Resources for Further Study
James wants his readers to be transformed by his half-brother Jesus’ Word, and led by the Spirit. Jame’s wise, pastoral exposition of his brother’s teaching guides them (and us) through daily, down-to-earth issues as they live within a faithful community where the fruit of the Spirit tangibly bears witness to the Gospel’s hope.
The recommended resources below are designed to help you engage this series for yourself, as you become a more deeply formed follower of Jesus. You’ll find a reading plan to engage with James’ letter yourself, recommended books, and a Bible Project course.
Reading James for Yourself
Day 1 :: Under pressure, James 1:1-8
Day 2 :: Testing and temptation, James 1:9-18
Day 3 :: Hearing and doing, James 1:19-25
Day 4 :: Compassionate integrity, James 1:26-27
Day 5 :: Reflective review, read all of James, chapter 1, while listening for what God is forming in you
- What trial or test might God be using to form a deeper faith in you?
- Where have you heard God’s Word, but maybe not yet acted on it? How do you want to rectify that?
- How might obedience on your part be an expression of love this week?
House Habits Practice: Act on one truth you’ve heard in this week’s message, and make a simple change. For example, pray for wisdom all week and note what happens.
Day 1 :: Dangerous favoritism, James 2:1-7
Day 2 :: Mercy over judgment, James 2:8-13
Day 3 :: Faith-filled deeds, James 2:14-19
Day 4 :: Living examples, James 2:20-26
Day 5 :: Reflective review, read all of James, chapter 2, and reflect on faith that works
- What would “faith in action” look like in your life this week?
- Where does favoritism, subtle or otherwise, show up in your world, both towards you and from you?
- How can mercy reshape your relationships and priorities this week?
House Habits Practice: Show mercy through generosity this week.
Day 1 :: A powerful tongue, James 3:1-6
Day 2 :: Blessings and curses, James 3:7-12
Day 3 :: Selfish ambition, James 3:13-16
Day 4 :: Wisdom from above, James 3:17-18
Day 5 :: Reflective review, read all of James, chapter 3, praying for your speech to be shaped by wisdom
- How have your words recently shaped the “climate” of your relationships?
- What would it look like to speak peace and blessing instead of criticism this week?
- Which of the “wisdom from above” traits do you most want to see established in yourself?
House Habits Practice: Speak one intentional word of blessing over someone you love at B4.
Day 1 :: Draw near to God, James 4:1-10
Day 2 :: Depend on God, James 4:11-17
Day 3 :: Patience and integrity, James 5:1-12
Day 4 :: Prayer, confession, and healing, James 5:13-20
Day 5 :: Reflective review, read all of James, chapters 4-5, considering what sustains a hope-filled house
- How does humility prepare your heart for prayer and healing?
- Who might need your prayer, encouragement, or restoration this week?
- What rhythms of confession or intercession could strengthen our “house”? What do you want to see established in yourself in this manner?
House Habits Practice: Pray for B4 with someone face-to-face. You may want to consider joining All Church Prayer on Tuesday evenings.
SUPPLEMENTAL RESOURCES
We will add to this list weekly.
Living Out a Real, Vital Faith
In the church, some people seem to glide along, enjoying what they hear in messages, yet it makes no real difference in their lives. James faced the same problem among the very first generation of Christians. So, the heart of his message is making sure faith is the real thing by translating belief into action. That kind of faith, he explains, is the faith that matters, the faith that justifies, the faith that saves.
We need that kind of faith today. These nine personal, or group, studies on James’s impassioned New Testament letter will help you live out a faith that makes a difference.
A Deep Dive into Spiritual Formation
Combining faith with the latest developments in neuroscience and psychology, Renovated offers a groundbreaking and refreshing perspective on how our attachment to God impacts our minds and hearts. You’ll find that our spiritual growth is about more than just what we believe―it’s about who we love.
Drawing from conversations he had with Dallas Willard, author of Renovation of the Heart, shortly before Dallas’s death, Jim Wilder shows how we can train our brains to relate to God. Transformative and encouraging, this book offers practical insight for deepening your relationship with God through the wondrous brain and soul that He has given you.
Discover the Holiness of Everyday, Ordinary Faith
What if the often-overlooked routines of your day became sacred invitations? Liturgy of the Ordinary by Tish Harrison Warren is a gentle reminder that God’s presence is not just in the extraordinary but in the midst of the ordinary. Through the lens of her own daily life, Warren invites you to find holy, faith-filled moments in the mundane and recognize how seemingly small, daily encounters with God shape your spiritual growth.
A Study of James
Following Jesus is not only about agreeing with theological information. Jesus’ followers become truly wise by living according to Jesus’ summary of the Torah—love God with everything you’ve got, and love your neighbor as yourself. Find the complete Bible Project at the link below