The New Testament is our divinely inspired commentary on the Old Testament. When studying a passage, it’s often helpful to see how other biblical authors understood it. Here is James’ use of the Old Testament in his letter.
James Bible Study Resources
Study questions, maps, charts, key words, history, background, outlines, and links to help you study
James 5: Spiritually weak or physically ill?
James 5:12-20 is one of the most controversial passages in the book. Are we praying for one who is physically ill or one whose faith is weak?
James: The Gospel in Shoe Leather
If I could sum up James, in one verse, it would be Luke 6:46: “Why do you call me ‘Lord, Lord,’ and not do what I tell you?” The central question of the book of James is: Are you living what you claim to believe?
New James Study
What’s better the second time around? Soup is always better the second day. Some books and movies are better the second time since you can catch things you missed when you know what happens next. Coffee with new friends is better when they are a bit less “new” and nervous. And bible study. The second […]
James: Faith & Works Eplained
If I could sum up James, in one verse, it would be Luke 6:46: “Why do you call me ‘Lord, Lord,’ and not do what I tell you?” The central question of the book of James is are you living what you claim to believe.
Prayer and rain: Does God answer prayer?
Why should I have confidence that God answers my prayers? According to James, I have confidence that my prayers will be answered because of who is answering my prayer, not because my prayer is perfect, powerful or articulate.
How to have patience in suffering
In James 5:7-12, James begins concluding his letter with practical advice on how to get through the suffering of this life.
12 James 5:12-20 Physically ill or spiritually weak?
In James 4:13-5:6, James warns against the arrogant use of time, talent and wealth. James makes a deeper point than “let’s hear ‘if the Lord wills’ more often.” Notice his emphasis on boasting in your arrogance and knowing the right thing and not doing it.
11 James 5:1-11 Worldliness and Riches
In 4:11-12, James again confronts his readers with living what they believe. James warns not to judge others as if I have some moral superiority, when the gospel tells us we all need the same grace.
Questioning desire
Desires play a key role in the life of faith. The question is how we handle our desires and whether we are willing to listen to what God says about them.
10 James 4:7-17 Draw Near to God
Fights and quarrels among believers are symptoms of a deeper problem of leaning on earthly wisdom rather than seeking God’s wisdom.
09 James 3:13-4:6 The Cause of Strife
Operating with earthly wisdom comes easy and naturally to us. We have to seek God to gain godly wisdom. How, then, do we gain it?
08 James 3:1-12 Warnings to Teachers
Since Bible teachers presume to explain the word of God to others, James warns them to seriously consider the responsibility before seeking the job.
07 James 2:21-26 Do James and Paul agree, Part 2
James 2:21-26 is the second half of the “problem” passage where it appears that the Apostles James and Paul disagree about how we are justified. The key to resolving the apparent contradiction is context. James and Paul are addressing two different questions.
