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TEACHING SERIES

Faith with Boots On

Stuart Briscoe

In studying the Book of James, there are solid grounds for believing the author was the half-brother of Jesus. James was skeptical until the resurrection. Then he did a 180 and eventually became the leader of the church at Jerusalem. Unusual credentials, wouldn’t you say? Perhaps that’s why his Epistle is so unusual. Sometimes it pulses with the fire of an Old Testament prophet, and other times it throbs with a sensitive pastoral heartbeat. But whether prophetic or pastoral, it is always pointed and practical.

Messages From This Series:

James' epistle has been the center of controversy throughout church history. Questions about authorship, date, recipients, and content abound. But on one thing there is agreement, James was essentially practical. His faith wore boots!

Scripture: James 1:1-1:11

We sometimes say facetiously that we can resist everything but temptation. But this is hardly the way to deal with a problem that is behind innumerable personal and societal ills. We need to understand temptation in order to handle it better!

Scripture: James 1:12-1:21

In studying the Book of James, there are solid grounds for believing the author was the half-brother of Jesus. James was skeptical until the resurrection. Then he did a 180 and eventually became the leader of the church at Jerusalem. Unusual credentials, wouldn't you say? Perhaps that's why his Epistle is so unusual. Sometimes it pulses with the fire of an Old Testament prophet, and other times it throbs with a sensitive pastoral heartbeat. But whether prophetic or pastoral, it is always pointed and practical.

Scripture: James 1:22-1:27

We all have our likes and dislikes, and there truly is no accounting for taste. But when our dislikes become discriminatory and prejudicial, they need correction. James is excruciatingly clear on this point.

Scripture: James 2:1-2:13

We’re all familiar with the mistaken idea that it doesn’t matter what you believe as long as you’re sincere. James also stresses the importance of how we believe. He insists that valid faith is readily observable in action.

Scripture: James 2:14-2:26

Anyone who has had a physical examination has heard the words, "Put out your tongue." By looking at this peculiar organ, the doctor can tell a lot about our condition. James goes much further!

Scripture: James 3:1-3:12

The good life to which most people seem to aspire is usually related to things that will make them happy, comfortable, and trouble-free. They would probably say, "The best things in life are things." James begged to differ.

Scripture: James 3:13-3:18

“Peacemakers who sow in peace raise a harvest of righteousness,” says James. But he is practical enough to know that trouble and strife are all too common and they need to be addressed.

Scripture: James 4:1-4:10

James insists that the problems Christians experience are often caused by attitudes that are wrong. His solution is, “Humble yourselves before the Lord…” Criticism and cockiness aren’t evidences of humility and must be curbed.

Scripture: James 4:11-4:17

The return of Christ in glory, or the second advent, will be in marked contrast to His initial coming, or first advent, in obscurity and humility. People look at this facet of Christian doctrine differently, but James, true to form, views it practically and outlines the concern that accompanies an understanding of the return.

Scripture: James 5:1-5:12

Having advocated patience and perseverance, James instructed his readers concerning what they should do while being patient! Among other things, they should pray. What he meant by prayer and what it accomplishes are the topics for today.

Scripture: James 5:13-5:18

James has spoken about those who are in trouble, those who are happy, those who are sick, and those who are having relational problems, and he has explained what should be done. But what about those who are wandering away? What should be done about them?

Scripture: James 5:19-5:20

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