1. James

2. Title English – James Greek – Iakwbou Epistolh

3. Author

4. Date of Writing 46-49 AD

5. Theme The Sign of True Faith IsObedience James 1:22 But prove yourselves doers of the word, and not merely hearers who delude themselves.

6. Purpose of Writing James writes to help Jewish believers recover the joy of living lives in obedience to Christ and his word.

7. Survey of James 1. Christ in James 2. Faith vs. Works in James 3. Place in the Canon

8. Christ in James 1. The Divine Lawgiver and Judge 2. The Teacher (James’ references to Christ’s Sermon on the Mount )

9. The Divine Lawgiver and Judge James 4:12 There is only one Lawgiver and Judge, the One who is able to save and to destroy….

10. James 5:7-8 Therefore be patient, brethren, until the coming of the Lord…strengthen your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is near…. James 5:9 …behold, the Judge is standing right at the door.

11. The Teacher Much of James’ teaching in this epistle seems to be drawn directly from Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount.

12. Faith vs. Works in James Martin Luther was skeptical about the authority of James because it seemed to be in contradiction to Paul’s teachings in Romans.

13. Faith vs. Works in James James does not teach that we are saved by good works but only points out the implications of the truth that we were saved for good works.

14. Place in the Canon Historically, James gives us an insight into the development of the church and its struggles. Theologically, we learn of the importance of the practical side of our faith. Devotionally, we should be motivated to live out our faith in Christ.