James: More GraceSample

Is there hope?

James writes to a Christian fellowship that you probably would not have been keen to join, certainly if you had had any idea of what was going on there. Yet God had begun a work in these brothers and sisters. He had chosen to give them birth through his word of truth (1:18).

Currently though, they were in a real mess. Relationships between believers seem to have been in a terrible state, and this was just a reflection of the state of their divided hearts. These people were in church, but their hearts were far from God and their lives showed it. There were gaps and inconsistencies everywhere between what they claimed to believe and how they lived. Perhaps most dangerous of all, these Christians seemed arrogantly unconcerned and oblivious to the downward spirals of sin they were descending.

Knowing that God had planted his word in these believers’ hearts (1:21) does not lead James to sit back. He writes a hard-hitting letter to warn them and to call them back. James wants them to humble themselves again before the Lord and then to persevere faithfully together until Jesus comes, whatever happens.

James’ method is to uncover bit by bit the danger his dear brothers and sisters are in. He begins by speaking mostly in general terms, saying things like, ‘anyone who … (1:23)’ and ‘believers in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ must...’ (2:1). But James’ aim is to get his readers to look in this mirror he is holding up and see themselves reflected in what he says.

By the time James blazes out starkly and directly, ‘You adulterous people’ (4:4), these wayward Christians should be ready to respond to his call to weep in humble repentance and draw near to God again. That is God’s desire, for, like a rightfully jealous husband, God longs to have his people back, with hearts that are devoted to him alone. A restored relationship with God will always bear fruit in transformed lives. There will be ‘a harvest of righteousness’ (3:18).

Is there hope for you if you have wandered from the truth? Or if relationships in your church are in a terrible state? The message of James is a resounding, ‘Yes!’ For wonderfully, God is always willing to give ‘more grace’ (4:6). There is always a way back.

God’s word here calls us to humble ourselves again before the Lord we love, receive again his grace and begin living differently. Don’t just hear God’s word, do it!

Pray

Come near to God again, grieving over your sin and rejoicing in his grace. Thank God that he has promised to give the crown of life to those who love him and who do persevere faithfully. Pray you would do that!