The book of James

The Imperfect Wives have been going over the book of James now for the past few weeks on their blog talk radio show. (the link will go to their archives)  It is an amazing book and very eye opening. 
Not sure how I am going to do this post because there is just too many things in James that need to be read and learned and lived!  I will be going over this, basically posting the Word, for the next few days…
Here is the explanation of James from my Life Application Study bible… which by the way is a very great read! 

Vital Statistics


Purpose:
To expose hypocritical practices and to teach right Christian behavior


Author:
James, Jesus’ brother, a leader in the Jerusalem church


Original Audience:
First-century Jewish Christians residing in Gentile communities outside Palestine


Date Written:
Probably A.D. 49, prior to the Jerusalem council held in A.D. 50


Setting:
this letter expresses James’ concern for persecuted Christians who were once part of the Jerusalem church.


Key Verse:
“But someone will say, ‘You have faith; I have deeds.’ show me your faith without deeds, and I will show you my faith by what I do” (2:18)

again this is from my Life Application Bible…


With energetic style and crisp, well-chosen words, James confronts this conflict head-on.  It is not enough to talk the Christian faith, he says; we must live it.  “What good is it, my brothers, if a man claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save him?” (2:14)  the proof of the reality of our faith is a change life.

Genuine faith will inevitably produce good deeds.  This is the central theme of James’ letter, around which he supplies practical advice on living the Christian life.
James begins his letter by outlining some general characteristics of the Christian life (1:1-27)  Next, he exhorts Christians to act justly in society (2:1-13).  He follows this practical advice with a theological discourse on the relationship between faith and action (2:14-26).  Then James shows the importance of controlling one’s speech (3:1-12).  In 3:13-18, James distinguishes two kinds of wisdom- earthly and heavenly.  Then he encourages his readers to turn from evil desires and obey God (4:1-12).  James reproves those who trust in their own plans and possessions (4:13-5:6).  Finally, he exhorts his readers to be patient with each other (5:7-11), to be straightforward in their promises (5:12), to pray for each other (5:13-18), and to help each other remain faithful to God (5:19,20)

This letter could be considered a how-to book on Christian living.  Confrontation, challenges, and a call to commitment await you in its pages.  read James and become a doer of the Word. (1:22-25)

1 James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ.  To the twelve tribes scattered among the nations:

Greetings,
Trials and Temptations
2 Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, 3 because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance.  4 Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. 5 If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault and it will be given to him. 6 But when he asks, he must believe and not doubt, because he who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind.  7 That man should not think he will receive anything from the Lord; 8 he is a double-minded man, unstable in all he does.
9 The brother in humble circumstances ought to take pride in his high position. 10 But the one who is rich should take pride in his low position, because he will pass away like a wild flower.  11 For the sun rises with scorching heat and withers the plant: its blossom falls and its beauty is destroyed.  In the same way, the rich man will fade away even while he goes about his business.


I will continue with this tomorrow.  Here is the meaning of Perseverance.. I love #2.  Of course highlights are mine.. although in my bible it is all pretty much highlighted! and again, the stuff highlighted is what appeals to me.. so to someone else it might not mean anything.  The posts I do are not to preach but to share His word and what has spoken to me.  These posts are basically for me and my Father!  and of course whoever wants to join in...

Perseverance

 -noun
1. steady persistence in a course of action, a purpose, a state,etc., especially in spite of difficulties, obstacles, or discouragement.
2. Theology . continuance in a state of grace to the end, leading to eternal salvation. Pin It