Answer: in faith
James is letting us know that faith is the key to obtaining wisdom from God.
He notes in verse 7 that anyone who does not ask in faith is in essence wasting his own time.
Question submitted by logcrawler
From Quiz: James; A Follower of Christ
Answer: In faith, without doubting
He should ask in faith and he shouldn't doubt, because the person who doubts is like a stormy sea being pushed around by the wind and shouldn't expect to get anything from God. Reference: James 1:5-7
From Quiz: Practical Stuff from James' Letter
Answer: James
It says in James 1:1, "James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, to the twelve tribes which are scattered abroad, greeting."
Many believe that the James that wrote the book of James was the half-brother of Jesus. However, there is no evidence to prove this, so we cannot be sure which of the Jameses wrote this book.
From Quiz: The Book of James
Answer: The Twelve Tribes
James 1:1 says that it's from James, "a servant of God and Jesus" and it's addressed to "the twelve tribes scattered among the nations."
From Quiz: BBB Bible Series: James
Answer: To the twelve tribes scattered among the nations
"James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ,
To the twelve tribes scattered among the nations: Greetings." (James 1 v. 1)
Although the writer identifies himself as James, it is impossible to say whether he is one of those bearing that name in the New Testament or an unknown author.
James, the brother of John, can probably be discounted as he was one of the early Christian martyrs (Acts 12 v. 2). James, the brother of Jesus and leader of the Jerusalem church, has a greater claim particularly given his known support for adherence to the Jewish Law (Galatians 2 v. 12). A major obstacle to this James' authorship, though, is that the epistle very rarely refers to Jesus, a surprising omission if they were indeed brothers.
From Quiz: Quizzing the New Testament: James
Answer: The crown of life
He goes on to say that "the Lord has promised to those who love Him." Essentially what James is saying is that yes, there will be problems and hard times in life; turn to God.
(Submitted by Ilona-Ritter)
From Quiz: James; A Follower of Christ
Answer: temptation
It says in James 1:12, "Blessed is the man that endureth temptation for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love Him."
Temptation is very difficult to resist, but Christians believe this can be done with the help of the Holy Spirit. Others may not believe in "the Holy Spirit" but may believe in a Higher Power to help them through these temptations.
From Quiz: The Book of James
Answer: Perseverance
James says that believers should be joyful as they go through tough trials because it will only build them up and give them perseverance. He then says that, if people let perseverance finish its work, they will be mature and complete, not lacking anything. This can be found in James 1:2-4.
From Quiz: BBB Bible Series: James
Answer: A relative of Jesus
There was a son of Zebedee named James (who was the brother of John and a disciple of Christ), but the James traditionally attributed with authorship of the epistle is James the brother of Jesus. This James is not listed among the original twelve apostles, but he does have a commanding presence in the book of Acts, and he is referred to by Paul as a pillar of the church. James was either a half brother, stepbrother, or cousin of Jesus, depending on your religious persuasion.
From Quiz: James
Answer: Their favoritism
In James 2 he says that a believer in Christ should not have favoritism. If a rich man and a poor man both enter their house, they shouldn't show the rich man more respect than the poor man. He then says that God sees all people equally and Christians should do the same.
From Quiz: BBB Bible Series: James
Answer: To the twelve tribes which are scattered abroad
James 1:1: "James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, to the twelve tribes which are scattered abroad, greeting."
These other addresses listed among the answers come from the books of Revelation (the 7 churches), Titus, and Philippians.
From Quiz: James
Answer: rich in faith
In verse 5, (NIV) James is arguing against favouritism here. He says that we should treat everyone as equals, rather than favouring the rich, because we are all equal in God's sight.
Submitted by cal562301
From Quiz: James; A Follower of Christ
Answer: No one, we're tempted by our own sinful desires
James says that God doesn't tempt anyone but "each person is tempted when he is drawn away and enticed by his own evil desires" (James 1:14 HCSB). Then the evil desires give birth to sin, and then sin grows up and in turn gives birth to death. Galatians 5:16 gives advice on how to resist temptation: "I say then, walk by the Spirit and you will not carry out the desire of the flesh/ sinful self/ corrupt nature" (HCSB, alternate readings from Easy-to-Read Bible and God's Word Translation).
From Quiz: Practical Stuff from James' Letter
Answer: works
Different denominations interpret this verse differently. Some interpret it as saying that one needs to have faith and good works to get into to Heaven. Others believe that one has to be saved by faith alone to get into Heaven. Then, once they are saved, they will do good works to show their faith.
From Quiz: The Book of James
Answer: tongue
It says in James 3:8, "But the tongue can no man tame; it is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison."
When a person gossips about another person, spreading untrue rumors, they can cause that person a lot of damage because others might believe the rumors are true.
