Judi Hayes is a writer and editor. She and her husband, David, live in Mt. Juliet, Tennessee.

Purpose: Shoe Leather Christianity: A Study of the Book of James by Johnny Hunt
Shoe Leather Christianity: A Study of the Book of James is a resource in the Auxano Press curriculum series, Non-disposable Curriculum. This series produces new twelve-session curriculum books each year. Saving these books will create for you a library of biblical studies.
Watch Auxano’s website for series titles and release dates: http://www.auxanopress.com. Also look on the Auxano website for additional resources for teaching Shoe Leather Christianity .
This and all books in this series will benefit readers as they study individually. But learners will benefit more from group discussion and study. This leader guide will equip leaders to teach the New Testament book of James.
The author of Shoe Leather Christianity is Johnny Hunt. Dr. Hunt is senior pastor of First
Baptist Church, Woodstock, Georgia.
Bible study is valuable on many levels. Non-disposable Curriculum offers these benefits for study: (1) personal discipleship and devotion, (2) obedience to study and know God’s Word,
(3) group fellowship and helping one another learn and grow, and (4) personal and/or group prayer and worship. Thank you for leading a group to grow together as they study God’s Word.
Time Frame
In Shoe Leather Christianity: A Study of the Book of James author Johnny Hunt provides twelve short chapters to immerse learners in studying this New Testament letter and applying it to the church and believers today.
Your Sunday School class, Bible study group, discipleship group, home Bible study group, or other group can study this book in twelve or thirteen sessions, a typical quarter. For the thirteenth session, you can begin with a general introduction or end with a session that offers a summary, reflecting on the study, and fellowship. Or you might plan to begin or end with a session devoted entirely to a time of reflecting on what lessons from James can mean to your church.
Bible Study
This leader guide will assist you in teaching the book. It is designed for one-hour sessions. Adapt the study to meet the needs of your group. A large group may require more lecture or more smallgroup discussions during each session. Small groups may allow more group discussion and participation. You’ll find more than you need, so select items that fit your teaching style and learners’ learning styles. Each week you’ll find a page available for you to print for small groups.
You can modify these to meet your group’s needs. Feel free to lecture some weeks, enlist others to lecture, mix lecture and small groups, or whatever works best for your group. Purchasing copies of Shoe Leather Christianity for your group gives you permission to print and photocopy small-group discussion pages.
Every learner will need a copy of Shoe Leather Christianity from the Non-disposable
Curriculum Series. You may want to provide extra copies for members who join throughout the study and for guests. You’ll find quantity discounts available when you order, so make sure you order enough copies. Any extra copies are great for sharing with members who may not be able to attend, giving guests, or making available for interested family and friends. And since all studies in Non-disposable Curriculum are undated, you’ll want to save extra copies for future studies.
You’ll also want to encourage study group members to take notes in their books and keep them to build their own Bible study library.
Encourage all learners to bring their Bibles to each session. Every session will include reading Scripture together. Provide extra Bibles as needed.

Although this is a book study, each chapter/session stands alone. Encourage people who cannot attend every week to participate. Invite guests throughout the study. Use this group study to grow your group.
Lessons often suggest small-group work. Questions are provided for small-group work to guide their reports to the larger group. But answers to these questions should not be the entire report of the small group. They are meant to enhance and not limit the small-group discussion.
The leader will want to be prepared to add to the comments of small groups. The leader’s questions and comments that tie the content to the church will be beneficial.
Sometimes small groups might want more information about verses in James or other
Scriptures mentioned throughout the text. You may want to provide commentaries. Or, if your meeting room has Wi-Fi, encourage participants to bring and use their phones, tablets, notebooks, or laptops. During sessions where you think this is particularly important, you may want to contact participants in advance to bring these electronic devices.
Promote this study in advance by making announcements on Wednesday night and in adult classes on Sunday morning and in other small groups. Contact people who are not already involved in regular Bible study and invite them to attend.
Music
Hymns and choruses are wonderful ways to teach theology and doctrine. Hymn and chorus texts are suggested throughout this leader guide. Depending on your group, you may want to open with a hymn, close with a hymn, play a hymn, show a YouTube video of a hymn, or read one to the group. If your church has hymnals, make them available. If hymns are in public domain, you may want to print copies for individuals or small groups. Adding music will enhance your Bible study time and group fellowship.
Verses for Memory and Meditation
Encourage participants to read these verses every day, to think about them, to memorize them, and to apply them to their lives.
If you go to Google Images and type in the specific verse from James, you’ll find beautiful artistic images of many of the key verses. You may want to create your own, make posters, or send weekly e-mails with a graphic presentation of that week’s verse.
Before You Begin and Preparation for Every Week of the Study
1.
Make a name tag for yourself. Provide pens or felt-tip markers and name tags for participants.
If you have a large group or if you have new members or guests throughout the study, continue to use name tags every week.
2.
Read or scan all of Johnny Hunt’s
Shoe Leather Christianity so you understand the direction the book is going and how your study will flow over the next twelve or thirteen weeks.
3.
Read all the Scripture mentioned in each chapter as you study it. Some Scripture passages will be included in specific instructions. When you read all the passages mentioned, you’ll be ready to add comments to discussions based on Scripture.
4.
In advance order copies of Shoe Leather Christianity: A Study of the Book of James for all participants.
5.
Provide a whiteboard or flipchart and markers or chalkboard and chalk. Provide paper and pens or pencils. Provide extra Bibles. Provide these every week. The main Bible translation used in Shoe Leather Christianity: A Study of the Book of James is the New American
Standard Bible (NASB). You may want to ensure that you have a variety of translations on hand.
6.
Contact potential study group members in advance and tell them about this exciting new study. Tell them they will gain a greater understanding of the blessings available to them as believers. Remind them to bring their Bibles to every session.

