James

Real Faith for Daily Life — Copyright Sue LeBoutillier REAL FAITH FOR DAILY LIFE g A Study of the Book of James by Sue LeBoutillier Copyright © 2018 Sue LeBouƟllier Published by: Calvary Chapel — Ontario, Oregon

Real Faith for Daily Life — Copyright Sue LeBoutillier g Real Faith for Daily Life g The Book of James Dear Friend, One prominent theme in the book of James is wisdom, so I think it wise to begin this welcome with a warning — studying the book of James may be more real, more relevant, and uncover more of your thoughts and moƟves than other books of the Bible you’ve studied lately. If you read and process this book intenƟonally, you’ll find almost every verse will impact your daily life—your thoughts, your relaƟonships, your words, and your acƟons! I think that was James’ goal — to make our Faith Real in Everyday Life. Somewhere in my brain, I think I was postponing a study of James unƟl such a Ɵme in my life when my own tongue would be under control; a Ɵme when I would quickly embrace the benefit of trials in my life; basically a Ɵme when I would be mature and I could teach the passage without that nagging inner voice of hypocrisy. Well, that’s not the point of Bible study, is it? We don’t read, study and teach from perfecƟon, we read, study and teach from vulnerability, in order to allow the Holy Spirit to shape us into the likeness of Jesus Christ. So, now is a great Ɵme for me and it’s a great Ɵme for you as well! James was inspired by the Holy Spirit to write a leƩer conveying cer- tain maƩers to the Jews who had put their faith in Christ. His style was similar to both Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount and the Book of Proverbs in that he presented short, to-the-point themes that affect us pracƟ- cally, as they separate dead faith from real faith in the flow of our everyday life! These themes should be read over-and-over again and allowed to simmer in our hearts and then be applied in our acƟons. This Bible Study has been prepared for you to study all 108 verses, in a five-day-a-week format over seven weeks. The first week is an intro- ducƟon without wriƩen study on your part, followed by six weeks of actual verse-by-verse study.

Real Faith for Daily Life — Copyright Sue LeBoutillier As you study each day, there will be four main elements: · Read the full passage indicated for that day. That same passage will be read each of the five days for that lesson. · Write the handful of verses assigned for that day in a separate journal or notebook. The act of handwriƟng is one of my favorite techniques to help us slow down and process as we write each word, AND we end up with a copy of the book of James wriƩen in our own hand. · Answer the quesƟons and thoughts in your Study Guide for each day’s passage. · ParƟcipate in a discussion group when you gather each week. There is a secƟon at the end of each chapter enƟtled, QuesƟons for Thought and Discussion. This secƟon has some great quesƟons to help us process the passage together and to hear how other women are applying the Scripture to their lives. Wherever you are, or whatever type of a group you may have as you study together, I pray that the Lord will richly bless you as you learn to know Him beƩer through His Word— Sue LeBoutillier sue@ccontario.com *The best translaƟon of the Bible to use is the one you understand the most easily—and using more than one translaƟon can be a great aid to study! This study guide was created using the ESV (English Standard Version), which may be a helpful tool as you work through your study. To watch the video teachings for this Bible Study go to: ccontario.com/womens-studies or YouTube.com/calvarychapelontario

Real Faith for Daily Life — Copyright Sue LeBoutillier Here are a couple pages for note-taking on the IntroducƟon to James. (You can find the audio or video on our website at ccontario.com under Women’s Studies.) About James himself: ________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________ About the audience and Ɵme frame for this leƩer: ________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________ About the purpose and style of this leƩer: ________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________ Week 1—Introduction to the Book of James

Real Faith for Daily Life — Copyright Sue LeBoutillier Main Themes and Key Words in James 1 What is the goal? 1:12 “to receive the crown of life” Key words: ____________________________ ________________ What is the starƟng place? 1:18 “he brought us forth by the word of truth” 1:21 “receive ... the implanted word, which is able to save your soul” Key words: _____________________________________________ What moves us toward the goal? 1:3 “the tesƟng of your faith produces steadfastness” Key words: ___________________________ __________________ What do we need along the way? 1:5 “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God” Key words: _____________________________________________ What is our key to success? 1:6 “let him ask in faith with no doubƟng” Key words: _____________________________________________ What idenƟfies a life that is pleasing to God? 1:22 “be doers of the word, and not hearers only” Key words: _____________________________________________

Real Faith for Daily Life — Copyright Sue LeBoutillier Welcome to your first day of personal study! Remember, your goal is to set aside Ɵme each day to... · read the listed passage (James 1:1-15 this week), · write the daily focus verses in your journal, · answer the quesƟons in this study guide. It’s so important to look into the Word of God personally before we hear the input of others in our study group. Then, aŌer personal study, the input of others can be a source of real enlightenment. Begin your reading Ɵme with a simple prayer, asking God to open your spiritual ears and help you to hear from Him as you study His Word. Day One g READ James 1:1-15 g WRITE James 1:1-4 In our IntroducƟon, we talked about James, the man, the brother of Jesus and the author of this leƩer. We also talked about the recipients, the believers who had fled from Jerusalem primarily because of persecuƟon. That introducƟon was enƟtled, “Faith that Matures”. In the same way, our body’s muscles and bones mature as stress is applied to them (think weightliŌing); so too our faith in the Living God grows or matures, as we encounter stress of various kinds. Note that v.2 doesn’t say, if you meet trials but rather __________ you meet trials. · Do you get the sense from these verses that we all face the same kinds of trials in our life? What words did James use in v.2? · What is the most beneficial response to these trials (v.2)? Week 2 — Faith that Remains Steadfast

Real Faith for Daily Life — Copyright Sue LeBoutillier · That type of response doesn’t seem natural. Why should a follower of Jesus respond this way (v.4)? · Is there anything in these verses that leads you to believe this is an ongoing process that we might expect over and over again? Explain. Do you already see how these truths about Real Faith will affect your daily life? What has God been allowing in your life recently to test your faith? (List as many things as you can think of.) · Are you staying close to the Lord through those trials? · Are you steadfast? · Are you determined to remain steadfast? · Have you been able to detect a spiritual benefit from those situaƟons yet? “Have we trials and temptations Is there trouble anywhere? We should never be discouraged, Take it to the Lord in Prayer” — What a Friend We Have in Jesus 1

Real Faith for Daily Life — Copyright Sue LeBoutillier Day Two g READ James 1:1-15 g WRITE James 1:5-8 Remember, the goal presented in v.1-4 is maturity—completeness! The catalysts moving us toward maturity are trials. Lest we somehow think that maneuvering through the maze of those trials is all on us — like some sort of spiritual exam — we’re reminded to seek wisdom from God. · How will God respond when we ask for wisdom? · With what type of aƫtude should we ask Him? Underline the last three words in the above translaƟon of that verse! · If we go through the moƟons of asking for wisdom from God, but we’re sƟll checking out all the other possibiliƟes as well, what should we expect as a result? · What do you think are some reasons that someone might go through the moƟons of asking, but not really believing that God will respond? · What is the phrase used in v.8 for someone who sort of trusts in God and sort of trusts in herself? If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and he will give it to you. He will not rebuke you for asking. But when you ask him, be sure that your faith is in God alone. — James 1:5-6 (NLT)

Real Faith for Daily Life — Copyright Sue LeBoutillier · Draw a cartoon picture of this type of woman: · In your current set of trials, would you describe yourself as being more single-minded or more double-minded? · What is one thought process you would like to change to eliminate the double-mindedness of your faith? Day Three g READ James 1:1-15 g WRITE James 1:9-11 Remember our context is the various trials that followers of Christ face and their usefulness in our lives. When you listed your current trials on Day One, they likely fell into one of the following categories: a physical difficulty, a relaƟonal problem, or a financial challenge — and haven’t we all endured financial challenges over our lifeƟme? Because the writing style of James is similar to both Proverbs and Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount in Matthew, we’ll find many verses that can be lifted out to stand independently from their context. The true statement makes sense all by its self. Verse 5 is a great example. There is no situation in a believer’s life when asking God for wisdom isn’t a great idea! — SL

