James continues in a linear line tying all the pieces of his letter together as he moves forward. Looking at the last 3 weeks we see James moving us into the reasons why we read and listen to God’s word and how it leads to being born again. James 1:18 “Of his own will he brought us forth by the word of truth, that we should be a kind of firstfruits of his creatures.” Then he moves us to James 1:21 “Therefore put away all filthiness and rampant wickedness and receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls.” The word of God is meant to produce in us a change because of the Gospel. Being made new, or being born again, makes a connection between the word of God, being born again, and the new life we now live.
There is a long and protracted focus on our faith resulting in works in the book of James. The emphasis on works has caused some people to put the apostle Paul’s view of grace at odds with the views James, but nothing could be further from the truth. James is most likely the earliest letter written in the New Testament and as such show a strong pastoral care for how to live out our faith in Jesus in practical ways.