From Quiz: The Book of James
Answer: Deadly poison
James 3 says that the tongue is powerful enough to corrupt the whole body if one allows it to. He says that all kinds of animals are being tamed by mankind but nobody can tame the tongue. "It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison" (James 3:8). He says that with the tongue you can bless God and with the same tongue you can curse your fellow man whon God made in his likeness. "Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers and sisters, this should not be. Can both fresh water and salt water flow from the same spring? My brothers and sisters, can a fig tree bear olives, or a grapevine bear figs? Neither can a salt spring produce fresh water" (James 3:10-12).
From Quiz: BBB Bible Series: James
Answer: The tongue
"If anyone considers himself religious and yet does not keep a tight rein on his tongue, he deceives himself and his religion is worthless." (James 1 v. 26)
The basic premise behind James' letter is that what is on the inside of a person will be revealed in the actions of that person on the outside. In saying this, he is following the teaching of Jesus:
"For from within, out of men's hearts, come evil thoughts, sexual immorality, theft, murder, adultery, greed, malice, deceit, lewdness, envy, slander, arrogance and folly. All these evils come from inside and make a man 'unclean'" (Mark 7 v. 21-23).
The tongue is important, therefore, as the conduit between the inner and outer self capable of both "cursing men" and "praising God":
"With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in God's likeness. Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing" (James 3 v. 9-10).
From Quiz: Quizzing the New Testament: James
Answer: the law of liberty
He calls it "the law of liberty" in 1:25 and 2:12. It is Paul who refers to the "curse of the law" in Galatians 3:13.
From Quiz: James
Answer: oil and vinegar
It becomes hypocritical when a person speaks blessings and curses since they are so opposite. For example, to say "I love God with all my heart" and then to say "I hate Joe Schmo" would be hypocritical in this view.
From Quiz: The Book of James
Answer: 2
"Who is wise and understanding among you? Let them show it by their good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom. But if you harbor bitter envy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast about it or deny the truth. Such 'wisdom' does not come down from heaven but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic. For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice.
"But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. Peacemakers who sow in peace reap a harvest of righteousness." - James 3:13-18
From Quiz: BBB Bible Series: James
Answer: It's a rhetorical question and the expected answer is NO!
This is a further expansion of the teaching about the importance of the tongue. James has already pointed out that, like the rudder on a ship or the bit in a horse's mouth, something incredibly small can have a profound effect upon the direction in which one travels (James 3 v. 3-4). He goes on to add that nobody can tame the tongue; in other words, it cannot be controlled to do other than what the inside of a person is dictating (James 3 v. 8). James now completes the triangle. If a farmer wants to harvest figs, he has to grow a fig tree. If his readers want to harvest goodness on the outside, then they must cultivate goodness on the inside.
From Quiz: Quizzing the New Testament: James
Answer: dead
In James 2:20, James points out that mere belief is not enough. Even the devils believe in one God, he says, concluding, "But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead?" He repeats this phrase again in 2:26, using an analogy, "For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also."
From Quiz: James
Answer: Let him call for the elders of the church.
James 5:14. The chapter also states that the prayer of faith will save the sick, and if he has committed sins he will be forgiven.
(Submitted by rredman95)
From Quiz: James; A Follower of Christ
Answer: Not many
James said that not too many people should become teachers because the teachers will be judged more harshly and everybody stumbles, or "gets tripped up," as the New International Reader's Version says. Then James says that if anyone could avoid making mistakes with what he says he would be a perfect, mature man who can control his entire body. Next comes a rather famous passage about how chaotic and powerful the tongue is. Reference: James 3:1-6
From Quiz: Practical Stuff from James' Letter
Answer: the devil
James 4:7 says, "Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you."
This verse tells readers that with God's help they can overcome the most powerful of temptations.
From Quiz: The Book of James
Answer: He will lift you up
The beginning of James 4 talks about submitting to God, letting go of the sins of the world. "Resist the devil, and he will flee from you" (James 4:7). He says that if believers humble ourselves before God he will lift us up. "God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble" (James 4:6, Proverbs 3:36).
From Quiz: BBB Bible Series: James
Answer: Hear
Rather, he must be "swift to hear," slow to speak, and slow to grow angry (1:19).
From Quiz: James
Answer: humble yourself in the sight of the Lord
The King James Version states this very simply.
"Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up."
James 4:10
While all the other choices may be considered as good options, humbling ourselves to God is what James is pointing out in this verse.
Question submitted by logcrawler
From Quiz: James; A Follower of Christ
Answer: vapour
It says in James 4:14, "Whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away."
In other words, life is short compared to eternity.
From Quiz: The Book of James
Answer: The wrongfulness of boasting
He says that people shouldn't boast, saying "I'm going to that city tomorrow," because no one is guaranteed tomorrow. Instead, people should say, "If it is God's will, we will do this or that.". "As it is, you boast in your arrogant schemes. All such boasting is evil" (James 4:16). It then says that if someone doesn't do the good they know they should do, they sin.
