JAMES
Theme: Faith & Works
Author: James, some consider him to be the brother of Jesus. It would also be James the cousin of Jesus
Time: 40-50 AD (could be 7 years after the accession of Jesus)
Many believe James is the first New Testament book ever written. It is historically a book that divided people but we should love this book.
Written to the church at large not a specific church
Key Words:
Faith 16 times
Works 16 times
Law 10 times
Key Scripture:
James 2:17 ESV
17 So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead.
Many early reformed church leaders had a problem with this thought… that faith is connected to works
This does not mean that works = salvation. Faith has to be connected to works because faith is justified by the works that you do.
We act on what we believe. If we believe Jesus is Lord then we act on it
Our belief/ faith has to come from a love for God.
Work is a manifestation of faith but finds their motivation and fulfillment in love. Love closes the gap between faith and works
Structure:
James1:1-21: Faith tested and shown by our temptations
You’re not tempted by God but led astray by your own desires
The nature of your temptation is that God allows it but he wants you to succeed. He uses temptation to strengthen you
James 1:22-2:26
James 3:1-18: Faith shown by our words
James 4:1-5:6: Faith is shown by our unworldliness
James 5:7-12: Faith is shown by our patience
James 5:13-20: Faith is shown by our prayers
Purpose of the Book:
1. To comfort and encourage Hebrew believers who were going through trials and temptations
Early Christian believers who were people who formally identified as Jews.
2. To correct some disorders and misconceptions among the Hebrew Believers’ assemblies
3. Refute the tendency to divorce faith and works
Faith justifies your soul and works justify your faith
Message of the Book:
1. Trail and striving is God’s way of maturing the believer
2. True faith is shown by it’s good works
3. Good works are not a means to justification, but rather the product of sanctification and the means to glorification