James - Summary Notes

This is a test…

James – Summary

Review

1. What did we discuss in the Intro?  What do we know about James?
1. Likely the half-brother of Jesus
2. The book is frequently considered in conflict with Paul’s teaching and emphasis on faith (rather than works)
3. Written to Jewish Christians
4. Probably written around 49 A.D.
5. Life was rough for the audience.
2. What was Chapter 1 about?
1. Trials are a test of our faith (ie v 12)
3. What was Chapter 2 about?
1. Trials are a test of our faith, cont.
2. Don’t discriminate.
4. What was Chapter 3 about?
1. The perils of our tongues
5. What was Chapter 4 about?
1. A look inside ourselves, dealing with others, looking to God
6. What was Chapter 5 about?
1. Be cautious of money
2. Be patient for Jesus’ return
3. Do your work until then.

Introduction

1. How did you all do this week reading James?
2. What’s your opinion of James (thus far)?  Easy, hard, straightforward, confusing, basic, advanced, etc?
3. What is your opinion of this chapter?  Easy or lots of questions, difficult and convoluted?

Lesson

1. What have you always heard (and we briefly discussed during the “Intro” lesson) that James was about?
1. It places more importance on Works than Faith
2. Because of the above, it’s in direct conflict with Paul’s teachings.
2. Do you see any of those themes in James? 
3. What do you see as themes in James?
1. Trials – all about trials
2. Where we start from (sinners)
3. What the goal is (“perfect” or mature Christians)
4. How to get there (draw close to God, etc)
4. What conditions or issues to you see that James identified in his audience
1. “Playing” church – hearing, but ignoring the Word
2. Partiality
3. Dismissing “little sins”
4. Judging
5. Tongue issues – gossip, boasting, etc
6. Quarreling
7. Money issues
8. Etc…
5. Do you see any similarities in how you/we/“some (other) people” act?
6. Do you see the process and progress from sinner to saved to sanctified?
7. What were (y)our “take-aways” from Chapter 1?
8. What were (y)our “take-aways” from Chapter 2?
9. What were (y)our “take-aways” from Chapter 3?
10. What were (y)our “take-aways” from Chapter 4?
11. What were (y)our “take-aways” from Chapter 5?
12. So….What can we take away from the book of James?
1. Trials WILL come.

                                                               i.      Trials take many shapes

                                                             ii.      Trials are allowed, but not caused by God

2. We need to understand where we are (sinners)

                                                               i.      The Word identifies our shortcomings

                                                             ii.      Trials refine us

3. We need to understand what we can become

                                                               i.      Still sinners, but mature Christians.

                                                             ii.      Tools of Christ (teachers, etc)

                                                            iii.       

4. We need to understand how to get there

                                                               i.      Draw close to God

                                                             ii.      Be patient

                                                            iii.      Rely on Him and His plan (not ours)

Summary

            Book Verse: James 1:12 – Blessed is a man who perseveres under trial; for once he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him.

Print | posted on Monday, May 22, 2006 4:52 AM |