Living by the Book/Living by the Book Workbook Set (149 page)

N
ow that you’ve done a chapter-by-chapter examination of the book of James, read straight through again. As you do, make a note of things that are repeated. Look for terms, phrases, and clauses that keep coming up. What incidents or circumstances are noted more than once? Can you find any patterns or parallels that show up in different places? How about Old Testament passages repeated in the New Testament text? (You should find four or five.)

Read slowly and carefully, and list your findings below.

R
ead the book of James looking for things that are true to life. Remember that you’re still in the Observation stage. You need not concern yourself yet with Interpretation or Application. Simply list the things that seem to reflect your own life experiences.

(By the way, James should be one of the easiest parts of the Bible for this activity. It is filled with good, practical advice for everyday living. Very little Interpretation is needed because the instructions are straightforward and clear. If anyone complains that the Bible is too hard to understand because of all the theological content, suggest that he or she start a study in James.)