| THE BOOK OF JAMES CHAPTER 1
I. THE INTRODUCTION OF THE LETTER: V 1
A. This letter was from a great Christian: James v 1
B. This letter came with the greatest credentials: James being a servant of God. v 1
C. This letter was to the greatest people on earth: Christians. v 1
D. This letter desired a great blessing: Greeting. v 1
II. THE PROBLEMS OF OUR TEMPTATIONS: VS 2-15
A. These are the instructions for our temptations. v 2
1. Christians must rejoice over their temptations. v 2, Romans 8:16-18
2. Saints should not complain over their trials. v 2, 1 Cor. 10:9-10
B. These are the purposes of our temptations. vs 3-4
1. Our temptations test our faith in being a Christain. v 3, 1 Peter 1:6-7
2. Our temptations try our patience in being a disciple. v 3, James 5:10-11
3. Our temptations make us to be perfect in being a saint. v 4, l Peter 5:10
C. These are the ways to overcome our temptations. vs 5-8
1. Disciples must possess divine wisdom. v 5, Col. 1:9
2. Christians must have a trusting faith in God. vs 6-8, Heb. 11:6
a). A disciple must know the word of God. John 8:31-32
b). A brother in Christ should believe the word of God. Eph. 3:20-21
c). A saint ought to obey the word of God. Heb. 5:8-9
D. These are the ways by which we are tempted. vs 9-11
1. Christians are tempted to despise the ways of a poor man. v 9, 1 Tim. 6:8
2. Disciples are tempted to love the ways of a rich man. vs 10-11, 1 Tim. 6:9- 10
E. These are the blessings for overcoming our temptations. v 12
1. Christians will be given a crown of life. Romans 2:7
2. Disciples will be given a crown of righteousness. 1 Tim. 4:8
F. These are the sources of our temptations. vs 13-14
1. Our temptations do not come from God. v 13, Job 1:7-12
2. Our temptations come from our own selfish desires. v 14, 1 John 2:15-17
G. These are the punishment for any person who is overcomed by his own temptations. v 15
1. That person will lose his own soul. Matt. 10:28
2. That person will be punished with everlasting punishment. 2 Thess. 1:7- 9
III. BEING MISLEAD: VS 16-21
A. This is the forbiddance for our being mislead. v 16 (Christians should not err from the truth of God.) Gal. 6:6-9
B. These are the reasons for not being mislead. vs 17-18
1. Christians can receive the spiritual blessings of God. v 17, 2 Peter 1:1-4
a). A disciple has been redeemed from his sins. 1 Peter 1:18-19
b). A saint can win the victory over Satan. 1 Cor. 15:57, Romans 8:37
2. Christians should fulfill the purpose of their own regeneration of life. v 18
a). A disciple should produce fruit in the vineyard of God. John 15:1-8
b). A saint can manifest the fruits of the Spirit. Gal. 5:22-23
C. These are the ways to keep from being mislead. vs 19-21
1. Disciples should control their speech because the anger of man does not promote the righteousness of God. vs 19-20, Eph. 4:26-27
2. Christians should control their conduct. v 21, Romans 12:1-2
a). A saint should give up his sins. Romans 6:12
b). A disciple should be governed by the word of God. Psa. 1:1-3
IV. COMPLETE OBEDIENCE: VS 22-27
A. These are the commandments for our obedience. v 22
1. Christians should hear and obey the word of God. Matt. 7:24-25
2. Disciples should not hear and disobey the word of God. Matt. 7:26-27
B. These are the reasons for our obedience. vs 23-24
1. The word of God is a mirror for our soul. vs 23-24, 2 Tim. 3:16-17
2. The word of God will built up our faith. Acts 20:32
C. These are the blessings for our obedience. vs 25-26
1. Those persons who obey God will be made a pillar in the temple of God. Rev. 3:12
2. Those persons who obey God will be eternally blessed. Rev. 22:14
D. These are the requirements for our obedience. vs 26-27
1. Christians must control their language. v 26, James 3:8
2. Disciples should help the needy persons. v 27, Gal. 6:10
3. Saints need to keep themselves separated from the world. v 27, Romans 12:1-2
CHAPTER 2
I. SHOWING PARTIALITY: VS 1-7
A. These are the reasons for showing partiality. v 1
1. The lack of obedience causes a Christian to show partiality. James 2:9
