Kathy L McFarland

Maintaining the Ability to Respond to the Word of God
in the Time of Trials and Tribulation

“19 ¶ Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath: 20 For the wrath of man worketh not the righteousness of God.” (James 1:19-20 AV)

47. You must maintain righteousness during the trials and tribulations that come your way, in order to respond quickly to the LORD God’s Word and Will as you are moved. There are three steps you must do to maintain righteousness during the trials and tribulations that come upon you. …

Three Step Righteousness Posture for times of trouble

1. You must be swift to hear – You must be alert and able to swiftly hear and understand the situations as they develop.

2. You must be slow to speak – You must wait in patience for the situation to unfold in its entirety, so you can fully analyze and respond correctly according to the Will of the LORD God.

3. You must be slow to wrath – You must stay level headed and focused. The enemy would like nothing better than for you to lose your temper to wrath. The loss of such intense anger seizes your mind and prevents you from accomplishing or hearing the righteous Works and Will of your LORD God.

The times of trials and tribulations are increasing in intensity and frequency for Christians all over the world, and things are promised to get worse, before they get better, by the Word of God. Christians are able to face these trials and tribulations in faith because their LORD God has given them exact instruction in how to behave in these critical times. It is crucial that you follow these instructions completely.

If you fail to hear the Word and Will of the LORD God in the critical time of trials and tribulations, when the wicked of the world are trying to ensnare and destroy you, then you are going to be on your own and facing their wiles by yourself. The only way you can have the LORD God’s support, is if you respond as He says. If you can’t hear Him, or understand His instructions, then count on trials and tribulations being very costly to both your natural and spiritual life.

You can be certain that the enemy is fully aware of your inability to hear and understand the LORD God’s Will and Word if you are angry and embroiled in the chaos and clutter of emotional and physical attacks. When you are in the midst of your battles, everything that can be done by the other side to cause you to speak without thinking, or to lose your temper in an outburst of emotion, will be attempted.

It is in the wicked forces best interest to put you at a place where you can not hear your LORD God! What better place than inside yourself, seething and exploding in anger at the injustices that will be directed toward you!

One trend that we are now seeing among many of our students’ spiritual lives, are the trials and tribulations that come to them as a result of a past “lust”. Lusts of past times that used to paralyze many of our students, were overcome through prayer and practice and the Grace of the LORD God. That’s what good Christians do; they grow and overcome the things that prevent them from being righteous and holy.

Apparently, the evil forces are unaware of this growth, and place them in tribulation with matters that they had overcome. The lust is not present, and the sin does not happen, and the evil attempt to move the Christian away from his walk with Christ fails.

But this is the interesting part. Several of our students report that even though the tricks were easily recognized because they no longer carried the sin, they could have still been caught up in the turmoil that was produced in the attempt to create chaos, anger and an inability for them to hear the Word and Will of God. Evil did not just use the trick of tempting the lust of a person, but they also used the trick of disrupting through chaos and an emotional string pull and blackmail in an attempt to cause the Christian to fall. If it were not for the student’s commitment to swiftly hear and understand, and be slow to speak and slow to get angry, they would have surely fallen as a result of the method of delivery, rather than as a result of the actual temptation.

“Wherefore lay apart all filthiness and superfluity of naughtiness, and receive with meekness the engrafted word, which is able to save your souls.” (James 1:21 AVRLE)

48. You must lay aside any immorality that exists inside you. If you have something nasty going on in your private life, you have to get rid of it. If your nature is such that you have an excessive abundance of naughtiness, let it go.

Notice how we’re not saying the word “sin” here. There is a quality of our nature that is a weakness that can be used against us during times of tribulation. We’re not talking about sins here, we’re talking about things that go on behind closed doors; things that certainly aren’t sinful, but because we do them, we become dirty in our own mind, and when we fill filthy and worthless is the time the tribulations began in earnest.

So, let’s do some plain talk. Sexual lusts and unnatural acts fall into this category often. The things that happen between a husband and a wife in their lovemaking are not sinful, nor are they judged by the LORD God as a sin. If an act, however, causes your partner to feel dirty, and that feeling increases to the point of filthiness, the act must be laid aside. We must not subject ourselves or our loved ones to a place where filthiness is the norm. If we remain dirty, we are a prime target for trouble, and it will surely come!

Another example of excessive naughtiness is when you seek naughty revenge when you are slighted, or set people up for falls just for the fun of it, or create situations of emotional turmoil and then back away. We all know what naughty is, and God’s Word says if you are excessively naughty, get rid of it.

So how do we know when things that are not sins, but are ensnaring and trapping us with their dirtiness?

49. The Word of God is engrafted into every Christian. The Word of God is implanted in you, and as a Christian filled with the Holy Spirit, you are able to discern right and wrong things. You automatically know the things that are nasty, and you know the things that are naughty, and you know the things you need to throw away and get rid of.

You don’t have to search scriptures, and you don’t have to go to a priest to know of the things that are making you feel dirty. The nasty things are in direct conflict with the Word of God that is engrafted inside you, and as a result, you know you are dirty. You are not going to rid yourself of dirtiness by going to a twelve step program, or a self help book, or a guru on top of a mountain. You can wash yourself every day for the rest of your life, and not get rid of the dirtiness that we’re talking about. And, this is important:

The blood of Jesus Christ will not wash away the dirty things of your nature that are not sinful, but just nasty…There is only one thing that can rid you of the nasty and naughty habits of your nature. You have to stop doing them.

It is because the Word of God is engrafted into a Christian, which allows him to feel that nastiness to the point of rejecting it, and restoring righteousness and holiness as a result. Praise God for the engrafting of His Word!

“22 But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves. 23 For if any be a hearer of the word, and not a doer, he is like unto a man beholding his natural face in a glass: 24 For he beholdeth himself, and goeth his way, and straightway forgetteth what manner of man he was. 25 But whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty, and continueth therein, he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed.” (James 1:22-25 AV)

50. You must do what the Word of God says. Hearing the Word of God is just half of the requirement of serving Him. Hearing is not enough. you must do it also!

If you do not obey the Word of God in your actions, then you will lose yourself!

We have a student who could quote scripture, pray loudly, sing on tune and bring joy into our presence every week. He would listen to our lessons and participate in the discussion and worksheets fully, but, when it was time to live his life, he made a mess of it.

He knew that living with a girl without being married was wrong, and he knew his drinking and partying was causing troubles with some of his friendships, but the “Lord knows I love him” and those things didn’t matter.

He wasn’t deliberately sinning and he certainly wasn’t doing the bad and terrible things of the wicked worldly. But, .he was doing things that he believed in his heart were wrong, because he had heard the Word of God speak on the subjects.

The thing he couldn’t understand is why his life was going so badly downhill. He liked to blame his spiritual and natural troubles on walking the line that separates them too closely, in an effort to win converts for the Lord. Sometimes he would use the excuse that He was a normal man that had gone to war and deserved the little vices that fell his way. It didn’t matter what excuses he used for his personal justification, it still didn’t change the fact that he was losing himself and his faith because he was hearing the Word of God, but failing to implement the Word in his life.

The loss of yourself and everything you hold dear is the price you pay for hearing the Word of God and not doing it. We often tell our new students that if they are not prepared to implement the things they learn through the study of the Word of God, it would be better for them to leave before they learn it. Because once the Word of God is heard and understood, you are accountable to do exactly what the Word says. Period.

51. If you realize that you have the freedom to choose the life you want, and you choose to hear the Word of God, and not grow forgetful with it, but build your life on the Foundation of Jesus Christ, then you will be blessed greatly.

Every human being, including the Christian Faithful, has the perfect law of liberty that allows them to choose the life they want to live. Woe to those who choose to hear the Word of God and not do it. Blessings to those who choose to hear the Word of God and do it!

“26 If any man among you seem to be religious, and bridleth not his tongue, but deceiveth his own heart, this man’s religion is vain. 27 Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world.” (James 1:26-27 AVRLE)

52. If you piously flaunt your practice of your religion, yet fail to restrain the output of your behavior and do as the Word of God says, then you are deceiving your own heart and your religion is really useless.

53. Pure and undefiled practice of your religion requires you to visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and keep yourself unspotted from the world.

You must do what you hear from the Word of God!

