Transcription
AL O V EG O DG R E A T L YJ O U R N A LJ A M E S
JamesCopyright 2017 by LoveGodGreatly.comPermission is granted to print and reproduce this document for the purpose of completing theJames online Bible study.Please do not alter this document in any way.
AT LOVE GOD GREATLY, YOU’LLFIND REAL, AUTHENTICWOME N. WOMEN WHO AREIMP E R FEC T, Y ET FORGIVEN.Women who desire less of us, and a whole lotmore of Jesus. Women who long to know Godthrough his Word, because we know that Truthtransforms and sets us free. Women who arebetter together, saturated in God’s Word andin community with one another.Welcome, friend. We’re so glad you’re here
CONTENTS01WELCOME02RESOURCES03L O V E G O D G R E AT LY04SOAP STUDY07T E S T I M O N ies10INTRODUCTION12READING PLAN13YOUR GOALS14WEEK 133WEEK 252WEEK 371WEEK 490KNOW THESE TRUTHS
WELCOMEWe are glad you have decided to join us in this Bible study! First ofall, please know that you have been prayed for! It is not a coincidenceyou are participating in this study.As y ou g ot h roug h t h i ss tu d y, joi n usin th e f o llow i ngresou rce s b elow:We e kl y B l o g Po st s Week ly Me m o ry Ve rs e s We e k l y C hal l e ng e s Fa ceb ook , Twi t te r, I nst ag ram Love Go d Gre at l y.co m Ha s h t a g s : #Love Go d Gre at l y 1Our prayer for you is simple: that you will grow closer to our Lordas you dig into His Word each and every day! As you develop thediscipline of being in God’s Word on a daily basis, our prayer is thatyou will fall in love with Him even more as you spend time readingfrom the Bible.Each day before you read the assigned Scripture(s), pray and ask Godto help you understand it. Invite Him to speak to you through HisWord. Then listen. It’s His job to speak to you, and it’s your job tolisten and obey.Take time to read the verses over and over again. We are told inProverbs to search and you will find: “Search for it like silver, andhunt for it like hidden treasure. Then you will understand” (Prov.2:4–5 NCV).All of us here at Love God Greatly can’t wait for you to get started,and we hope to see you at the finish line. Endure, persevere, presson—and don’t give up! Finish well what you are beginning today. Wewill be here every step of the way, cheering you on! We are in thistogether. Fight to rise early, to push back the stress of the day, to sitalone and spend time in God’s Word! Let’s see what God has in storefor you in this study! Journey with us as we learn to love God greatlywith our lives!
RESOURCESJoin UsONLINEl o v e g o d g r e a t l y. c o mSTOREl o v e g o d g r e a t l y. c o m /s t o r eFA C E B O O Kfacebook.com/LoveGodGreatlyI N S TA G R A Minstagram.com/lovegodgreatlyofficialTWITTER@ LoveGodGreatlyDOWNLOAD THE APPC O N TA C T U Si n f o @ l o v e g o d g r e a t l y. c o mCONNECT#LoveGodGreatly2
LOVEGODG R E AT L YLove God Greatly (LGG) is a beautiful community of women who use a variety oftechnology platforms to keep each other accountable in God’s Word. We start with asimple Bible reading plan, but it doesn’t stop there.Would youcon si d errea ching ou tand d oing t h i ss tudy w i t hsomeo ne ?Some women gather in homes and churches locally, while others connect online withwomen across the globe. Whatever the method, we lovingly lock arms and unite forthis purpose: to love God greatly with our lives.In today’s fast-paced technology-driven world, it would be easy to study God’s Wordin an isolated environment that lacks encouragement or support, but that isn’t theintention here at Love God Greatly. God created us to live in community with Himand with those around us.We need each other, and we live life better together. Because of this, would youconsider reaching out and doing this study with someone?Rest assured we’ll be studying right alongside you—learning with you, cheering foryou, enjoying sweet fellowship, and smiling from ear to ear as we watch God unitewomen together—intentionally connecting hearts and minds for His glory.So here’s the challenge: call your mom, your sister, your grandma, the girl across thestreet, or the college friend across the country. Gather a group of girls from yourchurch or workplace, or meet in a coffee shop with friends you have always wishedyou knew better.Arm-in-arm and hand-in-hand, let’s do this thing together.