2. The lack of knowledge entices a saint to reveal partiality. Acts 10:34-35
3. The lack of faith makes a disciple to manifest partiality. Mark 9:23
B. These are the ways of showing partiality. vs 2-3
1. A Christian can favor the rich person. Luke 16:19
2. A disciple can despise the poor person. Luke 16:20-21
C. These are the restrictions for showing partiality. v 4
1. Saints should not favor the rich and despise the poor. Prov. 30:8-9
2. Christians must not be governed by evil motives. Prov. 4:23, Prov. 23:7
D. These are the punishments for showing partiality. vs 5-7
1. If Christians show partiality, they would be robbed of God's spiritual blessings. v 5, James 1:27
a). A brother in Christ would not be rich in the faith. Heb. 13:5-6
b). A disciple would not be an heir of the Kingdom of God. Matt. 5:3
c). A saint would not be a lover of God. 1 Tim. 5:21
2. If Christians show partiality, they would be persecuted by evil men. vs 6-7
a). The rich persecute the poor. v 6, James 5:4
b). The rich blaspheme the poor. v 7, 1 Peter 4:16
II. FULFILLING THE ROYAL LAW: VS 8-13
A. These are the conditions for fulfilling the royal law. vs 8-9
1. A Christian must love his neighbor. v 8, Gal. 5:14
2. A disciple should be impartial. v 9, Acts 10:34-35
B. These are the ways of fulfilling the royal law. vs 10-11
1. Christians can not fulfill the royal law of God by breaking any one of the commandments of the law. v 10, John 14:15
2. Disciples can fulfill the royal law of God by keeping each one of the commandments of the law. v 11, 1 John 5:4
C. These are the reasons for fulfilling the royal law. vs 12-13
1. Christians will be judged by the law of God. v 12, John 12:48, Rev. 20:12- 15
2. Saints will be judged by an impartial Judge. v 13, Acts 17:30-31
III. A WORKING FAITH: VS 14-26
A. These are the values of an un-working faith. vs 14-20
1. An un-working faith can not save the soul. v 14, James 4:17
2. An un-working faith will not help the needy persons. vs 15-16, Gal. 6:10
3. An un-working faith is inactive. v 17, 1 John 5:4
4. An un-working faith is inconsistent. v 18, 1 Peter 2:12
5. An un-working faith is worthless and powerless. vs 19-20, Gal. 5:6
B. These are the values of a working faith. vs 21-26
1. A working faith will do the works of God. vs 21-25
a). Abraham was justified by a working faith. vs 21,23, Gen. 22:1-14
b). Rahab, the harlot was justified by a working faith. v 25, Josh. 2:1-21
2. A working faith will justify the soul. vs 24,26, Heb. 10:38-39
CHAPTER 3
I. GOVERNING THE TONGUE: VS 1-12
A. These are the reasons for our tongue. vs 1-2
1. Our tongue allows us to communicate. v 1, 1 Peter 3:15
2. Our tongue makes us accountable for our communication. v 2, Matt. 12:36
B. These are the powers of the tongue. vs 3-6
1. There is power in small things. vs 3-5
a). The bride is able to govern the horse. v 3
b). The rudder is able to guide the ship. v 4
2. The tongue is a small member of the body. vs 5-6
a). The tongue is more powerful than a fire. v 5
b). The tongue does determine our destiny. v 6
C. These are the traits of the tongue. vs 7-8
1. We can tame all kinds of animals. v 7
a). Man can tame beasts. v 7
b). Man can tame birds. v 7
c). Man can tame serpents. v 7
d). Man can tame sea creatures. v 7
2. We can not tame the tongue. v 8
D. These are the inconsistencies of the tongue. vs 9-12
1. These are the ways by which the tongue become inconsistent. vs 9-10
a). The tongue is used to bless God. v 9
b). The tongue is used to curse man. v 10
2. These inconsistencies of the tongue are forbidden. vs 11-12
a). A drinking fountain produces only one kind of water. v 11
b). A fruit tree produces only one kind of fruit. v 12
II. TRUE WISDOM: VS 13-18
A. These are the essentials of true wisdom. vs 13-14
1. Christians must be governed by true wisdom because their conversation and works must be perfected by wisdom. v 13, Col. 1:9
2. Disciples must not be governed by false wisdom because they would be following false doctrines. v 14, 2 Thess. 2:10-12