Footnotes:

wrath – 3709. orgh orge or-gay’; from 3713; properly, desire (as a reaching forth or excitement of the mind), i.e. (by analogy,) violent passion (ire, or [justifiable] abhorrence); by implication punishment:— anger, indignation, vengeance, wrath. (Strong’s Greek Lexicon)

filthiness – 4507. ruparia rhuparia hroo-par-ee’-ah; from 4508; dirtiness (morally):— turpitude (Strong’s Greek Lexicon)

engrafted – 1721. emfutov emphutos em’-foo-tos; from 1722 and a derivative of 5453; implanted (figuratively):— engrafted. (Strong’s Greek Lexicon)

perfect law of liberty – 1657. eleuyeria eleutheria el-yoo-ther-ee’-ah; from 1658; freedom (legitimate or licentious, chiefly moral or ceremonial):— liberty. 1) liberty to do or to omit things having no relationship to salvation 2) fancied liberty 2a) licence, the liberty to do as one pleases 3) true liberty is living as we should not as we please (Strong’s Greek Lexicon)

religious 2357. yrhskov threskos thrace’-kos; probably from the base of 2360; ceremonious in worship (as demonstrative), i.e. pious:— religious. (Strong’s Greek Lexicon)

bridleth -5468. calinagwgew chalinagogeo khal-in-ag-ogue-eh’-o; from a compound of 5469 and the reduplicated form of 71; to be a bit-leader, i.e. to curb (figuratively):— bridle. (Strong’s Greek Lexicon)

vain – 3152. mataiov mataios mat’-ah-yos; from the base of 3155; empty, i.e. (literally) profitless, or (specifically) an idol:— vain, vanity. (Strong’s Greek Lexicon)

Worksheet for Lesson 4

89. Why is it important for you to maintain righteousness during the trials and tribulations that come your way? James 1:19-20 (47)
A. To prove your goodness to the LORD GOD
B. To be a role model for other Christians
C. To encourage others to be strong in the face of trouble
D. To be able to respond quickly to the LORD GOD’s Word and Will as you are moved

90. (Memorization) What are the three steps to implement when trials and tribulations come upon you? James 1:19-20 (47)
1.
2.
3.

91. What can you be certain about concerning trials and tribulations coming to you? James 1:19-20 (47)
A. They have been prophesized to come to all of Christ’s faithful
B. It is going to get worse before it gets better
C. The times of trials and tribulations are increasing in intensity and frequency for Christians all over the world
D. All of the above

92. (Let’s Talk)

What are some of the trials and tribulations that are occurring to Christian brothers and sisters that you are currently aware?

Have they successfully implemented the Three Step Righteousness Posture? If not, what spiritual advantages could have been achieved?

What damage was done as a result of not implementing these steps?

Which one of the three steps is the hardest for you to keep?

Since the wicked forces know most of your weaknesses, how do they manipulate your trials and tribulations to make you respond incorrectly to one of these three steps?

How can a husband and wife, or even Christian brothers and sisters in Christ, implement the three step righteous posture together and effectively combine forces to maintain righteousness in times of trouble?

What are the techniques that you use to hear the Word and Will of the LORD GOD in the chaotic time of trials and tribulations, when the wicked of the world are trying to trap and destroy you?

Have you ever failed a trial or tribulation, and if so, what loss did you suffer?

93. What trend is currently being seen concerning past lusts of many of our students? (Notes)
A. Trials and tribulations based on past lusts are being encountered
B. Students are unable to resist past lusts
C. Students are being mocked for their rejections of past lusts
D. All of the Above

94. Why is this trend almost laughable and completely ineffective? (Notes)
A. Mockery does not hurt nor motivate a Christian
B. Jesus Christ will forgive lapses in sin
C. Christians grow and overcome things that prevent them from being righteous. It’s what a Christian does best!
D. All of the above

95. What is the danger that lies lurking under the surface for this particular past sin temptation attempt? (Notes)
A. A Christian might return to his sin
B. A Christian might lose respect from others as he is ridiculed
C. The chaos, emotions and blackmail are stirred up so greatly, that the Christian could easily get sucked into the drama if the three step righteous posture is not assumed
D. All of the above

96. What should you do with any immorality that exists inside you? James 1:21 (49)
A. Don’t focus on it if it is not a sin
B. Allow time to bring closure to the things that haunt you
C. Get rid of the nasty things that you do
D. Take it to your focus group and have it analyzed

97. What type of things are we speaking of when we talk of filthiness and naughtiness? James 1:21 (49)
(May be more than one answer)
A. A part of our nature that is a weakness
B. A Weakness that can be used against us during times of tribulation
C. Actions that make us feel dirty in our own mind, but are not sins
D. Sexual lusts and unnatural acts that are not sinful, but make you feel nasty
E. Creating emotional responses from people just for the fun of it
F. Obtaining power over situation through your manipulation of situations

98. How does a Christian know if something is nasty or naughty but not a recognized sin? James 1:21 (50)
A. The Word of God is engrafted into every Christian through the Holy Spirit
B. A Christian can never know for certain
C. If a Christian studies hard and has a good teacher, he will know
D. Talking with a Minister, Pastor or Priest will reveal your nasty habits
99. What must you do when you hear the Word of God? James 1:22-25 (51)
A. Praise Him for his graces
B. Prepare a Bible Study and teach others
C. Go out and witness the revelations to the world
D. Do what the Word of God says to do

100. What results if you do not obey the Word of God? James 1:22-25 (51)
A. You will go to hell
B. Nothing, if you ask forgiveness of your sins
C. You are washed in the blood of Christ, and are not accountable to the law
D. You will lose yourself, and you will forget the faith and personal relationship with the LORD GOD that you once held

101. What is the “perfect law of liberty”?
A. The freedom obtained through a democracy
B. The laws of the Kingdom of Heaven
C. The right given by the LORD GOD that allow you to choose the life you want
D. All of the above

102. How can you be blessed greatly by the LORD GOD when you are aware of the choice that you have?
A. Choose to forgo your freedom to live as you want, and choose to follow Jesus Christ
B. Choose to uphold human rights all over the world
C. Choose to enable democracy to be laid in places where oppression exists
D. All of the above

103. What results if you piously flaunt your practice of religion, but fail to restrain your behavior and do as the Word of God says? James 1:26-27 (53)

A. You are deceiving your own heart
B. Your religion is useless
C. You are going against the Word of God
D. All of the above

104. What does pure and undefiled practice of your religion require? James 1:22-25 (53)
A. Weekly confession of your sins and absolution from a priest
B. Regular attendance and participation in church activities
C. Assuming leadership positions in your church
D. You must do what you hear from the Word of God

105. What is James’ focused message in His Epistle? James 1:22-25 (53)
A. You must do what you hear from the Word of God!
B. You must do what you hear from the Word of God!
C. You must do what you hear from the Word of God!
D. All of the above

“James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, to the twelve tribes which are scattered abroad, greeting.” (James 1:1 AV)

21. James considered himself to be a servant to both the LORD GOD and the Lord Jesus Christ.

22. The Epistle of James was written to the Christian faithful who came from twelve tribes of Israel, which were scattered abroad.
Faithful Patience

“2 ¶ My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; 3 Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. 4 But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.” (James 1:2-4 AV)

23. You should be joy filled when you fall into “diverse” adversities. “Diverse” or “motley” is a perfect name for people or things that are very different from one another and do not seem to belong together.

Diverse temptations are conditions of confusion that both young and mature Christians experience often. It is the time when you are surrounded by trouble, and mixed messages are coming your way. You feel the pull of righteousness and the push of wickedness, and this big black cloud, and white light seem to swirl together and paint everything grey. What seems right is wrong, what seems wrong is right. You face a strong temptation to react and resolve and to fix the things that are happening.

Christians often respond quickly and resolutely to this condition, often making rash and incorrect decisions. They feel the forces of wickedness and trouble stirring, and the natural reaction of their human nature wants to fight, flee, fear or freeze. Yet, the righteousness dwelling inside them through the presence of the Holy Ghost stirs the Christian to patience, to wait for the resolution to come.

You must have strong enough faith that the situation will be resolved according to the LORD God’s Will, and you must have the patience to let it happen! When you patiently wait as the adversity swirls around, you are allowing the LORD God’s Will to be accomplished, and resolution made perfect.

It is through these perfect solutions of the LORD God that will bring a joy to your being. How wonderful it is to be able to stand in the midst of a swirling cloud of activity, not understanding the problem exactly, and certainly not able to solve anything, yet confidently aware that the LORD God will resolve the issue in His time and way that will be perfect.

Faith to Ask the LORD God to Provide

“If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.” (James 1:5 AV)

24. You know if you lack wisdom. Wisdom is the combination of knowledge and understanding that is often gained through experience to make sensible decisions and judgments. When wisdom is lacking, the ability to manage things in the worldly natural life and the spiritual life is difficult.

25. The LORD God gives wisdom liberally to all of His People. Wisdom gives Christians the ability to hear the LORD GOD and discern His Will.

26. The LORD God will not give you wisdom if it is used to upbraid others. If wisdom is used to elevate yourself above others, and used to taunt and make others feel lessoned, the LORD God will not give you wisdom.

“But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed.” (James 1:6 AV)

27. You must have enough faith, that when you ask the LORD God for something, that you do it without wavering.

The LORD God is the LORD GOD! He is not to be trifled with and He is not on standby to fulfill your every pleasure at your convenience. He wants His People to be firm, standing on the solid foundation of Jesus Christ, and faithfully asking Him for the things needed to accomplish His Works, with the confidence that He will provide.

He does NOT want a worker who waffles and tosses between wise thoughts and foolish, repetitive, fading requests, wasting his time with vain things that are buffeted around and guided by the current “wind” blowing through.

“For let not that man think that he shall receive any thing of the Lord.” (James 1:7 AV)

28. The LORD God does not want you to think that you will receive anything from him automatically.

“A double minded man is unstable in all his ways.” (James 1:8 AV)

29. A double minded man is unstable in everything. If a man wavers back and forth and vacillates his opinion and his purpose, then he is unstable to himself, to others, and most importantly, to the LORD God.

