James Bible Study

2010-10-17T20:51:00.000-07:00

Super excited!

Check out the videos of short bible study lessons at lifeisahymn.com. It's everything an online Bible study should be:

Short: each lesson is around 10 minutes.

Videos: want to read a bunch of pages worth of text on a monitor? Me neither.

An actual STUDY: An academic, mentally stimulating series, that puts the study, back in Bible study.

Bible studies for busy believers: the "lesson work" from each study is simply a thought/question to ponder and wrestle with as your going throughout your day--making your commutes and line wasting time more productive.

Bible study charts: this may be my favorite part. I've never seen this kind of rigorous academic style effectively incorporated into a layman study until now

JAMES 5:7-20 | Lesson # 9 | GETTING PREPARED - WALKING ON SOLID GROUND

2008-07-29T18:30:00.000-07:00

JAMES

5:7-20 Lesson # 9

GETTING PREPARED: WALKING ON SOLID GROUND

I. Greetings:

II. Introduction:

Note: Most girls grow up dreaming of having a perfectly beautiful wedding day. Sometimes that day really is beautiful, but let me ask

you a question....

Q Does a wedding plan itself? How much planning must go into it?

An = It usually takes months of planning and preparation by the future bride, her mother, sisters, close friends and often dad who must

pay for much of it.

Q Does it take a lot of planning to pull off a fine meal?

An = Yes it does. And do we not encourage our children to prepare for their future careers by years of hard work and study. Have you

ever thought that our careers are going to last for 50 years if that, but if there is an afterlife, then that will last 5000 X 50 years and more. It is

interesting that we Christians will put more time getting ready for a brief "few decades long career" but spend little or no time getting ready for all

eternity.

Note: In Revelations 19:7-8 John tells us that the Christian church is like a bride getting ready for a feast. She is to be prepared says

John, she is to be dressed appropriately, let's read what that preparation entails:

>>>> Have someone read Revelation 19:8.

Q How is one ready for the wedding feast of the Lamb?

An = We as believers, as the church, are to be prepared with fine linen that is bright and clean. The linen mentioned in Revelation

stands for the righteous acts of the saints.

RQ Would it not be just horrible to be invited to a great gala event that required being dressed in the finest clothes, but you could not go

because everything you owned was dirty?

An = James wants us ready for that great feast to end all feasts, James wants us ready to meet God in our finest attire. James wants

us ready for the Second Coming of Jesus. James wants us to know that it is not easy to be ready, and so he gives us some hints. Remember, James sees

us as part of his family, and he wants us to be blessed, not only now but for all eternity. James is now in eternity, and he wants us to join him there in

joy, not in judgment. Let's see what he advises us. He may surprise you, he may not tell you what you expect him to say.

III. Getting Ready: Patience in Suffering. James 5:7-12.

>>>> Have someone read James 5:7-8.

Q What does James 5:7-8 tell us to do to prepare?

An = James tells us that good farmers have to be patient for the good crop to come and we have to be patient as well. Be strong and

stand firm says James for the Lord's coming is indeed near.

Note: Now that is the general instruction, but what does it mean to "stand firm" or to "be patient"? What specific things should we be

about? Let's see how we can acquire, with patience, those needed "linen garments" for the upcoming great "gala event".

>>>> Have someone read James 5:9.

Q What is one way we get ready for the Second Coming?

An = Do not grumble against each other. You would think James would say we should make a religious commitment, do some type of

ritual, or believe some type of truths, but instead he says do not grumble against fellow Christians. The final phrase of verse 9 implies that Christians

who complain about others and criticize fellow believers need to realize that Almighty God is the Judge of all. God has not given that task to us.

RQ Are some Christians going to be wearing "dirty linens" according to James 5:9?

>>>> Have someone read James 5:10-11.

Q How are we to be ready according to these verses?

An = James give us two examples of how we are to be patient in our suffering. The first is the suffering or the persecution that comes

our way if we are loyal to Christ. If we speak up for our faith, for our Lord, or if we speak the truths that God gives us, we are like the prophets who

spoke in the Name of the Lord. The second is the loss of physical health, financial position and spiritual reputation that was suffered by Job and yet he

did not give up on his faith. He persevered.

Many of us have ancestors who lost their lives because they would not deny Christ, but how many of us will stand up for Christ here in

America? Are we willing to lose money, our health, or our reputation and bear it patiently because of our loyalty to God? If we can patiently suffer in

such ways, then we are "getting our clothes ready" for the great feast.

>>>> Have someone read James 5:12.

Q How do we get ready according to James 5:12.

An = When we say it is "yes", then it is "yes". In other words we are to be so truthful that we never need to swear. Our word is our

bond. Some of us think little of not keeping our word, or of not telling the truth. We make all kinds of excuses, but James says this is how we can

acquire "bright and clean" fine linens. Tell the truth so consistently that we never need to swear.

Note: James will now go on to describe some things that "righteous people", who are getting their "bright and clean" garments ready

should be doing. Let us read what we should be about....

IV. Those With Good Clothes Should Be Praying: James 5:13-18.

>>>> Have someone read James 5:13-16.

Q What should we be doing according to James?

An = We should pray when in trouble, sing when happy. He then goes on to say more about prayer. When someone is ill we can expect

the elders to pray that they get better or if they have sinned that they can be forgiven. When we are visited we are to expect either health or forgiveness

of sins.

Note: Verse 14 tells us to call for the elders when we are sick for prayer and anointing with oil in the Name of the Lord. Note here

it says for the sick person to call. Sometimes we wait for the Church to come to us, but how are they to know the need if they are not contacted?

Note: Verse 14 does not mean medicine should not be used.

Q How is it that some churches expect so little from the prayers of the elders of their churches?

An = Maybe, their elders are too busy judging others (5:9), or are not standing up for the Lord and bearing the suffering that comes with

it (5:10), or they do not always tell the truth (5:12). Remember, prayer offered in faith, by righteous persons is powerful. If we would follow James

5:9-12 then we could expect to be more like James 5:13-16.

Note: Maybe we should be expecting more from our prayers than we are getting.

>>>> Have someone read James 5:17-18.

Q What did James prayer life affect?

An = The weather patterns so that people could hear the Word of God.

Q Is that possible for us today?

An = Let them answer.

Then when they are done, remind them that our church has many faults and we and our leaders do not have perfect lives, but God already

knows that. He is the Judge. The greatest sickness we have is not physical illness but sin. Physical illness can only kill the body and it will die soon

anyway, but sin can kill us forever. Remember, James is our brother, he loves each of us, even those who have been shown to be imperfect after reading

his little short book.

He gives us one last final command, one last word to guide us...

>>>> Have someone read James 5:19-20.

Q What are the final commands James give his fellow Christians?

An = Restore the wandering ones. Do not gossip and talk about them, but restore them.

Q How do we restore them?

An = Let them give their answers. If they have not already said it, summarize what James is saying: 1) We can talk to them "as

brothers, just as James has talked to us". 2) We can start praying for them, believing the Lord is going to hear us as in the verse just above (James

5:13-17). 3) We can also make sure our own lives are not full of judgmentalism, lack of telling the truth, or lack of suffering for the Lord because of our

witness. Our own good example mixed with prayer and our talking to them could restore them.

Q What is the promise to us if we "restore them"?

An = If we turn a sinner from the error of his way it will save him from death and cover a multitude of sins. We will not only help that

individual but bless the entire church body.

