By Steve A. Hamilton

Introduction:  We will take the next few moments the Lord allows us together to study the book of James.  The book of James deals with the practical matters of every day life.  It is common sense talk about common place things.  It is about plain daily living.  We won’t hit every passage.  However, we will endeavor to hit the highlights in a overview of the book.  Please open your Bibles to the book of James.

I.  On attitudes toward trials and temptations.

          A.  James begins his book as if to congratulate us for having difficulties in life (James 1:2-4).  We have a tendency to see trails as a bad thing.  After all, we have to deal with terrible feelings and unpleasant circumstances.  What good could come from it? 

                   1.  Yet, the trials are a test of our faith.  If successfully endured, will develop much needed patience (vs. 3).  Without this patience, you are spiritually lacking (vs. 4).  Christians need patience in order to be complete.

                   2.  Phil. 1:27-29:  The Lord grants us the opportunity to suffer for His sake.  It is an honor to go through trials for Christ’s sake.  Yet, in our suffering, we must conduct ourselves worthy of Him (vs. 27).  In other words, don’t lose your temper.  Don’t let the trial get to you because your adversaries take pleasure in that (vs. 28). 

          B.  If we endure the trials and temptations in life we will have a reward (James 1:12).  Approved means successfully tried.  Refined metals when purified were called “approved.”  The individual who successfully endures trials and temptations is approved of God and entrusted with the gospel (1 Thess. 2:4).

          C.  Peter said it another way in 1 Pet. 4:12-14.  We are to be glad when we have difficult trials, not sad or mad.  We have much to be glad!  Count it all joy!

II. On shams in religion.

          A.  Controlling the tongue (James 1:26).  If a person cannot control his tongue, his religion is useless (vain).  Do you know those who lose their tempers, who curse one moment and praise another?  James 3: 9-10, tells us this ought not to be so!

          B.  Respecting persons (James 2: 1-13).  The most obvious is preferring people of social class.  It is pride in ourselves that allows us to think we are better than another person.  What about race?  Do we treat people differently because of the color of their skin?  How about attire?  Do we scoff at those who wear blue jeans and a tie?  Do we ridicule those who wear formal clothing?  To respect one person over another in any way is sin (vs. 9).

          C.  Faith without works (James 2:14-26).  Many people regard their faith as the sole requirement to salvation.  We often use this passage to instruct the necessity of obedient works (i.e. the necessity of baptism).  However, this passage addresses the specific tendency in man to be all talk and no action.  We gladly pray for a soul to recover from an illness, but we never visit that soul.  When the poor ask for food or cloth we let them know we will pray for them.  Are we really practicing what we believe when we don’t act on our words?  We show our faith by our actions (vs. 18).  We would be wise to humbly act by our words (James 3:13).

III. On common sins.

          A.  Adultery (James 4:4).  Many will insist that this sin should be acceptable.  Many people do it.  If you want God to hate you, adultery is a sure way to accomplish it.  We are not to be like the world (Rom. 12:2).

          B.  Evil speaking (James 4:11-12).  If you speak evil of your brother you, in essence, take God’s place as judge.  In your mind, you think of yourself as above the law since you judge it.  Are we so bold as to take God’s place on His throne?  Don’t speak evil of your brethren.

          C.  Rich oppressors (James 5:1-5).  With money comes responsibility.  It is not wrong to have money.  It is wrong if your gain comes by fraud, deceit or taking advantage of others.  It is also wrong not to share your wealth with those in need. 

IV. On various admonitions.

          A.  Patience revisited (James 5:7-11).  Patiently wait till the Lord returns as a farmer waits on his crops to ripen (vs. 7-8).  Don’t mistreat others while you wait

(vs. 9).  Look to the prophets of old for examples on how to be patient (vs. 10-11).

          B.  Purity in speech (James 5:12).  Don’t take oaths and don’t swear.  Mean what you say so you don’t condemn yourself.

          C.  Confess your wrongs and pray (James 5:16).  When you wrong someone, confess your wrong to them and pray for one another.  The prayers of a righteous man will help.

          D.  Erring brethren (James 5:19-20).  If you help an erring brother back onto the right path, you should know not only is his soul safe but many sins have been diverted.  It would be good if we can correct the erring from his way. 

Conclusion:  The book of James gives us a lot of good advice.  What we do with the admonitions and instruction is up to each of us.  Don’t let the word depart from you when you leave here.  Take it with you through out life.  There is no better way to apply these instructions then by becoming a Christian...  

Last modified: 05/02/08