Want to learn more about James? Use these Bible Studies for personal devotion, group Bible studies, or teaching a church class. Below are links to the lessons in this 13-part series.
Introduction: Which do you prefer: to study a topic or a book of the Bible? My preference is to teach books, rather than topics. Why? Because God arranges the order of the material. This quarter we are studying a book! But, of all the books to teach, James would b...
Introduction: In Matthew 5:10-12 Jesus says those who are persecuted "because of righteousness" are blessed, and those who are insulted and defamed because of Jesus are blessed. Most people would call that a bad day at work! The Dali Lama, a Buddhist, has some in...
Introduction: Let's review our last two studies. James writes to Jewish Christians who have fled their homes because of persecution. James tells them that they should find joy in trials. Those who have fled their homes were probably unable to take all of their we...
Introduction: How much advice do you get? It seems that I'm getting advice from others all the time. Some is given without me asking for it. Some I ask for and really want. Lots of advice comes my way just in the day to day details of life. A few days ago, I was h...
Introduction: Several times, in connection with a church event, I recall conversations that shocked me. A couple of times I recall talking to church members who I did not know well, and they thanked me for talking to them. Why should they thank me, I asked? Becau...
Introduction: "Faith versus Works" is the everlasting theological debate. How about rephrasing the discussion by saying "Faith that Works?" Does that help? Or, is that just a different way to say that works are a key ingredient to salvation? Perhaps we need a b...
Introduction: James previously counseled us to be quick to listen and slow to speak ( James 1:19), to keep a tight reign on our tongue ( James 1:26) and that our words are a consideration in the judgment( James 2:12). This reflects a statement of Jesus in Matthew...
Introduction: Have you ever said, "That person needs an attitude adjustment?" Have you ever thought that your attitude could use improvement? In our study this week, James has some practical thoughts on wisdom and our attitude. Once again, he suggests some things...
Introduction: Two weeks ago, we learned from James what terrible damage our tongue can create. Have you ever said something that is judgmental? I know I have. We had an older member of the church who would bring new people to church and at the same time insult cu...
Introduction: A New York Times' best-selling book called "Drive" reports on what makes employees satisfied. It reveals that just paying employees more money is not the key to job satisfaction. Money is important, of course, but only to a certain point. Once an em...
Introduction: In our study last week, James told the rich a terrible time was coming upon them. Part of the reason was that they had been unjust to their workers. This week James addresses a different audience, church members. The message last week and the message...
Introduction: Have you heard someone announce that they worship on their own? They are tired of "church" and communing in the wilderness is better because the wilderness does not say unpleasant things to them. While it is important to have private time with God,...
Introduction: Our study of James has been a bit unusual, right? You heard from me things you rarely hear. James is part of the Bible, yet I would challenge what he wrote, and suggest that what he meant was something different than what it appeared that he said. T...
