questions for james sermon #1 introduction and 1:1 for james sermon #2 – 1:2-8 these questions are...

Questions for James Sermon #1 – Introduction and 1:1

Note: these questions have been written for small groups studying James together. You can also

adapt these questions for your family or for personal study.

Group leaders: Do not limit yourself to these questions. You know your group best, so you are

more likely to come up with the questions that will really energize your discussion of the

passage. And do not feel like you need to answer all of the questions below. Pick and choose as

you see fit.

Read the whole book of James in one sitting.

What repeated themes, words, and ideas do you notice in James as you read through it?

Having read the book, what adjective (descriptive word) or short title would you use to describe the book of James?

James wants us to live undivided lives, wholly devoted to God. But we struggle because, though we love God, we also love the world and what it offers. So we follow God and embrace His values in some areas of life, and we follow the world and its values in other areas of life.

o Identify any areas in your life where you are following the pattern of this world rather than God. In other words, identify thoughts, attitudes, affections, actions, and pursuits in your life that follow the ways of the world rather than the ways of God.

o Identify any areas in your life where you are consistently tempted to live divided in your thoughts, attitudes, affections, actions, and pursuits.

Additional Interpretive Questions:

James calls Jesus “Lord” and “Christ.” What does each description mean? What is the significance of identifying Jesus by each title?

o Jesus is “Lord”

o Jesus is “Christ” (Greek translation of Hebrew “Messiah”)

James calls himself a “bond-servant” (doulos in Greek; literally, a “slave”) of God and Jesus.

o What is the significance of considering yourself a “slave” of God and Jesus?

o How should that affect your daily life?

o Would others who observe your life naturally identify you as a person living completely surrendered to the will of God?

How and why was the early church "scattered" (Acts 8:1, 4; 11:19-21)?

Questions for James Sermon #2 – 1:2-8

These questions are designed to help individuals, families, and small groups dig deeper into our

James sermon series. Leaders: don’t limit yourself to these questions or feel that you need to

answer all of them. Pick and choose and create your own based on the needs of your group.

Observe: Read James 1:2-8. What is the big idea of this passage?

Interpret:

Define “joy” by answering the following... o How is “joy” distinct from “happiness” (see 2 Cor 6:10,7:4-6)?

o What is the opposite of “joy”?

o Notice that “joy” in v2 is linked to “faith” in v3. What must we choose to believe if we are to “consider trials joy”?

o Summary: based on your answers, define “joy” in your own words.

Why should we rejoice when we face trials? o What reasons does James give in this passage (1:2-8,12)?

o What other reasons are given in these cross-references: Romans 5:3-4; James 5:10-11; 1 Peter 1:6-9?

James exhorts us to ask God for wisdom to apply 1:2-4, but to ask “in faith without any doubting.” What exactly does it mean to ask in faith instead of in “doubt”? Hints: (1) the

Greek word “doubt” literally means “to divide, separate;” (2) notice how James describes the doubter in 1:8 as “double-minded.”

Apply:

Think about a few of the most difficult trials you have faced. Do you think you responded well or poorly? What thoughts or beliefs dominated your mind and your emotions in each circumstance?

Are there other members in your group, or friends or family that are suffering right now? How can you encourage them this week? What can you do specifically to bless them?

Memorize: James 1:2-3 Additional Questions:

If you didn’t get to this last week: read the whole book of James in one sitting. What repeated themes, words, and ideas do you notice in James as you read through it?

Where do you see themes from 1:2-8 elsewhere in the book?

What kind of “trials” is James addressing in this section?

Is God the cause of difficult circumstances in our lives? See Genesis 1:31; 3:1-19; James 1:17.

What does James mean when he exhorts us to “consider” our trials as “joy” (see Hebrews 11:11)? What does that verb imply?

