Reversing Our Fortunes (James 1:9-15; Jeremiah 9:23-24)

Do not boast in your circumstances, but in the God who is overturning the world.

1. POOR AND RICH (1:9-11)
   a. Lowly Boasting (1:9; cf. James 1:4, 4:6;1 Corinthians 1:26–29)
   b. Wealthy Boasting (1:10-11; cf. Jeremiah 9:23–24; Luke 12:28, 16:13; 1 Timothy 6:10; Isaiah 40:6–8; Psalm 1:6)
   

2. BLESSEDNESS AND DEATH (1:12-15)
   a. Blessed Under Trial (1:12; cf. Matthew 5:3-12; Psalm 1:1) Temptation and Test (1:13; cf. Genesis 22:1-14; Exodus 20:20)
   b. How to Give Birth to Death (1:13-15; cf. Mark 7:21; Genesis 4:7)
   c. Christ Reverses Our Fortunes (2 Corinthians 8:9; Psalm 49:5–9)
   d. Meal of Fortunes
   

Discussion Starters:
Monday—What kinds of people is James contrasting in our passage? What does our culture think about the poor?
Tuesday—What does it mean for the poor to boast in their exaltation? What does it mean for the rich to boast in their humiliation? Discuss why being poor is a form of testing?
Wednesday—Discuss why being rich can also be a form of testing. What are some of the dangers of riches? Why do you think our culture is obsessed with beauty and material things?
Thursday—How does James describe the one who is blessed/happy? Talk about the image of the crown of life and the poverty the blessed person is experiencing.
Friday—What’s the difference between temptation and test? Where does James say is the origin of temptations? What does this tell us about our hearts? Discuss the process of someone giving birth to death.