Introduction

James introduces himself to us as “a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ.” (James 1:1) When we read this we might not see the significance of such an introduction, but given who the author is, two things are worth noting.

First, James is obviously well known to his readers and the rest of the early church. His name is missing the descriptives that were common in the day. James the son of so and so or James from such and such a location would have been a way of describing a lesser known person.

Second, James’s introduction quite possibly indicates humility in that he only wants to be known as a follower of Jesus.

There are a lot of people named James in scripture, so many in fact that it’s sometimes confusing. Only two of them were well known. James the son of Zebedee was one of the original disciples. James was also the first of the original disciples to die a martyr’s death (Acts 12:1-2).

The Letter James was written after James the disciple’s death, so that leaves James, the half-brother of Jesus, as the next most likely author. James the half-brother of Jesus was identified as the author by most of the early church leaders. This makes sense because the contents of the letter seem to indicate that the first readers were Jewish. James was the primary leader of the Jerusalem church (Acts 15:12-20 and Acts 21:18).

An interesting note about James, the brother of Jesus; he wasn’t a follower of Jesus until after the resurrection. He became a believer only after seeing Jesus, post-resurrection (1 Corinthians 15:3-8).

Historians tell us that James was a devout and saintly person. James’s passion for living a Godly life is reflected in this letter that bears his name.

Day 1 – Read James chapter 1

The letter of James is broken up into 5 chapters. The letter’s primary audience is Jewish as we can tell from the introduction which begins, “to the twelve tribes in the Dispersion.” The letter has the feel of Proverbs. Like Proverbs, James changes subjects often and sprinkles teaching, examples, and ethical instruction throughout the letter.

Here’s a breakdown of chapter 1:

Choosing Joy in the Midst of Trials

James is obviously writing to encourage them because they are going through very hard things. He wants them to know that trials have a purpose. Trials are painful, but they can make us stronger in every way. Through trials, we learn how to stand strong, trust God, endure suffering, and even grow in maturity. Trials grow our spiritual muscles. (James 1:2-3)

James begins with trials and then comes back to the subject of trials later. He reminds his readers that God rewards those who have gone through trials, persevered, and stood strong in spite of hardship (James 1:12-15). He also reminds his readers that God is good, that he gives good gifts to his children.

Seeking Wisdom from God

Trials often don’t make sense to us. They often cause doubt and discouragement. It’s important for us to choose faith, especially when we can’t see a reason or purpose for what is going on. What we can do is ask God questions like, “What can you teach me through this right now?” Or, “How can I grow because of this experience?” (James 1:5-8) Doubt is easy. Faith is work!

What about wealth and poverty?

James takes a little rabbit trail by addressing the status of the rich and poor of the world. Poverty has its own trials and James seems to be laying the groundwork for more teaching on this subject. He comes back to this subject in other parts of the letter, but for now, he encourages those with resources to remember their mortality (James 1:9-11). For now, he is just preparing the ground for more teaching.

Faith Need to Be Put into Action

James ends the first chapter by telling people to do more than hear the word. He says, “just do it.” Long before Nike, the sports apparel company, adopted “just do it” as a slogan, James was teaching it. James tells his readers that the kind of faith that is faith has action to it. People of faith should want to live Godly lives. They should want to turn away from immorality, anger, violence, gossip, slander, and cursing (James 1:19-27).

Application:

As you think about and process this first chapter of James, think about what James is really saying. Remember, James wrote this letter to a group of people who were obviously going through difficult times. Financial stress was a big part of the struggle as other parts of the New Testament indicate. Alienation was also a daily struggle. Christians in Jerusalem weren’t exactly welcomed with open arms. Stephen and James had both been killed for their faith in Christ.

James writes to encourage his readers to stand strong in the midst of trials. He also writes to encourage them to put their faith into action by living the Christian life. Following Jesus is more than hearing and believing the right things (James 2:19). Faith in Jesus has life. It has bones and flesh. It is alive. It is active.

Yes, James was written to the first readers to address the real issues that were present in the church. It’s good the remember thought that the old letter has great truths for us today. The Holy Spirit gave it to the church to provide guidance for his people till Jesus comes again. Consider the following:

1. What kinds of trials are you going through, or have you gone through, and how is God growing you through them? How has or can these trials grow your spiritual muscle?
2. Why do you think James tells his readers, “God blesses and rewards those who go through trials and grow in their faith and maturity (James 1:12)?” What does this do for you and how does it help you process the trials you go through?
3. James warns his readers, “be doers of the word, and not hearers only.” What have you heard today that you need to do?

What would you say to God based on your reading today? Take some time to talk to God in prayer.

Consider writing down a key verse or verses from today on an index card or small piece of paper and carry it with you today. Look at it as often as you can as a reminder of what we learned today.

Possible Verses: James 1:2-4; James 1:5; James 1:12, James 1:17; James 1:22; James 1:27