MIDWEEK BIBLE STUDY Pastor Alex M Perednia
09/08/10 #1 JAMES: ACTIVE FAITH
James: The Man and His Message (Overview of James)
______________________________________________________________________________
WARMING UP
Taking a look at the sermon topics below, which topic do you think you
(and/or our church) need to hear most? Why? (What are the top three votes
& I will be sure to invite everyone out to Bible Study especially on those nights.)
 How do I face trials and temptations without being crushed? (James 1:3-5,
12-18; 5:7-12)
 When is studying the Bible dangerous to your spiritual life? (James 1:16-
27; 3:1)
 Do I need a special theology degree to know God's will? (James 1:5-8;
3:13-18; 4:13-17)
 In God's eyes, is it better for me to be rich or poor? (James 1:9-11; 1:27-
2:13; 5:1-6)
 How can I know if my faith is real? Or, Does my faith need my works to
go to heaven? (James 1:26-27; 2:14-26)
 Since my sins are forgiven in Christ, will I still be "judged" by God?
(James 1:12; 2:12-13; 3:1; 4:11-12)
 How do I start a fire with my tongue? (James 1:26, 3:1-12; 4:11-12; 5:12)
 Why do relationships among church folk sometimes break apart into petty
squabbling? (James 1:19-21; 3:13-18; 4:1-2, 7-12)
 Can I be friends with the world and with God? (James 1:27, 4:4-10)
 Should I expect God to answer my prayers? (James 1:5-7; 4:2b-3; 5:16b-20)
 Is confession only good for the soul? (James 5:13-20)
All of these topics--- and more-- are addressed in the Letter of James. That is
how diverse and practical these five chapters are!
DIGGING DEEPER
Let's acquaint ourselves with some background info on this letter with a
little quiz. Are you ready? True or False?
1. T or F: James was written by one of the Twelve Apostles.
2. T or F: This is likely one of the earliest letters of the NT written
and was addressed to Jewish followers of Jesus.
3. T or F: James was probably strongly influenced by the OT book of
Proverbs and Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount (Matt 5-7) in writing his letter.
4. T or F: In contrast with Paul’s letters, James doesn’t emphasize
theological formulation, but stresses practical Christianity.
5. T or F: In over 2,000 years of church history, James has been
revered by everyone as one of the finest books in the NT
Answer Key
1. FALSE James (Hebrew- Jacob) was a common name. Although two of the
twelve were named James (Mark 10:2-3), the James who wrote this letter was the
half-brother of Jesus (Matt. 13:55), who did not follow Jesus until after His
resurrection (John 7:5, 1 Corinthians 15:7, Acts 1:14). After James' conversion, he
became a key leader in the Jerusalem church (Acts 12:17, Acts 15:13ff.) He was
known as James the Just and was known for his personal piety.
2. TRUE The Jewish converts were probably scattered because of
persecution and many of them were very poor.
3. TRUE The themes of wisdom and proper uses of the tongue are major
themes of Proverbs. As we study this letter, we will note any direct connections
between the Sermon on the Mount and James.
4. TRUE A tricky question, because the question assumes Paul is all
theology and no application. In that sense, it is false. Although Paul stresses
theological formulation in his letters, he always stresses practical application too.
For example, Romans 1-11 and Ephesians 1-3 are deep theological statements but
each of these letters ends with great practical helps (Romans 12-16 and Ephesians 4-
6). Good theology is always practical!
5. FALSE One well-known person who had seriously reservations about
James was the Protestant Reformer Martin Luther who called this “an epistle of
straw” because he (mistakenly) thought that James contradicts Paul’s teachings on
salvation by grace through faith without works.
APPLYING THE WORD:
Imagine an un-churched friend asks you, "What is a good religion?” Or
“Which religion does God want me to join?" How would you respond?
Read James 1:26-27. These verses are the "center" of what James is
trying to convey and ties together many of the sub-themes of the letter.
a. How does James define "true religion"? Is this what you would have
said to your unchurched friend? Does this contradict the classic
evangelical position that "asking Jesus into your heart" is the way to be
saved?
b. In v. 26, what is an example of "worthless religion"? In v. 27, what are
the two components of true religion? How does this view of "true
religion" challenge you?
e. According to James, is it possible to be self-deceived about your
religion? (see also Matthew 7:21-23). How do we avoid being self-
deceived?
f. John Mcarthur wrote that, “James wrote… to challenge his readers to
examine their faith to see if it was genuine saving faith. Will you
honestly use the book of James to help to do some important self-
examination?”
MIDWEEK BIBLE STUDY Pastor Alex M Perednia
09/15/10 #2 JAMES: ACTIVE FAITH
How Do I Face Trials Without Being Crushed
James 1:3-5, 12-18; 5:7-12
______________________________________________________________________________
WARMING UP
When you hear the word TEST, what comes to mind? Does that word
create a positive or negative image in your mind? In what ways can
testing be a negative/positive experience? Why does God test our faith?
DIGGING DEEPER
 Before we consider how to face trials without being crushed, we need
to be clear about the “many kinds” of trials (1:2) we will face as
Christians. What are the “trials of many kinds” that James is referring
to? Here is the definition of a trial by James: …Something that leads
to “the T_____________ of your faith…” (1:2)
 An examination of the context will show us that the kinds of trials that
James has in mind come from two main sources.
 Trials that come from circumstances W_________ (James 1:2-4).
What was the real life test that Christians were facing in 5:1-8?
 Trials (or temptations) that come from desires W________ (James
1:13-15). This is clearly a different kind of “test” from the first
because the source of the testing comes from within. This kind of
test is more properly called a “temptation” (inducement to evil).
 With the help of James 1:12-15, how would you respond to some of
these myths of temptation: “God is tempting me.” Or, “The Devil
made me do it.” Or, “When I am a strong Christian, temptation won’t
be a problem anymore.”
 What is the “cycle of temptation” according to 1:14-15? What are the
outcomes if the cycle of temptation continues?
