It portrays Jesus Christ as “Our Pattern”
It has been called “A Practical Guide to Christian Life and Conduct”
The writer refers to himself as “James, a servant of God and of
the Lord Jesus Christ” (James 1:1).
- This James was probably the half brother of Jesus.
He did not become a follower of Jesus until after Jesus rose from
the dead.
- James was one of the people who saw Jesus after He
rose from the dead (1 Cor. 15:7).
James became a leader in the Church in Jerusalem and he
could have written this letter in Jerusalem. He met with Paul at
least two times (Gal. 1:19; Acts 21:18).
WRITTEN TO: Jewish Christians who were scattered across
many countries. Or adressed to “the twelve tribes which are
scattered abroad.”
There is no more Jewish book in the NT than this epistle; and
this is to be expected from a man whom both tradition and the
rest of the NT show was distinguished by a greater attachment
to the law of Moses than Paul
Where The Rubber Meets the Road
James is a practical book. It is a book that says not just what faith is, but
what faith does. It is a book that explains not just what to believe, but
how to live the life of a believer.
Even though James was probably written before Hebrews, it is a great
book to come after Hebrews in the Bible. Hebrews is about faith. James
is about faith applied.
James reminds us that being tempted isn’t the worst thing that could
happen. He reminds us that listening is not enough without action. He
reminds us that how we treat other people tells us the most about what
we believe. He reminds us that what we say matters a lot. He reminds
us that easy life isn’t almost the most nurturing environment for faith.
Some Highlights of the Kind of Practical Wisdom
found in the Book of James:
How To Communicate?
James 1:19 -- “Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to
speak and slow to become angry.”
What is the True Test of our Religion?
James 1:26 -- “If anyone considers himself religious and yet
does not keep a tight rein on his tongue, he deceives himself and
his religion is worthless.”
Images That Speak:
James was a good “describer.” He uses visual images to
show us truth while he tells us truth.
[Link] Religion is worthless?
James 1:26 -- The religion of a person who can’t control
his tongue.
2. Who is blown by the wind and tossed by the sea?
James 1:6 -- A person who asks for things from God but
doubts God will answer.
3. Who walks away from the mirror and forgets what
his own face looks like?
James 1:23-24 -- A person who listens to God’s word
but doesn’t do what it says.
4. What is like a body without a Spirit?
James 2:26 -- Someone’s faith without good deeds to
back it up.
5. What is like the small rudder (stirring wheel) on a
huge ship?
James 3:4-5 -- A person’s tongue and the words he
speaks with it.
6. What is powerful and effective?
James 5:16 -- The prayer of a righteous man.
7. Who covers a multitude of sins?
James 5:20 -- The person who turns a sinner from his
ways.
What is sin according to James 4:17?
Sin is not just doing wrong, but also
as failing to do what is right when you know
better.
“Sin of Omission” - Not doing something
good you ought to do.
KEY VERSE:
James 1:22 -- “But be ye doers of the word, and not
hearers only, deceiving your own selves.”
James 3:17 -- “But the wisdom that is from above is first
pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be intreated,
full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality and without
hypocrisy.”
James 2:17 -- “Even so faith, if it hath not works is dead,
being alone.”
TYPE OF BOOK: A letter of instruction.
James is famous for his strong link between faith
and good deeds.
This book is “the Proverbs of the NT” for it is filled with moral
precepts. It states the ethics of Christianity. It is full of figures and
metaphors. It compels real thought because it presents deeds.
The law of Christ for daily life is found in the world of “doers.” --
James 1:22
OUTLINE:
1. Comfort -- The book of James is the most practical of all the letters. A
key verse is James 1:22 in which James tells believers to be “doers of
the word, and not merely hearers.” 1:2-8, 22, 25, 27. James begins
and ends his letter with a strong encouragement to pray.
[Link] Against Specific Sins of which they are Guilty
[Link]
[Link] the rich
[Link] of the tongue
[Link] in faith without works
3. Exhortation to patience in Suffering and Prayer
We are to be patient in hard times. We can trust God
in whatever happens and be confident that our faith will be
rewarded when Jesus returns.
James teaches about faith. When a person’s faith is
tested, he or she can turn to God. God will make believers
strong and help them through hard times.
- James also teaches that faith without a life of works is a
dead faith. Faith in Christ should make Christians want to act in
good and loving ways toward others. (2:14—17)
- James includes practical instructions on how to live a life
that pleases God.
- James teaches us to control our tongues—to use them to
tell about Jesus and praise His name instead of saying unkind
things about other people.
- He also tells us to control our anger, obey God and care for
people who need help. We are not to treat some people better
than we treat others
POPULAR BIBLE VERSES
1. James 1:2-3
“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.”
2. James 1:5
“If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who
gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be
given to you.”
3. James 1:19
“Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to
speak and slow to become angry.”
4. James 2:17
Faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by
action, is dead.”
5. James 5:16
“Therefore confess your sins to each other and
pray for each other so that you may be healed.
The prayer of a righteous person is powerful
and effective.”
Activity Title:
"Living Out the Wisdom of James“
Instructions:
Write a short essay (around 200–300 words) based on these prompts:
Essay Prompt:
•Choose one major theme from the Book of James (examples: faith
and works, controlling the tongue, enduring trials, humility,
or the power of prayer).
•Explain what James teaches about this theme.
•Reflect on why this teaching is important today.
•Describe one way you can personally live out this teaching in your own life.
