November 29, 2012

Read:  James 5:11, 1:12, Job 1:6-22, Hebrews 12:1-3

How was Job treated unfairly? Give an example. Why did James use Job as an example of perseverance?

How did Satan try to use “the short end of the stick” to cause doubt and second-guessing God?

How does Job’s experience help you redefine your view of injustice and being treated unfairly?

November 28, 2012

Read:  James 5:10, Matthew 11:1-15, Mark 6:14-29

Summarize how John’s life came to an end. How did he get the short end of the stick?

Why is John a New Testament version of James 5:10? How did John demonstrate perseverance?

Explain how being treated unfairly by others and being blessed by God are unique and distinct?

November 27, 2012

Read:  James 5:9, 4:11-12, Matthew 12:36-37, Philippians 2:12-16

Explain the meaning of James 5:9 in terms of responding to injustice and being accountable to God.

How do you typically respond (verbally) when you are treated unfairly? Why?

What is God teaching you about the root cause of venting? How does God want you to grow?

November 26, 2012

Read: James 5:9, Numbers 14:1-29

Describe the circumstances surrounding the Jews and their grumbling. (i.e. their short end of the stick)

How did God view their grumbling? What was the fruit of their complaining and grumbling? Why?

What does grumbling sound like in your life? How does this relate to venting and impatience?

November 24, 2012

Read:  James 5:8, Matthew 24:4-36, 2 Peter 3:3-14, Matthew 28:18-20

What does “the Lord’s coming” mean? How was this an encouragement to those being treated unfairly?

Given James was written 2000 years ago, how can the Lord’s coming be “near”? Why is this important?

In what way is the coming of the Lord both present and future? How does this encourage you?

November 23, 2012

Read:  James 5:8, Psalm 27, Ephesians 6:10-20

Why would James tell his audience to “stand firm”? How does the context impact your answer?

What would it look like to not stand firm? Give an example. How does this relate to faith in the Lord?

How do you feel when others try to take advantage of you?

November 22, 2012

Read:  James 5:7-8, Romans 12:14-21, 2 Thessalonians 1:6-8

How does James 5:7-8 talk about justice and accountability? How does this relate to being patient?

How can Christians usurp God’s role in the name of justice? Give an example.

What is God teaching you about patience with others and leaving them to the Lord? Pray about this now.

November 21, 2012

Read:  James 5:7b-8, Jeremiah 5:24, Hosea 6:3, Joel 2:23, Zechariah 10:1

What do seasonal rains illustrate in the Old Testament? What does this say about authority and control?

Explain how a farmer illustrates godly patience. Describe an example today of this same truth.

How does James 5:7b illustrate the balance between faith and works? How does this encourage you?

November 20, 2012

Read:  James 5:7a, Psalm 86:14-15, Jonah 4:1-10, Proverbs 15:18, 16:32

Explain the difference between patience and impatience. How do these relate to modeling God?

Why is patience important when being treated unfairly? How do you typically respond to injustice? Why?

In what way would practicing patience prevent further injustice? Give an example.

November 19, 2012

Read:  James 5:7a, 2 Timothy 3:10-12, Matthew 5:10-12, 2 Thessalonians 1:3-5, Acts 23:1-5

Based on today’s reading, what is promised about life being fair and equitable? Why?

How does this relate to managing your expectations and sinful reactions?

Explain how Paul’s response to the high priest (Acts 23:3) illustrates the struggle with this truth.

November 17, 2012

Read:  James 5:5-6, Ecclesiastes 2:4-11

How was Solomon (c.f. Ecc. 2:4-11) a living example of James 5:5-6? What was the result?

How do you see Christians today falling into the same sinful trap? Give an example.

How are you tempted into self-indulgence? Give an example. How can you avoid this trap?

November 16, 2012

Read:  James 5:5-6, Deuteronomy 15:7-11, Matthew 6:2-4

In what way were the rich “condemning and murdering innocent men”? (i.e. literally and metaphorically)

What does God expect to happen when it comes to providing for those who are in need? (c.f. Deut. 15:7-11)

How would PCC’s Project 25 relate to godly financial management? How can you apply this to your life?

November 15, 2012

Read:  James 5:4, Genesis 4:1-11

Explain the meaning of “crying out against you”. What is the connection with payment of wages?