Shoe Leather Christianity: A Study of the Book of James
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Shoe Leather Christianity: A Study of the Book of James
Word Studies
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Shoe Leather Christianity: A Study of the Book of James
Before the Session
1.
Read and study week 1, “Enduring Life’s Hard Knocks,” of Shoe Leather Christianity: A
Study of the Book of James. Look up and read all Scripture referenced in this chapter.
2.
Make copies of the form for contact information (if you have not already gathered this information).
3.
Make copies of the Word Studies form for all participants. You will use this form throughout this study. Each participant will eventually need multiple copies of this form.
An option is to provide participants with a small notebook for word studies throughout this study. Provide pens or pencils.
4.
Print and cut apart the group assignments.
5.
The hymn “Savior, Teach Me Day by Day” ( cyberhymnal.org/htm/s/t/steachme.htm
) is based on James 1:5. It would be a great group prayer to end the session.
During This Session
1.
As participants arrive, direct them to form five small groups and answer this question:
How does your faith specifically impact your daily behavior?
2.
After everyone has arrived and joined a small group, invite a few volunteers to tell how their faith and behavior intersect. Then explain that the book of James is all about
Christian behavior. Read the first paragraph of week 1, the personal statement from the author, Dr. Johnny Hunt. Introduce Dr. Hunt as senior pastor of First Baptist Church,
Woodstock, Georgia. To learn more about Dr. Hunt, go to www.fbcw.org/about/ourpastor.
3.
Continue to introduce the book of James using the rest of the introduction to week 1.
4.
Distribute a copy of the Word Studies form to each person. Explain that Dr. Hunt provides a number of word studies throughout the book of James to help learners gain a greater understanding of the truths of this book. Suggest that participants write their name at the top of the page and then write week 1 in the left-hand margin. Tell them they can begin to work on this form as they study and prepare for each session and add to the information during the session. Explain that some words will likely take more than one line and that more forms will be available whenever they need them. Suggest that they look up and read other Scriptures related to word studies.
5.
Tell everyone to look at the first paragraph under the first subhead, “Greetings to
Scattered Believers Everywhere.” They will see that the first word study is James, meaning “Jacob.” The James reference is 1:1, and an Old Testament reference is Genesis
25:26. Give participants time to write this on their sheet.
6.
Explain that weekly session often will include small-group work. Questions will be provided for small groups to suggest some discussion topics and to guide each group’s report to the larger group. But the questions should not limit the work or discussion of the group. If the group wants to discuss and focus on a Scripture referenced, a word study, or an application derived from the text, the group should feel free to add that to their

discussion. Each small group should designate a group member to take note and report the highlights of the discussion to the large group. You may also prefer to lecture some weeks and have no group work or choose to lecture on one topic and let groups work on other topics. Feel free to do this and to use the group questions, as desired, to help guide your lecture.
7.
For the first group discussions, direct participants to form three groups. If you have such a large group that three small groups are still too large for everyone to participate, form multiple groups for each topic. Give groups their discussion questions. Make sure all groups have Bibles. If your room has Wi-Fi, suggest that some group members may want to go to www.biblegateway.com
and select a translation of the Bible that is different from others in the group in order to explore ways of translating the text and perhaps add greater understanding.
8.
Assign each of the three groups one of the first three subheads.
9.
When groups have completed their work, call for reports. As word studies are discussed, encourage participants to put the words on the Word Studies sheets, if they have not already. As groups respond, ask clarifying questions if needed. Be prepared to add comments to the discussion as well. Affirm each group’s work.
10.
Introduce the subhead “Resources to Endure Life’s Hard Knocks” using the first paragraph under that subhead.
11.
Give the three small groups a second short assignment based on the divisions under
“Resources to Endure Life’s Hard Knocks”: “Wisdom,” “Prayer,” and “Faith.”
12.
Call for reports from these three groups. Affirm their work, commenting as reports are given.
13.
Call attention to the verse For Memory and Meditation. Suggest that participants read the verse for week 2 every day as they prepare for the next session. Suggest that they review session 1 during the week and memorize James 1:2. Invite the group to say the verse together. Comment on the verse in light of the discussions earlier in the session.
14.
Invite the group to sing “Savior, Teach Me Day by Day” as a closing prayer, or voice a prayer that participants will consciously let their faith impact their behavior.

Shoe Leather Christianity: A Study of the Book of James
Week 1 Group Assignments 1
Group 1: Greetings to Scattered Believers Everywhere
James 1:1
1.
Which “James” wrote this New Testament book?
2.
Why is he the likely writer?
3.
What do we know about him?
4.
Discuss the word doulos .
Group 2: Reality of Life’s Hard Knocks
James 1:2–3
1.
Approximately when was the book of James written?
2.
To whom was the book of James written?
3.
How should believers respond to hardships? Give a contemporary example.
4.
Discuss the word “consider.”
5.
What is the difference between trials and temptations?
Group 3: Reasons for Life’s Hard Knocks
James 1:4
1.
What are the personal benefits of enduring hard knocks?
2.
What can we learn about trials from other New Testament writers?
3.
What does James mean by “perfect”?
4.
Who is a sinner and in need of redemption?
5.
What are three reasons we can be joyful during trials?
© Shoe Leather Christianity : A Study of the Book of James (Auxano Press).

Shoe Leather Christianity: A Study of the Book of James
Week 1 Group Assignments 2
Group 1: Wisdom
James 1:5a
1.
Discuss the meaning of wisdom.
2.
What does “wisdom” mean as it is used here in James.
3.
What is the only source of this kind of wisdom?
4.
Discuss the word lack.
5.
How does what we can and cannot control relate to wisdom? Give examples.
Group 2: Prayer
James 1:5b
1.
How are wisdom and prayer related?
2.
Describe prayer as a tool of the believer.
3.
How is what James said about prayer alike or unlike what Jesus said?
4.
How do prayer and trials relate to each other?
Group 3: Faith
James 1:6–8
1.
How should a believer ask for wisdom?
2.
Describe a “double-minded” person.
3.
What are three reasons James gives for enduring hard knocks?
©
Shoe Leather Christianity : A Study of the Book of James (Auxano Press).

