The Book of James - Understanding How It Fits in the Bible

James as the Introduction
to the Catholic Epistle Collection of the Bible
September 16-22

www.spu.edu/lectio

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You've Read the First Book - Now Read the Entire Collection!

The Catholic Epistle Collection:

• James
• Peter's Letters (1 & 2)
• John's Letters (1, 2, & 3)
• Jude

Since there's no specific scripture passage outlined for reading this week, I encourage you to read the entire Catholic Epistle section of the Bible this week.  You've already read James...just continue reading until you get to Revelation.  Dr. Nienhuis mentions that this entire section is shorter than 2 Corinthians (a lot of the books are really brief!).

As you read, remember these three themes common to all the books of the collection:

1. Believers experience TRIALS.
2. God doesn't leave believers to deal with trials alone, but gives them WORDS OF TRUTH (wisdom) for their salvation.
3. God's people must put these words of truth into PRACTICE, living pure and undefiled lives in the midst of trials & temptations.

James: Wrapping up the Study
Group Discussion

Compare two scripture passages that seem to be saying something different about the relationship between faith & works (belief & actions).

Paul: Ephesians 2:8-9; Galatians 5:5-6
James: James 2:14-18

1. What is Paul saying about faith & works in the Ephesians and Galatians verses?
2. How might someone take what he says to an unhelpful extreme?  How might someone use what Paul says to "disconnect" faith & actions?
3. What does James say about faith and works?
4. How does it differ from what Paul said?  How might adding it to what Paul says provide a balanced view?
5. How would you study the Bible knowing there are different perspectives on an issue in different parts of the Bible?

Next up...We begin our reading of the PSALMS!  My blog will focus on learning to PRAY the Psalms as we read them...

In Christ,

Kurt