S OA P S T U DYHOW AND WHY TO SOAPIn this study we offer you a study journal to accompany the verses we are reading.This journal is designed to help you interact with God’s Word and learn to digdeeper, encouraging you to slow down and reflect on what God is saying to you thatday.Th e mos timpor t a nting red i e nt sin th e S oa pmet h oda re y ou rintera c t i onw ith G od ’sWorda nd you rapp lica tio n o fH is Word t oyour li f e.At Love God Greatly, we use the SOAP Bible study method. Before beginning, let’stake a moment to define this method and share why we recommend using it duringyour quiet time in the following pages.It’s one thing to simply read Scripture. But when you interact with it, intentionallyslowing down to really reflect on it, suddenly words start popping off the page. TheSOAP method allows you to dig deeper into Scripture and see more than you wouldif you simply read the verses and then went on your merry way.The most important ingredients in the SOAP method are your interaction withGod’s Word and your application of His Word to your life:Blessed is the one who does not walk in step with the wicked or stand in the waythat sinners take or sit in the company of mockers, but whose delight is in the law ofthe LORD, and who meditates on his law day and night. That person is like a treeplanted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does notwither—whatever they do prospers.(Ps. 1:1–3, NIV)Please take the time to SOAP through our Bible studies and see for yourself howmuch more you get from your daily reading.You’ll be amazed.4
S OA P S T U DY(continued)WHAT DOES SOAP MEAN?S stands f o rScripturePhysically writeout the verses.You’ll be amazed at whatGod will reveal to youjust by taking the time toslow down and write outwhat you are reading!O stands f o ro b s e rvat i o nWhat do you see inthe verses that you’rereading?Who is the intendedaudience? Is there arepetition of words?What words standout to you?5
A stands f o ra p p l i cat i o nThis is when God’s Wordbecomes personal.What is God sayingto you today?How can you apply whatyou just read to yourown personal life?What changes do youneed to make? Is thereactionyou need to take?P stands f o r p r a y e rPray God’s Word back to Him. Spend time thanking Him.If He has revealed something to you duringthis time in His Word, pray about it.If He has revealed some sin that is in your life,confess. And remember, He loves you dearly.6
L G G I talianT estimonyG l o r i a , Ita l yHello, I’m Gloria and I am 31 years old. I was born into a Christian family in Italyand I invited Jesus into my heart when I was nine years old. I grew up with a lotof doubts and dissatisfaction until God spoke to my heart through the loss of my20 year-old cousin to cancer. After this I decided to not complain anymore for thethings God had not given to me, but rather to thank Him for all He has given to meby His grace.There w a s acommu ni t yr ea d y to pra yf or m e .I got married to a man from Guatemala and together we served in our church withchildren, youth, and women’s ministries until two years ago. God brought theministry of Love God Greatly into my life in a season when I was so discouragedbecause I felt useless and alone. Through Love God Greatly God showed me that Iwas not alone because there was a community ready to pray for me, and that I couldbe helpful by translating Bible studies for the women in my country and abroad.Since I started translating the studies I found that God was blessing me at least threetimes during the translation process because I need to read the blogs and devotionalsat least three times before sharing them. So, God repeats His sweet words to meseveral times each study! I love being a part of the Love God Greatly community asa translator and facilitator because it’s a wonderful opportunity to make availablethese great resources to Italian women and lead them deeper into God’s Word.Love God Greatly is very important in my language because it offers a method tostudy the Bible that is not so developed in Italy. We, as Europeans, are used tomeditating on the Bible through devotionals written by other people – this is seenas easier, more comfortable and, above all, it’s faster. But Love God Greatly’s SOAPmethod offers an introspective method. You have to write down YOUR impressions,YOUR feelings, and what God is speaking to YOU in that moment. It’s also helpfulin a small group because it offers an opportunity to discuss what we are learningwith other women a perfect fit since Italians are famous for speaking, eating, andenjoying community!
