Themes from the Book of James – Part 1

Follow Along with the Message

 “All scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting, and training in righteousness. So that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.”

--2 Timothy 3:16 (NIV)

“…to the twelve tribes scattered among the nations.”

--James 1:1 (NIV)

“When Jesus had finished these parables, he moved on from there. Coming to His hometown, he began teaching in the synagogue, and they were amazed. “Where did this man get his wisdom and these miraculous powers?” they asked. “Isn’t this the carpenter’s son? Isn’t His mother’s name Mary, and aren’t His brothers James, Joseph, Simon and Judas? Aren’t all his sisters with us? Where then did this man get all these things? And they took offense at him.”

--Matthew 13:53-55 (NIV)

James was prominent in the early church.

• He was one of the select individuals Christ appeared to after His resurrection. ( 1 Cor 15:7)
• Paul called him a “pillar” of the church (Gal 2:9)
• Paul, on his first post-conversion visit to Jerusalem, saw James (Gal 1:19)
• Paul did the same on his last visit (Ac 21:18)
• When Peter was rescued from prison, he told his friends to tell James (Acts 12: 17)
• James was a leader in the important council of Jerusalem (Acts 15:13)
• Jude (who wrote the book of Jude) could identify himself simply as “a brother of James “so well-known was James.
• He was martyred A.D. 62

“Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds,…”

--James 1: 2 (NIV)

Three Truths About Joy:

1. Joy is different than .

• Happiness is a deep sense of flourishing or an emotional state of well-being.
• Joy supernaturally sustains our souls in seasons of heartache, injustice, and sorrow.

Happiness is a   to something great.

Joy is the   of someone great.

“Joy is the settled assurance that God is in control of all the details of my life, the quiet confidence that ultimately everything is going to be alright, and the determined choice to praise God in every situation.”

-- Rick Warren

2. Joy is not dependent on .

“I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete.”

--John 15:11 (NIV)

“Rejoice in the Lord always, I will say it again: rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all…”

--Phil 4:4-5 (NIV)

3. Joy and  are joint

“If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him. But when he asks, he must believe and not doubt…”

--James 1: 5-6 (NIV)

“God gives wisdom, knowledge, and joy to those who please Him.”

--Eccl 2:26

“For wisdom will enter your heart, and knowledge will fill you with joy.”

--Proverbs 2:10

“But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial, and sincere.”

--James 3:17 (NIV)

“My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to become angry. Because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires.”

--James 1:19 (NIV)

• The wise  well
• The wise  their words.

“Wise people think before they act.”

--Proverbs 13:16a (NLT)

“Wisdom will lead you to a life of joy and peace.”

--Proverbs 3: 17