JAMES 4:13-5:6 | Lesson # 8 | WALK ON SOLID GROUND NOT QUICKSAND

2008-07-22T18:28:00.000-07:00

JAMES

4:13-5:6 Lesson # 8

WALK ON SOLID GROUND NOT QUICKSAND

I. Greetings:

II. Introduction:

Note: Today we are going to look at things people trust in, that are not truly trustworthy. People put too much stock in what does not

really matter. Sometimes we try to walk on quicksand instead of solid ground.

Q What are some of the false securities people trust in today?

An = Let them answer and do not comment just acknowledge their answers.

Q Is walking on quicksand instead of solid ground dangerous? How dangerous? What could be the consequences?

An = The consequences could be death. What James is going to talk about in the verses we are going to study today is not "good advice"

but a vital warning that if ignored could mean our living in the grasp of evil.

III. The First Warning: Human Plans Instead of Obeying What You Know. James 4:13-17.

>>>> Have someone read James 4:13.

Q What is James warning us against in verse 13?

An = Making plans for the future. Now that does not seem to bad. In fact we often disrespect those people who do not make plans and

or have positive expectations. You have to plan ahead. Many of the Proverbs teach us to do this.

Lets see why making plans can be so dangerous....

>>>> Have someone read James 4:14-16.

Q According to James 4:14 what should we always be aware of?

An = We really do not know the future nor how long we will be alive, our lives really are very short, like a vapor that quickly vanishes:

"Here today and gone tomorrow."

Q What are we to do in regard to plans according to verse 15?

An = All our plans are to be submitted to the will of the Lord, and we should recognize that He controls the future.

Q Do some people do this in word only and not mean it in their hearts?

An = Yes, a lot of people throw a lot of religious language around. Remember, James is Jesus' brother and Jesus did not like us to just

"throw religious phrases about". Jesus often nailed people publicly, who spouted off such phrases.

>>>> Have someone re-read James 4:16.

Note: James seems to be saying in 4:16 that we should not boast in "our plans" or "our agenda" but in God's agenda. Even

Christians boast in their fine plans (remember James is writing to fellow believers) and such boasting James says is evil. It is dangerous.

Note: James is not going to just correct us in our leaving the Lord out of our plans. James is saying realize that God is really in control,

and leaving God out is arrogance on our part, but James is going to give us positive direction as well. As usual, he is going to give us a way to be

aggressive and active.

>>>> Have someone read James 4:17

Q What does James want us to focus our attention on in this verse?

An = James says not to focus on our future plans but on what we already know God wants us to do. If we obey what we know to do

already then the future will be brighter. A lot of us want to do good things in the future for our church, for our friends, for our families, but we have left

something God wants us to do undone, and James has a word for such inaction. That word is sin!

RQ Are some of us making plans for the church but have not forgiven someone who goes to our church?

RQ Are we planning a great vacation, or anticipating a great career move for ourselves or someone we love, but we have not paid our tithe,

or apologized for lying about someone, or apologized for gossiping. (You could add some of your own examples here.)

Note: James is saying we can get fixated on the future and not have God's blessing because we do not listen to and obey what He has

already told us to do.

Let us stop right now and bow in a word of prayer and ask God to bring to our memory anything He has been saying that

we have been ignoring. If we pray believing, He will speak to us.

IV. The Second Warning: Mis-using Wealth and Oppressing the Laborer. James 5:1-6.

>>>> Have someone read James 5:1-3.

Q James says judgment is coming for what class of people?

An = The wealthy. Notice James says they should "weep and wail because of the coming misery". We often are jealous of what the rich

have and James says the rich are certainly not in a favored position.

Q What is going to happen to their wealth?

An = It will not last and it will cause them judgment.

Q According to James 5:3 what have these people done with their wealth?

An = They had hoarded their wealth in their later years. Sometimes when we are young we do not hoard our wealth but are generous to

those in need, to family, to the work of the Lord, but often we change and start to hoard things. We often do so because we feel we need to "protect our

golden years" but in reality James says such action is walking on quicksand, not solid ground.

>>>> Have someone read James 5:4-6.

Q What offenses are the rich being warned about here?

An = The offenses seem to be three: 1) cheating the workers of fair compensation, of fair wages, 2) becoming involved in

self-indulgence, and 3) in the attempt to hoard wealth condemning and murdering the innocent who were really not a threat to us.

Note: In the NIV translation of James verse four says the cries of the wage earners will rise to the ears of the "Lord Almighty".

Actually, the phrase in Greek (and some other english translations) is "Lord Sabaoth". This phrase goes back to the Old Testament where such a title for

God refers to God as the "Great Warlord", the "Lord of Hosts". This is a war title!

When we allow workers to be cheated then God becomes our enemy. He goes to war against us. God does not favor the rich, He is the Lord

of justice.

Q What is usually found in the wake of the rich who abuse/misuse their wealth?

An = Misery for those on the low income scale. This is so evident in Third World Countries where a few live in mind-boggling luxury

while the masses are in abject poverty. Such living conditions often cause death to those who are forced to live that way so a `master' can over-indulge.

Such conditions are a seeming "black and white" situation. People in `advanced' nations are also abused by those in power, either in the

work place or by a government. Often we think we have a right to luxury when in fact we do not. Luxury is often bought off the backs of others.

Q If we trust in wealth what will happen to us?

An = Our wealth cannot save us eternally. We cannot take it with us when we die and we cannot buy our way into heaven and try and

gain privilege there.

We also cannot live in luxury and then donate a large sum just as we are dying and expect to buy our way into heaven. Some ministers

would like you to think that because they want your donations, but the Lord loves the rich too, and does not want their money but their obedience and

love. He wants them alive in heaven and not on the slippery path to hell thinking that giving a large donation to the church in the end will make things

right. People who only give just before they die, are really saying I will only give when I can no longer use the money. Many rich people could be fooling

themselves. If you are rich, or just a person in the normal earning range, give to the Lord now because you trust in the Lord and love Him. If you hoard it

now, your wealth will not only not save you, it will be the cause of your misery.

You do not need to be very wealthy to be a hoarding type of personality. You also do not need to be very rich to be a "big giver".

The old phrase: "Tis one life, that will soon be passed. Only what's done for Christ will last." When we die we will go where our true

heart was. If it is with Christ, we will go with Him, if it is truly with our wealth, then we will go with that. If we fool ourselves, by saying that we

had family, or business concerns, that necessitated our hoarding then we only fool ourselves. We will certainly not fool God.

Note: What James is saying is not new with him, but just another way of saying what his brother Jesus said: Read Matthew 6:19-21,

25-27, 33.

"Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for

yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your

heart will be also.... Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life

more important than food, and the body more important than clothes? Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and

yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life? ... But seek

first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well." Matthew 6:19-21, 25-27,33.

JAMES 4:1-12 | Lesson # 7 | SUBMITTING TO GOD

2008-07-15T18:27:00.000-07:00

JAMES

4:1-12 Lesson # 7

SUBMITTING TO GOD

I. Greetings:

II. Introduction:

Note: Have you ever noticed we are harder to get along with than at other times. Sometimes we seem to want to get into an argument.

What causes that?

Q Have you ever noticed that some people in an extended family or in the church seem to always want to argue or quarrel, why is that?

An = Let them give their answers. You might even want to share a time when you caused a quarrel. James wants us to realize that

such things do happen, and he wants to help us get out of such behavior when it arises in our hearts. He will first point to its source and then show us

practical ways to get out of such behavior.

