The Tests of Faith James 1-5

by Mike Durrill

I have thoroughly enjoyed reading Dr. John MacArthur's sermons on the book of James. This poignant little book was written to new believers who had been displaced because of severe persecution. They were scattered abroad! James writes to them as their shepherd in order that he might encourage them in their faith. He gives them hooks to hang their faith upon as they are going through difficult times. Below is an outline taken from Dr. MacArthur to help you as you read through the passages. 

John MacArthur writes, "There are a number of ways to outline the book to grasp the arrangement of its content. One way is to arrange it around a series of tests by which the genuineness of a person’s faith may be measured."

Introduction (1:1)

I. The Test of Perseverance in Suffering (1:2–12)

II. The Test of Blame in Temptation (1:13–18)

III. The Test of Response to the Word (1:19–27)

IV. The Test of Impartial Love (2:1–13)

V. The Test of Righteous Works (2:14–26)

VI. The Test of the Tongue (3:1–12)

VII. The Test of Humble Wisdom (3:13–18)

VIII. The Test of Worldly Indulgence (4:1–12)

IX. The Test of Dependence (4:13–17)

X. The Test of Patient Endurance (5:1–11)

XI. The Test of Truthfulness (5:12)

XII. The Test of Prayerfulness (5:13–18)

XIII. The Test of True Faith (5:19, 20)