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Ch.1
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General Introduction to this form of Bible Study Before you start reading the Notes, may we recommend the following: 1. You pause and pray and ask for God's help for the Bible to come alive to you. 2. You have your Bible open infront of you and read the passage through completely first. 3. You work your way through the questions looking for answers in your Bible. 4. Then and only then, read through the commentary.
The primary objectives of these studies are a) to get you to read the Bible and b) to take in what you have read. At the end of each page of studies (normally a chapter) there will be a 'Recap' to remind you of what you have read. At the end of every 'set' (see the front Contents page) there will also be a 'Summary' and a 'Conclusions' that cover the pages in that set.
INTRODUCTION to James
NB. James particularly lends itself to being personalised. If you wish to read James in a personalised form before doing the study, please CLICK HERE
Who, When, Where and What?
The letter to James has many question marks over it. Disputes rage over whether it was written by James the brother of Jesus or another James. We are also uncertain as to when it was written and where it was written. As we examine it we find that it is more of a sermon than a pastoral letter so perhaps it was notes taken of a message by James which was then circulated to the churches. To Whom?
Here we can be more definite: it was to Jewish Christians scattered in the world (see 1:1 & 2:1). Although these are the only two references to Jesus, there is also reference to our new birth ( 1:18 ). Why Written and the Challenge of James
There is no obvious reason given for writing beyond the indication that James has a pastoral heart that cares for God's people scattered in the world. It speaks to our needs, living in a difficult world, and it challenges unreality and hypocrisy like few other New Testament letters. It powerfully demands righteous living with an active and dynamic faith. In many ways it is a thoroughly uncomfortable letter for Christians in the twentieth century. Breakdown
Suggested subject headings for each chapter could be:
Part 1 : “Trials & Tribulations”
In this first chapter we will see something of the pastoral heart of James that recognises that we live in a world that is often difficult, but this is no soft pastoral concern; there is within it a concern for righteousness and holiness of attitude and living which comes up throughout James. As well as caring, it is also powerful and hard hitting and James doesn't let us get away with anything!
Chapter: James 1 Passage: James 1 :1 A. Find Out:
1. Read Acts 12:17 & 15:13 Who does James appear to be? 2. How does he first describe himself? v.1a 3. How does he describe Jesus? v.1b 4. To what nation does he appear to speak? v.1c 5. How does he describe them? v.1d B. Think:
C. Comment:
Most commentators believe that this James was James the leader of the church in Jerusalem , believed to be the half-brother of Jesus. The absence of any further designation in his opening indicates, not merely that he was well known, but that his authority was without question (Paul when he had to defend his apostleship always described himself as an apostle, but only when he had to defend himself). It is likely then that he is a well known leader and that his heart is particularly for Jewish Christians who are now scattered around the world. It is obviously of value to Gentiles as well.
Although well known and with unquestionable authority, he does not put on airs and graces. He simply describes himself as a servant, God's servant. In a very practical down to earth letter (or sermon) it is as if he wants us to realise that religion is not about having high and mighty values and views, but is about being servants, about being humble and full of grace. Not only that, it is being a servant of God. Of men yes, but of God first and foremost. That means that all we do is to be done in relationship to God, not because of what men might say, but because of what God has said and will say.
D. Application:
Chapter: James 1 Passage: James 1:2-4
A. Find Out:
1. What are we likely to face? v.2b 2. How are we to consider them? v.2a 3. What is happening then? v.3a 4. And what does it produce? v.3b 5. And what effect is that to have? v.4 B. Think:
C. Comment:
James is writing to scattered Christians, Christians living in the midst of an alien world, Christians who will be having difficulties in daily life, difficulties that often seem hard and so from the outset he advocates an entirely different way of thinking.
