i needesd help with bible book of james.?

Question

my youthgroup is doing a bible study on james .

i need with chapter 3-5

Answer 1

The author of this epistle (letter) is James, also called James The Just, who is thought to be the brother of Jesus Christ (Matthew 13:55, Mark 6:3). James was not a believer (John 7:3-5) until after the resurrection (Acts 1:14, 1 Corinthians 15:7, Galatians 1:19). He became the head of the Jerusalem church, and is mentioned first as a pillar of the Church (Galatians 2:9).

Date of Writing: The Book of James is probably the oldest book of the New Testament, written perhaps as early as A.D. 45, before the first council of Jerusalem in A.D. 50. James was martyred in approximately 62 A.D.

Purpose of Writing: Some think that this epistle was written in response to an overzealous interpretation of Paul’s teaching that was never intended. This extreme view, called antinomianism, held that through faith in Christ one is completely free from all Old Testament law, all legalism, all secular law, and all the morality of a society. James was felt to be intensely Jewish and this epistle is directed to Jewish Christians scattered among all the nations. In this context the dissonance with Paul, the Apostle to the Gentiles, and his teachings fade. Martin Luther, who detested this letter and called it “the epistle of straw,” failed to recognize this very important context. While Pauline teachings concentrate on our justification with God, James’ teachings concentrate on our discourse and justification amongst each other. James was writing to Jews to encourage them in their continued growth in this new Christian faith. James emphasizes that good actions will naturally flow from those who are filled with the spirit and questions whether someone may or may not have a saving faith if the fruits of the spirit cannot be seen, much as Paul describes in Galatians 5:22-23.

Key Verses: "Whenever trouble comes your way, let it be an opportunity for joy. For when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow" (James 1:2-3).

"Be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to get angry" (James 1:19).

"It isn’t enough just to have faith. Faith that doesn’t show itself by good deeds is not faith at all—it is dead and useless. Now someone may argue, 'Some people have faith; others have good deeds.' I say, 'I can’t see your faith if you don’t have good deeds, but I will show you my faith through my good deeds'” (James 2:17-18).

"The tongue is a small thing, but what enormous damage it can do" (James 3:5).

"The earnest prayer of a righteous person has great power and wonderful results" (James 5:16).

Brief Summary: The Book of James outlines the faith walk through Genuine Religion (1:1-27), Genuine Faith (2:1-3:12) and Genuine Wisdom (3:13-5:20). This book contains a remarkable parallel to Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount in Matthew 5-7. James begins in the first chapter by describing the overall traits of the faith walk. In chapter two and the beginning of chapter three he discusses social justice and a discourse on faith in action. He then compares and contrasts the difference between worldly and Godly wisdom and asks us to turn away from evil and draw close to God. James gives a particularly severe rebuke to the rich who hoard and those who are self-reliant. Finally he ends, albeit abruptly, upbeat with encouragement to be patient in suffering, praying and caring for one another and bolstering our faith through fellowship.

Practical Application: We see in the Book of James a challenge to “walk the walk” and “talk the talk” of a faithful follower of Jesus Christ. While our faith walk, to be certain, requires a growth of knowledge about the word, James exhorts us to not stop there. Many Christians will find this reading challenging as James presents us with 60 obligations in only 108 verses. It is hard-hitting as he asks us in verse 1:23 to look at ourselves in the mirror and then straighten ourselves up. He focuses on the truths of Jesus’ words in the Sermon on the Mount and motivates us to act upon what He taught.

An unknown author has stated, “Faith is not believing in spite of the evidence; faith is obeying in spite of the consequences.” Read James and go forth with a faith rooted in love, and evidenced by action.

Recommended Resources: Hebrews & James, Holman New Testament Commentary by Thomas Lea.
James, MacArthur New Testament Commentary by John MacArthur
The Epistle of James, New International Commentary on the New Testament by James Adamson.

Answer 2

You are correct that the original KJV contained 80 books. The Latin Vulgate, which is still the official Bible of the Roman Catholic Church, has 80 books. 14 of those books are labeled, "useful to read, but not inspired" in the introduction. However, you are confused about a few things: 1. The Torah is the first five books of the Old Testament. You said you aren't looking for the Torah, but the Bible you have found includes it. Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers and Deuteronomy, those are the books which our Jewish friends call the Torah. 2. Until 1546, no church group accepted those extra 14 books as Scripture. 3. The extra 14 books were rejected by the Jews as Scripture in about 50 AD. 4. There is an interesting article you should read, written by a really smart dude, on this very subject. 5. I'd suggest you read it. 6. When you first get a hold of that book of 1 Macabbees look up these 3 verses: 1 Maccabees 4:46 And laid up the stones in the mountain of the temple in a convenient place, until there should come a prophet to shew what should be done with them. 1 Maccabees 9:27 So was there a great affliction in Israel, the like whereof was not since the time that a prophet was not seen among them. 1 Maccabees 14:41 Also that the Jews and priests were well pleased that Simon should be their governor and high priest for ever, until there should arise a faithful prophet; 7. Now ask yourself what these three verses mean. Read it all, especially the Gospel of John.