So, the LORD God wants you to ask for wisdom, and He wants to give it to you liberally. He does not want you to hesitate to ask Him for anything that you need, but, He wants you to make sure that you use that wisdom He gave you, before you make your request. He does not want you to think that you can have anything you request, but to faithfully know that anything you request from Him in Wisdom will be given. And if for some reason, God forbid, that you should come to Him without wisdom and waver in your requests to Him, He will know you to be unstable.

Faith in Your Station in Life

“9 Let the brother of low degree rejoice in that he is exalted: 10 But the rich, in that he is made low: because as the flower of the grass he shall pass away. 11 For the sun is no sooner risen with a burning heat, but it withereth the grass, and the flower thereof falleth, and the grace of the fashion of it perisheth: so also shall the rich man fade away in his ways.” (James 1:9-11 AVRLE)

30. There are different degrees of the station in life in any Christian congregation. The brother of low degree should rejoice because he has high rank in God’s Kingdom.

31. The brother who is rich should rejoice because he is made low in this life. It is through that “making low”, that allows him to become eligible to be exalted in the Kingdom of the LORD God.

32. If a rich Christian keep his ways of superior being, and does not change his ways when he is brought low, then he will wither, fade away and perish with the brightness of those who are exalted in the brightness of light from Jesus Christ.

Faith to Endure Temptation

“12 Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him. 13 ¶ Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God: for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth he any man: 14 But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed. 15 Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death. 16 Do not err, my beloved brethren.” (James 1:12-16 AV)

33. If you endure temptation, you are blessed with an extreme happiness and a sense of well being.

34. When you endure temptation faithfully and successfully, you are showing the LORD God that you love Him and His Word and His Way.

35. When you show the LORD God love, he promises to give you a crown of life and a place of exalted honor in His Kingdom.

36. When you face temptation, you should never say that it is the LORD God that is tempting you. He does not tempt with evil, nor does he tempt any man.

37. Temptation comes from evil.

38. The LORD God can never be tempted by evil.

39. When a person is tempted, he is drawn away because of his own craving for what is forbidden.

40. When lust of a person is active, then the opportunity for enticement occurs.

41. Lust causes sin and sin, when it is finished doing it’s destruction, causes death.

42. You should be extremely careful to avoid roaming from the Truth and walking from the Ways of the LORD God.

Faith in the Gifts that the Father in Heaven Gives His Children

“Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning.” (James 1:17 AV)

43. Your Father in Heaven sends good and perfect gifts to all of His children.

44. The gifts your Father sends you are without variableness. The quality of perfection and goodness in every gift He gives, never changes, never varies. It is easy to know the gifts He gives because of this knowledge.

45. The gifts your Father sends you are without shadow of turning. The perfect and good gifts that your Father in heaven sends you are not going to change and evolve into something else. The gifts are perfect and unchanging.

“Of his own will begat he us with the word of truth, that we should be a kind of firstfruits of his creatures.” (James 1:18 AV)

46. Your very nature was made with the Word of Truth, and His Truth was placed into you at the very moment of your birth – As a chosen, called and faithful person, you are His first effort of making Man in His own image and He infused special things into you through His Word of Truth, different from what is given to other living beings of the world. This difference between you and the worldly creatures is the Word of Truth that dwells within you. It is the Holy Spirit that gives you the ability to discern gifts from the LORD God, and temptations of wickedness and you must have faith that you are able to do this through the revealing of Truth by the Holy Spirit.

It is vitally important that you understand how your LORD God provides to you, and the type of gifts he gives. If you have no understanding, then it is easy for the wicked to trick you into believing a gift or provision is from Him, when in reality it is given to you to cause fall from His Grace. The wicked forces in the world have every intention of tempting you with evil through your lust. Often, they try to stir that lust and trick you by giving you a gift that appears righteous in nature but turns quickly into something quite recognizable as wicked.

For instance, often a person is tricked through lust that if he prays a certain prayer correctly, that he will receive wealth. When the prayer is said, and the wealth comes, it appears for a moment to be righteous and true. But when the Word of God is examined closely, and the types of gifts He gives to His believers known, it reveals the sudden fortune from prayer to come from Satan, and not from Him, and originating from evil lust and not righteous wisdom. By describing the perfect and good types of gifts your Father sends, you are better equipped from recognizing the fake righteous gifts put into your presence to cause you to lust, succumb to temptation, prosper, and fall.

Know your LORD God through study of His Word. Know your LORD God through the personal relationship and steady walk with Jesus Christ. Know your LORD God for who He really is, not who the wicked forces try to make Him be. Most importantly, have faith of your knowing, have faith of your moving, and have faith of your discerning through the presence of the Holy Spirit that dwells within you.

The LORD God has equipped us to overcome every trial and temptation. He has taught you how to be steady and secure in your request to Him. He has told you exactly how the things from Him can be confirmed and verified. His Word has revealed every trick the wicked might try, and has provided you with warnings and guidance on how to overcome these attacks. When you are faced with temptation, be joyful, patient, watchful, stable, wise and most importantly….BE FAITHFUL!

Footnotes:

divers – 4164. poikilov poikilos poy-kee’-los; of uncertain derivation; motley, i.e. various in character:— divers, manifold. (Strong’s Greek Lexicon)

temptations – 3986. peirasmov peirasmos pi-ras-mos’; from 3985; a putting to proof (by experiment [of good], experience [of evil], solicitation, discipline or provocation); by implication, adversity:— temptation, X try. (Strong’s Greek Lexicon)

wisdom – 4678. sofia sophia sof-ee’-ah; from 4680; wisdom (higher or lower, worldly or spiritual):— wisdom. (Strong’s Greek Lexicon)

upbraidth -3679. oneidizw oneidizo on-i-did’-zo; from 3681; to defame, i.e. rail at, chide, taunt:— cast in teeth, (suffer) reproach, revile, upbraid. (Strong’s Greek Lexicon)

wavering – 1252. diakrinw diakrino dee-ak-ree’-no; from 1223 and 2919; to separate thoroughly, i.e. (literally and reflexively) to withdraw from, or (by implication) oppose; figuratively, to discriminate (by implication, decide), or (reflexively) hesitate:— contend, make (to) differ(-ence), discern, doubt, judge, be partial, stagger, waver. (Strong’s Greek Lexicon)

double minded -1374. diqucov dipsuchos dip’-soo-khos; from 1364 and 5590; two-spirited, i.e. vacillating (in opinion or purpose):— double minded. 1a) wavering, uncertain, doubting 1b) divided in interest (Strong’s Greek Lexicon)

low degree – 5011. tapeinov tapeinos tap-i-nos’; of uncertain derivation; depressed, i.e. (figuratively) humiliated (in circumstances or disposition):— base, cast down, humble, of low degree (estate), lowly. (Strong’s Greek Lexicon)

exalted – 5311. uqov hupsos hoop’-sos; from a derivative of 5228; elevation, i.e. (abstractly) altitude, (specifically) the sky, or (figuratively) dignity:— be exalted, height, (on) high. (Strong’s Greek Lexicon)

temptation – 3986. peirasmov peirasmos pi-ras-mos’; from 3985; a putting to proof (by experiment [of good], experience [of evil], solicitation, discipline or provocation); by implication, adversity:— temptation, X try. (Strong’s Greek Lexicon)

blessed – 3107. makariov makarios mak-ar’-ee-os; a prolonged form of the poetical makar makar (meaning the same); supremely blest; by extension, fortunate, well off:— blessed, happy( X -ier). (Strong’s Greek Lexicon)

Crown of life – 4735. stefanov stephanos stef’-an-os; from an apparently primary stefw stepho (to twine or wreathe); a chaplet (as a badge of royalty, a prize in the public games or a symbol of honor generally; but more conspicuous and elaborate than the simple fillet, 1238), literally or figuratively:— crown. (Strong’s Greek Lexicon)

lust – 1939. epiyumia epithumia ep-ee-thoo-mee’-ah; from 1937; a longing (especially for what is forbidden):— concupiscence, desire, lust (after). (Strong’s Greek Lexicon)
entice – 1185. deleazw deleazo del-eh-ad’-zo; from the base of 1388; to entrap, i.e. (figuratively) delude:— allure, beguile, entice. (Strong’s Greek Lexicon)

err – 4105. planaw planao plan-ah’-o; from 4106; to (properly, cause to) roam (from safety, truth, or virtue):— go astray, deceive, err, seduce, wander, be out of the way. (Strong’s Greek Lexicon)
variableness – 3883. parallagh parallage par-al-lag-ay’; from a compound of 3844 and 236; transmutation (of phase or orbit), i.e. (figuratively) fickleness:— variableness. (Strong’s Greek Lexicon)

shadow – 644. aposkiasma aposkiasma ap-os-kee’-as-mah; from a compound of 575 and a derivative of 4639; a shading off, i.e. obsuration:— shadow. (Strong’s Greek Lexicon)

turning – 5157. troph trope trop-ay’; from an apparently primary trepw trepo (to turn); a turn (“trope”), i.e. revolution (figuratively, variation):— turning. (Strong’s Greek Lexicon)

Worksheet for Lesson 3

55. Who did James consider himself to be a servant to? James 1:1 (21)
(May be more than one answer)
A. LORD GOD
B. Jesus Christ
C. Jews
D. Christians
E. Ministers and Priests of the LORD GOD

56. Who did James write his Epistle to? James 1:1 (22)
A. The Nation of Israel
B. The Twelve Tribes of Israel in Israel
C. The Twelve Tribes of Israel who were scattered abroad
D. Those members of the Twelve Tribes of Israel who had converted to the Christian faith, and were scattered abroad

57. What should your mental state be when facing the many different adversities placed in the path of your Christian Walk? James 1:2 (23)
A. Confusion
B. Paranoia
C. Anger
D. Joy

58. (Let’s talk)

What experiences have you had with adversities being put in your Christian path?

