Scripture
Norman Grubb defends James as a holy man who embodies perfection and challenges his critics' superficial understanding of him.
Norman Grubb speaks highly of James, emphasizing his holiness and deep understanding of perfection, particularly in areas like patience, the law of liberty, faith, and controlling one's speech. Despite some viewing James as superficial, Grubb admires his profound insights and wishes he could embody such depth of faith and expression.
Text
James--I may speak a little later about James? James is a friend of mine. He wasn't of Luther's, but he is of mine. He is a holy man, James. Oh, he's a holy man. He knew a great deal more of holiness perhaps than some of his critics. He is full of perfection, "perfect patience," "perfect law of liberty," which we are to continue in, "perfect man with a bridled tongue." That's three. "Perfect faith" is another. He's the only man that mentions perfect faith in the Bible. "Perfect patience" in James 1:4; "perfect law of liberty" in James 1:25--which we are to continue in; "perfect faith" in James 2:22; and "the perfect man with the bridled tongue" in James 3:2. And James is supposed to be a kind of hollow superficial gentleman.
I wish I was as superficial as he was, that's all, and could talk that language because I live it.
Karuizawa Japan Conference of 1954
Sermon Outline
- Introduction to James
- Key characteristics of James' perfection
- Contrast between James' reputation and reality
- James' critics
- James' true character
- Perfect faith
Key Quotes
“I wish I was as superficial as he was, that's all, and could talk that language because I live it.” — Norman Grubb
“He is a holy man, James. Oh, he's a holy man.” — Norman Grubb
“He knew a great deal more of holiness perhaps than some of his critics.” — Norman Grubb
Application Points
- We should strive to live out our words and actions in a way that reflects our deep understanding of holiness.
- Perfection is not just a concept, but a reality that can be lived out in our daily lives.
- We should be careful not to judge others based on superficial appearances, but rather look for the depth of their character.