James Chapter 1 Questions

Step 1: Read the assigned chapter(s) and take notes on what stands out to you.

Step 2: Consider answering some or all of the questions below (may these be a blessing, and not a burden).

Study Questions

1. How do you normally feel and respond when you have to face a trial?

1. How does James tell those scattered in the world to respond to trials? Why should you respond like this? What progression of the Christian life does James described in 1:3-4?
   1. Optional: dig a little deeper and check out what else is written about trials and suffering in Matthew 5:11-12, Romans 5:3-5, Hebrews 2:10, Hebrews 12:11, 1 Peter 1:6-7, Ephesians 3:14-21,  2 Corinthians 12:8-10. What can you conclude from these passages?

1. In the middle of discussing trials, James mentions wisdom (1:5). What does wisdom have to do with facing trials? Why should we pray for wisdom, not just perseverance? What must we believe when we ask for wisdom?
   1. Optional: dig a little deeper and check out: Proverbs 9:10-12. Why is this true?

1. What promises encourage us to have joy amid trials (1:12)?
   1. Optional: dig a little deeper and check out: Matthew 5:11-12, Hebrews 10:34, 12:2, 

1 Peter 1:6-7, 1 Corinthinans 9:25, 1 Thessalonians 2:19-20, 2 Timothy 4:8, 1 Peter 5:4

1. What is the real source of temptations to sin and what is the ultimate result?
   1. Optional: dig a little deeper and check out: 1 John 1:5, 4:8-10

1. Re-read James 1:19-27 and list both what we are encouraged to do and to stop doing.

1. Why doesn’t human anger bring about the righteousness that God desires? (1:20). What is often wrong with our anger?
   1. Optional: dig a little deeper and check out: Matthew 5:21-24, 38-48; 6:14-15, 7:1-5;         1 John 3:15

1. Re-read James 1:26-27 and list some of the differences between worthless religion and pure, faultless religion.

Heart Questions

1. Describe one or more of the trials or testings you are currently facing. From James 1:2-8, what are some of the attitudes you should have about this trial? What are you doing and not doing to cooperate with God’s plan for your life? Pray about this and ask God for wisdom! Commit yourself to take some action to cooperate with God in achieving your maturity.

1. What one aspect of God’s Word in 1:19-27 would you like to concentrate on this week? How do you see this truth already at work in your life? How can you grow in this area?