III. Identifying the Cause of the Problem: Selfish Desires. James 4:1-6.

>>>> Have someone read James 4:1-3.

Q What causes dissension amongst people according to verse 1?

An = Our desires. We cannot get what we want and we fight and even kill for it. Is not that usually the source of war? One nation

wants what another has and goes to war to get it. We, individually, "go to war" to get what we want. Sometimes people "go to war" in churches trying to

get their way on a certain issue or on the direction of the church.

Q Why do we not have what we want, and why do we not get it?

An = We do not have what we want because we do not ask God. Or, if we have asked and have not received, it can be because our

motives are wrong, we just want so we can satisfy our own lust for pleasure.

Note: Sometimes we do not receive what we pray for right away. It may be that God feels we need to wait. But the point being made

here is that our selfish requests are not a priority of God's. Just as we do not give children everything they want if we want them to be healthy children

so God is a good father, a good parent. We would never refuse our children something they needed and neither will God.

>>>> Have someone read James 4:4-6.

Q According to verse 4 what does James call "friendship with the world"?

An = Friendship with the world is hatred towards God, being an enemy of God. James even uses the word adultery to describe such

action. We cannot be friends with the world and expect God to be pleased.

Q So what is worldliness and what would friendship with the world look like today?

An = It is when we are disloyal to God's commands. It is when we are caught in our pride and when we are centered on ourselves. A

self-centered attitude, taking of number One and a preoccupation with rights is the opposite of humility.

Q What do you think verse 5 means?

An = The Holy Spirit within the Christian yearns enviously for our total loyalty and devotion to Him. He wants our undivided love and

will not tolerate any rivals. Exodus 20:5 and 34:14 say our God is an intensely passionate God. He does not want to share our loyalty with any other

false gods or objects. Ezekiel 6:9 speaks of how the Israelites, even though they were the chosen people (the church people of that day) were disloyal to

God and were called adulterers. God had to judge them as such. God is aware of where our hearts truly are. We cannot fool Him. He knows if we are

disloyal.

Jesus brought up the same issue but applied it to a specific situation. He puts it this way: "We cannot have two masters" and the two

masters were God and money. (Matthew 6:24 and Luke 6:13).

>>>> Have someone read Luke 16:13.

Note: So what do we do if we have a false god?

>>>> You re-read James 4:6.

Q According to this verse where does our hope lie?

An = In our humility. If we remain proud then God will oppose us, if we chose humility then God will give us grace.

Note: Our problem is that we, as believers, are often like ancient Israel. We are in the believing community but we are not really loyal to

God. The problem is with our selfish desires and they have led us to disloyalty to God. So what do we do....?

IV. The Answer to the Problem: Submission. James 4:7-11

>>>> Have someone read James 4:7.

Q Who are we to submit to and who are we to resist?

An = We are not to submit to our selfish desires, but to resist selfishness because it is of the devil.

Notice that if we will submit to God and resist the devil, the devil will leave. There is hope! We are no match for the devil, but we have a

defender. God can overcome Satan; we cannot, but God can. So, that's where we need to turn when we are confronted with a situation where we want

what we know is wrong and we have to go against our own desires. We do not have to fight this alone, God helps us win the victory.

There is not much that can compare with the wonderful feeling when we have been able to stand up to the devil and win the victory - it is a

real "upper".

>>>> Have someone read James 4:8-10.

Q Are you offended by being called by James a sinner and a double minded person?

An = Let them give their answers and then when all is said, just ask them a simple question. Before God, is James wrong in his

assessment?

Q What does it mean to "wash your hands, purify your hearts"?

An = Stop reaching for the pleasures of the world that can contaminate you. Renew your mind by choosing to be loyal to God's will. Do

not be wishy-washy (double-minded about God and the world). We cannot stand on the fence but rather we must choose. With His help we can make the

right choice.

Q Why does James tell us to grieve, mourn, wail, turn laughter to mourning and joy to gloom? Are not Christians supposed to have joy?

An = It is true that joy is the Lord's goal for us. However, we should mourn and weep over our sin because of its terrible

ramifications. Sin can keep a person from accepting the salvation Christ offers. Sin can keep, even a Christian, from fellowship with God. Sin can keep

us from joy, from blessing, from the life that give peace and blessing to others.

Remember, we cannot have sin and God. So, it is no laughing matter. If a loved one, or even an acquaintance is spiritually lost, we surely

would feel like mourning for them. Sin is serious and we need to recognize that. Once we do, we are saddened by anyone being caught in its clutches and

at the possibility they might be lost.

Q According to verse 10 what is the way out?

An = Humility. If we humble ourselves before the Lord then He will lift us up.

V. Application of the Answer to a Practical Situation: Slander. James 4:11-12.

>>>> Have someone read James 4:11-12.

Q What are we doing when we talk against or judge a "brother" (fellow Christian)?

An = We are judging that person and then we have placed ourselves above God's law and made ourselves the judge over the law itself.

There is no humility here (remember humility is the key to God's forgiving us). God says we are to love our fellow Christians, "Love your

neighbor as yourself". If we judge our brother or sister, instead of loving them then we are putting aside God's Law. We are saying that we are smarter

than God and above His teaching. We are the opposite of humility when we are in the midst of such arrogance.

Q According to James 4:12 how many Judges and Lawgivers are there?

An = Only One! God almighty is our true Judge and Lawgiver. He alone is able to save or destroy and we are not to judge our brother or

sister. When we are judging another Christian we are judging God's teaching, and if we are judging God's teaching we are not obeying it. To sit in

judgment over God's teaching is the height of arrogance, the opposite of humility.

James 3:18 says true wisdom brings peace but our arrogance of judgmentalism does not bring peace but strife.

Q How many of you have gotten into an argument and one of you starts making up their own rules so they can win?

An = Let them share if they will. Such arguments never end with satisfaction. Once we start making up our own rules, and disobeying

God's rules, then we never come to any solution to our disagreement. We merely try to rationalize our own stand and own position. Our only hope is not

to make up the rules so we can win (because then truth does not win), our only hope is to submit to God's rules so peace can be established.

It takes humility to submit to God and humility to want the truth to come out more than ourselves to be vindicated. Most of us lack the

courage to be so open, to be so humble. Humility takes great strength and great courage, but it is the way of blessing.

JAMES 3:13-18 | Lesson # 6 | WISDOM

2008-07-08T18:26:00.000-07:00

JAMES

3:13-18 Lesson # 6

WISDOM

I. Greetings:

II. Introduction:

Note: Open by telling a short personal story of someone you think really acted wisely with you or acted wisely in your presence. In

other words tell a story about someone you really admire and think was wise in their action. Then ask them...

Q Who is the wisest person you personally know?

An = Let them tell their stories. As they tell their stories, ask them why they think that person was wise.

Note: It is good to remember good actions of good people. James wants us to become wise as well. He wants to point us towards

recognizing what wisdom is and then encourage us to be that caliber of person ourselves.

III. The Characterization of Wisdom: James 3:13.

>>>> Have someone read James 3:13.

Q According to verse 13 how do we know someone is wise and has understanding?

An = Someone is wise not because they have advanced degrees or are older, but we know someone to be wise when they do wise things.

