![]() We enjoy a Bible study group when everyone has read the Biblical text and comes along ready to discuss it. Don't get bogged down on minor, uncertain or controversial issues. Focus on what it clearly reveals about how God wants us to live.ĥ. Focus on what the book reveals about God/Jesus.Ĥ. Trust God to help you understand and apply his Word.ģ. Encourage everyone in the group to read the book repeatedly.Ģ. We have put together these study guides based on the following five guidelines.ġ. If you are new to this we encourage you to begin with a shorter book such as Colossians, James or Ruth. We believe there is great value in studying a book of the Bible as a whole, within a small group setting. In conclusion, what have you learnt from the book of James that is helping you to change your life for the better? What advantages or blessings might come from being poor? James seems to suggest that there are advantages in being poor (James 2:5 1:9). What does James say about the rich in 1:10-11? How should this affect the way we handle our money and possessions? ![]() What is the problem with favouritism? How does favouritism contradict the ‘royal law’: “Love your neighbour as yourself” (James 2:8)? James is also concerned with favouritism toward the rich (James 2:1-7). What practices does he oppose? What are the dangers of wealth? James seems to be hugely concerned about the behaviours of the rich who are oppressing others (James 5:1-6). What is your response to this perspective? When you read in the Bible about the rich and the poor, which group do you most readily identify with? Have a look at and see how your personal income compares with the rest of the world. In what situations might God be calling you to bring healing and restoration? What are some positive ways in which we can use our tongues? In chapter 5:13-19 the tongue is used to bring healing and restoration. In what situations could you apply this in your daily life? What can we learn about prayer from the book of James? James encourages us to pray for wisdom (James 1:5). James makes quite a few references to prayer (James 1:5 3:9 4:2-3 5:13-18). In what situations or with what people do you find it most challenging to control your tongue? Have you found anything that helps you to control your speech? What is so dangerous about judging others? He indicates that those who judge others will be judged (James 2:12-13). James warns against slandering or judging others (James 3:9 4:11 5:9). Why then should we even try to tame the tongue? He appears to be expressing his own frustration with wanting to say the right things but knowing that no-one (including himself) can tame the tongue (James 3:8). James is pretty realistic about the challenge of controlling the tongue. How would you describe the process of temptation to others? How does this understanding then help us deal with temptation? James warns us not to see temptation as coming from God (James 1:13-15). What might you say or do to help others facing trials? How might you pray for yourself or someone else who is facing a time of trial? ‘Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial’ (James 1:12). Pure joy? Trials of many kinds? What are the kinds of trials or suffering that most common in your life and in the lives of your friends? What are the advantages of enduring trials? Why does perseverance matter for a Christian (1:4)?Ĭan you describe a time when you have deliberately chosen to see a trial you have faced as an opportunity for growth? What did you learn through the process? What can you learn about God through a time of trial? James begins his book with a surprising command: ‘Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds’ (James 1:3). ![]() Your free trial comes with a copy of our step-by-step Leader's Guide to accompany The Book of James series.What are your initial impressions about the book of James? What words would you use to describe the book? What stood out to you as one of the most important instructions in the book of James? James writes to believers who know suffering, who've faced trials, and who ultimately desire a deep relationship with God. The book of James speaks to the realities of a living faith in Jesus-the kind of roll-up-your-sleeves and get-your-hands-dirty discipleship that is borne out of an authentic relationship with the risen Lord. A faith without action and without life change is ultimately a dead faith.
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