The Book of James
Small Group Bible Study Coordinated with Sermons by Pastor Steve LoVellette
Evangelical Free Church of Green Valley, AZ
Autumn 2017
Lessons prepared by Dave McCracken Table of Contents Sermons on the Book of James
Topic Lesson Page
Introduction iii
James 1 1 1
Warning Against Prejudice, James 2:1-13 2 3
Faith Without Deeds is Dead, James 2:14-26 3 5
Controlling the Tongue , James 3:1-12 4 7
True Wisdom Comes From God, James 3:13-18 5 9
Resist Evil, Come Close to God, James 4:1-12 6 11
Warning About Self Confidence, James 4:13-17 7 13
Warning to the Rich, James 5:1-6 8 15
Patience in Suffering, James 5:7-11 9 17
Patience in Suffering, James 5:7-11 10 19
-ii- Introduction to the Book of James
The man who wrote the epistle of James has been assumed to be va rio u s h i s t o rical figures, yet modern researchers have come to agreement that the author of this book is likely the same James who became the first Bishop of Jerusalem. He is said by some to have been the brother of Jesus. Interestingly enough, James was thought to have been an unbeliever before the crucifixion. Later in 1 Corinthians 15:7 as well as in some references in documents still extant from the early church we find that Christ (after he had risen) appeared to James and there was a conversion. Soon James became a force in the Jewish branch of the church. He was notable for supporting Paul in his efforts to convert the Gentiles. It is known that James was martyred sometime between 62 and 66 A.D. It is likely he was stoned to death much in the manner of Stephen because of the political machinations of some local authorities and because he vigorously preached the law of Christ.
The text in the Book of James comes down to us in a bullet format as if it were the distillation of a lifetime of thoughtful sermons. The subject matter is universal and timely for it is made up of some of the highest concerns of the earliest Christians. However, the book seldom mentions Christ and does not refer to the resurrection. In fact, Martin Luther said that the book was "full of straw" because it contained little or nothing that was evangelical. Nevertheless, the book is loaded with good advice about how to live a good and Christian life. A person who closely follows James's imperatives cannot go wrong. Although James does not teach us how to come nearer the Lord through salvation, he does tell us how a just man orders his daily existence. James, throughout his life, was known as James the Just, because of the correctness of his actions, the uprightness of his demeanor and the strength of his character. His book will help us to be like him...Just.
-iii- -iv- Lesson 1
Discussion Guide, James 1:1-27
1. Read James 1:1. Who is the letter from? How does James describe himself? To whom is the letter written?
2. Read James 1:2-8. What is to give us joy? Why? What should one do when one lacks wisdom? What should one never do when one asks of God? Why? How is a doubter described?
3. Read James 1:9-11. Describe the appropriate responses for the rich and the poor. How should each view their circumstances?
4. Read James 1:12. What is a person to receive if he or she perseveres under trial? Based on the pastor’s message on this portion of scripture, what rewards come to the believer who is faithful?
5. Read James 1:13-18. What causes us to be tempted? What is the result of sin? Who is the giver of good and perfect gifts? In what way can we be described as firstfruits?
6. Read James 1:19-21. When are we to be quick, to be slow? Can anger make anything right? Why or why not? What are we to get rid of? What are we to humbly accept? Describe the strength of messages received from God.
7. Read James 1:22-25. What seems to be the focus of these verses? Why is obedience to God so important?
-1- 8. Discuss what has been learned from the pastor’s messages on James to date. What question do you have that you would like to discuss further?
What is pure religion? The heart of religion is what we find here in James. You say you're religious? Show me. Pure religion is keeping a tight rein on my tongue. True religion is the life we live; not the creed we profess. Anyone can show up at church; anyone can sing songs and participate, anyone can listen to the sermon. Anyone can appear religious, but in order to be religious, one needs to go from listening to the word inside the church to going and doing the word outside of the church.
9. Read James 1:26. "I have often regretted my speech, never my silence." (Publius, a Greek sage) When might we fool ourselves? What makes our religion worthless?
10. Sticks and stones may break my bones but words can never hurt me. Do words hurt? Absolutely, yes they do!!! Words can build and uplift, bridge gaps and restore relationships But they can also destroy and be harmful and cause a lot of pain. What we say matters. Words can not only be hurtful but can define us in the eyes of a lost and dying world. Words can destroy our witness to unbelievers. Discuss present day issues concerning the tongue.
11. Read James 1:27. What is the expectation in this verse? In what way can we be corrupted by the world? How should we treat the less fortunate? What should we do in and around our community to apply this verse?