Wisdom is shown by deeds done in humility. It is not talk but action. Notice James says nothing about wise words but only something about wise

deeds. Think back over the stories I told and you told and notice that actions were more important than words. Notice how often humility was present.

Q Why is humility an issue here?

An = A truly godly person realizes that humility is at the heart of the Christian faith. First, we humbly realize that we could not save

ourselves from our sins. If we are truly Christian we realize that we are saved from an eternity in hell solely by the love of God demonstrated on the

cross. A true Christian realizes that. Second, we humbly serve God not to show off, but to humbly say "thank you" to God. Therefore wise behavior or

obedience to God's Word and the willingness to serve God is a resulting "by-product" of God forgiving us. Knowing shows wisdom.

When we take "Holy Communion", if we truly understand what we are doing, we are remembering what Jesus did, and we are thankful for

it. The early church called the communion service "Eucharist" which means "Thanksgiving". We cannot really worship God until we are thankful. If we

have not realized that God has saved us from our sins then we tend to be less thankful than those who do realize it.

Worship is tied to thankfulness and thankfulness is tied to true wisdom.

Q Have you ever sacrificed something to help a person in need? Has someone ever done this for you?

An = Let them answer.

Note: We have heard about parents or siblings giving a vital organ for a loved one. Think about how you would feel if someone did that for

you. Gratitude would certainly be one of your feelings, but would it not be very, very humbling also?

Christ gave His all for us. When we feel gratitude and humility we are moving towards what the Bible would call worship. To worship is

wise.

RQ Are humility and gratitude the major feelings you have when you come to church?

Note: If those feelings are missing then James wants you to know where your other feelings are coming from. Lets see what he has to

say....

IV. Wisdom from Below: James 3:14-16.

>>>> Have someone read James 3:14-16.

Q What two qualities in verse 14 are we not to be arrogant or boastful about?

An = James lists two qualities: bitter envy and selfish ambition. If we boast about these James says we are then denying the truth.

Q How can someone be envious or selfishly ambitious at church or Dorcas Guild?

An = Let them define those actions.

Q Where do such qualities come from according to verse 15?

An = They come not from heaven, but are earthly, unspiritual, they are of the devil.

Q According to verse 16 what is the result in a church when "bad wisdom" is present in the hearts of the people?

An = disorder and every evil practice. These are the very opposites of the Kingdom of God. In the Lord's prayer we are to pray that

"Thy Kingdom come...." If we are envious we are not "of heaven" we are "of the devil". Humility is a sign that true wisdom is near.

Note: These are strong words but loving words from James. When we are filled with envy instead of humility or gratitude and when we

demand that people praise us or let us get our way (selfish ambition) then we are not "in the Lord" but "of the devil". James does not tell us this to

condemn us but to show us the truth.

If we had a curable cancer and our doctor never told us because it is "mean" to give bad news then we would not consider him to be a good

doctor. James is a good doctor. If we are serving the devil then we need to know that. If we sit in Dorcas Guild meetings filled with envy or selfish

ambition then we deny the truth, because the truth is, that true wisdom should bring humility not envy or selfish ambition. We need to know what is

wrong so we will seek a cure.

V. Wisdom From Heaven: James 3:17-18.

>>>> Have someone read James 3:17-18.

Q What is true wisdom like?

An = It is pure, peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. Instead of disorder and evil

practices the fruit is one of peace.

Note: James would want us to ponder our affect on the group. When we walk into a meeting do we bring strife and envy or do display

consideration, submissiveness, mercy, impartial fair mindedness and sincerity?

Note: Peace in English usually means the absence of conflict, but in Hebrew peace means much more. Peace in Hebrew means a

harmonious state with God, with others, with life. It means being in sync with others, with the Lord, with our lives. Do we not all yearn for this?

Wouldn't we all want this for our lives, for Dorcas Guild, for Pilgrim Church? The source of such wisdom is from above.

Remember, James does not want to condemn us but bless us by telling us these things. If we lack such wisdom there is hope of getting it.

>>>> Have everyone turn to James 1:5 and you read it to them.

Note: If we lack wisdom, we are to pray for it. We are to ask for it, to ask God for it. If we do ask and mean what we say, He will give

it to us. If you want better wisdom than you presently have then pray with me silently as I pray outloud. Or when you get home from this meeting, get

on your knees and pray to Jesus Christ and ask for His wisdom.

Close in prayer.

JAMES 3:1-12 | Lesson #5 | CONTROLLING THE TONGUE

2008-07-01T18:25:00.000-07:00

JAMES

3:1-12 Lesson #5

CONTROLLING THE TONGUE

I. Greeting:

II. Introduction:

Q Is it important for Christians to control their tongues, why?

An = Let them answer and do not comment, just acknowledge their ideas.

Q Do you know of someone who does not come to this church because of someone who did not control their tongue?

An = Again let them answer. When they are through then let them know that James considers this an important agenda. We are going

to see how powerful James considers the tongue to be and how devastating it can be.

III. The Importance of Controlling the Tongue Is Stated: James 3:1-2.

>>>> Have someone read James 3:1.

Q Do you think it is fair that teachers will be judged more strictly?

An = Let them answer and then add from the New Bible Commentary: "There seemed to be an eagerness for many to speak in public

without realizing that the fundamental qualification for teaching is learning. Perhaps also, there was a tendency to mistake fluency of speech for

knowledge." I'm sure we do this today. Teachers should be certain they are presenting truth and not just `making a speech' to glorify themselves or to

`just hear themselves talk'. Teaching is an awesome responsibility.

Q Are we teachers when we speak to our children, our spouse, our friends or in meetings?

An = Absolutely. II Timothy 2:24 says, "And the Lord's servant must not quarrel; instead, he must be kind to everyone, able to teach,

not resentful."

Note: So, we are all teachers one way or another. We also need to watch our attitude when speaking, our voice tone, and our body

language. All these are involved in messages that go out from us. We are responsible for those, too.

We need to be especially careful with children as we can set a child on a course that can affect his/her entire life. We read in the

newspapers every day the havoc that is created by misled, abused children. Positive encouragement can build, put-downs can destroy the spirit.

>>>> Have someone read James 3:2.

Q How is a perfect man described?

An = One who can control his tongue and therefore his whole body.

Q Do good Christians make mistakes, even Christian leaders?

An = Yes they do. No human, with the exception of Jesus, is presented as being perfect. We all need to work towards the goal of

controlling our tongue.

When we stumble, we need to make it right, and apologize, so that any potential lasting damage can be potentially undone or healed.

Speaking of Christian leaders or influential people...

Q Who has influenced us most with their words: your mother or your Sunday School teacher?

An = Let them answer and then add: this admonition is for teachers but it also for us as parents. Let us remember that we are very

powerful people. Words are very powerful! Very powerful and important people have to be careful how they talk. Everyone watches them. You are the

most important person in the world to your children or friends, whether you realize it or not.

IV. Bridling the Tongue: James 2:3-8.

>>>> Have someone read James 2:3-5.

Note: We have some examples given here to illustrate James' point in the preceding verses.

Q What are the three examples James uses?

An = Bits in the mouths of horses

The small rudder that guides a huge ship

The affect a small spark can have in igniting a forest fire

Q What do these three illustrations have in common?

An = Something small controls so much. James is saying that like these three illustrations, the tongue, though such a small part of

the body, can control and influence so much more than its small size would lead one to expect.

>>>> Have someone read James 2:6-8.

Q According to these verse is the tongue dangerous?

