Suggested answers to "Questions for Discussion" ...

 

1	Describe the characteristics of "wisdom literature", and explain why James is an example of this.
	"Wisdom literature" speaks of writings that are especially devoted to teaching us about practical godliness—how to live in a God-honoring way. Wisdom literature is often a collection of wise sayings, without much apparent organization or connecting thoughts. It often takes the form of Hebrew poetry—characterized by repetition of thoughts—either parallel ideas, or contrasting ideas—rather than rhyme or meter. James fits this category because of its concern for practical godliness, its lack of connecting thoughts and its occasional use of poetry.
2	Name at least three possible reasons why James might have risen to leadership in the Jerusalem church.
	A physical resemblance to our Lord. His close personal acquaintance to our Lord and stories he could relate from childhood. His familiarity with our Lord's teachings—teachings he had heard all his life.
3	List some similarities between the book of James and the Sermon on the Mount.
	Those who endure trials are "blessed" (Matthew 5:10-11; James 1:12). We should not swear oaths (Mt 5:33-37; James 5:12). Be peaceable—don't encourage quarrels (Mt 5:9, 38-44; James 3:18-4:1). Both speak of answered prayer (Mt 7:7-11; James 5:16-18). Both forbid improper anger (Mt ; James 1:19-20). Both encourage us to be merciful (Matthew 5:7, 42; 6:14-15; James 2:14-16) Both warn us against a "faith" that is devoid of works (Mt 7:15-27; James 2:14-26). Both teach us not to be anxious for material needs (Mt 6:19-34; James 4:1-4, 13-16).
4	Why should we rejoice in trials?
	Trials provide an opportunity for God to display His powerful grace at work in our lives. Trials are an opportunity for spiritual growth—we become stronger as our faith is tested and exercised. When we successfully endure trials, it gives us a greater sense of assurance, and equips us to help brothers with the trials they encounter.
5	How can we profit from trials?
	Trials teach us to trust in the Lord's protection and grace, to patiently endure hardship. (Also see #4 above).
6	How are trials and temptations related? How do they differ?
	We turn a trial into a temptation when we respond to it wrongly.
7	How can we successfully overcome temptation?
	We must accept the trial with joy, and pray for the wisdom to endure the trial. We must remember that God sends trials for our good and His glory. We must maintain a heavenly perspective—seeing the great danger in succumbing to temptation.
8	Can God forgive sinners without compromising His holiness and justice?
	Yes and No. He cannot justly forgive sinners apart from the redemptive work of Jesus Christ. The cross satisfies God's justice so that He can justly show mercy to sinners.
9	In what senses can man's will be considered "free"? In what sense is it not free?
	Man freely sins and rebels against God. Man is obligated to trust and obey God, and no one is keeping him from doing these things. In these senses, man's will is "free". However, man's will is governed by his own sinful desires, and, in this sense, his will is not "free". Man has no willingness to love or trust God—he is enslaved to his own sinful nature.
10	Name some differences between worldly wisdom and godly wisdom.
	Worldly wisdom is self-seeking, and hence is arrogant, and willing to harm others to secure its own benefit. Worldly wisdom leads to quarrels and strife. Godly wisdom, on the other hand, seeks the good of others, is humble, compassionate and peaceable.
11	There are dangers in both poverty and wealth. What are they?
	Poverty can lead us to seek illegitimate means to obtain wealth. Wealth can lead us to trust in material goods, and to forget the God who provides them to us. It is tempting to squander our wealth on our own pleasures rather than using it as God intended—as a means of blessing others in need.
12	What is the proper use of the law in our sanctification?
	The law is like a mirror that shows us our sin, that we might confess it to God and seek His mercy and cleansing grace.
13	Give some analogies that illustrate the function of the Law.
	1) A fuel gauge. 2) A fence enclosing sheep and their Shepherd. 3) A mirror. 4) A sales brochure. 5) Symptoms and disease.
14	How can the Law provide freedom?
	The law reveals sin to us so that we might seek cleansing and forgiveness from Christ. In this way, the Law helps to free us from the slavery of sin, and from its destructive consequences.
15	Biblically, what does it mean to "show favoritism"?
	We show favoritism when our treatment of others is based upon their wealth or appearance.
16	Which grace may be thought of as the "pedigree of the Christian"?
	Compassion or mercy is our "pedigree", for we are saved by God's compassion toward us. Those who cherish God's mercy toward us should be careful to show mercy to others. An "unmerciful Christian" is a contradiction.
17	Was Abraham justified by his works, or by faith alone?
	It was faith alone that showed Abraham that, through Christ's redeeming death, his sins were forgiven and he had a righteous standing before God. However, his works testified to the reality of his faith, and hence that he truly belonged to God.
18	Name two kinds of justification.
	"Declarative justification" declares a righteous man to be righteous. "Constitutive justification" makes a sinner righteous.
