James, like Jude, was a half-brother of our Lord Jesus. His book is the oldest New Testament book (written around A.D. 44 – 49). It is considered “The Proverbs of the Old Testament.” Like the book of Proverbs, it has much detailed wisdom to offer.

Today we will simplify with an over-view, focusing on “patience” or “endurance.” We are called to be over-comers or conquerors through faith in Christ (I John 5:4-5; Romans 8:31-39). In order to over-come or to conquer you cannot give up. You must endure. So, James, having seen much persecution and suffering for the sake of the Gospel and many other dangers, toils and snares, is the first one to write us in the New Testament times. His message is to “keep on keeping on.” We can only do it in the strength and wisdom of the Lord (Galatians 1:3-4; 2:20; Ephesians 6:10; Philippians 2:5; 3:10; 4:13; II Timothy 2:1-10).

James One: Overcome earthly trials/testings with heavenly powers.

We need to operate with heavenly powers such as joy from Scriptural knowledge; faithful prayer that is not double minded and supreme love for God. See James 1:2-3, 6-8, 12 cp. Romans 12:21.

James Two: Overcome dead faith with divine faith.

Dead faith doesn’t work, but faith which comes from the Spirit of Christ does work. We are not saved by faith plus works. Rather, we are saved by faith that works! See James 2:14-18 cp. Galatians 5:6; 6:15.

James Three: Overcome a dangerous tongue with a devout heart.

The Bible probably has more to say about the use of our tongue than any other part of our body, except the heart and mind. The tongue, like any other tool or weapon, can be used for good or evil. Jesus told us that how we keep our hearts will determine how we use our tongues. See James 3:2,8-10,13-18 cp. Matthew 12:33-37.

James Four: Overcome a frustrated worldly romance with a humble love for God.

“A worldly romance” means “a romance with the world.” The world creates many desires in people’s hearts. Desires that can’t be fulfilled. This, in turn, creates tension and strife among people. God’s people need to humble themselves and get close to God, allowing Him to satisfy their hearts. See James 4:1-10 cp. Micah 6:8.

James Five: Overcome greed and impatience with God’s character and promises.

This is about overcoming the effects of other people’s greed and impatience. As the world dishes out cruelty and injustice, God’s people avoid bitterness and revenge by contenting themselves with God’s good character and His encouraging promises. When we are afflicted, we are to convert our emotional energy into prayer. When we are elated, we are to convert that emotional energy into worship and praise. See James 5:1-6,8,10-11,13-14 cp. Hebrews 12:2-3.

Accompanying Scriptures (Modified KJV)

II Timothy 2:1-4
“…Therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. And the things that you have heard of me among many witnesses, the same commit to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also. Therefore endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ. No man that is in warfare gets entangled in the affairs of this life; that he may please him who has chosen him to be a soldier."

Galatians 5:6 & 6:15
“For in Jesus Christ neither circumcision avails anything nor uncircumcision; but faith which works by love.”
“For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision avails anything, nor uncircumcision, but a new creature.”

Matthew 12:33-37
"Either make the tree good, and his fruit good; or else make the tree corrupt, and his fruit corrupt: for the tree is known by his fruit. O generation of vipers (snakes) how can you, being evil, speak good things: for out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks. A good man out of the good treasure of the heart brings forth good things: and an evil man out of the evil treasure brings forth evil things. But I say unto you, That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give an account for it in the day of judgment. For by your words you shall be justified, and by your words you shall be condemned.”

Micah 6:8
“He has showed you, O man, what is good; and what does the LORD require of you, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God?”

Hebrews 12:2-3
“Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God. For consider him that endured such contradiction of sinners against himself, less you be wearied and faint in your minds.”