An = It is as dangerous as fire. Potentially releasing a world of evil among all parts of the body. It can corrupt the whole person and

set the whole course of one's life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell.

James words are frightening, and he meant them to be frightening. Remember, James loves his audience, and he sees the potential danger

and destruction that our tongue and thus words can have.

Q Have any of you ever thought of what comes out of your mouth in this way?

An = After their answer share with them Ephesians 4:29. Perhaps let them turn to Ephesians and read it with you: "Do not let any

unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen."

Q Has someone's tongue poisoned you; or have you ever `poisoned' someone with your tongue?

An = Let them answer. (If no one answers, then I expect most of us as leaders have been on one end or the other during the course of

our lives. Give an example, and do not worry about your reputation, only God's matters.

Note: An example of what the tongue can do. When the Israelites were outside the Promised Land and heard that the Canaanites were

strong, they started to grumble and complain. All that negative talk changed the course of the work of God! They spent 40 years in the wilderness. On

the one hand, we can stop what God wants our church to be by our tongues: mumbling and grumbling amongst ourselves. On the other hand, we can look

for what God wants for us. Let's not have to spend extended time in the wilderness as a church, let's not lose out on His blessing by our uncontrolled

tongues.

V. Our Two-faced Tongue: James 3:9-12.

>>>> Have someone read James 3:9-12.

Q What point is being made in these verses?

An = Our tongue has both positive and negative potential. Verse 10 says "out of the same mouth comes praise and cursing."

Q What does James want us to stop doing at the end of verse 10?

An = James wants us to stop this inconsistency. Remember, we talked last week about a specific, physical response, by faith, of

obedience to God? What if what we offered God this week is our tongue. Let us work, struggle, and pray to eliminate gossip from our mouths. If we

could physically stop our tongues and submit our actual words to Him, we could eliminate so much evil in our church.

Note: Jesus Christ Himself tells us in Matthew 15:11: "What goes into a man's mouth does not make him `unclean', but what comes out of

his mouth, that is what makes him `unclean'." We would never come to church or Dorcas Guild `dirty'. In our Lord's eyes, what could make us dirty is

what could come out of our mouths if we gossip or lie.

Q What is the purpose of the comparisons noted in verses 11 and 12?

An = We cannot be two different or two opposite things.

What comes out of our mouths reflects what is in our hearts. A fig tree cannot bear olives. We will not always say and do the right thing,

but our desire should be that our speech (and actions) should reflect our Christianity. We cannot act and speak like a non-believer and yet profess to be a

believer. Our lifestyle will reflect what we really are.

A good test is to see what comes out of our mouths when we are upset or angry. Often that shows where the heart really is. If we

repeatedly cannot control our tongues, we must examine our faith. Are we really believers? If we are not believers, real believers, then we need to ask

God to forgive us and convert us. He will.

If we know we are believers, then let's use our tongues to spread the love of God and talk about all the good we know of others (yes even

those we dislike have good points). The devil and his angels will spread the bad stuff, let's not work for them.

JAMES 2:14-26 | Lesson # 4 | FAITH AND DEEDS

2008-06-24T18:24:00.000-07:00

JAMES 2:14-26 Lesson # 4

FAITH AND

DEEDS

I. Greetings:

II. Introduction:

Note: Many of you are excellent cooks. We have tasted your cooking and know how good it is. No one believes someone is a good cook

because they say they are a good cook, they are a good cook because they do good cooking. A good cook does not establish their reputation with

words but with deeds.

RQ Would it not be silly for someone to brag about how good a cook they were but they never cooked good food?

Q Do you know people who claim to be Christians but do not act like Christians?

An = Some groups may not respond to this question and if they do not go right on to the next question. If they do respond, cut it short,

lest they get into heavy gossiping about someone they know. Your object is just to get them to think.

Q Are there people who do not go to church because Christians do not act out their faith they only talk about it?

An = Again watch this so it does not become gossiping, but try to get them to think about these issues.

Q If we are honest, are we who believe also guilty at times, of not living up to what we claim?

An = As the leader you should admit this first, then see if others will follow. Usually, it is the strongest believers who will admit to

faults.

Note: Our goal today is to be helped by James to work on our consistency as believers so as to attract others to the faith and not repel

them.

III. The Concept of Faith Displayed by Our Deeds: James 2:14-19.

>>>> Have someone read James 2:14-18.

Q What is James point here in verse 14?

An = James wants us to realize that faith that does not have works cannot save us. That particular kind of faith does not

save.

Q What does James mean in verses 15-16?

An = James wants us to see the difference between inactive and active faith. Talk is cheap and the believer must put action along

with words.

Q How does James describe such inactive faith in verse 17?

An = It is dead. Without accompanying deeds such faith is dead.

Q What is James point in verse 18?

An = James is not contrasting faith and deeds. It is not faith versus deeds, but rather that deeds are the fruit or expression or

proof of our faith.

This does not contradict St. Paul saying we are saved by faith. James is just helping us see the difference between real faith and phony

faith.

He then gives us a very startling but helpful illustration....

>>>> Have someone read James 2:19-20.

Q What is James saying here.

An = After they give their answers, then let them know that "good theology" is good to have but the devil has a good and accurate

knowledge or theology, and he is still damned. The devil believes in God and so do the demons.

If we believe in a useful manner then we demonstrate our belief by our actions. If we say we believe that God is compassionate and loves

the poor then we should be like Him and help the poor in a compassionate manner. If we do not we either do not really believe God would want us to do

that or we do not really care what God would want.

Note: In verse 20 James asks his readers a question. He asks them if they are willing to see that faith without working that faith out in

practical ways is of no value. He wants them to be willing to see that truth.

IV. Examples of Faith 2:21-26.

>>>> Have someone read James 2:21-24.

Q Which of the many stories about Abraham has James chosen to restate to us?

An = Have someone recount the story if they can. Then explain that Abraham's offering up his son Isaac as a sacrifice was a

great tangible acting out of his trust in God. Our greatest treasures are our children and Abraham's son Issac was no exception. Besides this being his

only heir, Isaac was the key to Abraham's realizing in a tangible way the promises of God that had kept him going all these years. To lose Isaac was to

lose his future.

Q Why did God have Abraham go through the entire act even to the point of drawing the knife before He stopped him?

An = Faith has to be physically acted out. We too need to put our actions where our mouth is. Would this incident have come down

through the ages if it had just been dialogue? Abraham proved his faith to God (and to himself).

Q What is James' point in verse 22?

An = Faith and actions work together, in fact James says Abraham's actions completed his faith.

Q Are most Christians in possession of "completed faith"?

An = Most are not and therefore their faith lacks the vitality and power that Abraham experienced. Remember Abraham did not

naturally have completed faith, but it was acquired through acting out in obedience, in a physical manner, what God commanded. What Abraham had is

possible for you to have.

Note: Notice the results of Abraham's faith in verse 23.

He did not have pride.

He did not become a fanatic.

He was God's friend.

>>>> Have someone read James 2:25-26.

Q What was Rahab's profession?

An = She was a prostitute, a woman of ill-repute.

Q How did she become righteous?

An = By what she did (as an act of faith). She helped the Jewish spies: gave them lodging and then showed them how to get away. She

believed in their God and so gave them help. Her faith was not just in her upbringing or in her mind or on her lips at church. Her faith was

completed by her actions.

