Page 3 - book_james

THE BOOK OF JAMES – 1

STABILITY IN SUFFERING 1:1‐27

THE CHALLENGE OF CHAPTER ONE

The first chapter covers several admonitions: when we are faced with trials, we are to count them all joy
and allow patience to do its work in our lives so we will mature in our Christian walk. When we lack
wisdom, we simply ask God and He will freely give us the wisdom we are seeking. The rich and the poor
are the same in God’s eyes and preference should not be exhibited toward the wealthy. There is a crown
of life for all who endure temptation and we can trust that God will never change. We are admonished
to be quick to listen and slow to speak or get angry. As we receive God’s Word with a humble heart, we
are exhorted to be doers of the Word as expressed in our actions toward others, especially widows and
orphans.

OPENING SALUTATION (1‐2)

James addresses Jewish believers scattered among the nations as well as his own congregation at
Jerusalem. The fact that he is a humble man is reflected in the way he makes reference to himself as a
“servant” rather than as the brother of Jesus.
JAMES: A SERVANT OF GOD

Jas 1:1 James, a bondservant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, To the twelve tribes which are
scattered abroad: Greetings.

James, a servant (doulos) of God and the Lord Jesus Christ . . .

1. James
a) He is the Lord’s half‐brother (Matthew 13:55‐56) and the youngest of the sons.
b) He was not a believer during the public ministry of Jesus (John 7:5).
c) He did not become a believer until after the resurrection (Acts 1:14; 1 Corinthians
15:7; James 1:1).
d) Eventually he became the leader of the Jerusalem church (Acts 12:17, 15:13, 21:18;
Galatians 1:19, 2:2, 9, 12).

The church went astray, but we have no account of James doing so. He strongly pointed out sin in the
church long before it fell apart. Many of the elders of the church under James were carnal and persuaded
Paul to take a vow in the temple (Acts 21:17‐24). There is no reason to believe James was involved in
these things, but he seemed to offer no resistance to them. He seemed to be stronger in speech and
letter that in practice.

2. James was a humble man (doulos: servant)
a) He did not associate himself with Jesus to gain fame. Peter was the one who mentioned
James’s association with Jesus (2 Peter 1:16‐19).
b) He did not call himself a brother of the Lord Jesus. This would have been one of the easiest
ways to gain attention. James saw Jesus every day growing up. He knew the word was more