I. Introduction 1:1
II. Trials and true religion 1:2-27
A. The value of trials 1:2-11
1. The proper attitude toward trials 1:2
2. The end product of trials 1:3-4
3. Help in adopting this attitude 1:5-8
4. The larger view of circumstances 1:9-11
B. The options in trials 1:12-18
1. The ultimate end of trials 1:12
2. The source of temptation 1:13-14
3. The progress of temptation 1:15
4. The goodness of God 1:16-18
C. The proper response to trials 1:19-27
1. The improper response 1:19-20
2. The essential response 1:21
3. The complete response 1:22-25
4. The external behavior 1:26-27
III. Partiality and vital faith 2:1-26
A. The problem of favoritism 2:1-13
1. The negative command 2:1
2. The present improper practice 2:2-4
3. The inconsistency of favoritism 2:5-7
4. The Christian's duty 2:8-9
5. The importance of partiality 2:10-11
6. The implication of our own judgment 2:12-13
B. The importance of vital faith 2:14-26
1. James' assertion 2:14
2. James' illustration 2:15-16
3. James' restatement of his point 2:17
4. An objection 2:18
5. James' rebuttal 2:19-23
6. James' final argument 2:24-26
IV. Speech and divine wisdom 3:1-18
A. Controlling the tongue 3:1-12
1. The negative warning 3:1
2. The reason for the warning 3:2
3. Examples of the danger 3:3-8
4. The uncontrollable nature of the tongue 3:7-8
5. The inconsistency of the tongue 3:9-12
B. Controlling the mind 3:13-18
1. The importance of humility 3:13
2. The importance of graciousness 3:14-16
3. The importance of loving peace 3:17-18
V. Conflicts and humble submission 4:1-17
A. Interpersonal and inner personal tensions 4:1-10
1. The source of conflict 4:1
2. The explanation of the conflict 4:2-3
3. The nature of the choice 4:4-5
4. The resources to choose right 4:6-10
B. Self-exaltation 4:11-12
C. Self-reliance 4:13-17
1. The self-centered person 4:13-16
2. The concluding exhortation 4:17
VI. Money and patient endurance 5:1-20
A. Warnings for the rich 5:1-6
1. The introduction of the problem 5:1
2. The corrosive effect of wealth 5:2-3
3. The misuse of wealth 5:4-6
B. The proper attitude 5:7-12
1. The exhortation to be patient 5:7-9
2. Examples of endurance 5:10-11
3. The evidence of patience 5:12
C. The proper action 5:13-18
1. The way of release 5:13
2. The prescription for help 5:14-16
3. The power of prayer 5:17-18
VII. The way back to living by faith 5:19-20
