Articles
God in the Book of James
The book of James is no theological treatise. It is eminently practical, a book of dos and don’ts. Yet by noting James’s various references to God, one gets a clear picture of Him. These include. . .
God is wise and generous. “But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him” (1:5).
God is infinitely holy. “Let no one say when he is tempted, ‘I am being tempted by God’; for God cannot be tempted by evil, and He Himself does not tempt anyone” (1:13).
God is the unchanging source of all good. “Every good thing given and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shifting shadow” (1:17).
God is the one and only God. “You believe that God is one. You do well; the demons also believe, and shudder” (2:19).
God is both our Creator and our Father. “With it [the tongue] we bless our Lord and Father, and with it we curse men, men who have been made in the likeness of God” (3:9).
God is gracious. “But He gives a greater grace. Therefore it says, ‘God is opposed to the proud, but gives grace to the humble’” (4:6).
God is sovereign. “Instead, you ought to say, ‘If the Lord wills, we will live and also do this or that’” (4:15).
God is just and able to rectify wrongs. “Behold, the pay of the laborers who mowed your fields, and which has been withheld by you, cries out against you; and the outcry of those who did the harvesting has reached the ears of the Lord of Sabaoth [hosts]” (5:4). “. . . Behold, the Judge is standing right at the door” (5:9b; cf. 4:12).
God is compassionate and merciful. “We count those blessed who endure. You have heard of the endurance of Job and have seen the outcome of the Lord’s dealings, that the Lord is full of compassion and is merciful” (5:11).
We are currently studying the book of James on Wednesday evenings. Won’t you come and learn together with us?
