The Book of James is one of the most powerful and impactful books on living out your faith in the entire Bible. Your decision to preach it is a good one! So, now the question is, “How do I preach it in five Sundays like I’d like to?” Let’s look at some options for doing that, along with some key principles in preaching this powerful book.
Option #1
Simply preach one chapter a Sunday. The book is conveniently divided into five chapters, which makes it a perfect fit. That being said, it could be difficult to cover every verse in detail and finish a chapter each Sunday. Therefore, if one chooses this option, you must prioritize or highlight certain verses or particular truths in that chapter. For instance, in chapter 1, you could focus on ”trials and temptations” found in verses 2-4 and 12-15. These would provide more than enough to share on a Sunday morning (maybe even too much). You would follow this same pattern throughout the book.
Option #2
Focus on five ”themes” found in the book. There are a number of themes that you could choose from, or combine, to find the five themes for your series. Here are seven themes and their corresponding verses found in the book of James:
- Trials and temptations. For this theme, you would focus on 1:2-4 and 12-15. This theme ought to hit home with anyone today. Believers are in the midst of tremendous trials and temptations in their world and need His help. There are so many powerful truths and principles here. If both trials and temptations prove too much, you could focus on one or the other. Both would be a great theme or sermon in and of themselves.
- Wisdom. For this theme, you would focus on 1:5-8 and 3:13-18. It will help you remember that the focus on wisdom begins amid the trial discussion. If you remember this, it will help you to accurately preach context and help you tie the first two sermons together. The ability to tie the request for wisdom in Chapter One to the picture of worldly and spiritual wisdom in Chapter Three is powerful!
- The tongue. This theme, like the one above, also borrows from several chapters. You would focus on 1:19, 26, and 3:1-12. You and I both know this is a major issue in the church and in the world today. As proverbs says, there is ”life and death” in the tongue. The applications are numerous, verbal to written, from paper to electronic. Therefore, applying this theme would obviously include the spoken word in relationships and the written/typed word in social media.
- The rich, poor, and partiality. This theme revolves around 2:1-9 and 5:1-6. Your people might be surprised to hear that partiality and favoritism is a sin. James doesn’t ”pull any punches” here. Also, as you preach the theme of rich and poor, make sure that you make it clear that it is not money in and of itself that is sinful. Rather, as 1 Timothy 6:10 says, the ”love of money” is ”a” root of ”all kinds of evil.”
- Pride and humility. For this theme, you would focus on 4:1-12. You could also add in the remaining verses, 13-17, since you could easily argue that they continue the theme of pride, especially in light of verse 16. As you know, pride is probably the root of all sin. It was at the heart of Satan’s sin that got him kicked out of heaven. I suspect both your people and you struggle with this more than any other sin. This will be a much-needed focus.
- Faith and works (or hearing and doing). This is a major theme in James! If you miss this theme, you miss the book! You may, in fact, want to make it your first sermon or theme. For this theme, you would focus on 1:22-25, 2:14-26. This theme will need to be explained well so that your people understand that it is not a contradiction to passages in Romans or other passages that talk about being ”just by faith.” Rather, James is a perfect balance, helping believers understand that if their faith is real, it will be lived out!
- Prayer. In the last chapter, verses 13-18, you will find this focus. Prayer is probably one of the most important, yet most neglected, parts of our faith. Jesus Himself called the temple a ”house of prayer,” but few really reflect that. This theme becomes a great opportunity to help your people grow in this part of their faith. Feel free to take your people back to the Old Testament for the context of Elijah and is prayer.
General Principles for Teaching James
With the themes set, let’s look at some general principles as a reminder for teaching the book of James:
Principle One
Read over the entire book before several times before you begin the detail work. This will give you the overall picture, focus, and heart of James before you begin to look at specific truths.
Principle Two
Follow a sound, biblical method of study so that you are true to God’s Word. Do your homework and learn the context of the book. Learn the author, the recipients, the time it was written, and the five ”W’s” (who, what, when, where, and why). Once you’ve established the context, use the simple plan of 1). Observe, 2). Interpret, and 3). Apply.
You can observe the text by reading verse by verse through the chapter and marking keywords. Then, use these keywords to help you observe the text in detail. Once you have observed the text, you are ready to interpret it using the basic principles of interpretation. When you are comfortable that you have accurately interpreted the text, you are now ready to apply the text, and James will give you plenty of areas to apply.
Principle Three
The third principle is that of balance. James’ focus on ”works” makes this book controversial for some and, at minimum, confusing for others. In fact, Martin Luther was so disturbed by the book of James that he wanted it removed from the Canon of Scripture. The key is balance-interpreting Scripture in light of Scripture. This principle is always true, but especially here in the book of James.
The Book of James is a powerful, impactful book that helps believers “live out” their faith. We’ll be praying for you as you study and preach His Word. May God use you to impact your flock for His kingdom!
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