What does James mean by the second use of the word “perfect” in 1:4 (teleios in Greek)? Read each of the following verses and define or describe “perfect” (teleios is sometimes translated “mature”) in each context.

o Matthew 5:48

o Ephesians 4:13

o Advanced: James use of teleios in this context is rooted in the Hebrew word shalom. What does this word mean as it relates to the inner life of a man or woman (see 1 Chronicles 28:9 [“whole”]; 1 Kings 11:4 [“wholly devoted”])?

What is the connection between wisdom (1:5) and endurance (1:2-4)?

What does the word “wisdom” mean in scripture? See 1 Kings 3:9-12, Psalm 111:10, Proverbs 1:1-7, and James 3:13. What particular aspect of wisdom is in view in v5?

Why is it so difficult for us to respond to trials with joy?

If you are experiencing a trial right now, how can you respond in a way that “considers it all joy”?






Interpret:

What is the relationship between James 1:2-8 and 1:9-12?

Read 1:9-12, 2:1-7, and 5:1-6 to answer the following questions. - Why does James come down so harshly on the rich? Is it inherently sinful to be rich? Can

you prove your answer from scripture?

- What are the disadvantages and dangers of wealth? See also Luke 16:13 and 18:24-25.

- What potential blessings can come from poverty? See also Mark 2:16-17.

What is this crown (stephanos in Greek) of life in 1:12 (lit: “living crown”)? Will all believers receive it? To answer this question, look up the following verses that also use this Greek word: 1 Corinthians 9:25-27; 1 Peter 5:1-4; Revelation 2:10.

Apply:

Many of us are relatively wealthy compared to the world at large. What practical principles have

you learned from James that guide how we should grow and use our wealth in a way that

honors God? List at least three specific, concrete principles you can apply in your own life.

Many of us will face a financial crisis at some point in life, when our income falls far below our

expenses. What practical principles have you learned from James to sustain you in financially

lean times? Again, be specific and concrete.

Memorize: James 1:12

Additional Questions:

To learn more about the rich and poor in the 1st Century, see the background article on page 30

of our James Bible Study:

http://www.grace-bible.org/uploads/publications/James_2010_IBS.pdf#page=30

Who are the “rich” in the book of James (2:1-7; 5:1-6)? How did they get rich?

In 1:12, James says that those who endure trials, such as poverty, are “blessed.” o What is the meaning of “blessed” (see Mt 5)?


o What is the relationship between blessing, happiness and our circumstances?

What is the significance of the metaphors of grass and flowers in 1:10-11 (see also Ps. 90:3-6; 103:15-16; Is 40:6-8)? What exactly is James saying? How should this truth affect how we handle our money and possessions?





Observe: What is the big idea of 1:13-15?

Interpret:

Note that the word “trial” in 1:2,12 is the same Greek word translated “tempted” in 1:13,14 (noun peirasmos in 1:2,12; verb peirazo in 1:13,14). So even though “trial” and “tempted” seem very different in English, they are actually translations of the same Greek word!

o What does this teach us about the relationship between trials and temptations in our lives?

o How are they similar and how are they different? How can James speak positively of them one moment and negatively the next?

o How can a trial turn into a temptation?

Why does James stress the fact that God is not the author of temptation? Why should this truth matter to us when we encounter temptation?

What does James mean in 1:15 when he says that sin leads to “death”? See James 5:19-20, Proverbs 11:19, and Ezekiel 18:26-27 for similar uses of this word. Is this warning for believers, unbelievers, or both? How can you tell?

Read Proverbs 7:6-27 to see an example of this temptation-sin-death progression at work. What do you learn about temptation and sin from Solomon’s observations in this passage? When did the young man go wrong?

Apply:

Spend a few minutes thinking back through the details of the last time you gave into a sinful temptation. Based on your study of this lesson, practically speaking, what should you do differently the next time you face temptation?

Memorize: 1 Corinthians 10:13

Additional Interpretation Questions:

Read back through all of James 1:1-15. What is the relationship between 1:2-12 and 1:13-15?

What analogy from human experience does James employ to describe the progress from temptation to death? Why do you think he chose this particular analogy?

