James 1

Putting Faith into Practice

Introduction

• Written, most likely, by James the Brother of Jesus, a Prominent leader in the church of Jerusalem
• This is the historical and traditional view.
• Other views posit i could have been James the son of Alpheus, and much less likely James the son of Zebedee who died too early (~42 AD)
• Book was mostly likely written about ~60-69 AD, in Jerusalem before its destruction in 70 AD by the Roman Emperor Titus

• The book is considered to be Wisdom literature, similar to Proverbs, as it contains mostly “moral precepts” and a collection of exhortations without a clear structure.
• The book was written to the “twelve tribes scattered abroad”.
• Jewish Christians outside of Jerusalem
• The book emphasizes a practical Christianity evidenced by visible expressions of Faith

Exercising your Faith is something to Anticipate

James 1:2 - 4, 12 - 15

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“My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.”

Temptation

G3986�peirasmos - pi-ras-mos' - πειρασμός�

From G3985; �a putting to proof �(by experiment of good experience of evil solicitation discipline or provocation); �by implication adversity: - temptation, try.

Do you look forward to opportunities to test your Faith?��Why? Why not?

James 1: 12 - 15

“Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him. Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God: for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth he any man: But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed. Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death.”

“crown of life”

A reward given to believers, especially those who have suffered.

• 1 of five crown mentioned in the NT
• Not a reference to Salvation (that would contradict large portions of scripture elsewhere)
• Mentioned in Rev 2:10

Wisdom and Faith and Hearing God

James 1: 5 - 8

“If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him. But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed. For let not that man think that he shall receive any thing of the Lord. A double minded man is unstable in all his ways.”

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What role does faith play in translating our requests for wisdom into action here?

Wrapping it Up

• James began his letter by laying a foundation for action, by dealing with common objections and issues people use to not engage.
• “I don’t know if this is what God wants me to do.” - not trusting in God’s provided wisdom.
• “I am afraid or don’t like the idea of testing my beliefs.” - practicing your faith is an opportunity for joy, and something to be excited about.
• God will reward those who don’t quit, those who pour themselves into the work
• “I am really comfortable, and don’t want to give up my luxuries.” - Wealth is temporary and not worth holding on to.
• “I am poor/untalented/unworthy and can’t really contribute.” - God will exalt people of low estate