#BibleStudy Thoughts on Study Questions from James Ch 3 on 07/26/2020



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
V13-18
What is meant by "disorder"? 

  • Whatever you are aiming for falls apart.
  • Strife.
  • Those around you are out for themselves.
  • Looking out for #1.
  • Sodom & Gomorrah - Every evil thing.
  • A child's tantrum.
Why do envy and selfish ambition lead to disorder and evil practices? 
  • Putting self (#1) before others. There are lots of clashing because there are lots of #1s.

Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others. Philippians 2:3
  • The problem is a lack of focus on God, thus changing agendas.
  • We must work together.
  • Self-recognition is NOT this.
  • This is against God's plan; God calls for humility.
  • This is totally the opposite of Jesus' lifestyle.
What is meant by "considerate" and "submissive"? 
  • Considerate: courteous and reasonable.
  • Submission: placing others above self.

17 But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure and full of quiet gentleness. Then it is peace-loving and courteous. It allows discussion and is willing to yield to others; it is full of mercy and good deeds. It is wholehearted and straightforward and sincere.  James 3:17 (Living Bible)

  • Show it in both small and big things.
  • Be faithful to God. Don't submit to an unchristian act.
  • Getting along is hard work!

Do peacemakers avoid conflict at all costs? 

  • No, not always.
  • Peacemaking isn't "always giving in."
  • Peacemakers have principles - that can lead to conflict.
  • Self-motivation: Avoid conflict. Don't waver in moral/legal issues.
  • Consider the example of players in a sandlot baseball game in past years. Link to a blog on sandlot baseball.
  • True justice is the relief of your burden.
Do peacemakers end debate by imposing their own will? 

  • An elected official might.
  • Leaders must do it at some point to move along, but they must resolve an issue at some point.
  • Compromise may be unequal.
  • Treat each other with dignity and honor.
  • Show respect.

Do peacemakers give in? 

  • They might give in, except on moral issues.
  • On moral issues, they would leave before "giving in."
Why are peacemaking and righteousness connected like they are? 
  • A peacemaker's life shows doing the right thing.
  • Sown seeds take time to produce fruit.
  • Commit the issue to God as you sow the seeds.

Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God. 
Matthew 5:9 (KJV)

WE GOT THIS FAR THIS WEEK.


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