19	Describe the three ways that we are said to be justified.
	We are justified in God's sight by the substitutionary death of Christ at Calvary. We are justified in our own hearts by the faith that God gives us, proving us to be His elect people. We are justified in the sight of others by the good works that flow from our faith, thereby proving to them that we have truly received the grace of God.
20	In our quest for practical godliness, why is the tongue a good place to begin?
	Our words express our thoughts and thus reveal the condition of our hearts. Our words can do great harm, so it is important that we learn to control our tongue.
21	Name some essential ingredients to effective prayer.
	Earnestness and fervency. Humility. Confidence in the power of God. Confidence in the goodness and mercy of God.
22	What is the source of quarrels and conflicts among people? What is the cure?
	Quarrels arise from our desire for earthly pleasures. The cure is the godly contentment that comes from trusting God's power and mercy to supply our needs, and from recognizing the true, lasting value of heavenly treasure.
23	For the believer, this conflict is fought within the heart. Describe the spiritual conflict within the believer.
	The believer has two natures—the old, sinful Adamic nature with which he was born—and the new, spiritual Christlike nature he receives at the new birth. The old nature still loves sin, and we often feel its powerful influences in our heart. However, the old nature was judged at Calvary, and will one day be destroyed altogether. The "real" me is the eternal, lasting "me" represented by the new nature. We are exhorted to follow this new nature and to be led by it. The old nature will still complain and fight against it, and sometimes the old nature will seem to win the fight. However, the new nature is a permanent part of the Christian, and, by God's grace, will grow stronger over the course of our lives. In the end, the new nature will be victorious.
24	What are the right and wrong ways to confess sin in the church?
	It is dangerously wrong for Christians to confess their secret sins to one another. This can actually encourage us to sin, when we see how prevalent sin is among our brothers in the Lord. It can ruin reputations, if unscrupulous people in the assembly gossip to others outside the church about the sins of individual Christians. The proper approach is to confess our needs and weaknesses to other Christians we trust in order that they might pray for us, or give us godly advice. Also, the people of God ought to corporately confess their sins in general terms—confessing as a people that they have fallen short of God's righteousness.
25	Describe what it means to "walk by the Spirit" or to be "led by the Spirit".
	To "walk by the Spirit" or "be led by the Spirit" is to maintain a heavenly perspective of all of life—to recognize that this life is temporary, that there is a God in heaven, that He has ordained all our trials and blessings, seeing the awfulness of sin and the blessedness of mercy and forgiveness. Above all, it recognizes the surpassing beauty and wonder of God, and seeks to draw closer to Him, to know and experience more of His glory, and to reflect that glory in the world. In practical terms, this means studying the Scriptures, praying to God for wisdom and understanding, worshipping and fellowshipping with others who love the Lord, reading good books that exalt the Lord and explain the Scriptures accurately, and seeking to live in obedience.
26	When afflicted by Satan's attacks—temptation, anxiety or depression—how do we get Satan to leave us alone?
	We must resist the devil. If we steadfastly resist him, he will flee from us. We need to pray to God for the grace and stamina to resist. Our Lord quoted Scripture passages in response to Satan's temptations. We should follow His example.
27	What emotions can we expect to experience when we draw near to God?
	Great fear. Utter unworthiness. Unspeakable joy and wonder.
28	How can we draw closer to God? Name some things that we can do.
	Meditate upon His excellencies. Think of the wonders of creation, providence and redemption. Consider how each of these displays the power, wisdom, holiness, beauty, faithfulness and compassion of God. Spend much time in the Word and in prayer. Seek the fellowship and mutual encouragement of Christian brothers and family members.
29	What harm is caused when we speak evil of our brothers in Christ or criticize them? Give several answers.
	Unbelievers think evil of Christ when 1) we describe our brothers in evil terms, 2) we appear to be critical and unloving toward our brothers, 3) Christians fight and quarrel with one another.
30	How should we relate to our brothers in the Lord?
	We should have compassionate love toward one another, forgiving one another as Christ forgave us. We should bear with the insults of others rather than seeking to retaliate. We should be slow to anger and swift to forgive.
31	Why is it wrong to boast of your future plans?
	Such boasting is a symptom of unbelief. It denies that God is ultimately in control of our lives. It denies our own frailty and mortality. Unforeseen circumstances may thwart our plans. Our plans may not be God's plans—He may visit us with illness or death before we can carry out our plans. In all our plans, we need to submit to God's will and acknowledge His sovereignty.
32	Why is it wrong to swear by heaven or earth?
	The answer is much the same as for #31. We underestimate the sinfulness of our own hearts, and the frailty of our creaturely existence, when we make solemn promises to others. The sin is exacerbated when we call God or heaven as a testimony of our faithfulness and sincerity. If we fail to carry out our promises, it brings disgrace upon God. The only reliable promise-keeper is God Himself.