What does the word “lust” mean in scripture (epithumia in Greek)? Look up the following verses that use this word: Mark 4:19; Romans 1:24-25; 7:7-8; Galatians 5:16-21; Phil 1:23; Titus 3:3.

When tempted, especially by desires that feel shameful, many believers are overwhelmed by guilt. But is that response valid? Are we guilty before God for the sinful desires that come to our minds, or are we only guilty if we give in? How should we respond when we begin to feel tempted towards sin? See 1 Corinthians 10:13, Galatians 5:16-23, and Philippians 2:12-13.

Scan back through the whole book of James. According to James, what consequences other than physical death can come from sin in the life of a believer?

Additional Application Questions:

Describe in your own words the chain of events James describes in 1:14-15. When you have sinned in the past, did you see a similar progression to what James describes? How was your experience similar or different from James’ description?

Can you think of a time when a seemingly small sin turned into something much bigger? Can you think of examples in your own life where sin or foolishness resulted in surprisingly painful consequences?

Think about some of the most significant temptations you face on a regular basis. On a scale of 1 to 10, how do you fare in dealing with these temptations, with 1 being, “I give in every time,” and 10 being, “I’m a rock!”

What situations and circumstances make you most susceptible to temptation (could include people, places, physical conditions, times of the day, entertainment or media exposure, etc.)?




answer all of them. Pick and choose or create your own based on the needs of your group.

Observe:

What is the big idea of 1:16-20? How does it connect to 1:13-15?

List everything James tells us about the character of God from 1:13-20.

Interpret:

James warns his readers against deceit. What specific lies were they tempted to believe? Believing those lies would lead to what types of attitudes and behaviors among them (see 3:14-16 and 4:1-3)?

James reveals two truths about God’s goodness in v17... o Everything good comes from God. How would you define “good” in that statement?

See Matthew 7:9-11 and Acts 14:17.

o God is always good to us. How would you prove that? What verses would you use?

Looking at the three commands of 1:19-20... o In your own words, describe the attitude and behavior that these three commands

call for? What exactly would it look like to practice v19?

o What motivation/reason does James give for obeying these commands?

Apply:

In what situations or circumstances do you struggle to believe that God is good to you? Do you believe that EVERYTHING He has allowed in your life is for your good? Why or why not?

What truth about God or passage of scripture will you meditate on this week to protect yourself from deceit?

Memorize: James 1:19-20


James 1:18 refers to the concept of “regeneration.” o What is regeneration (John 1:12-13; 3:3; Galatians 3:21; Titus 3:4-7; 1 Peter 1:3-5,

23; Ezekiel 37:1-10)?

o Why do we need regeneration (Ephesians 2:1-6)?

o What is the role of God’s word in regeneration (1 Peter 1:23)?

What is the significance of our identity as “first fruits” among God’s creatures (Dt 18:3-4; 26:1-11; 1 Cor 15:20, 23; 16:15; Rom 8:18-25)?


What lies did Adam and Eve believe (Genesis 3:1-5)? What lies are you tempted to believe?

Do your attitudes, thoughts, words, and actions consistently reveal faith in God’s goodness to you? Or are there things you think, say, or do that betray doubt in God’s goodness?

What is one practical thing you can do this week to apply this passage?





Observe: What is the big idea of 1:21-27? How does it connect to 1:16-20?

Interpret:

What is the “word implanted” that they are to receive (1:21; see also 1:25, 2:8)?

o In what sense is this word “implanted” (see also Jer. 31:31-33)?

o What must we do to “receive” it according to 1:21-27 (see also Mt. 10:14, 40-41)?

Based on the context of the letter what does James mean by “save your souls” in 1:21? To help answer this question, read the following passages that use the same or similar language:

o 1 Samuel 19:11 o Psalm 86:1-4 o Proverbs 13:3 o Ezekiel 18:26-27 o James 5:15,19-20

Explain the point of James’ metaphor in 1:23-24 comparing God’s word to a mirror. According to this metaphor, what is the consequence of hearing without obeying God’s Word?

