James 1a

James

Shawn Bumpers / General

Introduction to James and first chapter

Introduction

40 and 50 AD

“To the twelve tribes which are scattered abroad.”

James 1:1 NKJV

James, a bondservant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, To the twelve tribes which are scattered abroad: Greetings.

Written to believing Jews who were living outside of the Jewish nation.

Acts 2:41 NKJV

Then those who gladly received his word were baptized; and that day about three thousand souls were added to them.

διασπορά diaspora: scatter

σπείρω speirō “seed”

Some decided to stay where they were.

James was a popular name.

1 Corinthians 15:7 NKJV

After that He was seen by James, then by all the apostles.

James led the church in Jerusalem

economic problems

Acts 21:20–21 NKJV

And when they heard it, they glorified the Lord. And they said to him, “You see, brother, how many myriads of Jews there are who have believed, and they are all zealous for the law; but they have been informed about you that you teach all the Jews who are among the Gentiles to forsake Moses, saying that they ought not to circumcise their children nor to walk according to the customs.

Sermons.

2 Timothy 4:3–4 NKJV

For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine, but according to their own desires, because they have itching ears, they will heap up for themselves teachers; and they will turn their ears away from the truth, and be turned aside to fables.

v1-2

“a bondservant of God and of the LORD Jesus Christ.”

δοῦλος doulos.

Matthew 20:28 NKJV

just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many.”

πειρασμός peirasmois: Tests, Trials, Temptations

Matthew 6:13 NKJV

And do not lead us into temptation, But deliver us from the evil one. For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen.

John 16:33 NKJV

These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.”

Acts 14:22 NKJV

strengthening the souls of the disciples, exhorting them to continue in the faith, and saying, “We must through many tribulations enter the kingdom of God.”

1 Peter 4:12 NKJV

Beloved, do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to you;

“fall into.” 

περιπίπτω peripiptō: Encounter, come across

Philippians 3:7–10 NKJV

But what things were gain to me, these I have counted loss for Christ. Yet indeed I also count all things loss for the excellence of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them as rubbish, that I may gain Christ and be found in Him, not having my own righteousness, which is from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ, the righteousness which is from God by faith; that I may know Him and the power of His resurrection, and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death,

Job 23:10 NKJV

But He knows the way that I take; When He has tested me, I shall come forth as gold.

v3-4

γινώσκω ginōskō: to know (by experience)

1 Peter 1:7 NKJV

that the genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ,

Romans 8:28 NKJV

And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.

2 Corinthians 4:17 NKJV

For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory,

But what is it that God wants to produce in our lives?

But the Greek word that is translated as patience, ὑπομονή hypomonē means “Steadfastness.”

Romans 5:3–4 NKJV

And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; and perseverance, character; and character, hope.

Hebrews 6:12 NKJV

that you do not become sluggish, but imitate those who through faith and patience inherit the promises.

In Ephesians 2, Paul outlined three works that are involved in a complete Christian life.

Ephesians 2:8–10 NKJV

For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast. For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.

Romans 8:29 NKJV

For whom He foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the firstborn among many brethren.

Psalm 131:2 NKJV

Surely I have calmed and quieted my soul, Like a weaned child with his mother; Like a weaned child is my soul within me.

v5

Deeper commitment to live in the will of the Father

v6-8

Hebrews 4:16 NKJV

Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.

διακρίνω diakrinō.

Ephesians 4:14 NKJV

that we should no longer be children, tossed to and fro and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, in the cunning craftiness of deceitful plotting,

“Blessed is the man who endures temptation.”

James 1:12 NKJV

Blessed is the man who endures temptation; for when he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him.