Brief Introduction
Why should we study the book of James? There are many strong feelings surrounding this little book. We may know James as a book of “doing” or a book of “rules.” And yes, whereas many of the New Testament letters focus especially on theology (an explanation of what we believe about God and why), James focuses more on the practical side of this. It is not that some of the other letters do not talk about this. Nor is it that James doesn’t talk about theology. But the focuses are different. James is particularly helpful as we think about what it looks like to be a Christian. James helps us to understand the fruit of faith working itself out in our lives.
But as we are going to see, James doesn’t just talk about living out our faith when it is convenient: James gives us a frame of reference for understanding the work of faith as a tool that helps to shape us at all points in our Christian lives. God calls us to live out our faith even and especially in the middle of trials and temptations. James helps us to view trials as a part of God’s good grace in shaping us, as we learn to live for Him in the midst of trials. James helps us learn to live and even thrive (not just survive) through the inevitable trials of life by reminding us that God is at work.
As we study James, we can expect to find a practical book of encouragement and exhortation for Christians. James helps us to understand that we should actually anticipate a life of trial. Learning to live out our faith is not supposed to wait until life is easy and convenient. Instead, learning to live out our faith in the midst of “real life” is for our own personal growth, and for the growth and expansion of God’s church!
Follow along with us in this study through the links below (links will appear weekly as the study happens in real-time during September-November, 2026). You might use this study for your own reflection, or as the foundation for a Bible study with another friend, or even with a group.
Study 1: “An Introduction to True and Genuine Faith” – James 1:1-18
Study 2: “Genuine Faith: ‘Doing’ The Implanted Word’ – James 1:19-27
Study 3: “Judging by the Law of Liberty” – James 2:1-13
Study 4: “The Measure of Active Faith” – James 2:14-26
Study 5: “The Work of the Tongue” – James 3:1-18
Study 6: “The Work of Controlling Passion” – James 4:1-10
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