What emotions were the situations trying to evoke?

Do you know the hidden purpose for the adversities placed in your path by your enemies?

How did you successfully overcome these adversities?

What mistakes did you make in handling adversities as a young Christian, which you wouldn’t make today as a more mature Christian?

What emotions did you feel when you chose the resolve the situation yourself?

What emotions did you feel when the situation was resolved perfectly by your LORD GOD?

59. What is the technique that a Christian can use to allow the LORD God to perfectly resolve all diverse temptations and adversities? James 1:2-4 (23 & Notes)
A. Have faithful patience as it plays out in the LORD God’s time
B. Have on the armor of God before you fight the battle
C. Have strength and courage to confront your attackers
D. Respond swiftly to any adversity, taking your enemies off guard and giving you the offensive advantage

60. How do you know if you lack wisdom? James 1:5 (24)
(May be more than one answer)
A. Others tell you often that you are dumb
B. You are never sought out for leadership positions in your church
C. You keep making wrong decisions and judgments
D. You are unable to understand the debates of theologists and apologists
E. The ability to manage things in the worldly natural life and the righteous spiritual life is difficult.

61. When will the LORD God give wisdom to a person? James 1:5 (25)
A. Never. It comes at a natural time in a natural way.
B. It is given in small amount to all people as their spiritual capacity grows.
C. Wisdom is measured at birth and the capacity to be wise is based on that.
D. The LORD God gives wisdom liberally to all of His people.

62. How does wisdom enable your relationship with the LORD God? James 1:5 (25)
A. Wisdom gives you the ability to hear the LORD God and discern His Will
B. Wisdom allows you to stay out of sins way, and stop the transgressions of iniquity
C. Wisdom make the LORD GOD love you more
D. All of the above

63. When will the LORD God not give you wisdom? James 1:5 (26)
A. If it is used to upbraid others.
B. If it is used to elevate yourself above others.
C. If it is used to taunt and make others feel lessoned.
D. All of the above

64. How do you ask the LORD God for something? James 1:6 (27)
A. You must have enough faith that you will receive an answer for what you ask
B. You cannot waver for even a moment in your faith that He will provide according to His Will
C. You have no need to ask for anything, the LORD GOD knows everything you will ever need.
D. A & B
E. B &C
F. All of the above

65. When does the LORD God standby to fulfill your every desire for pleasure? James 1:6-7 (27, 28)
A. When He is well pleased with you.
B. When you are accomplishing works that will glorify Him in Heaven
C. When you are given the task to spread His Word to places it has never been before
D. Never

66. How does the LORD God want His people to come to Him when they have a need? James 1:6 (27 & Notes)
(May be more than one answer)
A. Standing firmly on the solid foundation of Jesus Christ
B. Faithfully asking Him for the things needed to accomplish His Works
C. Having confidence that He will provide
D. Tossing wise thought and foolish without regard
E. Praying repetitive and fading requests
F. Wasting His time with vain things
G. Bringing matters to Him that are buffeted around and guided by current winds blowing through
H. Thinking that you will receive anything that you ask for

67. What is wrong with a double minded man? James 1:8 (29)
A. He is unstable in everything
B. He wavers back and forth and vacillates his opinion and his purpose
C. He is unstable to others, and most importantly to the LORD God
D. All of the above

68. What will the LORD God think about you, if you come to Him without wisdom and waver in your requests to Him? James 1:8 (29)
A. You are unstable
B. You are a sinner
C. You are stupid
D. You are being cute and charming

69. What status are the stations in life that Christians hold? James 1:9-11 (30)
A. All Christians are poor and of low degree
B. Faithful Christians are always rich and of high degree
C. Faithful Christians are always poor and of low degree
D. All Christian are always rich and of high degree
E. Weak and ineffectual Christians are always poor and of low degree
F. Christians can either be low or high degree and is dependent on the LORD God’s Will

70. Why should the Christian Brother or Sister of low degree rejoice? James 1:9-11 (30)
A. He will understand poverty before he obtains riches in the world
B. He is still able to stand tall among the rich brothers and sisters
C. He has high rank in God’s Kingdom
D. His spirit is one of servitude to higher Christians in this world, and a position greatly needed in the Kingdom of God

71. Why should the Christian Brother or Sister of high degree rejoice? James 1:9-11 (31)
A. He should be filled with exceeding joy that the LORD God proves His love through the granting of riches and high position
B. He should be proud that He was chosen above others to mange money, power and prestige
C. He should rejoice when he is brought low, which allows him to become eligible to be exalted in the Kingdom of God
D. All of the above

72. What happens if a rich Christian keeps his ways of superior being, and refuses to change when he is brought low? James 1:9-11 (32)
A. He may be in danger of committing a sin of pride
B. He will wither, fade away and perish amidst those who are exalted in the light of Jesus Christ
C. He will be elevated in the Kingdom of God, and receive more responsibilities
D. He will be judged harshly, and receive damnation in Hell on Judgment Day

73. What are you blessed by the LORD God with, if you endure temptation? James 1:12-16 (31)
A. Longer life
B. Extreme happiness and a sense of well being
C. Promotion to a higher station in life
D. All of the above

74. What are you showing the LORD God when you endure temptation faithfully and successfully? James 1:12-16 (34)
A. That you love Him, His Word and His Way
B. That you have been doing great Bible studies in your free time
C. That you are ready to assume greater responsibility
D. That you are righteous enough to cause the wicked forces to worry, and create temptations to cause you to fall

75. What does the LORD God promise to give those who show Him their love? James 1:12-16 (35)
(May be more than one answer)
A. Crown of life
B. An exalted honor in His Kingdom
C. An easy life in this world
D. A granting of any wish you can make

76. When does the LORD God tempt with evil? James 1:12-16 (36)
A. Never
B. To test the Faithful Leaders in His Kingdom
C. To winnow out the righteous from the wicked
D. To prove to you that you are strong in your faith

77. When does the LORD God tempt a man? James 1:12-16 (36)
A. Never
B. To prove the man for His Kingdom
C. To challenge the man to come to Him
D. To prove the man that He can receive strength from the Kingdom of God

78. Where does temptation come from? James 1:12-16 (37)
A. Evil
B. Good
C. The way of life
D. The LORD GOD and His angels

79. When can the LORD GOD be tempted by evil? James 1:12-16 (38)
A. Never
B. When He is challenged to a duel by Satan himself
C. When He allows Himself to be
D. When it is for righteousness sake

80. Why is a person able to be tempted by evil? James 1:12-16 (39)
A. He does not have a strong faith
B. He is not loved by the LORD God
C. He has satisfied his own craving for what is forbidden
D. All of the above

81. When does the opportunity for enticement of temptation occur? James 1:12-16 (40)
A. When a person is tired, sick, weak and oppressed
B. When a person is spiritually high
C. When a person receives recognition, power, support or a leadership position in the spiritual realm
D. When the lust of a person is active

82. What does lust cause? James 1:12-16 (41)
A. Sin
B. Destruction
C. Death
D. All of the above

83. What care should be taken to avoid lust? James 1:12-16 (42)
(May be more than one answer)
A. Avoid roaming from the Truth of the Word of God
B. Avoid walking from the Ways of the LORD God
C. You cannot avoid lust in your human body
D. Deal aggressively with lusts and seek treatment as the weakness appears

84. What types of gifts does the Father in Heaven send His children? James 1:17 (43)
A. Good and perfect gifts
B. Any gift that is asked for
C. Only the gifts that bring Glory to Him
D. All of the above

85. What qualities do the gifts of the Father in Heaven possess? James 1:17 (44, 45)
(May be more than one answer)
A. The quality of perfection and goodness that never changes
B. Always great and ever changing
C. Given with the consideration of the various situations it will be given
D. Never changing
E. Never evolving into something else

86. How did your nature become what it is? James 1:18 (46)
(May be more than one answer)
A. It was formed at your physical conception
B. It was begotten by Him with the Word of Truth
C. It was made at the moment of your birth in Jesus Christ
D. It became as a result of your efforts in the spiritual and natural life

87. What is the difference between a Christian of the Kingdom of God, and a creature of this world? James 1:18 (46)
A. The Word of Truth dwells inside the Christian
B. There is no difference

88. How can you know with certainty the things of your LORD God and Jesus Christ, and not fall for the temptations of evil? James 1:18 (46)
(May be more than one answer)
A. Understand how the LORD God provides.
B. Don’t have lust
C. Study the Word of God
D. Have a personal relationship and a steady walk with Jesus Christ
E. Pray with confidence
F. Have unwavering faith in your knowledge and understanding of all things of the LORD God
G. Be FAITHFUL!

