Study of 'Letter of James'
Educational and devotional tool
By Kendra McKinney
The General Board of Church & Society (GBCS) has prepared a seven-week study of the New Testament “Letter of James.”
Kendra McKinney, a Duke Divinity School student who was an intern at GBCS this year, wrote the study of the controversial New Testament book. It is controversial because James’ position on faith and works may seem to contradict the doctrine of justification by faith. The epistle contains much in the way of spiritual teaching and motivation on faith, though.
The epistle contains much in the way of spiritual teaching and motivation on faith.
“Through weekly study, you will be invited to consider how community lifts up every body,” McKinney wrote in week one’s study. “I offer these studies to you based on my growing love for the challenges James offers us today.”
McKinney’s study is a combination educational and devotional guide. Each week focuses on a different aspect of James’ letter. The brief study sessions combine reading, reflection on key words, and applying your reflections to life. Each session ends with a prayer she wrote.
The seven sessions are as follows:
- The Power of Words
- Sin: An Obstruction of Justice
- James’ Doctrine of God
- I have faith. I have works.
- Who is my neighbor?
- Poverty and Wealth
- Love and Mercy
The seven-week study can be downloaded in Adobe Acrobat format (.pdf) from this Web site by clicking on Study of the Letter of James.
The study is also being presented through Faith in Action. This week, “James’ Doctrine of God” contends that we cannot reflect God’s will in our choices without an intimate understanding of what God wills for the world.
James’ Doctrine of God
Week 3 Agenda
Read silently James 1:5, 1:13-18 and 4:4-6 .
Journal for 3 or 4 minutes on one of the Key Words, Verses or Concepts.
If the lesson is discussed in a group, the facilitator may encourage members to share from their journals. Take 7-10 minutes for these reflections.
Read the scripture passages again.
Reflect on the Life Application questions.
Meditate on the Closing Prayer
Key Words, Verses or Concepts
Generosity
Friendship
“God cannot be tempted by evil, and [God] doesn’t use evil to tempt others.” — James 1:13b (CEV)
Introduction to James
“The Letter of James” has often been misunderstood as lacking theological content, especially a lack of an emphasis on Jesus Christ; many disagree, however. This week you will explore the ethical commitments to do good and pursue justice that flow from a centrality of our claim that Jesus Christ is Lord.
Lesson Objective
Knowing who God is helps us more closely to conform to God’s will. Without an intimate understanding of what God wills for the world, how can we reflect that will in our choices? We must discern what is good even as we strive to do what is good. The effect of this intimate knowledge of God resonates throughout every part of human life.
The United Methodist Social Creed says, “We believe in the final triumph of God’s Word in human affairs and gladly accept our commission to manifest the life in the gospel in the world.” This lesson will ask us to explore how understanding God’s nature and will helps us to do justice in the world.
Life Application
For James, God is generous, constant and friendly. Why do you suppose James focuses on these elements of God’s nature?
Often James mentions God’s generosity and how God will give if asked; this generosity is conditional and reciprocal, however. What does this say about the relationship we form with God? What should this relationship look like?
In learning about God, a relationship is formed. How can we display this relationship with the divine in our lives?
John Wesley was the founder of the Methodist movement. He believed that Christians ought to strive toward perfection, meaning that we ought to seek to be perfect in expressing our love for God and neighbor. How does James’ focus on who God is relate to Wesley’s hope that we might live a more perfect life?
Closing Prayer
Mother and Father of all living beings and things, thank you for creating me for your glory. This act of love and thoughtfulness is the driving force of my relationship with you. Wherever I have come short of fulfilling my part in our relationship, forgive me. Show me how to improve my humanity in a way that pleases you. Amen.
Date: 10/6/2008
©2005-2008
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