I. Who wrote the book & when?
James the half-brother of Jesus, a leader of the church in Jerusalem.
Written in the middle AD 40’s.
II. To whom was the book written & why?
Written to the scattered tribes of Israel
Written as a practical exhortation to spiritual growth and maturity
III. Themes of the Book:
A. Myth #1 – Trials Are Bad -Embrace the paradox -James is Rom. 3:1-5 in real time
B. Myth #2 – Faith is What You Think -Faith without works is worthless -Your faith is demonstrated by your works
C. Myth #3 – Religion is Personal -Faith that works is not isolated. -Faith that works cannot be compromised.
Next Steps:
ï¾ Trials are good from the loving heart of a good God! Isaiah 40:10-14
ï¾ Get busy living out your faith!
o Begin with the vertical – Trust Christ, Bible study, and prayer
o Proceed to the horizontal – physically get involved in a ministry at the church to serve God by serving others
o Work for things that are eternal – remember Matthew 6:19-20
ï¾ Holy living for the Lord requires wholly giving to the Lord!
More in The Book of James
July 29, 2012
Faith that works...July 22, 2012
Lessons at the door!July 15, 2012
What Is Your Life?