 Consider the following kinds of trials. What kind of test are these…
from within… from without… or a combination? How would/do each
of these test our faith? How have you responded to them?
 …a diagnosis of a serious illness
 …whether to tell a life to protect yourself
 …a financial hardship, like a job loss
 …whether to watch a racy video online
 … losing a promotion because of your out-spoken faith
 …whether to fight back when slandered by a friend
 …whether to break that diet and eat an extra helping of pie
 …extreme disappointment about circumstances in our life
 Let’s come back to the question, “Why does God test our faith?”
 What are the reasons given in James 1:2-4? What does God want
to produce or accomplish in us as a result of our testing? Let’s
take a moment to reflect upon some key phrases to understand the
keys to facing trials without being crushed
 “Consider it pure joy…” (a joyful A_____________)
 “…Whenever you face trials…”
 “…knowing that…” (an understanding M_________)
 “…The testing of your faith develops perseverance…”
 “…Perseverance must finish its work…” (a S______ will)
 “…so that you may be mature and complete…”
 “…so that you (are)… not lacking anything…”
 According to James 5:7-11, what are we commanded to do in the
face of trials involving unfair (and even unjust) circumstances?
 Who is the great Biblical example that James cites for
enduring suffering patiently?
 What is the “eschatological” reason (a reason pertaining to
“last things”) that we can endure under unjust suffering?
 According to James 1:12, what is God’s promise to those who endure
trials faithfully? How can knowing this help us when facing trials?
APPLYING THE WORD
In his commentary on James (1998 Moody Press), Bible teacher John
McArthur helps further answer the question, “Why does God test our
faith?”He writes: “To test the genuineness of a diamond, jewelers often
place it in clear water, which causes a real diamond to sparkle with
special brilliance. An imitation stone, on the other hand, will have almost
no sparkle at all. When the two are placed side by side, even an untrained
eye can easily tell the difference.” He explains that it is important that
God test us to reveal the real quality of our faith: “Many people have
great confidence in their faith until it is severely tested by hardships or
disappointments. How a person handles trouble will reveal whether his
faith is living or dead, genuine or imitation, saving or non-saving.”
How are you doing in the trials you are facing? Is the trial crushing your
faith… revealing it wasn’t strong or genuine in the first place? Or, is the
trial developing a perseverance and maturity that you did not know you
had? Will you ask God to help “the testing of your faith to produce
perseverance…(and the) maturity” of your faith?
MIDWEEK BIBLE STUDY Pastor Alex M Perednia
09/22/10 #3 JAMES: ACTIVE FAITH
When is Studying the Bible Dangerous to Your Spiritual Life?
James 1:19-27
______________________________________________________________________________
WARMING UP
It is not uncommon to see a road sign: “CAUTION: Road Construction
in Progress”. Perhaps you noticed the sign coming into Bible Study
tonight, “CAUTION: Bible Instruction in Progress.” According to
James 1:22-25 why should there be a “caution sign” posted whenever
anyone studies the Bible? According to James 3:1, what people should be
particularly careful to avoid the dangers of Bible study and why?
DIGGING DEEPER
The central question of the book of James is “How do I know if my faith
is a real saving belief?” If a friend asked you, “How do I know if my
faith is real?” how would you answer them?
 James 1:22-25 clearly shows us that -- because God desires that we
have a faith that is “real” and “active”-- God expects that our Bible
Study be not just limited to acquiring I______________ but focus
on experiencing T_________________ – a changed life as a result
of what we have learned! If we seek to study the Bible just for the
information we can get out of it -- but fail to experience
transformation -- then we are in a dangerous place!
 According to James 1:22-25, what are the two essential ingredients of
“experiencing transformation” when we study the Bible?
 I_________________:
 “Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves.” (1:22a)
 “…the man who looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom,
and continues to do this, not forgetting what he has heard…” (1:25a)
 O________________:
 “…Do what it says.” (1:22b)
 “…but doing it…” (1:25b)
 Let’s try to be “doers of the word” tonight. Looking at 1:19-21, in
which of these two areas of personal application (the control of
A______________ or the good use of your T________________) do
you think you can use some transformation of character?
 As we continue this study of James, we’ll be addressing both of these
topics in detail. According to 1:21, what is the only way we can be
saved from these terrible sins? Will you ask God to save you and
transform you by “the word planted in you…”?
 Did you notice the two kinds of people described in James 1:22-25?
 A D_______________ person is one who “merely listen(s) to
the word (but) does [not] what it says.” (James 1:22)? What is
God’s warning to a person who practices input without output
of God’s Word?
 A B_______________ person is one who “looks intently into
the perfect law that gives freedom…doing it.” What is God’s
promise to a person who practices both input and output of
God’s Word? What is the personal benefit to such a person?
 Right after warning people about avoiding the dangers of acquiring
Bible information without Bible transformation, James addresses a
central theme of the book: the necessity of an active faith.
 How does James 1:26-27 answer the question: “How do I
know if my faith is real?”
 Are you at all surprised by this answer? How does this answer
square with your answer?
 Does this mean if someone starts an adoption agency or helps
out widows then they are guaranteed to please God and go
heaven?
 Another verse that talks about what “pleases God” is Hebrews
11:1, 6. Does it contradict or complement James 1:27?
APPLYING THE WORD
Will you ask God to transform you by becoming a more effective doer of
the Word?
An active faith that pleases God is one that “not merely listen(s) to the
word (but) does what it says.” (James 1:22). An active faith is the
central theme of the book of James: It will be the issue we will be
addressing next week as we look very carefully at James 2:14-26 to
understand the relationship between faith and works.
MIDWEEK BIBLE STUDY Pastor Alex M Perednia
09/29/10 #4 JAMES: ACTIVE FAITH
How Do I Know If My Faith is Real?
