James 1:1-8

1. Think through the phrase “the testing of your faith develops perseverance.” Explain the process that James is talking about.  Trials force us to think through our faith and look into the Word for answers. Through that the Lord blesses us. 2. In the face of what James says about considering persecution to be a blessing, we might wonder if we are up to it. What encouragement does James give us in verse 5? The Lord will give us wisdom and help us to see things clearly.

3. We ask for wisdom because we are weak and don’t see things clearly 3. We ask for wisdom because we are weak and don’t see things clearly. God will not hold this against us and will give us what we ask. There is something, however, that will keep us from receiving wisdom. What is that? Not trusting God’s promises. If we don’t trust them, we won’t lean on them. 4. Read Romans 5:3-5 and 1 Peter 1:6-9. You have heard people say that there is a silver lining around every cloud. Why is this especially true for the trials that Christians endure for their faith? Faith is purified through suffering and persecution.

James 1:9-18 1. In what should the humble take pride? In what should the rich take pride?  Their high position as a child of God  Their low position as a sinner and child of God 2. In verse 12, James offers more encouragement to those who are suffering. How does he encourage us? He holds out the crown of life

3. The temptations to deny one’s faith in trials, to doubt God, and to take pride in riches are part of a Christian’s life. But when Christians see these temptations come into their lives, they are tempted to commit yet another sin. What is that? To blame God for the temptation 4. James points out what comes from the Lord. What temptations does this fact help us combat? Satan and the world do not offer us good things. All good things come from God.

5. Into which of the two classes of people listed in verses 9-11 do most people in the United States fall? If you fall into this category, of what can you be proud? Can these verses be applied to race relations?  The rich. We are rich as God’s people  Racism is favoritism. Remember God wants all to be saved. 6. Some say that God’s Word is a dead letter and that only the Holy Spirit can give us spiritual life and wisdom. React to that on the basis of verse 18. God works through it to give us faith and strengthen faith.

James 1:19-27 1. Why is being quick to listen and slow to speak a great help in controlling anger? We often react quickly and as a result sinfully. It gives us time to think things through. 2. There is a difference between righteous anger and human, sinful anger. Which is James speaking about in verse 20?  Sinful anger & remember our righteous anger is always tainted with sin. 3. How should we live our lives? Note the positive and the negative encouragement. Put away sin and accept the word planted in you

4. How do we look intently into the perfect law that gives freedom?  Take all of Scripture seriously.   5. James gives three examples of true religion. What are they?  Keep tongue in check Look after widows and orphans Keep self from being polluted by the world 6. Agree or disagree. Our society offers more opportunity for moral filth than other times in history. It seems to me that it is just easier to get access to it.

James 2:1-13 1. In verse 4, James tells us not to become “judges with evil thoughts.” Explain what he means by that. (verses 1-4)  Our prejudgment of people is usually based on what we like and don’t like. 2. Rich versus poor. The problem existed in James’ day. James looks at both groups of people and “equalizes” them. How does he exalt the poor and humble the rich? Also read what Paul says about Christians in 1 Corinthians 1:26-31. God says he chooses the lowly things of this life to humble the proud. The poor were rich in Christ The rich were not rich in Christ

3. How do the words “love your neighbor as yourself” help us solve the problem of favoritism?  Ask myself, “How do we want others to treat us?” 4. What is wrong with favoritism, that is, what law does it break? The 5th commandment, and as a result all of them.

5. What does James mean when he says that mercy triumphs over judgment?  Judgment is the result of God’s anger Mercy is the result of faith worked in us 6. Think of several reasons why Christians could fall into the trap of paying more attention to a rich person who comes to worship, rather than to a poor person.  Money, prestige, others?

James 2:14-26 1. Describe the kind of faith the writer condemns in verses 14-17.  Faith that is all talk and no action 2. Some claim to believe in God, but they bring forth no fruit in their lives. What is the chief characteristic of that kind of belief? The demons believe in Jesus too, it does them no good. It is a dead faith.

3. Review the story of Abraham sacrificing his son Isaac 3. Review the story of Abraham sacrificing his son Isaac. Read God’s response to Abraham in Genesis 22:11-18. What role did Abraham’s works play in God fulfilling his promises to Abraham? How does this help us understand James’ statement in verse 24?  Works are evidence of saving faith 4. After using Rahab as another example of a person whose faith was displayed by her actions, James concludes his discussion. How do his words in verse 26 support everything we have said so far about what James means by faith? Faith without works is dead – not really faith

5. A Christian friend just finished reading the book of James and is bothered by his statements on faith and works. Practice explaining to your friend what we have learned in this lesson. Contrast to Ephesians 2:8-10