INTRODUCTION TO JAMES

What do we need to know before starting our study of James?  Here are some things to get you started as you approach this awesome book of application, challenge, and sanctification.

BACKGROUND:

• The book of James is named after its author. The half-brother of Jesus Christ. Whoa!

• James originally rejects his brother as the Messiah. But later came to believe and became a major leader in the church at Jerusalem.

• James saw the resurrected Lord. This informed much of his passion for people to live in the reality of a risen Savior.

• This book was written shortly after Stephens martyrdom in Jerusalem and in the midst of great persecution. Yet James doesn’t shy away. He doubles down and pushes true believers to live out their faith no matter where they are or what the consequences may be.

THE THESIS OF JAMES:

• James 2:18 - “But someone will say, ‘You have faith and I have works.’ Show me your faith apart from your works, and I will show you my faith by my works.”

KEY THEMES TO LOOK FOR:

True faith in Jesus will manifest itself in actions.

Faith alone saves, but faith that saves is never alone.
Martin Luther