James 2:14-26
______________________________________________________________________________
WARMING UP
Ralph has been talking about faith to Jeff, his co-worker. Both grew up in
the same Baptist Church as youngsters and were baptized together. Ralph
is still a committed Christian; Jeff has wandered from the church and is
living in unrepentant immorality, in these conversations, Jeff always says,
“Don’t worry, Ralph, I’m saved.” One day, Ralph got rather direct and
said, “Jeff, I’m care about you and am worried about you; I know you
professed faith and was baptized as a youngster, but you’re not living a
godly life. I am afraid you’re faith is dead.” Jeff said: “Ralph, that’s the
problem with the church, everyone is so judgmental. But, I won’t hold it
against my childhood buddy, don’t worry, I’ve already asked Jesus into
my heart and I know all my sins will be forgiven.”
Who do you think is correct in their understanding of the nature of faith
and lifestyle? Is Ralph is to be concerned about his co-worker, Jeff?
Isn’t Jeff right to think that since he put his faith in Jesus and was
baptized, he’s saved and will go to heaven no matter what? Is Ralph
being judgmental?
DIGGING DEEPER
 THE KEY QUESTIONS What is the relationship between faith and
works according to (James 2:14-20?
 The Key Question …Stated… "If a man claims to have a faith,
but has no deeds... Can such faith save him?" (James 2:14)
 The Key Question …Illustrated: "Suppose a brother or sister is
without clothes and daily food..." (James 2:15)
 A Common Misunderstanding Refuted: ““You have faith; I have
deeds.” (James 2:18)
 According to James 2:19, does the Devil have faith? Is it saving
faith? What is the difference between this kind of faith and the faith
of someone who is saved?
 What examples does James offer to illustrate his points from the Old
Testament?
CONSIDER ABRAHAM! What does the life of Abraham reveal about
the relationship between faith and works? Was Abraham “considered
righteous” ("justified"-ESV ~ "declared right by God" ~ NLT) by what he
did... when he offered Isaac his son on the altar? (James 2:21-24)
 Abraham's faith was R______________ by his actions …and so
will our actions reveal our faith! (James 2:21)
 "Then (God) said, "Do not lay a hand on the boy or do
anything to him. For now I know that you fear God, since you
have not withheld your only son from Me." (Gen 22:12)
 "It was by faith that Abraham offered Isaac as a sacrifice
when God was testing him. …Abraham assumed that if Isaac
died, God was able to bring him back to life again." (Hebrews
11:17-19 ~ NLT)
 Abraham's faith was M___________________ by his actions
…and so will our faith be matured by our actions! (James 2:22)
 THE LIFE OF ABRAHAM SHOWS… “And the scripture was
fulfilled that says, “Abraham believed God, and it was credited to
him as righteousness,” and he was called God's friend. You see that
a person is justified by what he does and not by faith alone.” (James
2:23-24) because like Abraham, our faith will be revealed as
G___________________ by our actions!
THEOLOGY extra credit: Does James’ conclusion: ‘You see that a person
is justified by what he does and not by faith alone. ” (James
2:24) contradict Paul’s conclusion: “If, in fact, Abraham was
justified by works, he had something to boast about—but not
before God.” (Romans 4:2)?
 “Paul is dealing with obstetrics, with how life begins; James is dealing with
pediatrics and geriatrics, with how life grows, matures and ages.” (Frances Gench)
 Both James and Paul agree: We are not saved BY___ good works, but saved
FOR_ good works!
“For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith —and this not from
yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works, so that no one can boast. For
we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do [“for” – ESV] good
works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” (Eph. 2:8-10)
APPLYING THE WORD
Some Conclusion about the relationship between faith and works
 A faith that just T_____________ but does not walk is no good!
(2:17).
 A creed without D_____________ is useless! (2:18-20).
MIDWEEK BIBLE STUDY Pastor Alex M Perednia
10/06/10 #4 JAMES: ACTIVE FAITH
How Do I Know If My Faith is Real? – Pt. 2
James 2:14-26
______________________________________________________________________________
WARMING UP: A person is stricken ill in front of you and asks you to call
an ambulance. You compassionately say, “Well, I don’t want to use up my cell
phone minutes right now, but I hope you feel better.” Do you really care? This
absurd question is an adaption of James 2:15-16 to show, “In the same way, faith
by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.” (2:17)
DIGGING DEEPER
 THE KEY QUESTION: What is the relationship between faith and works
according to James 2:14-20?
 The Key Question …Stated… "If a man claims to have a faith, but has
no deeds... Can such faith save him?" (James 2:14). Notice that James is
not questioning whether faith actually saves, but probing the
Q_______________ of a faith that saves and is genuine.
 The Key Question …Illustrated: "Suppose a brother or sister is without
clothes and daily food..." (James 2:15) He then asks, “What good is
that?” is a person says good things but refuses to help a person in need.
James is helping us see how we can D_______________ false from
genuine faith by drawing a parallel: “In the same way, faith by itself, if it
is not accompanied by action, is dead.” (2:17) According to this
illustration, what is the criterion which separates those with dead faith
with those with living faith?
 A Common Misunderstanding Refuted: ““You have faith; I have
deeds.” (James 2:18) If we think that faith and works can be
S__________________, then we have misunderstood faith itself.
 According to James 2:19, does the Devil have faith? Is it saving faith?
What is the difference between this kind of faith and the faith of someone
who is saved? Does this imply that there are different levels of beliefs?
What are these levels and what kind of belief constitutes “saving” or “living”
faith according to James?
 We can believe with our H__________... an intellectual faith. Many
people only believe this way — even the Devil!
 We believe with our H____________... faith… an entrusting faith.
This is why we stress in this church having a “personal relationship”
with Jesus and asking him “into your heart.”
 We believe with our H______________... an active faith—which
according to James is the evidence of a genuine faith.
These components of an active faith must work together like properly-aligned gears
in the engine of faith (see the illustration on accompanying page)
 What two examples does James offer to illustrate his points from the
Old Testament? Why do you think James chooses these two examples?