12. What, from the messages by the pastor, have you learned from this study in the first chapter of James? What challenges have you faced?
In this first chapter text we have found the thrust of James' entire letter: calling upon Christians to live with moral urgency, serious holiness and unconditional obedience to the word of God. We are to have complete confidence in and reliance upon the grace of God. It is the thorough purity of God (never tempted, never tempting, never changing) that calls us to holiness; it is the generous giving of God (giving wisdom without finding fault, giving the crown of life, giving every good and perfect gift, giving us birth) that moves us to holiness. Furthermore, going back to the very beginning of James' message, this pursuit of holiness is not an oppressive burden but a task of joy, because of the great worth of the goal that God's grace has made possible. God has called Christians to become mature and complete, as firstfruits of all he created. This is so high a calling and so valuable an attainment that we may consider even trials along the way pure joy!
-2- Lesson 2
Warning Against Prejudice, James 2:1-13
1. Prejudice affects life for all of us. So often, we are victims of it. But probably, if we're honest, we dish it out to others too. Do you think God takes notice if we allow our prejudices to influence our dealings with others? Does He even care? Why are our churches often segregated, not only by ethnicity, but also by socioeconomic status?
2. Read James 2:1. Why is James questioning the faith of some in the church? What was their sin? Are we ever guilty of the same sin?
There is no place for partiality in church. We don't have different classes. When we accept people, we accept them unconditionally. Fellowship with another Christian can never be based on the color of their skin, the size of their bank account, their gender, their status, how old they are, how tall they are, how good-looking they are. If we want to be like Jesus, we have to see as God sees. And look right past the externals.
3. Read James 2:2-4. What two people are described? How might they be treated differently? Why? What wrong motives can we exercise?
What we have to remember is that God's measuring stick is vastly different from ours. Let's not get caught up in the world's system of values. Let's not judge people based on the things that are unimportant to God. We are children of the Kingdom of God, with a different culture, different values, and different vision. And we need to keep ourselves impartial.
4. Read James 2:5-7. Does God judge the poor as a lower class of people? How are they described? How are the rich viewed by James? Which group is more likely to honor our Lord?
-3- The value of faith is placed in uncompromised opposition to the value of riches by the transferring of the very term plousioi to the believing poor. They are the ones who are truly rich, by being rich in faith. This phrase refers not to an abundant quantity of faith (as if that were their wealth instead of the kingdom) but to the value of faith. With faith set grammatically in contrast to the world, this is a denial that the world's material wealth constitutes true riches at all. There is even a disclosure of what constitutes the enormous wealth and investments of the poor: they inherit the kingdom! People of low income are to be fully welcomed into the life of the church. The passage calls us to be blind to economic differences in how we offer our ministries. The poor person is as worthy of our discipling and pastoral care and love as the person who has the means to rescue our church from its budget crisis.
5. Read James 2:8-9. What is the command cited by James? He seems to say that we break this command when we show favoritism. In other words, we are sinning, not only against the poor, but against God. Give examples of how we might fail to follow this command as we should.
The root of our sinfulness is the desire to be happy apart from God and apart from the happiness of others in God. Sin comes from a desire to be happy, cut off from glory of God and cut off from the good of others. This command cuts to this root, exposes it, and severs it.
6. Read James 2:10-11. Bridges, in his book Respectable Sins, describes those things we participate in that we might describe as mistakes rather than sin. They include anxiety and frustration, discontentment, unthankfulness, pride, selfishness, lack of self-control, impatience, anger, judgmentalism, envy and jealousy, sins of the tongue, and worldliness. If we engage in any of these sins, are we guilty? Read 1 John 1:5-10. What is the proper action to take when we have sinned? Why is it that we often fail to recognize our own sinfulness?
7. Read James 2:12-13. By what law will we be judged? Why are our actions with others so important? What does God seem to take into account when he views our actions?
