The problem of the relationship between faith, justification, and works is as old as the church itself. James addresses the issue in the second of his three meditations (James 2:14-26). But in the Protestant world, justification is associated with Paul’s letter to the Romans far more than James 2, so I want to begin in …
I am not going to consider all sixteen “proverbs” nor all three “sermons” in James. His “proverbs,” even long ones that stretch the definition of a proverb, are best understood through meditation, not exegesis. I will therefore leave most of the text alone and invite you to meditate upon it. But given that this was …
Continue reading Poverty, Wealth, Temptation, Life, and Death (James 1:9-16
James is possibly the deepest and most profound New Testament book. It is wisdom literature in the tradition of Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, and Sirach. As such it resists academic-style exegesis because it is not speaking to the intellect. Each discreet segment is designed to be read and digested slowly through meditation and prayer. As a result, …
Hebrews 13, the last chapter of the letter, is list of short exhortations in litany form. Let mutual love continue (v. 1)Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers (v. 2)Remember those in prison (v. 3)Let marriage be held in honor among all (v. 4)Be content with what you have and free yourself from the …
Continue reading Final Exhortations, but Especially Concerning Sacrifice
Hebrews 12 caroms around from topic to topic so quickly and unexpectedly that it’s hard to keep up with the argument. The author begins with self-discipline, turns immediately to parental discipline, suddenly contrasts peace and holiness with turning away from God and then ties that to the passions (that is, desires which take control of …
Just Another Jim 