G E T T I N G T O K N O W T H E B O O K
(all numbers in parentheses list chapters and verses in this month’s Bible book, except where otherwise noted)
INTRODUCTION AND SUMMARY OF Paul vs. James
• Paul teaches grace and faith for sin-
James ners; he insists that good works never
justify, or approve, us before God
(Romans, Galatians, etc.)
• James assumes this foundation of faith
and grace, and insists that good works
What? 20th New Testament book, between Hebrews and
can and must justify Christians before
1 Peter
an unbelieving world (2:14-26).
Who? This letter to scattered Jewish Christians is named for its
Great topical study units:
writer, probably a half-brother of Jesus the Christ
• trials and temptations (1:2-15)
• true religion: doing the Word (1:18-27)
When? Perhaps the first writing of our New Testament — as
• partiality and prejudice against the
early as A.D. 45
poor (2:1-12)
• relation of faith and works (2:14-26)
Unique: The most earthy of NT letters, James has the flavor of
• the untamed tongue (3:2-12)
Solomon’s wisdom or Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount. This manual
• earthly vs. heavenly wisdom (3:13-17)
for Christian conduct is not written to evangelize the infidel,
• basic conflicts; basic repentance (4:1-12)
but to energize the believer.
• future plans; present duty (4:13-17)
On one hand . . . on the other hand • problems of the selfish rich (5:1-6)
• Jesus Christ is mentioned only twice . . . He is the Lord from • patient waiting for the Lord (5:7-12)
glory (1:1; 2:1). • effective prayer and healing (5:13-18)
• Healing follows faithful prayers . . . healing includes more
than physical wellness, and does not preclude the use of medi- Nature lover: the writer makes many
cine, i. e., oil (5:13-16). references to animals (3:7) and outdoors:
• Human obedience and good works are vital to Christian life wave of the sea (1:6); flower, reapers in
(2:14-26) . . . God’s grace and love among believers also receive the field (1:10; 5:4); horses’ mouths (3:3);
James’ emphasis. ship rudder (3:4); forest fire (3:5); spring
water (3:11); trees, vines (3:12); vapor
(4:14); moth-eaten garment (5:2); farmer,
Faith in God’s loving grace • Turning sinners from their way saves fruit (5:7); rain (5:7, 18); etc.
• God gives to all men liberally and with- from death and covers many sins (5:20).
out reproach (1:5). Vehement chastisement for those
• The Lord promises a crown of life to Works prove faith dominated by lust for pleasure or posses-
those who love Him (1:12). • controlling the tongue — no grum- sion. Selfish desire yields all kinds of
• Good gifts come from the Father who bling, swearing, criticizing, cursing hatred, strife, violence, and wars (4:1-4).
begat us (1:17, 18). (1:19, 26; 3:2-12; 4:11; 5:9, 12) Material hoarding deafens us to cries of
• The implanted word of God is able to • acting generously to orphans, widows, the less blest, masks the corruption and
save our souls (1:21). the poor, hungry (1:27; 2:2-7, 14-16) corrosion inside and the destruction
• God chooses the poor to be faith-rich • responding patiently and wisely ahead (5:1-6).
and inherit the kingdom (2:5). through tests (1:2-12; 5:7-14)
• Mercy triumphs over judgment (2:13). • showing a peaceable spirit and conduct
James in a sentence: A true and liv-
• God’s wisdom is full of mercy (3:17). (3:13-18)
ing faith in Christ is demonstrated by
• God draws near and gives more grace • turning from an evil world (4:4-10)
showing patience under trial, doing
to the humble (4:6-8). • doing the good we know to do (4:17)
the Word, befriending the lonely and
• The Lord is compassionate and merciful • practicing what’s preached (1:22-25)
helpless, controlling the tongue, giv-
(5:11). • praying earnestly (5:13-18; 1:5-8)
ing to the poor, and turning continu-
• Prayers of faith save the sick, and sins • obeying God’s royal laws (2:8-12)
ally away from sin to God.
will be forgiven (5:15).
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