James

Illustration

stereotypes

British Person Drinks Tea

Background

Author: James (jesus’s half brother)

James was not originally believed to have been a follower of Christ during his time on Earth, but rather was converted after the resurrection

He became an important figure in the early church in Jerusalem that ultimately resulted in him being an apostle

Date of Authorship: Likely 45-48 AD (one of if not the earliest books of the NT)

The book is full of practicality. It is not narrative and does not necessarily address just his audience in particular. Rather, James gives an overarching view at the qualities of what it means to be a Christian

How important is James?

1 Cor 15:7

Big Idea- Faith is not defined by works, but rather made evident by them

V 2-4

Consider it joy when you face trials

Not an if statement but a when statement

Trials bring Joy?

For the non Christian, trials merely detract from a life of pleasure. They are of no benefit

Even for the Christian in name alone, trials can be seen as hardships that God has intentionally placed in our lives

James says that our trials are something that we should rejoice in experiencing if our ultimate goal is to follow the Lord

Tests reveal what we know

Example: Final Exams

steadfastness= Patience/endurance/persevearance

When we endure trials, we should not do so with a heart to see it end as quickly as possible, but rather as a people prepared to see it through to the other side

V 5-8

If you are enduring trials, often there is an overwhelming sense

Trials are not always easy or straightforward, often they are overwhelming and subdue us

James tells us that if we seek the wisdom of the heart of the Lord in obtaining this wisdom, God delights in giving it to us

“generously to all without reproach”

Gives more than you can imagine to everyone regardless of circumstance

When we ask, we have to have confidence in who we are asking and what we are asking of him

we should not ask as a confused or doubting

not that our doubts are insignificant, but they will lead to a spectrum