Commissioned

Q4. (1:23) What do Philippians 1:23 and 2 Corinthians 5:6-8 teach about the state of Christians immediately after death? Philippians 1:23 says that after death we are immediately with Christ and 2 Corinthians 5:6-8 says that when we are absent from the body we will be present with the Lord. How does this comfort you? It comforts me because I need not fear death. I know I will be with my Savior when I depart this world. How does this energize you? It gives me confidence in knowing that I am a winner in life and will be a winner absent from this body.

Q3. (1:20-21) How can fear keep us from being a bold witness? Fear can keep us from being a bold witness because instead of going forth where we may find opportunities for witnessing we recoil and not venture in these areas. Why does fear of people bind our tongues? Afraid that what we have to say will be dismissed and not accepted by them. How does "losing our life" for Christ's sake actually give us an abundant life? "Losing our life" for Christ's sake actually give us an abundant life as we dedicate ourselves to the service of God and allow God's will to be manifested in us. His will in our lives will indeed be "abundant living." What fear is keeping you from clear witness? The fear of not saying the right words.

Q2. (1:18b-19) Why is our ability to rejoice so dependent upon our faith that God is in control, working even in the midst of difficulty? We can rejoice in the midst of difficulty because the God who holds the future holds our destiny. We can remain in control in the face of hardship and rejoice as God brings us to fulfill His Will in our lives. What must you believe in order to be able to rejoice in the midst of problems? We must believe that God is in control and that He has a plan for our lives and if we but trust Him we will see that the problems we face are stepping stone to something greater. What is your basis for believing that? I believe Paul when he wrote: "We know that all things work together for good for those who love God, who are called according to his purpose." (Romans 8:28, NRSV)

Q1. (1:12-14) From the standpoint of witness to others, you are much more credible when you are undergoing personal struggles, stress, and problems. Why is this so? We are much more credible when we are undergoing personal struggles, stress, and problems because we have personal experiences that we can share as we witness the love of Christ and of our God's faithfullness in delivering us, out of the snares of the enemy. When people can identify with you they are more apt to listen to what you have to say and it will encourage them in their spiritual walk. Why was Paul's witness so powerful? Paul's witness was so powerful because his experiences for the cause of the gospel was evident where ever he went and in his writings from prison he testified of these. What personal struggle are you going through that could enhance your testimony if you handled it right? Right now my personal struggle is being able to witness one on one. When I overcome this struggle it will indeed be a testimony for others who may face a similar struggle.

Q4. (1:9-11) Why does Paul ask God to give the Philippian Christians discernment? Paul is asking God to give the Philippian Christians discernment so that they will be able to discern what is best and not be overtaken by satan in his schemes. What will be the result of discernment in their lives? The result will be that they may be pure and blameless until the day of Christ and that they may be filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ so that they bring glory and praise to God. How does selfishness cloud discernment? Selfishness cloud discernment as one could be so preoccupied that the opportunity to do what is best escapes them. How is the good the enemy of the best in our lives? Good is the enemy of best in our lives because it rob us of seeking that which is best.

Q3. (1:6) What does Paul expect God to do for the Philippian believers? Paul expects that God would, faithfully, carry the Philippians through every temptation and the difficuliities of life until the day of Christ Jesus. Why does he expect God to do this? Paul expects God to do this because when we come to Him and are "saved," He doesn't just leave us to continue serving Him without His help. No, He is right there with us every step of the way. What is the basis of Paul's confidence? Paul bases this confidence on the fact that God is faithful. On what basis can we expect God to do this for us? We can expect no less from God because He's no respector of man, if He does it for one person He will do the same for us.

Q2. (1:6) When we become financial "partners" with a Christian missionary, minister, ministry, or church, what do we receive out of the partnership? When we become financial "partners" with a Christian missionary, minister, ministry, or church, we participate in their ministry, as they spread the gospel message. And because of that participation, we also would share in the eternal reward of that ministry. What other kinds of support might we offer beyond financial? Other support we might offer besides financial could be our prayers for the success of the ministry, our assistance with receiving and sending of mails, taking/making telephone calls, providing housing and transportation. And the list goes on.

