James Discussion Questions

Details for Ray:

Right Now Media: Read Scripture Series:Session 65: James:

Video Length: 8:02:

Family Hour Time: 9:15am- 10:15am(10:25am if kids show up later)

Start out with fellowship asking how their week is, prayer needs, etc.

You can do a game like, would you rather, mafia, ninja, never have I ever, etc(Games are really hard sometimes, because of space and not knowing how many youth are going to show up).

James is only 5 chapters. Sometimes, if the book is short enough, you can have them read through it, before the video.

Sometimes we skip a game and just do fellowship or a prayer time.

Objective:

The goal is to aid the youth of our church in their biblical literacy. The Read Scripture Series is a video series on each book of the Bible, animating and explaining the overview and main theme/topics of the book. By watching these videos, and discussing the questions, the youth should grow in their understanding of the bible, the book they are going over, the reason it was written, and the main points of the author. The discussion questions are designed to create deeper knowledge of God’s word from the video and to have a personal application from the main interpretations of the book. This will help them to understand the bible more intimately and try and put their minds in the shoes of the author, audience, and unique situation/circumstance the book was inspired for in their day and in the life of each youth.

Optional Pre-Video Questions:

Who here has read the book of James?

What do you know about it?

I. Pre-Section:

Who was the author of this book?

How many Jacobs were their in the Bible and what specific one is this?()

This Jacob is the half brother of Jesus.

What do we know about this Jacob?

Jacob, the half brother of Jesus, became the leader of the messianic mother church of Jerusalem.(&15, Galatians 1-2)

What do you know of Jacob before he was a believer?

Imagine what it would be like being the brother of Jesus(God in human flesh, and sinless), would that be cool/weird/interesting?

How is Jame’s letter different than those of Paul, and what is his goal?

Paul often wrote to many churches to deal with personal/spiritual/theological problems.

James is writing to Jewish believers outside of Judea a summary of his sage wisdom.

What is Jame’s goal?

To get in your business and challenge how you live.

Who hear likes when people get in their business?

Do Christians have the right to get personal with each other? If so about what, everything/some things?

If so, what should be our motive in doing this, and our response when someone does it to us?

II.

What are the two influences for James’ wisdom?

The life and teaching of Jesus(especially the sermon on the mount().

The Book of Proverbs(Especially the poems in ).

Vs. 2:1-13: Favoritism and Love:

What does James bring up about favoritism and love?

How are these connected, and how they opposite?

Do these two issues that James brings up happen with youth? How? Why or why not?

Do you think favoritism is something you guy struggle with at your age? How so? Do you

Verses. 2:14-26: Genuine Faith:

James speaks about faith in this section, what is your definition?

How does he define faith?

If you claim to have faith in God, but reject helping the needy and poor, your faith is dead.

Video Length 4:19.

Genuine faith always results in obedience to Jesus’ teachings.

Verses 3:1-2: The Tongue:

What does James point out about the tongue?

With the same mouth we curse people, but then try and offer praise to God.

Why is it important for believers to control their words?

Have you ever been hurt/hurt someone else by gossip? If so, how can you develop self control?

Verses 4:11-12:Condemning Others:

Why do you think we judge people so quickly and trash talk them?

Verses 4:13-5:6: The Arrogance of Wealth:

I think how James speaks about wealth has a comparison with youth and how they treat popular kids.

I think what James means

How much do you rely on material things like most wealthy people.

Verses 5:1-6:The Danger of Wealth:

Do you have any priority for the spiritual things in your life? Examples how?

I

Verses 5:7-11: Patience & Endurance:

1. How are believers supposed to live this life, and how is this tied to Jame’ definition on faith?

How are believers supposed to live this life, and how is this tied to Jame’ definition on faith?

We are supposed to live eagerly waiting the return of our Lord Jesus Christ.

James’ whole point is that if you truly have faith in something, it will produce action.

The

What are some ways you can personally live in wait for Jesus’ return?(Encourage them to each have their own meaningful answer)

Verse 5:12: Let Your Yes Mean Yes:

What does James say our words do?

They tell the real truth about our character.

Verses 5:13-18: Faith Filled Prayer:

How is prayer connected to faith?

Hint: It

Do you have a prayer life? If so, what does that look like? If so, what does that look like?

Chapter 1: Introduction:

What is James’ definition of perfection?

Being complete, lacking nothing.

Did you know that in Jesus, you are complete? What does this mean for you, and how does that make you feel?

Try and guide conversation in a positive direction toward how youth try and find their completion in other things like popularity, relationships, belonging, and things of this world, and how they don’t need any of this.

All they need is Jesus.

How does define wisdom?

The ability to see your hardships through a different perspective.

Who can get wisdom?

Anyone who asks God in faith without doubt.

What is true wisdom?

Knowing that God is good, despite your circumstances.