Seven ways to love your neighbor as yourself: 1. I’ll see my neighbor. I will look into their eyes, their hearts, and their circumstances. 2. I’ll ask for forgiveness and offer it. 3. I’ll pray. I’ll love my neighbors by praying for them. 4. I’ll rejoice and mourn. I will walk alongside my neighbors. 5. I’ll learn and be teachable. I won’t be self-righteous. 6. I’ll ask hard questions about myself. Am I Christlike? 7. I’ll refuse to be judgmental, but bold enough to spur others to be more like Christ. (7 Ways to Love Your Neighbor as Yourself, Holly Mthethwa, www.ruggedandredeemed.com)
-4- Lesson 3
Faith Without Deeds is Dead, James 2:14-26
A Chicago-based newspaper, StreetWise, is sold by homeless people, who collect a portion of the proceeds. One day as Dr. Joseph Stowell, then serving as President of the Moody Bible Institute, walked to work, he passed a StreetWise vendor. It was a bitterly cold January morning, and he had already stopped by Starbucks and paid more than a dollar for a small cup of coffee. Feeling noble, he struggled to find his wallet, reached in, and took out a dollar. The homeless woman asked, “Do you really want the paper, or can I keep it to sell to someone else?” “Keep the paper,” he replied. Then he added, “How are you today?” “I’m so cold,” she said. As he turned to go he told her, “I hope the sun comes out, it warms up, and you have a good day.” He continued on, with the cup of coffee warming his hand. About half a block later, the conversation finally registered. He wrestled for a moment with what he should do, but he was late, so he kept walking. Dr. Stowell concludes this account with these words, “Ever since, I’ve regretted not giving her a cup of hot coffee in Christ’s name.” We call ourselves “Christians” but do our actions back up our claims?
1. Read James 2:14-16 & 1 John 3:17-18. How is our faith to be proven? What seems to be the believer’s responsibility?
2. Read Matthew 25:31-46. Discuss this illustration used by Jesus. What meaning can you derive from the story narrative? Do works seem to be an indicator of faith? Why or why not?
3. Read Romans 4:5. Is the message of this verse consistent with the message we read in James? Now read the context by starting with Romans 4:1 and reading through 4:8. Does this make the message more consistent?
4. Read James 2:17-20 & Matthew 7:17-20. What faith is dead and useless? What enables James to see the faith of believers?
-5- 5. Why is belief in one God insufficient? Why do the demons tremble in terror?
6. Read James 2:21-24 & Hebrews 11:17-19. What proved the faith of Abraham? Was he willing to do whatever God wanted him to do? Describe how faith and action should work together.
7. Read James 2:25-26. How did Rahab prove her faith? When is faith dead? How can it be made alive?
6. Look at your notes from the message by the pastor. What has not been included that you would like to discuss with your small group?
Most people today have a bank account. Let’s pretend you have a car payment that automatically comes out of your account at the end of each month. But at the end of this month you have only five dollars in your account, and the car payment is four hundred dollars. That means that you’re in trouble. You don’t have enough money to pay for your car. But let’s say someone heard of your need and gave you four hundred dollars to deposit in your account. You now have the necessary amount of money in your account to make you car payment. God places righteousness in our account because our righteousness is not enough to save us. For God to place righteousness on a person’s account is justification. Justification is the act of God whereby He acquits a believer of the verdict of condemnation and declares him to be righteous.
James’ fundamental thesis is that genuine faith will always lead to a changed life. And that the nature of true faith in Christ consists of three major elements: (1) Knowledge—knowing certain facts about Christ, (2) Assent—believing that those facts are really true, and (3) Trust—trusting in Christ alone as Savior and submitting yourself to him as Lord of your life. Such a faith is never a mere momentary act which somehow brings about your “right standing before God,” and then just lies dormant from that point on. But, if it’s truly genuine, it will produce an ongoing transformation in your life. In other words, if you are a true Christian, you won’t just make a decision or pray a prayer to receive Christ, and then continue living your life as you always have. But you will become a true follower of Christ. Whenever Jesus calls you to himself, it’s never a call for you merely to make a decision or pray a prayer, but it is always a call for you to follow him as Lord in a lifelong submission to his will. It’s a call to follow him in complete obedience.
-6- Lesson 4
Controlling the Tongue , James 3:1-12
1. Read James 3:1. Why should people consider carefully whether they should teach others the Word of God? What responsibility does the teacher have, that others may not have?
A cowboy was going through his tack room. In doing so he kept coming across more and more bits. Some of these bits were very mild. Others were very harsh. In the right hands any of these bits could be a tool, but in the wrong hands any of them could actually become a weapon as well – causing damage instead of producing the desired outcome. This is also very true of the tongue – the subject for this lesson.
2. Read James 3:2-6 & Psalm 141:3. In these verses we read about a horse, ship and spark. What do we learn about a horse, ship and fire that relates to the tongue?
3. How can your tongue ruin your whole life? What is the relationship between an evil tongue and hell?
4. In verse 2 we see that those who can control their tongue have the ability to control themselves in many other ways. What is the problem of one’s life testimony for one who cannot control his or her tongue?
5. Read Psalm 141:3. What is David’s prayer? Why is saying nothing often the best option?
-7- 6. Read Matthew 12:33-37. To what extent can we be judged based on the words we say? For what must we give account on judgment day? Will our words condemn us or justify us?