Q1. (1:1) What is the basic idea of "slave"? The basic idea of "slave" is a person who is completely committed to someone for life. They are in "compulsory service," they cannot come and go as they please, they do so only with permission of their owner - master. What is the root idea of "saint"? The root idea of a "saint" is one who belongs to God, just as a "slave" belongs to his master. When we are "saved," the Spirit of God comes into our lives and we become holy, and set apart to the service of God. In what way are these words saying the same thing about a Christian's relationship to God? These words say the same thing about a Christian's relationship to God because s/he is obligated to do the will of God, just as a "slave" is obligated to his master.

Q5. Now that you're finished with James: Practical Christianity, what did you get out of this study? How would you evaluate the study? What can be improved? The study of James has caused me to take a closer look at healing, and my role in praying for the sick. I am challenged to pursue this even more with the faith that if I follow James' instructions there will be great results. Truly A Great Study!

Q4. (5:19-20) In the light of James' emphasis on active faith vs. dead faith (2:17), why is the role of finding and bringing back the wandering sheep so important? It is so important because we are our brothers keepers. Jesus told us to love each other and for those who are as sheep wandering; we are to fervently pray in faith for them to return to the Shepherd of their soul and be saved.

Q3. (5:14-16) In the healing prayer, what is the role of oil? In the healing prayer the oil is used as a symbol of the presence of God's powerful Holy Spirit. What is the role of the prayer of faith? The prayer of faith is a prayer for the wellness of the sick person. What is the role of faith? Faith in praying for the sick makes the prayer most effective. It is the faith of the elders which causes the effectiveness of the prayer. What is the role of confession of sins? The person is freeing her/himself of any sin so that s/he might be healed.

Q2. (5:14) What is the elders' role in prayer for the sick? In prayer for the sick, the elder's role is to anoint the sick person with oil and "pray the prayer of faith." What must be their spiritual qualifications for this ministry of prayer? The spiritual qualification of the elder for this ministry of prayer is that s/he must be a person spiritually matured and full of faith.

Q1. (5:13-14) According to verse 14, who is to initiate prayer for healing? Why might this be important? According to verse 14, the person who is in need of healing is to initiate prayer for healing by calling upon the elders of the church to pray for their healing. The elders will pray the prayer of faith for the person to be healed. According to James this is important because it is very likely that the elders have more experience with healing and faith and prayer than the sick person.

Q4. (5:9) What does our grumbling and complaining say about us? About our faith? About our patience? Our grumbling and complaining is against God himself. It says that we are impatient and that our faith is not where it should be. It says that we are no better than the Children of Israel and if it persist we will receive the judgment of God.

Q3. (5:7-8) What can happen to us Christians if we lack the patience to eagerly expect Christ's return? If Christians lack the patience to eagerly expect Christ's return the may find themselves like the five foolish maids who ended up being complacent and missed the arrival of the bridegroom. Why is patience so vital? Patience is vital because it build up our faith and allows us to wait on God's timing and not be rushing into everything.

Q2. (5:5-6) What is the spiritual danger of our demand for comfort and luxury? The spiritual danger of our demand for comfort and luxury is not being satisfied with God's Will for our lives. Dissatisfaction with what you have and a desire for more comfort and luxury might lead you away from seeking after spiritual things and turn you toward seeking after material things. Extra credit: How might our demand for low-priced goods and services cause us to (1) oppress our own employees or (2) cause workers in this country or abroad to be under paid or oppressed? Our demand for low-priced goods and services might cause us to withhold from our own employees the renumeration that they deserve. This can cause local workers and those abroad also to be paid less than they are worth. How does all this relate to the need for patience? If we would be satisfied with what we have and patiently wait for God's timing to increase our comfort and luxury levels then we would avoid opressing others to get what we want.

