Day 74: James 3-5

Taming the Tongue - James 3:1-12

Understand It

• 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 so difficult about taming the tongue? (3:7-8)

Apply It

• What positive words do your family and coworkers need to hear from your mouth this week?

Two Kinds of Wisdom - James 3:13-18

Understand It

• How can a person demonstrate wisdom and understanding? (3:13)
• What is wrong with the "wisdom" of a selfish and bitter person? (3:14-15)
• How does a wise person act? (3:17-18)

Apply It

• What can you do this week to seek God’s wisdom?

Submit Yourselves to God - James 4:1-12

Understand It

• What is the root cause of fights and quarrels between people? (4:1-3)
• When does God give us grace? (4:6)
• How did James describe the way we should come to God? (4:7-10)

Apply It

• What can you do this week to help you bring more humility into your life?

Boasting About Tomorrow - James 4:13-17

Understand It

• What warning did James give to those who make plans for the future? (4:13-14)
• What is the best way to plan ahead? (4:15)
• What should we say when we are making plans? (4:15)

Apply It

• What can you do this week to place your plans for the future in God’s hands?

Warning to Rich Oppressors - James 5:1-6

Understand It

• Who should "weep and wail"? Why? (5:1-6)
• How have rich people hurt others? (5:4-6)
• What do luxury and self-indulgence have to do with the trouble that lies ahead for rich people? (5:5)

Apply It

• What changes can you make in your habitual use of money to please God?

Patience in Suffering - James 5:7-12

Understand It

• Why should we avoid judging others or grumbling against them? (5:9)
• What will happen to Christians who grumble against their fellow believers? (5:9)
• What people serve as good examples to us? How? (5:10-11)

Apply It

• What steps will you take this week to avoid judging others in your home? workplace? church?

The Prayer of Faith - James 5:13-20

Understand It

• Why is prayer important? (5:15)
• What is the effect of a righteous person’s prayers? (5:16)
• Who is a good example of how God answers prayer? How? (5:17-18)

Apply It

• What situation or person will you pray for in faith this week?

Tomorrow: 1 Peter 1-3