INTRODUCTION TO JAMES
The book of James was most likely written by James, the younger half-brother of Jesus. James did not initially believe that Jesus was the Messiah (Jn 7:5) but later became a committed believer after meeting the Risen Christ (1 Co 15:7). James became the leader of the Jerusalem church and was instrumental in the direction not to require Gentile Christians to also become religious Jews (Acts 15).
James wrote this letter to the twelve tribes scatterd among the nations. This directly refers to Jewish Christians living outside Palestine. But the contents of this epistle apply to all Christians in all generations. In particular, James addresses the matter of good works as necessary for justification and Christian life. This is not a contradiction of Paul who asserted that we are justified by faith alone. Paul refers to our final standing before God on the day of judgment. Without Christ, no amount of good works will get us right with God. At the same time, in the final judgment, we shall be judged according to the fruit produced in our lives, which includes good works. Genuine faith in Jesus necessarily produces good works in a Christian.
The style of James is much like Proverbs. It is intensely practical and contains many imperatives. James also contains promises to claim. May the Holy Spirit work mightily in our hearts and bodies to put God's word into practice through good deeds.

James wrote this epistle to the twelve tribes, scattered throughout the nations. Likely, they were scattered because of persecution. How were they to consider their trials? They were to consider them as pure joy! Why? Because when the Lord lets their faith be tested it results in perseverance. When we persevere, our faith becomes mature and complete. When we face trials, we should ask God for wisdom, and he will grant it to us, because God gives generously without finding fault.

Whatever trial we may experience, whether it be poverty, or the loss of our wealth, we can endure them and take pride in them with faith in God. When we persevere, we are blessed and will receive the crown of life from our Lord Jesus Christ.

James then addresses temptations. We must remember that our temptations do not come from God. Temptations come when we are led away by our own evil desires. God does not tempt us because temptation leads to sin and sin to death. God cannot give us temptation. He gives us every good and perfect gift. He loves us and gives us new birth through the word of truth as a kind of first fruits.


Application: Father, help us to count our trials as pure joy, knowing that through them, you are making our faith complete.
One Word: Persevere through trials