Faith & Wisdom in a World of Trials (James 1:1-8; Psalm 1:1-6)
/Rejoice because our faith grows more and more wisdom-full in the midst of a world full of trials.
STEADFAST FAITH (1:1-4)
a. Brother-Servant (4:1; cf. Acts 15:13-21)
b. Complete Joy in Trials (4:2-3; cf. Luke 10:30; Genesis 37:3; 1 Peter 1:7)
c. The Work of Steadfastness (1:4; cf. )INDELIBLE WISDOM (4:5-8)
a. The Generous Giver (4:5; cf. 1 Kings 4:29-30; James 2:16)
b. Double-Mindedness (1:6-8; cf. Ephesians 4:14; James 3:9–10, 4:4; Romans 4:20; Psalm 1:1-6)
c. God in a World of Trials (Romans 15:3)
d. A Meal to Make Us Wise
DISCUSSION STARTERS:
Monday—Who was James? Does his name remind you of another biblical character? Discuss the significance James identifying himself as a slave/servant.
Tuesday—Do you think James’s command to count it with complete joy when you are facing adversities? Why is the testing of our faith a good thing?
Wednesday—Discuss what it means for steadfastness to make us perfect and complete. What are the challenges of believing this? What are we tempted to think when we fall under trials?
Thursday—What’s the relationship with faith and wisdom in this passage? Discuss why it’s good news that God gives us wisdom generously, that he is not stingy?
Friday—Describe and discuss the ways of the double-minded person. How does the double-minded person differ from a person filled with wisdom? How can we be assured that God will give us wisdom?