Go Deep

(James 1:1-8)

 

Read James 1:1-4. Who are the people James is addressing? Why are they scattered? What might that scattering have brought about in their lives?

 

Read James 1:2-3. Would it help to give a non-Christian friend, who was facing serious difficulties, the advice James gives here? Explain your answer. If you did give this advice, how might they respond?

 

What does it mean to “consider” a trial pure joy? Is considering something joy the same as feeling joy? If not, what is the difference and why does it matter?

 

If you were able to consider your trials to be pure joy, toward what kind of state (emotions, actions, influence) might that consideration lead you?

 

If you considered your trials pure misery, to what kind of state might that consideration lead you?

 

How can a person consider trials a joy? What must he know or to what purpose must he be committed for him to succeed at this?

 

What good does God bring out of trials?

 

In what way are trials temptations? In what way are temptations trials? In these trials, just what is being tried (v. 3)? Why is it important to keep this in mind?

 

Does perseverance (vv. 3-4) automatically lead to maturity and wholeness? Explain your answer.

 

How can I know if the course I’m pursuing is one I should persevere in?

 

Do we have a role in helping other Christians persevere? (Compare James 1:2 with 1 Peter 4:10.)

 

Can anyone grow into the person God made them to be if they don’t endure trials with faith in God? Why did you answer as you did?

 

How should this passage impact our thinking? What effect should it have on our lives now?

Ministries
Go Deep Notes