James 1:1 | From James
Notes
Transcript
SERMON TITLE: From James
SCRIPTURE: James 1:1 (ESV)
SPEAKER: Josh Hanson
DATE: 1-4-26
TURN MIC ON / WELCOME
Happy New Year! And — as always it’s a joy to be with all of you this weekend at Gateway Church. And there’s one thing I want you to know — and this is true if you’re worshiping with us for the first time — if you’re joining us at our North Main Campus or are with our friends in Bucyrus — I want you to know that God loves you and that I love you too.
SERIES INTRO
New Year — new sermon series. For the first half of the year we’re going to be in the book of James. And since this will be a new book for us — today’s sermon is primarily going to be an introduction to the book.
But I want you to know that I have a personal fondness for this book because it was the first book of the Bible that I memorized from beginning to end. And — if you’re new to Gateway — you may be wondering, “Did I just hear him right? Did he say he memorized the entire book of James?” That’s what I said. Bible memory — if you don’t know — is something I’m fond of.
I’ve told this story before — so forgive me if you’ve heard it before — but my inspiration for Bible memory comes from my wife’s uncle — his name is Ron. It’s probably going on twenty years now — but I was talking to Ron at some family gathering and he mentioned how he had a bunch of books of the Bible memorized. I can’t remember how many — but it was a lot! It was impressive! It seemed so impossible! And it was inspiring!
So I decided to give it a try. And — again my memory’s a bit fuzzy all these years later — but Ron may have even recommended starting with James. So that’s what I did. Then Ephesians. And now — I’m currently finishing up First Corinthians — which will be the twenty-first book of the Bible that I’ve memorized — along with a few psalms.
And the book of James is a great first book if you’re intrigued by the idea of memorizing an entire book. I’ll tell you why in a moment — but it’d thrill me to know that I might inspire some of you to memorize God’s Word like Ron did for me.
But — for now — let’s turn to the book of James. Just one verse for us today — the opening verse of the letter. We’re in James chapter one — verse one.
1 James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, To the twelve tribes in the Dispersion: Greetings.
Here’s what I hope to accomplish in this sermon. First, I want to tell you about James — the man — who is he? Then we’ll look at the book — really it’s a letter — but we call them books of the Bible — but we’ll examine what kind of book James is — how is it laid out — who was it written for — and so on. And — finally — I’ll explain what you can expect
WHO IS JAMES?
Let’s begin by answering the question: Who is James?
He describes himself this way in our verse.
1 James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ
He calls himself a servant — the Greek word really means something more like a slave. Not in the abusive form of slavery that you may be thinking of — just a stronger obligation than what we might think of when we hear the word servant. Servant — to our ears — gives the impression of an employer employee relationship. An “I work for you and you pay me for what I am owed.” A slave — on the other hand — is someone who’s been purchased. Again — we can’t help but think of the abusive slavery that mars our nation’s past. But think of what Scripture tells us about what Christ accomplished on the cross?
9 And they sang a new song, saying: “You are worthy to take the scroll and to open its seals, because you were slain, and with your blood you purchased for God persons from every tribe and language and people and nation.
And…
19 Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, 20 for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body.
And…
4 But when the right time came, God sent his Son, born of a woman, subject to the law. 5 God sent him to buy freedom for us who were slaves to the law, so that he could adopt us as his very own children.
And…
11 For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people, 12 training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age, 13 waiting for our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, 14 who gave himself for us to redeem us from all lawlessness and to purify for himself a people for his own possession who are zealous for good works.
And…
9 But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light.
Friends, I’m not ignorant of the horrors done under the umbrella of slavery — but we cannot let mankind’s sinfulness cause us to disregard biblical truth. And — like James — all who believe in Jesus — have been…
Purchased by Christ’s blood.
And were bought with a high price.
Who were bought freedom by Jesus.
Who are now God’s possession.
And who are adopted into God’s family.
We’re servants of God — and more — if you believe in Jesus — you’re a slave of God.
Now — as hard as this may be for you — what I want us all to consider is how incredibly remarkable it is for James to describe himself this way. For he calls himself a slave of God and the Lord Jesus Christ. “Well that sounds neither incredible nor remarkable to me, Josh.” Well what if I told you that James was Jesus’ younger brother — what about now? Does James calling himself a slave of the Lord Jesus sound incredible and remarkable to you now? It should.
Think about it — and I especially want you to think about this if you’re not a Christian. If you have doubts about the validity of Christianity. Maybe you’re not sure about Christian’s claims about Jesus — like that he died and rose from the grave. Or maybe you’re uncomfortable with Christianity’s stance that it’s only through faith in Christ alone that salvation is found — if this is you — here’s my question: What would it take for your older brother to convince you that he’s God?
