Bible Study: James-1 Author: James, (The brother of Jesus); Date: about AD 50; Theme: “Be mature” (Christianity in Action). “Do not merely listen to the word, and . . . Do what it says” (James 1: 22).
Reflections: James Ch. 1 1. According to James, what should be a Christian’s attitude when facing trials (vv.2-4)? How often is your attitude like James’ during trials? How about with any trials you are facing now?
2. How does a person receive wisdom (v.5)? When have you prayed for and received God’s wisdom? What do you do when you pray but still have doubts?
3. How does James turn upside down the assumed status of the rich and poor (vv.9-10)?
4. What is the promise for one who perseveres under trial (v. 12)?
5. Is there a difference between God “testing our faith” (v. 3) and “tempting” us (v. 13)? When have you been tempted by something that seemed “good and perfect,” but turned out to be disappointing or harmful (vv. 16-17)? What are two good gifts God has given you this year?
6. Does James say anger is wrong? How about “righteous anger”? (Mark 11; 15-18) How well do you handle anger? How can we process anger in a healthy way without breaking God’s command here?
7. How much are you living out verse 27?
Bible Study: James-2 Author: James, (The brother of Jesus); Date: about AD 50; Theme: “Be mature” (Growing up in Christ). “As the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without deeds is dead.”(James 2: 26).
Reflections: James Ch. 2 1. In general, how do people show favoritism (vv. 1-3)?
2. What two gifts does God give the poor (v. 5)? Why would the poor be rich in faith?
3. What did James say the rich were doing to the poor? Does this happen today?
4. Who are the “rich” in our churches and communities? Who are the “poor”?
5. What did James say the rich were doing to the poor? Does this happen today? 6. What does this passage say too you about your own conscious or unconscious treatment of others?
7. How does the love and mercy commanded here relate to God’s love and mercy toward you?
8. Why is Abraham such a good example of faith in action (see Gen. 22)? In Abraham’s sandals, would your “faith” have prompted you to do what he did, or to “trust” God to find another way, without climbing the mountain?
9. If you were arrested for being a Christian, what evidence would be used to prove the point?
Bible Study: James-3 Author: James, (The brother of Jesus); Date: about AD 50; Theme: “Be mature” (Growing up in Christ). “Show by your good life that your works of love are done with gentleness born of wisdom.” (3: 13).
1. Why is it such a big responsibility to be a teacher, especially of the Scripture?
2. Why are the illustrations of a bit, a rudder and a fire spark so fitting when talking of the tongue?
3. If verse 8 is true, why should we even try to control our tongues?
4. In your everyday conversation, how seriously do you take verse 9? What does this verse say about the caution and reverence with which we must choose our words?
5. Jesus and the apostles Peter and Paul, were not always very “tame” when it came to the tongue. When is harsh language acceptable?
6. How do verses 2 and 10 make you feel about your tongue? How will they prompt you to pray?
7. How can you recognize a wise person (v.13)? What two behaviors indicate a lack of wisdom (v. 16)?
8. What does heavenly wisdom produce?
Bible Study: James-4 Author: James, (The brother of Jesus); Date: about AD 50; Theme: “Be mature” (Christianity in Action). “If anyone, then, knows the good they ought to do and doesn’t do it, it is sin for them” (James 4: 17).
Reflections: James Ch. 4 – 5: 6
1. What is at the root of fights and quarrels (vv. 1-2a)?
2. What are the two reasons we don’t have what we want (vv. 2b-3)? What if we ask with a good motive and still don’t receive?
3. When disageements arise between people, what needs to happen (vv. 2c, 7, 11)?
4. What is “the law” in verse 11 (see 1: 25; 2: 8, 12)? What is the difference between slander or judgementalism and identifying sin in order to stand against it?
5. When you qurrel, do you seek to understand what desire is really motivating you? Do you pray about this desire? Where do you need to improve?
6. How are you most likely to become a “friend” of the world? Lifestyle? Image? Pleasures of money? How does coming near to God (vv.7-8) strengthen you?
7. Can self-assertiveness and humility co-exist? Where does pride come in?
8. Are Christians supposed to reflect verse 9? When?
9. What four areas of life are discussed in 4: 13?
10. What is wrong with this type of planning? Is James putting down long-range planning altogether? Is he against making a profit?
11. What are the abuses the rich committed (5: 4-6)?
12. Take 30 seconds to reflect on how 4: 17 is true of you. What situation comes to mind?
13. How do the abuses of the rich occur today? How should Christians be involved?
Bible Study: James-5: 7-20 Author: James, (The brother of Jesus); Date: about AD 50; Theme: “Be mature” (Christianity in Action). "Is any among you suffering? Let her/him pray. Is any cheerful? Let her/him sing songs of praise. Is any among you sick? They should call for the elders of the church and have them pray over them, anointing them with oil in the name of the Lord.” (James 5: 13-14)
Reflections: James Ch. 5: 7-20 1. What does James call Christians to wait for patiently (v.7)?
2. As we live out our lives, waiting to be united with Christ, what should we guard against (v.9)?
3. What do you recall about the suffering Job experienced? Why does James use the illustration of Job (v. 11)?
4. What is the point of verse 12? How sincere are you in your commitments?
5. How does the farmer image relate to our waiting? What situation in your life could take a lesson from the farmer?
6. Have you ever prayed over someone who was sick or had someone pray over you? What was the experience like?
7. Have you ever confessed your sins to other trusted believers and received prayer? In what way can that experience bring forgiveness, healing and new life?
8. When you see a fellow Christian stray from God, are you prone to watch in disappointment, keep your distance so that you aren’t negatively influenced, or seek ways in which God would have you bring this person back? Why?
9. When have you come the closest to wandering from the faith? What (or who) helped bring you back? How does that demonstrate the healing body of Christ?