7. Read Psalm 140. How does David describe the tongues of evil people? On whom does he call to deliver him from them?
8. Read James 3:7-12. Have you ever seen an animal trainer that can make animals do even unnatural things? Why is the tongue harder to train?
9. Why would blessing and cursing come out of the same mouth? What illustrations are used to indicate that what comes out of the mouth reflects the true nature of a person?
10. Read Romans 3:10-14. How is talk and speech described? The uncontrolled tongue is a characteristic of what type of person?
11. What from the message by the pastor would you like to discuss further? What about this lesson requires changes to be made?
-8- Lesson 5
True Wisdom Comes From God, James 3:13-18
Many today are in the pursuit of wisdom. They desire to be able to make right decisions that will affect their lives in a positive manner. They understand the key ingredient to have in their lives is this thing called wisdom. Wisdom is the ability to look at a situation and pick the correct way to handle it and therefore be in the position to reap the rewards of that wise decision. But James tells us there is a problem with which wisdom you listen to and adhere to. Do we seek the wisdom from above or the wisdom of the world? The choices we make will determine our character and destiny.
1. Read James 3:13-16. How can one be truly wise? What attributes should we exhibit? What are we not to do?
2. When we show jealousy and selfishness and we think we are wise, how is that viewed by James? How is this type of wisdom described in verses 15 and 16? Who is the motivator for this type of behavior? What is the result of jealousy and selfish ambition?
3. Read 2 Cor. 12:20-21. Why might Paul not like what he might find when he comes to visit Corinth again? Why might the people not like Paul’s response? Do the Corinthians seem to be living by earthly wisdom or heavenly wisdom?
4. Read 1 Cor. 3:3 & Gal. 5:19-26. What is the result of living by earthly wisdom? Why would you decide everyone else could be wrong instead of you? What is the result for those living this way?
5. Beginning in verse 22 we see the results of living by heavenly wisdom. What kind of fruit is produced? What should we have done with our sinful desires? What are we no longer to do?
-9- 6. Read Proverbs 1:7, 20-33. What is the beginning of wisdom? Who despises wisdom and instruction? Why do those seeking earthly wisdom fail to respond to true wisdom? Is wisdom possible when one fails to fear the Lord? What is the result of those who do not follow heavenly wisdom?
7. Read James 3:17-18. Describe the wisdom that comes from heaven. Contrast these traits with the earthly wisdom we have just studied.
8. What fruit is produced by those who are peacemakers?
9. Read Hebrews 12:10-11. As God disciplines us for living by earthly wisdom, what will be the result for those who submit to Him?
10. Read Isaiah 32:17 & Prov. 11:18. How do these verses relate to the topic we have been discussing?
11. Read Philippians 1:11. What challenge do we see in this verse? Describe how we should apply this verse to our daily lives.
12. Consider the message of the pastor on these verses. What additional questions or issues do you wish to discuss with your group?
James tells us there is a problem with which wisdom you listen to and adhere to. Do you listen to wisdom from above which originates with God? Do you want to begin the process of acquiring something that is worth much more than gold? You start by obtaining the knowledge that is most central to the deepest human needs – the knowledge that there is a God who is powerful and personal and head over heels in love with each of us.
-10- Lesson 6
Resist Evil, Come Close to God, James 4:1-12
Quarrels and fights among believers are always harmful. James explains that these conflicts result from evil desires battling within us: We want more possessions, more money, higher status, more recognition. When we don’t get what we want, we fight in order to have it. Instead of aggressively grabbing what we want, we should submit ourselves to God. Ask God to help us get rid of our selfish desires, and trust Him to give us what we really need.
1. Read James 4:1-3. What seems to be the cause of quarrels and fights? How do evil desires cause “war”? How can we keep our desires in check? Why are we jealous of others?
2. What is the appropriate thing to do when we seem to need something? Why might God not provide the things you desire? Why is pleasure often the focus of our lives?
3. Read 1 John 3:21-22 & 5:14-15. What seems to be the key to receive what we need from the Lord?
Good people start a church together with great ambition to reach the lost for Christ; but instead of making disciples, they all too often generate disputes. Your desires are like rebel soldiers within, demanding satisfaction. And when they don’t get that satisfaction, they go to war. Conflict starts with unmet expectations and desires. God is the only one who can meet our real needs; but instead of asking Him, we make demands of each other. When people look to one another to get their needs met, they are disappointed, because only God can meet their needs. Then their disappointment leads to disagreements and disputes.
