Coachlight Bible Study – Galatians Chapters 1-6

Coachlight Bible Study - Rightly Dividing The Book of James

What Is True Faith

The Book of James is often called “The Wisdom Literature of the New Testament. The early Christians were going through tough times with many trials that could tend to shake a person’s faith. James knew that a person with True Faith will travel through even the hardest test exhibiting joy, knowing that God will always perform His Word. James accomplishes this by a complete teaching of the characteristics of True Faith.

Focus	What Is True Faith?
Scripture	1:1-----2:1-------------3:1------------3:13------4:1----------------5:7----------5:13
Plan	Makes Doers of the Word	Vindicates Itself by Works	Controls the Tongue	Produces Wisdom	Demonstrates Humility	Endures Loving Christ’s Appearing	Prays for the Sick
Intention	James was inspired by God to exhort the scattered Jews, who were going through many trials of faith to endure, anticipating Christ’s return.
Location	Jerusalem
Time	Circa AD 45-49

I. Chapter One – The Engrafted Word

1. What was James’s intention when writing this letter? ________________________________________________________________________

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2. By what means did James carry out his intention (James’ Plan)

a. _________________________________________________________________

b. _________________________________________________________________

c. _________________________________________________________________

d. _________________________________________________________________

e. _________________________________________________________________

f. _________________________________________________________________

g. _________________________________________________________________

3. With what words did James describe himself in the salutation of this letter? (Verse 1)

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4. Why would James describe himself in this manner? _________________________

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5. To Whom did James write this letter? (Verse 1) ____________________________

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6. What is the meaning of the Greek word hupomone, translated patience in verse 3. (Also look at Hebrews 12:1-3, where the same word is used several times translated ‘patience’ and ‘endured’)

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7. What is the meaning of the Greek word dokimion, translated “trying” in verse 3?

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8. Peter used the same Greek word dokimion, translated “trial” and in the same context as James (trial of your faith) in I Peter 1:7. What added sense can we derive from Peter’s metaphor of gold tried in the fire?

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9. What three things will occur when hupomone, or endurance has her perfect work?

a. _________________________________________________________________

b. _________________________________________________________________

c. _________________________________________________________________

10. What type of “wisdom” is verse 5 teaching? (Look at the context verses 2-5)

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11. What is the meaning of the Greek word diakrino, translated wavering in verse 6, it is also used in chapter 2:4, translated “partial”.

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12. Explain the simile in verse 6& 7 _______________________________________

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13. What is the meaning of the Greek word disuchos, translated “doubleminded” in verse 8.

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14. Explain the simile in verses nine through eleven. __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

15. What is the meaning of the Greek word stephanos, translated crown in verse twelve?

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16. What is the reward at the Judgment Seat of Christ for the person who “endures temptation” (Verse 12)

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17. What is the meaning of the Greek word epithumia, translated “lust” in verse 14?

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18. What is the source of temptations?

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19. What is the end result beginning with a wrong affection which conceives sin and then when sin is finished? (Verse 15)

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20. On the other hand, by what means does the Father make us “Born Again? (Verse 18)

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21. What is the three part exhortation of verse 19?

a. _________________________________________________________________

b. _________________________________________________________________

c. _________________________________________________________________

22. What is the meaning of the Greek word emphutos, translated “engrafted” in verse 21?

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23. What is the result when a person lays aside all filthiness and superfluity of nautiness and receives with meekness the engrafted Word?

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24. Can you explain the simile in verses 22-25?

25. What is the way a person can know when his religion is in vain? (Verse 26)

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26. What is pure and undefiled religion? (Verse 27)

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Chapter 2a – True Faith has no part of the respect of persons

27. To explain the absurdness of proclaiming faith and having respect of persons, James uses an illustration. Can you explain this illustration? (Verses 2:1-7)

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28. How does a person do well? (Verse 8)

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29. What two things are evident if a person has respect of persons? (Verse 9)

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30. How shall a person that exhibits respect of persons be judged? (Verse 12 & 13)

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Chapter 2b – True Faith Vindicates Itself by works

31. What does James call faith by itself (without works)? Verse 17

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32. What are the two meanings of the dikaioo, translated “justify”

a. ___________________________________________________________________

b. ___________________________________________________________________

33. What is the meaning of the word “justified” in verse 23?

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34. What is the meaning of the word “justified” in verse 21?

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35. How was Abraham shown to be justified? (Verse 21)

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35. How was Rahab shown to be justified? (Verse 25)

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36. What comparison does James make to illustrate that faith without works is dead? (Verse 26)

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