1. Read James 1 and respond in
writing to the following items:
o What words
or phrases encourage you to look for direction from God?
In James 1:5 it says, “if any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God”
In
James 1:6 it says, “Let him ask in faith, nothing wavering.”
In James 1:12 it says, “Blessed is the man that endureth temptation.”
o How did
James further define the phrase to “ask in faith”?
James says that we must ask in faith and be unwavering. We must have the faith to ask of God and then
act when he gives us the answer.
o How do
Matthew 6:24 and 1 Kings 18:21 add to your understanding of James 1:8?
All
three scriptures talks about how no man can serve two masters. We need to decide whether we are on the
Lord’s side and be immoveable and follow the commandments. We cannot say we are on the Lord’s side and
then sin and break the commandments. If
we are doing those things then we are serving two masters and we will not have
eternal life.
o From James
1:13–15, 19–27, make an outline of how we can better live the gospel of Jesus
Christ.
We
can live a better life by:
1. Knowing that God cannot tempt us with evil. We need to be aware of who is leading us down
the wrong path.
2. We need to control our lusts and know that it is a sin and it will not
lead us to eternal happiness.
3. We should be “swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath.” We need to have control and listen not only
to the spirit but to the people around us.
We should have good communication.
4. We need to put aside the evil and grow to be meek.
5. We need to be doers and follow the commandments; we need to make sure we
do not deceive ourselves in doing the wrong thing.
6. We need to serve others.
o Give a few
modern examples of how you have recently seen individuals exemplify James 1:22.
I see
people all around be doers of the word.
I live in a wonderful Ward where people are genuinely good. They do not follow the commandments so they
can receive recognition. I see small
acts of kindness happen all the time.
Small things that are never noticed.
For example I have noticed a sweet girl in my ward comes in late every
week to relief society but I notice when she gets in she looks around the room
and find someone who is sitting alone. I
think that she comes in late so she can sit by the people who sit alone.
2. Read the institute student
manual commentary for James 1:5–6, “If Any of You Lack Wisdom” (p. 409). Make a
list of reasons why Elder Bruce R. McConkie (1915–1985) of the Quorum of the
Twelve Apostles said these verses have “had a greater impact ... upon mankind
than any other” scripture.
1. The crowing act of the ministry of James was his
guidance of the Holy Ghost.
2. We each will have a time in our lives
where we need to bow down and ask God for the truth.
