James: Hands-On Christianity

“Practice what you preach!” is the underlying theme of the book of James. While other New Testament books focus on deep theology, James addresses the “hands-on” reality of daily Christian living. In this 16-part series, Chuck Swindoll provides a clear, biblical roadmap for authentic faith. We learn how to handle persistent troubles, control our tongues, overcome prejudice, and respond to unfair treatment. James challenges us to move past a merely intellectual belief to a life where our actions, speech, and relationships consistently reflect the character of Christ.

Message 1: A Case for Practical Christianity

Overview: Pastor Chuck Swindoll introduces the Book of James, emphasizing its reputation as the most “hands-on” book of the New Testament. This message sets the stage for a study on how faith must transition from a theoretical concept to a practical lifestyle. James challenges believers to move beyond intellectual assent and demonstrate their devotion through tangible actions.

• Key Fact: James was likely the half-brother of Jesus and wrote this letter to Jewish Christians scattered by persecution to encourage “faith in overalls.”
• Scripture Reference: James 1:1

Message 2: When Troubles Won’t Go Away

Overview: Life is often defined by trials that seem relentless. Chuck explores James’ radical command to “count it all joy” when facing diverse testings. This message explains that trials are not meant to destroy us, but to produce “staying power” and spiritual maturity by refining our character through the heat of adversity.

• Key Fact: God uses trials to develop hupomone (steadfastness)—the ability to remain under pressure without breaking.
• Scripture Reference: James 1:2–12

Message 3: Plain Talk about Temptation

Overview: This sermon distinguishes between the “tests” that come from God and the “temptations” that arise from our own desires. Chuck provides a clear look at the anatomy of temptation, explaining how an internal itch can lead to external sin and, ultimately, spiritual death if not addressed at the root.

• Key Fact: God never tempts us to evil; temptation is a predictable process of being “lured and enticed” by our own inner cravings.
• Scripture Reference: James 1:13–18

Message 4: The Great Divorce

Overview: Chuck addresses the dangerous disconnect between being a “hearer” of the Word and a “doer.” This message illustrates how many Christians “divorce” their Sunday learning from their Monday living. True spiritual health is found in looking into the “mirror” of Scripture and immediately making the necessary adjustments to one’s life.

• Key Fact: Religion that God accepts as “pure and faultless” involves looking after those in distress and keeping oneself unstained by the world.
• Scripture Reference: James 1:19–27

Message 5: Prejudice Is a Sin

Overview: James pulls no punches regarding favoritism within the church. Chuck examines how human nature tends to cater to the wealthy and influential while overlooking the poor. This message calls the church to reflect God’s impartial heart, reminding us that showing partiality is a direct violation of the “Royal Law” of love.

• Key Fact: To show favoritism is to judge by external appearance, which is a direct contradiction to the Gospel that offers grace to all.
• Scripture Reference: James 2:1–13

Message 6: You Can’t Have One without the Other

Overview: In one of the most debated passages in the New Testament, Chuck clarifies the relationship between faith and works. He explains that while we are saved by faith alone, the faith that saves is never alone. Genuine, living faith naturally produces “good works” as an evidence of a transformed heart.

• Key Fact: Faith without works is “dead,” just as a body without a spirit is a corpse; works are the vital signs of a living relationship with Christ.
• Scripture Reference: James 2:14–26

Message 7: Bridling the Beast in Your Body

Overview: This message focuses on the small but mighty power of the tongue. Chuck uses James’ vivid metaphors—bits, rudders, and fires—to show how our speech can direct our lives and destroy our relationships. He offers practical wisdom on how to bring our words under the control of the Holy Spirit.

• Key Fact: The tongue is the most difficult member of the human body to tame; it is a “restless evil” that requires constant divine supervision.
• Scripture Reference: James 3:1–12

Message 8: The Wise, the Unwise, and the Otherwise (Part 1)

Overview: Chuck explores the contrast between “earthly wisdom” and the “wisdom from above.” This first part identifies the symptoms of worldly wisdom: bitter jealousy, selfish ambition, and disorder. True wisdom is not measured by IQ, but by the peace and humility it produces in one’s life.

