James 1:17-27

For our second Sunday reading in the Letter of James, we come to James 1:17-27. This happens to be the Revised Common Lectionary reading for September 1st, 2024, so we are sort-of aligned, even though I am preaching from the entire letter between now and October 13th.

 Again, at first blush, it may seem as though James hops from topic to topic — the birth of the church (James 1:17-18), cultivating the art of listening (first to the Gospel) rather than rash speech (James 1:19-21), the necessity of works (but not as the basis of salvation, James 1:22-25), and a summary comment about “worthless” versus “true” religion (James 1:26-27). However, we can tease out the continuity with the main themes of faith (entrusting oneself to God) and wisdom.

 There are a few phrases that echo other Bible passages when we read about God as the gracious giver of Christian life in James 1:17-18. One is “the Father of lights”, and echo of Genesis 1:15-16. Can you find others (hint, the rest echo other New Testament letters)?

 What do you think — does James 1:22-25 require works as at least a partial agent of salvation?

Why do you suppose James is so specific about works that comprise true religion — “…to care for orphans and widows in their distress”?