How many younger siblings do we have among us? All of the younger siblings raise your hands — raise them at North Main and in Bucyrus — how many younger siblings are among us?
OK — my question is directed at you all: What would it take for your older brother or sister to convince you that he or she is God? Is there any way that you think they could convince you? Like — not pretend convince — not like “If they give me a million dollars I’ll play along with their delusion” — I’m talking about “I’m so believe my older sibling is God that I’m willing to die for my belief.” Keep your hand up if you think your older sibling could convince you that they’re God.
Now — where are all of my fellow older siblings at — raise your hands. Older siblings — my brother and sisterhood. We’re the responsible ones, right? We had to work hard to get away with anything because our parents were all over us — they didn’t get tired and start to relax on their parenting until the other siblings came along, right?
So — to my fellow older siblings — what would you need to do to convince you're younger siblings that you're God? I’ve got one brother — he’s a lawyer. That’s right — a pastor and a lawyer — which means I’m the fun uncle. But — no matter how fun I am — one thing I know I’ll never do is convince my brother that I’m God. It ain’t gonna happen.
And — just so we’re not thinking that maybe James was a gullible kind of guy or something. Here’s how Jesus’ brothers viewed him before his death and resurrection.
1 After this Jesus went about in Galilee. He would not go about in Judea, because the Jews were seeking to kill him. 2 Now the Jews’ Feast of Booths was at hand. 3 So his brothers said to him, “Leave here and go to Judea, that your disciples also may see the works you are doing. 4 For no one works in secret if he seeks to be known openly. If you do these things, show yourself to the world.” 5 For not even his brothers believed in him.
Now James isn’t specifically mentioned — none of Jesus’ brothers are specifically named. But we’re also not told that any of his brothers were absent — so it’s reasonable to think that James didn’t always believe his brother was God.
So — James — who didn’t always believe that his brother was God — instead of identifying himself by his familial relationship with Jesus — “James, the younger brother of Jesus Christ — identifies himself as a slave of the Lord Jesus Christ. What I can’t do to my brother — convince him that I’m God — and what you can’t do to your siblings — if you’re the oldest — convince them that you’re God — and what your older sibling can’t do to you — if you’re not the oldest — convince you that he or she is God — is what James is convinced of. He believes that his older brother — Jesus — is the Lord Jesus Christ.
Lord means ruler — and specifically — the Ruler of all rulers — the King of all kings — the One who has authority and power over all things — because he’s God. And Christ means God’s promised Savior — the One who left Heaven and came to earth to purchase people in order to save them from their sin.
So — in his opening words — James challenges all of us: Do you believe in the Lord Jesus Christ? Notice I’m not asking if you believe that you’re a Christian. As one author has said, “A modern Christian believes that believing he is a Christian is enough to make him a Christian. He thinks that his vague acknowledgment of God’s reality and of Christ’s saving work comes close enough to discipleship.” Where — the author goes on to say — you treat Jesus “as you might treat a friendly acquaintance at a party, nodding to him from across the room and then hoping desperately that he doesn’t come over to actually interact with you.” And later writes, “Is Christianity sort of like a hobby, or a mild interest, or a contingency plan for a rainy day? This, I think, is how we have ended up as a “Christian”nation that looks, acts, and functions nothing like a Christian nation.” And then states, “That’s the thing about Jesus: He’s either Lord and Savior and our only source of joy in this world, or he’s a nuisance.”
Yeah — we’re starting 2026 off hot. Because this is eternally important: Is Jesus your Lord? Your Master? The One who owns you? Yes — he loves you — don’t dismiss his love. Don’t ever dismiss his love — because — in love — he’s purchased your life by giving his on the cross.
Is Jesus your Lord? And is he your Savior? He was for James — even though Jesus was also his older brother. Talk about an incredible and remarkable defense of Christianity: Even Jesus’ siblings were convinced that he was God.
Who knew we could get so much out of half a verse where a guy named James introduces himself?
Well what else do we know about James — what do we learn about him in other parts of the Bible? James is mentioned by name in a few passages. For example — in Matthew — and in Mark where the story is repeated — we read…
53 And when Jesus had finished these parables, he went away from there, 54 and coming to his hometown he taught them in their synagogue, so that they were astonished, and said, “Where did this man get this wisdom and these mighty works? 55 Is not this the carpenter’s son? Is not his mother called Mary? And are not his brothers James and Joseph and Simon and Judas? 56 And are not all his sisters with us? Where then did this man get all these things?” 57 And they took offense at him. But Jesus said to them, “A prophet is not without honor except in his hometown and in his own household.” 58 And he did not do many mighty works there, because of their unbelief.
