.
Read James 1 and respond in writing to the following items:
·
What words or phrases encourage you to look for direction from
God?
o
“let him ask of God…and it shall be given him.” (v. 5)
o
He that endureth shall inherit the crown of life. (v. 12)
o
“Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above…” (v. 17)
·
How did James further define the phrase to “ask in faith”?
James defines this phrase as having “nothing wavering.” He says
that if we waver we are like a wave that is tossed and driven with the wind.
·
How do Matthew 6:24 and 1 Kings 18:21 add to your understanding
of James 1:8?
In Matthew is says that “no man can serve to masters,” and in 1
Kings that you cannot believe in two different Gods. For me this means that
being a “double minded man” is one who is a fence sitter. Not committed to the
gospel or to God. He wants to be in the world and say that he serves God, but
it doesn’t work that way according to these scriptures or my own experience.
·
From James 1:13–15, 19–27, make an outline of how we can better
live the gospel of Jesus Christ.
o
Beware of the temptations of the Devil that will ensnare you and
draw you away from the Gospel.
o
Be swift to hear
o
Be slow to speak
o
Be slow to wrath
o
“Lay apart all filthiness and superfluity of naughtiness”
o
Meekly receive the word of God
o
Be doers of the word, and not hearers only
o
Bridle your tongue
o
Don’t let your heart be deceived
o
Visit the fatherless and widows (serve those in need)
·
Give a few modern examples of how you have recently seen
individuals exemplify James 1:22.
My bishop and his wife in Ohio were examples of doers of the
word. They exemplified service and study and teaching correct principles. They
showed genuine love to all those around them. Another friend of mine had the
ability to lift me up every time we were together. If it was at a presidency
meeting, or just a time when we ran into each other at the store, or in other
social meetings, she always had a way of teaching a gospel principle or helping
me recognize the Lord’s hand in my life. There are countless others that I know
personally as well as all of the general Leaders of the church.
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.
These
words led to the opening of the heavens in modern times.
They
led Joseph Smith to turn to God for answers which led to the restoration of the
fullness of the gospel.
Each
investigator of truth stands in the same place as Joseph Smith, and must turn
to God to gain wisdom by revelation.
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