Memory verses: 1:19 and 1:22
What is the wisdom expressed in Verse 1:19? (Proverbs 10:19, 10:32, 12:18, 13:3, 15:31-32)
The verse is very clear in saying that you should first listen before speaking or becoming angry. The mention of anger suggest that James is talking about situations where there might be conflict or a diffrerence of opinion. Many Proverbs mention the virtue of listening before speaking for several different reasons (see Proverbs 10:19, 10:32, 12:18, 13:3, 15:31-32) but probably the most important one is that when you are speaking you are not listening, not only to other people but also not to the Lord.
What are some characteristics of a wise person who you know?
Wisdom is characterized by many things: purpose, integrity, discernment, reverence for God (or, as is sometimes said, fear of the Lord), diligence, heeding correction (learning from mistakes), humility, kindness, prudence, righteousness, understanding, and fairness. This is not a complete list; there are many other characteristics (see Proverbs).
In verse 1:19 is James saying that anger is wrong?
Not necessarily. There are many instances when Jesus became angry (at the money lenders in the temple, for example - Matthew 21:12-13) as did Paul (at fortune telling by the slave girl - Acts 16:16-18). There are sometimes good reasons to get angry, but James is counseling us to consider these reasons carefully and not to 'fly off the handle' as that kind of anger 'does not bring about the righteous life that God desires.'
What does anger lead us into? (Proverbs 14:17, 29:22, Psalm 37:8, Colossians 3:21)
Anger can lead to sin and evil. For example, in anger we may speak and act too quickly with little regard for the consequences. It takes a long time to build up a relationship with another person or to establish a good reputation but a single angry word can tear it down in just a few seconds. What you say when you are angry cannot easily be turned around -- just saying "I'm sorry" doesn't reestablish a friendship or rebuild a reputation. Sometimes, by listening and hearing the other person's point of view, we can see other ways to defuse a bad situation.
How does that resonate with you personally?
You might want to share with the group a time when you got very angry and ventilated it. Generally, ventilation only reinforces anger and makes a bad situation worse. It accomplishes nothing positive in either person.
What is the command in verse 1:21?
Get rid of immorality and evil. Accept God's love, direction, and commands.
How do we shed "moral filth and evil" (NIV)? (See 1 John 1:9)
It is impossible to live a perfect, sinless life by ourselves, no matter how hard we try. So we must confess our sins and weaknesses to God, ask for His forgiveness, and trust in Him to forgive us and take our sins away.
In verses 1:21, 22 and 23, James refers to the "word." To what does that refer? (James 1:18, Jeremiah 31:33-34)
We frequently think of the 'word' as referring to the Bible. But remember, the New Testament was not written when James was writing his letter, however James was, in fact, familiar with the prophesies of Jeremiah. From James' reference to moral filth, we can see that he is using 'word' to refer to the declaration of the Lord in Jeremiah 31:33-34 where He says, "I will put my law in their minds and write it on their hearts.... No longer will a man teach his neighbor, or a man his brother saying. 'Know the Lord,' because they will all know me." This is elaborated upon in Hebrews 8:8-12 where the author explains that while the written law of Moses was useful, it didn't have the power to transform people's inner attitudes. Something more was needed. God would have to change His people from the inside out, putting the law into their hearts through His Holy Spirit. So in these verses, James is actually referring to the 'word' as the Holy Spirit which he calls in verse 18 the 'word of truth' or God's message to us.
How are we to react to that 'word' and what are we to do with it?
James admonishes us to accept, listen to, and obey this word (the Holy Spirit) which God planted in us.
What does being a doer of the word prove about us? (Acts 26:20)
In Acts, Luke records Paul's words to the Gentiles, "Stop sinning and turn to God! Then prove what you have done by the way you live." (CEV) So being a doer proves that you are a believer.
Why does James use such a preposterous analogy in verses 1:23-24?
He is trying to make a point in the strongest way possible. He is saying, in effect, that after God chose us as His special people and placed the Holy Spirit in each of us that only a moron would turn away and not accept and follow God's directions.
What is the 'law' that James refers to in verse 1:25 and why is it perfect?
Don't confuse this with the law of Moses. It is the law as referred to in Jeremiah 31:33-34, "the law in their hearts." What James is speaking of is God's perfect plan to bless us and give us eternal life if we simply believe in Him and continue to obey the Holy Spirit who lives in each one of us.
How does obedience provide freedom? (Isaiah 55:7-9, Luke 6:46-49)
Isaiah says that if we forsake our sinful thoughts and actions, the Lord will have mercy on us. Luke (and Matthew 7:24-27) record Jesus as saying that the person who does not do what he says is like a man who builds his house on sand and has it washed away in a heavy big storm. Conversely, the man who is obedient and puts the words of the Lord into action has built a stong foundation and is free from worrying about his house washing away.
What is the difference between knowing and doing God's will?
God does not want us to simply read the Bible, go to Bible studies, discuss the meaning of passages with others, and listen to sermons. As the Bible says in several places, even demons recognize the power of God and know His will, but they do not do His will, which is what He asks of us.
What freedom or liberty does doing God's will provide? (Romans 8:2)
"The Holy Spirit will give you the life that comes from Christ Jesus and will set you free from sin and death." (CEV)
Does that mean that it is all 'smooth sailing' for us as believers? (John 16:33)
Probably not. At the Last Supper, Jesus told his disciples, that "while you are in the world you will have to suffer. But cheer up! I have defeated the world."
What does the world think that the word 'religion' means? When someone is described as 'religious' on the street or in a movie, what is meant?
Religion is often used as a term of mockery. It is often applied to someone who is impractical or someone who does not pursue worldly goals. Rarely is the world religion used by authors or screen writers in a positive way. Most often a religious person is portrayed either as a Catholic priest or some geeky fool. For example, in a bestselling novel, Patricia Cornwell has this typical dialog:
What does James say is the key characteristic of religious behavior?
James says that keeping a tight rein on ones tongue is vital. Without doing that, he says, everything else you do is worthless. Interestingly, he is saying that what you do not say is more important than what you do say. In other words, the potential for your words to hurt is greater than the potential for your words to help. Help, he goes on the say, is better shown by your actions than your words.
If we do not control our tongue, who are we kidding?
We're certainly not kidding God. Are we fooling the person we're talking to? Probably not. The only person that we might be fooling is ourself. And if you start lying to yourself, you might as well not have any religion or faith at all -- you're just going to be polluted by worldly values.
How do we know that someone is a believer? (Titus 3:8, 1 Peter 1:13-16)
By what he does, not what he says. By attempteing to be holy in all you do. By asking yourself and following the answer to the question, "what would Jesus do?" By setting an example.
What does James say is the 'religion' that God accepts?
To look after others who are needy, by keeping from being polluted by worldly values, by actions.
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