Introduction to James

Faith in Action

• Well-known-first name only• Humble• A servant of God and Lord Jesus Christ• Ethical-moral writings• James the justifier-works of faith• McGee – “Old Camel Knees” piety

The Author

• James -father of Judas (Luke 6:16)• James-son of Alphaeus, disciple • James-the Apostle–Brother of John, “Sons of Thunder”–Son of Zebedee –Slain by Herod A.D. 44

• Oldest book, written before gosples

Which James?

• Son of Mary and Joseph• Oldest half brother Jesus• Nonbeliever at first• Saw risen Savior and Believed• Influential in the Jerusalem Council • Paul called him a pillar of the church• Writes with personal knowledge

James-Lords’ Brother

• Twelve tribes scattered• Dispersion by persecution• Jewish Christians –“Brethren” used 19 times–Brethren in blood-Jews–Brethren in the Lord-

Audience

• ENCOURAGE Christians• EQUIP-Faith in trials• ELEMENTARY teaching of Christ• ETHICS not doctrine• EXHORT-54 directives– Parallels “Sermon on Mount”– Compared to Book of Proverbs

Purpose

• Wiersby-“Time to Grow Up”• Born of the Spirit-be mature• Examine your life by Light of His Word• Be obedient no matter the cost• Faith in trials and testing

Application

• James teaching very relevant to today• Suffering for one reason or another • Talk one way, but walk another way • Worldliness-television, Internet• Power of the tongue

Relevance