Pietist Reading of the Epistle of James: Mike Sperou, Senior Pastor of ncBc, made this presentation to Pastor’s Breakfast, September 17, 2008.

Contextual assumptions: Written by James, the Lord’s brother and leader of the Jerusalem church, to the Jewish-Christian churches spread throughout Judea sometime prior to A.D. 50.

• Salutation, 1.1
  A figurative use of “the twelve tribes who are dispersed abroad”
  
• Faith in Private, 1.2-25
  The testing of our faith in our everyday personal life
  1. Growing in character, 1.2-4
     Rejoice, knowing that the various testings of your faith are used by God to fill out your Christian character.
  2. Searching for wisdom, 1.5-11
     Ask for wisdom from God in a single-minded way, and recognize it when it begins to change your perspective—with regard to eternal values.
  3. Battling with sin, 1.12-18
     Be faithful in your devotion to God, who is good, and has chosen us for a special purpose, “a kind of firstfruits among His creatures.”
  4. Applying the word, 1.19-25
     Open your heart to the word in humility, and prove to be truly doers of it.
     
• Faith in Public, 1.26–5.12
  The testing of our faith in our everyday public life
  1. Transition: Governing theme, 1.26-27
     The distinction between worthless religious works and pure ones
  2. The church gathered, 2.1–3.18
     It is all about treating people with love.
     • Greeting newcomers, 2.1-13
       Show mercy without partiality—if anything, show a preference for the unimpressive.
     • Supporting the brethren, 2.14-17
       Be sure to meet pressing needs.
     • Parenthesis: on faith and works, 2.18-26
       Works are explained as spontaneous actions toward others out of a love for God.
     • Speaking and teaching with wisdom, 3.1-18
       Let the community conversation be about blessing, not cursing.
  3. The church scattered, 4.1–5.12
     It is all about patience without complaining.
     • Attitude: Humble yourselves in the presence of the Lord, 4.1-12
       Avoid worldly attitudes when dealing with others.
     • Activities: Seeking the Lord’s will, 4.13–5.6
       Avoid worldly aims of seeking monetary advantage at the expense of others.
     • Demeanor: Fixing your hopes on the coming of the Lord, 5.7-12
       Be patient—those who endure will be blessed.
• Conclusion, 5.13-20
  The power of prayer