1. A Study of the Book of James Presented by Steve Rouse
Who is James?
A Study of the Book of James
Text: James 1:1
March 16, 2014
Presented by Steve Rouse

2. John 15:4-6 - Abide in me, and I in you
John 15:4-6 - Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me. 5 I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing.
James 1:1 - James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, To the twelve tribes in the Dispersion: Greetings.

3. 1. Overview of the Book Why study the book of James?
James is often quoted
Faith produces steadfastness
God cannot be tempted by evil
Every good and perfect gift comes from above
Be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger.
Be a doer of the word and not a hearer only
Even the demons believe and shutter
Faith apart from works is dead
Resist the devil and he will flee from you.

4. James is a Very Practical Book James is a Very Relevant Book
B. Difficulties with the book:
1. Why is James so rough on rich people?
2. What is the point of anointing sick people with oil?
3. It seems like James teaches that if you have enough faith, God will always heal.
4. James doesn’t talk much about the cross. Why?
5. Does James understand the gospel differently than the other NT writers?
6. Does James disagree with Paul about the relationship between faith, works and salvation?

5. What is the big overarching idea of the book
What is the big overarching idea of the book? What is the message of the book?
Faith works!
“Practical Christian living validates the genuineness of [your] faith.” Leland Ryken. Ryken’s Bible Handbook.
The Key Verse of the Book
James 1:22 – “But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.

6. 2. The Author and Background
A. “James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ.” 1:1