James 1 Commentary

James greets his intended recipients, the Jewish believers who are scattered throughout the world.

James challenges believers to rejoice in trials because a tested faith leads to becoming a mature Christian.

James anticipates the possibility that some of his readers may lack the ability to rejoice in a trial, so he offers a remedy based on the character of God. The believer who lacks the faith to rejoice can ask God for the wisdom needed; but this request must be made with a single-minded faith, otherwise there is no reason to expect God to give the wisdom to rejoice in the trial at hand.

Humility, the ability to see reality as it is, is the proper mindset for the believer, whether wealthy or poor.

Believers who suffer well through trials will receive a future blessing from God. These blessings will far exceed any blessing we can gain from the world.

The steps to failure in the life of a believer start with evil desire and end in death.

James concludes his emphasis on suffering well, remaining humble, and overcoming temptation by directing his readers to the nature of God.

Believers are delivered from spiritual downfall by rejecting evil and receiving the implanted word to grow in the righteousness of God.

Those who live the word they hear will be blessed in their doing.

Pure religion, a life focused on pleasing God, is objectively identifiable and genuinely valuable.