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Overview
The apostle James, the oldest half-brother of Jesus, was a key leader in the Jerusalem church. During the early days of the young church, the Jewish believers had been scattered by persecution. Out of compassion, James wrote this epistle to confront them and motivate them to test the quality and consistency of their faith.
Pastor John MacArthur will take you through the book of James, passage by passage, so that you can better understand this short but powerful book and how James gives us practical guidance on issues that also measure our true faith and our spiritual fruitfulness. James calls all believers—then and now—to live a life that demonstrates saving faith marked by godly behavior.
—ABOUT THE SERIES—
The MacArthur Bible Study series is designed to help you study the Word of God with guidance from widely respected pastor and author John MacArthur. Each guide provides intriguing examinations of the whole of Scripture by examining its parts and incorporates:
- Extensive, but straight-forward commentary on the text.
- Detailed observations on overriding themes, timelines, history, and context.
- Word and phrase studies to help you unlock the broader meaning and apply it to your life.
- Probing, interactive questions with plenty of space to write down your response and thoughts.
Product Details
| ISBN-13: | 9780718035358 |
|---|---|
| Publisher: | HarperChristian Resources |
| Publication date: | 06/28/2016 |
| Series: | MacArthur Bible Studies |
| Sold by: | HarperCollins Publishing |
| Format: | eBook |
| Pages: | 128 |
| Sales rank: | 823,483 |
| File size: | 830 KB |
About the Author
Widely known for his thorough, candid approach to teaching God's Word, John MacArthur is a popular author and conference speaker. He has served as pastor-teacher of Grace Community Church in Sun Valley, California, since 1969. John and his wife, Patricia, have four married children and fifteen grandchildren. John's pulpit ministry has been extended around the globe through his media ministry, Grace to You, and its satellite offices in seven countries. In addition to producing daily radio programs for nearly two thousand English and Spanish radio outlets worldwide, Grace to You distributes books, software, and digital recordings by John MacArthur. John is chancellor of The Master's University and Seminary and has written hundreds of books and study guides, each one biblical and practical. Bestselling titles include The Gospel According to Jesus, Twelve Ordinary Men, Twelve Extraordinary Women, Slave, and The MacArthur Study Bible, a 1998 ECPA Gold Medallion recipient.
Read an Excerpt
James
Guidelines for a Happy Christian Life
By John MacArthur
Thomas Nelson
Copyright © 2007 John MacArthurAll rights reserved.
ISBN: 978-0-7180-3535-8
CHAPTER 1
From Trouble to Triumph
James 1:1–12
Drawing Near
James opens his book by emphasizing the reality of hard times. How do you usually respond to trials or setbacks in your life? Why?
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Describe a situation in which a Christian you know has handled a difficult trial with exceptional grace and humility. What do you think made the difference? What was his or her "secret"?
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What do you want to learn in this study? Ask God to open your heart and mind to be receptive to the no-nonsense approach to living out your faith.
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The Context
James's major emphasis in this section of his epistle is this: If a person's faith is genuine, it will prove itself during times of trouble, whatever the nature or source of the trouble may be.
The clear message of Scripture is that trials are a tool in the loving hands of the Lord. They test the strength of our faith; they humble us; they wean us from our dependence on earthly things; they call us to eternal and heavenly hope; they reveal what we really love; they teach us to value God's blessings; they develop enduring strength for greater usefulness; they help us better encourage others who are in times of trial.
Since trials are so productive, it is essential for us to respond rightly to them. James helps us greatly in this by giving five means for persevering through trials. He then tells us of the reward for perseverance.
Keys to the Text
Jewish Diaspora: James wrote to Christian Jews living in the Roman Empire, who had been "scattered abroad" because of persecution. The word "scattered" is from the Greek word diaspora, which literally means "through a sowing" (see John 7:35). Thus, the "diaspora" became a technical term referring to Jews living outside the land of Palestine. In the Old Testament, Jews were expelled from the land by the Assyrians (2 Kings 17; 1 Chron. 5) and Babylonians (2 Kings 24–25; 2 Chron. 36). The majority of Israelites did not return to Judea after the Exile. The geographical movement of Israelites continued in the Greek and Roman Empires so that by the first century AD, Jews were found throughout the Mediterranean basin and Mesopotamia. But James's primary audience was those who were scattered because of current persecution, some of whom were once led by a Jew named Saul of Tarsus (see Acts 8:1).
