James Studies 10-13
James Study 10
Read James 4:7-10 and Luke 18:9-14
1. What is needed when God's people become his enemies? (v4)
2. What does true repentance involve?
Read James 4:11-12
3. Why is it inappropriate for one Christian to condemn or speak ill of another?
Read Matthew 7:15-20 and Romans 16:17-19
4. What is the difference between judging one's brother and having discerning judgement?
Matthew 7:1-6
5. What similarities are there between Jesus' teaching on judging and that of James' letter?
6. What light does Matthew 7:5-6 shed on the difference between being wisely discerning and unfairly judgemental?
7. When are you tempted to be judgemental? How is this breaking the law to love your neighbour as yourself?
James Study 11
Read James 4:13-17
1. To what kind of people is this passage addressed?
2. What risks are involved in making ambitious plans without considering God's will?
3. What advice does James give about making plans for the future? How might it be done?
Read James 5:1-6
4. To whom is this passage addressed?
Read Ezekiel 29:1-4 and Luke 10:13-15
5. The style of language James uses her is sometimes known as "Prophetic Lament". How is it similar to the laments of Ezekiel and Jesus? Who were the words meant to comfort in each case?
6. When is the message of God's judgement and the fleeting nature of life also a message of comfort and hope?
7. What kinds of oppression and injustice most move you? How can we seek to address injustice?
James Study 12
Read James 5:7-11
1. How is waiting for Jesus to return like a farmer waiting for rain?
2. What does James encourage Christians to do as we await Jesus' return?
3. What quality of God's character should encourage us to persevere?
4. How might we live differently if we truly believed in Jesus' imminent return?
Read James 5:12 and Matthew 34-37
5. At the end of a Greek letter in James' day it was customary to finish with a summary, an oath, a health wish and purpose statement. What is James' opinion of the casual use of oaths and the importance of the truth?
6. When are oaths used today and why are they necessary?
7. Why is integrity so hard to find? How can we be known as people of the truth?
James Study 13
Read James 5:13
1. How does the world encourage us to deal with suffering and pain? Or with joy?
2. What is different about James' advice?
3. What kind of prayers would be appropriate for those in trouble?
Read Matthew 26:27-30 and Colossians 3:16
4. When do you find it easiest to pray or to sing praises? When is it hardest?
Read James 5:14-18 and 1 Kings 18:1, 18:36-39 and 18:44-45
5. What should characterise the Christian community?
6. In light of his previous teaching, what does James mean by a prayer offered "in faith"? How is Elijah an example of prayer "in faith"?
Read James 5:19-20, 1 Peter 4:8 and Matthew 7:3-5
7. What is the Christian's responsibility for an errant brother or sister? With what motivation or goal?
8. Why is it often easier to correct someone's theology than challenge their lifestyle or behaviour? When is it loving to do so?