Lesson 1 - Practical Christianity, Introduction
Read James 1:1-2 - www.bible.com/bible/59/jas.1.esv

 The Bible talks about 2 practical themes in its 66 Books, The way to God (salvation) and the walk with God (living). The Book of James falls into this second category. When it comes to Christian living, James is one of the most direct books of the New Testament. Its determined emphasis on living is also very practical. You hear too much ‘stained-glass’ religion but you will see ‘grass-stained’ living from someone following Christ in everyday life.

James is not a great doctrinal book. The Name of the Lord Jesus mentioned only twice, and the author never mentions the cross, the resurrection, or the Holy Spirit. This letter wasn’t written for the purpose of telling us how to be saved. It is simply a practical book that assumes you already know the basics of the faith. It drives home the importance of living out that faith. It asks why, if you say you believe, do you act like you don’t?

James 1:2 – His relationship to his readers. Brothers – not just Jewish but Christian brothers, believers. In verse 1 he refers to them as being dispersed abroad (scattered throughout) like seeds. During this time the Jews were persecuted and driven out of Israel and the entire Roman Empire. Jewish businesses were being boycotted; Jewish children were mocked and thrown out of school. Life was grim, threatening, and unsafe. The Jews were buckling under the pressure of constant persecution. With their words they professed to believe but with their actions they denied ever knowing the Savior. Into this scene of suffering James writes this letter of exhortation and encouragement, maintaining a faithful Christian practice.

The main theme of the book is found in James 2:14 – “What good is it, my brothers, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can that faith save him?”


Anyone can say they are a Christian, but James points out that a person who has genuinely found faith will also walk in it. Then he illustrates this principle with a down to earth example (James 2:15-16). In this study, please remember James is not talking about a salvation by works. He is talking about a salvation *accompanied* by works. Faith is the root, works are the fruit. Without fruit, words of faith are empty and lifeless. (James 2:17, 20)

In Psalm 15:1, David asks these questions: What kind of person dwells in God’s Holy presence?
Who can maintain intimate fellowship with the Lord?
What does a godly person look like? David’s answer…
*Find the answers in Psalm 15:2-5.
* (verse 2) _____ _____ _____
* (verse 3) _____ _____ _____
* (verse 4) _____ _____ _____
* (verse 5) _____ _____

*For the one who practices these things, Psalm 15:5 closes with a promise – what is it?
 
*How do you show each day that you are a Christian?