 What does the life of Abraham reveal about the relationship between
faith and works? How would you answer James’ question: Was
Abraham “considered righteous” ("justified"-ESV ~ "declared right by
God" ~ NLT) by what he did... when he offered Isaac his son on the
altar? (James 2:21-24). What does Abraham’s life show about the
relationship between faith and works?
 Abraham's faith was R______________ as genuine by his
actions …and so will our actions reveal our faith! (James 2:21;
see Genesis 22:12; (see also Hebrews 11:17-19: "It was by faith that Abraham
offered Isaac as a sacrifice when God was testing him. …Abraham assumed that if Isaac
died, God was able to bring him back to life again." (Hebrews 11:17-19 ~ NLT)
 Abraham's faith was M___________________ by his actions
…and so will our faith be matured by our actions! (James 2:22).
Do you remember what James said about the testing of our faith in 1:2-4?
 THE LIFE OF ABRAHAM SHOWS… “And the scripture was fulfilled
that says, “Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as
righteousness,” and he was called God's friend. You see that a person is
justified by what he does and not by faith alone.” (James 2:23-24).
 THEOLOGY Extra Credit: Does James’ conclusion: ‘You see that a
person is justified by what he does and not by faith alone.” (James 2:24)
contradict Paul’s conclusion: “If, in fact, Abraham was justified by works,
he had something to boast about—but not before God.” (Romans 4:2)?
 “Paul is dealing with obstetrics, with how life begins; James is dealing with
pediatrics and geriatrics, with how life grows, matures and ages.” (Frances Gench)
 Both James and Paul agree: We are not saved B______ good works, but
saved F______ good works! [“For it is by grace you have been saved, through
faith —and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works, so that no
one can boast. For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do [“for”
– ESV] good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” (Eph. 2:8-10)]
APPLYING THE WORD
Here’s a quiz, which “faith formula” correctly expresses the Biblical
balance that James is teaching here? What is the properly relationship
between faith, works and justification (i.e. right standing before God)?
 FAITH + WORKS => JUSTIFICATION
 FAITH => JUSTIFICATION + WORKS
 Saving faith
involves the
Saving faith H_____________.
involves the
H____________
_.

Saving faith involves the H_____________ and

F_______________.
MIDWEEK BIBLE STUDY Pastor Alex M Perednia
10/06/10 #4 JAMES: ACTIVE FAITH
How Do I Know If My Faith is Real? – Pt. 3
James 2:14-26
______________________________________________________________________________
WARMING UP: Last week, I asked you to consider “faith formula”
correctly expresses the Biblical balance that James 2:14-26 has been
teaching about the relationship between faith, works and justification?
FAITH + WORKS => JUSTIFICATION*
FAITH => JUSTIFICATION* + WORKS
*Justification = a right standing with God, to be declared righteous before God
REVIEW
 THE KEY QUESTION: What is the relationship between faith and works
according to James 2:14-20?
 The Key Question …Stated… "If a man claims to have a faith, but has
no deeds... Can such faith save him?" (James 2:14). James is probing
the Q_______________ of a faith that saves and is genuine.
 The Key Question …Illustrated: "Suppose a brother or sister is without
clothes and daily food..." (James 2:15) He then asks, “What good is
that?” is a person says good things but refuses to help a person in need.
James is helping us see how we can D_______________ false from
genuine faith by drawing a parallel: (2:17)
 A Common Misunderstanding Refuted: ““You have faith; I have
deeds.” (James 2:18) If we think that faith and works can be
S__________________, then we have misunderstood faith itself.
 According to James 2:19, does the Devil have faith? Is it saving faith?
What is the difference between this kind of faith and the faith of someone
who is saved? Does this imply that there are different levels of beliefs?
What are these levels and what kind of belief constitutes “saving” or “living”
faith according to James?
 We can believe with our H__________... an intellectual faith. Many
people only believe this way — even the Devil! (Correct doctrine
without an active faith and genuine love is diabolic. Correct doctrine is
necessary but not enough.)
 We believe with our H____________... faith… an entrusting faith.
This is why we stress in this church having a “personal relationship”
with Jesus and asking him “into your heart.”
 We believe with our H______________... an acting faith—which
according to James is the evidence of a genuine faith.
 What two examples does James offer to illustrate his points from the Old
Testament? Why do you think James chooses these two examples?
 What does the life of Abraham reveal about the relationship between faith and
works? How would you answer James’ question: Was Abraham
“considered righteous” ("justified"-ESV ~ "declared right by God" ~ NLT)
by what he did... when he offered Isaac his son on the altar? (James 2:21-
24). What does Abraham’s life show about the relationship between faith and
works?
 Abraham's faith was R______________ as genuine by his actions
…and so will our actions reveal our faith! (James 2:21; see Genesis 22:12)
 Abraham's faith was M___________________ by his actions …and
so will our faith be matured by our actions! (James 2:22). Do you
remember what James said about the testing of our faith in 1:2-4?
 THE LIFE OF ABRAHAM SHOWS… “And the scripture was fulfilled
that says, “Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as
righteousness,” and he was called God's friend. You see that a person is
justified by what he does and not by faith alone.” (James 2:23-24).
 THEOLOGY Extra Credit: Does James’ conclusion: ‘You see that a
person is justified by what he does and not by faith alone.” (James 2:24)
contradict Paul’s conclusion: “If, in fact, Abraham was justified by works,
he had something to boast about—but not before God.” (Romans 4:2)?
