Literary Genre & Style
Uniquely James
James sounds like a Jewish sage and argues like a Greek philosopher
Our last topic reviewed the background, authorship and audience of James. In this video we’re going to sketch some of James’ unique literary style and the book’s structure.
So what makes James’ writing so unique?
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Outlining James
James employs a variety of literary techniques in his book: including proverbs and imperatives like a Jewish wisdom literature author, and Greek satirical diatribes. Many have trouble following a straightforward line of thinking or one coherent argument throughout the book. Various approaches have been suggested as to its outline.
Test Yourself
Answer
Talk it Through
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1.3 – What does the church need most from James today?
Respond in paragraph format to the following prompt(s):
- Which of these topics from James is most needed for the church to hear afresh today? Choose one topic and write a paragraph (100-150 words max) explaining why you think it is crucial for Christian living in today’s context.
- Options:
- Favouritism in the church.
- The potential danger of our words.
- Steadfastness in suffering.
- Doing, not just hearing, the word of God.
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7 Replies
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In my opinion, steadfastness in suffering is crucial for Christians living today. Many will agree that the last two and a half years have been a true test of faith, but what is the outcome of being able to withstand not only the physical but mental, spiritual and emotional trials of these days?
According to James 1:2-4, We are to meet these challenges with hope and knowledge that there is a lesson in our suffering,which will build us up to be dutifully firm and unwavering in our life in Christ.
As Christians today, times are not necessarily going to become easier but even more challenging as we begin to move into a “post covid” reality. The way we reflect the peace that passes all understanding during these times will speak to those who do not know Christ. We build our testimony through our trials and Christ’s perfect faithfulness.
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@dostapyshyn great reflections. It is interesting to think about how hardship and suffering build resilience when we are not crushed by them, but grow through them. I appreciate your foresight in thinking about how the world will shift and change after COVID. Do you have any thoughts about how it will become more difficult?
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I say that “times are not necessarily going become easier” because I truly feel we are shifting into a time when wars and rumours of war are happening, on one hand man is becoming increasingly more sinful and on the other, Christians are becoming more bold.
Our faith is being challenged more than ever by the world and Christians are being persecuted all around the world. Despite all this, we have peace in our hearts and the hope of His return!
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Years ago we had an elder in our church give a sermon – Don’t be stung by your tongue. He has since passed but this is written in one of my old bibles. These past two years I have been saddened that their are allot of people who put their opinions out strongly with no thought to how it can effects other people. The words sting staying long after it is written in a post. I think as Christians it is vitally important not to step into these moments as they get very tricky – and we need to be an example of the love Jesus had for all. No I am not perfect in life but I do try to stay away from topics that are very controversial on the internet. Words are like fiery darts now adays . Ephesians tells us to speak the truth in love – but I think at this time – it would say delicately and tactfully.
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@KarryMac I love it. Don’t be stung by the tongue. What a powerful and important phrase. Thanks for sharing.
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I love that phrase “Don’t be stung by the tongue.” Hurting people are often quick to use their tongue to defend themselves or others. In this book, I have found hope to overcome and learn that I can be still in the face of adversity. As I look at the themes of this book, I’m looking at the development of faith, for overcoming, for not having to have an opinion, instead, having an understanding into deeper prayer for life all around me. To grow in how to love others in midst of what they are struggling with in life, and hopefully have more wisdom in encouraging them to come to the Creator of Life and receive His love for themselves.
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The potential danger of our words:
Words Can build up and words can destroy too. The powerful tongue can be used for great good or great evil. Apart from redemption it will only tear down and destroy.
The tongue also is a fire, a world of evil among the parts of the body. It corrupts the whole person, sets the whole course of his life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell. but no man can tame the tongue according to the book of James. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison.
Some of the most common sins we commit are related to speech: gossip, idle chatter, lies, exaggeration, harsh attack and uncharitable remarks. With a gift capable of bringing such good, we can surely cause great harm! – The Lord detests lying lips, but he delights in people who are trustworthy (Proverbs 12:22) and it crips in the church too and it causes division and distraction.
How often in our lives , we rush to conclusions, judgments and decisions without really discerning God’s heart in those matters?
Ephesians 4:29. Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.
Proverbs 10:19 says, “Sin is not ended by multiplying words, but the prudent hold their tongues.” Proverbs 15:4 tells us, “The soothing tongue is a tree of life, but a perverse tongue crushes the spirit.”
In conclusion, we need to guard our heart .
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