the “temptation” meant was that of probation by afflictions.  

Tried by solicitation to evil.  Let no one say that God lays upon him an inevitable necessity of sinning.  God does not send trials on you in order to make you worse, but to make you better.   Therefore do not sink under the pressure of evils.

Satan Can Only Go So Far and God gives us the strength to endure whatever comes our way.

God has put limits on what comes our way and He provides escape routes.  Like the tides of the ocean, God puts limits on the evils that come our way. 1 Corinthians 10:13  There hath no temptation taken you but such as man can bear: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation make also the way of escape, that ye may be able to endure it.  Even when the storms of life assail us with waves that tower over us, He is there protecting and comforting us.  He promises to never leave or forsake us.

Temptations to sin come from the Old Nature and not from God.

James 1:14-17  but each man is tempted, when he is drawn away by his own lust, and enticed.   God's Gifts are good, but the wages of sin is death.  Then the lust, when it hath conceived, beareth sin: and the sin, when it is full-grown, bringeth forth death.  Be not deceived, my beloved brethren.  Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom can be no variation, neither shadow that is cast by turning.  

God gives good and perfect gifts and they are not variable.  Shadows move/shift because the earth revolves around the sun and on its own axis.  With God there is no revolving in life.  His will is constant.  He does not change outside of His own will and purpose for our life.

We just put up new lights in the kitchen and it's amazing how many imperfections they reveal....dirty walls, floors, and cabinets.  In the same way, the light of Christ's glory (His Word) reveals all of life's imperfections. 

James 1:18  Of his own will he brought us forth by the word of truth, that we should be a kind of first-fruits of his creatures. 

III.  First Fruits

The Jewish Christians of that day were a kind of “first-fruit” of those who would follow in their steps.  Christ is, in respect to the resurrection, “the first-fruits” (1Co_15:20, 1Co_15:23): believers, in respect to regeneration, are, as it were, first-fruits.  

First Fruits are a religious offering of the first agricultural produce of the harvest. In classical Greek, Roman, Hebrew and Christian religions, the first fruits were offered to the temple or church. First Fruits were often a primary source of income to maintain the religious leaders and the facility.  Tithing is the offering of the First Fruits in thanksgiving to God for His provision.  Sometimes the lack of finances of a church reveal a dissatisfaction of church leadership.

IV.  What Temptations Do We Face?

Temptation to Talk Rather Than Listen

James 1:19  Ye know this, my beloved brethren. But let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath: 

It has been said that the reason we have two ears and one mouth is so that we can hear twice as much as we speak.  Some people are always thinking what they are going to say and completely miss what someone else is saying.

Have you ever missed out on details of a conversation or been told that you don't listen? It is quite common but it can be corrected easily. Being a good listener does not require talent, it requires discipline. Here are a few suggestions on how to be a good listener.

Conclusion

We all face temptations to sin with our tongue, being falsely accused by the enemy of our souls, or failing to be a good communicator.  However, in Christ, we are forgiven, innocent, and empowered by the Holy Spirit to live a life that is pleasing to God.

Prayer 

 Lord, I want to be a "first-fruit" in someone's life that through me, they would come to know Christ and be a "first-fruit" in someone else's life.  

Philippians 4:13
I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me

A Dozen Suggestions On How To Be a Good Listener/Communicator

  1. If you are heavily engaged in an activity and someone comes to you unexpectedly, do one of two things. Either stop what you are doing and give them your full attention or ask them to please come back later because you have to take care of what you're working on.
  2. If the person returns later, stop what you are doing, look at them and give them your full attention.
  3. Never interrupt the person before they are finished talking nor monopolize a conversation.
  4. Never judge the person that's talking to you. Be open to suggestions and solutions.
  5. If you are having a conversation that requires details that you know you won't remember, write them down on paper.
  6. If the person requires an answer that is beyond your knowledge or expertise, refer them to someone else. Don't just brush off what they are talking about because you don't have the answer.
  7. When someone is talking to you, don't walk away when they are talking. Look at their eyes so they can know that you are listening and that what they are saying is important.
  8. Never mock what the person has to say.
  9. Learn to read in between the lines so that you can hear what they are really saying.
  10. Be sensitive that the other person may not have the time to get engaged in a long conversation.
  11. Be aware that you don't have to comment on everything.
  12. Use Email with discretion.  Emotions can be lost in Email.