-11- Historian Daniel Boorstin suggests that Americans suffer from all-too- extravagant expectations. In his book, The Image, Boorstin makes this observation of Americans: We expect anything and everything. We expect the contradictory and the impossible. We expect compact cars which are spacious; luxurious cars which are economical. We expect to be rich and charitable, powerful and merciful, active and reflective, kind and competitive… We expect to eat and stay thin, to be constantly on the move and ever more neighborly, to go to a "church of our choice" and yet feel its guiding power over us, to revere God and to be god. Never have people been more the masters of their environment. Yet never has a people felt more deceived and disappointed. For never has a people expected so much more than the world could offer.
4. Read James 4:4-6. In what way are the recipients of this letter adulterers? Can we be both a friend of the world and a friend of God? What does the Holy Spirit long for us to be? How does He fortify us against evil desires? To whom does God show favor? To whom is God against?
5. Read John 15:18-21. Should we expect hatred from the world? Why? Why then do we desire that which is of the world? How can we keep such desires in check?
6. Read James 4:7-10. Make a list of the commands in these verses that will bring us close to God. Discuss how to make these commands real in our lives. How does the Lord respond when we admit our dependence on Him?
7. Read 1 Peter 5:6-9. What are we instructed to do? What enemy are we to watch out for? How does he use his time? How are we to resist him?
8. Read James 4:11-12. Are we to decide which part of God’s commands are important or unimportant? How should we not speak of each other? Who is our only judge?
Jesus summarized the law as love for God and neighbor (Matt. 22:37-40). Paul said that love demonstrated toward a neighbor would fully satisfy the law (Rom. 13:6-10). When we fail to love, we are breaking God’s law. Examine your attitude and actions toward others. Do you build people up or tear them down?
-12- Lesson 7
Warning About Self Confidence, James 4:13-17
We see a person in this passage who is not really rebellious; he doesn’t mean to be fighting against God…what he is doing is more neutral…he is disregarding God. It is an attitude of being self-sufficient. It is the attitude of saying I can do this all by myself. Now this happens with nonbelievers every day ...but this passage is not directed at nonbelievers. It is directed at those who have placed their trust in Jesus – the church. We need to stop and take a good long look at our priorities; reexamine our lives. By the way we often live and plan our lives are we saying… “I not only know what the future holds for me but I also have complete control over the future.”
1. Read James 4:13-16. What seems to be the problem with the people who are making plans for the future? Do we know the future? What is our life like? What should our attitude about the future be like? What boasting is evil?
Consider the James reference above. The plan includes five things: (1) They plan to set out on a trip today or tomorrow, (2) They plan to arrive at a destination, (3) They plan to spend a certain amount of time there, (4) They plan to engage in business and carry through a plan of action while they are in that city, and (5) They plan for the business to have certain results. God created us not just to do things and go places with our bodies, but to have certain attitudes and convictions that reflect a true view of life and God.
2. Read Luke 12:16-21. What did the rich man decide to do with his crops? What seems to be his purpose? How did God respond? How was the man foolish? What might the man have done if he had a rich relationship with God?
3. Read Luke 9:25. What can be the cost of gaining great riches? Do you know anyone that has had this problem?
Deus vult (Classical Latin for "God wills") is a Christian motto that has been used throughout the history of Western Christianity. Because God alone knows and is sovereign over everything, Muslims practice saying, inshallah (if Allah/God wills), after any mention of what they plan to do or think will happen. We believers in Christ would do well to adopt a similar practice. The apostle Paul used this statement in Acts 18:21. The point is that we should recognize that our future is totally dependent on the Lord.
-13- 4. Read Luke 12:42-48. What happens when the Lord returns and finds an unfaithful servant? Which side will we be on based on Luke 18:8b?
5. Read Numbers 22:7-34. Who came to visit Balaam? . . . for what purpose? What did God tell Balaam not to do? What happened when messengers came a second time? What happened between Balaam and his donkey? Why was the Lord displeased with Balaam? What confession do we see in the 34th verse?
Balaam did not believe in the Lord as the only true God. He maintained an outword facade of spirituality over a corrupt inward life. He was ready to obey God as long as he could profit from it. But his donkey was more attuned to God than Balaam was. Instead of trying to keep up appearances, we should be dealing with the sin in our lives. We can avoid Balaam’s mistake by realizing that God is willing to accept us, forgive us, and make us over from within.
6. Read James 4:17. What is the sin? Can you think of situations where this verse might apply to your life?
8. Samson in Judges 16:17 had self confidence but failed to trust God in all that he did. As a result, he was captured and put in prison. He only began to trust God in Judges 16:28-30. Read a contrasting situation in Esther 4:11-16. Is our confidence in ourselves rather than in God? If it is, how can we rectify the situation?
