Grace Chapel, EPC

In what ways do the words “listen,” “speak,” and “anger” in verse 19 relate to the phrase “word of truth” in verse 18? Why doesn’t anger result in the righteousness God desires? How do we get rid of moral filth and evil (v. 21)? What is the “word planted in you,” and how can it save you? Think of a Bible teaching that you’ve heard but failed to act upon. How were you “deceived?” (v 22) In verse 25 we’re […]

How is verse 12 connected to verses 2-4? We are saved by grace through faith, not works. Why, then, is receiving the crown of life dependent upon persevering under trial? Verse 13 reminds us that God does not tempt us, but He does seem to test us. What is the difference? If God does not tempt us, where do our evil desires come from? How are verses 14-15 similar to verses 6-8? What kind of deception are verse 16-18 speaking […]

Consider the larger context of chapter one – what topic is James addressing before and after this passage? How can someone in a humble position also be in a high position (Think about the Beatitudes in Matthew 5)? Given the context of the passage, what do you think causes a rich person to be humbled? Why should a rich person take pride in their humiliation? The riches of this world will certainly fade away, but James says the rich person […]

James is not addressed to a particular town or church, rather it is directed to the  “twelve tribes scattered among the nations.” What does this mean? Verse 2 says we should approach our trials with “pure joy.” How is this possible? According to verse 3, what does the testing of our faith produce? What does this mean? Verse 5 indicates that wisdom is available from God to all who ask. What is the stipulation that follows in verse 6? List […]

Read the first 17 verses of chapter 14 – what does Jesus promise? What are His warnings? How do the two verses in today’s passage fit with the overall theme of the chapter? In verse 18, Jesus says He will not leave us as orphans (literally fatherless). Why is this statement important? Why won’t the world see Jesus? Why will believers be able to “see” Him? Verse 19b contains the great hope of Easter – Because He lives, we also […]

1. The triumphal entry is one of the few incidents in Jesus life that appear in all four gospel accounts (John 12; Mt. 21:1-17; Mark 11:1-11; Luke 19-29-40). Compare and contrast these four accounts. 2. Verse 14 says, “as it is written.” Where is it written, and what is the context of this Old Testament passage? 3. Verse 16 is a key verse in this passage. What does it say about how we progress in our faith? 4. In verses […]

What is the context of this passage? Where are they and who are the people mentioned? (See Luke 10:38-42 and John 11:1-44 for help) Take a moment to read about this same story in Matthew 26 and Mark 14. What additional details do you notice? This story contrasts the extravagance of Mary and the miserly nature of Judas. What do you think motivates each behavior? Imagine a line with extravagance at one end and miserly at the other. Where would […]

Small Group/Interact Questions What had taken place just prior to Jesus speaking to the disciples in verse 31? Why is this significant (especially verses 20-25) What did Peter promise to Jesus? About how long did it take for him to break that promise (i.e. what’s the time frame between verse 35 and 69)? What do you think contributed to Peter’s short memory? What made it difficult to keep his promise to Jesus? Verse 75 shows Peter deeply troubled by his […]

Small Group/Interact Questions 1. What is the context of this passage? Who are the people involved and what causes the conflict? 2. Since it was not for hygiene purposes, why were the Pharisees so concerned with ceremonial washing? 3. While there are certainly examples of ceremonial washing in the Old Testament, what do verses 3-4 seem to indicate about the idea (to whom is the notion of washing credited to?) 4. Why does Jesus call the Pharisees “hypocrites?” How do […]