SOURCE FOR QUESTIONS
James 1:1 through 5:20

‍KEY VERSE FOR MEMORIZATION
“Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: shew me thy faith without thy works, and I will shew thee my faith by my works.” (James 2:18)

BACKGROUND

By A.D. 49, many of the early believers had left Jerusalem to live in areas outside of Palestine due to the persecution that arose after Stephen’s death. Since these individuals who were “scattered abroad” no longer had day-to-day contact with the leaders of the church, James wrote this epistle to encourage them to endure in spite of trials, to continue growing in Christ, and to evidence their faith by actions that were appropriate for believers.

More than any other book in the New Testament, James focuses on the necessity for followers of Christ to act in accordance with their faith. The author was convinced that what Christians believe must affect what they do. His repeated emphasis on practical aspects of the life of faith is similar in many ways to Proverbs and other portions of the wisdom literature of the Old Testament.

While there is no clearly defined structure in James’ epistle, a number of themes are woven throughout the five chapters. These include faith that is revealed by actions, remaining steadfast in trials, wise speech, the wisdom of God, the worthlessness of riches, and perseverance in prayer. His instruction, though written nearly two thousand years ago, can still serve as a how-to book on genuine Christian living.

SUGGESTED RESPONSES TO QUESTIONS

1. James began his epistle by challenging the recipients of his letter to patiently endure when faced with difficult circumstances. The word “temptation” in James 1:2 refers to both outward adversities and trials. The phrase “trying of your faith” in verse 3 implies a test designed to prove the quality of something. In verse 4, what reason did James give for patient endurance of temptations and trials?
   
   James asserted that through patient enduring, those experiencing temptations and trials could become “perfect and entire, wanting nothing.” Explain to your group that the word perfect in the original Greek indicates something that is complete and fully developed. Entire has a similar meaning, defined as “complete in every part; perfectly sound and whole.” James was pointing these individuals toward the highest goal of Christian character — a fully matured life of holy living — and indicated the way to attain that goal was through unswerving constancy in spite of persecution and problems.
   
   To expand your discussion, you could ask your group to identify outward evidences that a person is bearing his or her trials with what James described as “patient endurance.” Responses might include indicators such as a spirit of acceptance rather than discouraged resignation, absence of complaining or grumbling about one’s circumstances, a thankful heart in spite of the trials, a focus on the eternal goal, and an ever-closer relationship with God.
2. Early Christian churches followed the pattern of synagogue worship in which religious instruction was delivered orally, so throughout his epistle James frequently challenged believers to put into practice what they heard from God’s Word. One such instruction is found in James 1:22, where he admonished, “Be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only.” How would you describe a person who is a doer of the word?
   
   The comments your group comes up with to describe a doer of the Word could include: one who is obedient, who pays close attention and absorbs the truth and then follows through, who responds by taking action, or whose heart is tender to correction and slow to be offended. The point should be reinforced that mere mental or even verbal assent to the truth is not sufficient. We must embrace the opportunity to act upon what we hear (or read) from the Word of God and respond with obedience.
   
   Amplify by focusing on the second part of verse 22, which indicates those who are “hearers only” are deceiving (or deluding) themselves. In verses 23-25, James illustrated this by the example of a man who looks in a mirror but goes away without dealing with the problems the mirror revealed. Point out that God’s Word not only reveals spiritual aspects of our lives that need attention, but unlike a mirror, also reveals what God wants us to become.
   
   Ask your group: How is one who ignores his spiritual needs deceiving himself? Discussion should bring out that the individual may deceive himself by assuming correction is not important, or that he is better than others who have worse problems. He may deceive himself into thinking he will take care of the matter later, or that the issue really is not his fault. The excuses for neglecting or refusing to address spiritual problems are myriad, and they will have eternal consequences.
3. In James 2:14-26, James described the interaction of “faith” and “works” in the Christian life. How does his assertion that “faith without works is dead” (verse 20) fit with the Apostle Paul’s teaching that salvation is obtained through faith alone, and not by works?
   
   While some might think that James’ epistle contradicts Paul’s writings, the two perspectives are actually in perfect harmony.
   
   Your group should understand that James’ use of the word “faith” was a reference to the faith, and centered on how the Christian life was to be lived out after salvation. By “works,” he meant the righteous deeds that would be the natural outcome when the heart was truly filled with love for God. He was not suggesting that good works could earn salvation, but simply that they were evidence of a right standing before God.
   
   Paul’s use of the word “faith” referred to saving faith; his point was that one attains salvation through Christ’s atonement alone. He was not teaching that it was unnecessary to live in a godly manner after experiencing salvation. When Paul spoke of works, he was alluding to meticulous adherence to the requirements of the Jewish Law.
   
   Both men believed and taught that true faith results in a changed life that is proved by good works. The differing emphasis is because they had different purposes in writing their epistles. Paul wrote to explain that salvation comes through faith, while James wrote to show how salvation by faith would impact daily living. Their teachings were in no way contradictory, but complementary to each other.
4. In chapter 3, James moved from generalities about good deeds to specifics about godly speech. In verse 5, he compared the damage the tongue can do to a fire, saying, “Even so the tongue is a little member, and boasteth great things. Behold, how great a matter a little fire kindleth!” What are some ways uncontrolled speech and fire are alike?
   
   Discussion of this question will likely bring out some of the following points.
   