Peter’s Big Mistake…

“11 ¶ But when Peter was come to Antioch, I withstood him to the face, because he was to be blamed. 12 For before that certain came from James, he did eat with the Gentiles: but when they were come, he withdrew and separated himself, fearing them which were of the circumcision. 13 And the other Jews dissembled likewise with him; insomuch that Barnabas also was carried away with their dissimulation. 14 But when I saw that they walked not uprightly according to the truth of the gospel, I said unto Peter before them all, If thou, being a Jew, livest after the manner of Gentiles, and not as do the Jews, why compellest thou the Gentiles to live as do the Jews? 15 We who are Jews by nature, and not sinners of the Gentiles,” (Galatians 2:11-15 AV)

13. The People of Israel by nature were under the law of the LORD God, and lived according to His statutes, judgments and commandments. They were the Chosen People of the LORD GOD JEHOVAH, and He was their God. They are often called “Hebrews”, or the “Jewish people” or the “Jews”. They belong to the twelve tribes of Israel that originally came from the lineage of Abraham. Through their promised inheritance, they became the Chosen People of the LORD God, ruled by His laws, and living the lives He directed.

14. Gentiles by nature were sinners, and were not obedient to following the laws of the LORD God. They were not His Chosen People, and He was not their God. They practiced pagan worship to false gods as their heathen natures led them. They are often called the “Greeks”. Their dwelling places were in the world, and their worldly natures caused them to focus on worldly pleasures without restriction or remorse.

15. James, Peter and John had gone to the Jews, and told them of the Messiah Jesus Christ, and how the LORD God had freed them from the stringent laws that they obeyed to deal with the sin.

They spoke of the more perfect plan of salvation, that the LORD God had established for the faithful, through the sacrifice of His Only Begotten Son, and the shedding of his blood to cover their sins.

This message brought the law-obeying Hebrews distress and confusion. The LORD God was their God because He gave them laws and they obeyed them. When they failed to follow the laws of Him, He punished them severely. Their people had been led by the LORD God for so long, that their very natures were different from the natures of the people of the world. The failure to embrace Jesus Christ as the promised Messiah, and their inability to comprehend this new message of salvation, was impossible for them to understand.

To the Hebrews, the message of James, Peter and John, was confusing and misunderstood. It sounded as if they were telling them to forget the laws that the LORD God had commanded to be obeyed by them, and to embrace the life of a Gentile, who lives without law. To live without the Laws was horrifying to them, and to ask them to become one of the repugnant Gentiles that were under no law was a hideous insult to their people.

It was a difficult and trying time for James, Peter and John, as they tried to explain to the Jews the more perfect plan of salvation through Jesus Christ, and try to convince the Jews that Jesus Christ would not lead them backwards to sin, but forward to righteousness.

In the mean time, Paul and Barnabas are in the Gentiles presence, trying to teach them to repent of their sinful ways, accept Jesus Christ as their Savior and receive salvation and redemption through His shed blood, as well as eternal life through His resurrection. It was the first time in the dirty, sinful lives of a worldly and repulsive people that they had heard about being held accountable for their sinful actions. It was not a common occurrence for anyone to dare hold them to any standard of behavior, yet here came Paul and Barnabas in their midst, preaching of their need to accept the shed and atoning blood of Jesus Christ for their salvation, and His Word for their life.

In the climate of confusion and anger of both peoples, Peter committed a horrible trespass that made the Gospel of Jesus Christ to appear to be a lie…

16. Peter sat down with the Gentiles and ate food with them.

For many generations, the Hebrews had obeyed the statutes, laws and ordinances of the LORD God, and performed His Works as He directed them to do. Many of these ordinances that were given to the Hebrews to obey were the laws of clean and unclean foods. Many foods were designated unclean to eat, leaven was representative of false doctrine and was controlled, and tradition had progressed to the point that rigid and practiced procedures were followed to ensure every part of the meal remained “clean” and acceptable to the LORD God’s dictated Ways.

To eat with a Gentile would be a trespass upon a trespass upon a really dirty and nasty act. To eat with a dirty and sinful Gentile, who has wallowed in the clay and muck of the world, and to eat of the food which was haphazardly prepared without any regard to the clean and unclean laws of the LORD God, was horrifying to the Hebrews.

Are you able to see the big picture of betrayal that the Jews are about to be confronted with, as soon as they arrive to Peter’s location and find him hiding from them after being caught eating with the Gentiles?

James, Peter and John had been fighting an uphill battle to try to explain to the Jews why they are released from the stringent expectations of law and works that they had obeyed for generations, and now were given a better way through faith. Most importantly, they were reassuring them over and over, that it was not about giving up the law and moving away from their LORD God, but instead, it was walking closer toward Him in Faith, and having the ability to become more HOLY and RIGHTEOUS through their acceptance of Jesus Christ as King.

The curious Hebrews had been convinced of the sincerity of James and his ministry to them, and were becoming convicted that Jesus Christ was indeed a more perfect way to salvation, holiness and righteousness. Then the new Jewish converts made a disheartening discovery when they left James and came into the town of Antioch; there they found Peter trying to hide from them after he had been sitting and eating an unclean meal with the dirty Gentiles.

Peter was not increasing his righteousness and holiness as had been preached to them and he knew it. He was eating with the common dirty people of the world, and he was unclean and unworthy to be in their presence as a result. If he had not been guilty of great trespass, then he would not have had the need to hide from them.

They must have felt foolish and scared; embarrassed that they had been manipulated into believing a new walk toward righteousness was possible, and angry when they felt the betrayal of manipulated apostolic fervor, which appeared to be a farce.

“11 ¶ But when Peter was come to Antioch, I withstood him to the face, because he was to be blamed. 12 For before that certain came from James, he did eat with the Gentiles: but when they were come, he withdrew and separated himself, fearing them which were of the circumcision. 13 And the other Jews dissembled likewise with him; insomuch that Barnabas also was carried away with their dissimulation. 14 But when I saw that they walked not uprightly according to the truth of the gospel, I said unto Peter before them all, If thou, being a Jew, livest after the manner of Gentiles, and not as do the Jews, why compellest thou the Gentiles to live as do the Jews? 15 We who are Jews by nature, and not sinners of the Gentiles,” (Galatians 2:11-15 AV)

Some may interpret that Peter was guilty of even more than just eating with the Gentiles. Certainly “to eat” is often symbolically used to show a person attempting to understand something by partaking of its nourishment. One could easily make the argument that he was participating in more of the worldly Gentile lifestyle than the specific word usage reveals.

At any rate, Peter was caught red-handed, and the new Jewish converts were faced with a choice; return to their Jewish laws and face the wrath of the LORD God as a result of their straying, of face the ridicule of their peers as a result of their foolishness of their Jewish upbringings, and fully participate with Peter in eating of the lawless and dirty things of the world. Eventually, the hypocrisy of Peter and his Jewish cohorts were making the Gentile life look so appealing, that Barnabas also became carried away with it all, and joined the merry band of hypocrites.

17. Paul found Peter and Barnabas polluting the truth of the gospel of Jesus Christ, through their disobedient and unrighteous walk with the dirty and worldly Gentiles.

18. Paul was very angry, and he stood Peter before him, face to face, with all of the Jews and Gentiles looking on, and he proceeded to chastise him for his actions.

The biggest problem with the ministry of the five Men of God had been trying to speak the same message to the two different peoples, which needed to be expressed in two different ways. One message was given to the heathen Gentiles, and another message was given to the Jewish law keepers. One message tried to move the Gentiles toward standards and values upheld by Jesus Christ, and one message tried to move the Jews away from the extreme standards that their law had grown to, and toward the faith of a follower of Christ.

Conflict after conflict arose, as the workers of Jesus Christ were accused of attempting to make Jews become Gentiles, and Gentiles becomes Jews, and rumors swirled all around them, yet the Apostles were making headway, until the hypocrisy of Peter encouraged the disregard of the Gospel of Christ. His Works nearly destroyed any chance they would have of explaining the new salvation and grace of the LORD God.

“15 We who are Jews by nature, and not sinners of the Gentiles, 16 Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the law: for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified. 17 But if, while we seek to be justified by Christ, we ourselves also are found sinners, is therefore Christ the minister of sin? God forbid.” (Galatians 2:15-17 AVRLE)

19. Paul was angry and disgusted at the situation that Peter had created, and the chastisement that he gave to Peter, and the teachings that resulted from that backsliding and chastisement are recorded in the Book of Galatians starting at Galatians 2:15. This potential ministry-ending mistake was turned into one of the most powerful encouragements to the faithful to obtain their spiritual growth and avoid the false gospels and false teachers that could sway them.

20. The focus of the message of Paul to Peter was that “if we seek to be justified by Christ, we ourselves also are found sinners, is therefore Christ the minister of sin? God forbid.”

