1. 1© 2009 IBM Corporation The Epistle of James Christ Baptist Church Fall 2014

2. 2 The Epistle of James - Review of last week The writer: James the brother of Jesus – James was a servant of God and leader of the early church Written to: Jewish Christians who fled Jerusalem and established church's in the surrounding area Central theme: Growth and maturity – living out your faith James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, To the twelve tribes in the Dispersion: Greetings. James 1:2

3. 3 James 1:1 What were the main problems of James’ readers? What was the common cause of these of these problems? What are the 5 marks of a mature Christian? What are Wiersbe’s essential factors for spiritually mature? Personal Questions: Which is the most difficult for you?

4. 4 James – Turning Trials into Triumphs Four Essentials for Victory Joyful Attitude Understanding Mind Surrendered Will Believing Heart James 1:2 James 1:3 James 4, 9-11 James 5 -8 Count Know Let Ask Four Essentials for Victory

5. 5 James – Patience through Tribulation, A Joyful Attitude Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds … James 1:2 What is the difference between human trials and Christian trials? What relationship exists between a person’s values and their attitudes toward trials? What can trials accomplish in the life of a believer?

6. 6 James – Patience through Tribulation, An Understanding Mind, …… for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness James 1:3 Why can a Christian have joy in the midst of trials? Is this comfortable? How should a believer respond to trials? What is the result of trials?

7. 7 James – A Surrendered Will 9 Let the lowly brother boast in his exaltation, 10 and the rich in his humiliation, because like a flower of the grass he will pass away. 11 For the sun rises with its scorching heat and withers the grass; its flower falls, and its beauty perishes. So also will the rich man fade away in the midst of his pursuits. 12 Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him. James 1:9-12 And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing. James 1:4 How important is patience? How do trials act as an equalizer between rich and poor? What is God’s goal for us? How do Abraham, Moses, the disciples illustrate the sanctification before service principle? What is God’s spiritual weaning process?

8. 8 James – A Believing Heart If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him. But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind. For that person must not suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord; he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways. If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him. But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind. For that person must not suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord; he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways. James 1:5-8 When faced with a trial, what should you pray for and how should you pray? What part does wisdom play in trials? What does it mean to be double-minded? – Have an example? What relationship do you see between enduring temptation and loving the Lord? What do you learn about the reward God promises for enduring trials and temptations? 1 Kings 111:10 & 1 Cor 1:18-31

9. 9 James – Going Deeper Read 1 Peter 1:6-9 – In what ways do trials prove our faith is genuine? What does that mean? – How does having faith in what we have ”not seen” make a difference in difficult times? Read Hebrews 11:1,6 – What do these verses say about the role of faith in our dealings with God? Read Proverbs 3:5-6 – Compare and contrast this passage with James 1:5-6. What helpful principles about wisdom do you observe?