James

NT 4 Epistles - LMAP SoM

What are 5 areas of life that most need wisdom?

Introduction

Do you think that this is a letter or a moral diatribe? Why?

What makes James, brother of Jesus, the most likely author?

Skim over the letter and identify the significance of 1:1; 2:1; 5:7-9, 14-16

Briefly sketch a diagram of the structure of the letter.

Exhortations (1:2-27)

Look up 1:2-4; 5-7; 9-11; 12-14; 16-18; 19-27 and briefly identify:

• The focus;
• Where else in the letter this idea appears.

Which topic do you think is the most fundamental one for this letter?

Review 1:12-14. How do we know when our troubles are a “test of faith” and when they are a “temptation”?

Favouritism (1:9-11; 2:1-13)

How do verses 5-9 characterise a demonstration of partiality towards those who have power in the world?

Which other topic is linked to this one? What does James say there to this who are powerful?

Faith and deeds (1:19-27; 2:14-26)

What is the correct relationship between “faith” and “works”?

How must verses 17-18 be interpreted to divide Paul and James?

Where might you go in Paul’s writings to demonstrate their agreement?

The tongue (1:22-26; 3:1-12)

The word translated “religion” in 1:26 refers to an offering of worship to divine beings. How could we fall into worship that is only words?

Who does James particularly target in talking about the use of the tongue? Why is this so important?

From verses 9-12, make an argument for wise use of the tongue.

True Wisdom (1:25-27; 3:13-18)

Envy (1:9-11; 4:1-12)

How can we identify true wisdom in our community?

What is the irony in attempting to protect ourselves by worldly gain?

What is the natural conclusion to selfishness, in James 4:1-3?

Presumption (4:13-17)

Warning to the Rich (5:1-6)

How do we avoid making ourselves the determiners of our destiny?

Who is most likely to presume that they are free to decide what is right for themselves and others?

How does James remind these believers that they are “on thin ice”?

Patience (1:1-4; 5:7-12)

Prayer (1:5-8; 5:13-18)

Restoration (5:19-20)

What protocol of care do these sections provide for the church in the case of physical and spiritual troubles?

Reflecting

• How are the Holy Spirit in Paul’s writings, and Wisdom in James linked? (Refer to 1 Corinthians 1 and 2).
• How would you respond to Luther’s criticism of James’ letter?

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Pray together about the matters in which we need godly wisdom.