And that message brings us to the point that strongly suggests that James, the brother of Jesus Christ, is the author of the General Epistle of JAMES. It is that specific message of Christian accountability, which carries over so completely into this book of JAMES.

James talks about the faith of a believer when faced with tribulations, trials and temptations. He speaks of the proper response to the Word of God in faith. He brings faith to a place for all people through impartiality, and encourages the active faith in doing the works of teaching. He encourages the faithful to work against worldliness and natural desires, and warns of their dangers.

It seems as if James, the brother of Jesus Christ, wrote this Epistle to prevent the chance of another mistake like Peter’s from stopping the spread of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. It is a nice thought to imagine brother looking after the things of brother, ensuring the sacrifice of His blood for the sins of the world would not be in vain as a result of shaky faith.

As you read his words, with this knowledge in your heart, you sense the wise words of James as he encourages a dedicated faith walk that has a deeper and more profound purpose than first meets the eye…as the Word of God speaks deeply the things that are important to our faith and our works, according to His Will.

Worksheet for Lesson 2

34. What was the nature of the people of Israel during James’ time? Gal 2:11-15 (13)
A. They were faithful followers of Jesus Christ
B. They were learned intellectuals who debated and changed the course of their faith as the situations dictated.
C. They were ruled by every aspect of their lives according to the commandments, statutes and judgments of the LORD GOD JEHOVAH
D. They worshipped many gods and had many natures as a result

35. What are some of the names that the people of Israel were known by? (13, 14, BONUS)
(More than one answer)
A. Christians
B. Uncircumcised
C. Circumcised
D. Chosen people of the LORD GOD
E. Jew or Jewish
F. People of the Law
G. People of Faith
H. People of the Twelve Tribes of Israel
I. Inheritors of the LORD GOD’s promise to Abraham
K. Sinners
L. Locusts
M. Heathen
N. Adopted
O. Hebrews
P. Greeks
Q. Men
R. Sons of God

36. What are some of the names that the people of the Gentiles were known by? (13, 14, BONUS)
(More than one answer)
A. Christians
B. Uncircumcised
C. Circumcised
D. Chosen people of the LORD GOD
E. Jew or Jewish
F. People of the Law
G. People of Faith
H. People of the Twelve Tribes of Israel
I. Inheritors of the LORD GOD’s promise to Abraham
K. Sinners
(More answers on next page)
L. Locusts
M. Heathen
N. Adopted
O. Hebrews
P. Greeks
Q. Men
R. Sons of God

37. (BONUS) What are the names that the people of Israel and the Gentiles known by when they accepted the teachings of the Lord Jesus Christ? Galatians 2:11-15 (BONUS)
A. Christians
B. Uncircumcised
C. Circumcised
D. Chosen people of the LORD GOD
E. Jew or Jewish
F. People of the Law
G. People of Faith
H. People of the Twelve Tribes of Israel
I. Inheritors of the LORD GOD’s promise to Abraham
K. Sinners
L. Locusts
M. Heathen
N. Adopted
O. Hebrews
P. Greeks
Q. Men
R. Sons of God

38. What was the nature of the Gentiles during James’ time? Gal 2:11-15 (14)
A. They were faithful followers of Jesus Christ
B. They were learned intellectuals who debated and changed the course of their faith as the situations dictated.
C. They were ruled by every aspect of their lives according to the commandments, statutes and judgments of the LORD GOD JEHOVAH
D. They practiced pagan worship to false gods, and were heathens and sinners

39. Where were the dwelling places of the Gentiles? Gal 2:11-15 (14)
A. Within the world and its affairs
B. Within the Nation of Israel
C. Within the Tribes of Israel
D. Just in Greece

40. What did the worldly nature of the Gentiles cause them to focus on? Gal 2:11-15 (14)
A. Salvation and repentance of sin
B. Dying, they hoped for afterlife
C. The Foundation of Jesus Christ
D. Worldly pleasures without restriction or remorse

41. What was the message that James, Peter and John had taken to the Jews? Gal 2:11-15 (15)
A. The prophesized Messiah was Jesus Christ
B. The LORD GOD had freed them from the stringent laws of obedience
C. A more perfect plan of salvation through faith in Jesus Christ was established by Him
D. The shedding of Jesus Christ’s blood was their sacrifice and atonement for sin
E. All of the above

42. (Let’s Talk)

Why did the message that James, Peter and John bring such strong emotions and confusion among the Jews?

Why did the message that Paul and Barnabas brought to the Gentiles cause terrible distress to come among them?

What types of distress, confusions and resentments are exhibited from believers in religions that are false and dangerous, when the Truth from the Word of God is placed before them?

What types of emotions would be experienced today if a frank and truthful talk between a faithful Christian and a Law abiding Jew were to take place?

How would the emotions escalate even higher if the faithful Christian, the Law abiding Jew and the Servant Muslim, along with a common person of the world who worships false gods, were to be frank and speak openly about the truth of their beliefs?

How would you approach the Gentiles if you were in Paul and Barnabas’ shoes?

How would you approach the Tribes of Israel, if you were in James, Peter or John’s position?

How could you demonstrate that your faith in Jesus Christ was the true Faith of the LORD GOD’s Will?

How are you faced with the same problems of evangelism and upholding the true Word of God that these five men of God were faced with in their situations?

What type of danger exists today as you uphold the Word of God and evangelize among those who believe differently from you?

What types of worldly danger are waiting to ensnare Christians as they enter into the world to bring the Word of our Lord Jesus Christ and our LORD GOD to those who will hear?

43. What terrible trespass did Peter do to make the testimony of the Gospel of Jesus Christ to appear to be a lie? Galatians 2:11-15 (Notes)
A. Peter sat down with the Gentiles and ate food with them
B. Peter challenged the authority of the Pharisees
C. Peter challenged the authority of Paul
D. Peter had a difficult time in leaving his nature that followed after the traditions and laws of his people

44. (Essay) Why had Peter’s terrible transgression caused the five men’s ministries to appear to be false? Galatians 2:11-15 (Notes)

45. What basic messages were James, Peter and John trying to get across to the Jews in their ministries? Galatians 2:11-15 (Notes)
A. That they are released from the stringent expectations of law and works that had been obeyed for generations.
B. That there was a better way to come close to the LORD GOD, and that was through faith in Jesus Christ
C. That it is not about giving up the law and moving away from the LORD GOD, but rather, walking closer toward Him in Faith and having the ability to become more Holy through Jesus Christ.
D. All of the above

46. What basic message did the Jews believe that James, Peter and John were trying to force on them? Galatians 2:11-15 (Notes)
A. That the Jewish race was the Chosen People of the LORD GOD
B. That the LORD GOD had spoken to their Rabbis and revealed a more perfect plan for salvation
C. That James, Peter and John were trying to make them like the worldly and heathen Gentiles, who were worshippers of false gods, and without laws and standards.
D. All of the above

47. Why were Jewish men traveling to Antioch after leaving the Teachings of James? Galatians 2:11-15 (Notes)
A. They were becoming convinced of the sincerity of James and his ministry
B. They were becoming convicted that Jesus Christ might indeed be a more perfect way to salvation
C. They were traveling to Antioch to hear the Teachings of Peter, who was the ministry partner to James, to confirm his sayings
D. All of the above

48. What did the curious Jews discover when they arrived in Antioch? Galatians 2:11-15 (Notes)
A. Peter was preaching to the Gentiles instead of the Jews
B. Peter was hiding from them because he was fearful of being caught eating with the Gentiles
C. Peter was rebuking the teachings of James
D. All of the above

49. (Essay and Discuss) What must the Jews have thought when they discovered Peter in the place that he was? Galatians 2:11-15 (Notes)

50. What do the symbolic words “to eat” represent in the Word of God? Galatians 2:11-15 (Notes)
A. Consuming all foods to enhance belief
B. Digesting different foods for Faith
C. Receiving understanding by partaking of nourishment
D. All of the above
51. What happened when Peter was found by the Jewish travelers? Galatians 2:11-15 (Notes)
(May be more than one answer)
A. The Jewish men disassembled with Peter, and copied his behaviors
B. In the passions of the movement, Barnabas was also carried away, and joined the transgressors
C. Caught up in the new worldly freedoms without laws, the group of men did not walk upright according to the truth of the Gospel
D. They repented of their sins
E. The converted many Gentiles to the Christian Faith that day
F. They pleased Paul for bringing the Jews and the Gentiles together in harmony
G. They pleased the LORD GOD for moving his message into the midst of the Gentiles through their liberal attitudes and adoption of the world’s standards

52. What did Paul do when he found Peter in Antioch committing the transgressions that go against the Word of God? Galatians 2:11-17 (18, 19)

A. Paul angrily chastised Peter, face to face, in front of Jews and Gentiles alike
B. Paul offered to pray for strength for Peter to overcome power over the sins of the world
C. Paul gathered several believing leaders together, and they offered Peter support as he struggled with his human nature
D. Paul accepted Peter for who he was, a man who was confused for the moment, but still had faith in Jesus Christ.

