Introduction
Hugh Osgood
Because I Live: Video Series

Journey from Easter to Pentecost with this FREE seven-part video series by Hugh Osgood. Perfect for church small groups with discussion starters and focussing on the risen Jesus.

Because I Live: Video Series

James

James Chapter 3

THEMES

Overarching Theme: Wisdom

Chapter Three Theme: Application of Wisdom


BACKGROUND

In this chapter, James really digs deep into some essential guidance for Christian living. Leading the church in Jerusalem, James would have witnessed the journeys of many early disciples, and therefore would have known the challenges and traps that believers can get caught in. As James' mirror analogy in the previous chapter alludes to, this passage provides another great opportunity for us to check our reflections against.

James reminds us to check what we say, along with the motives that drive us even in blessings like teaching and wisdom.

Session Resources

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Verses 1-6

James begins Chapter 3 with a caution about desiring to teach. As it will lead to stricter judgement, we need to watch ourselves and keep our bodies in check, especially our tongues, which can cause a lot of trouble!

Questions

  • In what ways can our tongues cause us to sin? What measures can we put in place to protect ourselves from this sin?

  • If teachers are judged more strictly as it says in verse 1, why should anyone teach in the first place?


Verses 7-12

James continues by underlining how dangerous the tongue can be, and how important it is to avoid becoming a walking contradiction in how we live our lives.

Questions

  • How can we discipline our tongues to stop them from bringing destruction?

  • In what ways can we bless people in what we say (instead of curse)?


Verses 13-16

James then goes back to wisdom, and the importance of demonstrating it in humility, as the selfish wisdom of the world brings disorder.

Questions

  • How can we remain humble in our wisdom?

  • Why are envy and selfish ambition dangerous things to hold onto in our lives?


Verses 17-18

After this, James goes into the attributes of the wisdom that comes from God - Quite a stark contrast to the wisdom that comes from the world!

Questions

  • How can we discern if the wisdom we have is from God or from the world?

  • Which of the attributes described in verse 17 do you find the most challenging?


KEY TAKEAWAYS

This chapter is very much focused on the practical application of wisdom, with a strong emphasis on warning us in how we communicate with others. It provides us with a strong challenge to discipline how we speak, and a useful reflection for us to check ourselves.
Both sections of the chapter come back to this question of why we do what we do, as true Godly wisdom can only be lived out in humility and peace.


PRAYER & REFLECTION

End your time as a group, or individually, in a time of prayer. If it is helpful, below is a written prayer you can use as a reflection on James’ thoughts and foundations that we have considered today.

Dear Lord,

Thank you for providing us with this challenge in James,

May our words be always for your glory.

May we learn to control our tongues,

And speak life and blessing into the lives of those around us.


Thank you that you can provide us with all the wisdom we’ll ever need,

Please help us to learn to discern the difference between

The wisdom of the world and your perfect wisdom.

Help us to learn to walk in humility even in our successes,

And let us be driven by love instead of selfish ambition.


Thank you for providing us with a perfect example of

Wisdom and humility in Jesus.

Thank you for the salvation that we have received in Him.

In Jesus’ name,

Amen

,

James Chapter 1

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THEMES

Overarching Theme: Wisdom

Chapter One Theme: Perseverance through Trials & Temptations

HISTORY

‘James the Just’ as he was later called, was the brother of Jesus, the son of Joseph. Initially a sceptic of the ministry of Jesus, he later became a believer when Jesus appeared to him after the resurrection. Later still, he became the leader of the church in Jerusalem.

The letter is addressed to the Jews scattered across the diaspora, and covers the importance in being a testimony to your own people group.

Verses 1-8

After opening with his initial greetings, James jumps straight into a very challenging passage on facing trials with perseverance, along with teaching us how to respond correctly in wisdom and faith.

Questions

  • James’ first instruction of considering trials as ‘pure joy’, is a very challenging scripture! How can we practically respond in joy, faith and wisdom when faced with trials & pressures in our daily life?

  • What does the ‘maturity’ described in this passage look like in the world today?

Verses 9-12

James then continues by talking about poverty and riches, and how the riches of this world will not last. This draws us back to the challenge of persevering for the richness of life in the Kingdom of God.

Questions

  • James challenges us not to put our hope in riches. Why do some find it so easy to misplace their hope?

  • Why are the rich challenged to take pride in their humility?


Verses 13-15

James then shifts from looking at external pressures, to internal temptations, reminding us that they can very easily lead to spiritual deadness if we aren’t careful.

Questions

  • James makes it quite clear here that temptation isn’t from God. What are the sources of temptation in your life?

  • Discuss how you can build up defences against temptation to keep yourself safe from the enemy’s tricks.

Verses 16-21

Next comes a reminder of who we are as born again believers, and what that means.


Questions

  • Every good and perfect gift is from above - What good gifts have you received?

  • What is the word of truth that you have been born into?


Verses 22-27

James continues with another call to action, challenging us to put our Faith into practice and make the necessary changes.

Questions

  • Which biblical commands do you find the most challenging to recognise and put into practice in your life?

  • Think of examples of fellow Christians who have stood out for their faith. What was it that gave them that distinctiveness?


KEY TAKEAWAYS

James’ letter is an incredibly practical one, and really illustrates how scripture can act as a mirror for our lives. While it can be quite challenging and convicting, James qualifies the difficulty, by giving clear instruction on how we can face trials and temptations.

We are consistently reminded that victory is in remembering who we are in Christ, and the promises that God has for us.



PRAYER & REFLECTION

End your time as a group, or individually, in a time of prayer. If it is helpful, below is a written prayer you can use as a reflection on thoughts and reflections that James has presented us with today.


Dear Lord,

Thank you so much for making us new.

Thank you that you are not finished with us yet.

Thank you for the practical guidance that you have given us

in your Word through the book of James.

We ask that you would help us to be open to correction,

That as we journey through scripture,

We will be guided by the Holy Spirit in growing and maturing in Christ.

Please give us wisdom in every area of our lives where we need clarity,

And help us to overcome every doubt in our hearts,

That we may be fully ready to walk by faith

Wherever you call us.

And lead us not into temptation

But deliver us from evil.

In Jesus name,

Amen.