L G G I talianT estimonyV a l e r i a , G e r manyMy name is Valeria Elisabetta Milillo, and I’m 33 years old. I live in Germany but Icome from Italy. Six years ago I surrendered my life to Jesus. After my conversion,the Lord blessed me with the children I had so longed for.In th ese y e a rsLo ve G odGrea t ly h a ss tren g t h e nedmy w a lk w i t hGod. G odh a s used H i sWord to s pe a kto me, com f or tme, a nd le a dme.With the birth of my second daughter, however, it was difficult for me to attendchurch and join a Christian community because my church was in a differentcountry than where I lived. That was when I found Love God Greatly and beganstudying God’s Word. I was really in love with the studies, so I started to translatethem and post them in a Facebook group specifically created for Love God Greatlyin Italian. I contacted Angela Perritt to formalize this project and slowly the groupbegan to grow. In 2015 Gloria joined me as a translator.In these years Love God Greatly has strengthened my walk with God. God has usedHis Word to speak to me, comfort me, and lead me. Very often a blog post or a versehas been the right encouragement at just the right time.I moved to Germany in 2015. The nearest church is very far – one and a halfhours from my house. Because I have no driver’s license and my husband works,I cannot attend the church. This situation still hurts me, but Love God Greatly is agreat blessing and is the lifesaver that the Lord brought to me as I wait for His plansfor me and my family.To connect with LGG Italian Branch: https://www.facebook.com/LoveGodGreatlyITALIA/ lovegodgreatlyitalia@hotmail.comDo you know someone who could use our Love God Greatly Bible studies in Italian?If so, make sure and tell them about LGG Italia and all the amazing Bible studyresources we provide to help equip them with God’s Word!!!
J amesLet’s Begin9
INTRODUCTIONJAMESWhen you read the book of James in the New Testament, you’re reading something that was written by thehalf-brother of Jesus. How amazing to be able to read words written by a man who grew up in the samehome as our Lord.James is never listed as one of the followers of Jesus during His earthly ministry. In fact, we don’t reallyknow much about him until his adult years. This is probably because James did not become a believer untilafter Christ’s resurrection (John 7:3-5; Acts 1:14).So what do we know about James, the brother of Jesus? He held a high and important leadership role in thechurch (Galatians 2:9) and from church history we know that he was a part of the first ecumenical councilof the early church that was called in order to address some of the early heresies. The presiding officer wasJames, not Peter or Paul.James was known for being a just man and one who loved righteousness. Tradition says that his kneesresembled the knees of camels because he spent a lot of his life on his knees in prayer. So his nicknamebecame James the Just, or James the Righteous.Sometime around 50 AD the Spirit inspired this brother of Jesus to write a book. Since James and Jesuscame from the same family you’d almost expect his book to be written like one of the Gospels, in whichhe tells stories about his divine brother. But never once does he say, “and Jesus said ” or “Jesus did ”Instead, his writing style is more like the wisdom literature that is found in the book of Proverbs.R.C. Sproul points out that James writes similarly to the way that Jesus taught, not in long lectures, but inshort lessons. The book of James is not very long, but James does manage to teach on a number of differenttopics. Like Jesus, he talks to us about suffering, the power of prayer, the importance of controlling ourtongue, and the danger of wealth.When we compare the writings of Paul to those of James, we see that Paul’s writings, though practical,focus more on “orthodoxy” (right thinking). James, on the other hand, was more focused on “orthopraxy”(right living). His focus was on our hearts and hands more than on our hearts and minds. But don’tmisunderstand James; both theology and godliness are important to a robust Christian life. In fact, youcan’t live rightly if you don’t first think rightly. The right doctrine, received by faith, leads to properdevotion.Because James’ emphasis is on what we do, many have misunderstood the book. Some read it in such a waythat they believe we can earn or maintain God’s love and favor through our works. This is a heresy that canlead people away from the gospel. Believers who begin to read James like this will run into two potentialproblems: despair or pride. If you believe that God accepts you based on your behavior you might despairand quickly give up when you fail (and we all fail often). If you don’t despair over your failure, you willstruggle with pride when you succeed.10