Real Faith for Daily Life — Copyright Sue LeBoutillier Perhaps it’s those financial trials that link with today’s verses. · What should your aƫtude be if you’re currently in a humble financial situaƟon? · What should your aƫtude be if you are currently flush with resources? · What is the lifespan of all humanity likened to in these verses? · What does that have to do with the context of wealth and pursuits? · What aƫtude toward God do you think may be a common temptaƟon for those in humble circumstances? · What aƫtude toward God do you think may be a common temptaƟon for those in wealthier circumstances? · On a scale of 1-10, where are you right now in your financial circumstances? 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 (circle) The advice from v.5 regarding financial circumstances is sound — If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God. All our resources are given for this life only. We will take nothing out of this life. Keep falsehood and lies far from me; give me neither poverty nor riches, but give me only my daily bread. Otherwise, I may have too much and disown you and say, 'Who is the Lord?' Or I may become poor and steal and so dishonor the name of my God. —Proverbs 30:8-9 (NIV)

Real Faith for Daily Life — Copyright Sue LeBoutillier Day Four g READ James 1:1-15 g WRITE James 1:12 Verse 12 reads like a topic sentence for an essay on spiritual maturity and its ulƟmate reward. There are two main points in this sentence — note them by compleƟng the missing words: Blessed is the man who _____________ ________________ under trial…he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to Those who _______ ______ . We’re all growing older day-by-day. Growing older doesn’t necessarily mean we’re becoming mature. We all face trials, but the mere presence of those trials does not mean we’ll receive the crown of life. · The characterisƟc of the one who is blessed is steadfastness. What word, or words, do some other translaƟons use in this verse? Which one is your preference and why? · Write a dicƟonary definiƟon of one or more of the above words: Did you also note that God has promised the crown of life to those who love Him? You might have thought it would read those who obey Him, or those who trust Him — but James says those who love Him. · What is the link between loving someone and obeying someone? (Check John 14:15 for Jesus’ take on it) · If you really love someone and you know they love you and have your best interest in mind, how should that make it easier to obey and trust them?

Real Faith for Daily Life — Copyright Sue LeBoutillier · On a scale of 1-10, how much do you love God, based on your current willingness to obey/trust? 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 (circle your answer) If your score is low, don’t despair! This is why we study the Scriptures — to change us into His image. His Word is living and acƟve, and as we submit to what it says, God will transform us and mature us. Day Five g READ James 1:1-15 g WRITE James 1:13-15 We don’t always love God by obeying Him, do we? We are oŌen tempted to love and obey things that are opposed to God. · Where do our temptaƟons originate from? (v.14) · Is a temptaƟon the same as a sin? Explain: · What is necessary for a temptaƟon to become a sin? · What is the expected result of sin? (v.15) Within the conversaƟon about temptaƟon — v.13 says we’re not to blame God for our temptaƟons. What? Who would ever blame God for their temptaƟons or their failure to resist temptaƟon? Maybe one answer is found in Genesis 3:9-13. Read that passage and look at the reason Adam gave for his disobedience in v.12: “The woman whom you gave to be with me, she gave me fruit of the tree, and I ate.”

Real Faith for Daily Life — Copyright Sue LeBoutillier In other words, here was his logic... — It was God Who gave me the woman. — It was the woman who tempted me to sin by eaƟng the fruit — Therefore, it was God Who tempted me to sin. — I can’t be held responsible. We know that Adam is the representaƟve of our human race, so really, we may end up thinking the same way. James is challenging the kind of thinking that suggests... — God allows trials into our lives. — Trials sƟr up temptaƟons to sin, in all sorts of ways. — Therefore, God may be the One tempƟng me to sin V.13 opens with, “Let no one say” (or even think along those lines), and ends with, “He (God) himself tempts ____ _____.” Let’s think again about the current trials you’re facing in your life (those listed on Day One.) · What type of temptaƟons accompany your brand of trial? · What are you tempted to do, to have, or to get rid of, in order to ease the pressure of those trials? God isn’t the one dangling temptation in front of you. It’s actually your enemy, the devil, that is luring you to entertain that desire, become friendly with it, intimate with it, conceive, give birth and sit back and watch sin grow! God help us end our relationships with those temptations! —SL

Real Faith for Daily Life — Copyright Sue LeBoutillier QuesƟons for Thought & Discussion 1. If the first book of the Bible you read was James, what would you expect to be normal in a ChrisƟan’s life — trials or a life of prosperity and ease? 2. Why do you think so many American Churches focus on prosperity and health, rather than the virtues and purpose of trials and tesƟngs? 3. If the purpose of trials is completeness and maturity, why do you think we shrink back from them and try to wriggle out of them so oŌen? 4. Have you ever thought along the lines stated in v.13 that it’s really God’s fault that you’ve been tempted? (i.e., If God would have provided a more aƩenƟve husband, I wouldn’t have to escape to Neƞlix or ficƟon so oŌen, so it’s really not my fault.) 5. Name one pracƟcal and purposeful roadblock you think God would have you put in place, so that you’re less likely to be lured and enƟced by your desires and fall into sin. But He knoweth the way that I take, when He hath tried me, I shall come forth as gold. — Job 23:10

Real Faith for Daily Life — Copyright Sue LeBoutillier ________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________ Notes for Teaching on Week 2

Real Faith for Daily Life — Copyright Sue LeBoutillier I know we’re taking a leisurely pace through the first chapter of James, but there are so many important aspects for us to think through. We’ll finish chapter one this week and then our pace will quicken. Day One g READ James 1:16-27 g WRITE James 1:16-17 Isn’t verse 17 just lovely? Every good and perfect giŌ! But the immediate context sƟll includes temptaƟons, evil desires, sin and death. The immediate contrast is God’s good giŌs. Before we move on to the good news, let’s review the bad news about the temptaƟons. Read ahead to James 4:1-3. Pay aƩenƟon to the repeƟƟon of one word: · James 4:2 You _________ and do not have… · James 1:14 Each person is tempted...and enƟced by his own ______ Now, think again about the temptaƟons you listed on p.13. Do any of those temptaƟons have to do with unmet desires? What about some of these common unmet desires? — to have a husband (single) — to have a different type of husband (married) — to have more income, or a bigger savings account — to see your children succeed in life — to have a bigger house, quieter neighborhood — to have the health others seem to enjoy — to have stability Most things we culƟvate a desire for aren’t evil, just like the fruit Eve desired in the garden wasn’t evil. It just wasn’t God’s intenƟon for her. God does not set things up to tempt us (as we read in v.13) — quite the opposite — what does He give us? (v.17) Week 3 — Faith That is Genuine

Real Faith for Daily Life — Copyright Sue LeBoutillier There may be a big difference between: the things we desire and the giŌs God intends to give us. On a scale, where focusing on what you desire is a “1” and paƟently waiƟng for God’s good and perfect giŌ is a “10”, where do you land? 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 (circle) Read Romans 8:28 and write it out here: We may not have trouble believing the truth contained in Romans 8:28; the trouble may lie in agreeing with God about what is good. Here is a truth: Good giŌs may be concealed within our bad trials! Read 2 Corinthians 4:16-18. How does the truth of these verses speak to your situaƟon and answer quesƟons about your dilemmas in life? The hymn Great is Thy Faithfulness2 written by Thomas Chisholm testifies to God’s good gifts in the lives of His children. Chisholm shared toward the end of his life, “My income has not been large at any time due to impaired health in the earlier years which has followed me on until now. Although I must not fail to record here the unfailing faithfulness of a covenant-keeping God and that He has given me many wonderful displays of His providing care, for which I am filled with astonishing gratefulness.” I wonder if James 1:17 stating, “there is no variation or shadow due to change”, provided inspiration for this verse of the hymn: “Great is Thy faithfulness, O God my Father; There is no shadow of turning with Thee; Thou changest not, Thy compassions, they fail not; As Thou hast been, Thou forever will be.”

