Tom Nabors

What does Paul expect God to do for the Philippian believers? Why does he expect God to do this? What is the basis of Paul's confidence? On what basis can we expect God to do this for us? Paul expects God to do the work of sanctification, a life long process for believers (until the day of Christ Jesus). He expects this and we can expect it because God has promised it as referenced in so many places in the Bible including the passage in Philippians 1:6. Also, Jeremiah 31:31-34, Matthew 11:28-30, Romans 8:28-39 to name a few.

When we become financial "partners" with a Christian missionary, minister, ministry, or church, what do we receive out of the partnership? What other kinds of support might we offer beyond financial? I am reminded of Matthew 25:23, 2 Corinthians 9:6-8 and especially 2 Corinthians 8:1-5 when I think of the joy we receive when the grace of God gives us the privilege of entering into a financial relationship with an instrument of His work. Beyond financial support, prayer is most important as well as continuing communication and fellowship.

What is the basic idea of "slave"? What is the root idea of "saint"? In what way are these words saying the same thing about a Christian's relationship to God? (Note: to answer this question correctly you'll need to refer to the notes on the precise word meanings.) Being a slave means being committed for service to another. The root idea of saint is being consecrated or set apart for service to God. Both refer to being committed to service solely to another being. In the case of a saint, that being is God. So, when Paul says he is a slave to Christ, it is pretty much the same as saying he is a saint.

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? This study like all of Pastor Wilson's studies has been thought provoking, edifying and caused me to search my heart concerning the practical matter of acting on my faith. This study has been great like all of these studies. That's why I keep taking them! I'm at a loss right now as to how to improve this study. A number of improvements have been made since I first started with the studies, including the audio option, the option of purchasing a book on the study, etc. This has developed into quite a ministry. God bless you Pastor Wilson!

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? Because if I wandered, I would sure want someone to come find me and bring me back. I don't want to die apart from God and don't want anyone else to either. Active faith means going our and bringing those lost in, one at a time.

In the healing prayer, what is the role of oil? What is the role of the prayer of faith? What is the role of faith? What is the role of confession of sins? Oil is symbolic indication of the pouring on of the Holy Spirit. Praying in faith is praying with belief in God that He can heal. Faith is belief and trust in God that He will hear our prayers offered in faith. James tells us that confession of sin is required for healing to come and be effective and preceeds healing.

What is the elders' role in prayer for the sick? What must be their spiritual qualifications for this ministry of prayer? The elders' role is to lead the prayer for the sick. Their qualification is spiritual maturity in faith, strong faith really believing that their prayer is authentic and in accord with God's will so that whatever is asked is as good as done.

According to verse 14, who is to initiate prayer for healing? Why might this be important? This sick person initiates prayer. They must ask for prayer to show faith. But others more experienced should lead the prayers.

What does our grumbling and complaining say about us? About our faith? About our patience? It says that our hope, or our confident anticipation in the glory to come, is lacking. It says are faith is not what it should be because if we have enough faith then we know that "God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose." So, with that in mind, patience allows us to persevere. "Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of live that God has promised to those who love Him."

What can happen to us Christians if we lack the patience to eagerly expect Christ's return? Why is patience so vital? We can start to doubt. We lower our shields of faith that allows the devil can gain a foothold and plant mines of disbelief in our souls.

What is the spiritual danger of our demand for comfort and luxury? 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? How does all this relate to the need for patience? The spiritual danger is a turning away from God for our satisfaction and happiness. The low-priced goods and services does not cause the problem but our demand for them does. When we have no patience, the overall demand becomes stronger which feeds on itself. It has a "snowballing" effect.

What danger is James warning us about in verses 13-16? How can we be humble in our planning without being indecisive and wishy-washy? James is warning us about being presumptious by leaving God out of our planning. We are being extremely arrogant in the presence of God if we plan without considering the overall priority of God's will in our plans. If we are cognizant of God's will and consider that first when we plan we don not need to be indecisive. On the contrary, if our plans are in accord with God's will we can be confident in our plans and planning.

In what way does bad-mouthing a neighbor cause you to be a judge of the law? Why is it tempting to bad-mouth others, do you think? When we "bad-mouth" someone, then it stands to reason we have the attitude that they have done something wrong and we are in effect becoming not only judges but law givers. By bad-mouthing others, we are attempting to make ourselves look better in relation to them. It always seems to be easier to bring others down to travel the low road than to take the high road ourselves.

Verses 7-10 contain 10 different commands. Why are these actions so vital? In what way do they go against our nature? Which of these commands is most difficult for you? The actions are vital in order to conform our will to God's will. Following these commands shows true faith. They go against our nature because our nature is to be selfish, to be independent, and not to admit or even realize when we are wrong. True humbleness is very difficult.

Why does James refer to church members as "adulteresses"? What does the adultery consist of? Who is the aggrieved husband? What is wrong with friendship with the world? Apparently the church members enjoy and seek pleasure from the things of the world instead of from God. Adultery consists of putting things of the world before God. God is the aggrieved husband. Friendship with the world is like a bride or a wife being too friendly with another man other than her husband, looking for her satisfaction in another man other than her husband and loving him more than her husband.