A practical book
James 1
James 1:1 – Which James is this?
- People named James in the New Testament
- James, son of Zebedee (apostle)
- James, son of Alpheus
- James the less – Mark 15:40
- James, father of Judas the apostle
- James the brother of Jesus – probably this man wrote the book of James, but not sure
- Matthew 13:55
- John 7:5 – Jesus’s earthly brothers did not believe.
- I Corinthians 15:7
- Acts 12:17
- Acts 15:13
- Acts 21:18
- If these are all talking about the same James, he went from not believing in his own brother to being a prominent man in the early church.
- “bond-servant” – Compare Romans 1:1.
- “to the twelve tribes” – See Acts 8:1
James 1:2-4
- Be joyful when hard times come!
- We are building endurance by handling trials. It is good for us!
- Endurance is part of being perfect and complete. We become mature and have all the parts we need.
- James 3:13; 4:8; 5:11 – Action!
James 1:5-8
- Wisdom – the capacity to understand and act accordingly.
- How does God give wisdom?
- James 3:15
- Scripture – II Timothy 3:16-17
- “without reproach” – God does not give grudgingly. We should not be hesitant to ask!
- We must ask in faith and not waiver or doubt.
James 1:9-12
- This may be talking about how we should glory in our trials, no matter what sort of change in position may be involved.