James 1:1-4 | Faith That Moves Series | 9.7.25

Follow Along with the Message

1. As we begin studying the book of James, Phil presented four options as to which James of the Bible is widely believed to be the author:
• James son of Zebedee – the one executed by Herod Agrippa I in Acts 12
• James the Less –one of the disciples of Jesus
• James the father of Judas.
• James the author of the Book

Read the following verses to help pinpoint James, the brother of Jesus as author:

• Matthew 13:54-57
• Galatians 1:18-19
• Acts 12:2 / Acts 12:17

1. Read Mark 3:20-21
• How did James and his siblings respond to Jesus as he was beginning his ministry?
• What must it have been like for James to have as a brother God in the flesh?
2. While Jesus was resolute, remaining “on mission” in the face of insults and disbelief, we sometimes allow the approval of others to serve as a “ruling passion” in our lives.  Discuss how you answered these questions posed by Phil in his sermon.
• How often do you catch yourself putting on a “version of yourself” for others?
• How often do you shape your behavior to fit what you think others will expect?
• How often do you adjust who you are so people will see you in a certain way?
3. As you consider the transformation in James’ life – from a doubting younger brother to a leader in the early Christian church – read 1 Corinthians 15:3-8 and discuss how you imagine that conversation going between James and the resurrected Jesus?
4. Phil described what our “First Move” should be when doubting or hurting: bring it to Jesus; he will breathe HIS faith into you (John 20:21-22)
• From where do we receive the power and strength to persevere when the going gets tough?
5. James emulates Jesus in his humility and “downward mobility” when he identifies himself in verse 1 as “a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ.” 
• What title would you take on yourself to introduce yourself to someone you were meeting for the first time?
• Are there examples when you have given in to the temptation to name-drop in order to build yourself up in someone else’s eyes?