Shoe Leather Christianity: A Study of the Book of James
Before the Session
1.
Read week 2 of Shoe Leather Christianity: A Study of the Book of James.
Read “During
This Session” to prepare for this week’s session. Read the Scriptures referenced in this chapter.
2.
Before the session, enlist someone to introduce this session by telling about the relationship and conversation between Daniel Webster and Millard Fillmore. If you want to expand that introduction, suggest that the person enlisted go a Google search for
Millard Fillmore , Daniel Webster , God.
3.
Several hymns relate well to the focal text of this session: “Praise God, from Whom All
Blessings Flow” (The Doxology), James 1:17 ( cyberhymnal.org/htm/p/r/praisegf.htm
);
“Rejoice, Ye Pure in Heart,” James 1:27 ( www.hymnsite.com/lyrics/umh160.sht
); “It Is
Well with My Soul,” James 1:12
( library.timelesstruths.org/music/It_Is_Well_with_My_Soul ). These hymns could be used at various places throughout the session, perhaps starting with “The Doxology” at the beginning and ending with one of the other hymns. Or sing them as the related verses are discussed.
4.
Before the session, write on the board or on a large sheet of paper: Genuine Faith .
Provide markers or chalk to write around these words.
5.
Print the questions for small groups.
During This Session
1.
As participants arrive, call their attention to the words on the board or a large piece of paper: Genuine Faith . Invite each participant to write one word around these words that describes or is a quality of such faith.
2.
When everyone has arrived, call for the person enlisted to tell about the encounter between Millard Fillmore and Daniel Webster.
3.
After the introduction, say: This week we are going to learn more about the qualities of real faith.
4.
Direct participants to form four small groups. Give questions to each group to guide their discussions.
5.
Call for enlisted presenters to sit in front of the group like a panel. After each report, ask the questions for group discussion.
Real Faith and Humility
 How should Jesus’ humility impact our behavior?
Real Faith and Temptation

What kinds of temptations do believers face today?

How might our prosperity increase our lust?

Real Faith and Salvation
 How should God’s gift of salvation impact our behavior each day?
Real Faith and the Christian Life

What are examples of real faith being something we do and not just something we hear?
 What are examples of “moral pollution,” and how can we separate ourselves from it and still be known by our love?
6.
Review word studies and encourage participants to continue recording words on their sheets. Provide additional sheets as needed for participants to use as they prepare for the next session, “Christians Rendering the Royal Law.”
7.
Call attention to the verse For Memory and Meditation, James 1:25. Ask for any volunteers to quote it from memory.
8.
Close with a hymn or pray for participants to demonstrate real faith in the coming week.

Shoe Leather Christianity: A Study of the Book of James
Week 2 Group Assignments
Group 1: Real Faith and Humility
James 1:9–12
Use these questions in preparing your report:
1.
Explain humility and its role in the kingdom of God.
2.
What does the Bible say about Jesus’ humility?
3.
How are faith and humility related?
4.
Compare material abundance and spiritual riches.
5.
Define humble faith.
6.
Discuss the word approved.
Group 2: Real Faith and Temptation
James 1:13–16
Use these questions in preparing your report:
1.
How are sin and faith related?
2.
Whom do people blame for temptations? Whom should they blame? How did Adam set the precedent for this?
3.
What is lust?
4.
Discuss word studies from this section.
Group 3: Real Faith and Salvation
James 1:17–21
Use these questions in preparing your report:
1.
What is the source of all good things?
2.
Discuss brought and implanted.
Group 4: Real Faith and the Christian Life
James 1:22–27
Use these questions in preparing your report:
1.
What is “cheap belief”?
2.
How are hearing and doing connected?
3.
How are doing and obedience connected?
4.
Explain what Dr. Hunt means by this sentence: “For James there is a huge difference in reading a menu and eating a meal.”
5.
How are faith and love connected?
6.
Discuss the word unstained .
© Shoe Leather Christianity : A Study of the Book of James (Auxano Press).

Shoe Leather Christianity: A Study of the Book of James
Before the Session
1.
Read week 3 of Shoe Leather Christianity: A Study of the Book of James.
Read “During
This Session” to prepare for this week’s session. Read Scriptures referenced in this chapter.
2.
Prepare group assignment sheets.
3.
Display a paper crown and/or a picture of members of the British royal family that will be easily recognized.
4.
The hymn “Believers All, We Bear the Name” relates well to James 2:7 (hymn 399,
The
Baptist Hymnal , 1991).
During This Session
1.
Call attention to the crown and/or photographs you have displayed. Say: We don’t know much about being subjects to an earthly king or queen. But in this session we are going to learn about “the royal law.” Transition to the introduction to this week’s lesson.
2.
Direct participants to form four groups. Give groups their assignments and questions.
3.
After each report is given, ask these questions for group discussion:
The Folly of Favoritism
• How do believers today use their faith for personal advantage?
Identifying the Royal Law
• Is the royal law still relevant today? Why or why not? Give examples.
Unity of the Royal Law
• What Old Testament laws do people today—including Christians—seem to ignore?
The Law of Liberty
• To what action has Christ set us free? In other words, what are we to do because of the mercy He has extended to us?
4.
Spend a few minutes reviewing word studies and distributing sheets as needed.
5.
Draw attention to the verse For Memory and Meditation, James 2:1. Invite participants to read it in several translations. Challenge participants to continue to think about this verse and meditate on it, even as they turn their attention to next week’s session, “Faith and
Works vs. Faith without Works.”
6.
Close in prayer, thanking God for the royal law that runs throughout the Bible and praying that participants will put it into action in the coming week.