Q Why do the Holy Scriptures use Rahab as an example? We can understand using Abraham but why is a woman of bad reputation used as an

example?

An = Our faith is not earned by our "not sinning the big sins" or by our heritage. Rahab was not a Jew (not an Armenian) but a pagan, a

Gentile, a member of an accursed Canaanite race and religion. She was from the wrong side of the tracks.

Note: Are we judging correctly when we consider a person to be good because of their station in life, that they attend church, or that they

are intelligent, or from a good family? Is that how God judged Rahab? Remember Rahab not only was saved but from her lineage came King David and

from David came Jesus Christ. She becomes part of the Messianic lineage. What an honor! What a sign of acceptance by God!

Q What does this say about God? What kind of person is pleased by what God is pleased by?

An = Try to get them to answer this question. It is not an easy one to articulate. We do not often really think about God's character

when we read the Scriptures. After they have given their answers then you might wish to add (only if they did not come up with it on their own): for one

thing it shows that God is fair. Everyone has a chance to please God no matter where we were born. It is equally and fairly open to all. It does not

matter who our parents were, where we were born, our level of intelligence, or our abilities. God is fair. God loves all.

>>>> Have someone re-read James 2:26.

Q When you see the body in a casket at a funeral is the person really present in that corpse?

An = No they are not. The body is then just a shell. The body without the animating "spirit" is dead. So faith, or belief without acting

it out is a "dead faith", a "lifeless faith".

Q What one thing can you do today to obey God? What tangible thing can you do to demonstrate to God that you really do believe

in Him?

Note: Commit to do that one thing today as we close in prayer. If you cannot think of one thing to act out your faith, then ask God to

show you today. Ask believing that He will show you as I close in prayer.

Close in prayer.

JAMES 2:1-13 | Lesson # 3 | PARTIALITY

2008-06-17T18:23:00.000-07:00

JAMES

2:1-13 Lesson # 3

PARTIALITY

I. Greetings.

II. Introduction.

Note: Tell a personal story of being excluded from the group when you were at school or some social setting. Then see if some of them

will share a short story of their own.

Q Have you ever experienced being excluded? What happened and how did you feel?

An = After they have shared then ask another question that reverses the situation.

Q Some people are shown favoritism, what types of people are given preferential treatment? Can you give an example?

An = See what types of people get mentioned. Usually, the popular, powerful and rich.

Q Is it right to show favoritism towards certain people and not others?

Q Is this ever done at church? Is it right?

An = After they have discussed this a bit then explain to them that most churches struggle with this issue because it is a common

social issue in all societies. The Bible addresses the real problems and real issues we face and it addresses this one in our text today.

We will deal with the issue of partiality and how it relates to the question of good works.

III. Favoritism/Partiality: James 2:1-7.

>>>> Have someone read James 2:1-4.

Q In verse 1 to whom is James directing his remarks?

An = "My brothers, as believers in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ". This is us, those who believe in Christ.

Q Also according to 2:1 what are we not to do?

An = We are not to show favoritism. We are to be different than most organizations or social gatherings. After all we are believers in

the "glorious Lord Jesus Christ".

Q Why do you suppose James brings this issue up?

An = Because it was being done there. Lets see how it was practiced in their day.

>>>> Have someone re-read James 2:2-4.

Q How did they discriminate in their gatherings?

An = They gave preferential treatment those dressed well, with jewelry as far as seating goes, but to the poor they were required to sit

or stand just anywhere.

Q Do we practice favoritism towards the rich in our church? How?

An = Among school children the favoritism is shown to the popular or "kool kids". But among the older folks our greatest temptation is

often to show partiality towards the rich. We cater to them and often aspire to be one of them. Many sell their souls to join those ranks. Riches of

themselves are not evil, but there are dangers, they can become our god, a false god. Notice when we follow false gods we mistreat people.

Note: We wind up judging people with evil thoughts.

Q Can we make people not want to come to church or to be hurt spiritually when we discriminate against people?

An = See if you can get them to articulate how it is done and how such people feel. Try to let them do all the talking.

>>>> Have someone read James 2:5-7.

Q What does James tell us about the poor in 2:5?

An = The poor are especially chosen of God to be rich in faith and to inherit the kingdom of God.

Q Can you give an example of someone in our church who is poor in the eyes of society but rich in their faith?

An = See if they will share. It is good for them to learn and know of those who really do such things. You might mention a few names

to spur their memories but only do this if it is necessary.

Q What does James tell us about the rich in 2:6-7?

An = They are usually those who exploit us, drag Christians into court and slander the glorious Name of Jesus Christ our Lord.

There are some folks who are rich but truly try to act like Christians.

Matthew Henry tells us, "It is expected from those who have wealth that they be rich in good works; but it is expected from the poor in the

world that they be rich in faith."

Q Are there those in our church who are rich in popularity or riches that really try to help others? Who are they? Mention those not in

this room.

An = Let them share, but do not embarrass someone present. Remind them that mentioning someone present could be easily seen as

"catering to them to get something or some favor out of them". If they are truly good people they do not want public recognition, they are just glad to be

able to serve.

IV. Obeying God in Whole and Not in Selective Parts: James 2:8-13.

Q Can we pick and choose which parts of the Bible or God's will that we will obey? Give an example of this?

An = Let them share and then let them know that when we pick what parts of God's Word we will obey what parts we will not we have

affectively "put our will over God's". We have taken God's place.

>>>> Have someone read James 2:8-9.

Q What law are we breaking when we show favoritism?

An = "Love your neighbor as yourself". We sin and we become law-breakers. When we show favoritism we are not showing the respect

to "the non-favored" that God would wish us to show.

Note: The Jews understood this. >> Have someone read Leviticus 19:15.

>>>> Have someone read James 2:10-11.

Q What is James point here?

An = If you break one law, you basically are breaking what God's will is and so are simply a "law breaker". You cannot pick and choose

what to obey and what to not obey. You cannot be moral in the sexual realm but show favoritism and expect God to regard you as righteous.

V. The Hope for Guilty Churches and Guilty Individuals: James 2:12-13.

RQ Are we guilty of this in our church?

RQ Are we guilty of this personally?

RQ Is there hope for us, given the fact that God will not count us righteous if we have shown favoritism?

Note: James ends this section on an interesting note, lets read and see how he does it.

>>>> Have someone read James 2:12-13.

Q What is our hope of freedom from judgment depend upon?

An = If we give mercy to others. If we do not show mercy to others neither will we receive mercy. If we do show mercy then "mercy

triumphs over judgment!"

Q How do we show mercy to the poorly dressed, or not-socially acceptable members who come to church?

An = By giving them the same acceptance and same care that we would show one of the "favored ones".

Q How do we do this? Would it look like in our church or in our group?

An = Let them brain storm on how to do this better.

Note: Remind them as they choose to show mercy to the "less-favored" they will receive mercy and forgiveness for their past sins of favoritism.

JAMES 1:19-27 | Lesson # 2 | LISTENING AND DOING

2008-06-10T18:20:00.000-07:00

JAMES

1:19-27 Lesson # 2

LISTENING AND DOING

I. Greetings:

II. Introduction:

Note: This lesson is a very practical one. It will end by speaking of the nature of true faith, but it will not deal with theory but with

practical matters of the Christian Life. It will show us what faith means in practical matters.

III. Dealing With Our Anger: James 1:19-21.

Q What usually causes people to get angry?

Q What can push your buttons and get you angry?