In light of Genesis 4:10, what are the implications of James 5:4? How does this relate to accountability?

How does this raise the bar for Christians when earning an income? How is God challenging you?

November 14, 2012

Read:  James 5:5-6, Matthew 20:1-16, Mark 12:41-44

What is James condemning in his discussion about a life of luxury? What is the root issue and sin?

What is the primary point Jesus was making in Matthew 20:1-16? Describe how James 5:5-6 relates.

How is Mark 12:41-44 the opposite of James 5:5-6? How can you grow in areas of money management?

November 13, 2012

Read:  James 5:4, Psalm 62:10, Leviticus 19:35-36, Proverbs 16:11

Explain how Leviticus 19:35-36 & Proverbs 16:11 relate to integrity and making money.

Why do you think this is important to God? How does James 5:4 illustrate the same point?

In what way can this be a temptation for you? How can you prevent this from happening?

November 12, 2012

Read:  James 5:4, Leviticus 19:13, Deuteronomy 24:14-15, Malachi 3:5, Jeremiah 22:13

Describe God’s perspective regarding how often people should be paid for the work they perform. Why?

In what way were employers taking advantage of their employees? Why could they get away with this?

Do you see this taking place today? Give an example. How are Christians called to be different?

November 10, 2012

Read:  James 1:23, Ephesians 5:25-30, 1 Tim. 5:8, Mark 12:41-44, 2 Cor. 9:6-7, Matt. 25:31-46

Describe the areas where God prioritizes financial management. How do these relate to eternity?

How does your investment strategy line up with God’s investment strategy? Why?

What specific steps will you take in order to grow and reflect Godly financial priorities?

November 9, 2012

Read:  James 5:1, 1 Timothy 6:6-10, Luke 12:22-34

Explain why the “love” of money is so powerful. (i.e. what does money promise to provide?)

What can be the spiritual impact of money if left unchecked? How have you experienced this truth?

If your spending habits are a reflection of your heart, what is God teaching you about your heart?

November 8, 2012

Read:  James 5:2-3, Matthew 6:19-24, Proverbs 3:9-10

What does it mean to hoard from a biblical perspective? Why is hoarding a problem with God?

In what way is hoarding different than saving? How does storing up treasures in heaven relate?

How is God challenging you to view your income from an eternal perspective? Why?

November 7, 2012

Read: James 5:2-3, Proverbs 10:22, 1 Timothy 6:17-19

Why is it important to know that God not only doesn’t condemn the rich, but actually blesses them?

What does this imply about accountability? How does James 5:2-3 address this accountability?

Given you are rich from a global perspective, how has God blessed you? How have you been accountable?

November 6, 2012

Read:  James 4:9-10, 5:1, Matthew 25:14-30, Luke 16:19-31

What does James 5:1 mean by weep, wail, and misery? How does James 4:9-10 help form your answer?

Why does Luke 16 make a distinction between a rich man and a beggar? What does this imply about money?

How does it make you feel knowing that you will be accountable to God for your money management?

November 5, 2012

Read:  James 1:9-11, 2:1-7, 4:1-3, 4:13-17, 5:1-3

Describe the context for each time James discusses money. Is it positive or negative? Why?

What does this tell you about the influence money can have on Christians?

In what way do you see these same issues today? Why do you think this is so important?

November 3, 2012

Read:  James 4:6, 10, 16, Prov. 8:13, 11:2, 16:18, 29:23

Describe the cause and effect of pride and humility. Why is it such a big deal to God?

What is at risk if this issue is minimized in the Christian life? How have you seen this take place?

How can the sin of pride creep into your life? What steps of humility is God challenging you to take?

November 2, 2012

Read:  James 4:17, Luke 18:18-30

What did the rich ruler need to do in order to become a follower of Jesus? How did he respond? Why?

What is the connection between comfortable Christianity and pride? How does James 4:17 relate?

Describe your walk with the Lord in terms of growth and risk. How can you grow in what you know?

November 1, 2012

Read:  James 4:17, Jonah 1-3:3

What does James 4:17 teach about sins of omission and commission? What is the difference?

What type of sin did Jonah commit by not going to Nineveh? How was this an act of pride?

In what way did God humble Jonah? How is God challenging you to “step into” humility and obedience?