Considering the Ethics in James
James is full of ethical instruction (see page 3). How does this list compare to the ethics taught in your background? Consider the following questions, and compare the Christian perspective to your philosophical or religious background (whether personal, familial, or cultural).

1. What is the basis of ethics (moral principles, values, or rules) from your background? What is the basis of Christian ethics? Where do Christian ethics come from? (1:17; 4:12)

Christian ethics come from ___________, and are revealed in the _____________.

2. What are motivations for conforming to ethics in your background? What are motivations for conforming to Christian ethics? (1:12; 2:5)

"To ___________________ God, and _____________________ Him forever" is a good summary of the motivations involved in faithfully living the Christian life. The Christian is motivated by the purpose and blessing realized in his/her personal relationship with God.

3. What are the consequences of violating ethics in your background? What are the consequences of violating Christian ethics? (1:15; 2:12; 5:1; 5:9; 5:12; 5:20)

Ultimately, ___________________ and God's ___________________________ are the necessary consequences of violating Christian ethics (God's moral will).

4. Is it possible to perfectly conform to the established ethics? (2:10; 3:2; 4:17)

In relation to Christian ethics (God's moral will), the answer is _________! (Romans 3:23)

What are the consequences of this imperfection?

5. What is the solution to the ethical problem? (1:17-18) What does a person need to do from the perspective of your background? What does a person need to do in response to the Christian message? (1:21-22; 1:5; 3:17; 4:6-10)

The solution is God's ________________________ and ___________________.

Our response is to ________________ and ________________ __________________ God's "word."

Reflection / Application:

† Go through questions 1 through 5 again, comparing the Christian perspective with your philosophical and religious background. Christian teaching claims to be the "truth" (1:18). If you are not a Christian, consider these claims and continue to seek truth. If you are a Christian, learn to communicate the uniqueness of Christianity relative to other worldviews.

† This week, review the list of ethical instructions on the next page, and reflect on James 1:21-22; 1:5; 3:17; and 4:6-10. Identify one or more specific attitudes or behaviors in your life that need to change, and commit to "do what the word says" by God's grace.

Final Exhortation (James 5:19-20)

6. Read James 5:19-20. What are the consequences of "wandering from the truth?" Who is responsible to do something if another person is seen wandering from the truth? What are some practical steps a person can take when he/she sees someone wandering from the truth?

Application: If you are a Christian, and you know another professing
Christian who is "wandering from the truth," take steps to bring him
or her back. If you need assistance, seek help.

Instructions from James

* Consider it pure joy when you face trials. (1:2)
* Ask God for wisdom. (1:5)
* Believe and do not doubt when you ask God. (1:6)
* Persevere under trial. (1:12)
* Take pride in humble circumstances. (1:9-10)
* Do not blame God or others for your sins, but accept full responsibility. (1:13-14)
* Be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to become angry. (1:19)
* Get rid of all moral filth and evil. (1:21)
* Humbly accept God's word. (1:21)
* Do what the word says. (1:22)
* Do not show favoritism. (2:1)
* Keep the royal law - "Love your neighbor as yourself." (2:8)
*Speak and act as those who are going to be judged. (2:12)
* Show your faith by your deeds. (2:14-26)
* Control your tongue - i.e. the things you say. (3:1-12; cf. 1:26)
* Show wisdom by a good life, by deeds done in humility. (4:13)
* Do not have bitter envy or selfish ambition. (4:14)
* Be pure, peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full or mercy and good fruit, impartial, and sincere. (4:17)
* Get rid of selfish desires. (4:1)
* Do not quarrel and fight. (4:2)
* Do not pray with wrong motives. (4:3)
* Do not be a friend with "the world." (4:4)
* Do not be proud, but be humble. (4:6)
* Submit yourself to God. (4:7)
* Resist the devil. (4:7)
* Come near to God. (4:8)
* Clean up your life, and purify your heart. (4:8)
* Grieve, mourn, and wail in repentance. (4:9)
* Humble yourself before the Lord. (4:10)
* Do not speak against or judge others. (4:11-12)
* Do not boastfully presume that you are in control, but humbly acknowledge that God is in control. (4:13-16)
* Do the good you know you ought to do. (4:17)
* Repent from self-indulgence, greed, and oppression. (5:1-6)
* Be patient and stand firm. (5:7-8)
* Do not grumble against each other. (5:9)