Forge Church

James is still concerned about the responses of his churches when it comes to godly response to need. His illustrations would shock pagans, but must be dealt with within the churches. He sets up a diabribe argument with a opponent who holds to faith-alone for Salvation, and with argument, with Scripture, and with history, dismantles that belief system. A radically changed life is called out for in the lives of those with faith claims, to show proof of the presence of saving faith.

In this passage, James points out that favoritism is rife in the churches. He comes at it rationally, and biblically, laying out his case that faith and favoritism is a toxic blend. It is God intent that the church be the only place where age, wealth, parentage, color, education, ethnicity, etc., have no place. All that is leveled in our worship and honor of Jesus Christ, the Glory of God.

James is building towards godly expressions that he sees as critical for the early churches. He is urging, commanding, illustrating, all to get his listeners to realize that the old life must die, and the new life in Christ must begin to be displayed....but displayed how? James does not want them to be deceived here, so is very specific as to what true religion is, and how it is displayed.

James moves from gentle command to the in-your-face variety, reminding the scattered believers in Jesus that Gopd is at work in their trials, but He is not a tempter. James presents the life cycle of sin, and its antidote.

James begins his general epistle to scattered followers of Jesus as Messiah, knowing that they are experiencing trials. The first blast is one of "Be constantly rejoicing." He follows that with what is produced by the trials that come/are coming...endurance, maturity, peace.

This an introduction to the Epistle of James, first born son of Joseph and Mary, and 1/2 brother of Jesus of Nazareth. During the lifetime of Jesus, James was not a believer. Only after a post-Resurrection appearance did James believe in Jesus as Messiah, Christ. He rose to leadership in the Jerusalem fellowships, living until AD 62, when he was martyred. James' Epistle ws the first New Testament document follow the death of Jesus, sent to minister to scattered Jewish believers.

This 6 verse conclusion of the 4th Servant Song is deep and rich, with amazing statements of provision for us. The Servant shouldered our willful sins AND our inadvertent sins, taking on Himself the penalty and consequences of all that for all mankind, resulting in a sufficient guilt offering to restore man to God , and satisfy God's character. We, His family, a greatly blessed.

The full reasons for the Servant's suffering are being made clear. He was despised and shunned by Israel, then there arose a believing remnant who had formerly rejected Him. 700 years before the birth of Yeshua (God Saves) in Bethlehem, God guarantees the outcome of the Servant's suffering. He took all sin and its consequences on Himself, satisfying God's need to deal with sin, making a way back to God for all mankind.

Here in this 5th episode, we see the Servant abused and exhalted, That is an enigma, but Lord God is guaranteeing the outcome of the first Advent of the Servant. While that was 700 years ahead of the Isaiah text, and 2000 years behind us...the prophetic statements point to the power and authority of God to accomplish His will with His servant.

This study on the 3rd Servant Song of Isaiah introduces the reality that the Servant will suffer.....and that He willfully chooses to submit Himself to the beatings, the tearing of the beard, and the mockery and spit. How did he get to that point of trust in Adonai Yahweh? He was discipled into it....morning by morning. We need to follow in His footsteps.