Shoe Leather Christianity: A Study of the Book of James
Week 3 Group Assignments
Group 1: The Folly of Favoritism
James 2:1–7
1.
Explain the meaning of “personal favoritism.”
2.
What example does James provide for this?
3.
Discuss the meaning of assembly .
4.
How are poverty and faith related?
5.
Explain “suffer shame” and how it relates to church behavior.
6.
What is the irony James describes?
Group 2: Identifying the Royal Law
James 2:8–9
1.
What is the royal law?
2.
Explain the distinction between important laws and significant laws.
3.
What is the Christian’s responsibility in keeping the law?
Group 3: Unity of the Royal Law
James 2:10–11
1.
How does unity relate to the royal law?
2.
What is the origin of faith?
3.
How do people receive salvation?
4.
How do salvation and works relate to each other?
Group 4: The Law of Liberty
James 2:12–13
1.
How are believers to speak and act?
2.
How are believers to be judged?
3.
How are we to relate judgment and mercy?
©
Shoe Leather Christianity : A Study of the Book of James (Auxano Press).

Shoe Leather Christianity: A Study of the Book of James
the
Before the Session
1.
Read week 4 of Shoe Leather Christianity: A Study of the Book of James.
Read “During
This Session” to prepare for this week’s session.
2.
Provide paper and pens or pencils. Write the word TRUST vertically on the board.
3.
Research the meaning of sanctification and be ready to explain it in the introduction and how it relates to what James is saying here.
4.
The hymn “Let Your Heart Be Broken” relates to James 2:17
(letyourheartbebroken.blogspot.com). Or consider starting the session with a familiar hymn or chorus about trust.
5.
Prepare group assignments.
During This Session
1.
As participants arrive, direct them to form three small groups. Give each group paper and a pen or pencil. Call their attention to the word TRUST on the board. Tell them to use the word as an acrostic. They are to write a word or sentence that begins with each of the letters. (To see an example of this that you may want to use or adapt, go to biblicalstrategies.com/downloads/Depending-on-the-Holy-Spirit-The-TRUST-
Acrostic.pdf.)
2.
After everyone has arrived and had opportunity to participate, ask the groups to share what they have written about trust.
3.
Transition to the introduction to this week’s study and talk about Spurgeon’s definition of faith and the way it relates to trust. Explain sanctification and its meaning in James.
4.
Give assignments to the three groups established when participants arrived.
5.
After each report is given, ask these questions for discussion to help participants apply what they are studying to their own lives today.
Worthless Faith
• What evidence can you give that your church demonstrates genuine faith?
Wicked Faith
• What evidence is there that some people today have wicked faith?
Worthy Faith
• How does this church give evidence of witnessing, winning, and working faith—a worthy faith?
6.
Explain the issues raised and the comments of the Reformers Martin Luther and John
Calvin as part of your conclusion. End by drawing attending to this week’s verse For
Memory and Meditation, James 2:26.
7.
Spend some time, if available, on the word studies.
8.
Close in prayer, asking for God’s help so all participants will have worthy faith.

Shoe Leather Christianity: A Study of the Book of James
Week 4 Group Assignments
Group 1: Worthless Faith
James 2:14–18
1.
What is worthless faith?
2.
What is genuine faith?
3.
What is dead faith?
Group 2: Wicked Faith
James 2:19–20
1.
Who has wicked faith?
2.
What is missing in wicked faith?
3.
Explain the word shudder .
4.
What is the evidence of genuine faith?
Group 3: Worthy Faith
James 2:21–26
[Note to group 3: Leave Martin Luther and John Calvin for the leader’s closing remarks.]
1.
What kind of faith is subbiblical?
2.
What is worthy faith?
3.
Who had worthy faith? Explain.
4.
Explain the word justify .
©
Shoe Leather Christianity : A Study of the Book of James (Auxano Press).

Shoe Leather Christianity: A Study of the Book of James
Before the Session
1.
Read week 5 of Shoe Leather Christianity: A Study of the Book of James.
Read “During
This Session” to prepare for this week’s session. Read Scriptures referenced in this chapter.
2.
Get a stone for each person. You can purchase a bag of small decorative stones at craft, hobby, home decorating, or gardening supply stores.
3.
One hymn to consider for this session is “Wonderful Words of Life”
(library.timelesstruths.org/music/Wonderful_Words_of_Life).
4.
Provide paper and pens or pencils.
5.
Prepare handouts for the four small groups.
During This Session
1.
As participants arrive, give each one a stone and direct them to form four small groups.
Tell them to think about their stone and feel the smooth surface of their stone. Instruct them to list as many things as possible that you can do with stones—not just these stones but any stones.
2.
After everyone has arrived and joined a group, ask the four groups to shout out things they listed that people can do with stones. When they are finished, point out that basically the things that can be done with stones fall into two groups: constructive and destructive.
You can use stones to build an altar or a home, but you can also use them to break windows and to hurt someone. Point out that words are like that too. They can build someone up, or they can tear somebody down.
3.
Give assignments to the four groups.
4.
Call for the groups to report.
5.
Affirm their work and lead a discussion about the use of words in contemporary society.
You may want to use questions like these:
• What trends do you see in language today? What do they reflect? What would James say about these trends? (For example, more use of profanity, casual use of God , etc.)
• What examples do you see in the world that words can be instructive/constructive or destructive?
6.
Review verses For Memory and Meditation to this point. Encourage members to continue thinking about and memorizing all the verses. Point out that if they do this faithfully, they will have added twelve verses to their memory banks by the end of this study.
7.
Encourage learners to study week 6.
8.
Affirm all the teachers in the group. Thank them for the responsibility they have accepted.
9.
Choose one of these activities: (1) Suggest that everyone take home their rocks and place them on their desks or dressers or put them in their pockets and let them be a reminder to use words to build up rather than to tear down. Or, (2) As participants exit the room, invite them to place them on the table, building a small altar, representing their

commitment to work this week on using words to inform, instruct, and construct rather than to destroy, harm, or tear down.
10.
Use Proverbs 19:14 as your closing prayer.

