INTRODUCTION TO JAMES

The writer of this letter identifies himself as 'James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ.' There are several men named James in the New Testament. James the Apostle, the brother of John, was martyred in Acts 12. James the younger, son of Alphaeus, was one of the Twelve. James, the most probable writer of this letter, is the brother of Jude, and the half-brother of Jesus; he was the leader of the Jerusalem Council (Acts 15). He was slow to recognize Jesus as the Christ (Jn 7:5), but later, he became a believer. He joined his mother Mary and Jesus' disciples as one of the 120 in the upper room prayer meeting at Pentecost (Acts 1:14). It is probable that this James is the one who is mentioned in 1 Corinthians 15 as one to whom the Lord appeared after his resurrection (1Co 15:7).

This letter is one of the 'General Epistles.' James wrote to 'the twelve tribes scattered among the nations.' This may refer to the Jewish Christians who scattered after the martyrdom of Stephen; but it also is addressed to all Christians living as aliens and pilgrims in a godless world.

James tells us that faith without works is dead. His letter is full of wisdom, and reminds us of Proverbs in the Old Testament. It also reflects Jesus' teachings in the Sermon on the Mount (Mt 5-7).

1. Be joyful in trials (1-4)

God teaches us true wisdom through his training. The wise person is one who can discern God's hand working in every situation. So we must be joyful in trials, confident of God's love, and sure that he is working to help us grow in Christ. God's training teaches us perseverance. Perseverance means 'keeping on'--not giving up. We can persevere when we trust God's love. If we depend on God and, by faith, persevere in the midst of trials, we will grow in our faith to be mature Christians.

2. Ask God for wisdom (5-8)

If anyone lacks wisdom, he should ask God. God wants us to come to him in complete trust, like children, and ask him for his direction and wisdom. He promises to give wisdom to anyone who asks in faith. Some people come to God and seek his will, make a decision of faith, then allow 'second thoughts' to rob them of wisdom. A double-minded man is unstable in all he does.

Application: Father, give me perseverance and wisdom. Take away my fearful double-mindedness.
One Word: If you lack wisdom, ask God