The proper way to read James is through the lens of the gospel. Without that, the entire text will be out offocus. James is a picture of the perfect Christian life. But no one is perfect, not even one (Romans 3:23).Therefore, instead of feeling despair when we fail, we need to look to Jesus who lived that perfect life forus, and rejoice that in Him all our sins are forgiven. And instead of being prideful when we succeed, weneed to be thankful that Christ is at work in us.James challenges us to not only talk the talk, but walk the walk. As we study through this book together,may we be confronted with our shortcomings and repent, encouraged by Christ’s abundant grace, andmotivated to live godly lives through His power and for His glory.11
R eading P lanWEEK 1MondayREAD: James 1:1-4 SOAP: James 1:1-4Tu e s d a yREAD: James 1:5-8 SOAP: James 1:5-8We d n e s d a yREAD: James 1:9-11 SOAP: James 1:9-11ThursdayREAD: James 1:12-15 SOAP: James 1:12-15Fr i d a yREAD: James 1:16-18 SOAP: James 1:16-18WEEK 2MondayREAD: James 1:19-21 SOAP: James 1:19-21Tu e s d a yREAD: James 1:22-27 SOAP: James 1:22-27We d n e s d a yREAD: James 2:1-7 SOAP: James 2:1-7ThursdayREAD: James 2:8-13 SOAP: James 2:8-9Fr i d a yREAD: James 2:14-26 SOAP: James 2:14-17WEEK 3MondayREAD: James 3:1-5 SOAP: James 3:3-5Tu e s d a yREAD: James 3:6-12 SOAP: James 3:8-10We d n e s d a yREAD: James 3:13-18 SOAP: James 3:17-18ThursdayREAD: James 4:1-6 SOAP: James 4:4-6Fr i d a yREAD: James 4:7-12 SOAP: James 4:7-8WEEK 4MondayREAD: James 4:13-17 SOAP: James 4:13-17Tu e s d a yREAD: James 5:1-6 SOAP: James 5:1-3We d n e s d a yREAD: James 5:7-12 SOAP: James 5:7-8ThursdayREAD: James 5:13-18 SOAP: James 5:13-1612Fr i d a yREAD: James 5:19-20 SOAP: James 5:19-20
YO U RGOALSWe believe it’simportant to write outgoals for this study.Take some time nowand write three goalsyou would like to focuson as you begin to riseeach day and dig intoGod’s Word. Make sureand refer back to thesegoals throughout thenext weeks to help youstay focused. You cando it!1.2.3.Signature:Date:13
W eek 1Count it all joy, my brothers, whenyou meet trials of various kinds,for you know that the testing ofyour faith produces steadfastness.James 1:2-314
P r ay e rW r i t e d ow n yo u r p r ay e r r eq u e s t sa n d p r a i s e s f o r e ac h day.Prayer focus for this week:Spend time praying for your family members.M O N D AYT U E S D AYW E D N E S D AYT H U R S D AYF R I D AYCHALLENGE*You can find this listed in our Monday blog post.15
M O N D AYS c r i p t u r e f o r We e k 1James 1:1-41 James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ,To the twelve tribes in the Dispersion:Greetings.2 Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials ofvarious kinds, 3 for you know that the testing of yourfaith produces steadfastness. 4 And let steadfastnesshave its full effect, that you may be perfect andcomplete, lacking in nothing.16
M O N D AYREAD:James 1:1-4SOAP:James 1:1-4S cr iptureWRITEOUT THESCRIPTUREPASSAGEFOR THEDAY.Obs er vationsWRITEDOWN 1 OR 2OBSERVATIONSFROM THEPASSAGE.17
App l ic ationsWritedown 1 or 2applicationsfrom thepassage.Pr a yWrite outa prayerover whatyou learnedfrom today’spassage.18
T uesdayS c r i p t u r e f o r We e k 1James 1:5-85 If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, whogives generously to all without reproach, and it willbe given him. 6 But let him ask in faith, with nodoubting, for the one who doubts is like a wave of thesea that is driven and tossed by the wind.7 For thatperson must not suppose that he will receive anythingfrom the Lord;8 he is a double-minded man, unstablein all his ways.19
