The Book of James Guide-Lesson 01
James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, to the twelve tribes which are scattered abroad, greeting. –KJV (James 1:1)
Lesson 1: Live out your faith- Do you know what your calling is?
1. The Author-James
· James the father of Judas ( not Iscariot; Luke 6:16 ).
· James the son of Alphaeus ( Matthew 10:13; Mark 3:18; Like 6:15; Acts 1:13).
· James the son of Zebedee and brother of John (Mark 1:19).
· James the Younger ( Mark 15:40 ).
· James the brother of Jesus ( Matthew 13:55; Gal.1:19). James was an unbeliever prior to the resurrection of Christ (John 7:3-10; 1 Cor.15:7). Early on he was recognized as the leading Overseer (Elder) of the Judean Church (Acts 12:17; 15:13; Gal.2:1, 9-10, 12), and is commonly regarded as the writer of this Epistle. He was surnamed "the Just" by his countrymen, and it has been said that he spent so much time on his knees in prayer that they became hard and callous like a camel's knees. It is believed that James was married (1 Cor. 9:5). He was very influential in the early church among the Jews and in the Church. Peter reported to him upon his release from prison (Acts.12:17), and Paul acted on his advise (Acts 21:18-26). He also endorsed Paul's work to the Gentiles, but was himself mainly concerned with the Jews. According historians, James was stoned and clubbed to death while he was on his knees praying, "Father, forgive them, they know not what they do," when he refused to denounce Christ as the Messiah.
1. Servant defined:
“A servant of God and the Lord Jesus Christ.”
A slave, one who is in a permanent relation of servitude to another, his will being altogether devoted in the will of the master (Matt. 8:9; 20:27; 24:45-46).
“Servant”- Doulos is defined as:
There are five (5)Greek words for servant “Of the five Greek words translated “servant” in the New Testament, doulos is the most common word. It designates one who,
· was born into his condition of slavery,
· one bound to his master as his slave,
· one who was in a permanent relationship to his master, which relationship could only be broken by death,
· one whose will was consumed in the will of his master - 1 Corinthians 7:23,
· one who served his master even to the extent that he disregarded his own interests and well-being- Matthew 20:27, Mark 10:44.
This word emphasizes that the master has complete control of the slave who is totally submissive to him.. William Barclay draws the following implications of being a slave:
· Implies absolute obedience - A slave has no rights of his own, whatsoever. He is bound to give absolute and unquestioning obedience to his master.
· Implies absolute humility - It is the word of a man who thinks not of his privileges but of his duties; not of his rights but of his obligations.
· Implies absolute loyalty - A slave has no interests of his own, but is utterly pledged to God. His own preference and profit do not enter into his calculations.
· Implies a certain pride - Your position as a slave is largely dependent upon whose slave you are. This was the title of some of the greatest servants of the Old Testament:
· Moses (1 Kings 8:53); Joshua (Josh. 2:8); Abraham, Isaac, Jacob (Deut. 9:27).
· This is distinctly the title by which the prophets were known (Isa. 20:3; Amos 3:7; Zech. 1:6; Jer. 7:25).
· Implies absolute dependence - A slave does not have the worries that free men do, no worries about his clothes, lodging, or food. These are all the master's concerns. The only greatness to which the Christian can ever aspire is the greatness of being the slave of God (cf. 1 Cor. 6:20). of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ--God the Father and Christ are put on the same level. We have the obligation to serve the Son as we do the Father (cf. John 5:23). The term Lord (hurios) is used 14 times in this epistle a:1,7,12; 2:1; 4:10,15; 5:4,7,8,10,11 [twice],14,15). It is usually not clear whether Christ or the Father is in view.
James also knew to whom he belong to and served, God and the Lord Jesus Christ.
2. The Audience- “…to the twelve tribes which are scattered abroad.”
3. The Greeting- “Greeting”- A common everyday Greek salutation.
4. Time Period: It is widely accepted that the Book of James was written between A.D. 34 and 49.
· James was killed in A.D. 62, so the epistle had to be written before this date.
· The book of James is probably the earliest of the New Testament writings.
Faith-Walk Study Questions:
1. Why did you join this Bible study?
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2. What are one or two things you hope to gain from participating in this class?
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3. Who wrote the book of James?
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4. To whom was he writing this letter? When? Why?
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5. What does the word “servant” means?
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6. Whom do you serve and belong to?
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7. Why is it important to know who you are in Christ?
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8. Do you consider yourself a servant of Christ? Why? Why not?
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9. Who are the recipients of this letter?
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Notes:
Reading Assignment: Read James 1:2-12
Faith-Walk Action Plan:
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Memory Verses:
2Dear brothers and sisters, whenever trouble comes your way, let it be an opportunity for joy.
3For when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow.
4So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be strong in character and ready for anything. - James 1:2 - 4 (NLT)