1. Read James 1 and respond in writing to the following items:
o What words or phrases encourage you to look for direction from God?
The words or phrases that have encouraged me to look in the direction of God are, ‘knowing this’, faith worketh patience’, ‘that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing’.
o How did James further define the phrase to “ask in faith”?
James defined “ask in faith” as something that is not wavering. The example he gave was “like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed”.
o How do Matthew 6:24 and 1 Kings 18:21 add to your understanding of James 1:8?
The two scriptures did add to my understanding of James 1:8. When I read James 1:8, I thought it was meaning someone who could not make up his or her mind on what path to take. However, reading Matthew 6:24 and 1 Kings 18:21 it touched on that fact that man should not follow two Gods, thus being double minded on picking a choosing from each of their Gods laws. We should follow on God, and follow His teachings and gospel.
o From James 1:13–15, 19–27, make an outline of how we can better live the gospel of Jesus Christ.
The way we can better live the gospel of Jesus Christ is by first, not being tempted with evil. Evil can come in different forms, like a man’s own lust. Once that lust is strong, it turns into sin which in turn brings death. Second, we must be willing to hear and learn from the gospel. We must not talk over it or be upset towards it. Wrath is not something that is righteous; it is the work of man. When we are willing to hearers of the gospel, we also need to be doers as well. A doer to me is making sure that we act upon the laws that we are given from Heavenly Father. If we choose not to be a doer then we like any other man who chooses not to be a hearer. Lastly, for those who seem to be religious to the world and to do not live his beliefs is “deceiving his own heart”, and his beliefs and religion is in “vain’.
o Give a few modern examples of how you have recently seen individuals exemplify James 1:22.
I would have to say that even though Nefi is not so modern that he was an individual that exemplified what James 1:22 was all about. In 1 Nefi 3:7 it says, "I will go and do the things which the Lord hath commanded". Nefi was a doer. He took the gospel and ran with it. No matter what obstacle stood in his way, he did always what the Lord wanted him to do.
2. Read the institute student manual commentary for James 1:5–6, “If Any of You Lack Wisdom” (p. 409). Make a list of reasons why Elder Bruce R. McConkie (1915–1985) of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles said these verses have “had a greater impact ... upon mankind than any other” scripture.
1. It was the crowning act of the ministry of James.
2. It was the testimony of Jesus Christ.
3. It was guided by the Holy Ghost.
4. It was the words for which opened up the heavens to man in modern times.
5. It has added to every investigator the truth that stands of His search.
6. In the verse it states that to gain wisdom of God, how to search for the path which leads to eternal life.
o What words or phrases encourage you to look for direction from God?
The words or phrases that have encouraged me to look in the direction of God are, ‘knowing this’, faith worketh patience’, ‘that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing’.
o How did James further define the phrase to “ask in faith”?
James defined “ask in faith” as something that is not wavering. The example he gave was “like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed”.
o How do Matthew 6:24 and 1 Kings 18:21 add to your understanding of James 1:8?
The two scriptures did add to my understanding of James 1:8. When I read James 1:8, I thought it was meaning someone who could not make up his or her mind on what path to take. However, reading Matthew 6:24 and 1 Kings 18:21 it touched on that fact that man should not follow two Gods, thus being double minded on picking a choosing from each of their Gods laws. We should follow on God, and follow His teachings and gospel.
o From James 1:13–15, 19–27, make an outline of how we can better live the gospel of Jesus Christ.
The way we can better live the gospel of Jesus Christ is by first, not being tempted with evil. Evil can come in different forms, like a man’s own lust. Once that lust is strong, it turns into sin which in turn brings death. Second, we must be willing to hear and learn from the gospel. We must not talk over it or be upset towards it. Wrath is not something that is righteous; it is the work of man. When we are willing to hearers of the gospel, we also need to be doers as well. A doer to me is making sure that we act upon the laws that we are given from Heavenly Father. If we choose not to be a doer then we like any other man who chooses not to be a hearer. Lastly, for those who seem to be religious to the world and to do not live his beliefs is “deceiving his own heart”, and his beliefs and religion is in “vain’.
o Give a few modern examples of how you have recently seen individuals exemplify James 1:22.
I would have to say that even though Nefi is not so modern that he was an individual that exemplified what James 1:22 was all about. In 1 Nefi 3:7 it says, "I will go and do the things which the Lord hath commanded". Nefi was a doer. He took the gospel and ran with it. No matter what obstacle stood in his way, he did always what the Lord wanted him to do.
2. Read the institute student manual commentary for James 1:5–6, “If Any of You Lack Wisdom” (p. 409). Make a list of reasons why Elder Bruce R. McConkie (1915–1985) of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles said these verses have “had a greater impact ... upon mankind than any other” scripture.
1. It was the crowning act of the ministry of James.
2. It was the testimony of Jesus Christ.
3. It was guided by the Holy Ghost.
4. It was the words for which opened up the heavens to man in modern times.
5. It has added to every investigator the truth that stands of His search.
6. In the verse it states that to gain wisdom of God, how to search for the path which leads to eternal life.