1. What do you think our modern culture here in Canada values and treasures?
2. Do you share in any of the valuing and treasuring of what you described in question one? 3. What is the “treasure” that Paul refers to in 2 Cor 4:7 ? 4. What does Paul mean by “jars of clay”? Why is the treasure placed in these? 5. What do think are the consequences - or fruit - of pursuing worldly treasure and distractions rather than godly treasure and service? 6. See 2 Cor 6:4-10; 11:23-29. Why did Paul not loose heart and give up? And why do we not loose heart and give up?
1. It is believed that James was the first New Testament work in wide circulation, around 45-48 AD. What was going on with the church around that time?
2. According to James, what should our response, or attitude be when we meet trying circumstances? Why? 3. How should we approach God in our trials? What should we ask for? Should we pray for a comfortable and happy life? 4. What does it mean to be double minded and unstable? 5. The sermon concluded by insisting that in trial we should be: (1) God facing (2) God inviting and (3) community embracing. Describe what that looks like.
1. Why do you think we are called to endure trial and tribulation? How can we persevere? 2. How does James describe the “riches” of this worldly life? 3. What do you think is meant by “the crown of life”? (See also 1 Cor 9:24-27.) What do you anticipate upon receiving this crown? 4. In Genesis 3:1-7, what did the serpent imply about God? What did the serpent promise? Is our sin always the result of some external force? 5. What is the difference between testing and temptation? Why can it be said that God never tempts us? 6. As Christians, in Christ we are at peace with God yet at war with sin. (Though in Christ, a war that cannot be ultimately lost. See Romans 5:18-21.) What does James offer us in the remainder of Chapter 1 with respect to our struggle, or “mortification” of sin. From this reading, and your knowledge of other Bible passages, how does God’s word and the Holy Spirit help us put sin to death in our lives?
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