Why does James focus our attention on widows and orphans (see Deut 10:18 and Isaiah 1:17)?

o What was life like for them in the ancient world?

o Who in our society today suffers in similar ways?

Apply:

Take a few minutes to reflect on your life. Where are you failing to obey God’s Word? Include both sins you’ve not yet turned from and positive commands you’re not yet practicing.

What exactly will you do in the next few weeks to help the vulnerable and needy?



What are the consequences of “hear and doing” God’s Word as opposed to “hearing without doing” His Word?

Hearing and doing Hearing without doing

Why does James call the Law a “law of liberty” (1:25; see also 2:12; Mt 11:28-30)? Don’t laws reduce our liberty (John 8:31-32; Rom 6:15-16; 1 Peter 2:16)?

Why does James also describe this law as “perfect” (cf. 1:4)?

How do the imperatives (commands) in 1:26-27 relate to the rest of the passage and to the book as a whole? How do these specific acts of obedience prevent one’s religion from being worthless?


Practically speaking, what did it mean in James’ day to “visit orphans and widows in their distress” (see Dt 14:29, Isa 1:17, Mt 25:35-36)? What does it look like in our day?





Observe:

What is the big idea of 2:1-13?

What ideas or themes do you observe in 2:1-13 that were also present in chapter 1?

Interpret:

Why would church leaders in James’ day have been tempted to give preferential treatment to the rich?

What does God think about wealth and poverty, about rich people and poor people? Use this passage as well as Deuteronomy 10:17-19; Luke 6:20-26; and 1 Corinthians 1:26-29.

Why do you think God seems to have a special concern for the weak and the vulnerable? How does the message of Christ’s death and resurrection (i.e., the Gospel) contribute to your understanding of God’s heart for people?

Why does James include vv8-13, a passage about the Law, in this discussion of favoritism? How do these verses advance his point? See Matthew 5:21-26,48 and Galatians 5:14.

How does “mercy,” which Paul mentions in v13, fit into his discussion of favoritism? In the context of this passage, how should we be showing mercy to others (see previous passage and next passage for help)?

Apply:

In your personal life, who have you been tempted to dismiss or look down upon (could be a specific person or a group)? On the other hand, are you guilty of favoring particular people or types of people? What are the reasons behind this partiality (past experiences, personal motives, upbringing, comfort level, etc)?

What specific thing will you do this week to demonstrate mercy to someone you would normally avoid, exclude, or dismiss?

Memorize: James 2:8

Additional Observation Questions:

List all the reasons James gives for why we should not show partiality to the rich over the poor.

James quotes from the Old Testament in 2:8 and 2:11. Use your Bible’s footnotes or cross-references to determine which OT passages he is quoting from. Turn to those passages and read them to gain a better understanding of their use by James.


Why does James mention the “glory” of Jesus Christ in this passage? How might Christ’s glory be an important point, in light of the scenario he provides in vv. 2-3?

We discussed James’ views of the rich and poor in our study of James 1:9-12. Look back at your noted for that week to answer the following questions. If needed, reread the background article on page 30 of the James study at James 2010 IBS page 30.


o Based on your background study, what did a person have to have in order to be considered “rich” in biblical times?

o How did people become rich in the NT era?

o What were some of the reasons why people were poor in the NT era?

o How were the divisions between the rich and poor in James’ day different than they are in America today?

What is the judgment that James speaks of in vv12-13? Will believers face this judgment? What will be the consequences? Provide scriptural support for your answers.


What leads people, Christians included, to discriminate against others based on race, economic class, outward appearance, cultural differences, etc.?

Do you see this favoritism at work in our own church in any way? Are we as a body guilty of favoring certain types or classes of people over others? Are there things we say or do that unintentionally demonstrate favoritism (prejudice can be subconscious!)


Note: we preached on 3:1-12 before 2:14-26.

These questions will help individuals, families, and small groups dig deeper into our James

sermon series. Leaders, don’t limit yourself to these questions or feel that you need to answer all

of them. Pick and choose or create your own based on the needs of your group.

