James Studies 6-9
James Study 6
Read James 2:1-7
1. How does Jesus' glory help give perspective to differences between the rich and the poor?
Read Luke 20:46
2. What kind of person might get preferential treatment in a church today?
3. What kind of person might be discriminated against?
4. How do the rich and famous of our day exploit the common folk or slander the name of Christ?
5. What might be James' advice to us today about how we respond to celebrities?
6. What kind of jobs and status did some of the early Christians have? Where are people of great faith found today?
Read James 2:8-11, Mark 12:28-33, Romans 13:10 and Galatians 5:6 and 14
7. What importance does James place on loving one's neighbour? How is it consistent with the teaching of Jesus and Paul? When do we fall short of this "Royal Law"?
James Study 7
Read James 2:12-13, Matthew 5:7 and Luke 10:33-37
1. How does James' letter build on Jesus' teaching about mercy?
2. What modern examples of mercy can you think of?
Read James 2:14-19
3. What is James' opinion of a faith in God which does not produce mercy and deeds of compassion?
4. What is easy or difficult about acts of charity? What could you give up to better provide for the poor?
Read James 2:20-26, Galatians 2:8-10 and 5:1-6
5. Some claim that Paul and James preached differing roads to salvation. What message do they share in common? How did their differing audiences change the context and emphasis of the message?
6. How do Abraham and Rahab help illustrate the way faith is made complete in deeds?
7. In what practical ways could you practise loving your neighbour?
James Study 8
Read James 3:1, 2 Timothy 2:2 and Jude 3
1. What special responsibilities did teachers of the gospel have in the early church?
Read Matthew 23:13-15; Luke 12:41-48 and 1 Corinthians 3:10-15
2. Why must teachers be especially careful to guard their speech?
Read James 2:8-11, Mark 12:28-33, Romans 13:10 and Galatians 5:6,14
3. What warnings about one's speech do James and Jesus give?
Read James 3:9-12
4. What does it mean to praise God and curse men?
5. What is the Christian motivation for speaking to people lovingly and with respect?
6. What examples of poisonous speech can you think of?
7. What tests could you apply to your words before you say them to make sure they are pleasing to God?
James Study 9
Read James 3:13-18
1. How is heavenly wisdom revealed?
Read Galatians 6:7-10
2. How does the agricultural metaphor James uses help us to understand the relationship between wisdom and good works?
3. What is the opposite of each characteristic of wisdom and from where does this unspiritual "wisdom" come?
Read Matthew 5:9
4. How are peacemakers blessed? How can we promote peace in our community?
Read James 4:1-6, Matthew 5:21-22 and 6:24, 1 John 3:15-18
5. Why is James' language so strong - calling his readers murderers, adulterers and enemies of God? By what have they been seduced?
6. What is God's response to his unfaithful people? (v6)
7. In what areas do you need to humble yourself and pursue heavenly wisdom?