Introduction

James 5 covers three main topics:

1. Dangers of Riches
2. Patience and Perseverance
3. Meeting Needs

James 5:1-6 Dangers of Riches

• What miseries come upon the rich?
• Are we accountable for unused things God has given us (Luke 12:48)?
• Can riches tempt us to think we’re above rules, including God’s rules?
• Can pleasure and luxury deaden us to the needs of others (Luke 10:30-36)?
• Why would the rich be tempted to resist the just man (Mark 10:17-22)?

James 5:7-12 Patience and Perseverance

• How does having an ending in mind help our patience?
• What ending are we waiting for?
• What would the farmer’s result be (at least in the region talked about here), if he harvested before the early and late rains?
• How does patience help us avoid grumbling and condemning?
• What does it mean for the Judge to be standing at the door?

James 5:13-20 Meeting Needs

• Does God have an answer for us and instructions for us whatever our circumstance (suffering, cheerful, sick)?
• Why would someone be anointed with oil (Matthew 6:17)?
• Is it harder to believe the sickness will be healed or that sins will be forgiven (Matthew 9:1-8)?
• What makes a prayer effective and fervent?
• What did Elijah pray for and why did he pray it (1 Kings 17:1, Deuteronomy 28:15-24)?
• Isn’t turning a sinner from his way more important than physical circumstances (his and ours) (Mark 8:36-37)?

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