First note the two words being used: “trials” and “testings”. These both indicate that we are being put through circumstances to see how we will get on. The Greek word for “trial” is the same one that is translated elsewhere as “tempt” and when this happens we are given a choice of action and we are required to choose which course to take. Second, let's note how we are to deal with this trial. When a difficult circumstance arrives we are to view it as something good that can benefit us! Yes, we are to consider it (or think of it) as pure joy, as something wonderful from God to help develop us! That is a rather different approach than most of us adopt!!! But yes, we are to see it as a means of developing perseverance and maturity in us. Yes it may be hard to put up with but that is how perseverance (that ability to keep on) is developed, and that is a sign of Christian maturity that Christ wants to bring in all of us (see Ephesians 4:13 ). D. Application:
Chapter: James 1 Passage: James 1:5-8
A. Find Out:
1. What should we do and when? v.5a 2. How will God give? v.5b 3. How must that person ask? v.6a 4. What is a doubter like? v.6b 5. What will the doubter receive? v.7 6. Again, what is a doubter like? v.8 B. Think:
C. Comment:
Above James spoke about the trials of living in an alien world but said that we should view them as an opportunity to grow. Now he adds to that by recognising that we so often have concerns about how we should act, what we should do, how we should behave and so on while we live in the midst of this alien world. He declares that we obviously need wisdom, that knowledge of how to act, and that will come freely from God if we ask positively.
First observe how God gives wisdom: it appears that He almost delights in giving us the understanding of what to do, for James says God will give it in great measure (generously) and he won't stop to criticise you for needing it. No God is not going to be “picky”, He is for you, He wants you to be blessed and He'll show you how to be.
Second note how we need to ask: believing what we have just said. There are times in this letter when James is devastating in his critique and this is one of them! A doubter is someone who is not sure about what he is asking, and God only gives to the sincere! A doubter get blown all over the place by feelings and conflicting thoughts. Rely on the truth, hold to what we have said, believe! D. Application:
Chapter: James 1 Passage: James 1:9-11
A. Find Out:1. How should the poor man think on his position? v.9 2. How should the rich man view his position? v.10a 3. Why? v.10b 4. What example from nature does James give? v.11a 5. How does he apply it? v.11b B. Think:
C. Comment:
Some strange verses at first sight! Remember that James is speaking to Christians dispersed around the world, living in the world with its problems and has just exhorted them to look to God for wisdom as to how they should live. Now he suggests how they should view themselves in the light of spiritual realities.
The Christian in humble circumstances, or who is poor, should not compare himself with his rich unbelieving neighbour but instead should consider himself as God sees him: someone who is cared for greatly by the Lord. The Bible shows that God's heart is for the poor and needy, because He cares for all people but especially feels for those in need. (e.g. Luke 6:20). The Christian shouldn't place high value on being affluent with goods but affluent in spirit (Matthew 6:20 )
Look, James goes on, the rich person, the person who puts his trust in wealth should , if he was a Christian, rejoice in his weakness and need of a saviour, not in material well-being. If you trust in material well-being you will find this does you no good in the long run. Just like plants lose their good appearance with the heat of the sun, so the rich will similarly lose out to the pressures of the money-making life, and money does nothing to guarantee an eternal future. James is saying that we need to keep a right perspective.
D. Application:
Chapter: James 1 Passage: James 1:12
A. Find Out:
1. What man is being considered? v.12a 2. What has he to do? v.12b 3. What will he receive? v.12c 4. To whom has it been promised? v.12d B. Think:
C. Comment:
Remember, this letter is written to Christians scattered around the world. Living in the world. James faces the sort of life they will have and encourages them in it. He assumes we will all face trials of various kinds. He has already done that in verse 2 and so perhaps everything between v.2 & 12 is involved in how to deal with trials.
Note that James uses two words in this verse: trials and test. We are first of all to consider a trial is a test from God to check us out. The Bible shows that God often allows things to come into our lives to test or try us to see how well we can take it. (See Genesis 22:1 & Hebrews 11:17, Exodus 15:25, 16:4, 20:20, Deuteronomy 8:2, 13:3, Judges 2:22, 2 Chronicles 32:31). Testing reveals our state of heart .
