Y’all I recorded this week’s video unscripted and with no prep! It’s a bit longer but here it is!
IN THE COMMENTS BELOW, SHARE THE FOLLOWING –
- Your 5 takeaways from your reading of the text.
WEEK SIX STUDY & APPLICATION Q’S
JAMES 4:1-6
STUDY QUESTIONS
1. Write James’ rhetorical question and answer in 4:1 in your own words.
2. Write the cause and effect statements in 4:2, 3.
3. How does James describe these people in verse 4? Why does he call them “adulteress people” (ESV)? Refer to Jeremiah 3:6-10 to help with your answer.
4. Read Romans 8:6-8 and John 15:18-19 and compare it with James 4:4. What do these verses say about our relationship with the world and with God?
5. What do you think James means in 4:5?
6. Why do you think God gives grace to the humble and not the proud?
APPLICATION QUESTIONS
1. How can we balance not being a friend of the world with enjoying the good gifts that God gives us in this life?
2. Consider the things that you ask God for when you pray. Are your motives pure? Are your requests and petitions selfish or selfless?
3. Referring to 4:2, 3, make a list of cause and effect statements that are true of your own life.
JAMES 4:7-12
STUDY QUESTIONS
1. What is the solution given in verse 7 to the problems listed in verses 1-4?
2. What is the importance of the order of the commands James gives in 4:7?
3. Read Ephesians 6:13-18. Describe in your own words the meaning and/or application of each piece of the armor of God.
4. List the rest of the commands James gives in verses 8-11.
5. Why does James say we must be “wretched and mourn and weep” (ESV) in 4:9?
6. What are ways we “speak evil of one another” (NKJV) in 4:11? Refer to Leviticus 19:15-18 to help with your answer.
7. Look up the word JUDGE in the dictionary and write a definition that best fits the word in the context of verse 11.
8. Read the following scriptures –
- Acts 17:11
- Philippians 1:9
- 1 John 4:1
- Galatians 6:1.
Look up JUDGE again and find a word that describes the spiritual quality Christians should possess (use Philippians 1:9 as a major hint!).
9. Read 1 Peter 2:1-3 & Matthew 7:1-5. Compare these scriptures with 4:11-12. What is the message concerning our treatment of one another and God’s authority over us?
10. What is the connection between arrogance and judgement in the context of James 4:11-12?
APPLICATION QUESTIONS
1. When have you found it hard to submit to God? Why?
2. Referring back to the armor of God in Ephesians 6, what are some of the devil’s current attacks on your life and what pieces of the God’s armor do you need to employ to combat them?
3. Does the seriousness of your sins make you feel truly repentant?
4. What do you think is the result of being truly repentant of your sins?
5. Give an example of someone in the Bible who exemplified true repentance. Give an example of someone who was simply sorry because of the consequences of their actions.
6. Do you find yourself passing judgement on your brothers and sisters in Christ when you have no business doing so?
JAMES 4:13-17
STUDY QUESTIONS
1. What is James insinuating about the behavior of the early Christians in 4:13? Can the same be said of us today?
2. Read Proverbs 27:1 along with 4:14. What do these verses say about us and God’s omniscience?
3. According to 4:15, what should our approach be to making plans about the future?
4. What kind of sin is James referring to in 4:17. Refer to the application questions for a hint if you need it!)?
5. In the context of 4:13-16, what “right thing” in 4:17 (ESV) might be neglected?
APPLICATION QUESTIONS
1. Is James saying that it’s wrong to plan for the future? Why or why not?
2. Do you make plans apart from God and expect Him to bless them?
3. Make a list of things that are definitely wise to plan out.
4. Is simply saying “if God wills…” enough? Why or why not?
5. In what ways have you been boastful about your plans for your business, career, family or social life? How might you exercise humility in these plans in the future?
6. Are there sins of omission in your life that you need to address with repentance and humility? Take some time to pray about and consider what “right things” you have neglected in your life.
THIS WEEK’S HIGHLIGHT VERSE –
“Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded.” James 4:7-8 ESV
