BROADCASTS.com

b'

Scripture and questions for study and reflection:

Read James 1:1-12.

1. How does James identify himself at the beginning of his letter? Why do you think he identifies himself this way rather than telling everyone he is Jesus\\u2019 \\xbd brother?

2. To whom does James say he is writing? (Hint:\\u201cscattered\\u201d) Who does he mean by this? How are we included in his audience as well? (Hint:New Covenant)

3. How might God be working through the diaspora (scattering) to bring forth his plan? (Hint:Acts 1:8)

4. Why would James tell us to consider our trials as \\u201cpure joy\\u201d? How might this affect the way we live our lives today? How might the notion of \\u201cgood trouble,\\u201d as coined by the late John Lewis, help us consider our trials as \\u201cpure joy\\u201d?

5. James discusses some benefits to the testing of our faith. What are these benefits and how do they come about through testing?

6. Francis Chan, in his Right Now Media study, tells us that \\u201ctesting\\u201d was a word used by silversmiths to describe purifying the silver. How can we relate that process to our faith lives? What is the end goal/result? (Hint:reflection)

7. James encourages us to pray for wisdom, but warns that we must not doubt that God will give us this wisdom. How will wisdom help us consider our trials as pure joy? Why is it important that we not doubt?

8. James talks about receiving the Crown of Life. What does he mean by this? How do we receive this crown? How does the Apostle Paul support this claim?

9. How might Communion remind us of the truths to which James speaks in this passage?

Prayer for the Week:

Gracious and Loving God, help us to see the trials we go through as pure joy, knowing that they help draw us closer to You. Use these trials to test our faith, purifying us, transforming us, sanctifying us, so that we bear your reflection more and more every day. And as we do, help others to see You through us, that they may come to know You and count their trials as pure joy as well, so that they too may be tested and sanctified. May all of our trouble be \\u201cgood trouble\\u201d in that You use it to bring forth your kingdom on earth through the work of your good and faithful servants. We pray all of this in the strong name of Jesus, who makes it all possible. Amen.