Seeker & New Believer Group Study on James 1:1-4
Small Group Notes
Note: these are just my personal notes. Thus, they should not be viewed as a source of authority, except insofar as they come from someone striving to serve Jesus Christ. —Mike
James 1:1—Introduction
- Who is James?
- Only New Testament James it can be is Jesus' brother (Matthew 14:55)
- He didn't originally believe that Jesus was the Messiah (John 7:2-5)
- Jesus appeared to him after He was resurrected (I Corinthians 15:7)
- He became a leader in the church of Jerusalem (Acts 15:13)
- He was martyred for his beliefs
- servant—the Greek word (DOULOS) means both a slave (unable to leave) and servant (obeying willingly the master)
(see Exodus 21:2-6 for the type of servant talked about)
- Christ—doesn't use his privileged position of being brother of Jesus
- if you have an important position, stay humble
- don't brag about how close you are to Christ
- we need to be willing slaves to Christ
- tribes—These are the twelve tribes of Israel based on the twelve sons of Jacob (Genesis 35:23-26); in other words, the Jews who believed in Christ living in other nations.
- call for mission work; support the faithful in other nations
James 1:2-4—Trials and Perseverance
- vs 2: What is God telling us?
- We will face trials, and of many kinds
- We should consider it pure JOY
- Fellow believers are brothers (sisters)—we treat them with love (including loving rebuke)
- How do we apply this?
- First reaction should be to praise God for the trial
- A joy that it's a chance to show God you do have perseverance
- Prepare for trials (whenever means you will have them)—create a spiritual "bunker"
- memorize verses (e.g. I Cor 10:13, Jer 29:11, James 1:2-4)—artillery
- build up habits—praying, reading Scripture, Christian fellowship—supplies
- vs 3: these trials are designed to test our faith
- They build our perseverance (endurance)
- Greek HUPOMONE—"to stay under"; patience, waiting, cheerful or hopeful endurance
- See I Thessalonians 1:3
- Know we can have confidence this is why, and this will happen
- vs 4: perseverance has a goal
It is necessary to go through trials to become a mature Christian
- When we go through trials, remember the purpose — see the goal
- Why do we need trials to become mature? (Spiritual "Muscle-building")
- Dependency on God
- See what is real faith, and what is facade
- Be able to help younger Christians as they go through the same thing
- Develop wisdom (I Corinthians 2:6)
- What trials are you going through?
- Have you praised God for them?
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Version 1.00, Revised 09/29/2000