Who's who? (1:1) -- Good grief (1:2-4) -- Unconventional wisdom (1:5-8) -- How we are to think of ourselves (1:9-12) -- Have we trials and temptations? (1:13-15) -- God is good (1:16-18) -- The good life (1:19-21) -- Hearing aids (1:22-25) -- Give me that old-time religion (1:26-27) -- Keeping the faith without favouritism (2:1-4) -- Why favouritism is wrong (2:5-13) -- Faith : dead or alive? (2:14-17) -- Grace : light and easy (2:18-26) -- Teachers of the Word (3:1-5) -- The tongue of fire (3:6-12) -- The two wisdoms (3:13-18) -- The problem of worldliness (4:1-6) -- The remedy for worldliness (4:7-10) -- Speak no evil (4:11-12) -- How to plan for the future (4:13-17) -- When is much too much? (5:1-6) -- Waiting patiently until the coming of the Lord (5:7-11) -- Do not swear (5:12) -- A prayer for all seasons (5:13-18) -- The leaver-sensitive church (5:19-20).
Summary:
At first glance James appears to be one of the most practical books in the New Testament. The letter is filled with advice about facing the trials of life, coping with poverty, the desire to be rich, controlling the tongue, making plans for the future, and so on. James underlines the need to be active, practicing believers. We are to be those who do not merely listen to the Word, but do what it says. However, no matter how enthusiastically we embrace a practical approach to the Christian life, it has no value unless it is based upon God, who is the source of that life. As Tony Bird demonstrates in this commentary, what is remarkable about the letter of James is the glorious vision it presents of God, the descriptions of whom are both extensive and breathtaking. Reading it ought to drive us to contemplate afresh the wonder of God and then lead us to worship him. - Back cover.
This resource is supported by the Institute of Museum and Library Services under the provisions of the Library Services and Technology Act as administered by State Library of Iowa.