James Chapter 4 & 5 Questions

James Chapters 4 & 5

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.   What causes us to fight and quarrel (James 4:1-2)?

1. When we ask God for things, why do we often not get what we want? (James 4:3)?
   1. Optional: Dig a little deeper and check out: Psalm 34:15; 145:18; Luke 18:14; John 15:7; 1 John 5:14

1. From your experience and from the reading in James, what are some symptoms of friendship with the world?
   1. Optional: Dig a little deeper and check out: Luke 16:13; Romans 8:5-8; 1 John 2:15-17; 3:8)

1. How does God respond to those who are proud? What does James recommend we do?  (James 4:7-10)
   1. Optional:  dig a little deeper and check out: Matthew 4:1-11; Ephesians 6:10-18; 1 Peter 5:6-11; 1 John 5:18

1. James continues to dig into pride in 4:11 – 5:6. Slander, boasting, and hoarding are specific examples of pride he calls out. Describe the attributes you see on each topic: Slander, boasting, and hoarding. What would it look like to shift to a position of humility in each of these topics?
   1. Optional:  dig a little deeper and check out: Proverbs 11:2;  Psalm 25:9; Ephesians 4:2; 

2 Chronicles 7:14; Philippians 2:3-8; 2 Corinthians 12:9-10

1. James transitions from a difficult challenge to an ask. What does he ask for us to do in James 5:7?
   1. Optional: dig a little deeper and check out: Romans 12:19-20; James 1:19; 2 Peter 3:9-12

1. Why do we consider those who persevere under suffering to be blessed (5:11)? What are some of the blessings that follow such perseverance?
   1. Optional: See James 1:12; Matthew 5:10-12; 10:24-25; Revelation 2:7, 11, 17, 26-28; 3:5, 12, 21

Heart Questions

1. What desires battle within you, against you? Is the pleasure of God the dominant concern in your day-to-day life? What seems to be true when you feel strong to fight this battle? What seems to be true when you feel weak to fight this battle?

1.  How would you define pride? Is pride always obvious in someone’s life? What could it look like to submit your pride and walk more in humility?

1. Is it okay to speak against someone as long as we are sure it is the truth? Why or why not? Watch for and write down times this week when you do speak against or judge people. Try to stop and confess as soon as you can. If possible, apologize to the person you are talking to (slander defiles the hearer as well as the slandered one, and it encourages the hearer to imitate it).

1. In light of James 5:13-18, set aside time to pray about your needs, praise God for taking care of you, pray for someone, or confess your sins to someone.