Trials: This Greek word connotes trouble, or something that breaks the pattern of peace, comfort, joy, and happiness in someone's life. The verb form of this word means "to put someone or something to the test," with the purpose of discovering that person's nature or that thing's quality. God brings such tests to prove — and increase — the strength and quality of one's faith and to demonstrate its validity (vv. 2–12). Every trial becomes a test of faith designed to strengthen; if the believer fails the test by responding wrongly, that test then becomes a temptation or a solicitation to evil.
Unleashing the Text
Read James 1:1–12, noting the key words and definitions next to the passage.
James 1:1-12 (NKJV)
1 James, a bondservant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, to the twelve tribes which are scattered abroad: Greetings.
2 My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials,
3 knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience.
4 But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.
5 If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him.
6 But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for he who doubts is like a wave of the sea driven and tossed by the wind.
7 For let not that man suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord;
8 he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways.
9 Let the lowly brother glory in his exaltation,
10 but the rich in his humiliation, because as a flower of the field he will pass away.
11 For no sooner has the sun risen with a burning heat than it withers the grass; its flower falls, and its beautiful appearance perishes. So the rich man also will fade away in his pursuits.
12 Blessed is the man who endures temptation; for when he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him.
1) What do you learn about the recipients of James's letter?
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2) What can trials accomplish in the life of a believer?
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(Verses to consider: 2 Cor. 12:7–10; 1 Pet. 5:10)
3) According to James, how should believers respond to trials? What part does wisdom play?
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(Verses to consider: Prov. 3:5–7; Acts 5:40–42; 1 Thess. 5:16–18; Heb. 12:2–3)
4) What does it mean to be double-minded? Give an example, if you can.
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5) How do trials act as an equalizer to the rich and the poor?
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6) What do you learn about the reward God promises for enduring trials and temptation (v. 12)?
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Going Deeper
For more insight about the value of trials in our lives, read what the apostle Peter wrote in 1 Peter 1:6–9.
6 In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be, you have been grieved by various trials,
7 that the genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ,
8 whom having not seen you love. Though now you do not see Him, yet believing, you rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory,
9 receiving the end of your faith — the salvation of your souls.
Exploring the Meaning
7) In what way do trials prove our faith is genuine? What does that mean?
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8) How does having faith in what we have "not seen" make a difference in difficult times?
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9) Read Hebrews 11:1, 6. What do these verses say about the role of faith in our dealings with God?
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10) Read Proverbs 3:5–6. Compare and contrast this passage with James 1:5–6. What helpful principles about wisdom do you observe?
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Truth for Today
To test the genuineness of a diamond, jewelers often place it in clear water, which causes a real diamond to sparkle with special brilliance. An imitation stone, on the other hand, will have almost no sparkle at all. When the two are placed side by side, even an untrained eye can easily tell the difference. In a similar way, the world can often notice the marked differences between genuine Christians and those who merely profess faith in Christ. As with jewels, there is a noticeable difference in radiance, especially when people are undergoing difficult times. Many people have great confidence in their faith until it is severely tested by hardships and disappointments. How a person handles trouble will reveal whether his faith is living or dead, genuine or imitation, saving or non-saving.
Reflecting on the Text
11) Is there something in your life that you would call a "trial" or "test"? What makes it hard to be joyful in the midst of that difficulty?
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12) How would you define endurance as it relates to the Christian life? According to James 1:12, why is it imperative that we persevere?
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(Verses to consider: 2 Tim. 4:8; 1 Pet. 5:4; Rev. 2:10)
13) What difference does it make to know that God is working through trials to build good things in our lives?
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14) How can the truths of this lesson help you move from troubles to triumph?
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Personal Response
Write out additional reflections, questions you may have, or a prayer.