Real Faith for Daily Life — Copyright Sue LeBoutillier Day Two g READ James 1:16-27 g WRITE James 1:18-21 James’ leƩer isn’t focused on how a person enters God’s family — he knew his readers were saved — he addressed them as ‘brothers’ 14 Ɵmes. But these verses do remind us about God’s work of salvaƟon! In your journal, circle the phrases... — the word of truth (v.18) — the implanted word (v.21) Those two phrases are the bookends for spiritual birth and growth. · What’s the tense of the first bookend? he brought us forth by the word of truth Past Present · What’s the tense of the second bookend? receive with meekness the implanted word Past Present It is the word of truth that enables us to believe, be born again and enter God’s family and it is the same implanted word that enables us to move forward and grow into the likeness of Jesus in God’s family. What is the companion phrase for word of truth in these Scriptures? · Romans 10:17 ______________________________________ · Ephesians 1:13 ______________________________________ · 2 Timothy 3:14-15 ______________________________________ What do those suggest to you about what God uses for drawing people to Himself? Once we have received and believed the Scriptures about Christ, there is addiƟonal work for the implanted Word to accomplish in our lives. You might say that is the main focus of this leƩer, intenƟonally leƫng the implanted Word of Christ change us through Real Faith in everyday life! “Be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.”

Real Faith for Daily Life — Copyright Sue LeBoutillier Verse 19 shows us the path to success for the implanted Word to change us into people who actually do what the Word says. KNOW THIS! Let every person be... · quick to ___________ · slow to ___________ · slow to ___________ Have you had a conversaƟon with a friend and had to remind yourself, ‘Just listen, don’t talk’? Listening isn’t as easy as we’d like to think. A liƩle voice inside is always suggesƟng we should add to the conversaƟon, based on how we see things and what we’ve experienced. Have you had a conversaƟon with a friend and you could hardly finish your thought because their flow of words made the conversaƟon all about them? You leŌ feeling like they didn’t care about what you had to say because of all the talking was on their part. Although we can apply this verse to regular conversaƟons, it’s really instrucƟng us how to receive the implanted Word. We’re to listen to what it says, not talking about what we think, not arguing with it. Think about these three relevant quesƟons: · How can you culƟvate a readiness to listen/hear when it comes to the Word of God? · How can you restrain yourself from being the conƟnual talker who has difficulty hearing God’s Word because you always have something to say about it? · How can you guard your heart against anger, which closes the mind to God’s truth as it imagines arguments against God?

Real Faith for Daily Life — Copyright Sue LeBoutillier Day Three g READ James 1:16-27 g WRITE James 1:22-25 As we pointed out, v.22 could well be the key verse for this whole leƩer. Again, this is wriƩen to people who already have Christ in their life, so they have obviously already been hearers of the Word. But hearing and doing are two different things! · When we hear words — like a lecture, a story, a sermon, something that is told to us — what effect does it have on us? · As it relates to the Word of Christ, how do you think a person is deceiving themselves by hearing the Word alone and not doing it? · What does the mirror of Scripture show us about ourselves as we look into it? · With what words is God’s Word described in v.25? (Compare different translaƟons if you can) In our culture, the percepƟon of God’s Law is that it restricts free- dom. Why does James describe it with words like liberty? How is God’s Word the perfect law that gives freedom (NIV)?

Real Faith for Daily Life — Copyright Sue LeBoutillier What is promised at the end of v.25 for those who both hear and act? How does Psalm 1:1-2 convey that same idea? What do you think is significant in v.25 about the inclusion of the phrase, ‘and perseveres’? What might that teach us about our journey to be doers of the Word? Day Four g READ James 1:16-27 g WRITE James 1:26 The words religious and religion aren’t found oŌen in Scripture. · What do you think of when someone uses these terms? · What do you think James meant by religious? The life that pleases God is not the one who reads their Bible, nor rests in proper doctrine, or regular church going; The one who pleases God is the one who looks intently at the character of God as expressed in the Word and through perseverance, puts that same character into practice! —SL

Real Faith for Daily Life — Copyright Sue LeBoutillier Why, oh why, does it have to start with bridling the tongue? Why can’t pure religion be something more like making meals for sick people, leading children’s worship 50 weeks in a row, or serving as the nursery coordinator? Why the tongue? Well, we beƩer look into the mirror so we don’t deceive ourselves! Keeping reign on one’s tongue is definitely a by-product of a life that has surrendered control to the Spirit of Christ. We all have a tongue and we all need to bridle it. James, being raised in a devout Jewish home, knew the Old Testament Scriptures well. Since the book of Proverbs in parƟcular is filled with exhortaƟons on controlling one’s words, let’s look at a handful and note what you discover: Proverbs 12:18 Proverbs 13:3 Proverbs 15:1-2 Proverbs 17:20 Proverbs 18:21 Day Five g READ James 1:16-27 g WRITE James 1:27 We don’t oŌen describe someone by using the word Religion in the posiƟve sense of the word...but we might use the word Faith. — We probably wouldn’t say, ‘she has a REAL religion’ — But we might say, ‘she has REAL faith’ This Bible Study is enƟtled, “Real Faith — for Daily Life” and, here at the end of chapter one, James is contrasƟng religion that is worthless and religion that is pure. Maybe we could call it faith that is worthless contrasted with faith that is pure.

Real Faith for Daily Life — Copyright Sue LeBoutillier · What was the characterisƟc of Real Faith from v.26? · What is the example of Real Faith given in today’s verse? (v.27) · Do you think the ministry of visiƟng is a specific requirement or an example of what a life controlled by the Spirit might look like? · If a person doesn’t happen to know any orphans or needy widows, what other examples of love expressed toward others might be an indicator of Real Faith? Expressing love to people is one important element of pure religion, but look at the last phrase of this chapter for the other important part: “to keep oneself ______________ from the world” We call that holiness and it’s a topic we’ll revisit in chapter four when James talks about friendship with the world. James’ preface is now complete. Beginning with chapter 2, we’ll discover twelve topics the Holy Spirit inspired James to bring to the aƩenƟon of the young Church through this leƩer. We’ll also discover that almost all of these topics echo porƟons of Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount! It’s gonna be great — don’t give up — keep pressing on! Make every effort to live in peace with all men and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord. — Hebrews 12:14 (NIV)

Real Faith for Daily Life — Copyright Sue LeBoutillier QuesƟons for Thought & Discussion Being quick to listen and slow to speak, in the context of James 1, is about hearing from God’s Word so you can turn around and do it. However, those are great life skills for every situaƟon. · What relaƟonship in your life needs you to be a beƩer listener? · What pracƟcal steps can you take to make that happen? · What relaƟonship needs you to engage in less talking? · What steps can you take to make that happen? 1. Is there a good and perfect giŌ that God has sent into your life that you now realize as a giŌ from God? 2. How does the statement, ‘Good giŌs may be concealed within our trials’ make you feel? Is that a comfort, or does it make you sort of mad that God works through trials and troubles to mature us? 3. In what ways have you been convicted this week that you have been merely a hearer of the Word and not much of a doer?

