THEE WORD FOR THE WEEK

Anticipating the Reversal ~ James 1:9-11 June 24-28, 2013 Monday: Read James 1:9-11 James has been developing a theme in his letter since verse 2 that life is full of various trials. Both the poor and the rich experience trials. Both can tend to be an obstacle in our relationship with God for different reasons. Both are exhorted to boast. The verb used there is also translated to take pride or rejoice which follows the theme that James is developing. How have you experienced trial in financial areas of your life? What have you learned in those? Are you able to rejoice weather rich or poor? Tuesday: Read James 1:9-11 Verse 9 speaks first of the brother in humble circumstances. Another way to say that would to say Gods people who are poor should be glad that God thinks so highly of them. Why the instruction to take pride in or rejoice in the humble circumstances or poor status? Why is that maybe described as a high position? Is there and area of humble circumstance that you ought to take pride in or rejoice in, but fail to do so? Wednesday: Read James 1:9-11 Verse 10 now talks about the one who is rich and how they should take pride in their low position. Why would there be instruction to take pride in his low position? What do you think that low position means. Pass like a wild flower speaks to the briefness of something. What do you think our attitude should be about material wealth? Thursday: Read James 1:9-11 Verse 11 gives a picture of the sun bringing scorching heat and the beauty being destroyed. How does this relate to that of a trial? Does the plant have any control over the sun and the heat? What current trials are out of your control? Friday: Read James 1:9-11 Verse 11 concludes with a picture of the rich man being compared to the plant that withers. How does is say the rich man will fade? What possible warning does that give to you? Does it sound like the rich man will not expect what happens? What does this cause you to want to change in your life?