Shoe Leather Christianity: A Study of the Book of James
Week 5 Group Assignments
Group 1: Biblical Teacher: Positive Role but Precautionary Measures
James 3:1–2
1.
What is James’ warning to teachers?
2.
How did Jesus set the example as a teacher?
3.
What did Paul teach?
4.
What is the pastor’s role in teaching?
Group 2: Power of Words to Direct One’s Life
James 3:3–5a
1.
What images does James use?
2.
How do they relate to spoken words?
Group 3 : Power of Words to Destroy One’s Life
James 3:5b–8
1.
What power do words have?
2.
What analogy does James use?
3.
What does James think of the tongue’s place as a member of the body?
4.
What does James say about controlling the tongue?
Group 4: Power of Words to Disclose One’s Life
James 3:9–12
1.
What do you think James would say about “speaking out of both sides of your mouth”?
2.
What responsibility do we have to control our tongues and why do we have that responsibility?
©
Shoe Leather Christianity : A Study of the Book of James (Auxano Press).

Shoe Leather Christianity: A Study of the Book of James
Before the Session
1.
Read week 6 of Show Leather Christianity: A Study of the Book of James.
Read “During
This Session” to prepare for this week’s session. Read all Scriptures referenced in this chapter.
2.
Hymns you may like to sing this week include: “Take Time to Be Holy”
( library.timelesstruths.org/music/Take_Time_to_Be_Holy
), “Immortal, Invisible, God
Only Wise” ( www.hymnsite.com/lyrics/umh103.sht
), “Take My Life and Let It Be”
(library.timelesstruths.org/music/Take_My_Life_and_Let_It_Be/).
3.
Write on a large sheet of paper or poster board or in the middle of a chalkboard or whiteboard: Information Please!
Leave room to write around these words. Provide the appropriate writing instruments for the place you have written the words.
4.
Prepare group assignments.
5.
Prepare to close with an explanation of hypocrisy and authenticity. Read the Scriptures cited (Matt. 23:1–35) in preparation for this mini-lecture.
During This Session
1.
As participants arrive, direct them to write around the words Information Please!
sources of information in the world today. After everyone has arrived and the pace has slowed of writing new words, comment on some of the media sources listed. Ask: How do you determine whether a media source is reliable? Invite responses.
2.
Say: The topic from James that we’re exploring this week is wisdom. Ask: Do you know anyone who is wise? If so, please tell about them.
3.
Direct participants to form two groups. Give them their assignments.
4.
Call for a report from group 1 on “Developing a Heart to Nurture Wisdom.” Then ask:
Based on what James has to say in these two verses, what are the attributes of a person who is wise today?
5.
Introduce the next subhead, “Discerning Different Kinds of Wisdom,” and call for the report from group 2.
6.
Introduce “Wisdom from Above.” Invite participants to turn to this session in their books.
Enlist individuals to read one each the paragraphs that begin with a word in italics. After each paragraph is read aloud, ask these questions for group discussion:
Pure
• Is purity valued in the world today? If so, where?
Peaceable
• How do peace and wisdom relate in the world today?
Gentle
• Is gentleness valued in the world today? If so, where?

Reasonable
• When you think of someone who is wise, do you see them as more compliant or insistent on their way of thinking?
• Is a person who is compliant wishy-washy? Is a person who has an opinion and stands by it strong? Which person is wise?
Without Hypocrisy
• Is authenticity valued today? If so, where?
7.
Explain hypocrisy and what Jesus said about it.
8.
Invite members to report on their word studies. Provide additional sheets as needed.
9.
Invite members to say James 3:17, the verse For Memory and Meditation for week 6.
10.
Pray for God to give us wisdom to use in serving Him and relating to others.

Shoe Leather Christianity: A Study of the Book of James
Week 6 Group Assignments
Group 1: Developing a Heart to Nurture Wisdom
James 3:13–14
1.
What is “godly wisdom”? How do you get it?
2.
Who in the Bible is called “wise”?
3.
Explain the word wise .
4.
How does James say a person demonstrates wisdom?
5.
Explain the word bitter . What is the relationship between wisdom and bitterness?
6.
What other attitudes conflict with wisdom?
Group 2: Wisdom from Below
James 3:15–16
1.
What is wisdom from below?
2.
How can believers obtain God’s wisdom?
3.
What does the word natural mean here?
4.
What is spiritual wisdom?
©
Shoe Leather Christianity : A Study of the Book of James (Auxano Press).