Real Faith for Daily Life — Copyright Sue LeBoutillier _______________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________ Notes for Teaching on Week 3

Real Faith for Daily Life — Copyright Sue LeBoutillier Today’s passage begins the second porƟon of this leƩer. James was obviously influenced by the original Jewish Scriptures but we also see an undeniable echo of the themes Jesus taught in His Sermon on the Mount. So, each Ɵme we come to a companion passage to the Sermon on the Mount, you’ll find a box that will allow you to compare the two and write out a sentence on how God wants you to be a doer of that parƟcular word. Real Faith for Everyday Life! Day One g READ James 2:1-26 g WRITE James 2:1-7 · Summarize the problem/wrongdoing that James observed (v.1): · Summarize the specific example of parƟality (v.2-3): · Read Acts 10:34 and explain why a ChrisƟan acƟng in this way would be out of step with God’s character: · What are some synonyms for parƟality? · What types of things might moƟvate a person to treat someone wealthy with special aƩenƟon? Week 4 — Faith that is Alive and Working

Real Faith for Daily Life — Copyright Sue LeBoutillier Read MaƩhew 5:46-48. · What type of parƟality is Jesus condemning in this passage? · How might this type of special aƩenƟon surface in our Church circles? · Are there any situaƟons that the Lord has brought to mind, through these passages, that might require a change in your way of interacƟng with people? Day Two g READ James 2:1-26 g WRITE James 2:8-13 There is a supreme Law that sums up all Laws in Scripture. What is it called in v.8? __________________________________ #1 Real Faith — shows no partiality Summary of James 2:1-7 Summary of MaƩhew 5:43-48 How does God want you to be a doer of this Word?

Real Faith for Daily Life — Copyright Sue LeBoutillier Read MaƩhew 22:36-40. What did Jesus say about this Law? In v.8, walking in agreement with the royal law is described as doing well! In v.9, walking in opposiƟon to the royal law is described as ________. · What is the link between not showing parƟality and loving your neighbor as yourself (the royal law)? · How is that played out in Deuteronomy 1:17? The last two verses link judgment and mercy. In your journal, circle the occurrences of both of those words. As ChrisƟans, we’re no longer judged for our sins (John 5:24), they have been forgiven; but James provides moƟvaƟon for charity in our acƟons because we will be judged under the law of liberty. Read these passages that give us insight into the believer’s judgment: · Romans 14:10-13 · 2 Corinthians 5:10 · 1 John 4:17 The reality of a believer’s judgment gives a final reason to show mercy rather than parƟality. Not only should mercy be the habit of a person who has received mercy from the Lord; but mercy should also be our habit so we have nothing to fear at the judgment. To ‘show favoritism’ is not merely to be guilty of an insignificant fault or social impropriety; it is sin. —The Expositor’s Bible Commentary3

Real Faith for Daily Life — Copyright Sue LeBoutillier Day Three g READ James 2:1-26 g WRITE James 2:14-17 The Ɵtle of this Bible Study is Real Faith—which implies there may be other types of faith masquerading as the real thing. In this week’s passage, any counterfeit faith is called dead faith! — v.17 faith by itself, if it does not have works, is ________ — v.20 faith apart from works is ________ — v.26 faith apart from works is ________ Real faith will always bear real fruit — works or deeds, depending on your translaƟon. In your journal, circle the words faith, works, and deeds. · What is the claim that someone may make in v.14? Claims require proof. I can claim that I own a horse in my garage, but unƟl I demonstrate that it’s really there, it’s only a claim. · Is there proof of the claim of faith in the example in v.15-16? · What type of work/deed/acƟon could have demonstrated proof of real faith in that verse? · Without any demonstraƟon of Christ-like compassion in this example, what would be the conclusion about the claim to have faith? Faith will bear fruit AcƟon is the fruit of real faith Without any fruit, the faith must be dead James is not saying that caring for the physical needs of other people is THE ONLY way your faith is demonstrated to be real, because he goes on to offer examples of Abraham and Rahab’s acƟons, which

Real Faith for Daily Life — Copyright Sue LeBoutillier had nothing to do with the needy. But, since we’re on this subject, let’s peek into other Scriptures that also teach the importance of real care and concern for people around us as part of God’s plan for us: MaƩhew 25:40 GalaƟans 6:10 1 John 3:17-18 · What is your conclusion about God’s desire for us to be acƟvely involved in caring for the needs we observe around us? · What effect do those passages have on you? Write a Spirit-led acƟon plan for one thing God is bringing to your mind where He would have you meet physical or emoƟonal needs around you: Day Four g READ James 2:1-26 g WRITE James 2:18-20 In your journal, circle all of the words faith, works/deeds. The imaginary someone in v.18 wants to separate faith and works. · Does James believe that to be possible? · With what phrase would you classify someone who had only works or good deeds, without professing a faith in Christ?

Real Faith for Daily Life — Copyright Sue LeBoutillier · How would you classify someone who professed faith in Christ, but had no works or good deeds in their life? V.19 says of the person who professes faith, ‘you believe that God is one’ but that isn’t enough. That statement may not make sense for non-Jewish ears, so read Deuteronomy 6:4, which reminds us of the daily affirmaƟon of faith spoken by a Godly Jew. · Do you suppose there were Jews who spoke that affirmaƟon every day without serving God in any other way? · Do you suppose there can be ChrisƟans today who would say they believe in God and aƩend Church regularly without applying their lives to serve God in any other way? In fact, it can be so common to intellectually believe that God exists that v.19 menƟons even the _____________ believe that! (For proof, read MaƩ. 8:28-29 and Mark 5:7-8.) They know God exists, they believe Jesus is the Messiah, but they don’t serve God—they do not have real faith! If works of faith are not a part of our life, then the reality of our faith is quesƟonable. Real faith eventually expresses itself in the likeness of Christ, doing the good works prepared in advance for us. (Eph. 2:10) The conclusion of James from verse 20 is that faith apart from works is ______________. Day Five g READ James 2:12-26 g WRITE James 2:21-26 Who are the two people in this chapter that James menƟons by name as examples of real faith? ______________ and _______________.

Real Faith for Daily Life — Copyright Sue LeBoutillier Read Genesis 22:1-18 to review a small chapter of Abraham’s life. · How did Abraham’s willingness to sacrifice his own son offer proof that his faith in God was real? · What elements does James point out about Abraham’s faith in these verses? Read Joshua 2:1-21 for insight into Rahab’s life. · How did Rahab’s acƟons toward the Israelite spies demonstrate her genuine faith in the God of Israel? I’m not sure it’s possible to point to two more different people in the Bible than Abraham and Rahab. — Abraham was a friend of God — Rahab belonged to Israel’s enemies — Abraham was a Godly man — Rahab was a harlot and yet both of them... — came to real faith in the one true God — put their real faith into acƟon during a frightening Ɵme — became part of the lineage of Christ (MaƩhew 1:2-16) — are honored in The Hall of Faith in the book of Hebrews Read their respecƟve passages and note anything addiƟonal you discover about how they put their faith into acƟon: Abraham—Hebrews 11:17-19 Rahab—Hebrews 11:31

Real Faith for Daily Life — Copyright Sue LeBoutillier How is God calling you to put your faith into acƟon right now in your life, to prove the claim that it’s real? Today’s verse wraps up the theme of this secƟon with an accurate, although slightly disturbing, image. Describe the analogy in v.26: · Explain why James uses a dead corpse to make his point: Let’s finish with these passages that inspire us to demonstrate our real faith in everyday life by doing the work God has given us to do— body and spirit united—alive! Make notes as the Lord speaks to you: MaƩhew 5:16 Ephesians 2:10 1 Timothy 6:18-19 Titus 3:8, 14 #2 Real Faith — actually does God’s work Summary of James 2:14, 26 Summary of MaƩhew 7:17-21 How does God want you to be a doer of this Word?

