#BibleStudy Thoughts on Study Questions from James Ch 3 on 07/19/2020



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.

You’re also invited back to these "Questions" blogs next week!

Chapter 3
Verses 13-18
What is the difference between wisdom and understanding? 

  • Wisdom develops over a long time//applying//discernment’
  • “I can explain it to you, but I can’t understand it for you.”
  • You accumulate knowledge over time. Wisdom acts on/with that knowledge.
  • Understanding is usually shorter//learning//work.
Why do we need both? 

  • You must learn something before you apply it. 
  • Surface knowledge vs. the ability to apply that knowledge.
“Wisdom begins with ·respect [fear; awe] for the Lord,
and understanding begins with knowing the Holy One.
Proverbs 9:10 (Expanded Bible)


  • Wisdom comes from God.
Why is humility an essential ingredient? 

  • DOING the right thing AT the right time FOR the right reason.
  • Gentleness is essential.
  • Without humility, it’s hard to apply God’s Word.
 Do you want to be counted wise, to build a reputation for wisdom? Here’s what you do: Live well, live wisely, live humbly. It’s the way you live, not the way you talk, that counts. James 3:13 (MSG)

  • You might be right, but you’re wrong if you use wisdom without humility because that leads to legalism.
  • Boasting that you’re wise isn’t wisdom.
  • Encounters with know-it-alls make knowledge and wisdom hard to accept.
And by all means don’t brag about being wise and good if you are bitter and jealous and selfish; that is the worst sort of lie. James 3:14 (Living Bible)

What is meant by "bitter envy" and "selfish ambition"? 

  • Bitter envy is ongoing jealousy.
  • Ambition is not inherently bad. Putting yourself first makes it bad.
  • Envy: a feeling of discontented or resentful longing aroused by someone else's possessions, qualities, or luck. (Google)
  • Not only stepping over someone but stepping on them to get ahead.
  • There is a price to pay for everything if you are willing to pay it.
Do those terms really need the adjectives? 

  • Yes. There is a Godly jealousy.
How could those traits effect someone's ministry? 

  • Each affects the mind, body, and soul.
  • Both put something in place of God.
  • Harboring envy/ambition diminishes the effectiveness of your ministry.
What are the differences between "earthly" wisdom and wisdom from God? 

  • Earthly is bad (maybe neutral in some cases) while Godly is from God.
  • See verse 13 above!
  • Real wisdom is God's wisdom.
  • Worldly wisdom promotes self. 
  • Anything to promote self even injury, confusion, every evil thing to others is worthless work.
  • God’s wisdom is constant. Earthly wisdom changes over time.

WE GOT THIS FAR THIS WEEK.

What is meant by "disorder"? 

Why do envy and selfish ambition lead to disorder and evil practices? 

What is meant by "considerate" and "submissive"? 

Does a peacemaker avoid conflict at all costs? Does he end debate by imposing his own will? Does he give in? 

Why are peacemaking and righteousness connected like they are? 

What can we do to grow in heavenly wisdom? 


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