Q1. (4:13-16) What danger is James warning us about in verses 13-16? James is warning us about making plans without seeking God's guidance or direction. Many time we make such plans and come up against failure. How can we be humble in our planning without being indecisive and wishy-washy? In planning, it is good to put our desired plans before the Lord and allow Him to direct us.

Q4. (4:11-12) In what way does bad-mouthing a neighbor cause you to be a judge of the law? Bad-mouthing a neighbor causes you to be a judge because when you judge you are setting yourself up to be a judge of the law. And in this position you are a judge without all the facts not allowing the person being judged speak for their defense. Why is it tempting to bad-mouth others, do you think? Many fall into this trap of bad-mouthing others because they are not walking in love. If they were to love their brother they would refrain from judging him.

Q3. (4:6-10) Verses 7-10 contain 10 different commands. Why are these actions so vital? The commands are vital because they cause us to recognize sin, turn away from them, and become a humble and obedient servant of God. In what way do they go against our nature? They go against our nature because ever since the fall of man his tendency has always been to sin. Turning away from sin goes against the very nature of a sinful man. Which of these commands is most difficult for you? Most difficult of these commands is the submission to God. As a sinner saved by grace, there are still areas in my life that has not completely submitted to God. Such things as extensive time in front of the television instead of using the time for Bible Study or Witnessing; I still grapple with, this is not submission to God. "Therefore to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin." James 4:17 (KJV)

Q2. (4:4) Why does James refer to church members as "adulteresses"? He refers to the church as being married to God. Thus, the feminine context. What does the adultery consist of? Adultery consist of flirting with the world, of cozying up to the world system that does not love or follow Jesus Christ. Who is the aggrieved husband? The aggrieved husband is God himself. What is wrong with friendship with the world? Our friendship with the world grieves God and anyone who chooses to be a friend of the world becomes an enemy of God."

Q1. (4:1-3) Is God against pleasure? God is against pleasure when sought for for selfish and evil purposes. What wrong in living to increase one's pleasure? When pleasure is for evil and selfish motives, living to increase one's pleasure is indeed wrong. Pleasure that comes from pure and unselfish intent, to bring the love of God into the life of another also brings pleasure to God. He delights in our obedience to His Word.

Q4. (3:17-18) With what tool do peacemakers sow peace? Peacemakers sow peace with love. Why does this produce a ripening crop of righteousness? It produces a ripening crop of righteousness because it displaces corruption, which kills the crop. In whom does this crop grow? This crop grows in the Believer, the doer of righteousness.

Q3. (3:13-16) In what ways are "bitter envy" and "selfish ambition" (3:14) direct opposites of "humility" (3:13)? "Bitter envy" and "selfish ambition" are direct opposites of "humility" in that "humility" calls for one to put others before themself and to see others better than themself. How does denial of "bitter envy" and "selfish ambition" prevent healing? Denial of "bitter envy" and "selfish ambition" prevent healing because its root is in the heart of a person and in order for healing to take place one must have a pure heart. How does boasting about these prevent healing? Boasting about these prevent healing because it stores evil in the heart and not the purity of the Word which heals.

Q2. (3:7-8) Read Matthew 12:34 and 15:18. In light of these verses, why is the tongue untamable? What has to happen before it can be tamed? The tongue is untamable because it is controled by what is in the heart. Before it can be tamed the heart has to be purified.

Q1. (3:1-2) Why does James discourage people from aspiring to be teachers of the Word? James discourages people from aspiring to be teadhers of the Word simply because the Word that they teach will be their judge and they will be judged more strictly. Why is greater strictness appropriate? Because the one who has studied and is teaching can't claim, "I didn't know any better." They've been teaching others how to behave; God and everyone else expects them to practice what they preach. Should you set higher standards for your pastor than you do for yourself? Yes, but only to their standard of knowledge. One would assume that the pastor has more knowledge of the Word than his parishoners, so his standard should be higher.