JAMES

JAMES 1

JAMES ENCOURAGES BELIEVERS TO ASK GOD FOR WISDOM 

James addresses Christians, those who have placed their faith in Jesus, by word of the disciples who have dispersed to share the gospel message.

Knowing that many of the disciples were facing persecution, James encourages them that trials and testing of their faith will produce strong faith and steadfastness. James challenges the disciples to find joy in the challenges they face, trusting that their faith is being cultivated.

James encourages the believers to ask God for wisdom. For those who ask with genuine faith, God will always answer this prayer and provide wisdom. James understands the temporary nature of riches and urges believers not to boast in their wealth.

Explaining a commonly misunderstood idea, James teaches that although God allows people to be tempted, God Himself does not tempt anyone. Each person is enticed by their own desires, causing them to produce sin and death. James clarifies that every good thing comes from God. The Enemy cannot create anything good, but attempts to distort God’s great creation.

James expresses the importance of being quick to listen and slow to speak. Although it is important to hear and comprehend God’s Word, James encourages believers to respond to what they have been taught. James boldly claims that faith without response is worthless, pointing to the deception found in religion without genuine faith. James provides examples of authentic responses to the news of Jesus, including caring for those in need and remaining resolute in their faith and uninfluenced by the world.

James 1:5 - If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him.

JAMES 2

JAMES WARNS AGAINST FAITH WITHOUT ACTION

James warns against favoritism within the church. Believers should not see wealthy or affluent people as more valuable than those who are poor or in need. James remembers the instruction of Jesus, to love your neighbor as yourself, regardless of status or wealth. James recalls this commandment, mentioned throughout the gospels, as an important command of Jesus (Matthew 22:39, Mark 12:31, Luke 21:27). Knowing the gracious and kind nature of Jesus, James emphasizes the value of mercy over judgment.

James argues that faith without works is disingenuous or dead. Although Jesus taught that salvation is gained through faith alone, James focuses on the actions that result from faith in Jesus. Recalling historical events of God’s people, James gives two examples of steadfast believers living out their faith. Starting with Abraham, James tells of Genesis 22, when God called Abraham to offer his son Isaac as a sacrifice. Similarly, Rahab the prostitute was obedient to God in Joshua 2, by protecting the Israelite spies in Jericho. Both Abraham and Rahab acted in faith, risking the lives of their families to follow God’s instruction. Seeing these actions as a response to faith, James compares faith without actions to a body without a spirit, dead and useless.

JAMES 3

GODLY WISDOM IS GREATER THAN WORLDLY WISDOM

James warns the believers that not all of them will be teachers of God’s words, explaining the higher standard and judgment that accompanies the role. James teaches the power of words and acknowledges that everyone stumbles in this area. Using the images of a small bit inside a horse's mouth and the small rudder that guides a ship, James explains how words contain great influence. Similar to a small match causing a forest fire, words can cause great hurt and misunderstanding. James encourages believers to use their words for blessing others instead of causing harm.

Noting the differences between godly wisdom and earthly wisdom, James states that jealousy and selfish ambition come from the world. The wisdom that God grants contains gentleness, reason, and mercy, resulting in sincere peace and righteousness.

JAMES 4

ALIGN WITH GOD’S WILL INSTEAD OF THE WAYS OF THE WORLD

James acknowledges the internal wrestling that can occur between personal desires and the pursuit of righteousness. James warns that friendship or comfort with the ways of the world is often in opposition to God’s desires. James reminds believers that God opposes the proud and shows grace to the humble.

Encouraging closeness with God, James urges believers to draw near to God and resist the temptations of sin. Because God is the only righteous lawgiver and judge, believers should not judge one another.

James emphasizes the fleeting nature of life, trusting God as the giver and sustainer of life, but knowing nothing is guaranteed. Using similar language to the book of Ecclesiastes, James describes life as a mist that appears for a short time and vanishes. James teaches that submitting to God’s will is more valuable than boasting in one’s own plans or accomplishments.

James 4:8 - Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded.

JAMES 5

JAMES VALUES PRAYERFULNESS AND PATIENCE OVER RICHES

Providing a warning to the rich, James cautions against placing too much value in material possessions. In the end, riches will rot away, gold and silver will corrode, and garments will be eaten by moths. If the wealthy have committed fraudulent acts, God will hear the cries of their victims. More than wealth, God values righteousness, faithfulness, and fairness.

Just as a farmer waits for the harvest, James teaches believers to prepare and establish their hearts for the eventual return of Christ. Remembering the suffering of Job and the Old Testament prophets, James encourages believers to be patient in their suffering. James teaches remaining steadfast to commitments and instructs the believers to let their “yes” be a confident yes and their “no” be a confident no.

James advocates for prayer in all situations, for strength, healing, and forgiveness of sins. Using the example of the Prophet Elijah praying for rain in a drought, James teaches that the prayers of a powerful person have great power (1 Kings 18). James encourages prayer and confession of sins as a common practice, so that believers can live together in unity. For those who have wandered away from the faith, James instructs believers to seek after them in persistent pursuit.

James 5:16 - Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working.