Parked In James

I've been reading the Bible since September of 2006. Since then I started at Genesis and have reached James. As I read through James today, I wrote some things down. These things I've written down are results from my first "pass-through." I think it would be good for me to stay in James for a while. Here is what I wrote:

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

{} James - Who is James? A servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ.

{} Why is there a distinction between God and the Lord Jesus Christ?

{} Who is James writing to? The twelve tribes which are scattered abroad.

{} What twelve tribes is he talking about?

_______________________________________________

1:2 My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into divers temptations;

{} My brethren. Who is James referring too here? Jews? Christians? Who?

{} What does James mean by temptations?; what temptations is he talking about?

{} Why is this [verse 2] the first thing he says to his brethren, the twelve tribes which are scattered abroad?

{} Why should they count it all joy? Verse 3 answers this question.

_______________________________________________

1:3 Knowing this, that the trying of your faith works patience.

{} Falling into divers temptations would be the trying of your faith. Again, exactly what temptations is he referring to?

_______________________________________________

1:4 But let patience have her perfect work, that you may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.

{} Why should I let patience have her perfect work? That you may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.

{} Those that don't realize that the trying of your faith works patience, would be unwise. So James writes verse 5.

_______________________________________________

1:5 If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that gives to all men liberally, and upbraides not; and it shall be given him.

_______________________________________________

Lets look at 1:2-3:

My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into divers temptations; Knowing this, that the trying of your faith works patience.

Lets look at 1:12:

Blessed is the man that endures temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord has promised to them that love Him.

Now lets compare Revelation 2:10:

Fear none of those things which you shall suffer: behold, the devil shall cast some of you into prison, that you may be tried; and you shall have tribulation ten days; be faithful to death, and I will give you a crown of life.

_______________________________________________

FINAL QUESTIONS ON CHAPTER ONE

{} Why does the Bible use the phrase crown of life?

{} What is the word James is talking about in chapter one?

_______________________________________________

3:6 And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity: so is the tongue among our members, that it defiles the whole body, and sets on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire by hell.

{} How does the tongue defile the whole body?

_______________________________________________

4:4 You adulterers and adulteresses, do you not know that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? Whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God.

{} Adultery with the world.

_______________________________________________

4:7 Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.

{} How do I practically submit myself to God?

{} How do I practically resist the devil?

_______________________________________________

4:8 Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double minded.

{} How do I practically draw near to God?

{} How to I practically cleanse my hands?

{} How do I practically purify my heart?

Possibly the answer to all three questions is in the next verse [verse 9].

_______________________________________________

4:9 Be afflicted, and mourn, and weep: let your laughter be turned to mourning, and your joy to heaviness.

{} These are commands to be obeyed.

_______________________________________________

4:10 Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and He shall lift you up.

{} How do I practically humble myself in the sight of the Lord? Possibly the previous verse [verse 9].

{} This is a promise!

_______________________________________________

LASTLY

4:16 But now you rejoice in your boastings: all such rejoicing is evil.

{} What did James mean here?