The key requirement for a testing is perseverance, that ability to keep going which is essential in the Christian life. (See also Romans 5:3, Hebrews 12:1, 10:36 , 2 Peter 1:6, 1 Timothy 4:16) How are we to keep on? Two answers are given. First it is to be in our love for God; that is what should motivate us and keep us going in all circumstances. Second, it is to be the awareness that God wants us to keep going and that He will reward us with life, His very own life, flowing in even greater measure in us. D. Application:
Chapter: James 1 Passage: James 1 :13-15
A. Find Out:1. What shouldn't we say? v.13a 2. Why? v.13b 3. How is each one tempted? v.14a 4. What actually happens? v.14b 5. To what does that then give birth? v.15a 6. What does that in turn produce? v.15b B. Think:
C. Comment:
James has just spoken about trials that can be seen as tests, but a test that involves making a moral decision is a temptation. The simple rule is that God tests but Satan tempts. The aim of temptation is to bring a person's downfall, the aim of a test is to prove or check the state of heart, and the hope is for triumph and success in passing the test. Temptation, says James, is to do with succumbing to evil; testing is to do with triumphing over difficult circumstances.
God doesn't put evil before you says James, so don't accuse God of bringing the option to sin before you. God may allow it (for as Sovereign Lord He could always stop it!) but that is quite different. No, says James, temptation appears when you have a wrong desire within you and the possibility of giving way to that desire is put before you. Satan is described in Scripture as the tempter (see Matthew 4:3) and he comes to take our human needs and desires and turn them into wrong desires (see Jesus' temptation). Temptation in itself is not sin but if we give way to the temptation, what we then do is sin, and if we then continue to do that thing it brings spiritual death. However God promises help with all temptations. See 1 Corinthians 10:13
D. Application:
Chapter: James 1 Passage: James 1:16-18
A. Find Out:
1. What does James warn against? v.16 2. What comes from above? v.17a 3. How does he describe God? v.17b 4. What further does he say about Him? v.17c 5. What did God do? v.18a 6. So what were we? v.18b B. Think:
C. Comment:
In the harshness of living in the world we are sometimes tempted to loose perspective and wonder whether the hard things that come upon us are from God. Don't be deceived, says James, don't be led into wrong thinking. God is good and ONLY goodness comes from God. Look at the sun and moon and stars in the sky and see the wonder of God's creation given for our blessing. All of creation was given for our enjoyment, this is all from a loving Father. Not only that, know that He doesn't change at all, He's not like a shadow that changes according to what else is happening. Remember that He was the one who gave us new birth by speaking truth into us and that has produced the blessing of salvation. All of this is good.
Well, that might leave us thinking, where does all evil come from? James doesn't answer that but the rest of Scripture does. All evil, wrong and harm comes from the hearts of mankind. There are indications that once sin came into the world, sickness followed; the animal kingdom was affected and even the earth itself was affected. Evil is seen to be the wrong acts of man, or the consequences of his wrong acts as they are worked our through the rest of Creation. If God is to be blamed for anything, it is that He gave us free will! D. Application:
Chapter: James 1 Passage: James 1:19-21
A. Find Out:
1. What should we be quick to do? v.19a 2. What should we be slow to do? v.19b 3. What doesn't man's anger do? v.20 4. What are we to get rid of? v.21a 5. What are we to accept? v.21b 6. What can it do? v.21c B. Think:
C. Comment:
For a second time (also v.16) James addresses his readers as “my dear brothers”, almost in a special personal caring appeal. He is concerned for them, that they do not fall prey, first to deception and now to unrighteous feelings. Two primary causes of anger are frustration and defensiveness, both things we are prone to feel living in the world. Be aware that frustration comes from over anxiousness that comes when MY will is thwarted, and defensiveness comes when we feel we are under attack from the world but are unaware of the protective presence of God. Let's see what James says.
