It Is Time to Grow Up

The epistle of James was written around AD 45 and is the first book in the New Testament. Apostle James, the brother of Jesus, wrote the letter to scattered Jewish believers who were enduring severe persecution and hardship. At the time of writing, King Herod had just beheaded James the apostle, brother of John, while Peter was imprisoned awaiting execution. Simultaneously, a great famine was occurring in Egypt and affecting Judea, and believers faced numerous difficulties, trials, ridicule, slander, false accusations, and job loss. The believers were confused, wondering why since accepting Jesus Christ they had experienced only tribulation and trials without visible blessings.

James begins his epistle with instruction about trials: "Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything" (James 1:2-4). James explains the reason why God allows believers to endure such circumstances: to produce perseverance, and this perseverance in trials helps believers mature and become complete, lacking nothing. This aligns with Paul's teaching in Romans: "Suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not put us to shame" (Romans 5:3-5).

James' teaching is not mere encouragement or comfort but rather a command that must be obeyed. James does not say "if you are able" or "when circumstances permit" but issues a specific command: "consider" - expressed in imperative form. The epistle of James is not a deep theological explanation like Romans or Ephesians but rather practical instruction on what believers must do in their daily Christian walk. The purpose of the letter is to remind believers that true faith must be demonstrated through action, not merely through verbal confession. When a believer professes faith but acts contrary to that profession, the profession is mere hypocrisy, not genuine.

James establishes five criteria to test whether faith is genuine or merely a superficial profession: lack of perseverance when facing difficulties; mere profession without corresponding action; inability to control the tongue and words; love of the world and quarreling with others through greed; and accumulation of wealth while living for material possessions. Only believers mature in Christ can fulfill these teachings, while immature and weak believers fail to obey Scripture. The criticism from outsiders is that believers are worse than the godless, equally greedy, selfish, and deceitful. When believers fail to live according to their profession, God's name is dishonored and the Church is criticized.

The sermon reminds modern believers of the importance of spiritual maturity through concrete action. Before studying James, believers must be certain of their own salvation, honestly examine their spiritual life according to Scripture, particularly checking whether they persevere through trials and whether they truly live according to their profession. Finally, believers must wholeheartedly live and do according to God's teaching in Scripture, not merely hearing the word and deceiving themselves. "It is time to grow up" - this is the central message of the sermon.