9. What else would you like to discuss on this topic?
Where does HOPE come from? Does it come from having stuff? For some it does. They have hope because they believe their stuff will guarantee that they will never go through tough times or if they do... that it will get them through. But what happens when the stuff is gone? The hope goes too. Does HOPE come from climbing the company ladder? For some it does… they believe their position in the company or on the ladder guarantees their success and happiness. But what happens if the ladder breaks… the company downsizes, or is sold… or goes belly up and you come crashing to the ground? Those things can not be the source of our hope… because those things are transitory… not trustworthy. Our HOPE must be built on something that we can never lose, that will never break, that will always be there… GOD!!! God is stronger than our weakness. He can carry us through the things we cannot handle alone.
-14- Lesson 8
Warning to the Rich, James 5:1-6
We could outline this lesson as (1) A warning against hoarding (vs 1-3), (2) A warning against stealing (vs 4), and (3). A warning against decadence (vs 5-6). Would you like to be rich? Very few of us would say, “No, it doesn’t interest me!” Most of us would like to be richer than we are.
Following are some quotes concerning money: “If time is money are ATMs time machines?” “A lot of money is tainted – 'Taint yours and it taint mine’.” “Don't think money does everything or you are going to end up doing everything for money.” Money is a great servant but a bad master.”
Money is important, because we all need money to pay rent, eat, provide clothing, etc. Most of us wouldn’t consider ourselves wealthy. Because most of us would not consider ourselves wealthy, the temptation is to apply these verses to others and not ourselves. On a world scale we are all very, very wealthy. We all have food, clothes, shelter, access to medicines and health services, and we all probably have some money in the bank.
It is a wrong attitude that makes money dangerous. Money is simply a means and any means can be used rightly or wrongly. Used properly and under control, fire is a helpful tool. But if it is used carelessly or with evil intent, it can become a powerful force that destroys both property and life.
1. How do we view riches? How do we view poverty? Has the Lord ever guided us to use the money He has provided us with more wisely?
2. Read James 5:1-3. For what are the rich to weep and mourn? What will happen to their wealth? When people go to hell, how will their wealth on earth have an effect on them? What evidence will be presented against the rich in the day of judgment?
3. Read Matthew 6:19-21 & 1 Tim. 6:7-10, 17-19. Where are we not to store our treasures? Why? Where are we to store our treasures? Why? How does our treasure relate to our heart? Give examples of this.
4. Read James 5:4. What does the Lord Almighty hear? How have the rich dealt with their workers? Why is it wrong to gain riches in this way?
-15- Knowing the tendency of the human heart to become unduly attached to earthly goods, Christ warned against it. The “things” which the Father gives are to be understood as provisional merely and must never be considered our real treasure. Treasure may be discovered by this fourfold test: (1) It is what we value most. (2) It is what we would hate most to lose. (3) It is what our thoughts turn to most frequently when we are free to think of what we will. (4) It is what affords us the greatest pleasure. (A.W. Tozer, Born After Midnight, 1959, p. 106)
5. Read Deut. 24:14-15. Who are we never to take advantage of? When are they to be paid? Why? When can we sin in relation to the way we treat workers under us?
6. Read James 5:5-6. What word picture is used to describe the rich? How has the person in focus spent his time on earth? What has been the result? Why does the Scripture speak so often in defense of the poor and downtrodden?
7. Read Luke 18:18-30. How does Jesus establish the required standard for this young man? How does the young man respond? What one thing did this young man lack? What idolatry was his problem? Why was the young man sad?
8. Why is it so hard for the rich to get into heaven? What promise does Jesus give in verses 29-30 of Luke 18? How should the Christian view his or her money? Who has provided it for us? What is it to be used for?
The rich young man thinks he’s good enough on his own. But there was something between him and God— his love of wealth. Money isn’t the problem; it’s not even the root of all evil; the love of money is. There’s no indication that Jesus requires this behavior of any of His followers. What He does require is the thing this fellow lacked— full surrender to God. Jesus then tells him, “Follow Me.” Some people think they will sneak into heaven as secret believers. Jesus expects open profession of faith.
