#BibleStudy Thoughts on the Questions from James Ch 1 on 02-23-2020
For as many Sundays as needed, my Sunday school class will explore the context and content of the practical content of the Letter from James.
This is Wednesday. What follows are bits and pieces of the discussion in class on the questions posted two days ago.
If you miss getting the questions on Mondays, I invite you to go back. Copy, and paste the questions from those posts into a word.docx and fill in blanks or answer questions on your own. You can compare your thoughts to those of my class members each Wednesday. If your answers don’t match my class’s answers, that doesn’t make your answers wrong. If you like more information about what was said in class, email me at the address at the end of this post.
I hope you enjoy exploring this practical book along with us. Each Sunday's discussion ends at the last question in black print. Photos included are of the "whiteboard" list I generated during the discussion and are nothing but time savers for me.
Questions in this print were answered in previous weeks.
I invite you to check this blog site on Friday when my Expressions of Faith posts are from James. Here's last week's link's URL.
I also invite you back to these "Questions" blogs next week!
Chapter 1
Verses 1-8
V1: Opening greeting.
Who are "the twelve tribes scattered among the nations"?
V2-3: Why "pure joy"?
What does James mean by that?
How do trials test our faith?
What are some other examples of those who faced trials?
Is there evidence of joy on their part?
V3-4: What progression of the Christian life is illustrated in these verses?
What do other Scriptures have to say about trials and suffering?
Why is suffering THE only way to mature?
V5-8: How does the word "lack" tie vv4-5 together?
Why is it so nice that God gives "without finding fault"?
Can you think of an example of when you got something from a "fault-finder" - how did you feel when you finally got it?
What does wisdom have to do with facing trials?
Prayer is a key part of this process. What does James say to pray for? What NOT to pray for?
What great analogy for doubting is given here?
- Ocean waves
- Tossed by the wind
- “Untethered balloon”
What does it mean to be double-minded?
- Double-minded = Half-hearted.
- Change your belief system to match those of your companions.
- Behavior on Sunday vs rest of the week
- Part-time God’s way, part-time your own way.
- Look for your own way, not God’s way.
What problem does double-mindedness bring?
- Double-minded blocks wisdom.
- You end up going “whichever way the wind is blowing.”
- Lack of commitment to God’s way.
- Keeps prayers from being answered.
Why is faith essential for receiving answers to prayer?
- You have to be single-minded.
- If double-minded, expect nothing from God.
- Asking without faith never brings a solid answer.
What is God's single-minded goal for our lives?
- Sanctification, heart-cleansing.
- Trust and obedience to God.
How single-minded are you about achieving that goal?
- This is a self-introspection question. I recommended being honest in your answer and doing whatever you need to do to become single-minded with God if you're not already.
WE GOT THIS FAR THIS WEEK.
SEO: Bible study, New Testament, thinking, knowing God
Follow me on
Twitter: @CRDowningAuthor
Email: crd.author@gmail.com
My Blogs
Life as I see it. Topics rotate between those of general interest to lovers of life, authors, teachers—probably you, too. Posts on Tuesdays and some Mondays. http://crdowning-author.blogspot.com/?alt=rss
My Christian Context. Posts M/W of discussion questions. Thursdays - Timeless Truths. Fridays - Expressions of Faith. https://mychristiancontext.blogspot.com/
I'd appreciate your feedback on Blogger!
Comments
Post a Comment