1. James 1:22 (NKJV)
22 But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.

2. Knowing God’s Word
James

3. Knowing God’s Word
Last week we took a look at the book of Hebrews, a proof of the superiority of Christ
This week we move onto the book of James
James is the 20th book in the NT and is the 2nd of the General Epistles (Hebrews through Jude)

4. Knowing God’s Word
James is the author of this letter that bears his name (1:1)
This is most likely James, the half-brother of Jesus
At first he had not believed (Jn. 7:5), but later became a disciple (Acts 1:14; I Cor. 15:7)

5. Knowing God’s Word
James went on to become an important figure in the early church
He played a vital role in the council at Jerusalem (Acts 15:13-33)
Paul mentions James in his epistles, even calling James a “pillar” of the early church (Gal. 1:19; 2:9)

6. Knowing God’s Word
James wrote this epistle to “the twelve tribes which are scattered abroad” (1:1)
This is probably a reference to Jewish Christians who were scattered among the various cities outside of Palestine
Some of these were poor and oppressed as indicated in 2:6-7

7. Knowing God’s Word
James was likely the first epistle written, dating sometime between AD
It is also likely that James wrote this letter while he was in Jerusalem
It is often thought of and referred to as the equivalent of the proverbs of the New Testament

8. Knowing God’s Word
James deals with various practical aspects of the Christian life, such as:
Trials of life
Wisdom
Temptation
Partiality
Faith and works

9. Knowing God’s Word
James deals with various practical aspects of the Christian life, such as:
Tongue
Humility
Patience
Prayer

10. Knowing God’s Word Key Verses in James: 1:2-3 1:5 1:12 1:13-15 1:22
1:26-27

11. Knowing God’s Word Key Verses in James: 2:1 2:17, 19, 24 3:1 3:13, 17
4:7-10
4:14

12. Knowing God’s Word
Key Verses in James:
4:17
5:7-8
5:15-16

13. Knowing God’s Word Outline of James: Greeting (1:1)
Trials and Temptations (1:2-18)
Outward Trials (1:2-12)
Inward Temptations (1:13-18)
Being Doers and Hearers (1:19-2:26)
Swift to Hear (1:19-20)
Doers of the Word (1:21-27)

14. Knowing God’s Word Outline of James:
Being Doers and Hearers (1:19-2:26)
Sin of Partiality (2:1-13)
Faith and Works (2:14-26)
The Tongue and Wisdom (3)
Danger of the Tongue (3:1-12)
Heavenly and Earthly Wisdom (3:13-18)

15. Knowing God’s Word Outline of James: Coming to God with Humility (4)
Enemies of God (4:1-6)
Drawing Near to God (4:7-17)
Blessing Through Patience, Prayer and Love (5)
Curse of Rich Oppressors (5:1-6)
Blessing of Patience (5:7-12)

16. Knowing God’s Word Outline of James:
Blessing Through Patience, Prayer and Love (5)
Blessing of Prayer (5:13-18)
Blessing of Love for the Erring (5:19-20)