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NT Doctrine -- James 1 - Ed Hurst - 11-09-2024
James was the second born brother of Jesus. Most of His siblings watched Him die. He appeared to them after the Resurrection to insure they had no doubts about Him. It's for sure they knew something about His teachings and were under the same influences that shaped the human identity of the Messiah.
This letter may well be the earliest document in the New Testament, published around AD 40. It's a very Hebraic work, almost in the style of the Proverbs, full of one-liners and simple epigrams. At the same time, it has deep mystical themes that run through the letter. James simply identifies himself and his audience -- all Hebrew Christians -- and proceeds to address their unique situation. As with the Letter of Hebrews (written much later), these believers were always fiercely tempted to slide back into Judaism, not least because of the pressure of persecution.
Right off the bat he asserts an entirely otherworldly faith. Human persecution should surprise no one who follows Christ. It's a testimony that you are acting enough like Jesus to be accused of following Him. Testing and trials are our native element, he says. Enduring them with grace ensures you will become more consistent in your faith and testimony.
Not sure how to handle something? God does not hesitate to dish out wisdom, so don't you hesitate to ask. Be warned: It will come at a sacrifice. If persecution strips you of your worldly goods, then celebrate the lightening of your load. It all belongs to God anyway, so don't worry about it. Those of you still burdened by worldly wealth have something to look forward to. What beauty are the flowers of the field! But the least bit of heat kills them, and they are individually never seen again. Such is our fleshly nature. Your real identity is in your faith and testimony.
You don't need to wonder if God is messing with your mind; He's not like that. He isn't amused by tormenting people. Don't blame your testing on Him. Testing comes with having a mortal body and fleshly nature. Persecution is privilege and glory to your spiritual nature, but your flesh whines. Discipline the flesh; you can kill it voluntarily on the Cross or let it keep whining until sin consumes your life.
This is divine wisdom, and such gifts are the wealth of the God. He is utterly consistent from ancient times. We who follow Christ are the Firstfruits of the New Covenant; we shall inherit everything He ever created.
What is the inheritance of the New Covenant? Take His bit and bridle into your mouth. Talk less and listen more; hold your fleshly nature in check. Human passions cannot carry out His agenda. You've heard the gospel; that's your real treasure. Stop looking for a way to pamper the fleshly nature.
The message is not like a quick glance in the mirror to see if your hair is in place. It requires studying and comparing yourself in depth with the image of the Messiah. We call on His wisdom and power to make us more like Him. It will take the rest of your life, but it will be a clean and healthy life.
Jewish people are notorious for having sharp tongues (like modern Karens who seek to rule everything) and this is not what God wanted for us. We are not the pinnacle of humanity. Rather, He wants us to focus on those who live on the bottom of society, like widows and orphans. If you can understand how to embrace them and get involved in their lives, then you'll understand why Jesus chose you and kept the wealthy rulers at arm's length.
RE: NT Doctrine -- James 1 - jaybreak - 11-14-2024
"You don't need to wonder if God is messing with your mind; He's not like that. He isn't amused by tormenting people. Don't blame your testing on Him. Testing comes with having a mortal body and fleshly nature."
This is something I need to understand better.
RE: NT Doctrine -- James 1 - Ed Hurst - 11-15-2024
It's a peculiar Talmudic doctrine that God plays head-games and respects them. They had long since failed to know Him. You'll see a post soon on something closely related to this.