Shoe Leather Christianity: A Study of the Book of James
Before the Session
1.
Read week 7 of Shoe Leather Christianity: A Study of the Book of James.
Read “During
This Session” to prepare for this week’s session. Read all Scriptures referenced in this chapter.
2.
A possible hymn is “Ask Ye What Great Think I Know”
(cyberhymnal.org/htm/a/s/askyewgt.htm). Or sing a hymn or chorus about prayer such as
“Just a Closer Walk with Thee”
(library.timelesstruths.org/music/Just_a_Closer_Walk_with_Thee/), “Precious Lord,
Take My Hand” ( www.hymntime.com/tch/htm/p/l/t/pltmhand.htm
), or “Spirit of the
Living God” (www.hymnary.org/text/spirit_of_the_living_god_fall_fresh).
3.
Be prepared to relate the introduction.
4.
Prepare group assignments.
During This Session
1.
As participants arrive, direct them to form four small groups. Tell groups to share with one another a story from their childhood about a time they asked for something and received it or a time when they really wanted something but never got it.
2.
When everyone arrives and joins a group, invite a few members to share their stories from childhood. Then tell the introduction to week 7.
3.
Distribute group assignments.
4.
After all of the reports are given, ask these questions for general discussion:
• What word studies did you see in this week’s lesson? Discuss and add to work sheets.
• What parallels do you see between the early church and the world we live in today?
5.
Call attention to James 4:2–3, this week’s verses For Memory and Meditation. Invite participants to read the verses together.
6.
Call for the group to share prayer concerns. Invite volunteers to voice prayers. Conclude the prayer by thanking God for the work of His Spirit within each believer.
7.
Close by singing “Spirit of the Living God” or another hymn or chorus about the Holy
Spirit.

Shoe Leather Christianity: A Study of the Book of James
Week 7 Group Assignments
Group 1: Desires that Control Us
James 4:1
1.
What does James say causes conflict in the church?
2.
What is the source of quarrels and conflicts?
3.
What makes personal desires questionable?
4.
How are internal struggles a heart issue?
5.
Should the Christian life be one of deprivation? Explain
Group 2: Desires that Contest Others
James 4:2
1.
What keeps people from being satisfied?
2.
What are some consequences of lust?
Group 3: Desires that Conceal Motives
James 4:3
1.
According to James, what are some purposes of prayer?
2.
Is what James said about prayer consistent with what Jesus said about prayer? Explain.
3.
Why are some prayers not answered?
Group 4: Damage from Corrupt Desires
James 4:4–6
1.
How had Christians in the early church become corrupt?
2.
What similarities do you see between what James wrote and what John wrote?
3.
What is the role of the Holy Spirit?
©
Shoe Leather Christianity : A Study of the Book of James (Auxano Press).

Shoe Leather Christianity: A Study of the Book of James
Before the Session
1.
Read week 8 of Shoe Leather Christianity: A Study of the Book of James.
Read “During
This Session” to prepare for this week’s session. Read all Scriptures referenced in this chapter.
2.
If your meeting room has Wi-Fi, tell members in advance to bring their smart phones or other handheld electronic devices. If your church does not have Wi-Fi, provide concordances or go to an online site such as Bible Gateway (www.biblegateway.com), and look for the words humble , humbly , humility , and meek . Print results. You may want to search using several translations.
3.
Be prepared to introduce this week’s study using the introduction from week 8, “Living
Humbly,” in Shoe Leather Christianity .
4.
Two hymns relate to James 4:8: “Just When I Need Him Most”
( cyberhymnal.org/htm/j/u/justwhen.htm
, and “Close to Thee”
( www.hymnsite.com/lyrics/umh407.sht
).
During This Session
1.
As participants arrive, direct them to form five small groups. If your church has Wi-Fi, direct them to search for verses in the Bible using these words humble , humbly , humility , and meek . You may assign different words or different translations or different parts of the Bible to each small group, or let all of them work on the general assignment. Tell them to find verses they want to share to enlighten James’s instruction to live humbly.
2.
After everyone has arrived, joined a group, and participated in the word search, invite groups to share verses they have found.
3.
Affirm the group’s work. Say: Let’s continue our study by seeing what James has to say about living humbly.
4.
Give the five small groups their assignments.
5.
Call for the five reports. Add comments as groups tell about the content for each part of this week’s chapter. As you move through the study, highlight word studies in each section.
6.
After all the groups have reported, lead a general discussion to apply the content to today by asking questions for discussion:
• Is humility a valued trait today?
• How do most people respond to the word submit ?
• What do you usually think of when you hear the word surrender ?
• What behaviors would be evident today if believers took seriously these words from
James?
7.
Invite the group to say together James 4:10, this week’s verse For Memory and
Meditation.

8.
Pray, first acknowledging sin and the need for forgiveness for all. Then, drawing from
Micah 6:8, pray that Christ followers today will do justice, love kindness, and walk humbly with God.

Shoe Leather Christianity: A Study of the Book of James
Week 8 Group Assignments
Group 1: Submit and Resist
James 4:7
1.
Where does humility begin?
2.
Explain submission to God.
3.
How does the world respond when people surrender themselves to God?
Group 2: Come Near and Be Cleansed
James 4:8
1.
Explain what James mean by “drawing near to God.”
2.
Why should believers seek to draw near to God?
3.
How is the need to purify oneself related to serving God?
Group 3: Be Miserable but Joyful
James 4:9
1.
Why are Christians to be miserable and to mourn and weep?
2.
What happens as a result?
Group 4: Be Humbled but Exalted
James 4:10
1.
Why does God humble believers?
2.
What kind of lifestyle is consistent with humbly surrendering to God?
3.
How should believers respond when they find themselves exalted?
Group 5: Humility Applied
James 4:11–12
1.
What specific actions was James calling the people to do?
2.
How were people responding to the law?
3.
What did James want them to do?
© Shoe Leather Christianity : A Study of the Book of James (Auxano Press).