Observe:

Read James 3:1-12. What is the big idea of this passage?

What primary point does James make in each section of this passage? o 3:1

o 3:2-5a

o 3:5b-8

o 3:9-12

Interpret:

This passage begins with a sobering warning regarding our speech! o Does this judgment determine whether a person goes to heaven? How can you tell?

o Based on 3:1-12, why do teachers receive an even stricter judgment (see Luke 12:48)?

Look carefully at each phrase in James 3:6. o How is the tongue like a fire? See also Proverbs 16:27-28; 26:18-22.

o How does the tongue defile the rest of our body? See also Matthew 15:17-20.

o What does James mean when he says that the tongue is set on fire by hell itself?

Apply:

What are some ways your words have harmed others? Think of specific examples. Can you identify any situations in which you are particularly prone to hurt others with your speech (like particular emotions, times, people, or environments)? If you are courageous enough, ask someone close to give you honest feedback about your speech.

Who can you encourage with your speech this week (Eph. 4:29)? What exactly will you say when you see them next?

Memorize: Proverbs 21:23


List the figures of speech used by James to talk about our speech.


What is the relationship between 3:1-12 and the verses that precede and the verses that follow?

Why does God judge us based on our words (3:2; Matthew 12:34)?

Look back at your list of figurative images from the observation question above. For each figurative image, determine the point of James’ comparison.

Why is it so difficult for us to “tame the tongue”? What is the ultimate source of the difficult problem we have with our speech (see Matthew 15:16-20)?

Why is it so important for us to keep trying despite the difficulty?

What does James mean that a person is “perfect” who exercises self-control over his or her speech (James 1:4; 2:22)?


Even though no one has perfect control of their speech, what are some practical steps you can take this week so that the Spirit has greater influence in the words you use?


Note: we preached 2:14-26 after 3:1-12




Observe:

Read James 2:14-26. What is the big idea of this passage? Or, another way to think about it, what question does this passage seek to answer?

Interpret:

Based on your study of the book as a whole, is this passage written to believers or unbelievers? How do you know?

Verse 14 clearly implies that faith without works cannot “save” us. But save us from what? Here are some hints to help you answer this question:

The Greek word sozo that we translate “save” simply means “to rescue” or “deliver.” You must determine what someone is being rescued from using the context!

James actually gives us the answer in the verses that immediately precede and immediately follow this passage (2:12-13 and 3:1)!

Paul speaks about a similar works-based judgment in 1 Corinthians 3:10-15 and 2 Corinthians 5:9-10. Look up these passages to see what good works will save us from.

What does James mean in 2:17 when he says that “faith without works is dead”? Use the following steps to help you answer this question…

Compare 2:17 with 2:20. How does 2:20 help you understand what he means by “dead”?

Consider the imagery of 2:26. How is faith without works similar to a body without a spirit?

In conclusion, what does James mean by “faith without works is dead?”

James 2:24 seems to directly contradict Romans 3:28. How do you reconcile these verses? Here are some hints to help you answer that question:

The word “justify” simply means “to declare someone to be in the right.” You must determine from context who is declaring whom to be “in the right.”

When Paul talks about Abraham’s justification in Romans 4:1-5, he references an event in Abraham’s life from Genesis 15:1-6. James, in contrast, references an event that occurred 20 years later, recorded in Genesis 22.

Think about what Abraham’s incredible act of obedience actually accomplished, and consider especially the last part of James 2:23.

Based on your study of this passage, list all of the reasons James gives us in 2:14-26 for why eternally secure believers should express their faith with good works.

Apply:

We get caught up in the theological controversy of this passage, but the application is straight-forward. What is this application? What exactly is James calling us to do?

James specifically challenges us to help fellow believers who are in desperate need. What believers in need has God placed in your own life?

Memorize: James 2:15-16


What themes or ideas from earlier in the book of James do you see repeated here?

How does this passage fit into the book as a whole? How does it relate, in particular, to the passage right before it?


Define “faith” in James 2:14-26. Is James referring to the “content” of faith, the “event” of faith, or the “maturing” of faith? How do you know?

