An Overview of James
James is a five-chapter epistle, or letter, written to the believers of Jesus Christ, the early Christian church. Written by James likely before 69 AD, this book teaches of how God’s people should behave, and places great emphasis on “don’t just say it–do it.”
So who wrote the Book of James? James, the brother of Jesus
And Who was the book of James written for? The Believers of Christ
Chapter 1 – Trials and Temptations
The letter begins by asking believers to consider trials pure joy. Through trials and testing of faith, one develops perseverance; making them mature, complete, not lacking anything. The person who withstands these trials is blessed and receives the crown of life.
James makes a distinction between trials and temptations–saying that God is not tempted by evil and therefore does not tempt others with it. Rather, the individual is tempted by their own evil desire and dragged away.
Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death.
James 1:15
This is why it’s so important that we as believers do what the word says, not merely listen to the word and then forget it. Otherwise, we’d be like someone who looks into a mirror and forgets what they look like. Faith without action is dead and useless, as later written in the book (Jas 2:17, 26).
Chapters 2 & 3 – Focus on interaction with others
Among the commands for how to interact with others, we all have heard “love your neighbor as yourself” (Mark 12:31). James goes into detail regarding this, saying that favoritism and discrimination among believers regardless of their standing is wrong and against the law of God. And we must also learn to tame our tongue. With the same mouth, people praise God but curse men. James points out–can fresh water and saltwater flow from the same spring?
Chapters 4 & 5 – Focus on hope and perserverance
But if we flee from the devil, he will flee from us. If we submit ourselves to God and come near to Him, He also will come near to us. Our life of faith is full of trials and suffering, and we also find ourselves being tempted. But we are reminded that Jesus has promised to return and that our patience and perseverance won’t go unrewarded.
You too, be patient and stand firm, because the Lord’s coming is near.
James 5:8
When I feel like I need a spiritual cold shower, I often find myself going back to James. It reminds me that my actions have consequences, and gives direction to set me straight, not sparing words of encouragement. While God has high standards for His people, as we can see in James, He wouldn’t give impossible commands. The Book of James helps me take this to heart.
Written by Samantha
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