Key Thought : As we wait for the Lord to return, James encourages believers to strive to be patient in the face of evil and injustice and not to take heart.

[Lesson Plan for Getting Ready for the Harvest December 8, 2014]

1. Have a volunteer read James 5:7,8.

a. Ask class members to share a thought on what the most important point in this text is.
b. What does it mean to be patient and establish our hearts?
c. Personal Application: What Bible characters or Scriptures are most meaningful to you in view of what lies ahead or in facing difficulties? Share your thoughts.
d. Case Study: One of your relatives states: “If we are to let the wheat and tares to grow together, does that mean we aren’t supposed to handle sin in the church through redemptive discipline?” How would you respond to your relative?

2. Have a volunteer read James 5:9.

a. Ask class members to share a short thought on what the most important point is in this passage.
b. How are we to respond to the corruption in the world and in the church?
c. Personal Application: What positive ways can we encourage and uplift others in their daily trials and while awaiting Christ’s return? Share your thoughts.
d. Case Study: One of your neighbors states, “There is way too much strife and bad feelings in the church. How can we get our members to be less combative and more forgiving and humble?” How would you respond to your neighbor?

3. Have a volunteer read James 5:10,11.

a. Ask class members to share a short thought on what the main idea of this text is.
b. What are you struggling with now? What have you prayed for that is not yet come?
c. Personal Application: If you lost your home, income, and children; would you be able to trust and praise the Lord through these trials? Share your thoughts..
d. Case Study: One of your friends states, “God will protect His people. He won’t test us like He did Job. He will watch over us and keep us safe from the enemy. Anything bad God won’t allow.” How would you respond to your friend?

4. Have a volunteer read James 5:12.

a. Ask class members to share a short thought on what the main idea of this text is.
b. Why does James tell us not to make an oath by anything? What is his intent here?
c. Personal Application: Have you promised to do something that you didn’t do? Did you ever make an oath on anything? Are these both examples of deception? Share your thoughts.
d. Case Study: Think of one person who needs to hear a message from this week’s lesson. Tell the class what you plan to do this week to share with them.

(Note : “Truth that is not lived, that is not imparted, loses its life-giving power, its healing virtue. Its blessings can be retained only as it is shared.” MH p. 149.

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