Define “judgment” in James 2:12-13 and 3:1. Is this judgment for believers, non-believers or both? How do you know?

When James says that Abraham and Rahab were justified by their obedient actions, what exactly does he mean? Think through the following…

o What were the results of Abraham’s obedience... according to 2:22 (note that “perfected” could be translated “matured”; cp.

James 1:2-4; Hebrews 5:14)?

according to 2:23?

o What was the practical result of Rahab’s obedience?

o How would Abraham’s and Rahab’s lives have turned out differently if they would have chosen not to do these obedient works?


Imagine a conversation over lunch with a close friend who trusted in Christ’s death and resurrection years ago, but has since that time shown little interest in living a life of obedience to the Lord. As you have done so many times before, you encourage your friend to come to church with you this weekend, hoping that this would be the first step towards turning his life around. Sadly, he turns you down yet again. He goes on to explain, “I’d really rather sleep in. Man, why do you keep pushing me to go to church, or to read my Bible, or turn my life around? I’m already good with Jesus. I trusted in Him; I know I’m going to heaven when I die. So why shouldn’t I just enjoy this life?” How would you respond to your friend based on what you’ve learned in this lesson? What reasons would you give him for choosing a life of obedience? What will a life of disobedience cost him according to James 2?

Questions for James Sermon #10 – 3:13-4:3




Observe:

Read James 3:13-4:3. What is the big idea of this passage?

List everything James says about...

Earthly wisdom

Wisdom from above

Interpret:

What does the word “wisdom” mean in Scripture? See 3:13,17 as well as 1 Kings 3:9-12, Psalm 111:10, Proverbs 1:1-7, 2:6-12. How does wisdom relate to intelligence and education?

What does James mean by “pleasures” in 4:1,3? Are all “pleasures” inherently evil? If not, then what specifically can go wrong with our enjoyment of “pleasures”? See Luke 8:14, Phil 3:17-20, 1 Tim 6:16, and 1 Peter 2:11.

According to this passage, what things create quarrels and conflicts? What things promote peace between believers?

Apply:

Think of a recent example when you felt jealous or envious of another person’s accomplishments, possessions, popularity, etc. What elicited those feelings? Based on our study of the “wisdom from above” how should we respond when we feel that way?

Are you currently in conflict with any other believer? What can you do this week to foster peace and reconciliation with this person?



What themes, ideas, or key words from earlier in the book of James do you see repeated in 3:13-4:3?

What words or ideas link 3:13-18 with 4:1-3?


How does this passage compare to what came before it? How does it relate to the big ideas and overall purpose of the book of James?

Why would James refer to earthly wisdom as “natural” (literally, “soulish”)? Why would it be bad to pursue wisdom that is natural to us? See 1 Corinthians 2:14 and Ephesians 2:1-3.

What exactly is James point in 3:18? It can be helpful to compare the verse in various translations to better understand what it means.


What things are you tempted to envy (could be possessions, physical attributes, benefits in life, relationships, etc.)?

When was the last time you practiced deeds of “mercy” (practical help towards those in needs)? How can you show mercy in the coming weeks?






Interpret:

The shocking rebuke at the beginning of the passage, “adulteresses,” refers to unfaithfulness to God, not literal adultery. Like much of the OT, James compares adultery to idolatry (for example, see Jeremiah 3:20 and Ezekiel 16:32).

Why would the Bible use adultery as a metaphor for idolatry? How are they similar?

As best we can tell, James’ audience was not committing idolatry in the traditional sense: worshipping pagan gods. So why would James accuse them of idolatry?

Friendship meant much more in the ancient world than it does today. A friend shared your values, your way of thinking, and even your possessions. So what exactly does it mean to be a “friend of the world” (hint: “double-minded” in 4:8 refers to the same sin)? Is James calling us to disassociate with all unbelievers and separate ourselves from this world, or does he have something else in mind? See James 1:27, John 17:14-21, and 1 John 2:15-17.

