WEEK SEVEN STUDY & APPLICATION Q’S

James 5:1-6

STUDY QUESTIONS

1. Why does James tell the rich to weep and howl?

2. Make a list of the possessions a rich person might have in 1st century Jerusalem.

3. What point is James making about material things in 5:2-3.

4. Read 1 Samuel 25:1-39. What effect did Nabal’s wealth have on his character? How did he end up?

5. As Christians what should our attitude be about wealth and possessions?

6. Make a list of the economic injustices the wealthy are and could be committing according to 5:4-6.

7. Read Matthew 6:19-21. What is the significance of Jesus’ statement in regards to our character?

8. What does it mean to lay up treasures in heaven?

APPLICATION QUESTIONS

1. Do you make ethical decisions when it comes to finances and economy?

2. Are you a good steward of the resources that God has entrusted to you?

3. Are you more concerned with stockpiling wealth on earth than investing in heavenly treasure?

4. What is the difference between saving and hoarding? What are some dangers of hoarding?

5. Have you ever allowed your desire for certain possessions to turn into coveting something that someone else has?

6. What does the way you handle money say about your relationship with Jesus?

7. List 3 ways you can start investing in heavenly treasures this week.

8. Do you have healthy financial practices and goals (budgeting, saving, giving, investing, discipline, etc.)? How do you need to better handle your finances?

James 5:7-12

STUDY QUESTIONS

1. Read Deuteronomy 11:13, 14 along with James 5:7 and rewrite these verses in the form of an if then statement.

2. What is the hope that we can draw from 5:7?

3. Why do you think James uses a farmer waiting for the harvest as a his illustration for 5:7, 8?

4. What does it mean to “establish your hearts” in 5:8 (NKJV)?

5. Why does James warn us not to grumble against each other (NKJV) right after telling us to be patient for the coming of the Lord? What connection might we draw between patience and grumbling?

6. Read 1 Corinthians 4:5 and compare it with 5:9. Why does James want us to be aware that the “Judge is standing at the door,” (ESV)?

7. Read Matthew 5:12 along with James 5:10. What significance would statements about the persecuted prophets have held to the early church who first read James’ letter? What significance is it to us today?

8. What is James referring to in his statement about Job and the purpose (ESV) or intentions (NKJV) of the Lord? Refer to Job 1:21, 22 and 2:10 to help with your answer.

9. What conclusion can we come to about patiently enduring and the merciful love of God?

10. What other characters in the Bible are examples of those with steadfast faith?

11. Read Galatians 5:22, 23. What are the similarities between what Paul says about the fruit of the Spirit and James about Christian behavior while waiting for the Lord to come?

12. Whose statement is James echoing in verse 5:12? Refer to Matthew 5:34-37 to help with your answer.

13. Do you think that James is saying we should never, under any circumstances, take an oath? Why or why not?

14. Read Exodus 20:7. How do you think this commandment relates to 5:12? What principle is presented in these scriptures?

APPLICATION QUESTIONS

1. What are some everyday opportunities for us to develop patience?

2. When you are impatient, do you take it out on those around you? In what ways?

3. How should the knowledge of Christ’s return impact how we live our lives?

4. Do you use flippant, exaggerated language in conversation? Do you speak and act in such a way that your honesty and integrity can’t stand on their own? In what ways do you need to clean up your everyday language and behavior so that your simple “yes” and “no” can be trusted?