Wednesday Night – POWER IN THE WORD w PASTOR DALE L. FOSTER 3/11/26

F.S.M. BIBLE STUDY GUIDE

Character study of James (Son of Zebedee)

◊ The life of James the apostle shows us:
● that Jesus knows our nature.
He identified James as a “son of thunder” right
away.
● Jesus patiently works with us to conform us to His will,
● that courage in our service to Christ is a valuable asset in
Advancing the Kingdom
● boldness should not be allowed to descend into brashness
● our zeal must be tempered with grace

◊ Five facts about James
1. Before he worked with Jesus, James was a fisherman.
2. He wasn’t the only apostle named James.
3. James is one of two disciples given a nickname by Jesus.
4. He was one of three disciples to witness the
transfiguration
5. James was the first apostle to be martyred.

◊ A closer look at the life and ministry of James:
1. James was one of the first disciples called by Jesus
a) He was a fisherman before following Jesus
b) He was called while mending his nets with his father
c) He responded to Jesus’ call without hesitation
d) He followed Jesus along with his brother John
e) Biblical Example: Peter and Andrew also left
their fishing business to follow Jesus

2. James was part of Jesus’ inner circle
a) He was one of the three closest disciples
b) He saw the transfiguration of Jesus
c) He was present when Jesus raised Jairus’ daughter
d) He accompanied Jesus to Gethsemane
(*) Biblical Example: Moses, Joshua, and Caleb were
also in a special leadership circle

3. James was zealous but needed Spiritual maturity
a) He and John wanted to call fire from heaven on a
Samaritan village
b) Jesus rebuked him, teaching him mercy
c) He sought high positions in Jesus’ kingdom
d) Jesus corrected their ambition and taught servant
leadership
(*) Biblical Example: Paul was also zealous before his
transformation

4. James experienced Spiritual growth through Jesus
a) He moved from selfish ambition to sacrificial service
b) He was faithful until death
c) His zeal was transformed into boldness for Christ
d) His life demonstrated total devotion to Christ
(*) Biblical Example: Peter also grew from
impulsiveness to spiritual maturity

5. James was the first Apostle to be martyred
a) He was executed by King Herod
b) His death showed his unwavering commitment to
Christ
c) His martyrdom strengthened the faith of the early
d) His life fulfilled Jesus’ prophecy
(*) Biblical Example: Stephen was also martyred for his
faith

◊ Strengths of James
a) He was a committed disciple (Matthew 4:21-22)
b) He was part of Jesus’ inner circle (Matthew 17:1-2)
c) He had great zeal for the kingdom (Luke 9:54)
d) He was courageous and bold (Acts 12:1-2)
e) He grew in spiritual maturity (Mark 10:39)

◊ Weaknesses of James
a) He was impulsive and quick-tempered (Luke 9:54)
b) He sought positions of power (Mark 10:35-37)
c) He misunderstood Jesus’ mission at first (Luke 9:55-56)
d) He lacked patience and grace (Luke 9:54)
e) He struggled with humility (Mark 10:42-45)

◊ Lessons to learn from the life and Ministry of James
a) Zeal must be guided by wisdom and love (Luke 9:55)
b) True greatness comes through service (Mark 10:42-45)
c) Faithfulness to Christ requires sacrifice (Acts 12:2)
d) Spiritual growth takes time (Mark 10:39)
e) A life lived for Christ is never in vain (Philippians 1:21)