While in his hometown of Nazareth — Jesus’ is rejected by the crowd. They couldn’t believe what he was saying and doing. One of the ways they justified their unbelief was by saying, “We know where this guy comes from — we know his family. His mom is Mary. We know his brothers.” And they mention James.
Passages where his brothers didn’t believe him and when his family was waiting outside for him.
We also find James in the book of Acts — the story of the early church. And he quickly rose to a prominent leadership position in the church in Jerusalem. For example — after Peter was miraculously rescued from a prison — he went to let some people know that he was alive and safe. And there was an obvious commotion.
17 But motioning to them with his hand to be silent, he described to them how the Lord had brought him out of the prison. And he said, “Tell these things to James and to the brothers.” Then he departed and went to another place.
Later — when there was a debate about non-Jews coming to faith in Jesus — there was a big meeting in Jerusalem. Much discussion takes place about what should be required of Gentiles who came to faith in Jesus. Peter speaks first and gives his thoughts — about four sentences of material. Then Barnabas and Paul speak — both prominent leaders in the early church — none of their words are recorded. And last to speak is James. And — of all of those who spoke — the most words written down are from James. Here’s what he said.
13 When they had finished, James stood and said, “Brothers, listen to me. 14 Peter has told you about the time God first visited the Gentiles to take from them a people for himself. 15 And this conversion of Gentiles is exactly what the prophets predicted. As it is written: 16 ‘Afterward I will return and restore the fallen house of David. I will rebuild its ruins and restore it, 17 so that the rest of humanity might seek the Lord, including the Gentiles— all those I have called to be mine. The Lord has spoken— 18 he who made these things known so long ago.’ 19 “And so my judgment is that we should not make it difficult for the Gentiles who are turning to God. 20 Instead, we should write and tell them to abstain from eating food offered to idols, from sexual immorality, from eating the meat of strangled animals, and from consuming blood. 21 For these laws of Moses have been preached in Jewish synagogues in every city on every Sabbath for many generations.”
Some of the most powerful words — in the book of Acts — are spoken by James: We should not make it difficult for the Gentiles who are turning to God. Since the beginning of Christianity — the tendency has always been to make it harder for people to follow Jesus than it needs to be. Believe in Jesus — and — don’t play cards — or — don’t go to the movies — or — make sure you boycott Disney — or — never mind we’re not boycotting Disney this year — or — all of these behaviors that we so easily mix up with faithfully following Jesus according to God’s Word.
A few chapters later in Acts — Paul returns to Jerusalem — and there we find James mentioned again.
Paul — while defending the resurrection of Christ in his letter to the Christians in Corinth — Paul writes…
3 For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received: that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures, 4 that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures, 5 and that he appeared to Cephas (that’s Peter), then to the twelve. 6 Then he appeared to more than five hundred brothers at one time, most of whom are still alive, though some have fallen asleep. 7 Then he appeared to James, then to all the apostles. 8 Last of all, as to one untimely born, he appeared also to me.
Back to my question earlier — what would it take for you to believe that your sibling is God — how about a resurrection appearance? I bet that’d do it.
In his letter to the Christians living in Galatia — Paul mentions James a few times. He recounts his visit to Jerusalem that’s also recorded in the book of Acts. But I want you to see how Paul refers to James.
9 In fact, James, Peter, and John, who were known as pillars of the church, recognized the gift God had given me, and they accepted Barnabas and me as their co-workers. They encouraged us to keep preaching to the Gentiles, while they continued their work with the Jews.
Paul calls James — along with Peter and John — both were original followers of Jesus — Paul calls James a pillar of the church — meaning — he’s key — he’s a main support beam — in the church.
And — finally — James is also mentioned in the book of Jude — which begins with these words.
1 Jude, a servant of Jesus Christ and brother of James, To those who are called, beloved in God the Father and kept for Jesus Christ:
“Wait, wait, wait. Are you telling me that James isn’t the only sibling of Jesus who eventually believed that he was God?” That’s right — not only did Jesus’ younger brother James believe that he was the Lord Jesus Christ — so did Jude. Jude also doesn’t introduce himself as Jesus’ younger brother — but as Jesus’ servant — which is the same word James used to mean slave. But Jude does want to be recognized as James’ sibling. Why? Probably because of the authority that James had in the early church — he was a pillar, after all.
And though we don’t find his death in Scripture — church history tells us that James was stoned to death by religious leaders, with the execution having both political and religious motivations.
WHAT KIND OF BOOK IS JAMES?
So that’s James — the man — what about James — the book. What kind of book are we about to spend half of the year in?
Earlier I mentioned that I think James is a great first book if you’re intrigued by the idea of memorizing an entire book. Here’s why I say that. James is written with distinct sections that are mostly topically based. And this makes memorizing it easier than some of the other books you find in the Bible. For you can work on one small section — that’s focused on a singular topic — get it memorized — and then move on to the next section that’s usually on a completely different topic.
