40—Forty Days with James: Series conclusion (and my takeaways)

For additional notes and resources check out Douglas’ website.108 power-packed verses!Chapter 1 introduces the 12 themes of chapters 2-5.James is practical. James covers a whole range of everyday life issues: how we respond to pain and suffering, dealing with conflict, how our speech can help or harm, dealing with poverty and wealth, even how we should think about planning for the future. We never struggle for application!James is direct. James moves quickly from issue to issue. Much of what he says is straightforward to understand. There is no chance for us to get bogged down.James is vivid. Throughout the letter James gives us pictures and illustrations to help his message hit home in a vivid way. He speaks of forest fires, fruit-bearing plants, sea ships, horses—and that’s just one chapter! The preacher does not have to scratch his head trying to think up illustrations for the message!James is stretching. James assumes that the gospel touches every area of life. He does not let us off the hook in any of them! James likens God’s word to a mirror, and studying his own letter certainly has the effect of revealing to us what our hearts and attitudes are truly like.James is encouraging. Underlying all that James says is a desire to magnify Jesus Christ. It is Christ’s glory that drives everything. Along the way James gives us wonderful reminders of the grace and goodness of God. He can afford to be challenging because the grace of God is so compelling.Five verses that strike me personally are 1:19; 2:8; 3:1; 4:13; 5:20. What strikes you? How is God's Word speaking to you—not only in James, but in all 66 inspired books in Scripture?