SB#1
8 Sept. 1997


James 1:1-16:

Introduction;
Undergoing trials and finding wisdom



0. Introduction

1. This semester's theme: living out the kingdom of God
We want to focus on living our daily lives as citizens of God's kingdom, and how to exhibit the kingdom of heaven in our daily lives. So we want insight into spiritual principles to live by. We want to be practical and real. So we turn to James for insights. James stresses the nitty-gritty of Christian life, but it's not by a bunch of rules that we live by. We're not looking to James for a set of do's and don't's. Rather, we want to understand the spiritual principles here that can guide our daily lives, that can direct our thoughts, attitudes, spiritual lives, and behavior. 2. Authorship and background
The author was most probably James, the half-brother of Jesus.

date: c. 45-50

Some claim that the epistle was written c. 45-50 A.D., others claim it was written as late as 60 A.D. James at first was skeptical of Jesus (see gospel references), but later became not only a believer and follower, but also a church leader. He was an elder of the Jerusalem church, and helped mediate the Gentile controversy at the Council of Jerusalem (Acts 15). According to Josephus, James was martyred by stoning in 62 A.D. for violating Jewish law.

see also:
Mt. 12:46-50, Mk 3:31-35, Lk 8:19-21, Jn 7:5;
Acts 2:5, 12:2, 12:17, 15:13-23, 21:18

structure:
James skips around some, introducing some themes in the letter, then turning to others, and coming back again to earlier themes again. Transitions are abrupt and sometimes unclear or missing, as if this were in homiletic (sermon) style. In fact, it reads almost as if he just mailed out his sermon notes!

Nonetheless, try outlining the book on your own, or at least the passage in this first study.




I. Facing trials [v1-4]
This passage focuses on trials—'testings from the outside—'compared with tempations (from the inside) in the next passage (SB#2).
v1. Refers to either Jewish Christians scattered over the empire, and/or figuratively to all Christians, as spiritual Israel.
v2. Note "when", not "if"—we all will undergo trials
"various trials" = many different kinds, all kinds of
What kind of trials were these Christians facing back then?
Though the Roman persecution of Christians hadn't really started yet, these Christians who were largely Jewish converts would have been facing ostracism and persecution from the Jewish communities in which they lived.
Think about the trials you face / have faced. What are they like for you?
When you face a trial, what is your initial response?
According to this passage, how should we respond?
How?! Be joyful?! Isn't that crazy? How can we be joyful? It's at least highly counter-intuitive...
v3-4. What progression of spiritual development does he outline here?
Can you explain how this works?
Do you see this progression in your own life?
Compare with the following passages:
      Matthew 5:11-12, Romans 5:3-5, Hebrews 2:10, Hebrews 12:11, I Peter 1:6-7
Why does God use trials to develop us? Why are trials so much more effective than other means?
      (cf. 2 Cor. 1:8-9, 12:7-10)
Discuss and define some of these terms (perseverence, mature, complete...). Why does God desire to put these qualities into us?


II. Finding wisdom [v5-8. ]
Why does James suddenly switch to wisdom? What does that have to do with trials?
What is the difference between a wise person and a smart person? Contrast the following:
        a. intelligence       b. knowledge       c. Bible knowledge       d. wisdom

What then is wisdom (cf. Prov. 9:10-12), and how can we get it?
What condition does God lay down for dispensing wisdom?
Is God being mean and stingy by denying wisdom to the "double-minded" on this basis?
Why is this belief necessary for finding wisdom? (cf. Mk 11:20-24, Heb 11:6)
How would you describe a double-minded person?
Could this term refer to you in any way? How might we be double-minded before God?
James calls double-minded people unstable [v8]; what's the connection between double-mindedness and instability? (What kind of instability?)

* What is the purpose for us in obtaining wisdom? What is God's purpose in giving us wisdom? That is, why does God want to give us wisdom?
* Are you currently facing any trials? How would you change the way you are handling it, in light of this passage?


III. Humility [v9-11]
Now why does James switch to humility?
How would you define humility?
Why does he use the poverty/wealth contrast to discuss wisdom, instead of some other contrast?
What does humility have to do with the context of wisdom and trials?
Why is humility necessary to (1) gain wisdom, and (2) face trials?
How can your position be a source of trial? (socioeconomic, academic, leadership...)
What kinds of pride do you have? (intellectual, spiritual, wealth, pride of life...)
What, then, should be your attitude toward your possessions, money, career, etc.?


IV. Blessing [ v12]
"crown": This is not referring to a king's crown. This refers to a garland or wreath of flowers awarded to athletes or military leaders. Why this allusion?
"Blessed" = spiritually happy and fulfilled All of life, life itself, is treated metaphorically as a trial in this verse.

What does the crown mean? A literal physical award or reward? Or something else?
How can this be a reason for being joyful during a trial?
* Besides the eternal reward, what benefits do we gain from undergoing trials in this life?


V. Temptation [v13-16]
Explicate the progression described here.
How and where can we break the cycle?
Explain the meaning of v16.
How can we be deceived — about what?


* Asterisks usually mark application / discussion questions, at least more involved ones.