Digging Deeper into James 1

The theme of James chapter one is testing. James 1:2-4 says, “Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trails of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.” The rest of the chapter hits on seven specific areas in life where we’re tested and gives insight into how we can persevere. A challenge for you this week would be to read through and meditate on one of these sections each day. Think about how this could be a test for you and pray for the strength and wisdom to persevere. Below are some questions to think about while reading through each section:

Day 1: James 1:5-8 – A Test of Faith in Prayer
Do you ever ask God for wisdom? Do you believe God will provide if you ask, or do you doubt He’ll follow through?
How much faith do you have in prayer?

Day 2: James 1:9-11 – A Test of Faith in Finances
If you don’t have much, do you believe God will provide? Do you thank God for the things you do have?
Is your faith enough?
If you have a lot, do you expect that to carry you? At the end of the day could you do without it all?
Is your faith more important?

Day 3: James 1:12-15 – A Test of Faith in Temptations
How do you deal with sin knocking on your door? Are you angry at God when you can’t kick a sinful habit? Do you recognize how your own motives influence the temptations you face?
What does your faith look like when sin is looking good?

Day 4: James 1:16-18 – A Test of Faith in Blessings
Are you ever tricked into thinking that God is responsible your temptations? Have you been conditioned to think that goodness comes from somewhere other than God? Do you thank Him for the outpouring of grace you receive daily in even the little things?
Is your faith there in the ins and outs of everyday life?

Day 5: James 1:19-21 – A Test of Faith in Morality
Do you ever let yourself get angry? Do you need more patience? Do you take the time to hear people out or are you always flying off the handle? Do you let yourself get surrounded by impure things?
Do you have faith in the truth God has given you?

Day 6: James 1:22-25 – A Test of Faith in Deeds
Do you read or hear the word and then immediately forget what it said or how it challenged you? If you stripped from your life the memory verses, Christian t-shirts and bumper stickers, praise songs, and trite sayings… would anyone have a clue you are a follower of Jesus Christ?
Is your faith simply a belief or is it a continuous action?

Day 7: James 1:26-27 – A Test of Faith in Religion
Do you say you’ll do things that you never get around to doing? Do you worship God but fail to look after His people? What do you consider religion to be… saying or doing?
Is your faith evident not only in how you talk, but in how you love?

Beginning to study James.

James 1:22, “But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.”

James instructs us to be doers of the word. However, we must first know what it is that God wants us to do. Take up the challenge this week to memorize James 1:2-8.

The letter of James touches on dozens of real-life, ground-level issues. As you read through James, we hope this blog can be a place to share what God has been teaching you.