Unit two - Choice 1: James 1. “Be ye Doers of the Word and Not Hearers Only”

1.       Read James 1 and respond in writing to the following items:

a.       What words or phrases encourage you to look for direction from God?

                                                   i.      In James 1:5 the phrase “lack wisdom” has always stuck out to me. When I see that there is something that I need to change in my life it motivates me to look for direction from God.

                                                 ii.      In James 1:5 the phrase “that giveth to all men liberally and upbraideth not” this encourages me to look for direction because I know that the Lord will give it to me freely if I ask.

                                                iii.      The word “blessed” also is encouraging because blessings are always needed.

b.      How did James further define the phrase to “ask in faith”?

                                                   i.      He said, “But let him ^aask in ^bfaith, nothing ^cwavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed.” He explained that faith has to be solid. Your faith has to be strong enough that you are not doubting or hesitating.

c.       How do Matthew 6:24 and 1 Kings 18:21 add to your understanding of James 1:8 (A ^adouble minded man is unstable in all his ways.)?

                                                   i.      Matthew 6:24 says, ”No man can ^bserve two ^cmasters: for either he will ^dhate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and ^emammon.” This helps you understand the conflict of the double minded man. He is confused on who to serve, God or Satan.

                                                 ii.      1 Kings 18:21 says, “And Elijah came unto all the people, and said, How long halt ye between ^atwo opinions? if the Lord be God, ^bfollow him: but if Baal, then follow him. And the people answered him not a word.” This pushes the fact that if the Lord is God, why are you trying to follow anyone else. Follow him and do not hesitate.

d.      From James 1:13-15, 19-27, make an outline of how we can better live the gospel of Jesus Christ.

                                                   i.      Recognize the good things in our life, realize that they come from God

                                                 ii.      Be swift to hear

                                                iii.      Be slow to speak

                                               iv.      Be slow to anger

                                                 v.      Stay away from filthiness and evil

                                               vi.      Embrace meekness

                                              vii.      Be a doer of the word

                                            viii.      Bridle your tongue

e.      Give a few modern examples of how you have recently seen individuals exemplify James 1:22.

                                                   i.      This made me think of general conference. We go to general conference twice a year but yet sometimes we don’t even remember what was said. We could do better at being a doer of the word and not just a hearer.

                                                 ii.      Missionary work is another example. As members of the church we have the gospel in our life. We need to share that with other people, be doers instead of hearers only.

2.       Make a list of reasons why Elder Bruce R. McConkie of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles said these verses have “had a greater impact… upon mankind than any other” scripture.

This was the scripture that Joseph Smith read that got him thinking. It helped guide him to pray for the things that he did not know about. This event has affected the world greatly. The whole restoration of the church started in the grove of trees.