T U E S D AYREAD:James 1:5-8SOAP:James 1:5-8S cr iptureWRITEOUT THESCRIPTUREPASSAGEFOR THEDAY.Obs er vationsWRITEDOWN 1 OR 2OBSERVATIONSFROM THEPASSAGE.20
App l ic ationsWritedown 1 or 2applicationsfrom thepassage.Pr a yWrite outa prayerover whatyou learnedfrom today’spassage.21
W ednesdayS c r i p t u r e f o r We e k 1James 1:9-119 Let the lowly brother boast in hisexaltation, 10 and the rich in his humiliation,because like a flower of the grass he will passaway. 11 For the sun rises with its scorching heatand withers the grass; its flower falls, and its beautyperishes. So also will the rich man fade away in themidst of his pursuits.22
W E D N E S D AYREAD:James 1:9-11SOAP:James 1:9-11S cr iptureWRITEOUT THESCRIPTUREPASSAGEFOR THEDAY.Obs er vationsWRITEDOWN 1 OR 2OBSERVATIONSFROM THEPASSAGE.23
App l ic ationsWritedown 1 or 2applicationsfrom thepassage.Pr a yWrite outa prayerover whatyou learnedfrom today’spassage.24
T hursdayS c r i p t u r e f o r We e k 1James 1:12-1512 Blessed is the man who remains steadfast undertrial, for when he has stood the test he will receive thecrown of life, which God has promised to those wholove him. 13 Let no one say when he is tempted, “I ambeing tempted by God,” for God cannot be temptedwith evil, and he himself tempts no one. 14 But eachperson is tempted when he is lured and enticed by hisown desire. 15 Then desire when it has conceived givesbirth to sin, and sin when it is fully grown brings forthdeath.25
T H U R S D AYREAD:James 1:12-15SOAP:James 1:12-15S cr iptureWRITEOUT THESCRIPTUREPASSAGEFOR THEDAY.Obs er vationsWRITEDOWN 1 OR 2OBSERVATIONSFROM THEPASSAGE.26
App l ic ationsWritedown 1 or 2applicationsfrom thepassage.Pr a yWrite outa prayerover whatyou learnedfrom today’spassage.27
F ridayS c r i p t u r e f o r We e k 1James 1:16-1816 Do not be deceived, my beloved brothers. 17 Everygood gift and every perfect gift is from above, comingdown from the Father of lights, with whom there isno variation or shadow due to change. 18 Of his ownwill he brought us forth by the word of truth, that weshould be a kind of firstfruits of his creatures.28
F R I D AYREAD:James 1:16-18SOAP:James 1:16-18S cr iptureWRITEOUT THESCRIPTUREPASSAGEFOR THEDAY.Obs er vationsWRITEDOWN 1 OR 2OBSERVATIONSFROM THEPASSAGE.29
App l ic ationsWritedown 1 or 2applicationsfrom thepassage.Pr a yWrite outa prayerover whatyou learnedfrom today’spassage.30
REFLECTIONQUESTIONS1. What s hould tr ia ls prod uce in the l i f e o f a C hr i s ti an ? W hy s ho u l d we b e joy f u l i nt h e m idst of tr ia ls?2. Why is it impor ta nt to pr a y with f ai th? How i s the p e r s o n w ho d o u b ts “u n s tab l e i nall his wa ys” ?3. What i s the wa r ning to the r ich? W hy d o the y n e e d thi s w ar n i n g ?4. Why is it w rong to sa y tha t God te m p ts u s ? W he re d o e s o u r te m p tati o n c o m e f ro m?5. What are some of the good gifts yo u have i n yo u r l i f e ? If e ve r y go o d g i f t c o m e s fro mGod, how should we respond to Go d an d how s ho u l d we tre at o u r g i f ts ?31
NOTES32
W eek 2For as the body apart from thespirit is dead, so also faith apartfrom works is dead.James 2:2633
P rayerW r i te down yo u r p r aye r r e q u estsand p r a i ses f o r ea c h day .Prayer focus for this week:Spend time praying for your country.M O N D AYT U E S D AYW E D N E S D AYT H U R S D AYF R I D AYCHALLENGE*You can find this listed in our Monday blog post.34
M O N D AYS c r i p t u r e f o r We e k 2James 1:19-2119 Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person bequick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger; 20 for theanger of man does not produce the righteousness ofGod. 21 Therefore put away all filthiness and rampantwickedness and receive with meekness the implantedword, which is able to save your souls.35
M O N D AYREAD:James 1:19-21SOAP:James 1:19-21S cr iptureWRITEOUT THESCRIPTUREPASSAGEFOR THEDAY.Obs er vationsWRITEDOWN 1 OR 2OBSERVATIONSFROM THEPASSAGE.36
App l ic ationsWritedown 1 or 2applicationsfrom thepassage.Pr a yWrite outa prayerover whatyou learnedfrom today’spassage.37
