James, a bond-servant of God, and of the Lord Jesus Christ,to the twelve tribes who are dispersed aboard: Greetings. James 1:1
If you say that you “believe,” why do you act as though you don’t? That seems to be the main issue that prompts James to write this letter. Generally speaking, the book of James is not considered a great doctrinal treatise. For example, the name of the Lord Jesus Christ appears only twice in the entire letter, and once here in verse one. The author never mentions the cross, the resurrection, or the Holy Spirit. It seems that this letter was not written for the purpose of establishing the doctrines of the faith (although, there are great truths taught in it). As Chuck Swindoll has written:
You won’t hear any mysterious, stained-glass theological discussions in the hallowed halls of this inspired letter, only grass-stained advice from someone following Christ in the grass-roots of life!
The intention of James is to drive home the importance of living out the truth in a practical way.
