JoyceAlaska

What did I get out of the course? It made me put into words what I knew thus strengthening the knowledge. What could be improved? I'd like to see more feedback. Perhaps you could summarize the answers to each lesson and point out the error and/or the truths.

Q2. (5:5-6) What is the spiritual danger of our demand for comfort and luxury? The danger lies in thinking we deserve the comforts/luxuries--God is gracious and allows us to have creature comforts, even luxuries. However, all these will ultimately be destroyed--they should be held very lightly--enjoyed, but not worshiped!! Extra credit: How might our demand for low-priced goods and services cause us to (1) oppress our own employees or (2) cause workers in this country or abroad to be under paid or oppressed? Employers meet the demand for low prices not by cutting their profit margin but by cutting employee wages/benefits--this then, is an abridgement of the "royal law"--Love your neighbor as yourself and do unto others as you would be done by. How does all this relate to the need for patience? We need to understand that we do not need things "right now!" we can wait or do without!! There was a motto during WWII that might be good to remember: Use it up, make it do or do without!

Q1. (4:13-16) What danger is James warning us about in verses 13-16? How can we be humble in our planning without being indecisive and wishy-washy? Danger James is warning us about is arrogance and presumption-- presuming that we know what the future holds! We can plan for our future without being arrogant--or indecisive/wishy-washy by keeping God's provision in mind -- there is a saying: Plan as if you are going to live forever--live as if you only have today--- Planning for the future is not presumption if we keep in mind that our future is in God's hands--not ours--so, our planning should always have the caveat, even if unspoken--that we will do this or that if God wills!!

Q2. (4:4) Why does James refer to church members as "adulteresses"? I would say, that Paul was addressing Christians--not simply church members. And, the church or the body of Christ is referred to as His bride-- What does the adultery consist of? Being unfaithful to Christ by embracing the carnal pleasures of the world and by being seduced by deviant doctrine-- allowing the things of this world to become foremost in your thought and allegiance-- Who is the aggrieved husband? Christ--who died for us. What is wrong with friendship with the world? It dilutes the love/allegiance to Christ-- you cannot love/serve two masters!! If you serve the world, you will not be serving Christ--you can't do both!! You cannot fellowship with the dark things of this world and still cling to the light of Christ--- And, it is a choice we make--we can choose to follow the world--or we can choose to follow Christ.

Q1. (4:1-3) Is God against pleasure? No--but, He is against hedonistic pleasure--pleasing only self--living for pleasure rather than for God. What wrong in living to increase one's pleasure? The emphasis is on self--and we are not our own, but bought with a price! Our focus needs to be on God, not on our pleasing ourselves.

Q4. (3:17-18) With what tool do peacemakers sow peace? Why does this produce a ripening crop of righteousness? In whom does this crop grow? Righteousness--as the Amplified puts it: And the harvest of righteousness (conformity to God's will in thought and deed) is the fruit of the seed sown in peace by those who work for and make peace which means concord (agreement, harmony) between individuals, with untisturbedness, in a peaceful mind free from fears and agitating passions and moral conflicts!! When we conform to God's will in thought--and in deed-- there will be peace within-- This crop grows in those who are obeying God's will -- Christians!!

Q3. (3:13-16) In what ways are "bitter envy" and "selfish ambition" (3:14) direct opposites of "humility" (3:13)? How does denial of "bitter envy" and "selfish ambition" prevent healing? How does boasting about these prevent healing? Envy and selfish ambition are both concerned with "self" or "ego"-- envy focuses on what others have, whether spiritual or monetary, rather on what God has blessed you with. Ambition focuses on the advancement of "self--whether in a spiritual or worldy realm. It is in direct opposition to the royal laws: Love your neighbor as yourself and Do for others what you would have others do for you. They prevent healing because the focus is on self--not on God or His grace---these attitudes come between you and God and hinder healing. Boasting about envy or ambition is at best unwise; at worse self-defeating. It fosters feelings of resentment/anger--which hinders healing-- **scientifically proven!!

Q2. (3:7-8) Read Matthew 12:34 and 15:18. In light of these verses, why is the tongue untamable? What has to happen before it can be tamed? What is in the heart, comes out through the mouth (tongue)---an unregenerate (sinful--evil) heart speaks unregenrate (sinful--hateful) words. The heart must be changed if the tongue is to change! That change comes through the regenerating work of the Holy Spirit when we accept Christ as our Savior!