Lesson 4

A Manifested Faith 

Introduction

There is nothing more important to an individual than how they are treated by others.

  • Eph 4:32  And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you. 

Even though we all know and try to practice such truths, people tend to wander from the cernter line of such principles.

What are some distinctions that people make between one another?

Race, religion (denominations), sex, political affiliations, age, neighborhoods, wealth (status), employment (jobs, companies) and positions of responsibility (deacon, elder, pastor, etc).

I'm certainly not saying that denominations are not important because they can give a sense of identification of belief.  However, even within a denomination, an individual church or people can go astray of biblical truths and principles.

How we treat others reveals a lot about what kind of person we are and how we have been treated by others.

However, manifested kindness does not justify us before a holy God, for we are justified by faith in Christ.  The life we live before one another is a reflection of who we are in Christ.

The mean, jealous, vindictive individual is one who has not fully yielded himself/herself to the One who has justified him/her before the Heavenly Father.

Gal 2:16  Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the law: for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified

However, Jas 2:18  Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: shew me thy faith without thy works, and I will shew thee my faith by my works. 

THE COMMAND

Jas 2:1  My brethren, have not the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory, with respect of persons. 

At the heart of treating people with dignity is a personal relationship with Christ.

The home is God's way of providing a training ground for learning to treat people with dignity and respect.  As husbands treat their wives, so often sons will treat their mates when they get married.  The same is true for wives and daughters.

The home is the "training ground" for learning many social skills.

The church is fertile soil for learning to live with others.  In the church we learn to serve others, handle people who differ in opinion with us, accept others who speak, dress, and behave differently than we do.

1 Co 2:8  Which none of the princes of this world knew: for had they known it, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory. 

THE CONDUCT

Jas 2:2  For if there come unto your assembly a man with a gold ring, in goodly apparel, and there come in also a poor man in vile raiment; 

The first individual was wealthy, refined and was treated with special considerations while the poor man was treated with less respect.

Jas 2:3  And ye have respect to him that weareth the gay clothing, and say unto him, Sit thou here in a good place; and say to the poor, Stand thou there, or sit here under my footstool: 

What if Jesus were to come into our place of worship.  How would he be treated/accepted?

ABRAHAM LINCOLN:

"At first glance, some thought him grotesque, even ugly, and almost all considered him homely. When preoccupied or in repose he certainly was far from handsome. At times he looked unutterably sad, as if every sorrow were his own, or he looked merely dull, with a vacant gaze. Still, as even the caustic Englishman Dicey observed, there was for all his grotesqueness, "an air of strength, physical as well as moral, and a strange look of dignity" about him. And when he spoke a miracle occurred. "The dull, listless features dropped like a mask." according to Horace White, an editor of the Chicago Tribune. "The eyes began to sparkle, the mouth to smile, the whole countenance was wreathed in animation, so that a stranger would have to said, "Why this face, so angular and somber a moment ago, is really handsome!" "He was the homeliest man I ever saw." said Donn Piatt, and yet there was something about the face that Piatt never forgot. "It brightened, like a lit lantern, when animated."

JESUS CHRIST

The only verse in the Bible about Jesus’ physical form, before His death and resurrection, is found in Isaiah 53:2. It says:

“He had no beauty or majesty to attract us to Him, nothing in His appearance that we should desire Him.”

In other words, the only biblical description of Jesus during His time on earth says that He was not physically attractive.

We can also say that Jesus would not have had a neat, trimmed beard, because a command in the Law (Leviticus 19:27) required Jewish males to “not cut the hair at the sides of your head or clip off the edges of your beard.”

Beauty, in God’s eyes, comes from within.   [1 Peter 3:3-4] 

1Pe 3:3  Whose adorning let it not be that outward adorning of plaiting the hair, and of wearing of gold, or of putting on of apparel; 

1Pe 3:4  But let it be the hidden man of the heart, in that which is not corruptible, even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price. 