B. These are the reasons for true wisdom. vs 15-16
1. False wisdom is earthly, sensual and devilish. v 15, 2 Cor. 11:14-15
2. False wisdom engenderes evil works. v 16, Romans 16:17-18
C. These are the qualities of true wisdom. v 17
1. These are the positive characteristics of true wisdom.
a). True wisdom is pure. Prov. 15:26
b). True wisdom is peaceable. 1 Tim. 2:2, Romans 12:18
c). True wisdom is gentle. 2 Tim 2:24
d). True wisdom is reasonable. Isa. 1:18-20, Romans 12:1-2
e). True wisdom is merciful. Luke 6:36
f). True wisdom is fruitful. Col. 1:10
2. These are the negative traits of true wisdom.
a). True wisdom is without partiality. 1 Tim. 5:21
b). True wisdom is without hypocrisy. Prov. 11:9
D. These are the blessings of true wisdom. v 18
1. True wisdom brings peace to those persons who use that wisdom. Phil. 4:6
2. True wisdom engenderes the righteousness of God to those persons who use that wisdom. Heb. 12:11
CHAPTER 4
I. WORLDLINESS: VS 1-10
A. These are the causes of worldliness. vs 1-3
1. Lust produces worldliness. v 1, Jude 16
2. Murder engenderes worldliness. v 2, 1 John 3:15
3. Selfish motives worldliness. v 3, Isa. 1:15-16
B. These are the effects of worldliness. v 4
1. An unfaithful Christian would be guilty of spiritual adultery. v 4, 1 Cor. 6:15-18
2. An unfaithful disciple would be an enemy of God. v 4, Eph. 2:11-12
C. These are the reasons for worldliness. vs 5-6
1. Some people are trying to fulfill their lustful desires. v 5, Gen. 6:5
2. Some people are to proud to serve God. v 6, Prov. 16:18
D. These are the cures for worldliness. vs 7-10
1. Saints can overcome the world by trusting in God. vs 7, 8, 10, 1 John 5:4
2. Disciples can overcome the world by resisting the Devil. vs 7, 8, 9, 1 Peter 5:9
II. EVIL SPEAKING: VS 11-12
A. These are the forbiddances for evil speaking. v 11
1. Christians must not slander one another. 1 Peter 2:1
2. Saints should not malign one another. Eph. 4:31
B. These are the effects of evil speaking. v 11
1. Evil speaking causes saints to speak evil of the law of God. 2 Peter 3:3-4
2. Evil speaking would make Christians to judge the law of God. Titus 1:9- 11
C. These are the results of evil speaking. v 11
1. An unfaithful saint would not be practicing the law of God. James 1:22-25
2. An unfaithful disciple would be judging the law of God. Romans 2:1
D. These are the rebukes for evil speaking. v 12
1. Christians are not the Savior of the world. Luke 2:7-14
2. Saints are not the Lawgiver of the law of God. John 6:68
3. Disciples are not the Judge of the law of God. Acts 17:30-31
III. A BOASTING ATTITUDE: VS 13-17
A. These are the characteristics of a boasting attitude. v 13
1. A brother in Christ could boast about the future. Prov. 27:1
2. A disciple can brag about his possessions. Luke 12:18-20
3. A saint could praise his own righteousness. Luke 18:9-14
4. A Christian can boast about his intentions. Acts 24:25
B. These are the rebukes for a boasting attitude. v 14
1. Life is uncertain. Psa. 90:9-10
2. Death is certain. Romans 5:12
C. These are the cures for a boasting attitude. v 15
1. A Christian must consider the will of God. Psa. 1:1-3
2. A disciple should obey the will of God. Heb. 5:8-9
D. These are the effects of a boasting attitude. vs 16-17
1. The boasting of a Christain would cause evil rejoicing. v 16, Psa. 10:2-6
2. The boasting of a siant would produce a neglectful personality. v 17, Heb. 2:1-3
CHAPTER 5
I. THE WOES OF RICHES: VS 1-6
A. These are the rebukes for the rich. v 1
1. The rich should weep. 1 Tim. 6:9-10
2. The rich should howl. Luke 6:24
B. These are the insecurities of the rich. v 2
1. The riches of those rich persons are uncertain. v 2, 1 Tim. 6:17
2. The riches of those rich persons are cankered. v 3, Matt. 6:19-21
C. These are the traits of the rich. vs 4-6
1. The rich will often cheat in different way. v 4
2. The rich will seek earthly pleasures. v 5, Luke 17:19-31
3. The rich will often be selfish. v 5, Luke 18:18-25
4. The rich will seek self-gratification. v 5, Luke 12:13-21
5. The rich will often persecute the innocent. v 6, Matt. 5:11-12
II. THE VALUE OF OUR PATIENCE: VS 7-11
A. These are the extents of our patience. vs 7-8
1. Christians must be patient until our Lord comes. v 7, Rev. 2:10
2. Saints should be patient for our Lord's return. v 8, Romans 13:11
B. These are the reasons for our patience. v 9
1. An unfaithful Christian will be condemned. v 2, 2 Cor. 5:10
2. Each disciple will be judged. Acts 17:30-31
C. These are the motivations for our patience. v 10
1. There is power in the examples of suffering. Heb. 11:32-40
2. There is influence in the examples of patience. 2 Tim. 4:6-8
D. These are the effects of patience. v 11
1. Our patience brings happiness. James 1:12
2. Our patience produces Divine compassion. 1 Peter 5:10
III. THE NATURE OF SPEECH: V 12
A. A Christian should not use profanity.
B. A disciple must speak the truth.
IV. THE POWER OF OUR PRAYERS: VS 13-20
A. These are the privileges of our prayers. vs 13-14
1. Saints can pray when they are afflicted. v 13, 1 Peter 5:7
2. Christians can pray when they are sick. v 14, Phil. 4:6
B. These are the reasons for our prayers. v 15
1. The physical health of a Christain can be restored. 2 John 2
2. The spiritual health of a disciple can be healed. 1 John 1:7-9
C. These are the needs for our prayers. vs 16-18
1. Christians should pray for the forgiveness of their own sins. v 16, Matt. 6:12
2. Disciples should pray for those who are lost. vs 17-20, 1 Tim. 2:1-4
a). Elijah was praying for Israel's repentance. vs 17-18, 1 Kings 17:20- 22
b). Christians should pray for the erring persons. vs 19:20, Acts 8:19-24
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Copyright 2000 by Charles Burke. You May Copy And Use Any Of The Above
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