An = Let them share, if they will, openly without any comment from you. Approach this with good humor so they do not feel intimidated

or cornered. You might even want to see if five-six people will share. You might even ask specific people to speak who would not mind sharing.

Q Has anyone ever been angry at you, and it hurt instead of helped you? Why?

An = Let them share and as you listen to their stories see if you can detect if some of those who have hurt them in anger were people

who at normal (non-angry) times were people who meant them well. If it is appropriate, point that out.

Q Can good Christians get angry?

An = Let them answer and do not comment.

>>>> Have someone read James 1:19-20.

Q By what title does James call his readers in verse 19?

An = James calls them "dear brothers". In other words, he is addressing his fellow Christians whom he holds dear, and they seem to

need some teaching about dealing with their anger. Real Christians do have to deal with their anger.

Q How does James propose one deals with their anger according to verse 19?

An = When volatile or upsetting situations arise aggressively listen but be careful to say little or nothing and then make effort to

not let your anger rise.

Q What does James tell us about the fruit of anger?

An = That if it is just a normal human response it will not accomplish the will of God. We may have good reasons for getting angry or

believe that our anger can move someone to change their behavior, even change their wrong behavior, but it does not work.

James could be saying that one of the reasons for leaving off being angry is that it is just not affective.

Q What do we do with all the energy that gets aroused when we finally get angry? What do we do with that energy?

An = Let them answer and again do not preach or comment. Let them give the advice. Then say James has given us a channel for our

anger, let's see what he advises....

>>>> Have someone read James 1:21.

Note: Often we are angry at someone for what they have done or said and their actions or words have aroused our tempers. James seems

to be proposing that we redirect our attention to our own faults. We are to direct that energy towards our own moral failings and evil that is so

frequently around us. We should focus on God's Word to us.

James could be actually utilizing some of Jesus's thoughts from the Sermon on the Mount....

Q What words of Jesus could James be using?

An = Ask them to turn to Matthew 7:1-5.

>>> Have someone read Matthew 7:1-5.

Q According to Jesus Christ what should we deal with first before we deal with other's faults?

An = We should deal with our own faults first. Jesus says redirect your attention to your own faults.

Q Is Jesus giving us good advice?

An = Let them answer without comment.

Q Do many Christians follow the teachings of Jesus Christ in this regard?

An = Let them answer without comment by yourself. Your silence will help here.

Note: Let us go back to James 1:21. Let me recap what James has said about anger. Perhaps, James is saying if we will first listen,

not speak and not get angry (19), because it will do not good (20), and then attend to our own moral failings (21), then we are listening to

the Word of God.

Q According to the end of verse 21, what will the Word of God do for us?

An = It will save us.

IV. The Difference Between Hearing and Doing: James 1:22-27.

A. The General Principle: James 1:22-25

Q Does going to church make one a Christian?

An = Let them answer and only comment to say that "sleeping in a garage does not make you a car either". James has an important word

for us in this regard....

>>>> Have someone read James 1:22-25.

Q What is the individual like who hears the Word of God but does not do it?

An = He is like one who sees their reflection in a mirror but later forgets what was seen. (Can you imagine if you did this every time

you looked at a mirror when you got ready for Dorcas Guild. It would certainly make for some interesting looking people at the meetings!)

Q What does James mean by this illustration of the mirror and the hearing of the Word of God?

An = If we hear the Word of God and do not act upon it we are living in delusion and living in the realm of deception. It is only by

doing what God says that we can be blessed by what God says.

B. The Principle Illustrated: James 1:26-27.

Q What makes a good Christian in your point of view?

An = Let them answer without comment, then tell them look at what James considers to be worthless religion.

>>>> Have someone read James 1:26-27.

Q What is James' answer to this question in verse 26?

An = What makes religion worthless is when a person can not keep a tight rein on their tongue.

Rhetorical Q Is this a theoretical or practical answer?

Rhetorical Q Do you like his answer?

Q Why is James saying such tough things? What is James trying to accomplish with his "dear brothers"?

An = Get them to ponder why James would say such tough things to people he supposedly considers so dear to himself. James, like

Jesus, really loves people. James wants people free of deception and therefore deeply and seriously challenges them. This is a book written from a

standpoint of love!

Now watch how he defines pure and faultless religion....

>>>> Have someone read James 1:27.

Q How does James define true religion that God our Father accepts as pure?

An = When we look after the orphans and widow in their distress and keep ourselves morally pure from sin.

Q What should our church and the Dorcas Guild be doing to act out "pure" religion that God will accept?

An = Like Dorcas we need to be helping the "needy", those in distress and we should be booking speakers that encourage us to stay true

to the example and teaching of Jesus Christ.

Perhaps have each circle make a list of activities and speakers that Dorcas Guild could support and get involved with

that meet James criteria.

Q Will God accept our work at Dorcas Guild according to the Book of James if it does not involve helping the needy and teaching us to "come

apart from the world"?

JAMES 1:1-18 | Lesson # 1 | TRIALS AND TEMPTATION

2008-06-03T18:17:00.000-07:00

JAMES

1:1-18 Lesson # 1

TRIALS AND TEMPTATION

I. Greetings:

(I would handle briefly any greetings here, etc.)

Note: Two words of caution about this type of study. 1. Do not worry about asking questions and nobody answers, let silence envelope

the group, a whole thirty sections if necessary. Someone will eventually answer. Once they get used to talking, and you do not put them down but

encourage them, then they will grow confident. This style is to help them teach themselves. They must talk. 2. Also, just letting the others read the

text gets them involved. Be sure to compliment their effort. Find the good no matter how good or poorly they read. After all they are part of us, and we

are super glad they are there...our responses to their reading and answers shows them our hearts.

II. Introduction:

Note: Our study this year is going to be in the book of James, and it is our hope to let James direct the topics of our discussion. We want

to focus our thoughts on what agendas this book of the Bible (as God's divine and holy Word) wishes to bring up. I must warn you that this book is a

convicting one to read. It has been a very convicting book to study and prepare, but it is our confidence that as we look at and obey God's Word that we

will never be the same, but be more blessed and a greater benefit to all we love.

Q Does anyone know who James is?

An = Tradition says he was Jesus Christ's blood brother. He was a leader in the early Christian church. So we are going to listen to

one of Jesus' own brothers on what is important in the spiritual life.

>>>> Ask someone to read James 1:1.

Q To whom is James writing?

An = He is writing to the "twelve tribes scattered among the nations" which could mean he is writing to Jewish Christians who live

outside of Palestine or to Christians (the new Israel) who are all over the known Western world. Though we are not certain which group could be referred

to, what becomes very clear in this book is James is writing from a Hebrew mind-set. Also, it is certain is James is writing to believers.

These words are for us who believe. It guidance is for us who know and worship Jesus Christ as Lord.

Note: James will repeatedly call his readers "brothers". He is saying he and his readers have a something in common: they are "sons"

of the same Father. You need to remember this as we read on this year, as he will say some pretty convicting things, but they are always to his

"brothers", those people he accepts and cherishes as fellow brothers in Christ. You could even count how many times James uses this phrase "brothers"

through the book and see how important this is to remember. By the way, this term "brother" also includes ladies, as the Hebrew word (remember James

has a Hebrew mind-set) behind James calling us "brothers" is the word "son" (ben) which in Hebrew also means daughters unless otherwise specified in

the context.

