The Republican. [volume] (Oakland, Md.) 1877-current, 1941-08-07

nun t44G NO4 III dli4SS 4 a.
Spiritually minded but very prac-
teal was James, an outstanding
leader in the Church gal. 2;9; Acts
49, and the brother of our Lord. His
epistle speaks little about Christ, but
it reflects more of His teachings
than any of the other epistles. 1t
parallels the sermon on the mount
and in that way, as well as other
ways, greatly resembles the teach
ings Of Jesus. It is a straightfor-
ward discussion of practical Chris
tan living.
There is so much inconsistency
among Christians in their daily walk
that nothing could be more needed
than a careful study of the eXhorta-
tons of James.
/. Be Beers of the Word-Not
Hearers Only Q:17-22).
Knowing Gods will is important,
but it amounts to little except to
bring condemnation upon us, unless
we do it. 1t is good to hear with
swift apprehension, but there is no
point in talking about what we have
heard unless we practice it.
God is the "giver of every good
and perfect gift" CHATS literally
and wonderfully true). He has not
withheld one blessing, even to the
giving of His Son, who was sent
down from heaven to redeem us.
His very goodness should prompt
us to lay aside everything which
dishonors His name. Wrath w. 20),
all uncleanness of speech or thought,
pride ". 2I-al these must go,
and will go, as we permit the Word
to take root (be "engrafted'') in our
hearts and lives. Note that it is not
enough to read the Word, or even
to memorize it. 1t must take root
and grow in our life.
II. BeIeve-But Do Not Forget to
Work (2:14-17.
Saved by faith? Yes, we are, and
in no other way; but the man who
says he has faith in Christ will in
evitably show the results Of that
faith in his life.
James is not in any way contradict
ing the teaching of Paul's epistles re-
garding justification by faith but is
clearly stating what must be true,
"that faith which does not result
in works, i. e., in a manifestation
of a true Christian life, externally
and visibly, is not the kind of faith
commanded by God, and constantly
revealed in the New Testament as
the only instrument for the appro-
priation Of the redemption that is in
Jesus Christ our Lord. There is no
such thing as real, genuine, vital,
living, Christian faith, except it has
its fruits in the works of faith" (Wil-
bur M. Smith,.
How that faith will show itself in
the practical dealings of daily life
is graphically presented in verses
Is and Is. Pious talk has always
been very cheaps and it certainly
accomplishes nothing. Real Chris
tianity works.
III. Trust-But Do Not Boast Of
Tomorrow (4:13-1D.
There is a strange religious atti-
tude which talks about faith as
though it were something of which
to boast, which encourages people
not only to believe, but actually to
presume. There is a radical differ
ence between faith and presump-
ton.
All Christians are subject to the
temptation of talking about being
Strangers and pilgrims" (Heb. II:
13) in this earth, and then planning
their lives and their business as
though everything will continue as
it is through all eternity. 1t is right
to plan, but every day we should
plan subject to Gods will, always
realizing that this may be the day
when we shall be called into His
presence to give an account of the
deeds done in the flesh.
Every hour of life should find us
ready to meet the Lord, and with all
in readiness, so that our going may
leave behind clear testimony
of faith in God, and of consistent
Christian living.
Nv. Be HOnest-WithOut the Need
of an Oath (5:12).
A Christian should never need to
give an oath in the ordinary affairs
of daily life. His life should be so
transparency honest and consistent
ly aboveboard that his word ("yea,
yea, or nay, nay") will be Gas good
as his bond"
The Jews were accustomed to use
formulas for oaths such as those
mentioned in Matthew 5:33-37.
They would have felt much at home
in our day when there is so much
dishonesty that people are constant
ly calling on God to witness to their
truthfulness. Those who have least
to do with Him and the worst rec
ords for dishonesty are most prone
to thus seek to bolster their word
What striking contrast is the
simple Eyes" or "no" of the true
Christian. Let us make our word
always good, because it is the ex-
preston of the integrity of our lives.