How would people describe my "hidden person of the heart?"  Do I have a meek and quiet spirit?  Do I have a "short fuse?"

Do I praise or criticize?  Am I openly anxious or quietly at peace?  Can peple trust me or am I a blabber-mouth?

Gal 5:22  But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, 

Gal 5:23  Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law. 

False Leaders - Satan

Handsome in Appearance

The Bible tells us that the devil is handsome [Ezekiel 28:14-17] 

Appear to be Wise

Eze 28:17  Thine heart was lifted up because of thy beauty, thou hast corrupted thy wisdom by reason of thy brightness: I will cast thee to the ground, I will lay thee before kings, that they may behold thee. 

and he portrays himself as being full of goodness [2 Corinthians 11:13-15].

2Co 11:13-15  For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ.  And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light.  it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness; end shall be according to their works. 

A Godly Leader - Not What You Would Expect.

The gospel rings true in my heart because it is the opposite of the way man normally thinks.

Who would have conceived a philosophy where salvation would come through believing that God would come to us as a helpless baby, born in a stinking stable, a peasant among a despised, subjugated people in an obscure land, and would later be nailed up to die like the worst of criminals.

The natural mind is more attracted to youth and beauty, success and acclaim.  But, God’s thoughts are the opposite of man’s thoughts [Isaiah 55:8-9].

Isa 55:8  For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the LORD. 

Isa 55:9  For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts. 

Of course, in one sense, it hardly matters what Jesus looked like. It is what He accomplished for us on the cross of Calvary – in paying the price for our sins – that truly counts.

THE CONSEQUENCES

Jas 2:4  Are ye not then partial

From G1223and G2919; to separatethoroughly,  to withdrawfrom, or oppose; figuratively to discriminate hesitate:- contend, stagger, waver.

κρίνω  -  krinō  -  kree'-no

Properly to distinguish, that is, decide(mentally or judicially); by implication to try, condemn, punish:- avenge, conclude, condemn, damn, decree, determine, esteem, judge, go to (sue at the) law, ordain, call in question, sentence to, think.

 in yourselves, and are become judges of evil thoughts? 

To be a judge with an attitude of condemnation.

Jas 2:5  Hearken, my beloved brethren, Hath not God chosen the poor of this world rich in faith, and heirs of the kingdom which he hath promised to them that love him? 

Jas 2:6  But ye have despised the poor. Do not rich men oppress you, and draw you before the judgment seats? 

Jas 2:7  Do not they blaspheme that worthy name by the which ye are called? 

Jas 2:8  If ye fulfil the royal law according to the scripture, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself, ye do well: 

Jas 2:9  But if ye have respect to persons, ye commit sin, and are convinced of the law as transgressors. 

Jas 2:10  For whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one point, he is guilty of all. 

Jas 2:11  For he that said, Do not commit adultery, said also, Do not kill. Now if thou commit no adultery, yet if thou kill, thou art become a transgressor of the law. 

Jas 2:12  So speak ye, and so do, as they that shall be judged by the law of liberty. 
Jas 2:13  For he shall have judgment without mercy, that hath shewed no mercy; and mercy rejoiceth against judgment. 

The converse of, “Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy” (Mat_5:7). Translate, “Thejudgment (which is coming on all of us) shall be without mercy to him who hath showed no mercy.” It shall be such toward every one as every one shall have been [Bengel]. “Mercy” here corresponds to “love,” Jam_2:8.

mercy rejoiceth against judgment — Mercy, so far from fearing judgment in the case of its followers, actually glorifieth againstit, knowing that it cannot condemn them. Not that theirmercy is the ground of their acquittal, but the mercy of God in Christ towards them, producing mercy on their part towards their fellow men, makes them to triumph over judgment, which all in themselves deserve.

Without mercy For this principle of requital see Mat. 5:7; Mat. 6:14; Mat. 7:1.; Mat. 18:33.

“Mercy is clothed with the divine glory and stands by the throne of God” (Chrysostom). See Rom. 8:31-39; Mat. 9:13; Mat. 12:7. 

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