Answer 3

The theme is : Genuine faith.
Chapters1-2 = Actions of Faith.
Chapter 3 = Evaluation of Faith.( Human wisdom leads to disorder; God's wisdom leads to peace & goodness)
Chapters 4 :1 - 5 : 6 = Conflicts of faith.( Overcome worldliness with honest , humble, contrite heart)
Chapter 5 7-20 = Forbearance of faith. ( patience during suffering)

Life Lessons : 1 Genuine faith will produce real changes in your life.
2. Temtation is not sin, but if it is not dealt with, it can lead to sin.
3. Being wealthy is not a sin, but selfishness is.God gives you money to help meet the needs of others.
4. Prayer plays a signifigant role in the ministry of the local church.
5. God is not a respector of persons, and you should not be either.

Answer 4

You would need to be a bit more specific. Perhaps indicate what areas in this book you are struggling with.
Here is little introduction the help get you started:

James - INTRODUCTION TO JAMES

This epistle is called "general", because not written to any particular person, as the epistles to Timothy, Titus, and Philemon are; nor to any particular churches, as the epistles to the Romans, Corinthians, &c. but to the believing Jews in general, wherever they were. The author of it is James; and whereas there were two of this name, who were the apostles of Christ; some have thought it was written by one, and some by another: some think it was written by James the son of Zebedee, and brother of John, which is favoured by the Syriac version, which to this epistle, and the following, premises these words;

"the three epistles of the three apostles, before whose eyes our Lord transfigured himself, that is, James, and Peter, and John.''

Now, that James, who was present at the transfiguration of Christ, was James the son of Zebedee: but neither the time, nor occasion, nor matter of this epistle, seem to agree with him, for he was put to death by Herod, about the year 44, Act_12:1, whereas this epistle was written, as some think, about the year 60, or as others, 63; and it seems pretty manifest that it must be written after the Gospel had been spread in the Gentile world, and was received by the Jews, who were scattered abroad in it; and after many hypocrites had crept into the churches, and many false teachers, and vain boasters, and wicked men, had arisen among them: it seems therefore more agreeable to ascribe this epistle to James, the son of Alphaeus, sometimes called the brother of our Lord, and who was present at the assembly at Jerusalem, when the necessity of the Gentiles' circumcision was debated, Act_15:1 and is the same whom Eusebius (a) calls James the just, and Oblias; and who seems to have resided at Jerusalem, and to have been the bishop, or overseer of the church there; and therefore in character writes this epistle to the Jews, in the several parts of the world: nor need there be any doubt of the authenticity of it. Eusebius indeed says (b), that it had been accounted spurious by some, and that not many of the ancient writers had made mention of it: but he himself says, that it was publicly read in most churches; and certain it is, that some very early writers have respect unto it. Irenaeus (c) manifestly refers to it, and so does Tertullian (d); and it is expressly mentioned by Origen (e) among the canonical books of Scripture. The objections against it are of no weight, which are taken from the seeming disagreement between the Apostle Paul, and the writer of this epistle, concerning the doctrine of justification; and from his calling the law the perfect law of liberty, and insisting so much on the doctrine of works; all which will be seen to be agreeable to the other parts of Scripture, and easily reconciled with them; nor is there anything in it unworthy of an apostle and an inspired writer. The occasion of it seems to be partly the troubles and persecutions which attended the saints for the sake of Christ and the Gospel; and the design of it is to encourage them to patience under them, and to wait and hope for the speedy coming of Christ; and partly the evil practices of some that boasted of their faith and knowledge, though they lived very dissolute lives: and the view of the apostle is to show, that faith, without the fruits of righteousness, is not genuine; and he very largely in it exhorts to several duties very becoming Christians, and inveighs against several vices, which were scandalous to them.

Answer 5

The book of James is on Faith...the trials and the endurance of them so I would suggest study up on faith...this would be a good start..

Answer 6

Salvation by works or Faith?

Works, as applied by James refers to 'Believers', not non believers, and one is to be diligent after 'salvation', not lazy.

Paul submitted his testimony to James and would never have contradicted James.

Answer 7

Study questions on James can be found here:

http://quietearth.freeyellow.com/page9.html

Answer 8

If you want tons of information from a lengthy commentary on that book then go here. http://versebyversecommentary.com/books/

Answer 9

Faith will endure trials, be proven by works, will be revealed by all areas of life, and patiently wait.

Answer 10

i guess with the all cut and paste people all your questions should be answered.
try wikipedia for some good info.