Don't be a hasty responder says James; instead learn to listen more and speak less, so that way you will have time to reflect on what you are hearing and seeing and will have time to present it all to God and have a right response. A hasty response that blows up into anger simply reveals the state of the heart so, says James, make sure you get anything evil right out of your life. Pride so often accompanies anger so, says James, let there be a humility in your life, a humility that simply accepts God's word to you, that you are a person prone to sin who needs a Saviour. This truth will drive you back into the arms of the Lord again and again and will save you. D. Application:
Chapter: James 1 Passage: James 1:22-25
A. Find Out:
1. How may we deceive ourselves? v.22 2. What is it a bit like doing? v.23 3. And what do we then do? v.24 4. What does the perfect law do? v.25a 5. What are we to do with it? v.25b 6. What will happen to us? v.25c B. Think:
C. Comment:
In verse 18 James said we have new life through the word of truth. In verse 21 he exhorted us to accept the word planted in us. We came to Christ by the word of God being spoken, which was then applied to us by the Holy Spirit. James now exhorts us to ensure we don't simply hear the word and do nothing about it.
Deception comes in many forms and James says that hearing God's word but doing nothing with it is one of those forms. He uses the picture of someone looking in a mirror, who sees what they really look like then go away and forget what they have seen. We can be like that with the word of God, he says. We hear the word of God spoken and the Holy Spirit takes it and applies it and we are convicted by it, but the point of being convicted is so that we DO something about it. Like the man and the mirror it is easy for us to see our spiritual state when the word comes, then to turn away and forget what we have seen and do nothing further about it. God's word is perfect and it always brings freedom when it is allowed to have effect, it always brings blessing, but that can only happen when we respond to it. D. Application:
Chapter: James 1 Passage: James 1:26-27
A. Find Out:
1. What may we consider ourselves? v.26a 2. Yet what may we do? v.26b 3. What is then the real state? v.26c 4. What is the action side towards others of “pure religion? v.27b 5. What is the action side towards ourselves? v.27c B. Think:
C. Comment:
James, addressing these Christians scattered across the earth, living in the world, continues to remind them that deception is something that can easily exist in a person's life. Twice before (v.16,22) he has warned about deception and again he repeats it now. We deceive ourselves, he says, if we think we are one thing when in fact we are doing another.
He specifically picks on the use of the tongue to illustrate this. What we think inside eventually, in most of us, comes out in our speech. He will say more on this latter (chapter 3) and so now simply contents himself with a general warning. An unbridled tongue leads to unrighteousness and this is not pleasing to God.
As a sharp contrast he says the real religion is caring and compassionate, looking after those in need, and ensuring that nothing unpleasant from the “world” pollutes this holy life. Wrong words and caring actions are not unconnected. Wrong words indicate a wrong heart, and right caring actions indicate a good heart towards others. Our outward expressions indicate our inner state and so that is why James focuses so much on the outward actions. The key to it all is that everything good comes from God. If our lives are truly from God then the fruit of them will also be good. The opposite also applies. D. Application:
RECAP: "Trials & Tribulations" - James 1
SUMMARY :
In these first 10 studies we have seen James dealing with :
COMMENT :
James is speaking to the church scattered around the world, living in the midst of non-Christians and suffering the difficulties that go with that. In that sense this first chapter is a very practical and helpful chapter for each of us as we face our daily lives. James focuses on inner attitudes and outlook rather than practical “this is what you need to do” type of things. When our heart is right, then we can cope with whatever comes along! LESSONS?
1. View difficulties as learning opportunities 2. God's wisdom is there for us! 3. Our response to trials reveals the sort of people we are 4. Failure to deal with wrong inner desires makes us prone to attack 5. God only brings good into our lives, not bad 6. We are to be doers not just hearers of the word PRAY :
Ask the Lord to work on your heart, so you can go with all the things James speaks about in this chapter. PART 2 : "No Discrimination but a Faith that Works"
In this next Part James challenges us on the way we view other people. Read it carefully! He also provokes us to ensure that we have a faith that works, and has effect in the world. Dangerous stuff, beware!
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