Breaking down a passage of scripture

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This is week one of our series of breaking down a passage of scripture.

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Breaking down a chapter so you can fully digest what it is telling us. 

James 1 Breakdown:

4 questions to ask as you study scripture:

  1. What’s happening in the passage?
  2. What about this passage was significant to the original audience?
  3. What does this passage teach us about the character of God and humans?
  4. How can we apply the timeless principles from this passage to our lives this week?
  • Context 
    • Author – James – the half brother of Jesus – he was the leader of the church in Jerusalem – Acts 12:17, 15:13, 21:18. 
    • Date – James died in AD 62. The book could have been written as early as 35-36 or 48-52 (events in Acts 15 and 21). Either fits the timeline of events.
    • Who is it written to – it’s written to Christians – several details fit a Mediterranean location – Syrian Antioch and Israel have both been suggested because of the reference in 2:2 to the synagogue and knowing James led the Jerusalem church.
      James is aware of his audience. He knows they think they have wisdom but they do not. He never questions their faith
    • Themes – 
      • response to trials, temptation and suffering
      • The need for works to be evidence of faith
      • Controlling the tongue
      • Biblical perspective on wealth, worldly possessions, the poor
      • The significance of of faith in prayer
      • Biblical understanding of wisdom
    • There are major parallels between this book and the sermon on the mount

    • 1:1 – he is writing according the master’s agenda – to Jewish Christians who are scattered because of persecution.
    • 1:2 – he says “whenever” you encounter trials – not if you encounter them. Trials develop us spiritually. 
    • 1:3-4 – I can say I know the material but do I put the right answers on the test? God wants endurance in me. He wants me to be spiritually mature and complete. 
    • 1:5 – what do we do when these trials come? Pray. He promises to give us wisdom to respond with “maximum spiritual benefit”
    • 1:6-8 – How is this wisdom communicated? Through His Word and through godly counsel. We also have to approach this in faith – we must believe that God is who He says He is and that He wants to give us this wisdom. We can’t approach the God of the universe with doubt that He can and will work “all things for our good” if we will follow His leading.
    • 1:9-11 – The comparison of the poor man and rich man – the poor man can boast (in the Lord) in his struggle. It produces so many incredible things in us when we walk through difficulty in this life with peace and joy that comes from our relationship with Jesus.
      The rich man will be humbled if he lets his possessions become his god. Stuff is great, but don’t ever let stuff and it’s pursuit become more important than the eternal.
    • 1:12 – our idea of “blessing” automatically goes to tangible things – car, house, mate, job, raise, etc.
      Our real blessing in life is to “experience, enjoy, and extend His goodness in this life – regardless of whether God’s blessings include anything external”
    • 1:13 – God will test us or have us go through trials. A trial (test) and a temptation are different in their source, purpose, and outcome. A trial comes from God, to help us develop more christ-like character, and if we respond correctly, it does exactly what He intends for it to do. A temptation comes from Satan, for the purpose of destroying our faith, stealing our confidence, and wrecking our reputation. When we give into temptations, satan accomplishes those things. 
    • 1:14-15 – Satan can’t make us sin, but he knows our weaknesses – individually. There is a reason I seem to get hit with the exact things that appeal to my flesh every day. Sin causes me to be drawn away from God – it doesn’t break my relationship with Him but it does break my fellowship with Him. 
    • 1:16-18 – The key to fighting temptation is a focus shift. Focus first on God’s goodness and kindness to us. Second, focus on the faithfulness of God and His character. The earth always has a part of it in the dark – Why? Because it turns all the time – we can choose to turn to the light or to the dark.
      Third, focus on God’s Word. “For many the Bible is like the Queen of England – it is held in high esteem but wields no power over them personally”. We are to face temptation like Jesus did – use the word as your weapon.
      Fourth, focus on God’s plan for you – you are His “firstfruits” – that means I’m the most valuable thing to Him. 
    • 1:19-21 – brothers and sisters – a reminder who he is writing to – saved people
      He says to be quick to listen – to God
      Slow to speak – I shouldn’t want to add my opinion to God’s words to me
      slow to anger – I shouldn’t get angry when what God says goes against what I think – I should just follow Him.
      My getting angry doesn’t help accomplish God’s mission – just be nice – to everyone – even those who vehemently disagree with you.
      To rid myself of all moral issues I have to repent of those sins and then humbly (how I receive it) go back to the Word of God and the new nature He has placed within me. 
    • 1:22-25 – It is impossible to see transformation in my life without application of God’s word. I can’t just hear scripture or sound bible-centered teaching – I must DO what is says – see the story of the two builders in Matthew 7
      A mirror shows me for who I really am – but it cannot change me – the mirror is a call to action – it is my call to DO what God asks me to DO
      Freedom is found in submission to God’s word. Living this way requires time in His Word – not just casually looking through it. 
    • 1:26-27 – Is what I hear on Sunday being lived out in me on Monday? If I am “religious” then it must be practical – “vertical worship must have a horizontal expression”
      My faith needs to be evident in my conversation, compassion, and conduct.
      Conversation – I’m supposed to have control of my tongue – EVERYTHING I say should uplift and encourage because of the love I have for others and the love I have for God. I can be truthful when it is completely covered in love.
      Compassion – bless others, help those who can’t help themselves – God gives you resources and talents to use for Him
      Conduct – practice a lifestyle that is “in the world but not of the world”. Keep yourself “unstained”. Don’t let the world and it’s pursuits rub off on you – I should be rubbing off on them. 

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