 “Paul is dealing with obstetrics, with how life begins; James is dealing with
pediatrics and geriatrics, with how life grows, matures and ages.” (Frances Gench)
 “Where Paul denies the need for pre-conversion works, James emphasizes
the absolute necessity of post-conversion works.” (Craig Blomberg)
 Both James and Paul agree: We are not saved B______ good works, but
saved F______ good works! [“For it is by grace you have been saved, through
faith —and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works, so that no
one can boast. For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do [“for”
– ESV] good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” (Eph. 2:8-10)]
APPLYING THE WORD
In his book, Battling Unbelief, Pastor John Piper relates his encounter
with a man committing adultery (p. 136). Do you think Pastor John was
right to warn the man about hell? Do you think the adulterous man was
really saved? Do you agree with Piper: “the faith that justifies is a faith
that also sanctifies… I do not mean that our faith produces a perfect
flawlessness in this life (but it) produces a persevering fight (against these
kinds of sin.) Do you agree?
 Saving faith
involves the
Saving faith H_____________.
involves the
H____________
_.

Saving faith involves the H_____________ and

F_______________.
MIDWEEK BIBLE STUDY Pastor Alex M Perednia  What is situation in the church that James is warning against in 2:1-
10/27/10 #5 JAMES: ACTIVE FAITH 13? What does he urge the rich to do in this case? In what ways, can
Does God Want Me Rich or Poor? churches in our day fall into this sin? What is the situation James
James 1:9-11, 27, 2:1-13, 4:13-17, 5:1-6 warns against in 5:1-13? What does he urge the poor to do in this
case? What can we do today?
______________________________________________________________________________

WARMING UP:
Would you rather be rich or poor? Do you think God wants you to be rich
or poor? Why? By the world’s standards, are you rich or poor?
DIGGING INTO SCRIPTURE APPLYING THE WORD
Let’s read what James says about this: 1:9-11, 27, 2:1-13, 4:13-17, 5:1-6  Respond to a fellow church member who says: “Come on, even St.
 What two groups of people is James speaking about in 1:9-11?
Paul says, ‘if you don’t work, you don’t eat…” (2 Thess. 3:6-15), I
a. What are the poor believers told to do? What is God’s promise to don’t have sympathy for the poor because they do not know how to
those who are physically poor but spiritually rich? According to work hard.”
these verses, who does God honor (exult) in the end? How does
this square with James half-brother’s views in Matthew 5:3, 5
 Back to our original question: Does God want us to be rich or poor?
about the kind of life God blesses?
How do you think James would answer that question? Here are some
b. What are the rich told to boast in? Why?
conclusions we can make regarding this question:
c. What word pictures does James use to teach us about the transitory
1. Know the benefits and dangers! Poverty can be helpful when it
nature of worldly things? How should this affect our view of life?
opens our eyes to the eternal nature of things. Riches can be
d. Both James (and Jesus) are teaching about a “great reversal” – that
dangerous when it blinds our eyes to the eternal nature of things
the poor of this world who are spiritually rich now will inherit all
(1:9-11; 4:13-17)
things in the world to come. What does this “great reversal” teach
2. Recognize that the financial shape we in now doesn’t compare to
us about what will matter in eternity? How should this eternal
the spiritual state we will be in after God’s judgment. Those
perspective influence the way we live today?
who are rich in God’s approval now will be the acknowledged
“winners” by God as Judgment Day (1:12)- the great reversal
 The two groups James refers to are the… 3. Here’s a reason to want to be rich: You will have the resources
 “the believers in humble circumstances” (NIV) or “the lowly brother” or to fulfill royal God’s law (1:27, 2:8, 15-16)
“Christians who are poor” (NLT). The writer James uses two Greek
words to refer to the “poor” – one word uses in 1:9-11 refers to those of 4. Here’s a reason to want to be poor: It is easier to be saved! (1:9,
lower “social status” and the other word in chapter 2 refer to “economic 2:5, 4:13-17; see Matthew 19:23-24)
status” and refer to the poor who are destitute. So, it is very possible that 5. Both the rich and poor will be judge fairly by God. Each one of
since James is writing to those “scattered” (James 1:1) because of us will give an account to God, and in the end, only God’s judgment
persecution he is here speaking about those “had once been at least
will make anyone rich and happy in the end.
somewhat well-off financially but had their homes and other possessions
confiscated or had to leave behind when fleeing their persecutors…”
(John Macarthur, James, p.49)
 “the one who is rich” (NIV) probably refers to Christians who are
materially rich by the world’s standards who should learn to “boast” in
their lowly spiritual state since their worldly riches will pass away.
 John Macarthur explains why a rich man should boast in his humiliation:
“a believer who is materially well-off, healthy and…physically blessed
should rejoice when trials come, for they teach the transitory nature of
material things and their inability to give inner and lasting satisfaction…”
(John Macarthur, James, p.51)
 MIDWEEK BIBLE STUDY Pastor Alex M Perednia
10/27/10 #5 JAMES: ACTIVE FAITH
Does God Want Me Rich or Poor? – Pt. 2
James 1:9-11, 27, 2:1-13, 4:13-17, 5:1-6
______________________________________________________________________________
WARMING UP
We have been asking the question, “Does God Want Me Rich or Poor?”
So, how would you answer: “Does God want people to be prosperous?”
React to the following statements by two of America’s mega-church
preachers. Which one comes closest to your view?
 "Does God want us to be rich? ...I preach that anybody can improve their
lives. I think God wants us to be prosperous. I think he wants us to be happy.
To me, you need to have money to pay your bills. I think God wants us to
send our kids to college. I think he wants us to be a blessing to other people.
But I don't think I'd say God wants us to be rich. It's all relative, isn't it?"
(Joel Osteen, Author & Mega Church Pastor)
 "This idea that God wants everybody to be wealthy? …There is a word for
that: baloney. It's creating a false idol. You don't measure your self-worth by
your net worth. I can show you millions of faithful followers of Christ who
live in poverty. Why isn't everyone in the church a millionaire?" (Rick Warren,
Author & Mega Church Pastor)
 In that article, a Time poll was quoted: ___% said they believed that “God
wants people to be prosperous.”