Real Faith for Daily Life — Copyright Sue LeBoutillier QuesƟons for Thought & Discussion 1. If you were applying for a ministry posiƟon and it was possible for someone to secretly observe you for a week, what conclusions do you think they would make about the works in your life matching your profession of faith? 2. The teaching on favoriƟsm in the passage is believer-to-believer. Do you think showing special favor toward a believer over a non-believer is acceptable? Why/why not? 3. James didn’t intend his leƩer to be used as a measuring sƟck to judge the genuineness of other people’s faith. What is the intenƟon of a passage like that which we studied this week? 4. How would you answer someone who said to you, “I know that I’m not living the way I should, but I’m trusƟng in Christ for salvaƟon, not what I do or don’t do”? 5. If this passage brought convicƟon of inaƩenƟveness to a work or good deed that God has given you to do, a) Have you confessed it to the Lord? b) Have you received a renewed vision of what God may have for you? c) Can you share with your group? I delight to do your will, O my God; your law is within my heart. Psalm 40:8

Real Faith for Daily Life — Copyright Sue LeBoutillier ________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________ Notes for Teaching on Week 4

Real Faith for Daily Life — Copyright Sue LeBoutillier Last week, we learned that REAL FAITH will bear REAL FRUIT in every- day life. I’m not sure if there’s any more obvious fruit than our every- day words. Maybe that’s why this leƩer focuses now on the topic of our speech and aƫtudes—all of which spring from our hearts. Since the Proverbs have so much to say about the tongue, words and aƫtudes, we’ll also add a handful of Proverbs to read and process at the end of each day’s lesson this week. One last thing—a reminder to sincerely pray before you begin your lesson each day. This lesson, in parƟcular, requires that we ask God to soŌen our hearts, hear what the Scripture says, then look ourselves in the mirror and humbly ask the Holy Spirit to transform us; while at the same Ɵme guarding our heart from the condemnaƟon or discouragement of the enemy. The Apostle Paul said, “All Scripture is profitable for...training in righteousness”. This week’s training session is focused on our words! Day One g READ James 3:1-18 g WRITE James 3:1-2 What group is singled out in v.1 with a warning? Why do you think this warning is placed right within the context of carefulness with words? Week 5 — Faith Through Words and Wisdom

Real Faith for Daily Life — Copyright Sue LeBoutillier We use the term influencers (especially in social media) to describe those who teach on any subject under the sun. They influence our product purchases, impact our investment strategy, or simply train us on how to apply makeup! Read MaƩhew 18:6-7, and explain what is sobering for those who influence people spiritually: Note the pronoun we in each of the verses (two Ɵmes). · What does that tell you about James and his own struggles? · What do you think he means when he says “the one who doesn’t stumble in what he says is a perfect man?” g Proverbs Pondering for Day One: Read and meditate on these verses. Note anything significant in your own struggle with words. Proverbs 10:32 Proverbs 12:17-18 Proverbs 13:3

Real Faith for Daily Life — Copyright Sue LeBoutillier Day Two g READ James 3:1-18 g WRITE James 3:3-8 What are the three analogies given for the tongue: posiƟve or NegaƟve v.3 like a _________ for a _____________ ________ v.4 like a _________ for a _____________ ________ v.5 like a _________ in a _____________ ________ Which one of these resonates the most with you? Why? All of these illustraƟons show the power of a very small object over a very large one, but it is the fire that James goes on to talk about. You can probably relate to that sinking feeling when you view the massive destrucƟon caused by a carelessly tossed cigareƩe, fireworks or an unaƩended campfire. · List some of the harsh phrases used in v.6-8 to describe the influence of a careless tongue: Do you feel those are harsh? Read Psalm 39:3 and MaƩhew 12:34. · Where does the power of the tongue come from? · The conclusion for today is that no human being can tame the tongue; but since we know the tongue’s source of fuel (see Scripture above), what should we focus on changing? · How is that accomplished? List some specific acƟons:

Real Faith for Daily Life — Copyright Sue LeBoutillier g Psalms & Proverbs Pondering for Day Two: Read and meditate on these verses and note the role of a heart trained in righteousness. Psalm 19:14 Psalm 139:23-24 Proverbs 15:28 Proverbs 16:23 Day Three g READ James 3:1-18 g WRITE James 3:9-12 Remember the childhood jingle, “sƟcks and stones can break my bones but words will never hurt me”? Don’t you think maybe the opposite is true? Broken bones can mend to be good as new, but a crushed spirit, caused by careless words, can linger unhealed for decades. As difficult as it may be, let’s not use James’ leƩer right now as a measuring rod to turn and beat someone else over the head for their careless words. Let’s only look at the face in the mirror—and the words that come out of that face—MY WORDS! Today’s verses are all about consistency in life! · What are the two opposite possibiliƟes for our speech in v.9-10? · Do you observe that to be true in life? Is it true for you?

Real Faith for Daily Life — Copyright Sue LeBoutillier List the three metaphors from nature that are deemed to be impossible: v.11 for a ____________ to pour forth _____________________ v.12 for a ____________ to bear ________________ or a ___________________ to bear _________ v.12 for a ____________ to yield _________________________ Which metaphor makes the most sense to you, and why? God created nature to act consistently with itself. He desires people, made in His image, to be consistent as well—even with our words. · In your life right now, who would benefit most from greater consistency in the words you say? Maybe you haven’t outright cursed anyone this week. We rarely intend to speak badly about people or harshly to people. But without diligence and restraint, it can happen. Read these passages and note the ways our speech can be inconsistent with what God desires: Jeremiah 9:8 Psalm 12:2 Proverbs 11:12 Proverbs 15:18

Real Faith for Daily Life — Copyright Sue LeBoutillier Put a checkmark by the following speech inconsistencies that represent the biggest problem areas for you: ___ exaggeraƟon ___ complaining ___ criƟcism ___ arguing/opinionated ___ endless talking ___ gossip/rumors ___ flaƩering/impressing ___ sarcasm/snarky ___ yelling/anger ___ off-color humor ___ boasƟng ___ lying/ decepƟon There’s no easy formula for overcoming bad habits of the tongue. But realizing we are talking in a way that is inconsistent with God’s design is the first step. Repentance, Prayer and Perseverance come next! · What does Colossians 3:16-17 add to this topic? · Write an acƟon plan for this week to tackle one of the problems checked above. How will you submit your heart, and therefore your mouth, more fully to the lordship of Jesus Christ in that area? g Proverbs Pondering for Day Three: (Read these verses, meditate on them, and note how consistency is important with our words) Proverbs 10:19 Proverbs 15:1-2 Proverbs 25:11-12 Proverbs 26:20

Real Faith for Daily Life — Copyright Sue LeBoutillier Day Four g READ James 3:1-18 g WRITE James 3:13-15 We’ve learned that the mouth speaks from the health of the heart (MaƩhew 12:34). We know the heart is basically sick (Jeremiah 17:9) and needs a cure. We know that new life in Christ is our cure (1 John 5:4). We know that we need to walk out the reality of the work God has done in us (Ephesians 4:1). The remaining six verses in chapter three highlight the potenƟal for wisdom from above to triumph over fleshliness from within. Let’s invesƟgate… What shows someone to be truly skilled in the art of living well? Rewrite v.13 from a quesƟon to a statement of observaƟon. “The person who shows her works ____________________________ ________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________” #3 Real Faith — is careful with words Summary of James 3:1-12 Summary of MaƩhew 12:33-37* How does God want you to be a doer of this Word? *not part of the Sermon on the Mount