Q1. (3:1-2) Why does James discourage people from aspiring to be teachers of the Word? Why is greater strictness appropriate? Should you set higher standards for your pastor than you do for yourself? I can only reiterate what others have said! To teach the Word is to be responsible for what is taught--the teacher has a responsiblility to teach the word in truth and without detracting or diluting the gospel. And, teachers will be held responsible for what they have taught! Should I set higher standards for my pastor than for myself? No!! the same standards of righteousness apply to all!! A preacher/pastor is held responsible for what he preaches/teaches--and his conduct should measure up to the Word--but so should mine!

Q3. (2:18-19) What is the difference between the "belief" of a demon and the "belief" of a practicing Christian? The "belief" of a non-practicing Christian? Demons know that there is a God and that there is a judgment to come. They made a disastrous choice and rebelled against God--but, they still know that God is!! The belief of a practicing Christian is based on faith--faith in Christ and His redeeming blood. The practice their faith--their belief--by obeying Christ and His commandments: Love your neighbor as you do yourself--preach/teach the gospel--love one another. The belief of a non-practicing Christian is head knowledge--an intellectual assent to the existence of God. Much as I have the intellectual knowledge that there is a Queen Elizabeth of England--but, I do not know her--have never met her!!

Q2. (2:15-16) To what degree are we responsible for the poor and needy in the church community? How about our responsibility for those outside the church, in the community at large? We are responsible to the poor and needy in our church community to share what God has blessed us with--And, the same for the community at large--First our brothers and sisters in Christ who are needy--then the community. We are stewards of God's blessings--whatever we have is ours by His grace--we are to handle it wisely--and that means helping others! And, it is good to remember we are not responsible for what we don't have! My church has helped with the food ministry -- food boxes for the needy--no questions asked--homeless folks and others can get "wooden nickels" which they take to the food bank and get 20 lbs. of food. Until recently, we had a weekly ministry of having food at the church one day a week--the homeless and others could come and help themselves from the fruit/veg/ breads whatever was surplus that day. Those of the church community who were in need could do the same--no questions asked!

Q1. (2:14-18) In what sense is faith dead if it is unaccompanied by action? In what sense might (if that were possible) it be alive? Faith is always followed by action--if it is really faith! Faith demands action--because faith is active--not passive. A passive faith is dead because it stagnates, doesn't grow-- if we truly believe what Jesus said, then we must act on it!! "Love your neighbor as yourself---do unto others as you would have them do to you"--action!! How can a passive faith be alive? It is dormant-- so, it may be possible that if it is watered it might sprout!!

Q4. (2:20-26) How does James' point about the necessity of works jive with Paul's emphasis on salvation by grace without works (Ephesians 2:8-10)? Two sides of the same coin! Paul is pointing out that salvation comes by faith--cannot be earned! But, he also states that we are "saved for good works"--(Eph. 2:10); James says that if you are saved the good works should follow--that it is a natural progression--salvation by grace--then good works!!

Q4. (2:13b) In what way is showing regard towards the wealthy (2:2-3) a denial of mercy? Extra credit: Read Hosea 6:6; Matthew 5:7; and 9:13. In what way does mercy "triumph over" (NIV, RSV, NASB) or "rejoice against" (KJV) judgment? What does this mean? In what way is showing regard for the wealthy a denial of mercy? In 2 ways--it is as, others have said--making a judgment based on material wealth--discriminating between a wealthy person and a poor one--It infers that wealth makes you worthy of God's favor--in Christ there is no distinction between people because of race/color/wealth/gender-- all have sinned and come short of the glory of God! How does mercy triumph over judgment? Judgment demands payment for wrongs/sin--mercy forgives!!

Q3. (2:9-11) Why does James refer to the Great Commandment as the "Royal Law"? How is it more "royal" than the Mosaic Law? How does showing favoritism toward a rich person break the "Royal Law" towards that rich person? How does it break the "Royal Law" in regard to a poor person? Some one said it : Like the royal highway, it is straight forward--no twists or turns! The Royal Law is contained within the Mosaic law--in fact is a direct quote--however, the Mosaic law was imperfect because its system of blood sacrifices that had to be offered over and over again, was only a shadow of the true sacrifice--the Lamb of God--Jesus Christ. By showing preference toward a rich person, it can infer that their riches can buy them salvation--which is untrue and if they relied upon that would doom them--the gospel is to be preached without regard to person or pedigree. By showing disrespect to the poor person it can infer that they are not worthy of salvation, which, again, is untrue--salvation is free to all! Besides, it was to shepherds that the news of Christ's birth was first given--Jesus preached to all who would listen and that was mainly the poor, the disowned, the disreputable-- ** See Romans 15:7

Q2. (2:4) In what way does favoritism make one a judge? How does favoritism make one a judge with

Q1. (2:1-3) What kind of person or what kind of sinner do you tend to discriminate against? What kind of people are you (or your church) trying to make a good impression on? This is a hard one! My first impulse is to say I don't discriminate--but, of course I do--subconsciously, if not consciously--I think I find it hardest to be around people who are full of hate for God and others. I try to make a good impression when I first meet people.

