James
1. Who is James?
2. Who is James’ audience?
3. What is James’ focus?
4. Why should we read the book of James?
Who is James?
This James was the half-brother of Jesus, and he pastored the church in Jerusalem.
1 Jesus left there and went to his hometown, accompanied by his disciples. 2 When the Sabbath came, he began to teach in the synagogue, and many who heard him were amazed. “Where did this man get these things?” they asked. “What’s this wisdom that has been given him? What are these remarkable miracles he is performing? 3 Isn’t this the carpenter? Isn’t this Mary’s son and the brother of James, Joseph, Judas and Simon? Aren’t his sisters here with us?” And they took offense at him. 4 Jesus said to them, “A prophet is not without honor except in his own town, among his relatives and in his own home.” - Mark 6:1-4
Who is James’ Audience?
James was pastor in the Jerusalem church, writing to the 1st Century Jewish Christians residing in Gentile communities outside Palestine.
20 “One time Jesus entered a house, and the crowds began to gather again. Soon he and his disciples couldn’t even find time to eat. 21 When his family heard what was happening, they tried to take him away. ‘He’s out of his mind,’ they said.” - Mark 3:20-21
What is James’ focus?
The book is a pastoral letter written to help believers follow Jesus faithfully during hard times.
18 “But someone will say, you have faith; I have deeds. Show me your faith without deeds, and I will show you my faith by what I do”. - James 2:18
Why should we read the book of James?
James helps us understand how to live life the way God intends.
2 Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, 3 because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. 4 Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. - James 1:2-4
14 What good is it, my brothers and sisters, if someone claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save them? 15 Suppose a brother or a sister is without clothes and daily food. 16 If one of you says to them, “Go in peace; keep warm and well fed,” but does nothing about their physical needs, what good is it? 17 In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.
18 But someone will say, “You have faith; I have deeds.”
Show me your faith without deeds, and I will show you my faith by my deeds. - James 2:14-18
7 All kinds of animals, birds, reptiles and sea creatures are being tamed and have been tamed by mankind, 8 but no human being can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison.
9 With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse human beings, who have been made in God’s likeness. 10 Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers and sisters, this should not be. 11 Can both fresh water and salt water flow from the same spring? 12 My brothers and sisters, can a fig tree bear olives, or a grapevine bear figs? Neither can a salt spring produce fresh water. - James 3:7-12
• Come near to God and he will come near to you. (8)
• Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will life you up. (10)
• Anyone, then, who knows the good he ought to do and doesn’t do it, sins (17)
12 Above all, my brothers and sisters, do not swear—not by heaven or by earth or by anything else. All you need to say is a simple “Yes” or “No.” Otherwise you will be condemned. - James 5:12