In fact — in the New Testament — James is often considered to be wisdom literature. One biblical scholar has said that James is, “Often referred to as the “New Testament book of Proverbs.” James is fundamentally focused on practical Christian living — emphasizing that genuine faith must bear fruit through loving service, not just right doctrine.” So James teaches truth — but then shows you what believing that truth looks like in how you behave.
And wisdom literature often does this by challenging what we think is wise and foolish. Wisdom literature is often like, “Here’s how things work. Veer from my advice and you’ll probably find yourself in a world of pain.” And wisdom literature often really upsets us — because — when you don’t follow wisdom’s advice — you’re called a fool. And the only thing worse than being a fool is being called one. So — warning — James is going to challenge what you believe and — how what you believe is shaping what you do — mainly by pointing out where you’re being foolish.
For example, right away we’re challenged by the words…
2 Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles of any kind come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. 3 For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow.
I’m not going to go in depth with any of these right now — I’m just going to let wisdom do what wisdom does — challenge all of us. And she does so — here — by telling us to consider trouble in life as an opportunity for joy — because trouble helps our faith to endure and grow.
Wisdom says…
19 Understand this, my dear brothers and sisters: You must all be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to get angry. 20 Human anger does not produce the righteousness God desires.
If wisdom tells us to be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to get angry — and yet — we live in a world that is slow to listen, quick to speak, and quick to get angry — we must conclude — the way of the world in which we live is the way of foolishness.
Wisdom says…
22 But don’t just listen to God’s word. You must do what it says. Otherwise, you are only fooling yourselves.
Ouch. It’s so much easier to just listen, isn’t it? Maybe even feel convicted by God’s Word — but that’s not enough. Wisdom says we must do what the Word of God says.
Wisdom says…
26 If you claim to be religious but don’t control your tongue, you are fooling yourself, and your religion is worthless.
We’re going to discover that wisdom has a lot to say about our words.
One last example of the words of wisdom.
14 But if you are bitterly jealous and there is selfish ambition in your heart, don’t cover up the truth with boasting and lying. 15 For jealousy and selfishness are not God’s kind of wisdom. Such things are earthly, unspiritual, and demonic.
Demonic? Really? Jealousy and selfishness are demonic? According to God’s wisdom — yes. But what about you — do you agree with wisdom or not?
One last detail about the book of James: Who is James writing to? In our verse we read…
1 James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, To the twelve tribes in the Dispersion: Greetings.
Who are the twelve tribes in the Dispersion? These were Jewish-Christians — so followers of Jesus, like James, who had a Jewish background. Throughout the letter we’ll find that James assumes his audience has familiarity with the Old Testament law — something not to be expected if his original readers were primarily of Gentile background.
Knowing that James was part of the church in Jerusalem and — from the book of Acts — how many of the early Jewish Christians had to flee from Jerusalem for their lives — most likely — his intent was for his letter to go to these groups of believers who had been dispersed throughout the Roman Empire. Why does that matter? Well it tells us that James — most likely in a pastoral role in the church in Jerusalem — continued to pastor his people even after they had been scattered due to persecution. What love he must have had for these people to continue to shepherd and lead them by letter.
CONCLUSION: WHAT’S TO COME
So that’s James — the man — and James — the book. So here’s a bit more of what’s to come as we venture through the book of James. We’re going to discover…
Where good comes from.
And what true religion is.
James will challenge us about our prejudices.
And what true saving faith actually is.
We’re going to learn a lot about the words that come out of our mouth — as we saw earlier.
And where division comes from.
And there’ll be quite a few words to those who are rich.
And James will even teach us an important lesson on the power of prayer.
And — in my humble opinion — it doesn’t really matter who you are — young or old — male or female — married or single — even Christian or not — you won’t want to miss our time in James. For every week — there will be something for you — something that challenges you, inspires you, and encourages you to follow the way of wisdom and turn from the way of foolishness.
Parents — make sure your teenagers are here. For there’s no better way to help them prepare for adulthood than by having them learn from God’s wisdom and to be warned about the world’s foolishness.
Wives — make sure your husbands are here — and husbands do the same for your wives. For there’s no better way to build your marriage on wisdom than by you — together — learning from God’s wisdom.
College students — get your roommates to church. There will be something for all of us to learn from God and his wisdom.
May 2026 year be a year of tremendous growth for all of us — as we grow in the wisdom of God as found in the book of James. Let’s pray.
PRAYER
A
BENEDICTION (Prayer teams available)
May you go committing yourself to growing in the wisdom of God in this coming year. And may you do so trusting that he generously gives his wisdom to anyone who asks. Amen.
God loves you. I love you. You are sent.