Q4. (1:26-27) Why does James make taming the tongue and caring for the poor the prime tests of pure religion? Why not the quality of our quiet time or worship? Religion is about doing: Do unto others as you would have them do unto you-- it is an active expression of an inward change-- James is concerned that we understand that pure religion is sensitive to others: visit the widow/orphan--which implies not just socializing but caring for them-- taming the tongue so as not to speak ill of others-- Relationship with God and Christ involves: worship and quiet time--very important--but very personal!! Worship: is surrendering to Christ--allowing Him to live through us--it involves getting quiet before the Lord--listening to His voice--reading His word. The evidence of God within is how we act/react to our brothers and sisters in Christ and the world around us.

Q3. What is this "perfect law" that James mentions? How would you define it? How does it relate to the "royal law" (2:8)? In what sense does it bring liberty? The perfect law--is the law of liberty--liberty is the freedom to do what is right/righteous--not to be confused with license which is lawlessness. Through Christ we are free to live in and obey God's law which condensed is: Love the Lord your God with all your mind/soul/spirit and the second which is like it: love your neighbor as yourself. Through Christ, we are able to obey this royal law--we are freed from the constraints of the sinful nature which focuses on self/pride/etc. and able to focus on Christ--and others! We spell Joy: Jesus Others You

Q2. (1:22) Why are we so easily fooled into thinking that listening to Bible teaching means that we are living out righteous lives? What is the nature of the self-deception? Ritual can become stultifying if it is performed simply because it is "what we do"! Sitting in church doesn't make a person a Christian anymore than sitting in a garage makes one an automobile! But, ritual/ceremony is easy and it lulls us into thinking that is all we need--so, we allow ourselves to be lulled to sleep by it! We don't want to "do"--it takes effort--we have to get out of our comfort zones and actually accomlish something! Righteousness comes from within--and manifests itself by outward deeds--

I can't add too much to what has already been said!! The Word -- John 1:1--"In the beginning was the Word..." Jesus is the truth and the light--the living Word! And, He is revealed through the written word--"these things are written that you might believe..." (John 20:31)

Q4. (1:5-8) What is the promise to claim in verse 5? What is the condition attached to this promise in verse 6? How do trials help us receive this wisdom? The promise is that God will grant wisdom to those who ask --the conditon is that you must ask in faith without wavering (doubting) -- how do trials help us receive this wisdom? Faith comes by hearing--and hearing by the Word of God-- Trials help us to rely on (trust) God, to trust His Word--the condition of asking and receiving-- Wisdom differs from knowledge in that knowledge is facts--wisdom is how to use the facts you know! So, asking God for wisdom is asking God how to use the knowledge we have--asking Him to give us insight/understanding!

Q3. (1:5-8) How do trials help cure us of "doublemindedness"? How do trials help us grow in faith? Doubleminded is wavering between believing God or rejecting him. Trials put us in the position of having to "fish or cut bait"--either we will believe what God has said and trust Him or we will reject Him. Trials help us to grow in faith by putting us in a position where we have to trust Him--and each time we trust Him we grow stronger--and become more mature. There is an old song that says, in part: If I never had a problem, how could I know that He would solve them..." We gain strength from small trials to be able to stand during the large ones.

Q2. (1:13-15) Why do people blame God for evil? Does God tempt us with evil? Does he tempt sinful people with evil? Why does he allow people to sin? Why does he allow evil to exist at all? One reason people blame God for evil is because they think that God should make and keep the world safe and without any pain or tragedy! Does God tempt us with evil? No. Does He tempt sinful people with evil? No. He allows everyone to make a choice to follow Him or to reject Him; to do evil or to refrain from doing evil. It's called free will. Why does He allow people to sin? Free will. God did not make us robots--He made us intelligent beings with a mind and a will--and He allows us to use that will-- Why does He allow evil to exist? To test us.

Q1. (1:2-4) What value have trials had in your life? Have you let Satan destroy you with those trials? Or allowed God to refine you? How have you changed? Trials help me to keep focused on Christ. They teach me to trust Him--I mean really trust Him! And, they prepare me for the next trial--which will likely be different from the trials that have gone before. Has Satan destroyed me? NO! But, there was a time when he almost succeeded-- How have I changed? I'm stronger than I was before in Christ and I know the peace and joy that He gives. His joy is so much deeper than mere happiness--His joy and peace are there even in the midst of a storm/trial/strife! "Because He lives I can face tomorrow!!"