Commissioned

Q4. (2:20-26) How does James' point about the necessity of works jive with Paul's emphasis on salvation by grace without works (Ephesians 2:8-10)? James' point about necessity of works is for the believer after salvation to live out his faith by living according to the laws of faith. The apostle Paul emphasis on salvation by grace without works is based on the fact that we obtain salvation because of God's love, nothing we can do to earn it. The work has already been done.

Q3. (2:18-19) What is the difference between the "belief" of a demon and the "belief" of a practicing Christian? There is no difference between the "belief" of a demon and the "belief" of a practicing Christian when it comes to believing that God exist. However, when it comes to believing in God, there is where the difference lay. The Christian believe in God and lives according to the commandments of God. The demons opposes the commandments of God. The "belief" of a non-practicing Christian? Non-practising Christians "belief" is easily influenced by demons, and their lifestyle while they may believe in truth may not reflect truth.

Q2. (2:15-16) To what degree are we responsible for the poor and needy in the church community? How about our responsibility for those outside the church, in the community at large? We are responsibile for the poor and needy in the church community and those outside the church in the community at large because it is our Christian duty to love them and in loving them we extend to them a hand. We cannot say that we trust in God and believe that He will provide if we stand by and be indifferent to the plight of the poor and needy. Our faith must be activated by our love for God and his omnipotent power to move mountains on our behalf.

Q1. (2:14-18) In what sense is faith dead if it is unaccompanied by action? Faith is dead when not accompanied by action because it is the action that gives life to faith. One could very well attend church every week and several times during the week, they could read the Bible every day; but if their lifestyle does not reflect what they have been taught and that which the Holy Spirit is imparting then their faith is dead and will remain dead until they begin to put action to match their faith. In what sense might (if that were possible) it be alive? Faith became alive when that which is heard and read makes a difference in the life of the believer. The actions of their everyday living portrays their faith for all to see.

Q4. (2:13b) In what way is showing regard towards the wealthy (2:2-3) a denial of mercy? It is a denial of mercy because it is based on prejudice, on being judmental. Extra credit: Read Hosea 6:6; Matthew 5:7; and 9:13. In what way does mercy “triumph over” (NIV, RSV, NASB) or “rejoice against” (KJV) judgment? Mercy "triumph over" judgment because God favors it over sacrifice and grants more mercy to those who show mercy. What does this mean? It means that God highly favors the merciful and we should seek to show more mercy and not be judmental.

Q3. (2:9-11) Why does James refer to the Great Commandment as the “Royal Law”? James refered to the Great Commandment as the "Royal Law" because it is the law that governed Jesus life, "Love your neighbor as yourself," (2:8). How is it more “royal” than the Mosaic Law? It is more "royal" than the Mosaic Law in that it is the foundation for the fulfillment of the Mosaic Law. How does showing favoritism toward a rich person break the “Royal Law” towards that rich person? Showing favoritism toward a rich person break the “Royal Law” towards that rich person because the "royal law" forbids showing favoritism. The scripture makes it clear, "If you show favoritism you sin and are convicted by the law as lawbreakers" (2:9). How does it break the “Royal Law” in regard to a poor person? It break the “Royal Law” in regard to a poor person as the one showing favoritism is not showing love. Again, we are commanded to love all and without bias, without prejudice.[/b]

Q2. (2:4) In what way does favoritism make one a judge? Favoritism make one a judge because you are being selective, prejudging, base on what you deem one person deserves and the other doesn't. How does favoritism make one a judge with

Q1. (2:1-3) What kind of person or what kind of sinner do you tend to discriminate against? I tend to discriminate against people who I think can do better and look for an easy way out. Remember I said "who I think." This may or may not be the case but it is an area where I feel that I have discriminated. What kind of people are you (or your church) trying to make a good impression on? I try to make a good impression on persons who are professionals and those who are in positions of authority.

Q4. (1:26-27) Why does James make taming the tongue and caring for the poor the prime tests of pure religion? James makes taming the tongue and caring for the poor the prime tests of pure religion because both acts come only from a heart that is pure and unselfish, motivated by love. Such a heart is a heart that seek to do the will of God. Why not the quality of our quiet time or worship? The quality of our quiet time and worship is a time when we are alone with God and we seek His face usually for our own growth and development. It is rather a selfish time, even though we offer to God alone adoration and praise.

