Life Lessons

James 1:1-27

Observation: God allows tough situations in our lives in order to refine us and
bring us closer to Him. We should approach these times with a right attitude and
seek wisdom from God.

Application: How do you respond when you are “thumped” by people at work,
school, family, or people at the grocery store? Your initial reaction during these
times reflects who you are. What responses need to change? Pray for the Holy Spirit
to guide you and make the changes today.

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Exploration: Perseverance – Romans 2:7; 8:24-25; 2 Corinthians 6:3-7

James 2:1-26

Observation: Christians should avoid forming cliques. God sees no difference

between the social elite and the lowest class. All are called to serve and worship
side-by-side.

Application: Do you attend a church regularly? Are you involved enough to see
which people are on the “outside”? If not, become more involved; then help break
down walls by bringing people on the fringe into your circle.

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Exploration: Unity – Psalm 133:1; John 10:16; 17:23; Acts 4:32; Romans 12:4-5;
15:5; 1 Corinthians 1:10; 10:17; Ephesians 2:14-20; Philippians 2:1-2.

James 3:1-18
Observation: The tongue can build others up or tear them down. It needs to be
controlled.

Application: Today, use your tongue to bring joy, peace, and happiness into the
lives of others. Thank others for their friendship. Encourage those who are
struggling. Tell others of your love for them. Most of all use your words to praise
God throughout today.

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Exploration: Restraining the Tongue – Psalm 34:13; Proverbs 13:3; 21:23; Titus
3:2; James 1:26; 1Peter 3:10.

James 4:1-17

Observation: People who are self-sufficient must recognize that their plans and
their lives are not their own but could change in a moment.

Application: List five experiences that make you proud. Pray that real service
would begin as God humbles you. Ask God to help you realize that you can’t make
life work on your own.

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Exploration: Submission – Luke 14:27; John 14:23; 1 Corinthians 11:3; 1 Peter 3:5

James 5:1-20

Observation: A Christian should be more concerned with sharing and meeting the
needs of others than with accumulating earthly treasures.

Application: Are you free to lend your possessions? Is money set aside for giving?
Develop a plan today, keep it for six months, and evaluate the results.

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Exploration: Sharing – Acts 2:44; 4:32-35

Study Guide 1 – God Listens (Read p.603 – Max Lucado Devotional Bible)

Read James 5:13-18

How do you respond to the statement, “Your voice matters in heaven”?

If there was a how-to manual about prayer, what do you think would be the

first direction?

What does the act of prayer accomplish in your life?

How is praying to God like talking with a friend?

In what ways does praying to God benefit you much differently than talking

with a friend?

What do you find difficult to understand about prayer?

If you could ask God something directly about prayer, what would it be?

What usually prompts you to pray?

Why don’t we pray even though we believe that praying will make a

difference?

Prayer Requests:
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Thoughts for Today:
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Study Guide 2 – Unity (Read p.1501 – Max Lucado Devotional Bible)

Read Ephesians 4:2-6, 31-32

List some things that cause tension and disharmony among Christians.

How has your personal encounter with God changed the way you relate to

others?

What kinds of disagreements cause people to give up on their relationships?

Describe in practical terms what it means for Christians to live in unity.

How does receiving God’s grace enable us to practice Christian unity and

love?

Why is it often more challenging to love the people closest to us?

What can people outside of the church learn from the way believers get

along?

If we are the army of Christ, what does division among the ranks cost us?
 Prayer Requests:
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Thoughts for Today:

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