ESSENTIALS OF
JAMES
Written by one of Jesus’ earthly brothers, the letter from James conveys the pithy, no- nonsense tone of a sibling who wishes he had paid closer attention when his older brother spoke. James expresses a passionate, heartfelt and common- sense faith in Jesus. He seems to realize the folly of feverish claims of faith not supported by the way people live.
While James knows that people can fake the externals of faith, he expresses great concern about the dangers of such a false life when he pleads,“ Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says”( 1:22). As you read this letter, notice James’ s special ability to highlight places where the rubber of faith meets the road of life. The ways you face hardships, perceive others’ needs, speak and reach out all reflect the quality of the faith that guides you.
AUTHOR:
James, a leader of the Jerusalem church
AUDIENCE:
Jewish Christians who scattered because of persecution
DATE:
Perhaps before AD 50
SETTING:
James encourages former members of the Jerusalem church now dispersed throughout the Roman Empire.
• The good that comes from trials and temptations
• What we can learn from the poor
• The importance of controlling the tongue
WHAT TO LOOK FOR IN JAMES
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• How genuine faith finds a way to express itself
• The special challenges of riches
• The art of practicing prayer