Mother of Seven + 2

HOW TO GAIN WISDOM Read James 1:5-8 What is God’s attitude in giving wisdom? (v. 5) In what manner should we go about asking for wisdom? (v. 6) Why are we told to ask for wisdom believing he will give it? (v. 6-8) What is the anchor for our souls that keeps us from being tossed like the sea? (See Hebrews 6:17-20) HOW THE WISE WALK...IN HUMILITY Read James 3:13-18. If one is wise and understanding of God’s ways, how does he live? (v. 13) Who in the Bible is described as humble and gentle? (See Matthew 11:29) Why does wisdom require humility? How does bitter envy and selfish ambition contrast with humility? (v. 14-17) What is boasting? What does boasting tend to cover up? (v. 14) Contrast earthly wisdom with heavenly wisdom. What do the attributes listed under Heavenly Wisdom remind you of? (See Gal. 5:22-23; Mt. 5:3-12) HOW LIFE LOOKS WITHOUT WISDOM Read James 4:1-3. These verses follow directly on the heals of 3:17-18

  Do Faith and Works Go Together? “ The grace of God and the grateful response of man are both important.” Read James 1:22-25. vs. 22 – KEY VERSE IN JAMES See also Luke 11:28 How might we deceive ourselves is we only “listen” to the Word? (v. 22) Who is the person like that only hears the Word but does not do what it says? (vs. 23, 24) Thought question: How might the church today be characterized? As “hearers only” or as “hearers who do it?” How are we to look into the “perfect law?” (v. 25) “ The Word should make a lasting impression on our lives – so much so that we act on it.” How does the “perfect law” give freedom or set us free? It almost seems a contradiction. Freedom is gained by doing what the law says??? It sounds like we have to do it. How can that be tied to freedom? (See John 8:31-36) What is the positive outcome for those who “hear and do” the Word? (v. 25) Read James 2:14-26. List all your observati

Sending Satan Packing A Lesson On Temptation Read James 1:13-15. Verse 13 Why should I not say I am being tempted by God? See also I Cor. 10:13. People God tested: 1. Genesis 22:1__________________________________ 2. Judges 2:21-22________________________________ 3. II Chronicles 32:30-31__________________________ Does God testing these people contradict what James is saying here? Why or Why not? What is the difference between tempting and testing? Verse 14 Where does temptation come from? Who is the tempter? (See James 4:7; Mark 1:13; Matthew 6:13) What two things go hand in hand in causing temptation? Who is responsible for my sin? Is it accurate to say, “The devil made me do it”??? Or is it right to blame God? (See Gen. 3:8-13) How might I be like a hungry fish looking at a fat juicy worm on a hook? Verse 15 Is desire sin? Why or why not? When does sin occur? What is the re

  Introduction to the Book of James What type of book is it? Who was the author of the book? Who was the book written to? The book of James has been said to be the Proverbs of the New Testament. It is filled with a wealth of wisdom. It covers a variety of themes pertaining to the Christian life. These themes are scattered throughout the book as James keeps coming back to them. If you read through the book of James, what are some of the themes you noticed? WHEN TRIALS COME MY WAY... Observe the Text What is a trial? (examples from James....Js. 2:6; 5:1-6, 14) Read James 1:2-4, 12. What is the attitude Christians should have during trials? (v. 2) What is the reason we can have this attitude? (v. 3) (I Pet. 1:6-7; Rom. 5:3-4) What is the end result? (v. 4) Think of a mature Christian you know or have known. What kinds of trials have they faced in their lives? What is the reward for the one who perseveres under trial? (v. 12) Per

The book of James has always been one of my favorite New Testament letters.  I was surprised the first time I taught a class on this book when a few of the women expressed that it was one of their least favorite because they came away from it feeling like failures.  Since that time though, I've found that people either love this book or they struggle with it.   I am a practical person.  I'm the nerd that loves getting the practical gift for Christmas.  In fact, our very first Christmas we were married, my husband bought me a new toilet seat.  I was thrilled.  We were still in college and had little money, so we had been unable to replace it.  It was broken, and I never knew which way it would slip and slide when I would sit on it.  Don't bother with the flowers, jewelry and mushy cards (although occasionally is fine 😃).  Give me something I can use.  James does exactly that in his letter to the churches.  He gives chunks of wisdom that help us live the Christian life fully