What does the Bible say?

Questions to help you grow in your familiarity with the Book of James

There are several men named James mentioned in the Bible. The Apostle John's brother was a
prominent one. But the man that wrote the Book of James is rare among the scripture writers. This
epistle was written by a man who was more personally familiar with Jesus than almost any of the
other writers of manuscripts that are found in the Bible. This James was the half brother of the
Lord himself and only Jude, the writer of the epistle that carries the same name, could make this
same claim. These men saw Jesus when He was "off the clock" so to speak. If anyone could have
harbored evidence of sin against Jesus it could have been these two men.
Neither James, nor Jude were amongst Jesus’ initial Apostles and did not believe during His
earthly ministry. (See John 7:5) But later on they proved faithful unto death and rose to
prominence within the church.
There is a bit of contention as to which James wrote the epistle but the vast majority of scholars
point to Jesus’ own half brother as the most likely author.
This epistle is directed to Jewish believers who had been scattered due to persecution and James
addresses that issue immediately in his letter.

Day 1 Read James chapter 1

1. a. Rather than claim any special privilege, how does James describe himself in verse 1?

b. Use a concordance or bible dictionary and describe what his relationship to the Lord now
was as described in verse 1.

James begins his epistle echoing the same sentiment as his half brother Jesus. Jesus
speaking in Jn 16:33, these things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace.
In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.
2. In verse 2-4 what does James address that was common to these believers?

"Count it all joy when you fall into various trials: James regards trials as inevitable. He says
when, not if you fall into various trials. At the same time, trials are occasions for joy, not
discouraged resignation. We can count it all joy in the midst of trials, because they are used to
produce patience." Guzik
James exhorts believers to faith filled endurance of various trials which produce a "Fruit of the
Spirit". See Gal 5:22. Longsuffering is the same word we use for patience. Again James echoes the
words of Jesus, See Jn 15:1-2. Trials are the pruning shears of the Lord.
3. Why do trials tend to produce fruit compared to times of leisure and plenty? See Lk
12:15-21.

4. a. Have you ever found yourself not knowing what to do next in a trial, relationship, or
circumstance? What do verses 5-8 in chapter 1 suggest as a solution?

b. What is the one condition for receiving of the Lord verses 5-8?
 What does the Bible say? Questions to help you grow in your familiarity with the Book of James

5. a. James addresses temptation, which is common to all people. (See 2 Cor 10:13) What is
the source of our temptation in verse 14?

b. What is the result if we give ourselves over to a sinful lifestyle, verse 15?

c. What is the result if we faithfully steadfastly resist temptation, verse 12?

"Satan certainly tempts us. But the only reason temptation has a hook in us is because of our own
fallen nature, which corrupts our God-given desires. We often give Satan too much credit for his
tempting powers, and fail to recognize that we are drawn away by our own desires."
Day 2 Read James 1:17-21 once again.
1. a. James points out a strong contrast in our nature and that of God. Jesus points this out in
Mt 19:17 and Paul again in Rom 3:12 reiterates the point. How do these verses agree with
James 1:17-21 in their view of God and the natural man?

b. Can the natural man produce any good thing at all? Why or Why not?

2. What can change us? See verse 21.

3. a. Read verses 22 through 25. What is the evidence that the word has changed a person?

b. What happens to those who are careful to steadfastly continue in the word?

4. In verse 26, what can undue our efforts and may even be an evidence of an unregenerate heart
despite outward piety? Also see Luke 6:45 and Mt 15:18.

5. Our self controlled speech is an evidence of a regenerate heart. But what else does James point
out as evidence of a pure heart and a life set to "running a good race" in verse 27?

Day 3 Read James chapter 2.

James shifts gears a bit and in chapter 2 as he addresses a couple of issues that may have been a
problem in the early church, they certainly are still issues today.

1. a. In verses 1-4 describe what attitudes were problems in the church?

 What does the Bible say? Questions to help you grow in your familiarity with the Book of James

b. James points out an obvious problem with the church's choices. What were they blind too in
verses 5-9 and what would the result of their actions be?

2. In verses 10-13 James points out that religious obedience to the Law and other rules is useless if
mercy, to the poor for example, is overlooked. They fall into the same trap as the Pharisees. But if
following the Law is of no use what is? See verses 14-17?

3. What is the difference in the works done by trying to obey the Mosaic Law and the works described
in verses 15-19?

4. James gives us some examples to reinforce his point in verses 20-26, give a brief overview.

5. Can someone be a true believing Christian without showing any outward evidence of a regenerated
heart by either their sanctified speech or their mercy filled actions? Why or why not?

Day 4 Read James chapter 3

1. Possibly the ones who were struggling with the issues recounted in the previous chapters were
leaders in the churches. What warning does James give to those who seek to have a leadership
role in the church?

2. a. In verses 3-12 James returns to the topic of our speech and the struggle to have self control in
the things we say. What kind of effect can it have on us? See verses 3-6.

b. What are some of the issues James describes in these verses that should not be a part of a spirit
led life? See verses 9-12.

3. What are some things that you have seen in churches today that are problems created by our
tongues? What is the answer?
 What does the Bible say? Questions to help you grow in your familiarity with the Book of James

4. James mentions more sin issues that people struggle with in verses 14-16 even though they may
have earthly wisdom. What kind of sin does earthly wisdom promote?

5. How is heavenly wisdom described in contrast to earthly wisdom? See verses 17-18.

Day 5 Read James chapter 4

1. What does James say is the source of arguments and contention within the church body?

2. a. Why do you think that these problems still face men and women who confess the Lord as their
savior?

b. What does James call double minded Christians still drawn to worldliness in verses 4-5? Why?

In verses 6-10 James leads his readers to the solution to the problem of strife.

3. a. What does he say is the attitude change we need and how do we accomplish this change in our
lives?

b. What are we to do concerning the devil?

c. What three things are we promised that God will do in these verses?

4. In verses 13-16 God presents a scenario that may be common to our everyday lives. What does
James tell us the problem is?

5. Verse 17 is a very challenging verse. We often think of sin as committing an act against the Lord's
desire. How is verse 17 different? In what areas you personally challenged by this verse?
 What does the Bible say? Questions to help you grow in your familiarity with the Book of James

Day 6 Read James chapter 5

Accomplishment in the Jewish world and our own today is often measured by how well we do in the way
of accumulating wealth. James points out that the rich are faced with many problems and are at risk for
severe judgment. See Mt 19:23-24. Jesus speaks to this same issue and even the Apostles themselves are
a bit perplexed, (see Mt 19:25) since they see the advantages the wealthy had in their own day.

1. a. What is the condemnation in verses 1-3?

b. Verses 4-6 tell of the heart the rich had. What was the problem with how their wealth was
accumulated?

The Bible tells of many wealthy Christians, who faithfully ministered to the saints, but largely the church
was poor and many had left all their possession and were outcasts due to their faith.

2. What is James' exhortation to the less privileged believers in verses 7-11? Who were the examples
they are to follow?

James ends his letter with several exhortations to believers that call them to integrity and a proper
perspective on their condition and selfless ministry to others

3. a. How are we to behave when faced with trials in verses 12-16?

b. What are we promised in verses 15-16?

4. In verses 17-18 Elijah is given as an example for them, and us, to follow. What do you learn from
these verses?

None of us lives a perfect life we see it in our own lives and the lives of those around us that we care for.
In verses 19-20 James gives us a solution and a blessing as an exhortation to those dealing with this
situation. Also see Gal 6:1 for Paul's exhortation on this subject.

5. a. What does James say we are to do?

b. What blessing is promised for those who take the step to help others in caught up in sin?