53. (Essay) What was the focus of the message of Paul to Peter? Galatians 2:15-17 (20)

54. (Essay and Discuss) Why does the focus of the message of Paul to Peter, and the surrounding events that caused the chastisement, lead us to the possibility that James, the step-brother of Jesus Christ, and the “Pillar” who taught the Jews the things of Jesus Christ, wrote the Epistle of JAMES? Galatians 2:15-17 (20 & Notes)

The General Epistle of James is the “Proverbs” of the New Testament. It is a commentary on the teachings of Jesus Christ, and incorporates many ideas and phrases from the Sermon on the Mount (Matt. 5-7). The theme of a Christian “working faith” is the focus of James, and it is the focus of this Bible Study.

The author of this epistle is only identified as “James” and there are four men with that name in the New Testament.

“And Andrew, and Philip, and Bartholomew, and Matthew, and Thomas, and James the son of Alphaeus, and Thaddaeus, and Simon the Canaanite,” (Mark 3:18 AV)

“There were also women looking on afar off: among whom was Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James the less and of Joses, and Salome;” (Mark 15:40 AV)

1. James, the son of Alphaeus is one of the four candidates that might have written JAMES, however, it is unlikely. He is referred to as the “less”, which indicates that another James was known “more” for his stature of dignity. James, the son of Alphaeus, was insignificant in early church history.

“And Judas the brother of James, and Judas Iscariot, which also was the traitor.” (Luke 6:16 AV)

2. Another candidate for authorship is James, the brother of Judas who was the apostle that was surnamed Lebbaeus or Thaddaeus and probably wrote the Epistle of Jude. This James is virtually unknown, and also very insignificant in early church history.

“1 ¶ Now about that time Herod the king stretched forth his hands to vex certain of the church. 2 And he killed James the brother of John with the sword. 3 And because he saw it pleased the Jews, he proceeded further to take Peter also. (Then were the days of unleavened bread.)” (Acts 12:1-3 AV)

3. James, the brother of John, was martyred at the very early date of A.D. 44, when King Herod killed him to bring evil to bear on the church established on the foundation of Jesus Christ. Although this James is better known, he did not have prominence in the early church because of his early death, and it is unlikely that he is the author of the book of JAMES.

“18 Then after three years I went up to Jerusalem to see Peter, and abode with him fifteen days. 19 But other of the apostles saw I none, save James the Lord’s brother.” (Galatians 1:18-19 AV)

4. James, the half brother of Christ, is considered by most Christians to be the author of the book of JAMES, because he possesses all of the qualities of the author.

5. He was the one and only James in the New Testament that was referred to by his name alone, and was obviously well known to the scattered believers.

“9 And when James, Cephas, and John, who seemed to be pillars, perceived the grace that was given unto me, they gave to me and Barnabas the right hands of fellowship; that we should go unto the heathen, and they unto the circumcision. 10 Only they would that we should remember the poor; the same which I also was forward to do. 11 ¶ But when Peter was come to Antioch, I withstood him to the face, because he was to be blamed. 12 For before that certain came from James, he did eat with the Gentiles: but when they were come, he withdrew and separated himself, fearing them which were of the circumcision. 13 And the other Jews dissembled likewise with him; insomuch that Barnabas also was carried away with their dissimulation. 14 But when I saw that they walked not uprightly according to the truth of the gospel, I said unto Peter before them all, If thou, being a Jew, livest after the manner of Gentiles, and not as do the Jews, why compellest thou the Gentiles to live as do the Jews? 15 We who are Jews by nature, and not sinners of the Gentiles,” (Galatians 2:9-15 AV)

6. James, Cephas (Peter) and John had the stature of “pillars” to Paul, and gave the appearance of being able to stand in the presence of any body or any force, and the ability to maintain and sustain the Word and Works of Jesus Christ.

7. This confident authority, that James and the others displayed, was so apparent to Paul and Barnabas that they were able to recognize each other as fellow brothers and workers in Christ. This knowledge of each others authority and honor were represented and acknowledged in their handshake of right hands.

8. James, and the other men of God with Him, had the ability to perceive the grace of the LORD GOD that is given to His people. To be able to perceive requires that the LORD GOD has first given the Christian the ability to see and understand. To have the knowledge of grace requires the Christian to know the loving kindness of the LORD GOD and the gift of divine influence to the heart of the faithful believers.

9. Because of their equal authority and knowledge of the things of Jesus Christ, they decided to divide their ministry into two groups. Paul and Barnabas would go among the heathen people and James, Cephas (Peter) and John would go among the people of circumcision to teach of the foundation of Jesus Christ.

10. Thus, Paul and Barnabas focused their ministry on teaching the common Gentiles who did not know the LORD GOD, and practiced the worship of false pagan gods as a matter of tradition and belief.

11. James, Peter and John focused their ministry on teaching the things of Jesus Christ to the Jewish Tribes of Israel, who knew of the LORD GOD, and worshipped Him exclusively.

12. The men not only shared equal authority and knowledge in the things of Jesus Christ, they also had a common desire to focus on the poor people within their designated ministries, to feed them the living Word of Jesus Christ and his salvation.

So the five men established their ministries in the manner they had divided among themselves. James, Peter and John would go to the Jewish People and bring them the good news that Jesus Christ was the Messiah they had been promised by their LORD God through the great Prophets of old. Paul and Barnabas would go to the Gentile people, and teach them the doctrines of repentance from dead works, faith toward God, baptisms, laying on of hands, resurrection of the dead and eternal judgment, all based on the Foundation of Jesus Christ.

Each of these powerful men of the LORD God committed to each other to confess and proclaim the name of Jesus Christ and spread His message to all who were given the ability to hear in faith. Each man knew each other to be upright, focused, committed, knowledgeable and powerful, and each man trusted that each would do the Works that the LORD God willed them to do.

Then Peter, the one who Jesus Christ chose to establish His foundation into a church, made a very bad mistake. His mistake was so terrible, that the five men’s ministries were placed in jeopardy. This mistake of Peter’s and the five men’s recovery from it, gives credence to the belief that it was James, the brother of Jesus Christ, who was the author of The Epistle of James, as he places a tremendous spiritual focus on the expectations of the LORD God in the working faith of a Christian, and the precautions needed to be taken to go out into the world to accomplish His Works in faith.

Footnotes:

less – 3398. mikrov mikros mik-ros’; including the comparative mikroterov mikroteros mik-rot’-er-os; apparently a primary word; small (in size, quantity, number or (figuratively) dignity):— least, less, little, small. (Strong’s Greek Lexicon)

John 14:22 – “Judas saith unto him, not Iscariot, Lord, how is it that thou wilt manifest thyself unto us, and not unto the world?”

Cephas – 2786. Khfav Kephas kay-fas’; of Aramaic origin [compare 03710]; the Rock; Cephas (i.e. Kepha), a surname of Peter:— Cephas. (Strong’s Greek Lexicon)

pillar – 2476. isthmi histemi his’-tay-mee; a prolonged form of a primary staw stao stah’-o (of the same meaning, and used for it in certain tenses); to stand (transitively or intransitively), used in various applications (literally or figuratively):— abide, appoint, bring, continue, covenant, establish, hold up, lay, present, set (up), stanch, stand (by, forth, still, up) (Strong’s Greek Lexicon)

right hand -1188. dexiov dexios dex-ee-os’; from 1209; the right side or (feminine) hand (as that which usually takes):— right (hand, side). 1) the right, the right hand 2)) metaph. 2a) a place of honor or authority. (Strong’s Greek Lexicon)

grace – 5485. cariv charis khar’-ece; from 5463; graciousness (as gratifying), of manner or act (abstract or concrete; literal, figurative or spiritual; especially the divine influence upon the heart, and its reflection in the life; including gratitude):— acceptable, benefit, favour, gift, grace(-ious), joy, liberality, pleasure, thank(-s, -worthy). (Strong’s Greek Lexicon)

Heathen – 1484. eynov ethnos eth’-nos; probably from 1486; a race (as of the same habit), i.e. a tribe; specially, a foreign (non-Jewish) one (usually by implication, pagan):— Gentile, heathen, nation, people. (Strong’s Greek Lexicon)

Genesis 17:7-11 – “7 ¶ And I will establish my covenant between me and thee and thy seed after thee in their generations for an everlasting covenant, to be a God unto thee, and to thy seed after thee. 8 And I will give unto thee, and to thy seed after thee, the land wherein thou art a stranger, all the land of Canaan, for an everlasting possession; and I will be their God. 9 And God said unto Abraham, Thou shalt keep my covenant therefore, thou, and thy seed after thee in their generations. 10 This is my covenant, which ye shall keep, between me and you and thy seed after thee; Every man child among you shall be circumcised. 11 And ye shall circumcise the flesh of your foreskin; and it shall be a token of the covenant betwixt me and you.” (Genesis 17:7-11 AV)

Matthew 16:18 – “And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.” (Matthew 16:18 AV)

Worksheet for Lesson 1

1. What type of document is JAMES classified as? (Title)
A. Gospel
B. Book
C. Epistle
D. All of the above

2. What “Old Testament” book is James sometimes compared to? (Intro notes)
A. Psalms
B. Proverbs
C. Daniel
D. Exodus

3. What does the Epistle of JAMES discuss? (Intro notes)
A. The teachings of Jesus Christ
B. The laws of the LORD GOD
C. The crucifixion and Resurrection of Jesus Christ
D. The prophesies concerning the Day of Judgment