From Quiz: BBB Bible Series: James
Answer: Works
James 3:21: "Was not Abraham our father justified by works, when he had offered Isaac?" Paul tells us Abraham was justified by faith: "For if Abraham were justified by works, he hath whereof to glory; but not before God. For what saith the scripture? Abraham believed God, and it was counted unto him for righteousness" (Romans 4:1-3). Some scholars consider this to be a debate between James and Paul, but most Christians reconcile James and Paul by emphasizing that James is not speaking of faith in general or of works in general, but rather of a faith that is evidenced in works: "Faith wrought with his works," says James earlier in 2:22, "and by works was faith made perfect." He is not negating the role of faith, but rather emphasizing that true faith is inseparable from doing good works.
From Quiz: James
Answer: Elijah
James 5:17 tells of Elijah's praying that no rain would fall, and there was a drought for three and a half years. Then Elijah prayed FOR rain, and the normal weather cycle began again.
(submitted by rredman95)
From Quiz: James; A Follower of Christ
Answer: Their own sinful wants
Earlier James had said that God doesn't tempt anyone and that people are tempted to do wrong because of the wants of their own sinful selves, and here James says that his readers were fighting with each other for the same reason. James describes how they fought with and envied each other, but they didn't get what they wanted. The reason they didn't have what they wanted was that they didn't ask, or they asked with bad intentions, so that they could use it for sinful reasons. Reference: James 4:1-3
From Quiz: Practical Stuff from James' Letter
Answer: patient
It says in James 5:8, "Be ye also patient; stablish your hearts: for the coming of the Lord draweth nigh."
Christians believe that Jesus is coming back one day, but no one knows when. Therefore we have to be patient.
From Quiz: The Book of James
Answer: Job
"Brothers, as an example of patience in the face of suffering, take the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord. As you know, we consider blessed those who have persevered. You have heard of Job's perseverance and have seen what the Lord finally brought about. The Lord is full of compassion and mercy." (James 5 v. 10-11)
The name of Job has become synonymous with patient suffering, but this is the only book of the New Testament to quote his example. Although Job refused to curse God (Job 2 v. 8-10), he demanded with a passion that God grant him vindication. Subsequent interpretations have tended to swing between the two, emphasising either his righteousness or "rebelliousness".
From Quiz: Quizzing the New Testament: James
Answer: To care for widows and orphans
It is certainly not merely to believe: "Thou believeth that there is one God; thou doest well," he says sarcastically, concluding, "the devils also believe, and tremble" (2:19). Rather, "Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world." (1:27) Paul also emphasizes caring for widows, and cautions Christians to care only for those with a true need, who are "widows indeed" (I Timothy 5:3).
From Quiz: James
Answer: At the door
This is found after James says "Don't grumble against one another, brothers and sisters, or you will be judged." The Judge refers to Jesus.
(Submitted by Ilona_Ritter)
From Quiz: James; A Follower of Christ
Answer: Job
It says in 5:11, "Behold we count them happy which endure. Ye have heard of the patience of Job, and have seen the end of the Lord; that the Lord is very pitiful, and of tender mercy."
If you are not familiar with the story of Job in the Old Testament, Job was a righteous man. However, a lot of bad things happened to him. Despite everything, he never turned his back on God. Because of his patience and faith he was given everything he lost, two fold.
From Quiz: The Book of James
Answer: Elijah
James 5:13-20 is talking about prayer offered in faith. He says that if anyone is sick he should call the elders and have them pray. He says that the prayer offered in faith can heal sick people and the Lord will raise them up and forgive their sins. He then says that people should pray for each other's sins so they can be healed. Then he says that the prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective. He then says that Elijah was human like everyone else, yet when he prayed that it wouldn't rain, the rain stopped for three and a half years. He prayed again and it rained, and the earth produced crops.
He finishes his letter by saying, "My brothers and sisters, if one of you should wander from the truth and someone should bring that person back, remember this: Whoever turns a sinner from the error of their way will save them from death and cover over a multitude of sins" (James 5:20).
From Quiz: BBB Bible Series: James
Answer: Pray over you and anoint you with oil
"Is any one of you sick? He should call the elders of the church to pray over him and anoint him with oil in the name of the Lord. And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise him up. If he has sinned, he will be forgiven." (James 5 v. 14-15)
Just as James has used the story of Job to illustrate perseverance, so too he quotes the example of Elijah to support his assertion that:
"The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective" (James 5 v. 16).
In the Old Testament, the stories of Elijah do not specifically portray him as a man of prayer. This developed in later Jewish tradition. What does come across, however, is a very human character whose highs are matched by some pretty spectacular lows. Elijah may be larger than life but his weaknesses are those with which many can identify. Whether or not it was James' intention, he presents Christians with the example of a man whose prayers worked, not because of any inimitable saintliness, but through a simple faith in a God that can work miracles.
From Quiz: Quizzing the New Testament: James