Real Faith for Daily Life — Copyright Sue LeBoutillier · What two characterisƟcs in v.14 demonstrate the opposite of Godly wisdom: · What do those things tend to look like and how can they affect a woman’s daily life? On a scale of 1-10, how would you rate yourself on purposefully reaching out for wisdom from above and applying it to your life? 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 (circle) If you’re not saƟsfied with the number you circled, if you see too much selfish ambiƟon in your life, take these Proverbs in the next secƟon to heart and ask God to do a real makeover in your heart! g Proverbs Pondering for Day Four: (Read these, meditate on them, and note significant insights and benefits of godly wisdom) Proverbs 2:1-6 Proverbs 3:13-18 Proverbs 8:12-17 Proverbs 16:23

Real Faith for Daily Life — Copyright Sue LeBoutillier Day Five g READ James 3:1-18 g WRITE James 3:16-18 What does v.16 tell us is the result when we let aƫtudes like jealousy and selfish ambiƟon run rampant? What are the aƫtudes (v.17) of a heart immersed in wisdom from above? List the eight characterisƟcs you see in this verse and give a descripƟon or example of each: · pure__________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________ · _____________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________ · _____________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________ · _____________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________ · _____________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________ · _____________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________ · _____________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________ · _____________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________

Real Faith for Daily Life — Copyright Sue LeBoutillier #4 Real Faith — displays godly attitudes Summary of James 3:13-18 Summary of MaƩhew 5:5-9 How does God want you to be a doer of this Word? Which of those evidences of godly wisdom would you like to see more of in your life? Is there another aƫtude that you think would be improved upon in your life by purposefully applying the wisdom from above? g Proverbs Pondering for Day Five: (Read these, meditate on them, and note what you learn related to our aƫtudes) Proverbs 9:4-6 Proverbs 21:2-3 Proverbs 28:26

Real Faith for Daily Life — Copyright Sue LeBoutillier QuesƟons for Thought & Discussion 1. Do you think that people who teach in Churches today take to heart the warning from v.1 in this chapter? 2. Have you ever caused a proverbial forest fire with careless words that you wish you could take back? What damage control acƟons did you take? What acƟons would you advise to someone in that situaƟon? 3. Do you think many ChrisƟans believe the transgressions of the lips (as Proverbs puts it) to be of much consequence? Is it taken seriously? 4. If you have experienced victory over one of the problem areas listed on p.40, would you share with your group? For example, if you have learned to overcome sarcasƟc comebacks or chronic complaining, share your victory. 5. Read Ephesians 4:29 in your group. Discuss what corrupt talk means. Discuss how our words can build up and give grace.

Real Faith for Daily Life — Copyright Sue LeBoutillier ________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________ Notes for Teaching on Week 5

Real Faith for Daily Life — Copyright Sue LeBoutillier Day One g READ James 4:1-17 g WRITE James 4:1-3 Today, you wrote the words fights, war, murder — chances are you may have subconsciously assigned these verses to a special Bible secƟon for really bad people — people who murder — not normal ChrisƟan people like you and me — because we don’t murder, we try not to quarrel or fight, and we have our passions under control! We’ll find, however, this chapter reveals the true condiƟon of our heart. We’re naturally prideful — not humble. We naturally think more highly of ourselves than we ought. We naturally want to plan our life, our way. Let’s approach these Scriptures with an open mind and really hear what the Spirit of God is teaching us about ourselves. · According to these verses, what is the root cause of all types of conflict between people? · Do you think conflict between spouses, friends, Church members, even naƟons all stem from that same cause? Why, or why not? · Do you really think that the average ChrisƟan’s response to not having what they desire is murder? Read these passages: MaƩhew 5:21-22 and 1 John 3:15 — then note whether your answer to the above quesƟon has changed. Week 6 — Faith Through Humility

Real Faith for Daily Life — Copyright Sue LeBoutillier · What did James list as the reason God’s people do not have what they desire? (v.2) · And what did James list as the reason God’s people sƟll don’t have what they desire, even aŌer asking God? (v.3) · Read 1 John 3:21-23. Based on both of these passages, what is the most important aspect of answered prayer? #5 Real Faith — satisfies desires by asking God Summary of James 4:1-3 Summary of MaƩhew 7:7-11 How does God want you to be a doer of this Word?

Real Faith for Daily Life — Copyright Sue LeBoutillier Day Two g READ James 4:1-17 g WRITE James 4:4-6 James shockingly called his readers adulterous. An adulterous person, in the regular sense of the word, would mean a person who prefers the affecƟons of someone other than their spouse, or someone who wants a relaƟonship with both their spouse and another person at the same Ɵme. · Based on that idea, write a definiƟon of a spiritually adulterous person. (Include who the adulterous other party could be) · Explain God’s perspecƟve on this type of person (v.5): In other Scriptures, we’ve learned about that tempƟng trio that wars for our aƩenƟon: 1) the world, 2) the flesh, and 3) the devil. James focused on the world in today’s passage. But let’s use a different passage for a similar warning about adultery with the flesh. Read Romans 8:5-10: · Is it a possibility to live happily with, be friends with, and please both the Spirit and the flesh at the same Ɵme? · What can be the expected result for someone who wants to please the flesh? (v.7) · What does friendship with the world look like in your life at Ɵmes?

Real Faith for Daily Life — Copyright Sue LeBoutillier · What does seƫng your mind on the things of the flesh look like? AŌer these warnings, v.6 offers a way of escape for these spiritually adulterous tendencies toward the world and the flesh. What is it? Read these Psalms and note God’s response toward the humble: Psalm 18:27 Psalm 25:9 Psalm 147:6 Day Three g READ James 4:1-17 g WRITE James 4:7-10 In the first two days this week, we dealt with two-thirds of our temptaƟons: the world and the flesh. Today’s verses give us direcƟon for that last source of temptaƟon — the devil himself. · What two commands, given in v.7, relate to the temptaƟons of the devil in our lives? · · · What result can we expect when we obey these commands? · What types of temptaƟons do ChrisƟans face from the devil?

Real Faith for Daily Life — Copyright Sue LeBoutillier List temptaƟons that are different from temptaƟons that arise from friendship with the world or the desires of the flesh. How does a person submit to God, you ask? That’s a good quesƟon and v.8 has a good answer. Write the three acƟon phrases James tells believers to do: · ____________________________________________________ · ____________________________________________________ · ____________________________________________________ Have you ever been spiritually adulterous? Estranged from God? Has He seemed distant in your life? The first acƟon phrase that you listed from v.8 comes with a promise — if we will humble ourselves and draw near to God, what can we expect Him to do? · Do you think there are any excepƟons to this promise? · What do you think it means to cleanse your hands and purify your heart in the context of this passage? · Do you think those parƟcular acƟons/aƫtudes really have the ability to change our spiritually double-minded status? How?

Real Faith for Daily Life — Copyright Sue LeBoutillier Do you remember the illustraƟon in chapter one about looking intently at our face in the mirror and not ignoring what we see but taking acƟon? With that in mind, read v.9 again, considering the one who looks spiritual adultery in the face and actually sees it for what it is. James described the response that recogniƟon should elicit. But it’s not God’s intenƟon that we live in that state. Write the last acƟon phrase from v.10: · _____________________________________________________ Read MaƩhew 23:12 and Luke 14:11. Combined with this passage, what is promised to the one who humbles himself before the Lord? · ____________________________________________________ Day Four g READ James 4:1-17 g WRITE James 4:11-12 Today’s verses make one simple statement: Don’t speak badly about another person ...even though what you’re saying might be true! The NIV uses the word slander, which is repeated in New Testament leƩers, like Colossians 3:8, “...you must rid yourselves of all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language...” (NIV) This is preƩy straighƞorward. We learned it from Bambi’s friend Thumper, ‘If you can’t say something nice, don’t say nothin at all’. But we usually think the moƟvaƟon for not speaking badly of other people should be rooted in kindness or love—love always protects, right? But the main principle or argument given here for not slandering a fellow believer isn’t necessarily love, it’s the Law! Circle all of these words in your journal: judge, judges, law, lawgiver

Real Faith for Daily Life — Copyright Sue LeBoutillier Read MaƩhew 22:36-40 again. Jesus said that all the Law and prophets hang on what two commandments? · · So let’s connect the dots with the Law and the Judge of the Law… (circle one) Who is the Lawgiver? Me God What’s the job of the Lawgiver? Keep the law Make judgments What’s my job? Keep the law Make Judgments If I make negaƟve verbal judgments about someone, am I sƟcking to my job or assuming the role of Judge? Have I honored the Law by leaving judgment to God; or have I judged the Law by taking its place? Our verbal judgments are usually said in a way that makes us appear beƩer than the person we’re talking about. That’s not humbling ourselves! We know this is harmful. We feel the convicƟon. So, why do we conƟnue? Why do we deliberately break the Law? It’s not only disobedient, it sets a dangerous precedent that can lead to further degrees of malice. AND, God takes it seriously. Read Psalm 101:5. · What would you say are some common reasons that you might speak badly about, or slander, someone? · What are some excuses you might recite in your head to defend why it’s really not that bad — certainly not a sin?

