LBS: Lesson 6. James 3:13-4:10 Genuine Faith Hates the Wisdom and Ways of the World.

LBS

Living a Life of Genuine Faith

James 3:13-4:10

Lesson 6

1. Much of the book of Proverbs is an appeal to pursue and seek wisdom. Look up the following verses and note what each adds to your understanding about wisdom.

Proverbs 8:10-12

Proverbs 8:32-36

Proverbs 1:7

Proverbs 2:1-6

2. Look back at James 1:5. Specifically, what do we learn about wisdom in this verse?

3. James begins with a question in 3:13. How can we recognize wisdom and understanding in ourselves and in others?

4. What can bitter jealousy and selfish ambition look like within the community of believers?

5. James describes two types of wisdom in 3:15-17. Contrast them in the chart below.

	Where does it come from?	What are its characteristics?	What are its outcomes?
Wisdom #1
Wisdom #2

6. In contrast to the maker of disorder is the maker of peace mentioned in 3:18. Read Matthew 5:9. Why do you think Jesus and James use the word peacemaker rather than peacekeeper? 

7. What crop is sown in peach by the peacemaker (3:18)?

“a __________ of _________________________”

What do you think James means by this phrase? Look up Galatians 5:22-33 to help with your answer. 

Apply: Which of the evidences of Godly wisdom would you like to see more of in your life? Which relationships in particular would benefit from your operating out of Godly wisdom? 

Now look at James 4:1-10

8. In 4:4, why do you think James uses the term “adulterous” to describe people who practice friendship toward the world? Look up Ephesians 5:25-32 to help with your answer. 

9. In 4:7, James offers a solution to the problem he outlines in 4:1-6. What is it? 

“_____________ yourselves, therefore, ___ ______.”

Look up the word submit in the dictionary and write a definition for it below that best fits the way it is used in 4:7.

10.In 4:7b-10, what are the five instruction James gives to bring about submission? List them below, along with what you think they mean. 

	Steps	Meaing
1	(v7b)
2	(v8a)
3	(v8b)
4	(v9)
5	(v10)

11. Let’s try an exercise that can help bring home the meaning of a passage. Fill in the blanks below. Use a thesaurus if you need help.  

1. 3-letter name for The Father of Lights:________
2. The Father of Lies:______________(starts with a S)
3. Opposite of cleanse__________________ 
4. Opposite of purity ___________________
5. Opposite of grieve____________________(starts with e and ends with y 5 letters)
6. Opposite of humble or abase (verb) ___________________(starts with a p)

Now fill in the verse with the words you wrote above. Match #’s

A formula for worldliness:

Submit yourselves therefore to friendship with the world. Resist (1)________, and he will leave you to your own devices. Draw near to (2)_______________, and he will draw near to you. (3)____________________ your hands, you sinners, and (4) ______________ your hearts, you double minded. (5) ______________________ your sinfulness. Let your shame be turned to laughter. (6)_____ yourselves above the Lord, but He will bring you low.