Warning to Rich Oppressors - James 5:1-6
Understand It
- Whom did James address in this passage? Why? (5:1)
- What warning did James give to rich people? (5:1-3)
- What misfortune lies ahead for the wealthy? (5:1-3)
- Who should "weep and wail"? Why? (5:1-6)
- What will happen to all the possessions of the wealthy? (5:2-3)
- What attitude does God have toward hoarding wealth? (5:3)
- For what reasons will the rich be punished? (5:4-6)
- Who have been the victims of rich people? (5:4-6)
- 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 can you do with your money this week to demonstrate your love for God?
- What changes can you make in your habitual use of money to please God?
- What plans for the future can you make to reflect God’s concern for the poor?
Patience in Suffering - James 5:7-12
Understand It
- What do we need to do as we wait for the Lord’s return to earth? (5:7)
- What illustration did James use to describe the kind of patience we need? (5:7)
- When will the Lord’s coming occur? (5:8)
- Why should we be patient about Christ’s return? (5:8)
- 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)
- In what ways does God help us when we must endure suffering? (5:11)
- What warning did James give concerning swearing? (5:12)
- What is the alternative to swearing? (5:12)
Apply It
- With what situation or problem can you ask God for help and patience this week?
- What steps will you take this week to avoid judging others in your home? workplace? church?
- What promise do you need to keep? How?
The Prayer of Faith - James 5:13-20
Understand It
- What should a person do when he or she is in trouble? Why? (5:13, 15)
- What should a person do when he or she is happy? Why? (5:13, 15)
- What should a person do when he or she is sick? Why? (5:14-15)
- Why is prayer important? (5:15)
- What are the elders of the church to do for someone who is sick? Why? (5:14-15)
- How can prayer affect a person’s health? (5:15)
- How can a person have his or her sins forgiven? (5:15)
- Why should we confess our sins to one another? (5:16)
- 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)
- What is a Christian’s responsibility toward a fellow believer who has wandered away from the truth? (5:19)
- What is the benefit of helping a person get back into following the truth? (5:20)
Apply It
- What situation or person will you pray for in faith this week?
- What personal needs can you ask others to pray for through the coming week? Whom will you ask?
- Whom do you know who has been drifting away from the Lord and who needs an encouraging word from you this week?