Q How does James regard himself or title himself?

An = He saw himself as a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ. James viewed his brother as Lord, in the same category as God.

He also saw himself as a "servant", one who obeys and listens to his "Lord".

May we be like James this year, and be true servants of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ.

(Could bow for a word of prayer and ask one of the other ladies to ask the Lord to bless our study and help us become

"servants of God".)

Now lets see the first thing our friend James wishes to tell us....

III. The Proper View of Trials: James 1:2-4.

>>>> Have someone read James 2:1-4.

Q How are we to view trials according to verse 2?

An = As pure joy (notice the word "brothers").

Q What is our normal way of reacting to trials and hardships that come our way?

An = We get discouraged, upset, annoyed, and wonder: "why us", or "what have we done to deserve such bad fortune". We can settle into

bad moods, etc.

Q Why does James say we should consider trials as "joy"?

An = He believes in an active loving God who is involved in our daily lives if we will but see it. James believes things

are not "hap-hazard" but that God is in control and that there is purpose to the trials Christians go through. The trial of our faith by these difficulties

can produce "perseverance", "maturity" and "completeness".

Q Do children develop perseverance if everything is handed to them easily?

An = See if they will think here and share their thoughts about child raising. Do not comment. Let them do the talking, just see that

everyone has a chance to speak.

Q Do our children "mature" if they never have to face any difficulty?

An = Again, let them comment. Perhaps they will see that children who never face any trials (are always pampered and always kept

from any difficulty) when young usually fold when difficulties come to them as adults. We often, as parents, want to see our children learn to handle

adversity and difficulty when they are still with us so that they can grow but not be "blown out of the water" or totally discouraged and crushed. God is

our "Father" and wants us to experience trials but not be totally crushed by them.

Q What would happen to our attitude if we saw trials as "means of blessings"?

An = It would certainly affect our attitude towards God. We would see that He only wants our good when He allows trials. He only

wants our best and our maturity.

Q What kind of parent is it that resents letting their children grow up strong and mature?

An = A poor parent. Certainly, God is a "good parent" (He created parenthood and is the source of goodness), and He sees trials as our

blessings.

Q How many of you can think back on a trial you experienced that you see as a source of great strength to you now?

An = Again, let them share and let them share. The more they talk the more they will get out of the lesson.

IV. Wisdom Come From Faith: James 1:5-8.

Q Are the mature or immature usually the ones with wisdom?

An = Wisdom is usually a trait the mature have.

Note: We are often so worried that young people will make mistakes when they are young that will mar or permanently damage their

entire lives. It seems that wisdom is needed before we are able to gain full maturity. Were we fully mature before we made our choice for marriage?

Q If wisdom is a trait of the mature how do the immature gain wisdom?

An = We have to start somewhere. People are not born mature. That is one reason trials are to be valued because they will aid the

process of maturity. But if we need wisdom before trials have borne their good fruit what are we to do? James has a further word for us....

>>>> Have someone read James 1:5.

Q Where is the believer to go for wisdom?

An = We are to go to God. We are to pray. Notice that James anticipates our fear that God will not answer our prayers because we are

not worthy to be heard. We are not fully mature and great believers yet. So James reminds us that God will answer not because we deserve the

answer, but because of it is God's generous nature to answer. We are to ask for wisdom with confidence because of God's character.

generous character of the person being asked.>>

However, even though we are not fully mature we must, even in our maturity, approach God with the proper attitude. <

sentence the right attitude you had in approaching the authority in the story you just gave.>>

>>>> Have someone read James 1:6-8.

Q What should be our attitude when we ask for wisdom if we want to hear from God?

An = We must believe, not doubt and be "double-minded".

Q What does it mean to be double-minded?

An = We do not really believe. We pray but we are only going through the motions and not really praying. We are to be single

minded and really trust that God is going to give us the wisdom that we ask for.

Q Can you give an example of "single-minded" faith that someone had and you saw God give wisdom as a result of that faith?

An = Try to get them to give the example. Sometimes they need to "see" something in another's spiritual life before they are able to

understand what it really is. It would be best if someone besides yourself gave the example. If no one give an example, then move on. It does not

hurt a group to realize that they do not have faith. You might have helped them, or they might talk to you later privately.

Note: Some of you may not feel too comfortable right now because James' discussion of faith has made you feel uncomfortable about your

own faith. That is OK...listen to what he says next....

V. Humility And Faith Is The Lasting Glory, Not Riches: James 1:9-12.

>>>> Have someone read James 1:9-11.

Q If we are in a low position of faith should we be discouraged?

An = No we should not. When we know we are weak in faith then we can grow. If we have a lot of faith then we should be happy that

we realize that we need to continue get new faith for we cannot live on "past" or "old" or "former" faith.

Q What does this text mean if we apply riches not to faith but to money? What is James attitude towards money?

An = Much like his brother Jesus' attitude. Jesus had a special love and appreciation for the poor and strongly spoke of the harm of

riches.

>>>> Have someone read Luke 6:20-21 and then 6:24-25.

Note: Jesus is not like the rest of the world. He does not favor the rich over the poor. Jesus is fair. Jesus is God (remember the

Trinity), and God is fair. If we are rich then we need to take pride in our low position because we realize that riches will soon pass away.

Note: Humility is our glory. If we are poor then we can glory in our poor condition and if we are rich we can glory in our poor

condition because human riches do not last, they are temporary and will soon pass away. We should be happy if we are poor because special blessings

come with being poor and if we are rich our hope of happiness is knowing that money is nothing.

Real wealth, real riches is equally open to all, let us see what James thinks is real wealth...

>>>> Have someone read James 1:12.

Q What will give someone a real, lasting crown of life?

An = When that person has stood the trial, then they will receive a crown of life. Rich or poor, maturity and strength comes from

standing firm under trial.

We stand firm because we love God. It is how we show our love for Him. We do not berate God or complain because of trials but stand

firm.

VI. How To View The Real Source of Our Temptations: James 1:13-15.

Note: James now turns towards something a little different from trials, he opens the subject of temptations. Trials can bring maturity

and completeness but sometimes our troubles in this life come from our actions and decisions. We often fall to temptation and sin. So James

brings this up...

>>>> Have someone read James 1:13-15.

Q What is the source of our temptations?

An = It is not God, but rather our own evil desires. Notice the progression....

Q What is the progression of temptation?

An = One is tempted by one's own evil desires, then when desire is acted upon, it gives birth to sin, then sin when it has grown, brings

death.

Our own evil desires James says can bring about death and destruction in our own lives, and it is not God's fault.

Q Do you know people who are blaming God for their misfortunes when it was their own stupid actions that led to their downfall?

An = Let others share. It is good to get them to verbalize this truth. What we sow we reap (Romans 2:6).

VII. How To View The Real Source of Our Blessings: James 1:16-18.

Note: James wants to let us know the real source of evil and good in our lives. He seems to think that to get this clear will not only

straighten out our thinking but bless us. He spoke about the source of evil and now he broaches the subject of blessing.

>>>> Have someone read James 1:16-18.

Q What is the source of good gifts?

An = It comes from above, it comes from God.

Q What does this tell us about God?

An = That He is faithful, unchanging, trustworthy in a changing world.

Q According to 1:18 what will these truths produce?

An = It gives birth to our spiritual life and growth and so we could be the first of many more truths that are yet to come.

If we will learn the truths here, we could be the beginning of great spiritual growth.