The author of this book is the brother of Jesus...he was a leader in the Jerusalem church..it was written prior to the Jerusalem council which was held in AD50....they ended up addressing things like, did the Gentiles have to follow the Jewish law....The audience for this epistle was persecuted Christians who were once part of the Jerusalem church.
James tells his audience that you can't just hear the Word...you have to be a doer of the Word. Do good deeds save you? No...however, they are evidence of your faith.
The themes of his letter deal with Living Faith, Trials, Law of Love, Wise Speech and Wealth....
Chapter summary:
Chapter 1 Confident Stand What a Christian has
Chapter 2 Compassionate Service What a Christian does
Chapter 3 Careful Speech What a Christian says
Chapter 4 Contrite Submission What a Christian feels
Chapter 5 Concerned Sharing What a Christian gives
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....
....so, faith without deeds is dead.
My study Bible also points out that James offers a larger number of similarities to the Sermon on the Mount than any other book in the New Testament....
Look what comes up from the depths of the sea.
After you read, feel free to make a comment or ask a question in the comment box. You can sign up as a follower on the right, or you can sign up by e-mail at the bottom if you would like to follow the whole year. You may also chose to simply read along and make no comments. Whatever you choose. If you fall behind, as most people will do, don't worry...the whole year is here and you can catch up at your own speed. I highly encourage you to stick with it, If you read the Bible, you are going to mine some real jewels and insights.
Here are notes from my Bible...
ReplyDeletegenuine faith...
1. endures trials
2. understands temptations
3. harbors no prejudice
4. acts wisely
5. produces separation from the world and submission to God.
6. waits patiently for the coming of the Lord.
I love the section and doers, not hearers only.....so true.....and one I am trying to do.....but I know I mess up......but I do try...
oh...and the section about personal favoritism.....another good section for all to read....
Actually, I like this whole book! A good one to read for quick refreshers.....