James 2 - Introduction

Chapter s 2-5.

Having dealt with subjects in a certain order in chapter 1 the remainder of the letter will now deal with those subjects in the reverse order. Thus:

Analysis of chapter 1.

· Introduction. James the servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ (James 1:1).

· Requirement to rejoice in trials and testings and to reveals patient endurance in the face of them, for which purpose they are to pray for wisdom so that they may overcome, looking to God in complete faith and avoiding doubt (James 1:2; compare James 5:10).

· Description of what the attitudes of both poor and rich must be, and especially of the rich in the light of the uncertainties of the world, but those who triumph will receive the crown of life at His coming, while those who do not will be left to see everything wither (James 1:9; James 4:13 to James 5:9).

· Temptation is not given by God but results from the uncontrolled desires of men for what is of the world, for God's gifts towards men are good, especially the word of truth which has brought us life. We must therefore choose between what the world gives or what God gives and recognise the splendour of our Father, being submitted to His word (James 1:13; compare James 4:1).

· Men must be hearers rather than constantly speaking and must control their words and their anger, not having loose tongues but rather receiving true wisdom (James 1:19; compare James 3:1).

· They must not only hear but do. Actions are the final evidence of what a man is and of the purity and truth of his religion (James 1:22; compare James 2:1).

The remainder of the letter then splits up as follows:

Analysis of chapter 2-5.

· Faith without action is dead, illustrated (James 2:1), will be brought into judgment (James 2:8,) and argued (James 2:14). Compare James 1:22.

· The need to watch the tongue both for teachers and congregation followed by an exhortation to follow true wisdom in the matter (James 3:1). Compare James 1:19.

· Warning against following the desires of the heart, and a call rather to submit to God and a warning against hostile criticism (James 4:1). Compare James 1:13.

· Even our business lives are subject to God's will, men's riches will rot away, for they have been attained by the subjection of the poor while they themselves have lived luxuriously, nevertheless all must live in the light of the Lord's coming (James 4:13 to James 5:9). Compare James 1:9.

· Happy are those who endure trials, but they must be wholly honest, and overcome their sufferings by faith and prayer, for prayer is powerfully effective (James 5:10). Compare James 1:2.

· Conclusion; they are to be servants of God in saving men's souls (James 5:19).