Day 1: Setting the Foundation
Read James straight through
Background Focus: James, the half-brother of Jesus and leader of the Jerusalem church, writes to Jewish Christians scattered throughout the Roman Empire. His letter reads more like a sermon than typical apostolic correspondence, filled with practical wisdom reminiscent of Old Testament wisdom literature and Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount.
Context: What circumstances might have prompted James to write this intensely practical letter to scattered believers?
The content suggests that James was eager to address the issues affecting believers in their area. Issues such as faith and action, the importance of wisdom in proper conduct, favouritism, and so on. The way he talks about them stresses the urgency of living up to what they profess to believe, being followers of Jesus.
Content: As you read through the entire letter, what recurring themes or concerns does James address most frequently?
Themes that cropped up in my reading were faith, wisdom, rich vs. poor, and contrasts between God’s way and man’s way. There’s a thread of correction that James often writes about, proving that God’s way is clearly better than ours.
Concept: How does James seem to define genuine, mature faith throughout his letter?
Mature faith is characterised by concern for the poor and needy, meekness to submit to God’s way, awareness of responsibility, especially with the use of the tongue, capacity to connect with others in humility, knowledge that action is proof of faith and go about it without drawing attention, sensitivity to behaving in a way that reflects the character of God in doing what He’s instructed.
Conclusions: What initial impressions do you have about how James wants his readers to live differently as followers of Christ?
From these initial readings, the impression I get is that followers of Jesus should be far more eager to serve the disadvantaged and to show them how the gospel of Jesus Christ is for them. He wants believers to recognise that some of their struggles may be internal, revealing how the world’s conditioning affects their motives and actions. He wants believers to connect with what makes their spiritual ancestors approved by God and apply those lessons in acts of love, mercy and wisdom that present God properly. He wants that to be evident in our relationships with each other as we look to share life together and encourage each other.
Next Up – James – Day 2: Trials and Divine Wisdom
Read James 1:1-11
Context: Why might James immediately address the topic of trials to believers who are “scattered among the nations”?
Content: What specific promises and instructions does James give regarding trials, and what role does wisdom play in responding to difficulties?
Concept: How does James connect the experience of trials with spiritual maturity and the generous character of God?
Conclusions: What practical steps can you take this week to view your current challenges through the lens of James’ teaching?
The words that James writes are to encourage people by words to focus on the Living Word. That’s another reason to get the Word In so we can get the Word Out!
For His Name’s Sake
C. L. J. Dryden
Shalom
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