As base a thing as money often is, it yet can be transmuted into everlasting treasure. It can be converted into food for the hungry and clothing for the poor; it can keep a missionary actively winning lost men to the light of the gospel and thus transmute itself into heavenly values. Any temporal possession can be turned into everlasting wealth. Whatever is given to Christ is immediately touched with immortality. (A.W. Tozer, Born After Midnight, 1959, p. 107)
-16- Lesson 9
Patience in Suffering, James 5:7-11
There is a kind of suffering known only to the Christian. It is voluntary suffering deliberately and knowingly incurred for the sake of Christ. Such is a luxury, a treasure of fabulous value, a source of riches beyond the power of the mind to conceive. And it is rare as well as precious, for there are few who will choose this path. God will not force us into this type of suffering. It is these people who have chosen to suffer affliction with the people of God. The marks of the cross are upon them. But where are they? Has this breed of Christian died out of the earth? Have the saints of God joined the mad scramble for security? Are we not afraid to suffer and unwilling to die? I hope not, but I wonder. (A.W. Tozer, The Root of the Righteous, 1955, pp. 133-134)
1. Read James 5:7-8. What must we be as we wait for the Lord’s return? Why is this so important? What example are we to consider? Is the farmer able to have the crop ripen sooner by being anxious or worrying about it? How is the coming of the Lord described?
God is a farmer and we are a crop. He has planted his seed in us, watching and waiting for it to grow. We must be patient through this process, and trust that the harvest will be truly valuable – a harvest of righteousness.
2. Read James 5:9. What are we not to do? Who stands ready to judge us? Do we realize that there is a judge watching over us as we go through our daily lives? How should this change how we should live?
A man decided to join a monastery and one of the rules of the particular monastic group was that you were only allowed to speak two words at the end of every ten years. At the end of his first ten years he said, “Food Bad!” At the end of his second ten years he said, “Bed Hard!” Finally, on his 30th anniversary at the monastery he said, “I quit!” The monk in charge responded, “It doesn’t surprise me a bit. You’ve done nothing but complain ever since you got here.” Is that an apt description of us?
-17- 3. Read James 5:10-11. What great people do we have as an example relating to suffering? Job is mentioned. How did the Lord bless Job in Job 42:12-17? How is God described? Is this difficult to believe when we are in the midst of suffering?
Satan often tries to tell the faithful Christian that our suffering must be an indication that we are living outside of the will of God – that we are in sin or have been unfaithful. But the example of the prophets proves that our suffering might well be because of our faithfulness, not because of our unfaithfulness. We must never think that obedience automatically produces ease and pleasure. Jesus himself was obedient, and it led to a cross! Nearly all the prophets suffered persecution and extreme hardship. (David Owens, sermon, Tustin Church of Christ, Aug. 8, 2006)
4. Read Philippians 1:29-30. How is suffering for Christ described? Who are we with in suffering? Read 1 Peter 1:6-7. What must we endure? Why? What is precious to God? What will be the result of living our faith through trials?
5. Read 1 Peter 5:10. What is the promise of this verse?
Dr. Robert Lightner, a long-time faculty member of the theology department at Dallas Theological Seminary was involved in a terrible plane crash. He was in a single-engine plane that flipped over during takeoff. He was badly injured and bruised beyond recognition. His wife, Pearl, said when she first saw him, “I looked at this black mass of flesh, and I didn’t even know who he was.” Thankfully, Dr. Lightner did recover, and today he is a living testimony of the grace of God. Lightner said of the ordeal, “I learned things I didn’t know I needed to learn.” (From Hope Again, by Charles Swindoll) That’s what suffering can do. That’s how God can use suffering in our lives – to mold us and shape us and teach us.
6. Read Romans 8:18-25. What perspective are we given in these verses? What is earth and everything on it now subjected to? What do we hope to be released from? For what do we wait anxiously? How should we wait?
The devil’s master strategy for us Christians is not to kill us physically, but to destroy our power to wage spiritual warfare. The Spirit-filled life is not a life of peace and quiet pleasure. It is likely something quite the opposite. It is grim warfare with the devil. Compromise will take the pressure off. Satan will not bother a man who has quit fighting. But the cost of quitting will be a life of peaceful stagnation. We sons of eternity just cannot afford such a thing. (A.W. Tozer, That Incredible Christian, 1964, pp. 72-73)
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Final Words, James 5:12-20
Read James 5:12 & Matthew 5:33-37. What seems to be the instruction in these verses? Why might a vow or oath result in a greater sin?
There should be no need for a person's word to be reinforced, for a person's word not to be taken at face value. When it is not, and he or she curses or swears, it shows a heart that is disturbed, lacking, or evil.
