Below is the bible study from Richard, though I don't think we will get a chance to do it.
This week, we’re reviewing the message of James. Below are some suggested ways of reviewing the letter and applying what it says to our lives as individuals, as a homegroup and as a church.
1) In pairs, look over James again and share which bits of the letter stood out for you – and why Possible examples:
- ‘Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds...’ (1:2)
- ‘...humbly accept the word planted in you, which can save you. Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.” (1:21-22)
- ‘Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.’ (1:27)
- ‘... believers in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ must not show favouritism.’ (2:1)
- The teaching on the tongue (3:1-12)
- ‘Submit yourselves, then, to God...’ (4:7)
- ‘The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.’ (5:16)
3) In what ways have you been encouraged by this letter?
4) We can apply the message of Scripture in at least three ways – to our minds, our hearts and our will.
- What truths does James ask his readers to believe (mind application)?
- What attitudes does he want his readers to grow in (heart application)?
- What behaviour does he want his readers to change (will application)?
- Think of one area of your life you want to change in response to the message of James.
- Pray for one another that God would change you in these ways.
