Sunday Morning Bible Study James — Chapter 1
- Ken Kalis
- Jan 25
- 2 min read
Last Sunday we concluded our study of Acts 28, where we saw the Gospel unhindered — preached freely, even in chains.
This Sunday we begin the Epistles with James, Jesus' brother, likely the earliest New Testament letter. If Acts shows the Gospel advancing outward through history, James shows faith embodied — lived out in ordinary life.
James 1 sets the tone for everything that follows: hearing → doing → endurance.
As always, please bring your Bible.
We will read the chapter together and allow the Holy Spirit to speak through the Word itself.
Reading Guidance for James 1
As we read, listen for these movements in the chapter. Do not rush them; James did not write slowly, but he wrote deliberately.
1. Faith Under Trial (vv. 1–4)
James begins where real life begins — with pressure, testing, and endurance. Notice that he does not minimize trials, but he reframes them in light of what God is producing.
2. Wisdom Asked, Wisdom Given (vv. 5–8)
This is not abstract wisdom, but practical wisdom for living faithfully. Pay attention to James’s warning about divided hearts.
3. Life’s Reversals (vv. 9–11)
James reminds us how fragile earthly status is. Watch how quickly he levels the ground beneath rich and poor alike.
4. Temptation and Responsibility (vv. 12–15)
James is very clear: God is never the source of evil, but He is always present to strengthen obedience.Notice the progression from desire → sin → death.
5. The Unchanging Giver (vv. 16–18)
At the center of the chapter stands a declaration about God’s character. Read these verses slowly — they anchor everything else.
6. Receiving the Word (vv. 19–21)
James turns from doctrine to posture: how we listen, speak, and receive God’s Word. Meekness here is not weakness, but teachability.
7. Hearing and Doing (vv. 22–25)
This is the heart of the chapter. James presses us to ask not what we heard, but what we became as a result.
8. Pure Religion (vv. 26–27)
James closes the chapter with a definition that is both simple and demanding: controlled speech, compassionate action, and personal holiness.
A Question to Carry with You
As you read and listen, hold this question quietly before the Lord:
What is the Word calling me to do — not just understand?
Closing Prayer
Holy Spirit, as we read Your Word together, give us hearing hearts and obedient lives, that our faith may be living, active, and pleasing to God. Amen.
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To do Thy will, yes, that is all;
To do Thy will, obey Thy call;
To follow, Lord, where Thou dost lead,
To do Thy will is all I need.
Author: W. H. Pike (1905)
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