Lesson 6 Unit 2 Choice 1

For the second unit in this lesson I decided to do 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:

• What words or phrases encourage you to look for direction from God?
• Trials in your life give you patience
• "Blessed is the man that endureth temptation" (v. 12)
• God does not tempt us with evil
• "Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father" (v.17)
• "But whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty, and continueth therein, he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed." (v.25)
• How did James further define the phrase to "ask in faith"?
• James explains that to ask in faith is to pray and ask the Lord with out hesitation or doubt.
• How do Matthew 6:24 and 1 Kings 18:21 add to your understanding of James 1:8?
• These scriptures help me understand James 1:8, because they both state that you can not follow the Lord and follow the world at the same time. You have to choose one or the other.
• From James 1:13-15,19-27, make an outline of how we can better live the gospel of Jesus Christ.
• Know that God can not tempt you
• Man is tempted when he succumbs to his lusts, therefore forsake the natural man
•  Know that this leads to sin and sin leads to death
• Be quick to hear the teachings of the gospel
• Be slow to be angry
• Have patience
• Be doers of the word (gospel) and not just hearers
• Bridle your tongue
• Do service for those less fortunate
• Repent and forsake worldliness-keep yourself unspotted from the world
• Give a few modern examples of how you have recently seen individuals exemplify James 1:22.
• Missionaries--they dedicate 2 years of their lives to the gospel
• My old Stake President, Mel Sabey, would hand out pass along cards on the train while he was going to and from work.
• I think the prophet is also a great example of a doer of the word

2. Read the institute 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 of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles said these verses have "had a greater impact..upon mankind than any other" scripture.

• Every person that investigates the church or that is searching for truth will have it revealed to them through this scripture.
• If it wasn't for this scripture touching Joseph Smith's heart, the gospel may not have been restored.
• Any one that wants salvation, will have to use this verse to gain wisdom and a place on the strait and narrow path towards eternal life.

I love this chapter because I too have gained knowledge from using and implementing what James teaches.

Joseph Smith praying in the Sacred Grove