8: Grace that shapes our plans & prosperity (4:13-5:6)

06/03/21 • 19 min

Two sisters & a cup of tea (Bible Study Podcast)

James warns his brothers and sisters about the folly of unbelievers who seek to dictate their own futures, and use wealth for unjust gain.
Questions to dig into over a cup of tea:

James is speaking about ‘worldy’ groups of people in these verses, it’s not the ‘brothers and sisters’ of the church family but he is telling them about these groups as a warning. What are the characteristics of the two groups? What are the issues?
How does this help us to understand the world around us?
How are we tempted towards this kind of friendliness with the world in how we think and behave?
Any ways in which we might be unwittingly, or complacently, involved in injustices i.e. ethics of what we consume, whether people are oppressed in producing what we use?
How do these verses push us back on the grace of chapter 4?

Tea and Biscuit Footnotes

A cup of hot apple & mango squash for Sarah, and a cup of Yorkshire Grey with a malted milk biscuit for Felicity.

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Sarah blogs here: https://sarahdargue.org
Felicity blogs here: https://boysbooksandthehomeofthebrave.blog/
Email us: [email protected]

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James warns his brothers and sisters about the folly of unbelievers who seek to dictate their own futures, and use wealth for unjust gain.
Questions to dig into over a cup of tea:

James is speaking about ‘worldy’ groups of people in these verses, it’s not the ‘brothers and sisters’ of the church family but he is telling them about these groups as a warning. What are the characteristics of the two groups? What are the issues?
How does this help us to understand the world around us?
How are we tempted towards this kind of friendliness with the world in how we think and behave?
Any ways in which we might be unwittingly, or complacently, involved in injustices i.e. ethics of what we consume, whether people are oppressed in producing what we use?
How do these verses push us back on the grace of chapter 4?

Tea and Biscuit Footnotes

A cup of hot apple & mango squash for Sarah, and a cup of Yorkshire Grey with a malted milk biscuit for Felicity.

Book Deal

Connect with us on Facebook or Instagram
Sarah blogs here: https://sarahdargue.org
Felicity blogs here: https://boysbooksandthehomeofthebrave.blog/
Email us: [email protected]

Sponsorship Details

Previous Episode

7: Grace that shapes our repentance (4:1-12)

Both what to do with our double-mindedness and God’s answer reach a climax this week as James helps us to see the heart of the gospel.
Questions to dig deeper, over a cup of tea:

How do our desires and motives expose our over-friendliness with the world?
What does it look like to see, confess and mourn our double-mindedness? What stops us taking our sin seriously and lamenting it?
How does this help us delight in God’s lifting grace? We’re never without God’s grace, but how does it change the way we feel about being ‘lifted’ as we go through this process?
How can we help each other run towards God’s grace, and desire heavenly wisdom above all else?

Tea and Biscuit Footnotes

A cup of hot water and a digestive biscuit for Sarah, and a teapot with a home made chocolate digestive for Felicity.

Book Deal

Connect with us on Facebook or Instagram
Sarah blogs here: https://sarahdargue.org
Felicity blogs here: https://boysbooksandthehomeofthebrave.blog/
Email us: [email protected]

Sponsorship Details

Next Episode

9: Grace that shapes our prayers (5:7-20)

James rounds off his letter calling us to patiently wait for the Lord to return, and commit to praying heartily in all seasons, for all reasons.
Questions to dig into over a cup of tea:

How does the Lord’s coming give us perspective through suffering and trials?
How does James’ letter as a whole help us to persevere? What will it look like for you to persevere?
Consider your different circumstances - what will it look like for you to pray in faith?
How does the end of the letter encourage you to live life alongside church family more deeply?
Is there anyone you know wandering away from the truth that you need to commit to praying for regularly?

Tea and Biscuit Footnotes

A cup of ‘Jam & Toast’ Tea for Sarah, and a cup of Yorkshire tea with a slice of Victoria Sponge Cake for Felicity.

Book Deal