Introduction To The Book Of James/ Faith That Stands The Test

Introduction of James

James is the half brother of Jesus

Matthew 13:55 Is this not the carpenter’s son? Is His mother not called Mary, and His brothers, James, Joseph, Simon, and Judas?

Galatians 1:19 But I did not see another one of the apostles except James, the Lord’s brother.

James wasn’t a follower of Jesus until a post- resurrection appearance that convinced James that Jesus was the Christ.

Acts 1: 14 All these were continually devoting themselves with one mind to prayer, along with the women, and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with His brothers.

1 Corinthians 15:7 “then He appeared to James, then to all the apostles;”

He is also the Leader of the church in Jerusalem.

Galatians 2:9 “and recognizing the grace that had been given to me, James and Cephas and John, who were reputed to be pillars, gave to me and Barnabas the right hand of fellowship, so that we might go to the Gentiles, and they to the circumcised.”

Galatians 2:12 “For prior to the coming of some men from James, he used to eat with the Gentiles; but when they came, he began to withdraw and separate himself, fearing those from the circumcision.”

The book of James was written between AD 48 and 52

The book was written to the 12 tribes that were scattered abroad. James 1:1 “James, a bond-servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, To the twelve tribes who are dispersed abroad: Greetings.”

There are three major themes that will run throughout the book of James. (James Faith/Works, By: Matt Chandler)

Trials, suffering, and difficulty can be expected. They never surprise God.

God desires progress, not perfection, as we follow Jesus.

Riches and comfort will never satisfy the soul.

Faith That Stands The Test

James 1:2–8 “Consider it all joy, my brothers and sisters, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. And let endurance have its perfect result, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing. But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him. But he must ask in faith without any doubting, for the one who doubts is like the surf of the sea, driven and tossed by the wind. For that person ought not to expect that he will receive anything from the Lord, being a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways.”

Rejoice in the Trials (vv. 2-3)

James 1:2–3 “My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience.

One things is for sure, Trials are certain for every believer.

James tells us to consider it joy when we face trials. Why? because God is doing something meaningful through the trials.

We must understand that JOY is not based on our circumstances (there is no joy during trials), but on God’s purpose (Joy comes from knowing that God has a purpose in the trial.)

Our faith grows strongest in difficult seasons. Without trials are faith would never be put to the test. We would have no need to trust God without the trials.

1 Peter 1:6–7 “In this you greatly rejoice, even though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been distressed by various trials, so that the proof of your faith, being more precious than gold which perishes though tested by fire, may be found to result in praise, glory, and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ;”

Remain Steadfast Through The Process

James 1:4 “But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.”

We are called to have patience through our trials.

Why are we to have patience during trails? because God is developing spiritual maturity in us and the trials produce completeness and stronger character. (Have you ever faced a hardship where you come out on the other side better than when you went in?)

We don’t need to quit while God is working through the trials.

Galatians 6:9 “Let’s not become discouraged in doing good, for in due time we will reap, if we do not become weary.”

Request Wisdom And Trust God

James 1:5-7 “If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him. But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for he who doubts is like a wave of the sea driven and tossed by the wind. For let not that man suppose that he will receive anything form the Lord; he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways.

we can’t get through and handle trials correctly without God’s wisdom

God give wisdom generously to those who ask

Prayer must be mixed with faith, not doubt

A doubting heart becomes unstable

Proverbs 3:5–6 “Trust in the Lord with all your heart And do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He will make your paths straight.”