Shoe Leather Christianity: A Study of the Book of James
Before the Session
1.
Read week 9 of Shoe Leather Christianity: A Study of the Book of James.
Read “During
This Session” to prepare for this week’s session. Read all Scriptures referenced in this chapter.
2.
Be prepared to introduce this week’s study using the introduction and additional information. You can learn more about James Hastings at www.ccel.org/ccel/hastings.
3.
Any hymn or chorus about following God would work in this session. Consider “Trust and Obey” ( www.hymnsite.com/lyrics/umh467.sht
), or “Trusting Jesus”
(library.timelesstruths.org/music/Trusting_Jesus).
4.
Prepare group assignments or enlist people to lecture about each section of this week’s lesson.
During This Session
1.
Set the room up for four groups. As participants arrive, direct them to join one of those four groups. Tell groups to discuss this topic: Where have you encountered God when you least expected it? (in nature, in another person, in a crisis, etc.)
2.
When everyone has arrived, joined a group, and had opportunity to join in discussing the question, invite volunteers to share their experiences.
3.
Tell about James Hastings, share his quote, and talk about the need for a daily walk with
Christ. As you make group assignments, say: We’ll continue our discussion by seeing what James has to say about our need for God and why we should never leave Him out of our life.
4.
Call for group reports. Ask groups to share word studies from each section. Encourage everyone to add to their word study work sheets.
5.
Ask questions to make this lesson applicable to people’s lives today:
• Do you think people today plan or go with the flow?
• How does this impact including God in their lives?
• What would happen if the church didn’t plan a budget or businesses didn’t plan ahead?
• How can planning increase or emphasize a believer’s walk with God?
6.
Invite the group to repeat with you James 4:17, this week’s verse For Memory and
Meditation.
7.
Share a personal experience of a time when you encountered God or felt His presence.
Point out that we should consider God in our planning and watch daily to see where He is at work in the world and where we can join Him in that work. We can’t program God, but we can prepare to meet Him daily.
8.
Close by praying for God’s guidance in all we do, including our plans for the future.

Shoe Leather Christianity: A Study of the Book of James
Week 9 Group Assignments
Group 1: Our Proceeding without God
James 4:13
1.
How does James draw on other biblical texts?
2.
Is James against planning? Explain.
3.
What are some fallacies people make when planning on their own, leaving God out of their plans?
4.
What long-term results related to God should people consider when they make plans?
Group 2: Our Presuming upon God
James 4:14
1.
How is planning an act of presuming on God?
2.
Other than fortune tellers, where to people turn for reassurance about the future?
3.
What evidence do you see in the world that the future remains unpredictable?
Group 3: Our Pretentions toward God
James 4:16–17
1.
Explain James’s use of the word boast .
2.
How do boasting, pretension, and sin relate?
3.
How can we avoid pretension?
Group 4: Our Planning under God
James 4:15
1.
What is the reality of planning with or without God?
2.
What are some principles for planning according to God’s will?
© Shoe Leather Christianity : A Study of the Book of James (Auxano Press).

Shoe Leather Christianity: A Study of the Book of James
Before the Session
1.
Read week 10 of Shoe Leather Christianity: A Study of the Book of James.
Read “During
This Session” to prepare for this week’s session. Read all Scriptures referenced in this chapter.
2.
As you prepare to introduce this week’s study, gather some interesting facts to share about American consumption and spending. You’ll find some interesting facts at money.howstuffworks.com/daily-us-consumption-for-12-items.htm#page=1 .
3.
Make two posters. On one write: $ 20 Years Ago , and on the other write: $ Today .
Modify the “20 years” if needed. The point is to discover ways people spend their money today that they didn’t twenty years ago, like Internet service or cell phones. On the “20 years ago” poster they are to list ways they spent money then that they no longer spend today. Provide felt-tip markers.
4.
Prepare group assignments or prepare to lecture or enlist people to lecture.
5.
Stewardship hymns relate well to this topic, such as “We Give Thee but Thine Own”
(www.hymnary.org/text/we_give_thee_but_thine_own).
During This Session
1.
As participants arrive, welcome them and invite them to write on the two posters. Say:
On the poster labeled “Today,” add items you spend money on today that you did not spend money on in the past. On the other poster, write things you once spent money on but no longer do.
2.
After everyone has had opportunity to add to the posters, observe what you see. There should be a lot more on the “Today” poster than the other one. We keep adding things that we depend on, like cell phones and computers, but we don’t leave off many of the things of the past. Perhaps most of the things people no longer spend money on are lifestage purchases. In the past they may have bought diapers or school supplies, but as children have grown, that is no longer the case.
3.
Point out that the United States is a consumer nation. Share some of the interesting facts you have found. Transition to the introduction for this week’s session.
4.
Direct participants to form three groups. Assign the three subtopics.
5.
Call for reports from the three small groups. Look at some of the colorful, imageproducing words James uses.
6.
Lead a discussion comparing James’s time with our own:
• Who is wealthy today?
• How is the situation James described the same today? How is it different?
• What should be our response, as believers, today? What are some specific examples of what we should do?
7.
Invite everyone to read together Luke 6:29, this week’s verse For Memory and
Meditation. Ask people to share a verse from this study they have memorized or used for meditation.

8.
Pray, thanking God for the riches He has provided and asking for guidance in the wise use of spending what we have received.

Shoe Leather Christianity: A Study of the Book of James
Week 10 Group Assignments
Group 1: Confronting the Wealthy
James 5:1
1.
Who was James addressing?
2.
Explain the words rich and plunge as James used them here.
3.
What is the goal of Christian stewardship?
4.
What is the threat to people who are wealthy?
Group 2: Determining Actual Wealth
James 5:2–3
1.
How does James describe the riches of the wealthy?
2.
How does people’s wealth condemn them?
3.
What light do other passages from the Bible offer to this subject?
Group 3: Pressing On to Good Works
James 5:4–6
1.
How were rich landowners treating their laborers?
2.
What is God’s response to such behavior?
3.
Describe the people’s self-indulgence.
4.
How should believers respond?
©
Shoe Leather Christianity : A Study of the Book of James (Auxano Press).

