James 1
If a man lacks wisdom, what should he do? (v.5)
Ask of God
What does James mean when he says “faith, if it hath not works, is dead”? (v.17)
It does not bear fruit
How does James identify wise men? (v.13)
BY what they DO (good conversation)
What is the prerequisite to God lifting us up? (v.10)
Us humbling ourselves in the sight of the Lord
If we grudge or grumble against one another, what awaits us? (v.9)
Condemnation, as the judge stands at the door
MEMORY VERSE - James 1:12
“Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him.”
Finish the phrase: “For whosoever shall keep…” (v.10)
“…the whole law, and yet offend in one point, he is guilty of all.”
What two real world examples are given for a bridled tongue? (v3-4)
A bridle in a horse’s mouth
The small helm of a ship
James 4:17 is known as the sin of omission. Quote the verse (v.17)
“Therefore to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin.”
MEMORY VERSE - James 5:16
“Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.”
James 1:2-4 outlines a process of refinement & growth. What is that process? (v.2-4)
Divers Temptations -> Trying of Faith -> Patience -> Perfect Work (Maturity)
What characteristics do James highlight about the poor of this world? (v.5)
They are chosen by God
They are rich in faith
They are heirs of the kingdom
MEMORY VERSE - James 3:17-18
“But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be intreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy. And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace of them that make peace.”
MEMORY VERSE - James 4:13-14
“Go to now, ye that say, To day or to morrow we will go into such a city, and continue there a year, and buy and sell, and get gain: Whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away.”
List the three images of wealth according to James 5:2-3. (v.2-3)
Riches are Corrupted
Garments are Motheaten
Gold and Silver are Cankered
What is the importance of the phrase “with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning”? (v.17)
He is a God that never changes; their persecution was NOT because God left them, but they left God
MEMORY VERSE - James 2:21-24
“Was not Abraham our father justified by works, when he had offered Isaac his son upon the altar? Seest thou how faith wrought with his works, and by works was faith made perfect? And the scripture was fulfilled which saith, Abraham believed God, and it was imputed unto him for righteousness: and he was called the Friend of God. Ye see then how that by works a man is justified, and not by faith only.”
List the 4 examples used to demonstrate the both blessings and curses coming from the tongue. (v.10-12)
A fountain with sweet + bitter water
A fig tree bearing olives
A vine bearing figs
A fountain with saltwater + freshwater
List the actions man must take in submitting to God. (v.7-8)
Submit to God
Resist the Devil
Draw nigh to God
Cleanse your hands
Purify your hearts
James 5:19-20 speaks of a conversion experience. What does James highlight in the process for the Jewish audience? (v.19-20)
The covering of sins: past, present, and future
MEMORY VERSE - James 4:7-10
“Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded. Be afflicted, and mourn, and weep: let your laughter be turned to mourning, and your joy to heaviness. Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up.”