JAMES BOOK OVERVIEW
NEW TESTAMENT LETTERS: JAMES ENCOURAGES ACTIVE FAITH
James, the brother of Jesus, advocated for Jesus as the Savior and taught believers how to respond in faith. The writing style of James displays his familiarity with the books of wisdom literature (Job, Proverbs, and Ecclesiastes) as well as the teaching of Jesus. James compounded upon Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount in Matthew 5-7, sharing similar messages of humility, righteousness, and perseverance.
The message of James is directed towards those who believe in Jesus. Although Jesus taught that salvation is gained through faith alone, the book of James focuses on the actions that result from faith in Jesus. James was not advocating that good works earn salvation; instead, they serve as a genuine response to salvation. James encouraged the disciples of Jesus to live out their faith in actions/good deeds.
MAIN IDEAS: FAITH IN JESUS INSPIRES GOOD WORKS
James challenged believers to be doers of the faith, not just hearers of the truth. (James 1:22)
Genuine faith inspires good works. Faith without works is dead. (James 2:17)
Do not let good works make you prideful; instead, value humility and meekness. (James 4:10)
Because of Jesus, believers can endure suffering and trials with peace. (James 1:2, 5:7-11)
EXAMPLE OF GOD’S CHARACTER: PROVIDER OF WISDOM
James knew Jesus closely and was familiar with His teaching. Growing up Jewish, James was familiar with the Hebrew text. Because of this, James was uniquely equipped to share the news of Jesus with a primarily Jewish-Christian audience. In a culture where very few people could read (and even fewer could write), James boldly declared that the wisdom of God was accessible to all who asked for it and believed.
James 1:5 says, “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him.” Asking for wisdom is a prayer to which God abundantly answers, “Yes!” James 3:13 encourages believers to show meekness in their wisdom by conducting themselves with righteousness. Later, James wrote that God draws near to those who pursue Him (James 4:8). God’s nearness and presence are accessible to believers! James desired for all followers of Jesus to embrace the goodness and wisdom they have been given by God.
JESUS IN JAMES: REMEMBERING THE SERMON ON THE MOUNT
Like the book of Jude, the book of James was written by one of Jesus’ brothers. James described himself as a servant of God and Jesus Christ. Imagine how convinced you’d have to be to describe your brother as Lord and Christ and yourself as His servant! James deeply believed that Jesus was the son of God and the Savior.
The message of James revolves around responding to the news of Jesus with genuine faith and life change. James believed that the news of the resurrected Jesus isn’t just something to believe, but something to act upon. The letter of James echoes many themes from Jesus’ most famous message - the Sermon on the Mount (found in Matthew 5-7) - including rejoicing in trials, serving God alone, avoiding anger, showing mercy, and seeking righteousness. Because James lived closely with Jesus, he was very familiar with Jesus’ teaching and instruction. Throughout his letter, James urged believers not to simply hear the words of Jesus, but to follow them with devotion.