List all of the commands in James 4:7-10 and then give a brief definition (just a few words) for each. Overall, what exactly does James challenge his audience to do?

Apply:

Does the rebuke in 4:4 of “adulteress” fit you? In other words, have you been a “friend” of the world in any way – embracing the world’s values and way of thinking; prioritizing the world’s pleasures and possessions? How do you know when you have crossed the line from simply enjoying good things in the world to “loving” the things of the world?

What area(s) of sin in your life do you need to repent of this week? Spend some time alone with the Lord repenting of specific sin. Let the commands of 4:7-10 guide your time with the Lord.



How does this passage relate to the passage last week, James 3:13-4:3? What similar ideas or key words tie the passages together?


James harshly rebukes his audience in this passage: adulteresses, enemies of God, sinners, double-minded. What is the overall problem or sin that James is addressing?

Define “grace” (Eph 2:8-9; 2 Cor 12:9). How does God give us His “grace”?

Define “pride” and “humility.” In practical terms, how do we humble ourselves? How would your life look different if you were more humble (Isaiah 66:1-2)?

What specifically does it mean to “resist” the devil (cf. 1 Peter 5:8-9)?

James 4:5 is remarkably difficult to understand. No verse in the OT exactly matches it, so it is uncertain what passage James might be quoting or paraphrasing, or if the actual quotation does not appear until 4:6. Furthermore, two very different interpretations (based on two different translations) are possible. “Spirit” could refer to the Holy Spirit, in which case the quote should be translated, “He [God] jealousy desires the Holy Spirit which He made to dwell in us.” But “spirit” could also refer to the fallen, sinful “spirit” within all human beings that God has allowed to endure since the Fall of humanity. This option leads to the translation, “The spirit that God caused to dwell within us has an envious yearning,” referring to the sinful lusts dwelling within us. Which translation do you think is correct, and why? Using your preferred translation, how does this verse fit into the rest of the passage – what point is James making here?

Why does James rebuke his audience for laughter and joy in 4:9 (cf. Luke 6:25)? Is he implying that laughter and joy are always inappropriate for God’s people? Give cross-references to support your answer.





Observe:

Read James 4:11-17. What is the big idea of this passage that ties the two sections together (v11-12 and v13-17)?

How does this passage relate to the previous, 4:4-10?

Interpret:

Explain James’ rationale in v11. How does speaking against another believer make us a judge of the law? Why is it bad to be a judge of the law (see v6,12)?

What exactly is James’ condemning in v13-16? What makes this merchant’s plan both foolish and sinful? See also Luke 12:16-21.

Based on v13-17, describe the right way to plan for the future.

People often think of sin as “doing things that violate God’s commands.” According to v17, what should we add to this definition?

Apply:

“Speak against” and “judge” in v11 refer to a variety of sinful ways of speaking about other people, including slander, gossip, ridicule, complaining, and fault-finding. Have you struggled with any of these sins of speech lately? In what circumstances are you most likely to struggle?

Have you been planning for the future in humility or in pride? To find out, consider the following:

What are you depending on to make your future successful: God or your strength, intelligence, charisma, skill, bank account, etc.?

When events go “off-plan,” are you able to be at peace about it (you trust God’s sovereignty) or do you get angry, frustrated, or fearful (you struggle to trust)?





of them. Pick and choose or create your own based on the needs of your group. We covered

James 5:1-6 extensively in our sermon on the rich and poor (1:9-12). If you want to review that

section before getting into 5:7-11, check out the corresponding study questions here.

Observe:

Read James 5:7-11. What is the big idea of this paragraph?

How does James 5:7-11 relate to the previous paragraph, 5:1-6 (“therefore” in v7)? In other words, what exactly did these “brethren” need to patiently endure?

Interpret:

Define “patience” using 1 Cor 13:4, Gal 5:22-23, 2 Peter 3:9, and Exodus 34:6 (translated “slow”). Then look up the definition in a dictionary for further clarity.