[Taken from a Time magazine September 2006 cover article, “Does God Want You to be Rich?” Read the
article at more:
http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,1533448-2,00.html#ixzz14Frog9rW ]
DIGGING INTO SCRIPTURE
Let’s read what James says about this question and the underlying issues
about the rich and the poor in the church of Jesus Christ in: 1:9-11, 27,
2:1-13, 4:13-17, 5:1-6
 Last week, when we had a lengthy (and unfortunately, somewhat
confusing ) discussion about a very difficult to understand subject of
the Divine Reversal in James 1:9-11.
 What does it mean to be “poor in spirit” in Matthew 5:3-5?
 In what ways does Rev 3:17-18 provide a backdrop in which to
understand this Divine reversal… how the rich need to become poor
to be really rich?
 “…the poor are rich because God has blessed them with the riches of
Christ's grace, and the rich are blessed in God's sight because they
recognize how poor they are without Him spiritually.” (Babette, my
wife who summarized our study last week better than I did )
 What is situation in the church that James is chiding the church about
in 2:1? Why is this wrong in God’s eyes? In what ways, can
churches in our day fall into this sin?
 When James says, “Did not God choose the poor in eyes of the world
to be rich in faith…” is he stating (or at least implying) that the poor
are chosen by God for salvation preferentially above the rich? How
might we understand this statement in light of Matthew 19:23-24?
 What is the situation James rails against in James 2:6-7? What should
have been happening according to 2:8-13?
 According to James 5:1-6, what are the “sins of the rich” outlined in
this section? Do you think these rich people indicted by James are
professing believers? Do you agree with Rick Warren’s statement: “I
don't think it is a sin to be rich. I think it is a sin to die rich.” Do you
think this aptly summarizes James’ concerns about wealth?
APPLYING THE WORD
 Respond to a fellow church member who says the following, “Come
on, even St. Paul says, ‘if you don’t work, you don’t eat…” (2 Thess.
3:6-15), I don’t have sympathy for the poor because they do not know
how to work hard.”
 Back to our original question: Does God want us to be rich or poor?
How do you think James would answer that question? Here are some
conclusions we can make regarding this question:
1. Know the benefits and dangers! Poverty can be helpful when it
opens our eyes to the eternal nature of things. Riches can be
dangerous when it blinds our eyes to the eternal nature of things
(1:9-11; 4:13-17)
2. Recognize that the financial shape we in now doesn’t compare to
the spiritual state we will be in after God’s judgment. Those
who are rich in God’s approval now will be the acknowledged
“winners” by God as Judgment Day (1:12)- the great reversal
3. Here’s a reason to want to be rich: You will have the resources
to fulfill royal God’s law (1:27, 2:8, 15-16)
4. Here’s a reason to want to be poor: It is easier to be saved! (1:9,
2:5, 4:13-17; see Matthew 6:19-21, 24-25, 19:23-24)
5. Both the rich and poor will be judge fairly by God. Each one of
us will give an account to God, and in the end, only God’s judgment
will make anyone rich and happy in the end.
MIDWEEK BIBLE STUDY Pastor Alex M Perednia
11/10/10 #6 JAMES: ACTIVE FAITH
How to Start (or Not!) a Fire in the Church with My Tongue – Pt. 1
James 1:19-21, 26, 3:1-18, 4:1-2, 11-17, 5:12
______________________________________________________________________________
WARMING UP
Several years ago, a TV newswoman got herself into trouble when her
“live mic” continued to transmit when she was off-the-air. Can you think
of a time when your “live mic” got you into trouble?
DIGGING INTO SCRIPTURE
James has a lot to say about this question in the following verses: 1:19-21,
26, 3:1-18, 4:1-2, 11-17, 5:1-6, 12. Today, we’ll begin to see what James
has to say about the appropriate and inappropriate use of the tongue.
 Read James 1:19-21, 26. In many ways, this is a central theme of
the letter: how we use our tongues wisely (or unwisely).
 According to 1:19, what are the three proverbial commands? What
are we to be “quick” and “slow” to do? If you were to re-write these
commands to correspond to how many people actually behave, what
would the verse say? Does this verse describe how you live? How
you would like to live?
 “We are told to ‘hurry up and listen’… implying the idea of rapid
pursuit… here ‘slow’… indicates a sense of hesitation or delay.”
(Blomberg & Kamell, Exegetical Commentary… James, p. 85) Can you think
of any ways to speed up your listening and slowing down your
speaking?
 The text cautions to be slow to speak. In what ways is being quick to
speak a sin? Is it ever sinful to be too slow to speak? According to
James 5:19, when would it be commendable to speak up?
(“However “slow to speak” scarcely means “never speak” for we
must proclaim truth in many contexts.” Blomberg & Kamell, Exegetical
Commentary… James, p. 86)
 Does this text say that all anger is always sinful? (see Ephesians
4:26-27 & John 2:13-16). What “kind” of anger is James warning us
against?
 Is there a “snowball” effect between listening-speaking-anger? Here
is how the link is described by one commentator: “Speaking and
wrath link together whenever anger provokes hasty speech, and often
both of these problems stem from inadequate listening.” (Blomberg &
Kamell, Exegetical Commentary… James, p. 86) Can you think of time
when a failure in your listening/speaking led to an angry outburst?
 According to 1:20, why should we avoid wrathful anger?
 According to 1:21, how should we avoid wrathful anger? To see the
full instruction, see James 1:22-25
 According to 1:26, what test does James suggest we employ to
determine whether someone’s religion is worthwhile? Does this
surprise you? In what way does Jesus’ statement in Matt 12:36-37
help us understand this criteria of true religion?
 How does a uncontrolled tongue affect recipients? And, according
to 1:26, how does an uncontrolled tongue affect the speaker?
 According to James 4:1-2, 11-17, what other uses of the tongue lead
to sin in our lives? What is a proper use of the tongue in each of these
instances?
APPLYING THE WORD
"Negative people make healthy people sick." (Roger Ailes).
Maybe this statement can challenge us in two ways tonight…
1) Make sure we filter what comes out of our M___________...
"Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of my mouth, but
only what is helpful for building others up according to their
needs, that it may benefit those who listen.... (Ephesians 4:29)
2) Make sure we filter what comes into our E_________...
“As charcoal to embers and as wood to fire, so is a quarrelsome
man for kindling strife. The words of a gossip are like choice
morsels; they go down to a man's inmost parts.” (Prov 26:21-22)
MIDWEEK BIBLE STUDY Pastor Alex M Perednia
11/17/10 #6 JAMES: ACTIVE FAITH
How to Start (or Not!) a Fire in the Church with My Tongue – Pt. 2
James 1:19-21, 26, 3:1-18, 4:1-2, 11-17, 5:12
______________________________________________________________________________
WARMING UP
Jerry Bridges wrote a book entitled, Respectable Sins: Confronting the
Sins We Tolerate (NavPress, 2007) in which he wrote: “…Conservative
evangelicals may have become so preoccupied with some of the major
sins of society around us that we have lost sight of the need to deal with
our own more ‘refined’ or subtle sins.”(p. 9).
 Do you agree with his assessment?
 What do you think some of the “respectable sins” Christians often
overlook in themselves?
 What are the ways we sin with our speech? Why are sins of
speech often overlooked as not serious*
 How can a person be hurt by the words of others?*
 What can you learn about a person by listening to him or her
speak?*
DIGGING INTO SCRIPTURE
James has a lot to say about this question in the following verses: 1:19-21,
26, 3:1-18, 4:1-2, 11-17, 5:1-6, 12. Today, we’ll continue to see what
James has to say about the use of the tongue.
 Last week, we studied James 1:19-21, 26. In many ways, this is a
central theme of the letter: how we use our tongues wisely (or
unwisely).
 According to 1:19, what are the three proverbial commands? What
are we to be “quick” and “slow” to do?
 According to 1:26, what test does James suggest we employ to
determine whether someone’s religion is worthwhile? Does this
surprise you? Does the statement of Jesus in Matthew 12:36-37
help us understand this criterion of true religion?
 After reading James 3:1-12, discuss the following questions*
 What unique responsibility does a teacher bear? (3:1)
 If a person were never at fault in what he or she said, what would
that show about the person? (3:2)
 What is significant about the way we talk? (3:2)
 What is the purpose of a bit in the mouth of a horse? (3:3)
 What is the purpose of the rudder of a ship? (3:4)
 What damage can a small spark cause to a great forest? (3:4)
 What similarity does a person’s tongue have to a horse’s bit, a
ship’s rudder, and a spark of fire? (3:5)
 How did James describe the tongue? (3:6-8)
 What damage do our tongues do to us? (3:6)
 What is so difficult about taming the tongue? (3:7-8)
 Of what inconsistencies are we capable? (3:9-10)
 In what ways are we inconsistent? (3:9-10)
 What illustrations from nature did James use to condemn cursing?
(3:11-12)
 What can a spring or a fruit tree teach us about speech? (3:11-12)
 According to James 4:1-2, 11-17, what other uses of the tongue lead
to sin in our lives? What is the ultimate cause of these verbal
squabbles?
APPLYING THE WORD
If you could hear a tape recording of everything you said last
week, what would you want to edit out?*
"Negative people make healthy people sick." (Roger Ailes).
Do you think the following statement is also true? “People with
unbridled tongues make a healthy church sick”
Maybe this statement can challenge us in two ways tonight…
1) Make sure we filter what comes out of our M___________...
"Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of my mouth, but
only what is helpful for building others up according to their
needs, that it may benefit those who listen.... (Ephesians 4:29)
2) Make sure we filter what comes into our E___________... “As
charcoal to embers and as wood to fire, so is a quarrelsome man
for kindling strife. The words of a gossip are like choice morsels;
they go down to a man's inmost parts.” (Prov 26:21-22)
---------
*Questions used from Lesson-Maker 8
MIDWEEK BIBLE STUDY Pastor Alex M Perednia
12/08/10 #7 JAMES: ACTIVE FAITH
Knowing God’s Will… The Way of Wisdom
______________________________________________________________________________
WARMING UP: If a friend asked you, “How do I know God’s will?”
What would you tell them?
We have been taking a topical approach to studying the Epistle of James. Take a
look at the topics we’ve studied so far… Do you have any questions so far?
 How do I face trials and temptations without being crushed? (1:3-5, 12-18; 5:7-12)
 When is studying the Bible dangerous to your spiritual life? (1:16-27; 3:1)
 How can I know if my faith is real? Or, Does my faith need my works to go to
heaven? (1:26-27; 2:14-26)
 In God's eyes, is it better for me to be rich or poor? (1:9-11; 1:27-2:13; 5:1-6)
 How do I start a fire with my tongue? (1:26, 3:1-12; 4:11-12; 5:12)
Here are some of the topics we hope to get to as we finish up this study in James.
 Do I need a special theology degree to know God's will? (1:5-8, 19-25; 3:13-4:1-3,
4:13-17; 5:13-20)
 Should I expect God to answer my prayers? (1:5-7; 4:2b-3; 5:13-20)
 Why do relationships among church folk sometimes break apart into petty
squabbling? (1:19-21; 3:13-18; 4:1-2, 7-12)
 Can I be friends with the world and with God? (1:27, 4:4-10)
 Since my sins are forgiven in Christ, will I still be "judged" by God? (1:12; 2:12-13;
3:1; 4:11-12; 5:7-9)
DIGGING DEEPER: Today, we’ll be looking at these two related questions
 According to James 1:5-8, 4:1-3, 5:13-17 what is a key way to find
God’s will? … By A__________ God for wisdom (1:5; 4:2; 5:13).
 Why don’t we always turn first to God in prayer? Is prayer hard
for you? What are some of the reasons prayer can be hard?
 According to 1:6-8, what are we to ask for? What is the true
measure of W____________ according to James 3:13-18?
