Introduction to James

James. 

Please read James chapter 1.

 

Today will be a brief outline and then tomorrow we will dig into James 1.

James is considered the earliest written book of the New Testament. With the only exception possibly being the book of Galatians. This then, would have been the first book written to the very earliest of the Christian church. James is also designated as a "general letter," going back to early church historian Eusebius in his writings "Ecclesiastical History." Often New Testament letters are written to a church or people specific IE to the church of Galatia (Galatians), however this book along with 1,2 Peter; 1,2,3 John and Jude seem to be written to the church at large or a general audience. 

James is said to be the proverbs of the New Testament by some scholars and others consider it almost a commentary to the Sermon on the Mount. To that effect we will look closely as those parallels when we get there. (verses within chapter 2,3 and 5).

James is the half-brother of the Lord Jesus Christ. Yet as he writes he does not claim this distinction. He claims one of servitude as a bondservant of God. We will discuss this in depth tomorrow.

James writes this book to encourage and exhort the believer to not just say they believe in Jesus but to LIVE in that exclamation.

This is what drove me to this book right now. There is a lot of noise around us. A lot. From pandemics to conspiracies to racial tensions and injustices to political pandering and diatribes and the unrest of an election year. As I scrolled through social media I found myself concerned, confused at times anxious and fearful and yet wondering what is a believer's response.

James will teach us. He will guide us and at times correct us. It is so relevant today where we are such a 24/7 news and knee jerk reaction society. Where we are full of anger and fear and frustration. Where believers are trying and struggling to hold dual citizenship as Americans and then citizens of heaven; to no avail, because truthfully to follow Christ we must have one leader, one Savior, One King. Our hope must be found in one place so that are actions and speech and response spring out of that commitment and loyalty. 

My prayer for this study, as long and as intense as it plays out is that it changes us forever. That we do not take cues from social trends or news networks but that we emanate the love of Jesus Christ because that is what our heart and mind knows best. May we learn to be women saturated in the Word. 

Verse to mediate on for the week: 1:2 Consider it a joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials

Worship: Take my Life