Greetings (1:1)
- Introduction and Salutation: James introduces himself as a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, addressing the twelve tribes scattered among the nations, offering greetings.
Trials and Temptations (1:2–18)
The Testing of Faith (1:2–12)
- Rejoicing in Trials: James encourages believers to consider it pure joy when they face trials of many kinds, because the testing of their faith produces perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that they may be mature and complete, lacking nothing.
- Asking for Wisdom: If any believer lacks wisdom, they are encouraged to ask God, who gives generously without finding fault, and their request will be granted.
- Blessed is the One Who Perseveres: Those who persevere under trial will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love Him.
The Source of Temptation (1:13–18)
- Temptation Comes from Desire: James teaches that God does not tempt anyone, but each person is tempted when they are dragged away by their own evil desire. Desire gives birth to sin, and sin, when it is full-grown, leads to death.
- God’s Good Gifts: Every good and perfect gift comes from above, from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows. God, by His will, gave us birth through the word of truth, that we might be a kind of firstfruits of His creation.
Listening and Doing (1:19–27)
- Be Quick to Listen, Slow to Speak: James instructs believers to be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to become angry, as human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires.
- Do Not Merely Listen to the Word: Believers are urged not to merely listen to the word, but to do what it says. Anyone who listens to the word but does not do it is like someone who looks at their face in a mirror and immediately forgets what they look like.
- True Religion: True religion is caring for orphans and widows in their distress and keeping oneself from being polluted by the world.
Favoritism Forbidden (2:1–13)
- Warning Against Favoritism: James warns against showing favoritism, especially in a gathering of believers. He illustrates this by pointing out how people might treat a rich person with favor while disregarding a poor person. Such behavior is inconsistent with the faith in Jesus Christ, who chose the poor to be rich in faith.
- The Royal Law: James reminds them of the royal law, which is to love your neighbor as yourself. Showing favoritism is a violation of this law, and those who break it are guilty of all the law.
Faith and Deeds (2:14–26)
- Faith Without Deeds is Dead: James asserts that faith by itself, if not accompanied by action, is dead. He uses the example of helping a brother or sister in need, showing that faith is demonstrated through works.
- Justification Through Faith and Works: James explains that a person is justified by works and not by faith alone, using examples from Scripture, such as Abraham’s willingness to sacrifice Isaac and Rahab’s actions in hiding the spies, to show that faith without works is incomplete.
Taming the Tongue (3:1–12)
- The Power of the Tongue: James warns that not many should become teachers because teachers will be judged more strictly. He compares the tongue to a bit in a horse’s mouth and a rudder on a ship—small things that control large, powerful forces.
- The Danger of the Tongue: The tongue, although small, can be a destructive force. With it, we praise God and curse people made in His image. James emphasizes that blessings and curses should not come from the same mouth.
Two Kinds of Wisdom (3:13–18)
- Wisdom from Above: James contrasts two kinds of wisdom: the worldly wisdom that is selfish and leads to disorder and evil practices, and the wisdom that comes from above, which is pure, peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy, and good fruit. He encourages believers to seek the wisdom that comes from God.
Warning Against Worldliness (ch. 4)
Quarrelsomeness (4:1–3)
- The Source of Conflict: James explains that quarrels and fights arise from selfish desires and the pursuit of worldly pleasures. When people ask for things with wrong motives, they do not receive from God.
Spiritual Unfaithfulness (4:4)
- Adultery Against God: James calls those who love the world adulterous, as friendship with the world is hostility toward God. He warns that whoever wants to be a friend of the world becomes an enemy of God.
Pride (4:5–10)
- God Opposes the Proud: James reminds believers that God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble. He encourages them to submit to God, resist the devil, draw near to God, and humble themselves before the Lord, who will lift them up.
Slander (4:11–12)
- Do Not Slander One Another: James warns against slandering or judging fellow believers, reminding them that there is only one Lawgiver and Judge, who is able to save and destroy.
Boasting (4:13–17)
- Boasting About Tomorrow: James rebukes those who boast about their future plans without considering that their lives are like a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes. Instead, they should say, “If it is the Lord’s will, we will live and do this or that.”
Warning to Rich Oppressors (5:1–6)
- Woe to the Rich: James warns the rich who are hoarding wealth, oppressing the poor, and living in luxury at the expense of others. He reminds them that their wealth will rot and that their selfish actions will lead to judgment.
Miscellaneous Exhortations (5:7–20)
Concerning Patience in Suffering (5:7–11)
- Patience in the Lord’s Coming: James encourages believers to be patient and stand firm, knowing that the Lord’s coming is near. He uses the example of a farmer waiting for the harvest and the prophets who endured suffering.
Concerning Oaths (5:12)
- Do Not Swear Oaths: James advises against swearing oaths, urging believers to let their “Yes” be yes, and their “No” be no, so that they do not fall under judgment.
Concerning the Prayer of Faith (5:13–18)
- Praying for Healing and Restoration: James encourages those who are suffering to pray, and those who are cheerful to sing songs of praise. He also highlights the power of the prayer of faith to heal the sick and the importance of confessing sins to one another.
Concerning Those Who Wander from the Truth (5:19–20)
- Restoring the Lost: James calls believers to help restore those who wander from the truth, recognizing that anyone who turns a sinner from their error will save them from death and cover a multitude of sins.