Session 115: Introduction to James and Chapter 1

James was NOT one of the two Apostles named James; he was a relative of Jesus ( cousin? half brother?) who was a skeptic about Jesus until he encountered the Resurrected Jesus.
(1 Corinthians 15:7)
He changed; he became the leader of the church at Jerusalem, was the host of the Council of Jerusalem (Acts 15:13). 

James and Paul have the same understanding of how we are saved (see Session on Romans 3 and the next Session on James 2), yet James is much more straightforward.

1:2 Trials should produce perseverance: are necessary to grow!

1:13 -15 God tempts no one!! (So don’t blame God!!)  Temptation is from Satan,
and giving in to it (through a faulty exercise of our own free will (our “own desire”) produces sin.

1:17 ”All good....is ...from the Father...”
(Be thankful!)

1:22 “Be DOERS of the word and not HEARERS only.”  (Faith must be LIVED OUT in a life of service to God and to our brothers and sisters.  God desires our Time, Talent, and Treasure.)

1:27 “Religion ..is...to care for orphans and widows” (Knights of Columbus!!!)
(to care for those that need our help)

These last 2 points are more fully developed in Chapter 2.