James 02—Forty Days with James: Pure Joy vs. Double Mind

<p>For additional notes and resources check out Douglas’ <a href="https://www.douglasjacoby.com/02-40-days-with-james/" target="_blank"><strong>website.</strong></a></p><ul><li>1:1—the 12 Tribes = Christians (see Gal 6:16), probably from a Jewish background.</li><li>If James is like Ephesians (a circular letter) then it's possible the original letter or material was adapted after James's death for a broader Jewish-Christian audience (in the diaspora).</li><li>The nature of <i>James: </i>A letter? A sermon? A collection or compendium? Or Wisdom Literature?</li><li>Date: Could be as early as 45 AD, but in 50s and 60s the social unrest suggested by the later chapters of James is a better fit.</li><li>1:2ff—Trials are God's plan for growth. See Rom 5:3-4 and Romans 8 for parallel material.</li><li>Sometimes we need wisdom to cope with our trials. God generously provides! More about wisdom in chapter 3.</li><li>There's a connection between unhealthy doubt and joy. Double-mindedness is draining—making it harder to experience joy. Consider also the rabbinic comment on Deut 26:16: “When you make your prayer to God, do not have two hearts, one for God and one for something else” (<i>Ta'an</i> 23b).</li></ul><ol><li> </li></ol><p>.<i>In the next reflection, we will learn about James as a person, and explore James 1:9-12, "Pride vs. Humility."</i></p>