Real Faith for Daily Life — Copyright Sue LeBoutillier In the following verses, note some pracƟcal help for our thoughts and our speech that will set us on a path to obedience in this area: Proverbs 11:12 Proverbs 17:27 Romans 12:3 1 Peter 2:1 Day Five g READ James 4:1-17 g WRITE James 4:13-17 Go back over v.11-17 in your journal and circle all the speaking-type words: speak, say, boast, etc. · What type of speech is inappropriate for a ChrisƟan in v.11-12? · What type of speech is inappropriate for a ChrisƟan in v.13-17? #6 Real Faith — doesn’t speak badly of others Summary of James 4:11-12 Summary of MaƩhew 7:1-2, 12 How does God want you to be a doer of this Word?

Real Faith for Daily Life — Copyright Sue LeBoutillier Read MaƩhew 12:34 again. · What is the source of both of these types of speech? Summarize how the one in v.13 tells about their neatly planned life: We’re so accustomed to business plans that we might not readily detect what’s missing in that statement. But this is a follower of Jesus talking about their life. What IS missing? You know the phrase, control-freak? Maybe you’ve described yourself that way—in jest or honestly. In many ways, we ALL want control over our lives. But James doesn’t call this person a control-freak… · What is the word in v.16a used to describe boasƟng about neatly- controlled plans? ___________________. My guess is we DO NOT go around describing ourselves with THAT word. · What is the dicƟonary definiƟon of THAT word? · What aspects of that character trait might ring true in your own desire to control? Hannah was not able to neatly control her life. God arranged it as He desired. Read the first porƟon of Hannah’s prayer, as she gave her boy, Samuel, to the service of the Lord in 1 Samuel 2:1-3.

Real Faith for Daily Life — Copyright Sue LeBoutillier · List two things that strike you about her aƫtude: · · So, is planning a bad idea? Read these passages and explain the difference between craŌing your own plans and agenda for life, and submiƫng those plans to the Lord: Proverbs 16:3, 9 Proverbs 19:21 Proverbs 27:1 List one area that you have goƩen off track in terms of submiƫng your plans to the Lord, and write a plan for correcƟng that: #7 Real Faith — entrusts the future to God Summary of James 4:13-17 Summary of MaƩhew 6:31-34 How does God want you to be a doer of this Word?

Real Faith for Daily Life — Copyright Sue LeBoutillier QuesƟons for Thought & Discussion 1. “Friendship with the world is enmity with God” (James 4:4) When you are with your ChrisƟan friends, how easy or how difficult do you find friendship with the world? In other words, do you have friends that pull you toward the world or toward God? 2. James brought up slander, which can include: criƟcizing and saying things in a way that puts another in a poor light. James 4:12 says, “who are you to judge your neighbor?” What is the difference between verbally confronƟng someone about an area of sin (which is making a judgment) and verbally highlighƟng someone’s downfalls (which is also making a judgment)? 3. What would you tell someone who asked you ’How do I become more humble?’ ? 4. Is it wrong for a ChrisƟan to make plans for the future? What should be our guidelines for planning and telling others about our plans? 5. What area of your life do you desperately want to control? Has the Lord spoken to you in some pracƟcal way to rest in His guidance and desires for your life? Can you share with your group?

Real Faith for Daily Life — Copyright Sue LeBoutillier ________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________ Notes for Teaching on Week 6

Real Faith for Daily Life — Copyright Sue LeBoutillier Day One g READ James 5:1-20 g WRITE James 5:1-6 This chapter begins with James addressing rich people. · Do you think he has all wealthy people in mind? · Do you think he is talking to disobedient ChrisƟans, or unbelievers? IdenƟfy four crimes of these wealthy people. Note verse #s by each: · · · · What word is used in v.6 to describe the ones being oppressed? Read these verses from the Law of Moses and note God’s intenƟon for how His people should use wealth: Exodus 22:25-27 LeviƟcus 19:9-10 Deuteronomy 14:27-29 Deuteronomy 24:14-15 Week 7 — Faith that is Patient and Prayerful

Real Faith for Daily Life — Copyright Sue LeBoutillier #8 Real Faith — is wise about wealth Summary of James 5:1-6 Summary of MaƩhew 6:19-21 How does God want you to be a doer of this Word? You probably don’t think you’re wealthy — but chances are you have more resources than many people so, you are wealthy! · What things might you be tempted to hoard (Keep more than you are able to use in a reasonable Ɵme)? · In what areas might you be tempted to overindulge? What do these passages add to our conversaƟon on the proper use of wealth for God’s people? Proverbs 11:28 Proverbs 19:17 Luke 6:34-35 Luke 12:16-21

Real Faith for Daily Life — Copyright Sue LeBoutillier Day Two g READ James 5:1-20 g WRITE James 5:7-11 The word therefore always makes a link with previous content. So, refresh your memory on v.1-6... · What is the context of those previous verses? · What kinds of things were happening to the righteous? · How do we know that v.7 is speaking now to believers? · What one word would you choose as the main point of v.7-8? · We have lots of Scriptures about paƟence. We know it’s a fruit of the Spirit. But what exactly are God’s people to wait paƟently for? · While the waiƟng is going on, what is to be avoided in v.9? Do you remember long road trips before the days of tech and air condiƟoning? Kids and parents and staƟon wagons? Close quarters with sweaty siblings waiƟng for the day to come to an end? What naturally happens during the wait? Grumbling! So, this is a Ɵmely reminder to war against that temptaƟon during a season of waiƟng! Do all things without grumbling or disputing, that you may be blameless and innocent… — Philippians 2:14-15 (ESV)

Real Faith for Daily Life — Copyright Sue LeBoutillier Scripture teaches us not to compare or classify ourselves with one another (2 Corinthians 10:12). However, successful examples in life can be helpful and James gives us such examples: · In v.10, who are successful examples of supernatural paƟence in the face of suffering? · In v.11 who is the successful example named, who was blessed for his steadfastness? · If you have another translaƟon, what other words are used in place of steadfast? · What situaƟon have you been facing that requires paƟent endurance or perseverance? · Is there someone in your life that has shown you, by example, how to be successful in that area? Explain? #9 Real Faith — is patient through persecution Summary of James 5:7-11 Summary of MaƩhew 5:11-12 How does God want you to be a doer of this Word?