Q3. What is this "perfect law" that James mentions? The "perfect law" that James mentions is the law which gives us liberty. It is perfect because it sums up, as Jesus had taught, "all the law and the prophets" (Matthew 22:40). It is one of the two great commandments proclaimed by King Jesus: "My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you" (John 15:12). How would you define it? I would define it as "the path to righteousness". We must follow this path if we ever hope to live and reign with Jesus. How does it relate to the "royal law" (2:8)? In what sense does it bring liberty? The "royal law" is the law give by King Jesus. It brings liberty because we no longer live in adherence to a written code, but from the love that God has placed within us, as a natural outflowing of our lives given for others. It is the perfect law and the liberating law.

Q2. (1:22) Why are we so easily fooled into thinking that listening to Bible teaching means that we are living out righteous lives? We are easily fooled into thinking that listening to Bible teaching means that we are living out righteous lives because we allow our familiarity with the Word, knowing what is right, to deceive us. In some, this familiarity with the Word does not translate into godly living, they hear the word but the word does not have the impact of bringing them to repentence and walking uprightly. What is the nature of the self-deception? Self-deception can breed a kind of self-righteousness, a spiritual smugness within us. We know the truth. We know what is right. But it is quite possible to confuse knowing the truth with doing it.

Q1. (1:18) In what sense are we given spiritual birth by the "word of truth"? We are given spiritual birth by the "Word of truth" in the sense that we are saved by grace through faith and faith comes from hearing the message of God and the message of God comes by the Word of God, also called the "Word of truth." What does spiritual life have to do with the Word? Our spiritual life is built up and nourished by the Word as our faith increases. The Apostle Paul tells how this faith comes: "So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God." Romans 10:17 (KJV)

Q4. (1:5-8) What is the promise to claim in verse 5? The the promise to claim in verse 5 is to receive wisdom for the asking. What is the condition attached to this promise in verse 6? Attached to this promise in verse 6 is that we must ask with a clear commitment and faith. How do trials help us receive this wisdom? Trials help us receive this wisdom by leading us to God's wholeness within.

Q3. (1:5-8) How do trials help cure us of "doublemindedness"? Trials forces us to press forward or give up. Trials forces us to ultimately make a choice one way or the other. Either we believe and receive the answer from God or we have doubt and forfeit the blessing. Taking note of our situations, if it's a trial; we should pray and get God's direction for our lives and follow the path He is leading. How do trials help us grow in faith? When we have trials and we place our faith and trust in God we become accustomed to allowing God to handle our problems and we find that those things that once caused a bother will not any more. As our faith grows so do we mature spiritually.

Q2. (1:13-15) Why do people blame God for evil? People blame God for evil because they are of the opinion that nothing happens unless God allows it to happen. Does God tempt us with evil? Does he tempt sinful people with evil? God does not tempt us with evil. Whether one is sinful or repented God does not tempt anyone with evil. James tells us in chapter one "... God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone; ..." Why does he allow people to sin? Why does he allow evil to exist at all? Evil exist and man is allowed to sin because God have given all men a free will. Man can choose to do good and he can choose to do evil, the choice is his, God have given that to him.

Q1. (1:2-4) What value have trials had in your life? Trials have taught me that I can trust God's promise to be with me always. I am stronger, wiser and more committed to my Lord and my confidence in Jesus is further secured knowing that when I'm going through the trials He continuously intercedes for me. Have you let Satan destroy you with those trials? No, I am still trusting God through it all. Or allowed God to refine you? How have you changed? I have matured in my Christian walk. Today I can face a trial and know that it's a test and it only came to pass.

Q5. (Hebrews 13:16, 20-21) What are the actual requests being made of God in this great benediction? God is being asked to equip the believer with all that he needs to do the will of God. What "pleases" God according to verses 16 and 20? God is pleased when we do good and share what we have with those in need. He is also pleased when we do His will. Why should we "make it our aim to please him" (2 Corinthians 5:9, NRSV)? We should make it our business to please God to bring Him glory. For that we were created.

Q4. (Hebrews 13:15-16) Though the sacrifice for atonement have been completed in Christ, what kinds of sacrifices or offerings are Christians called upon to make? Christians are called upon to make "sacrifices of praise." Our praises to God is our verbal honoring, adoration, our celebration of His majesty and it is also our love and works of kindness to others. What effect do these offerings have on God? As a parent who appreciates a child honoring him/her, God also delights in us as we offer praises to Him.

