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The Epistle of James

Christ Baptist ChurchFall 2014

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The Epistle of James - Review of last week

• The writer: James the brother of Jesus– James was a servant of God and leader of the early church

• Written to: Jewish Christians who fled Jerusalem and established church's in the surrounding area

• Central theme: Growth and maturity – living out your faith

James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, To the twelve tribes in the Dispersion:

Greetings.James 1:2

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James 1:1

• What were the main problems of James’ readers?

• What was the common cause of these of these problems?

• What are the 5 marks of a mature Christian?

• What are Wiersbe’s essential factors for spiritually mature?

• Personal Questions: Which is the most difficult for you?

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James – Turning Trials into Triumphs

Four Essentials for Victory

Joyful Attitude

Understanding Mind

Surrendered Will

Believing Heart

James 1:2

James 1:3

James 4, 9-11

James 5 -8

Count

Know

Let

Ask

Four Essentials for Victory

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James – Patience through Tribulation, A Joyful Attitude

Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds …

James 1:2

• What is the difference between human trials and Christian trials?

• What relationship exists between a person’s values and their attitudes toward trials?

• What can trials accomplish in the life of a believer?

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James – Patience through Tribulation, An Understanding Mind,

…… for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness

James 1:3

• Why can a Christian have joy in the midst of trials?

• Is this comfortable?

• How should a believer respond to trials?

• What is the result of trials?

1 peter 1 7 so that the tested genuineness of your faith —more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire—may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ.

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James – A Surrendered Will

9 Let the lowly brother boast in his exaltation, 10 and the rich in his humiliation,

because like a flower of the grass he will pass away. 11 For the sun rises with its scorching heat

and withers the grass; its flower falls, and its beauty perishes. So also will the rich man fade

away in the midst of his pursuits.12 Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under

trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised

to those who love him.James 1:9-12

And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.

James 1:4

• How important is patience?

• How do trials act as an equalizer between rich and poor?

• What is God’s goal for us?

• How do Abraham, Moses, the disciples illustrate the sanctification before service principle?

• What is God’s spiritual weaning process?

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James – A Believing Heart

 If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask 

God, who gives generously to all without 

reproach, and it will be given him. But let 

him ask in faith, with no doubting, for 

the one who doubts is like a wave of the 

sea that is driven and tossed by the wind. 

For that person must not suppose that he 

will receive anything from the Lord; he is 

a double-minded man, unstable in all his 

ways.

James 1:5-8

• When faced with a trial, what should you pray for and how should you pray?

• What part does wisdom play in trials?

• What does it mean to be double-minded?– Have an example?

• What relationship do you see between enduring temptation and loving the Lord?

• What do you learn about the reward God promises for enduring trials and temptations?

1 Kings 111:10 & 1 Cor 1:18-31

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James – Going Deeper

Read 1 Peter 1:6-9– In what ways do trials prove our faith is genuine? What does that mean?– How does having faith in what we have ”not seen” make a difference in difficult

times?

Read Hebrews 11:1,6– What do these verses say about the role of faith in our dealings with God?

Read Proverbs 3:5-6– Compare and contrast this passage with James 1:5-6. What helpful principles

about wisdom do you observe?