Define “endurance” (sometimes translated “perseverance” or “steadfastness”) using James 1:2-4, Rom 5:3-5, 2 Thess 1:4, and 2 Tim 3:10-12.

James encourages us to place out hope in the “coming of the Lord.” From books written later in the New Testament, we learn that Jesus will actually come again twice. First, He will come again for us in the Rapture. And then, after seven years of tribulation on earth, He will come again with us to judge and rule.

o What do you learn about the Rapture in 1 Thess 4:13-18, 5:2, and 2 Thess 2:1-2?

http://www.grace-bible.org/uploads/publications/james-week-3-questions.pdf

o What do you learn about the Christ’s final return in Matt 24:32-44 and Revelation 19:11-21?

o Finally, what does James mean when he says this return is “near” (5:8)?

God’s enemies will be conquered when the Lord comes, but God’s people also face evaluation at the Judgment Seat of Christ (2 Cor 5:9-11; 1 Peter 4:17). How should this expectation affect us when we suffer (James 5:9)?

Apply:

None of us respond perfectly to hostility and suffering. Some of us fight back or lash out at others. Others of us complain or blame God or attempt to escape our pain through pleasurable distractions. Of these sinful responses, which are you most likely to fall into when you suffer? Try to describe your own typical pattern of responding to suffering.

Patience requires hope. Grow your hope by reading each of the following passages that describes what life will be like when our King returns. What do you learn about your future in each of these passages?

o Isaiah 11:1-9

o Isaiah 65:17-25

o Revelation 21-22

Memorize: James 5:8


What themes, ideas, or key words from earlier in James do you see repeated here?

What can we learn from the farmer’s waiting for “the early and late rains” (Dt 11:14; Jer 5:24)? Was the farmer completely passive in his waiting?

James uses two illustrations of patient endurance in suffering – OT prophets and Job. o What similarities connected their situation to the Old Testament prophets and Job?

o What should they have learned from the experience of the prophets and Job (as a reminder, you might want to read Job 1, 2 and 42)?

Why does James come down so hard on believers taking oaths? To better understand this verse, think about (1) why a person in his audience would feel the need to swear by heaven or earth, (2) how this command fits in with the first eleven verses of this chapter (it may seem like a new subject, but it really does connect!), and (3) Jesus’ teaching on the matter in Matthew 5:33-37.






Interpret:

When you pray for a sick person and God does not heal him, how do you reconcile that reality with James’ promise in 5:15 (“will restore”)? Does it mean that we or our elders lack sufficient faith? Why or why not? To help you answer this question, look up these cross-references and record what you learn about prayer:

o Matthew 7:7-11 (Think about the comparison Jesus makes. Do good fathers always give their children anything they want? Why or why not?)

o Luke 18:1-8

o John 14:12-14

o 2 Corinthians 12:7-10

o Philippians 1:23 (notice what Paul felt was “best”)

o 2 Timothy 4:20

What does “save his soul from death” mean in 5:20? Is this physical death or spiritual death? How do you know? (Hint: the word “save” is the same Greek word translated “restore” in v15)

Apply:

How does your prayer life compare to what James describes in this passage? Do you pray when you suffer? Do you sing praise when life is good? Do you regularly pray for those who are sick? What will you do this week to improve your prayer life?

Do you have another believer to whom you confess your sins on a regular basis? If not, what has kept you from such a relationship? Who has God put in your life that you could approach this week to become your accountability partner?


Additional Questions:

What themes, ideas, or key words from earlier in James do you see repeated here?

Why would James direct the elders to pray for the sick? Why do they have this special responsibility? Look up Acts 20:28 and 1 Peter 5:1-3.

What does it mean to “confess” our sins to one another? See Acts 19:18. Practically speaking, what should this look like?

To most readers, 5:19-20 seem like an abrupt ending to this book. Why did James choose to end with these verses? How do they relate to the overall purpose and theme of the book?

List out the principles about prayer that you learned in this passage.

questions for james sermon #1 introduction and 1:1 for james sermon #2 – 1:2-8 these questions are...

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