James

Question 1

What does the book of James teach us about the nature of temptation and how it works?

Answer 1

• • Context: Christians shunned personal responsibilty for sin, blaming the situation, and blaming God
• • each person is tempted when lured and enticed by his or her own desire (James 1:14), not God
• • Desire itself is not evil or sinful, its becomes only such when a person is “lured and enticed by it”
• • When desires lure and entice a person away from seeking the will of God, sin is conceived and death is the final end.

Question 2

Explain what is meant by the “Third Use of the Law.” How does the book of James compare with Paul’s description of the law?

Answer 2

1. ) 3 uses of the law
   - - Restriction on evil
   - - Drives to Christ
   - - way of life

– James uses the 3rd use of the law (positive view) to show that the law is the perfect law that brings freedom (1:18-25)

– Paul has a negative view of the law, but is emphasizing the 2nd use of the law in showing the law has no power for salvation, in justifying you before God.

• James is answering the question “how does a Christian live” (looking at the law as a converted Christian) where Paul is answering the question “how does someone stand before God?” (looking at the law as a guilty sinner)

Question 3

What evidence would you provide to show that James is a “Christian” epistle?

Answer 3

• • Martin Luther, only 2 mentions of Christ,
    1. ) Background of Audience
• • Letters have specific purposes (don’t mention everything)
• • audience has background knowledge of Christianity
    2. ) “Lord” is used frequently throughout the book, even though jesus is only mentioned twice
    3. ) Christian language
• • Christian conversion language (new birth/regeneration)
    4. ) 2nd coming (5:7-8)
    5. ) Reference to Christian Church (5:14)
    6. ) Similarity to sermon on the mount (5:12)

Question 4

How does the book of James complement Paul on the doctrine of Justification?

Answer 4

1. ) James and Paul are dealing with different questions/issues, therefore different emphasis
   - - 2nd and 3rd use of the law don’t contradict, just emphasize different things
   - - James: a converted Christian, how do I now live?
   - - Paul: a guilt sinner, how do I stand before God?
2. ) Problem in James: false faith
   - - “can that faith save them?”
   - - that faith = faith that never produces good works
3. ) James 2:21 - justified by works
   - - word concept fallacy
   - - what word is James using is the wrong question; what concept is James using is the right question
   - Paul (actual justification) - God declares us to be righteous by the imputed righteousness of Christ
   - - James (confirming justification) - God declares that our works demonstrate/show/confirm us to be true believers
4. ) James - very orthodox view of justification
   - - He appeals to both definitions of justification: Gen. 20 (James) and Gen. 15 (Paul)