Bible Studies - Wisdom of James
OUTLINE OF STUDIES - WISDOM FROM JAMES
1. How Can I be Steadfast Under Trials? – 1:1-12
2. How Can I Possibly Rejoice in Trials? – 1:12-18
3. Is my Religion “Pure and Undefiled”? – 1:18-27
4. How Should I Assess a Person’s Value? – 2:1-13
5. Is my Faith Dead or Living? – 2:14-16
6. My Tongue: a Tool for Hurting or Healing? – 3:1-18
7. Is my Priority “What I Need” or “What I Want”? – 4:1-10
8. Do My Plans Fit with God’s Plans? – 4:11-17
9. Is my Eye on Possessions or on Christ’s Return? – 5:1-12
10. Do I Really Need Other Christians? Why? – 5:13-15
11. How Important is Prayer and Pastoral Care? – 5:16-20
12. Is It Not Enough to Look After My Own Life? – 5:19-20
BIBLE STUDY
Wisdom From James
This Bible study is based on the Letter of James and is intended for group discussion after an initial talk by the minister. An outline of the talk is given in each handout for each study. The questions set out in each session of the study are intended to stimulate discussion and need not be kept to rigidly but all the questions arise from what is written in this Letter.
Session 1
How Can I be Steadfast under Trials?
Passage for Study:
James 1 verses 1-12
Outline of Talk:
• The trials we experience as Christians are from situations we meet with in everyday life, yet they belong to our relationship with God.
• Questions and doubts that arise in our minds when we are experiencing trials.
• James states that trials are not only an integral part of Christian living but that they have a positive purpose. Overcoming trials and dealing with them properly produces spiritual growth.
• The “wisdom” mentioned in verse 5 is the ability to know, understand and do what is pleasing to God. God is the source of this wisdom for us and we must ask him for it.
• God is said to give generously and “without reproach”, which means that he is not hesitant or reluctant to give us.
• Verse 6 does not mean that we can have whatever we want provided we have enough faith in asking! To be a “doubter” in verses 6 (which is the same as “double-minded” in verse 8) is illustrated by a “wave of the sea, driven and tossed by the wind.” It means to be indecisive, and probably includes the idea of being afraid of having to do things God’s way.
• Verses 9-11 remind us that it is not easy to avoid trusting in riches and material things for our security, which would be the opposite of asking God for wisdom to live by. This leads to verse 12 which speaks about the much better riches that await those who remain steadfast under trial.
Questions for Discussion Session:
1. In the experience of trial what questions or doubts might you have about God? (The group may wish to explore the “various kinds” of trial Christians meet with).
2. What other attitudes to trial might you have compared to the way James speaks about them in verses 2-4?
3. In what ways do you think experiencing trials should make you a better person and a more mature Christian?
4. In what ways are riches and material possessions a test to your faith? Would being poor be a greater or lesser test?
5. Verse 12: In your own experience, what is the connection between “love for God” and “remaining steadfast under trial.”
6. In reflecting on what you have covered in the discussion list below the main things you would include in prayer to God (you can have more or less than 4!).
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