Shoe Leather Christianity: A Study of the Book of James
Before the Session
1.
Read week 11 of Shoe Leather Christianity: A Study of the Book of James.
Read “During
This Session” to prepare for this week’s session. Read all Scriptures referenced in this chapter.
2.
Prepare group discussion guides or prepare to lecture or enlist people to lecture and lead discussions.
3.
Prepare to introduce this week’s session.
4.
The chorus “Oh, How Good Is Christ the Lord”
( www.smallchurchmusic3.com/Lyrics/D04/S04780.php
) relates well to this week’s study.
During This Session
1.
As participants arrive, invite them to talk informally to one another about what they have learned from this study of the book of James.
2.
When everyone has arrived, introduce this week’s study. You may want to share a personal story about difficulty in being patient, perhaps a story about an impatient child or from childhood.
3.
Direct participants to form five small groups. Give them assignments to discuss the topics in this week’s lesson and prepare to report to the large group. After each group reports, ask them to give a contemporary application for their content. Open this part of the discussion to the entire group.
4.
Review word studies from this week’s lesson.
5.
Invite participants to join you in saying James 5:8, this week’s verse For Memory and
Meditation.
6.
Pray for participants to be patient and loving with one another.

Shoe Leather Christianity: A Study of the Book of James
Week 11 Group Assignments
Group 1: Be Patient
James 5:7–8a
1.
Explain the people’s need for patience.
2.
What does the characteristic of patience indicate about a person?
3.
Explain James’s illustration about patience.
Group 2: Be Strong
James 5:8b
1.
Explain the word strengthen .
2.
What is our source of strength? What other verses support this?
3.
What light do other passages from the Bible offer to this subject?
Group 3: Don’t Grumble
James 5:9
1.
How should believers respond to those who have wronged them? Why?
2.
Explain the New Testament meaning of complain .
3.
What did Jesus teach about judging others?
Group 4: Endure
James 5:10–11
1.
Explain James’s concept of endurance.
2.
How is Job a positive example here?
Group 5: Don’t Swear
James 5:12
1.
How does James echo the words of Jesus?
2.
What was James’s practical intent?
3.
What should believers do to convince others to believe what we say?
©
Shoe Leather Christianity : A Study of the Book of James (Auxano Press).

Shoe Leather Christianity: A Study of the Book of James
Before the Session
1.
Read week 12 of Shoe Leather Christianity: A Study of the Book of James.
Read “During
This Session” to prepare for this week’s session. Read all Scriptures referenced in this chapter.
2.
Prepare to introduce this unit of study.
3.
Consider hymns about prayer, such as: “Have Faith in God”
(www.hymnlyrics.org/newlyrics_h/have_faith_in_god.php), “Sweet Hour of Prayer”
( library.timelesstruths.org/music/Sweet_Hour_of_Prayer/ ), or “What a Friend We Have in Jesus” (www.hymnlyrics.org/mostpopularhymns/whatafriendwehaveinjesus.php).
4.
If you have someone in the group or in your church who is known as a prayer warrior, enlist that person to share how they came to practice prayer as they do and what prayer means in their life.
5.
Prepare group discussion guides or determine another way of presenting this material.
During This Session
1.
As participants arrive, ask them to write on the board the names of people (and their relationship) they ask to pray for them daily or in times of crisis. The same name can be listed by different people.
2.
Begin by observing the names people wrote on the board about requesting prayer. You’ll likely see ministers’ names, perhaps Sunday School teachers and deacons. You’ll see relatives. Ask if people have ever put a prayer request on Facebook or texted or e-mailed a prayer request to an individual or a group. Ask: Are there names you see several times because these people are considered to be prayer warriors? If so, talk about the characteristics of one who is known for being a pray-er or introduce the person you’ve enlisted who is a prayer warrior.
3.
Transition to the week 12 session and introduce it.
4.
Direct participants to form three groups.
5.
Call for reports from the three small groups.
6.
Review by asking times the early church prayed. List these on the board. Then ask when your church prays for these same concerns. Write the times (Wednesday evening, for example) beside the item on the original list. Are there types of concerns your church needs to pray for more regularly?
7.
Ask members to tell what they have learned from the word studies in this book. Identify participants to tell one word that has been meaningful to them.
8.
Invite volunteers to recite a verse they have memorized. If you have memorized a verse, say it now. Invite the group to read or say James 5:16 together, this week’s verse For
Memory and Meditation.
9.
If this is your last session of this study, thank participants for coming and for their faithfulness. If you are going to have a wrap-up session next week, announce your plans.

10.
Take prayer requests. Enlist several people to pray.

Shoe Leather Christianity: A Study of the Book of James
Week 12 Group Assignments
Group 1: Praying during Difficulty and Delight
James 5:13
1.
What does suffering mean?
2.
What should those who are suffering do?
3.
What do people do as an alternative to prayer? Why is prayer better?
4.
Why should we praise God? When should we praise God?
Group 2: Praying during Sickness and Sin
1.
What does James say the church should do when someone is sick?
2.
Explain the meaning of sick .
3.
Who are elders?
4.
What kind of restoration should we pray to receive?
5.
Explain the meaning of forgiven .
Group 3: Praying Sincerely and Earnestly
1.
What kind of prayer is indicated here?
2.
What does confess mean?
3.
What is the outcome of proper prayer?
4.
How is Elijah a good example for us regarding prayer?
5.
How are prayer and church health connected?
© Shoe Leather Christianity : A Study of the Book of James (Auxano Press).

Shoe Leather Christianity: A Study of the Book of James
Before the Session
1.
In one room set up chairs facing four corners with a table in each corner. Place a candle on each table. Make four signs to put on the wall in each corner: My Church,
My Friends and Family, My Nation and the World, My Community. Set up equipment to place softly religious instrumental music.
2.
In another room set up light refreshments.
During This Session
1.
As participants arrive, invite them to move through the four stations of the prayer room and then to join everyone for fellowship and refreshments.
2.
Thank people for their faithfulness. Encourage them to visit with one another and, perhaps, to discuss something they learned from their study of the book of James.