The Nature of God (James 1:16-18)

16 Don’t be deceived, my dear brothers and sisters. 17 Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows. 18 He chose to give us birth through the word of truth, that we might be a kind of firstfruits of all he created. James now gives us his idea of God: no

The Rich (James 1:9-11)

9 Believers in humble circumstances ought to take pride in their high position. 10 But the rich should take pride in their humiliation—since they will pass away like a wild flower. 11 For the sun rises with scorching heat and withers the plant; its blossom falls and its beauty is destroyed. In the same way, the rich will fade away even while they

Trials and Temptations (James 1:2-8)

2 Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, 3 because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. 4 Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. 5 If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it

Introduction to James: Major Themes

Given Martin Luther’s criticism of the letter, it may surprise us that the word “faith” occurs 16 times in the letter of James, which suggests that this theme is as important to James as to Paul. James sees faith as total trust in God – to such an extent that the believer can withstand any