#BibleStudy Thoughts on the Questions from James Ch 1 on 03-01-2020
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?
What does it mean to be double-minded?
What problem does double-mindedness bring?
Why is faith essential for receiving answers to prayer?
What is God's single-minded goal for our lives?
How single-minded are you about achieving that goal?
Chapter 1
Verses 9-11
God is interested in our soul not in our achievements and/or possessions.
What "high position" could a humble person achieve?
- Good at a job, maybe in a position of authority.
- It can be easy when God blesses faithfulness to think that you earned the blessing by yourself!
- “Poor” are often motivated by things. Fortunately, God holds us in high position whenever we turn to Him.
Why would/could that be a prideful situation?
- Once you attain a position you tend to think differently of yourself and forget the sources of your good fortune.
- Satan helps us forget where our good fortune comes from.
What sort of pride is James talking about?
- Proud when not recognizing that they missed the mark.
- You cannot outgive God.
What kind of "low position" would a rich person have?
- Serving in the church.
How could THAT be a source of pride?
- I’m better than the others who serve.
How is each person's position a potential trial?
- All positions come with responsibility. <However, it can be a chance to testify.>
- It’s hard not to be proud of “stuff” or feel sorry if you don’t have a lot of stuff.
What warning does v11 have for us?
- We are all going to die.
- All life on Earth is temporary.
- We get caught in the time we have here on Earth.
According to these verses, is that necessarily the end of the rich?
- Yes, although many people’s downfall is “not being rich.”
- Remember that it’s more blessed to give than to receive.
WE GOT THIS FAR THIS WEEK.
Why does James include rich/poor comparisons in a section about trails and perseverance?
Chapter 1
Verse 12
What is the promise in v12?
What other crowns are mentioned in Scripture?
What other promises encourage joy among trials?
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