ASSIGNED READING

  • James 3:13–18; 4:1-10
  • Swindoll’s Living Insights: “James”
    • Real Faith Produces Genuine Humility: Pages 74-75
    • Wise, Unwise, and Otherwise (Expressions of the Heart):  Vs. 3:13-18; Pages 76–86
    • How Fights Are Started and Stopped (Settling Disputes): Vs. 4:1–10; Pages 86–95

QUESTIONS  

  1. “Who among you is wise and understanding?” (vs. 13)  Can a believer truly achieve the ability to live a life of wisdom?  If so, how?  Give your reason(s) why you believe this along with scripture(s) to support your answer.   
  2. Is wisdom the same as being intelligent?  How does your answer play out in the life of a believer?
  3. Describe the characteristics of ungodly wisdoms.  How have these characteristics affected you as a believer? 
  4. Describe the characteristics of Godly wisdoms.  Are these alive and active in your life today? 
  5. The results of ungodly wisdom are “disorder and every evil thing” (vs. 16).  What is the result of Godly wisdom?  Is Godly wisdom a part of your lifestyle?  If so, give an example of how Godly wisdom has operated in your life.  
  6. What motivates you?  Does what motivates you fall within the wise or unwise?  
  7. In verses 13-15, how would you describe the relationship between wisdom and boasting? 
  8. What does it mean for wisdom to be “pure”?
  9. Answer the question in 4:1, “Where do wars and fights come from among you?”
  10. In verse 2, James is descriptive of a dilemma that is taking place.  What’s is it? 
  11. The harsh reality of one who is an “adulterer/adulteresses” is humiliation.  In verse 4, 

 who is James talking to and why would he link his readers to this characteristic?

  1. Can a believer ever rise to the level of being considered “an enemy of God?  How

 can this phrase have any relation to your relationship with God.

  1. James provides four specific suggestions as to how a believer should resist the devil.  What are those?  Expound on each suggestion.
  2. In relation to verses 8-10, James describes a key component describing the lifestyle of a believer.  What is that lifestyle?  Can you identify with this lifestyle? 

After you have emailed the responses to the questions, finish the week by writing a two 

paragraph reflection on your first session/week.  Email me your reflection.  

 

Your reflection should include the following:

• What you learned

• How your spiritual life has been impacted by this study

• How you will apply what you’ve learned

 

Move on to week 6