 According to 1:6-8, are there any conditions for God to answer our
prayers? According to 4:4-7, why will God not answer the prayers
of a “double-minded” person?
 According to 4:1-2, what are some of the reasons we don’t turn to
God in prayer to find his will? According to 4:3, what could be a
reason God wouldn’t grant our prayer requests? Why?
 Have you ever prayed for something that was not granted? Have
you ever been thankful later on that God mercifully did not give
you what you asked for?
 Is it wrong to ask God when we are desperate… at our “last rope”?
According to 5:13-18, how can we prayerfully involve others in
our troubles?
 According to James 1:17-21, 5:13-20; what is another key way to
find God’s will? … By L___________ ___ to God and other wise
people in our lives!
 Are there times when we may to want to know God’s direction for
our lives without wanting God’s rule in our lives? Can we have
knowledge of God’s will without submission to God? Why?
 According to 1:19, what are we to be quick to do? How does this
related to discovering God’s will?
 According to 1:18 & 21, what images does James use to describe
how God works in our lives through His Word? … The Word of
God is like a S____________ which gives us “birth” (1:18) and is
“planted” (1:21) in us.
 Is it possible to know God’s will without spending time in God’s
Word? What are some of the challenges to you find to spending
time in God’s Word? Do any of you have some time-tested advice
to help someone who might be struggling to spend time in God’s
Word?
 According to 5:13-20, who else should we be listening to as we
seek God’s relief and God’s will for our lives?
 According to James 1:21-25; 4:13-17, what is another key way to
find God’s will? … By D_________________ what God’s Word
says to do!
 According to 1:21-25, can we expect to be “in the center of God’s
will” if we merely hear God’s Word, but don’t act upon it? Why?
How do we know if we are really listening to God’s Word? What
image does James use to describe a person who “hears” but does
not “do” God’s Word?
 According to 4:13-16, what should our attitude about the future
be… should we make plans for the future? How should we plan
for the future?
 According to 4:17, what is the connection between our willing to
be obedient to God today (present obedience) and God’s ability to
lead us tomorrow (future leading)? What is the definition of sin
according to this verse?
APPLYING THE WORD
ASK……. LISTEN…….. DO…… Is there a step you can take this week
to be more eager to discover and do God’s will for your life?
MIDWEEK BIBLE STUDY Pastor Alex M Perednia
12/29/10 #8 JAMES: ACTIVE FAITH  Knowing what Christ and the whole Bible teaches on this matter will
The Judgment of God better prepare us for that Day.
______________________________________________________________________________

WARMING UP: What is the most important day of your life?
“The most important day in my life in my future, the day that will have the greatest
impact on eternity for me, is the day I stand before the judgment seat of Christ.”
(Woodrow Kroll, Facing Your Final Job Review)
We’ve studied a number of interesting topics in our studying the Epistle of
James. Today, as we end our study of James: Active Faith, we will consider this
question: If my sins are forgiven in Christ, will I still be "judged" by God?
DIGGING DEEPER
 There are a number of references in James to God’s judgment and
reward(s) of his people. Let’s look at each reference in James (in
order) and then we’ll try to make sense of it.
 James 1:12: “Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when
he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has
promised to those who love him.”
 James 2:12-13: “Speak and act as those who are going to be judged by the
law that gives freedom, because judgment without mercy will be shown to
anyone who has not been merciful. Mercy triumphs over judgment!”
 James 3:1: “Not many of you should presume to be teachers, my brothers,
because you know that we who teach will be judged more strictly.”
 James 4:11-12: “Brothers, do not slander one another. Anyone who speaks
against his brother or judges him speaks against the law and judges it. When
you judge the law, you are not keeping it, but sitting in judgment on it.
There is only one Lawgiver and Judge, the one who is able to save and
destroy. But you—who are you to judge your neighbor?”
 James 5:7-9: “Be patient, then, brothers, until the Lord's coming. See how
the farmer waits for the land to yield its valuable crop and how patient he is
for the autumn and spring rains. You too, be patient and stand firm, because
the Lord's coming is near. Don't grumble against each other, brothers, or
you will be judged. The Judge is standing at the door!”
 In light of these verse, let’s discuss the following questions:
 Will all people be judged, even Christians?
 Will every Christian be judged in the same light? Will some
be judged differently than others? Will some receive greater
praise or reward on that Day than others?
 How should we respond to people who unfairly judge us?
 If we know we are going to be judged tomorrow, how should
this affect how we live today? How can this be both a source
of concern and/or encouragement to me?
“The teachings of Jesus show us that there are two keys that
determine everything about your eternity.” (Bruce Wilkerson, A Life God
Rewards)
 About Salvation … Jesus and the whole Bible is crystal clear… Your Belief
in Jesus Christ as your personal Savior is the key to unlocking the door to
salvation and determines W___________________ you will spend eternity
(John 3:16-18, 5:24; Ephesians 2:8-10; Titus 3:4-7; Rev 20:11-15).
 About Rewards … Jesus and the whole Bible is consistent on this… Your
Behavior in this life is the key to unlocking the door to reward and
recompense and determines H__________________ you will spend eternity
(2 Corinthians 5:10; 1 Corinthians 3:12-15; 4:5; 2 Timothy 4:8; Matthew
16:24-27; Revelation 22:12).
 In 2 Corinthians 5:10 and 1 Corinthians 3:10-15, the Apostle Paul
teaches about a future judgment of believers. What does Paul teach
will happen to every believer?
a. According to 3:10-13, what will happen on this Day?
b. According to 3:14-15, what will be the two potential results of this
testing by fire?
c. What will be the outcome for each?
 How is this judgment time different than the one described in
Revelation 20:11-15? What will be the outcome for the people under
this judgment?
APPLYING THE WORD
Matthew Henry said, “It ought to be the business of every day to prepare
for our last day.” How might understanding the Biblical doctrine of
judgment and rewards impact the way you live today?