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CHAPTER 2Understanding Temptation
James 1:13–18
Drawing Near
One of the chief characteristics of sin is the propensity to pass the blame. What are some creative "excuses" you have heard people give for doing something that is clearly wrong?
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Think of a time when you have done something wrong, big or small, and tried to cover it up. What makes it so hard to own up to our own guilt?
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The Context
It's human nature to deflect responsibility. We see this from the very beginning of creation. When God confronted Adam with his sin in the Garden of Eden, Adam's reply was, "The woman whom You gave to be with me, she gave me from the tree, and I ate" When the Lord asked Eve, "What is this you have done?" she replied, "The serpent deceived me, and I ate" (Gen. 3:12–13). Eve blamed Satan. Adam blamed the woman, but really blamed God. And on it goes today.
So is God ultimately responsible for our temptations and sin? James provides four strong proofs that God is not responsible for our temptations nor for our weakness in succumbing to sin. James explains the nature of evil, the nature of man, the nature of lust, and the nature of God. As you read this passage, be thankful that through Jesus Christ, God has provided a way for us to be delivered from our sin natures!
Keys to the Text
Sin: The transgression of God's will in thought, word, or deed. When we were born physically, we inherited from Adam the flesh with its propensity to sin. The one word that best characterizes sin — the flesh, our human nature — is selfish. The sin of Adam centered on setting his own will and interests against God's; and that has been the center of sin ever since. Jesus made it clear that man's basic problem is not with what is outside of him but with what is within him (see Mark 7:20–-23). When we were born spiritually and given a new heart, God broke the back of sin and paid its penalty. But the tendency toward evil desires remains.
Temptation: The Greek word peirasmos (the noun form of the verb translated tempted) has the basic meaning of trying, testing, assaying, or proving and can have negative or positive connotations, depending on the context. In James 1:12 the word is used in the sense of trials or testings. But in the present text (vv. 13–14), the idea is clearly that of temptation, of solicitation to evil. Here James deals with an entirely different concept, the difference being not in the test itself but in a person's response to it. If a believer responds in faithful obedience to God's Word, he successfully endures a trial; if he succumbs to it in the flesh, doubting God and disobeying, he is tempted to sin. Right response leads to spiritual endurance, righteousness, wisdom, and other blessings. Wrong response leads to sin and death.
Unleashing the Text
Read James 1:13–18, noting the key words and definitions next to the passage.
James 1:13–18 (NKJV)
13 Let no one say when he is tempted, "I am tempted by God"; for God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does He Himself tempt anyone.
14 But each one is tempted when he is drawn away by his own desires and enticed.
15 Then, when desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, brings forth death.
16 Do not be deceived, my beloved brethren.
17 Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning.
18 Of His own will He brought us forth by the word of truth, that we might be a kind of firstfruits of His creatures.
1) What do you learn about God's nature in this passage (vv. 13, 17)?
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2) Describe the progression from temptation to sin.
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3) James warns the believers not to be deceived. In what ways can we be deceived when it comes to temptation?
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4) What does James mean when he says that in God there is "no variation or shadow of turning" (v. 17)?
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(Verses to consider: Mal. 3:6; Heb. 13:8)
(Continues...)
Excerpted from James by John MacArthur. Copyright © 2007 John MacArthur. Excerpted by permission of Thomas Nelson.
All rights reserved. No part of this excerpt may be reproduced or reprinted without permission in writing from the publisher.
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Table of Contents
Contents
Introduction to James, 1,1 From Trouble to Triumph James 1:1–12, 3,
2 Understanding Temptation James 1:13–18, 11,
3 Belief that Behaves James 1:19–27, 19,
4 Favoritism in the Church? James 2:1–13, 27,
5 Dead Faith James 2:14–20, 35,
6 Faith that Passes the Test James 2:21–26, 43,
7 Taming the Tongue James 3:1–12, 51,
8 True Wisdom James 3:13–18, 59,
9 Friendship with the World James 4:1–12, 67,
10 Responding to the Will of God James 4:13–17, 77,
11 Riches, Trials, and Oaths James 5:1–12, 85,
12 Righteous Praying James 5:13–20, 93,