James 1:2-18
Home Group Study: “HOW TO LIVE” — Faith that produces real life change

2-Jas.1.4" class="scriptRef">James 1:2-4 2 Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, 3 for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. 4 And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.

1. Take some time to read through James 1:2-18
2. What does this introduction to the book of James say about the context in which it is written?
3. What kind of trials do you suppose James is speaking of here? As James is writing to his Jewish brothers and sisters who are facing poverty and persecution, why is it important to understand this background? How does it apply to us today?
4. How are believers in Christ able to have joy in the middle of trials?
5. List some trials in your life that you handled well and some that you handled poorly.
6. Why are we so prone to worry rather than pray?
7. How does the testing of your faith produce steadfastness?
8. Define steadfastness.
9. The book of James seems to mirror Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount and the book of Proverbs. Discuss the similarities after reading through Matthew 5-7.
10. Do you want to be “perfect and complete, lacking in nothing” as James speaks to in the first chapter?
11. What would that look like in your life?
12. If maturity is the goal rather than experiencing perfection in this life, what are some of the ways you look to grow in your relationship with Jesus Christ?
13. The maturity of a Christian is evident in their response to tough situations. What tough situation have you been through this year? Share with the group. Specifically, name some reasons why God is allowing you to go through various trials in your life?