Focus
Complete the sentence below. Then compare what you wrote with what others in your group wrote.
"I become more patient_________________________________________________________"

Aim
1. That each group member more accurately describes and gives examples of the patience of Christ Jesus.
2. That each group member gives at least one example of how the power of Christ Jesus will enable us to wait patiently for Jesus' return and to relate lovingly to other people, even in situations which test us.


Discover
1. Read James 5:1-6. From what does James prompt his readers to turn away?
2. Because his readers forgot and we forget, too, that the world's last days began already with Jesus' birth, of what are we guilty? Verses 1-3 See Matthew 6:19 and Romans 2:5
3. What evidence is "against us," even crying out against us? Verses 3-4 Compare Leviticus 19:13. When could this evidence be altogether damaging? See Luke 16:19-31
4. Why is self indulgence fatal? Verse 5 See 1 Timothy 5:5-6
5. The "Lord of Hosts" is one name for God. In it He reveals that His power is endless and unlimited both now and into eternity. Why are we in danger when clear evidence is brought against us before God? Verse 4 What is our hope? Job 13:15
6. In Verse 6 James emphasized the good news. Who was the righteous person who was murdered? See Acts 3:14-15 What did He do for us? Why can we look patiently ahead to His second coming?
7. Why did James begin the next paragraph at verse 5 with "therefore?"

1. Read James 5:7-12. How many times does James call for patience? According to James how does God's gift of patience help to cheer and discipline us?
2. Compare James 1:1-8 with James 5:7-12. What similarities and differences do you note? Obviously, what was James' concern for the saints (believers) to whom he wrote?
3. Of what key future event did James remind his readers three times in verses 7-9? What did Paul write in Titus 2:11-14 to add to our understanding of this event?
4. How do farmers become a model for us? Verse 7
5. How do the Old Testament prophets instruct us? Verse 10
6. How was Job sustained throughout his suffering? Verse 11
7. Give an example of how a Christian shows her trust in God through her language patterns? Verse 12 See Jesus' words in Matthew 5:33-37
8. Give yourself a grade on your Christian language skills. Circle one of the following: A B C D F Incomplete Have transferred to another level
9. How can we help one another improve our speech in view if Jesus' second coming?
10. ____T or ____F If we never must endure anything we will never learn patience.

Believe and Do
1. Re-write your statement under "Focus" above. Over--learn (memorize) it as a confession of your faith.
"I become more patient_______________________________________________.
2. Choose a specific action by which you will demonstrate that you are growing in patience toward two people who constantly "bug" you.
Person #1_______________________________________________________________.
Person #2___________________________________________________________________.



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Group Finder

Group Finder is a tool to help you locate a small group based on answering a few questions about the type of group, location, and time you would like to meet. It then allows you to view and join open small groups electronically! Click here to go to the page.