James 1-2 Study Guide

Title of James at the beginning of the letter

A servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ.

Audience of James' letter

Jewish Christians.

The five tests in the Book of James

The Test of Trials, The Test of Temptation, The Test of Obedience to the Word, The Test of Impartiality, The Test of Works.

Main question answered in the Book of James

What does true, living faith look like?

Attitude to have in midst of trials

An attitude of joy.

Outcome of trials

Spiritual growth, testing faith and perseverance.

Three characteristics of trials

Trials are unannounced, unavoidable, and unlimited.

What to do if lacking wisdom

Ask God for wisdom.

What James warns against when asking for wisdom

Do not doubt, as it makes one unstable.

Reason for the rich to remain humble

Wealth is temporary and will fade away.

Reward for persevering under trial

The crown of life that God promises to those who love Him.

What should no one say when tempted

No one should say, 'God is tempting me,' because God doesn't tempt anyone.

Source of temptation

Temptation comes from our own desires.

Greatest gift from above according to James

Salvation given by God through Jesus.

What should we be quick to do and slow to do (v. 19)?

Quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to become angry.

What human anger doesn't produce

Human anger doesn't produce the righteousness that God desires.

Analogy for ignoring God's Word

Like a person looking in a mirror and forgetting what they look like.

What renders someone's religion worthless

Not controlling their tongue and deceiving themselves.

What pleases God according to James 1:27

Caring for orphans and widows and keeping oneself unspotted from the world.

What believers in Jesus should not do (Chapter 2:1)

Show favoritism.

Faith and actions relationship as taught by James

Faith without actions is dead; examples include Abraham and Rahab.

How Abraham proved his faith

By being willing to sacrifice his son Isaac.

How Rahab demonstrated her faith

By hiding the Israelite spies and helping them escape.

Why belief in God isn't enough to save you

Belief alone isn’t enough because even demons believe in God but hate him, believing in God doesn't mean you love him, and Genuine faith means we are moved by our faith to love God and act. 

Who also believes in God but shudders

Demons.