T uesdayS c r i p t u r e f o r We e k 2James 1:22-2722 But be doers of the word, and not hearers only,deceiving yourselves. 23 For if anyone is a hearer ofthe word and not a doer, he is like a man who looksintently at his natural face in a mirror. 24 For he looksat himself and goes away and at once forgets what hewas like. 25 But the one who looks into the perfectlaw, the law of liberty, and perseveres, being no hearerwho forgets but a doer who acts, he will be blessed inhis doing.26 If anyone thinks he is religious and does notbridle his tongue but deceives his heart, thisperson’s religion is worthless. 27 Religion that ispure and undefiled before God the Father is this: tovisit orphans and widows in their affliction, and tokeep oneself unstained from the world.38
T U E S D AYREAD:James 1:22-27SOAP:James 1:22-27S cr iptureWRITEOUT THESCRIPTUREPASSAGEFOR THEDAY.Obs er vationsWRITEDOWN 1 OR 2OBSERVATIONSFROM THEPASSAGE.39
App l ic ationsWritedown 1 or 2applicationsfrom thepassage.Pr a yWrite outa prayerover whatyou learnedfrom today’spassage.40
W ednesdayS c r i p t u r e f o r We e k 2James 2:1-71 My brothers, show no partiality as you hold the faithin our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory. 2 For if aman wearing a gold ring and fine clothing comes intoyour assembly, and a poor man in shabby clothing alsocomes in, 3 and if you pay attention to the one whowears the fine clothing and say, “You sit here in a goodplace,” while you say to the poor man, “You stand overthere,” or, “Sit down at my feet,” 4 have you not thenmade distinctions among yourselves and become judgeswith evil thoughts? 5 Listen, my beloved brothers, hasnot God chosen those who are poor in the world tobe rich in faith and heirs of the kingdom, which hehas promised to those who love him? 6 But you havedishonored the poor man. Are not the rich the oneswho oppress you, and the ones who drag you intocourt? 7 Are they not the ones who blaspheme thehonorable name by which you were called?41
W E D N E S D AYREAD:James 2:1-7SOAP:James 2:1-7S cr iptureWRITEOUT THESCRIPTUREPASSAGEFOR THEDAY.Obs er vationsWRITEDOWN 1 OR 2OBSERVATIONSFROM THEPASSAGE.42
App l ic ationsWritedown 1 or 2applicationsfrom thepassage.Pr a yWrite outa prayerover whatyou learnedfrom today’spassage.43
T hursdayS c r i p t u r e f o r We e k 2James 2:8-138 If you really fulfill the royal law according to theScripture, “You shall love your neighbor as yourself,”you are doing well. 9 But if you show partiality, youare committing sin and are convicted by the law astransgressors. 10 For whoever keeps the whole lawbut fails in one point has become guilty of all ofit. 11 For he who said, “Do not commit adultery,” alsosaid, “Do not murder.” If you do not commit adulterybut do murder, you have become a transgressor of thelaw. 12 So speak and so act as those who are to bejudged under the law of liberty. 13 For judgment iswithout mercy to one who has shown no mercy. Mercytriumphs over judgment.44
T H U R S D AYREAD:James 2:8-13SOAP:James 2:8-9S cr iptureWRITEOUT THESCRIPTUREPASSAGEFOR THEDAY.Obs er vationsWRITEDOWN 1 OR 2OBSERVATIONSFROM THEPASSAGE.45
App l ic ationsWritedown 1 or 2applicationsfrom thepassage.Pr a yWrite outa prayerover whatyou learnedfrom today’spassage.46
F ridayS c r i p t u r e f o r We e k 2James 2:14-2614 What good is it, my brothers, if someone says hehas faith but does not have works? Can that faith savehim? 15 If a brother or sister is poorly clothed andlacking in daily food, 16 and one of you says to them,“Go in peace, be warmed and filled,” without givingthem the things needed for the body, what good isthat? 17 So also faith by itself, if it does not haveworks, is dead.18 But someone will say, “You have faith and I haveworks.” Show me your faith apart from your works,and I will show you my faith by my works. 19 Youbelieve that God is one; you do well. Even the demonsbelieve—and shudder! 20 Do you want to be shown,you foolish person, that faith apart from works isuseless?21 Was not Abraham our father justifiedby works when he offered up his son Isaac on thealtar? 22 You see that faith was active along with hisworks, and faith was completed by his works; 23 andthe Scripture was fulfilled that says, “Abraham believedGod, and it was counted to him as righteousness”—andhe was called a friend of God. 24 You see that a personis justified by works and not by faith alone.25 And inthe same way was not also Rahab the prostitute justifiedby works when she received the messengers and sentthem out by another way? 26 For as the body apartfrom the spirit is dead, so also faith apart from works isdead.47