   • Both can spread destruction quickly.
   • Both can be hard to contain.
   • Both can be caused by carelessness as well as specific intent.
   • Both can cause irreparable damage (a fire — heirlooms, photographs, etc.; words — self-esteem of a child, etc.)
   • Both can cause scars that remain.
   
   Point out to your group that we do not refuse to use fire because we fear the damage it might cause. Similarly, we do not stop talking out of concern that we might say something harmful. The key is control. If we control fire, we can use it to cook our food, warm our bodies, and light a dark night. If we control our tongue, we can use its power to honor God and to benefit others.
   
   It might be interesting to note that of the thousands of biological creatures on earth, only humans have the ability to communicate through verbalized speech. Clearly, speech is a very special gift from our Creator. As Christians, we want to be very careful that our communication with others is always done in a manner that reflects holiness of heart and our dedication to God. To conclude discussion of this question, you may wish to ask your class to give some examples of times when someone’s words were helpful or encouraging to them.
5. In verses 13-18 of chapter 3, James took up the topic of genuine wisdom, pointing out that just as one can identify a tree by its fruit, one can identify godly wisdom — the “wisdom from above” — by observing its characteristics. What eight qualities of godly wisdom does he list in verse 17?
   
   James describes the wisdom from above with the following words.
   
   • Pure – unmixed with evil because it is a gift from a holy God
   • Peaceable – describes the inner state of mind of the Spirit-filled life
   • Gentle – tender-spirited
   • Easy to be intreated – open to persuasion and accepting of divine guidance
   • Full of mercy – extending grace to others
   • Full of good fruits – demonstrating godly actions
   • Without partiality – honest, fair
   • Without hypocrisy – straightforward, and without a hint of subterfuge or concealment
   
   Ask your group to name some typical life situations where the godly wisdom evidenced by these characteristics would be important. Their suggestions may include in an ungodly work environment, when our beliefs are challenged, when differences of opinion or conflicts arise, in building a strong marriage, in raising children, etc. The list will quickly become lengthy! These should lead to the obvious conclusion that godly wisdom put into practice will impact every area of our lives. Clearly, it is an attribute we want to develop in our Christian walk.
6. In chapter 4, James described behaviors that are evidence of a carnal nature, such as strife, wrong desires, worldliness, and disunity. In verses 7-10, he presented the remedy in a series of imperative commands. What two actions does he mention in James 4:7, and why are both so vital for a victorious Christian life?
   
   The two actions mentioned in James 4:7 are to “submit to God” and to “resist the devil.”
   
   Begin discussion of the second question by asking your group to define the two words as they relate to the Christian life. This should establish that to submit to God means to wholeheartedly seek for and yield to His will, laying aside all self-will. To resist the devil means to take an uncompromising stand against Satan’s deceptions, his solicitations to evil, and his efforts to sway, coerce, or intimidate.
   
   Discussion of why these actions are so vital should bring out that a wholehearted and voluntary yielding of ourselves in consecration to God is how we are sanctified. However, resisting the devil is necessary even after we have received that experience because the enemy of our souls will do all he can to entice and distract us. Even though the temptations are outward rather than inward after we are sanctified, we must maintain an ongoing determination to withstand his devices in whatever manner they come.
7. Planning for the future is a familiar theme in today’s society. High school students are encouraged to practice for SAT tests, apply for scholarships, and make early inquiries to colleges they might like to attend. Young professionals are advised to draft business plans and set goals for advancement in their field of choice. Middle-aged individuals are counseled to evaluate their resources and talk to a financial advisor in order to ensure they will have a comfortable retirement. In chapter 4, James addressed the making of plans. He gave an example of a merchant who had thought of everything including time (today or tomorrow), location (such and such a city), duration (spend a year there), purpose (buy and sell), and goal (achieve a profit). However, one important aspect had been left out. What was that aspect? How would you summarize James’ admonition about looking ahead to the future? James 4:13-15
   
   The missing aspect of this plan was that the merchant had left out seeking God’s will.
   
   Your students’ summaries of James’ admonition should bring out that he was not discouraging his readers from planning and doing, but only from planning and doing apart from a reliance on God. These verses are a caution against an attitude of presumption and independence from God. As Christians, we want to be sure that all our plans are made with God in mind and are totally submitted to Him. When this is the case, we will not be angry, frustrated, or unhappy if circumstances change and our plans do not come to pass, because we know that God is in control and He will allow only what is best for us.
8. In James 5:13-15, the author instructed those who were afflicted (facing any troubling circumstances in life) to pray, and the cheerful to sing psalms of praise to God. What did he instruct the sick to do?
   
   James told the sick to call for the elders of the church, asking them to pray. It is instructive that the Bible puts the responsibility on the sick person to approach the ministry and request prayer. By so doing, they take the first step of faith by indicating their desire to follow God’s Word in this matter.
   
   The “elders of the church” (recognized or appointed leaders of the local congregation) were to anoint the sick one with oil in the name of the Lord, and pray the prayer of faith. We do not know how God will answer in each case — “if it be Thy will” is tacitly implied in every prayer of faith. However, Scripture indicates that we can expect extraordinary cures to occur in response to the prayer of faith. James concluded his instructions by saying, “And the prayer of faith shall save the sick, and the Lord shall raise him up; if he have committed sins, they shall be forgiven him.” If the sick person’s heart is reaching God’s way and he confesses his sins, God promises to forgive.

CONCLUSION

Though written nearly two thousand years ago, the epistle of James gives practical advice for believers of every era regarding living out what one believes.