• Key Fact: Earthly wisdom is characterized by a “me-first” attitude that leads to confusion and every evil practice.
• Scripture Reference: James 3:13–16

Message 9: The Wise, the Unwise, and the Otherwise (Part 2)

Overview: Continuing the study of wisdom, Chuck details the characteristics of heavenly wisdom: purity, peace, gentleness, and mercy. This message provides a checklist for believers to evaluate whether their decisions and attitudes are truly being guided by the Spirit of God.

• Key Fact: Godly wisdom is “easy to be entreated,” meaning it is approachable, reasonable, and willing to listen.
• Scripture Reference: James 3:17–18

Message 10: How Fights Are Started and Stopped

Overview: James addresses the “wars and fightings” that occur among believers. Chuck traces the source of conflict back to “unmet inner cravings” and selfish desires. The solution is found in a fourfold process: submit to God, resist the devil, draw near to God, and humble yourself.

• Key Fact: Conflict with others is almost always a symptom of an internal conflict with God and our own misplaced desires.
• Scripture Reference: James 4:1–10

Message 11: The Peril of Playing God

Overview: This sermon warns against the arrogance of judging others and making plans without God. Chuck discusses the sin of “slander” and the presumption of assuming we control our own future. We are reminded that our lives are a “vapor” and every plan should be submitted to “If the Lord wills.”

• Key Fact: Judging a brother or sister is an act of putting oneself above the Law of God; it is a form of spiritual pride.
• Scripture Reference: James 4:11–17

Message 12: Warnings to the Wealthy

Overview: Chuck tackles James’ stern warning to those who hoard wealth and exploit workers. This message isn’t an indictment of having money, but of the misuse of money and the reliance on riches rather than God. It serves as a sober reminder of the transitory nature of material possessions.

• Key Fact: God hears the “cries” of those who are treated unfairly by the powerful; justice is delayed but never denied.
• Scripture Reference: James 5:1–6

Message 13: Doing Right When You’ve Been Done Wrong

Overview: When facing injustice, the natural reaction is retaliation. Chuck provides James’ antidote: patient endurance. Using the examples of the farmer and the prophets, this message encourages believers to “strengthen their hearts” because the Lord’s return is near.

• Key Fact: Patience is not passive waiting; it is a “steadfast endurance” that refuses to give in to bitterness while waiting for God to act.
• Scripture Reference: James 5:7–12

Message 14: Suffering, Sickness, Sin—and Healing

Overview: This message delves into one of the most complex passages in James regarding prayer for the sick. Chuck carefully explains the roles of the elders, the “prayer of faith,” and the importance of confession. He provides a balanced, biblical view of how God works through physical and spiritual healing.

• Key Fact: The “anointing with oil” in James 5 likely refers to both a symbolic act of consecration and a practical application of medicinal care.
• Scripture Reference: James 5:13–16a

Message 15: The Power of Effective Kneeling

Overview: Using the prophet Elijah as a model, Chuck illustrates the power of “fervent prayer.” This message encourages believers that prayer is not for “super-saints,” but for ordinary people with “a nature like ours” who serve an extraordinary God.

• Key Fact: The “effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man” accomplishes much because it aligns the believer’s heart with God’s power.
• Scripture Reference: James 5:16b–18

Message 16: How to Handle Straying Saints

Overview: In the series conclusion, Chuck addresses the responsibility of the church to go after those who wander from the truth. This final message emphasizes that “practical Christianity” ends where it began: with a focus on restoration, mercy, and the covering of sins through the Gospel.

• Key Fact: Restoring a wandering believer is a high calling that “covers a multitude of sins” and saves a soul from the consequences of death.
• Scripture Reference: James 5:19–20