Introduction to James
James • Sermon • Submitted • Presented
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James Introduces himself
1 James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, To the twelve tribes scattered among the nations: Greetings.
He could have referred to being the brother of Jesus (John 7:1-5; 1 Cor. 15:7)
7 Then he appeared to James, then to all the apostles,
He could have reminded readers that he was the leader of the church in Jerusalem (Jerusalem Council in Acts 15:13)
13 When they finished, James spoke up. “Brothers,” he said, “listen to me.
He chose to identify as a servant of Christ
James greets his audience
His audience was the Jews
His audience was dispersed by persecution - Acts 8:1
And Saul approved of their killing him. On that day a great persecution broke out against the church in Jerusalem, and all except the apostles were scattered throughout Judea and Samaria.
Consider what? (vs. 2)
2 Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds,
Why are trials so important to our faith?
Why are we surprised by trials?
What are some important lessons you have learned from trials?
The Trials Cycle (vs. 3-4)
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.
Trials
Testing
Endurance
Maturity
What are some areas of your life where you have experienced this cycle?
Need Wisdom? (vs. 5)
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.
Why must we ask for wisdom from God?
Doubt (vs. 6-8)
6 But when you ask, you must believe and not doubt, because the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. 7 That person should not expect to receive anything from the Lord. 8 Such a person is double-minded and unstable in all they do.
Why do you think God demands that we not doubt Him?
What about doubt makes a person unstable?
What Lasts? (vs. 9-11)
9 Believers in humble circumstances ought to take pride in their high position. 10 But the rich should take pride in their humiliation—since they will pass away like a wild flower. 11 For the sun rises with scorching heat and withers the plant; its blossom falls and its beauty is destroyed. In the same way, the rich will fade away even while they go about their business.
Why is our status in the culture not a reliable indicator of status before God?
Where is a person’s confidence placed for the humble and for the wealthy?
Are poverty or wealth morally right or wrong?