4. Where do many of the ideas and phrases contained in JAMES originate from? (Intro notes)
A. The Song of Solomon
B. The hypocrite speech spoken to the Pharisees by Jesus Christ
C. The Sermon on the Mount spoken by Jesus Christ to his disciples
D. Paul’s many epistles contained within the Word of God

5. What themes are present in the Epistle of JAMES? (Intro notes)
A. Faith
B. Works
C. Salvation
D. Judgment
E. A & B
F. C & D
G. All of the above

6. How is the author of JAMES identified? (Intro)
A. James
B. James, the son of Alphaeus
C. James, the brother of Judas
D. James, the brother of John
E. James, the brother of Jesus

7. How many candidates are eligible to be the author of JAMES?
A. One B. Two
C. Three D. Four

8. Why is it unlikely that James, the son of Alphaeus authored the Epistle of JAMES? Mark 3:19; 15:40 (1)
(May be more than one answer)
A. He is referred to as the “Less”
B. He was known for his stature of dignity
C. He was insignificant in early church history
D. He is virtually unknown.
E. He was martyred at an early time in church history
F. He was well known
G. He was prominent in church affairs
H. He possesses all of the qualities of the author of JAMES
I. The writings in JAMES are consistent with the struggles he faced
K. He was the brother if Judas Iscariot, the betrayer of Jesus
L. He was the one and only James referred by his name alone

9. Why is it unlikely that James, the brother of Judas, authored the Epistle of JAMES? Luke 6:16 (2)
(May be more than one answer)
A. He is referred to as the “Less”
B. He was known for his stature of dignity
C. He was insignificant in early church history
D. He is virtually unknown.
E. He was martyred at an early time in church history
F. He was well known
G. He was prominent in church affairs
H. He possesses all of the qualities of the author of JAMES
I. The writings in JAMES are consistent with the struggles he faced
K. He was the brother of Judas Iscariot, the betrayer of Jesus
L. He was the one and only James referred by his name alone

10. Why is it unlikely that James, the brother of John, authored the Epistle of JAMES? Acts 12:1-3 (3)
(May be more than one answer)
A. He is referred to as the “Less”
B. He was known for his stature of dignity
C. He was insignificant in early church history
D. He is virtually unknown.
E. He was martyred at an early time in church history
F. He was well known
G. He was prominent in church affairs
H. He possesses all of the qualities of the author of JAMES
I. The writings in JAMES are consistent with the struggles he faced
K. He was the brother of Judas Iscariot, the betrayer of Jesus
L. He was the one and only James referred by his name alone

11. Why is it likely that James, the half brother of Jesus Christ, authored the Epistle of JAMES? Acts 12:1-3 (3)
(May be more than one answer)
A. He is referred to as the “Less”
B. He was known for his stature of dignity
C. He was insignificant in early church history
D. He is virtually unknown.
E. He was martyred at an early time in church history
F. He was well known
G. He was prominent in church affairs
H. He possesses all of the qualities of the author of JAMES
I. The writings in JAMES are consistent with the spiritual struggles he faced
K. He was the brother of Judas Iscariot, the betrayer of Jesus
L. He was the one and only James referred by his name alone

12. Who had the stature of a “pillar” to Paul? Galatians 2:9-15 (6)
(May be more than one answer)
A. James
B. Peter
C. John
D. Barnabas

13. (Essay) What characteristics does a “pillar” represent in a Christian? Galatians 2:9-15 (6)

14. What is the other name that Peter is known by in the Word of God? Galatians 2:9-15 (6)
A. Paul B. Cephas
C. Pope D. Jude

15. Who was with Paul when they met the three workers of Christ? Galatians 2:9-15 (6)
A. Barnabas
B. Barabbas
C. Barney
D. Barbie

16. What did Paul think about this confident authority that James and the others displayed to him? Galatians 2:9-15 (7)
(May be more than one answer)
A. It caused him some concern that his brothers in Christ were acting superior to him
B. It caused him some worry that they were trying to take over his ministry territory
C. It gave him the ability to recognize his fellow brothers and workers in Christ
D. It allowed him to know that they were superior in ranking, and in authority over him

17. How did the five Christian workers greet each other? Galatians 2:9-15 (7)
A. With kisses and hugs
B. With the handshake of right hands
C. With the drawing of fishes with their feet in the sand
D. All of the above

18. What were the men able to recognize about each other when they met? Galatians 2:9-15 (7-8)
(May be more than one answer)
A. Human frailty
B. Sins of their nature
C. Authority and honor in Christ’s Kingdom
D. Leader of churches and religious institutions
E. Had the ability to perceive and understand things spiritual

19. What word best describes the ability for a Christian to see and gain understanding? Galatians 2:9-15 (8 )
A. Knowledge
B. Wisdom
C. Perception
D. All of the above

20. What must a Christian have to obtain the “knowledge” of the LORD GOD’s Grace? Gal 2:9-15 (8 )
(May be more than one answer)
A. The LORD GOD must first give the Christian the ability to see and understand
B. The Christian must know the loving kindness of the LORD GOD
C. The Christian must be able recognize the gift of the LORD GOD’s Grace
D. All of the above

21. What is the definition of the LORD GOD’s Grace? Galatians 2:9-15 (Footnote)
A. The salvation and redemption of a sinner
B. The forgiveness of sins through a contrite heart
C. The cleansing and rebirth of a sinner into the Kingdom of God
D. An undeserved gift of the LORD GOD to a person that places divine influence upon his heart

22. (Let’s Talk)
Why is it important for each of us to strive to walk as “pillars” among our fellow brothers and sisters in Christ?

What characteristics of a Worker for Christ do you possess that contributes to this appearance?

Is the appearance of a stature of a pillar “self-made” through the self improvement efforts of a Christian, or is it a position given by the LORD GOD or fellow Christians?

How much study and knowledge of the Word of God is necessary to be a “pillar” among your faithful congregation of believers?

How important is it that a Christian “pillar” maintains that appearance when he goes into the world?

How does a Christian “pillar” avoid the accusations of “holier than thou” and hypocrite?

How does the Christian “pillar” avoid the temptations of the world?

How does the Christian pillar avoid becoming a lover of self and boastful in nature?

Where is the line between a pillar and a braggart in the community of Christians and in the community of non-believers?

23. What did the five men discuss in their meeting? Galatians 2:9-15 (9)
A. The sins of the world
B. The anger and violence that they were facing among the heathen population
C. The problems with the Pharisees and the Jewish leaders
D. The division of their ministry

24. Who was the partner of Paul in his ministry? Galatians 2:9-15 (9)
A. Barnabas
B. James
C. Peter
D. John

25. What ministry did Paul accept at the division between the men? Galatians 2:9-15 (9)
A. Ministry of Gentiles
B. Ministry of the Jewish Tribes of Israel
C. Ministry of the Christian Churches
D. All of the above

26. What ministry did James, Peter and John assume? Galatians 2:9-15 (9)
A. Ministry of Gentiles
B. Ministry of the Jewish Tribes of Israel
C. Ministry of the Christian Churches
D. All of the above

27. What is another term used to describe the people that James, Peter and John would teach? Gal 2:9-15 (9)
A. People of grace
B. People of the Roman Catholic Church
C. People of circumcision
D. People of Peter’s Church

28. What specific doctrine were all five men teaching? Galatians 2:9-15 (9)
A. The Foundation of Jesus Christ
B. The Doctrine of Christ’s Church
C. The Doctrine of Man
D. The Doctrine of Law and Obedience to the LORD GOD

29. What is a common term that is associated with Gentiles? Galatians 2:9-15 (10)
(May be more than one answer)
A. Heathen
B. Common
C. Worldly
D. Relatives of Christians
E. Relatives of Jews
F. All of the above

30. What type of tradition and belief did the Gentiles hold? Galatians 2:9-15 (10)
A. None
B. Worship of false pagan gods
C. Worship of the LORD GOD exclusively through the obeying of His Laws
D. Sunday morning church, Wednesday night Bible Studies

31. What type of tradition and belief did the Jewish Tribes of Israel practice? Galatians 2:9-15 (11)

A. None
B. Worship of false pagan gods
C. Worship of the LORD GOD exclusively through the obeying of His Laws
D. The Catholic Faith of Roman oppressors

32. What focus did all five men hold in common concerning their ministries? Galatians 2:9-15 (12)

A. Feeding the poor people the Living Word of Jesus Christ
B. Feeding the rich people the Living Word of Jesus Christ
C. Feeding the religious people the Living Word of Jesus Christ
D. Feed the leaders of the people the Living Word of Jesus Christ

33. Why are we studying Galatians to learn about James? Galatians 2:9-15 (12)
(May be more than one answer)
A. The Teacher got the wrong chapter
B. A serious mistake that Peter made during this time, might well have contributed to development of the Epistle written by James
C. The Epistle of James places a tremendous spiritual focus on the expectations of the LORD GOD in the working faith of a Christian, and the precautions needed to be taken to go out into the world, things these five men should have considered before assuming their works in faith
D. The Epistle of Galatians comes right before James in our Bibles