Q3. (Hebrews 13:8) What is the significance of this verse for the original readers? For the original readers they were reminded that the same God that kept their leaders is the same God that will keep them. For you? This verse says that the same God who was there at creation is the same God who is here with us at this moment. For understanding just who Jesus is? It says that the same Jesus that performed miracles when He travelled among men here on earth still performs those miracles for men today. For believing in the power of God for today? It says that the power that God displayed in the beginning and throughout history will always be there for us to draw upon today.

Q2. (Hebrews 13:5-6) How can we recognize greed in ourselves? We can recognize greed in ourselves when we always seem to want more of what we already have. What will be the signs? Inability to be satisfied with what we have, instead we seek to go after more. What is the antidote for greed in our lives? The antidote for greed in our lives is to accept what we have, be thankful and satisfied. Knowing that in what ever position we are in God has promised that He will always be there with us. What would be the earmarks of a greed-free life? The earmarks of a greed-free life is one who is free from the love of money and is satisfied with what they currently have. If not money, what should be the basis of our security for the future? What promises do you find in verses 5 and 6? The basis of our security for the future is the promise of God to be with us always. We can have the confidence that He will provide for us.

Q1. (Hebrews 13:1-3) How do hospitality to strangers and visiting prisoners relate to brotherly love (philadelphia)? We are to show hospitality to strangers and if those in prison are strangers we are to show the same privilege of our hospitality regardless of their plight. As a fellow Christian they also need to be encouraged, to receive exhortations and the unadulterated Word of God. Where are you strong in brotherly love? Where are you weak? I am strongest when I share with groups. I need to focus more on the one on one situations, these I shy away from. Though I still love them, it's that up close and personal that I need to do more.

Q5. (Hebrews 12:25-29) Is a fear of God healthy? If so, how? The fear of God is indeed healthy. Having the fear of God helps us to live our lives before him with thankfulness, in service, and with reverence. When does fear of God become unhealthy? The fear of God becomes unhealthy when you see Him only as a God who pours out judgement and not as a just God who loves us with an everlasting love. How does the fear of God fit with 1 John 4:18? 1 John 4:18 tells us that, "There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love." 'Perfect love' that's the love that springs forth in our heart when we accepted Jesus as our Lord and Savior. This love draws us to God and compels us. Our fear of God is a strengthen because we love him.

Q4. (Hebrews 12:14-17) Is the writer of Hebrews teaching salvation by being holy? Why or why not? The writer of Hebrews is not teaching salvation by being holy. The writer teaches that we are not saved by being holy but rather that, we are saved by the sacrifice of Jesus for our sins. He contends that if we are saved, it will be our desire to be holy and our lives will gradually become more and more like Christ's. Can habitual sin deprive us of heaven? If so, how? Yes, habitual sin can deprive us of heaven. Both 1 Corinthians 6:9-11 and Galatians 5:19-21 tells us that the unrighteous, those who engage in sin 'shall not inherit the kingdom of God.' 9 Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind, 10 Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God. 11 And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God. 1 Corinthians 6:9-11(KJV) 19 Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, 20 Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, 21 Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God. Galatians 5:19-21(KJV)

Q3. (Hebrews 12:5-7) I've sometimes heard, "God never punishes anyone." Is that true according to these verses? No, according to these verses God punishes everyone he accepts as a son. "And you have forgotten that word of encouragement that addresses you as sons: 'My son, do not make light of the Lord's discipline, and do not lose heart when he rebukes you, because the Lord disciplines those he loves, and he punishes everyone he accepts as a son.'" (Heb. 12:5-6) If so, how does punishment fit into the larger overall concept of discipline and child-rearing? The overall concept of discipline and child-rearing is to mould the child to become a matured adult. An adult that will be prepared for the responsibilities of life, a worker, a parent, etc. What is the purpose of God's discipline? God discipline and training are out of love. He is training us to be His children.

Q2. (Hebrews 12:5-11) How does it help, when you look at your struggles and hardships as the Father's discipline and training? When you look at your struggles and hardships as the Father's discipline and training, you are encouraged knowing that this is God's discipline for those he loves. What are the benefits of such discipline to the Christian? The benefits of such discipline to the Christian is that the hardships gives endurance for the journey that is ahead.