Real Faith for Daily Life — Copyright Sue LeBoutillier Day Three g READ James 5:1-20 g WRITE James 5:12-15 James isn’t done with giving reminders about the words that come out of our mouths. Today’s verses highlight another negaƟve type of speech in v.12, followed by two posiƟve alternaƟves in v.13-15. Verse 12 is almost a word-for-word echo of Jesus’ teaching in the Sermon on the Mount. READ MaƩhew 5:33-37 and compare the two: · What do you think James’ usage of the word swear means in the context of this passage? · What did Jesus mean by taking an oath? · Do you think either of them were forbidding all oaths or swearing -in ceremonies? Why or why not? #10 Real Faith — simply speaks the truth Summary of James 5:12 Summary of MaƩhew 5:33-37 How does God want you to be a doer of this Word?

Real Faith for Daily Life — Copyright Sue LeBoutillier Verses 13-15 suggest that, in the face of trouble or suffering, instead of using our mouths to grumble (v.9), or swear dramaƟc oaths (v.12), we are to pray and praise. Those are very good habits to build! · What acƟon should a believer, who is sick, take? · What reacƟon should an elder have to that request? Asking for prayer can be an inƟmidaƟng thing to do, but this passage teaches us that God intends for us to live in community, not isolated and independent. Think about it — when we ask others to pray for us, we give them a posiƟve purpose for their words as well. · What do you think are some reasons we resist asking for prayer or even praying all together when we are struggling? · How do we overcome those blocks? ...we’ll conƟnue the thread on prayer tomorrow. #11 Real Faith — believes in prayer Summary of James 5:13-15 Summary of MaƩhew 7:7-8 How does God want you to be a doer of this Word?

Real Faith for Daily Life — Copyright Sue LeBoutillier Day Four g READ James 5:1-20 g WRITE James 5:16-18 Circle the speech-related words in your journal: confess, pray, prayer. Circle which of the following phrases that makes you slightly more uncomfortable: Confess your sins to one another Pray for one another Why do you think that is? Have you ever confessed your sin to someone? What was the result? What do you think is the link between confess your sins and gaining the status of a righteous person in v.16? The word confession means to agree with God or to say the same thing as God. Since He knows all things perfectly (including our heart), confession is like an alignment with God. It is an act of humility to bend ourselves to His direcƟon and we’ve learned that when we humble ourselves, God will liŌ us up. Read Psalm 32:1-5— · Describe the man’s condiƟon before he confessed his sins. How did unconfessed sin seem to affect even his physical body? · What potenƟal connecƟon does that have with James 5:16?

Real Faith for Daily Life — Copyright Sue LeBoutillier Read Psalm 66:16-19— · What does the Psalmist seem to be saying about God hearing our prayers? Read John 9:30-31— · What did even the blind man that Jesus healed understand about God’s ways? There are so many unknowns about prayer — especially prayer requests for physical healing. We can probably all give examples of someone that God seemed to heal almost instantly, and examples of someone who didn’t receive their healing unƟl they saw His face in Heaven. There are so many things we don’t know, so we rest on what we do know — Jesus taught us to ask and James taught us to confess — so that we might be as effecƟve as even Elijah! Has God sƟrred up within you the need to confess your sins? Is there something you actually need to verbally confess to another person? Pray for wisdom. Remember what we’ve learned about the power of our words. Then, be obedient and humble yourself before God and before others. Day Five g READ James 5:1-20 g WRITE James 5:19-20 We have two final two verses, and just like the Proverbs or the Sermon on the Mount, they don’t represent any great summary statement or climax to the whole leƩer. But, in a way, they present a very important aspect of our work as ChrisƟans — poinƟng the way to life!

Real Faith for Daily Life — Copyright Sue LeBoutillier What has the person in v.19 wandered from? Do you think this wanderer is a ChrisƟan or a non-ChrisƟan? Why? Do you think it’s possible for a born-again ChrisƟan to wander from the truth? Do you see that possibility in Scripture? Do you have an example from everyday life? We’ve gleaned so much wisdom from this book and this last sentence is icing on the cake because Proverbs 11:30 tells us, “he who wins souls is wise”. Winning a lost soul, or restoring a wandering soul, are both part of our calling. In the following passages from Luke, Jesus taught about the great care and celebraƟon He desires to see in restoraƟon: Read Luke 15:4-7 · What had wandered? · What effort was made to bring back the wanderer? · What was the end result? Read Luke 15:8-10 · What had goƩen lost? · What effort was made to find the lost? · What was the end result?

Real Faith for Daily Life — Copyright Sue LeBoutillier Read Luke 15:11-32. · Who had wandered? · What effort was made to bring back the wanderer? · What was the end result? Read Hebrews 2:1. What do we need to be careful of ourselves? That verse is a great ending place. I hope your Faith has become more Real through this study of James. May the Lord Richly Bless You! Sue #12 Real Faith — points the way to life Summary of James 5:19-20 Summary of MaƩhew 7:12-14 How does God want you to be a doer of this Word?

Real Faith for Daily Life — Copyright Sue LeBoutillier QuesƟons for Thought & Discussion 1. How would you explain the differences between Godly ChrisƟans who happen to possess wealth and those described in chapter five? 2. What advice would you give to someone who realizes she has a grumbling problem and wants to reform? (‘You shouldn’t grum- ble’ isn’t an acceptable answer here) 3. Has anyone ever asked you to pray for their healing? Did you? What was the result? 4. James 5:15 says, “the prayer of faith will save the one who is sick, and the Lord will raise him up.” If that is a 100% guaranteed for- mula, no one would ever die. So, what do you think the promise is in this verse? 5. Did the final two verses bring someone to your mind who is wan- dering? Have you begun to earnestly pray for them and ask God what your part may be in their journey? Share your intenƟons in your group and pray for one another that God would enable you to bring a sinner from his wandering.

Real Faith for Daily Life — Copyright Sue LeBoutillier ________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________ Notes for Teaching on Week 7

Real Faith for Daily Life — Copyright Sue LeBoutillier Scripture quotaƟons from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved. Scripture quotaƟons from the NIV® Bible (The Holy Bible, New InternaƟonal Version®), copyright © 1984 Zondervan Publishing House, Grand Rapids, MI. Used by permission. All rights reserved. Scripture quotaƟons from the NLT® Bible (The Holy Bible, New Living TranslaƟon®), copyright © 2004 Tyndale House Publishers, Wheaton, IL. Used by permission. All rights reserved. 1— Joseph M. Scriven. Hymn What a Friend we Have in Jesus originally wriƩen as a poem to his mother in 1955. 2— Thomas Obediah Chisholm. Hymn Great is Thy Faithfulness 1925 3— Gaebelein, Frank E., ed. The Expositor's Bible Commentary – Vol- ume 12: Hebrews through RevelaƟon. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 1981. WORDsearch CROSS e-book. References

Real Faith for Daily Life — Copyright Sue LeBoutillier The following WOW Bible Studies wriƩen by Sue LeBouƟllier are available through the Calvary Chapel Ontario bookstore, and through our online store at www.ccontario.com. Old Testament: · Genesis—Divine Design, From Eden to Egypt · Exodus—Divine Deliverance, From Egypt to Sinai · Numbers—The Wilderness Way, From Sinai to the Jordan · Joshua —The Path of Promise, From the Jordan into Canaan · Judges — A Time of Turning · Ruth—Rescue and Rest · 1 Samuel— The Coming King · 2 Samuel— The Reigning King · 1&2 Kings (Part One) — Solomon and the House of the Lord · Jonah—The Call of Compassion New Testament: · The Way of Jesus —The Sermon on the Mount (MaƩhew) · Simply Jesus—The “I AMs” of Christ (John) · Acts—Walking in the Spirit, The First Days of the Last Days · GalaƟans—Finding Grace in a Demanding World · Philippians—Finding Joy in a Disjointed World · Colossians—Finding Stability in a Changing World · Titus—While We Wait · James—Real Faith for Daily Life · 1 & 2 Peter—Hope, Holiness and Humility in a HosƟle World · 1,2,3 John—Light, Love and Logic Women of the Word Bible Studies