Faith in Action: Wisdom, Poverty & Riches

James 1:5-11

3.11.18

Introduction

James introduced to us (in last week’s study) true joy through trials. We can be content because God is working to mature and complete us. Through trials, we need wisdom. Wisdom is described as not just knowledge and intelligence but living out what one believes and knows. Wisdom is needed for the right conduct of life. Verses 5-11 present two more key themes of James. In verses 5-8, Christians should respond to trials by asking God for wisdom. In verses 9-11, Christians can view trials as inverting the roles of the rich and poor.

Throughout this section of scripture, James uses various illustrations (wind, waves, sun, flowers, grass) to illustrate biblical truths. Theses timeless truths can be described as follows: everyone needs wisdom from God, the poor (physically and spiritually) will one day be exalted, and the rich (those seeking wealth) will be humbled.

  1. What are we to ask for in verse 5? How does God give it? ______
  1. In verse 6, we are to ask for wisdom in faith, without wavering. If we do waver (doubt) in our faith, what are we like? ______
  1. If you doubt (wavering faith) the character of God, what will you receive in verse 7? ______

Faith in Action: Wisdom, Poverty & Riches

James 1:5-11

3.11.18

Introduction

James introduced to us (in last week’s study) true joy through trials. We can be content because God is working to mature and complete us. Through trials, we need wisdom. Wisdom is described as not just knowledge and intelligence but living out what one believes and knows. Wisdom is needed for the right conduct of life. Verses 5-11 present two more key themes of James. In verses 5-8, Christians should respond to trials by asking God for wisdom. In verses 9-11, Christians can view trials as inverting the roles of the rich and poor.

Throughout this section of scripture, James uses various illustrations (wind, waves, sun, flowers, grass) to illustrate biblical truths. Theses timeless truths can be described as follows: everyone needs wisdom from God, the poor (physically and spiritually) will one day be exalted, and the rich (those seeking wealth) will be humbled.

  1. What are we to ask for in verse 5? How does God give it? ______
  1. In verse 6, we are to ask for wisdom in faith, without wavering. If we do waver (doubt) in our faith, what are we like? ______
  1. If you doubt (wavering faith) the character of God, what will you receive in verse 7? ______
  1. Explain how verse 8 fits with faith and wavering from verses 5-7. ______
  1. Verses 9-11 contrast wealth (rich) and poverty (love degree). Why can the person (brother) of low degree rejoice? What will happen to the rich in verse 10 and 11 (2 answers)? ______

Faith in Action

How do I apply, live out, what I learned from James 1:5-11?

1. ______

2. ______

3. ______

  1. Explain how verse 8 fits with faith and wavering from verses 5-7. ______
  1. Verses 9-11 contrast wealth (rich) and poverty (love degree). Why can the person (brother) of low degree rejoice? What will happen to the rich in verse 10 and 11 (2 answers)? ______

Faith in Action

How do I apply, live out, what I learned from James 1:5-11?

1. ______

2. ______

3. ______