In the early church there was a man called Eusebius of Caesarea. He quotes in his writings from a man called Hegesippus who was a chronicler of the early Church. In his Ecclesiastical History, Book II, Ch. XXIII, he writes, “…And he (James) frequently entered the temple alone and was frequently found situated upon his knees asking forgiveness for the people, so that his knees became hard after the manner of a camel, on account of always bending down upon a knee while worshiping God and asking forgiveness for the people…” How would we like to be called “old camel knees”? In this case it is a name of honor and respect. James was a man of prayer.
2. Read James 5:13, 1 Thes. 5:17 & Col. 3:16. What is the one who is suffering instructed to do? What is the one who is thankful instructed to do?
3. There seems to be an indication that we are to be in constant communication with our Lord, regardless of our circumstances. How can we accomplish this?
4. Read James 5:14-15. Is anyone sick? What should be done? What is the condition for the prayer to be offered? How will the Lord respond? What brings forgiveness of sins? How would you define “faith” as used in this passage?
There is a kind of philosophic therapy to prevent any disappointed Christian from suffering too great a shock when it becomes evident that his prayer expectations are not being fulfilled. It is explained that God always answers prayer, either by saying Yes or by saying No, or by substituting something else for the desired favor. This is a neat trick to save face for the petitioner whose requests have been rejected for nonobedience. Answers to prayer must have two elements: (1) A clear-cut request made to God for a specific favor, and (2) A clear-cut granting of that favor by God. How do we obtain the answer we are seeking. We must pray in the will of God and we must be on “praying ground”. (living lives pleasing to God). God is under no obligation to honor the requests of worldly, carnal or disobedient Christians. (Read 1 John 3:21-24 & John 15:7) We too often take God’s flat refusal to answer prayer as the very answer itself. We must be obedient and trustful. (Read James 4:3) (A.W. Tozer, Man: The Dwelling Place of God, 1966, pp. 85-87)
-19- 5. Discuss the paragraph at the end of the previous page. Look up the references and see if Tozer is accurate in what he says. Do we engage in “saving face” as Tozer charges?
6. Read James 5:16-18 & 1 John 1:9-10. What are we to do with each other? Why? What type of person has great power and wonderful results in prayer? Who is used as an example of this type of prayer?
7. Read 1 Kings 17:1 & 18:36-39, 41-46. What brought results when Elijah prayed? Were his requests specific? Was he on “praying ground”? Was he in communication with the Lord? Was he obedient? Discuss how we might be more effective in prayer.
8. Read James 5:19-20. What is the challenge for us in these verses? What seems to be our responsibility?
9. How can we be effective for the Lord in all that we do?
10. What about this study in James has caused you to rethink your relationship with the Lord and your responsibility to Him?
-20- Outline of the Book of James
The Greeting (1:1)
The book is addressed to Jewish believers scattered by persecution. This most likely refers to those of Act 8:1–4. The epistle was probably written before the Gentile congregations became common. The word “scattered” is diaspora. This is the noun form of diaspeiro, which means “to sow as seed,” and is the word used in Act 8:1, 4 and 11:19. God sows the Church by persecution, and the Church sows the Gospel.
The Theme Introduced (1:2–18)
The theme is that believers should meet trials and temptations with faith and wisdom. If we do this, we will respond to trials by:
1. Counting it “all joy” as a divine means toward growth (1:2–4) 2. Asking for wisdom from God to face them (1:5–8) 3. Learning from them the value of humility (1:9–11) 4. Believing that they hold the prospect of eternal reward (1:12) 5. Being vigilant to the deception of sin they occasion (1:13–15) 6. Being thankful that God will use them for good (1:16–18)
The Outline Suggested (1:19–20)
“Let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath.” The “every man” here is one among “my beloved brethren,” and is parallel to the “every man” of Col 1:28.
I. Be Swift to Hear in Trials (1:21–2:26) A. Let your hearing lead to doing (1:21–27) B. Let your hearing be impartial and merciful (2:1–13) C. Let your hearing lead to faithful action (2:13–26) II. Be Slow to Speak in Trials (3:1–18) A. Because no man can tame the tongue (3:1–12) B. Because there are two kinds of wisdom (3:13–18) III. Be Slow to Wrath in Trials (4:1–5:6) A. Because wrath is worldly and divisive (4:1–5) B. Because the wrath of man requires repentance (4:6–10) C. Because the fruit of wrath is judging (4:11–12) D. Because the source of wrath is arrogance (4:13–5:6)
The Theme Summarized (5:7–20)
A. Faithful endurance in trials is rewarded (5:7–12) B. Faithful endurance is gained by effective prayer (5:13–18) C. Faithful endurance may deliver others who are wavering (5:19–20)
Note: This outline is adapted from that given in “The Epistle of James” by Zane Hodges
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