James - 8 Sessions
— Series Study Notes
— Series Discussion Handout
Session 1: "Still Growing: Faith that Doesn't Retire" — James 1:1–12
Session 2: "Hearing, Heeding, and Holding Back" — James 1:13–27
Session 3: "Favoritism Has No Place in Grace" — James 2:1–13
Session 4: "Faith That Moves Beyond Words" — James 2:14–26
Session 5: "Taming the Tongue, Lifting the Spirit" — James 3:1–12
Session 6: "Sowing Peace Where You Stand" — James 3:13–18
Session 7: "Walking Humbly, Waiting Patiently" — James 4:13–5:12
Session 8: "Prayerful and Powerful Until the End" — James 5:13–20
Bible Study Class — James, Spiritual Growth through Trials
"learning to praising God with our words and deeds.”
Quick Overview
The Book of James is often called the “Proverbs of the New Testament” for good reason—it’s packed with practical wisdom, spiritual depth, and a call to authentic Christian living. Written by James, the half-brother of Jesus and a leader in the early church, this short epistle speaks directly to believers about how faith should shape our actions, attitudes, and relationships. It’s a book that doesn’t just ask us to believe—it asks us to live what we believe.
Five Things to Learn
Faith and Works – James 2:17 reminds us, “Faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.”
Taming the Tongue – Our words matter. James 3:5 compares the tongue to a spark that can set a forest ablaze.
Wisdom from Above – James 3:17 describes godly wisdom as “pure, peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit.”
Patience in Trials – James 1:2-3 encourages us to “consider it pure joy… whenever you face trials,” knowing they produce perseverance.
Prayer and Healing – James 5:16 says, “The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.”
Timeless Wisdom for Today
Charles Spurgeon once said, “The Book of James is a leaf from the tree of life.” Its teachings on humility, patience, and compassion are just as relevant today as they were in the first century. Historian Eusebius referred to James as “James the Just,” a man whose integrity and devotion shine through every verse. Whether we’re navigating personal trials or seeking peace in a noisy world, James offers clarity and comfort.
Practical Applications in Christian Living
James doesn’t let us sit on the sidelines. It calls us to care for widows and orphans (James 1:27), to be slow to speak and slow to anger (James 1:19), and to live out our faith with integrity. For seniors who have walked many miles in faith, this book is a refreshing reminder that our journey with Christ is active, purposeful, and deeply relational.
Why This Book Matters
In a world that often values words over deeds, James flips the script. It challenges us to be doers of the Word, not hearers only (James 1:22). For a seasoned group of believers, studying James is like polishing the gold of a well-lived faith. It’s a call to finish strong, to live wisely, and to leave a legacy of love and righteousness.
(A different approach to a study in James)
As you read the book of James, focus on the practical wisdom it offers for living out one's faith through action, as it emphasizes that faith without works is dead. Look for how James challenges believers to embody true Christianity through humility, patience, and self-control amidst trials. One key verse to reflect on is, "Faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead." (James 2:17). As the renowned preacher Charles Spurgeon once said, "A faith that does not work by love is not the faith that saves the soul."
— Series Handouts — Series Study Notes
1: "Faith in Action"- James 1:1-18
2: "Doers of the Word"- James 1:19-27
3: "No Favorites: Living with Godly Love"- James 2:1-13
4: "Faith Without Works is Dead"- James 2:14-26
5: "Taming the Tongue"- James 3:1-12
6: "Wisdom from Above"- James 3:13-18
7: "Drawing Near to God"- James 4:1-17
8: "Patience, Prayer, and Perseverance"- James 5:1-20
The book of James is a powerful and practical letter in the New Testament, offering timeless wisdom for Christians seeking to live out their faith with integrity. Traditionally attributed to James, the brother of Jesus, this epistle is known for its direct, straightforward guidance on how to live as true followers of Christ. The primary theme of James is that genuine faith should be demonstrated through actions. While it does not delve deeply into theological complexities, it presents a clear call to live out the teachings of Jesus in everyday life, especially during times of trial and hardship.
As you study James, pay attention to its emphasis on practical Christian living. James is often considered a "how-to" manual for Christians, providing counsel on topics such as perseverance, handling temptations, managing one's speech, and showing partiality to others. For instance, in James 1:2-4, James encourages believers, "Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything." This highlights the importance of perseverance and maturity through trials, a message that resonates with many believers, especially those in later stages of life who have experienced their own trials and struggles.
James also speaks about the power of the tongue and the importance of controlling our words. In James 3:9-10, he says, "With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse human beings, who have been made in God's likeness. Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers and sisters, this should not be." These verses serve as a reminder that our speech should align with our faith and reflect the love of Christ. As the great preacher Charles Spurgeon once said, “The tongue is a little thing, but it can set the world on fire. The power of the tongue is truly amazing." James urges us to be mindful of how our words can build others up or tear them down, encouraging believers to speak with grace and wisdom.
James also reminds us that faith and works are inseparable. In James 2:17, he writes, "In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead." This underscores the importance of putting our faith into action. As noted scholar John Calvin said, “Faith alone justifies, but the faith that justifies is never alone.” James stresses that genuine faith will be seen through a life of good works, loving others, and serving God with integrity. It’s a call to actively live out the principles of the gospel, not just in words, but through concrete actions that reflect God’s love and justice.
For senior citizens, this book offers an opportunity to reflect on a lifetime of experiences and see how they have lived out their faith over the years. The message of James is timeless: regardless of age or circumstance, we are called to continue growing in our faith, persevering through trials, controlling our speech, and serving others in love.