Africa Study Bible Sampler - Flipbook - Page 75
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• Like the readers of the letter of James, African Christians need to re-evaluate our
societies’ structures and work to bring them in line with biblical values. Traditional
African societies made provision for care of the underprivileged and disenfranchised through the strength of the community. Today, however, our societies are
being more influenced by the individualism that is often found in the Western
world, which means we have less motivation to care for the underprivileged and
those without power. James calls us to return to our roots and be more concerned
about the needy.
• Running like a thread though this letter is the need for wisdom from God. The key
verse is James 2:26, “Just as the body is dead without breath, so also faith is dead
without good works.” James is concerned that believers live out the Christian faith
within the community of believers in a way that is consistent with true faith in Christ.
The book of James urges the many African Christians in the diaspora not to put away
their faith or allow it to conform to the Christianity of a host country, as the diaspora
Jews were doing. Rather, even in diaspora, the Christianity of Africans must remain
authentic and faithful to the Bible.
Outline and Rhythm
The true life of faith (1:1-18)
Enduring trials and overcoming temptations (1:1-11)
God blesses those who patiently endure trials and overcome temptation (1:12-18)
Faith informed by godly wisdom is faith in action (1:19–3:12)
Faith helps us control anger (1:19-27)
Faith helps us control prejudice (2:1-13)
Faith helps us control inaction (2:14-26)
Faith helps us control our tongues (3:1-12)
Faith informed by godly wisdom shapes our worldview (3:13–5:20)
Two kinds of wisdom (3:13-18)
Peaceful and humble living (4:1-17)
Use of wealth and riches (5:1-6)
Patience and endurance (5:7-12)
Prayer (5:13-18)
Accountability (5:19-20)