F R I D AYREAD:James 2:14-26SOAP:James 2:14-17S cr iptureWRITEOUT THESCRIPTUREPASSAGEFOR THEDAY.Obs er vationsWRITEDOWN 1 OR 2OBSERVATIONSFROM THEPASSAGE.48
App l ic ationsWritedown 1 or 2applicationsfrom thepassage.Pr a yWrite outa prayerover whatyou learnedfrom today’spassage.49
REFLECTIONQUESTIONS1. In wh at wa ys ca n we pr a ctice be i n g s l ow to s p e ak? How d o e s an ge r g o agai n s t theri gh t e ousness of God ?2. What i s the impor ta nce of d oing w hat Go d’s Wo rd te l l s u s ? W he n we o n l y re ad a n ds t udy but a ren’t “d oer s of the wo rd”, w hat d o e s that s how ab o u t o u r s e l ve s ? W hat i st r ue re ligion?3. What i s the sin of pa r tia lity? Why i s i t b ad ? How d o we f al l i n to thi s s i n ?4. Who h as broken the la w of God ? How i s i t that i f we b re ak o n e p ar t we are g u i l t y o fbre ak i ng a ll of it?5. Throughout S cr ipture we a re tol d that we are s ave d thro u gh f ai th, N OT by w o rk s( Ep h . 2:8-9; Ga l. 2:21; Rom. 9:1 6 , 1 1 : 1 6 ) . W hat d o e s Jam e s m e an w he n he s ay s fa i t hwi t h out works is d ea d ?50
NOTES51
W eek 3The tongue also is a fire,a world of evil among the partsof the body. It corrupts the wholebody, sets the whole course ofone’s life on fire, and is itselfset on fire by hell.James 3:652
P rayerW r i te down yo u r p r aye r r e q u estsand p r a i ses f o r ea c h day .Prayer focus for this week:Spend time praying for your friends.M O N D AYT U E S D AYW E D N E S D AYT H U R S D AYF R I D AYCHALLENGE*You can find this listed in our Monday blog post.53
M O N D AYS c r i p t u r e f o r We e k 3James 3:1-51 Not many of you should become teachers, mybrothers, for you know that we who teach will bejudged with greater strictness. 2 For we all stumble inmany ways. And if anyone does not stumble in whathe says, he is a perfect man, able also to bridle hiswhole body. 3 If we put bits into the mouths of horsesso that they obey us, we guide their whole bodiesas well. 4 Look at the ships also: though they are solarge and are driven by strong winds, they are guidedby a very small rudder wherever the will of the pilotdirects. 5 So also the tongue is a small member, yet itboasts of great things.How great a forest is set ablaze by such a small fire!54
M O N D AYREAD:James 3:1-5SOAP:James 3:3-5S cr iptureWRITEOUT THESCRIPTUREPASSAGEFOR THEDAY.Obs er vationsWRITEDOWN 1 OR 2OBSERVATIONSFROM THEPASSAGE.55
App l ic ationsWritedown 1 or 2applicationsfrom thepassage.Pr a yWrite outa prayerover whatyou learnedfrom today’spassage.56
T uesdayS c r i p t u r e f o r We e k 3James 3:6-126 And the tongue is a fire, a world of unrighteousness.The tongue is set among our members, stainingthe whole body, setting on fire the entire course oflife, and set on fire by hell. 7 For every kind of beastand bird, of reptile and sea creature, can be tamedand has been tamed by mankind, 8 but no humanbeing can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, fullof deadly poison. 9 With it we bless our Lord andFather, and with it we curse people who are made inthe likeness of God. 10 From the same mouth comeblessing and cursing. My brothers, these things oughtnot to be so.11 Does a spring pour forth from the sameopening both fresh and salt water?12 Can a fig tree,my brothers, bear olives, or a grapevine produce figs?Neither can a salt pond yield fresh water.57
T U E S D AYREAD:James 3:6-12SOAP:James 3:8-10S cr iptureWRITEOUT THESCRIPTUREPASSAGEFOR THEDAY.Obs er vationsWRITEDOWN 1 OR 2OBSERVATIONSFROM THEPASSAGE.58
App l ic ationsWritedown 1 or 2applicationsfrom thepassage.Pr a yWrite outa p
James challenges us to not only talk the talk, but walk the walk; to live out our faith in a bold pursuit of holiness. But because not one of us is perfect, the proper way to read James is through the lens of the gospel. As you study this book, look for opportunities to be confronted with your shortcomings and repent, encouraged by Christ's
