Small Group Questions Verse 7 tells us to be patient…until when? With what? How does the illustration of the farmer and his crops help you understand James’ point? Verse 8 says the Lord’s coming is “near.” If this was written 2000 years ago, what does James mean by this word? Verse 11 says those who have persevered will be blessed. What have they endured? Verse 12 indicates the most important aspect of persevering is our manner of speech. Why does […]

James 5:1-6 Is there anything wrong with being rich? If not, how do you explain verse 1? What does the Bible teach about money and riches? (See Mt. 6:19-24; 1 Timothy 6:6-10) We typically think of rich people as having fewer miseries in their lives – is this true? Verses 3-6 list several reasons why wealthy people will be judged harshly. What are they? Are these reasons exclusively connected to being rich?

Small Group Questions What is the root cause of fights and quarrels among people? What behaviors does James criticize in verses 2-3? Why doesn’t God give some people what they ask for? Why can’t we love both God and the world? What happens when we try to love both? (See 1 John 2:15-16; Matthew 6:24) Interestingly, James gives 10 commandments in verses 7-10. What are they? While this passage contains many convicting statements, there are also plenty of reminders of […]

Small Group Questions This is the second time James has taken up the topic of wisdom. How did he describe it previously (1:5-8)? According to verse 13, what are some signs of wisdom? Why do you think James makes note of them? How does James characterize earthly wisdom (vv. 14-15)? According to verse 16, where does earthly wisdom lead? Give an example of this. How does James describe heavenly wisdom (v. 17)? How does a “heavenly-wise” person act? Compare Galatians […]

Small Group/Interact Questions Other than being judged more strictly, why do you think James encourages only a few people to become teachers? In verse 2 James begins the discussion about the power of our words. How does this relate to verse 1? James uses the examples of a horse’s bridle and the rudder of a ship to indicate how powerful the tongue is. How is what we say connected to the rest of who we are? In verse 6 […]

James 2:14-26 In verse 14 James asks two questions. How would you answer each of them? Verses 15-16 are likely an exaggeration, but they illustrate an important point. What is it? According to verses 17-18, how can we tell if our faith in Jesus Christ is genuine? Many people think that being a Christian means believing in God and being a good person. What does verse 19 say about this idea? How do verses 20-24 connect with Matthew 7:15-20 and […]

Why is favoritism considered a sin? How is it damaging to the message of the gospel? Read verses 3-4. What does favoritism expose about the person who is engaging in it? Explain the “upside-down” nature of verses 5-7. The “royal law” of verse 8 is the greatest commandment found in Matthew 22:36-40. Why do you think James calls it the royal law? How does it apply to favoritism? Doesn’t verse 10 seem to blow things out of proportion? How can […]