1. Think about your words about others. Are there ways in which - even with good intentions - you are speaking against others? How can the reminder of God being the one judge who can destroy and save motivate you to guard what you say about others?
2. Are things that you are doing right now in your life that reflect plans or goals that you have made? How has God been in view in this planning? Is there any way in which he has not been in view? Consider the aspect of God's character that we can never attain -- his omnipotence (all power) and his omniscience (all knowing). How does the understanding of this change the way you see your plans?
3. Read Psalm 90. We considered verse 12 and how the understanding of the fragility of our lives gives us true wisdom. Consider some of the other parts of this prayer. How is Moses honestly coming to God? How is he reminding himself of who God is? What does he pray for? With this prayer as an example, take a moment to write down a few statements of a prayer for your life right now and share it with someone else.
Forgetting God
May 14, 2017 • Russ Miller
Joy In Trials
February 19, 2017 • Russ Miller
Follow-Up Questions: Small group, personal reflection, and table talk... 1. James mentions wealth as something that we could potentially put our trust in. What kinds of things do you tend to trust in and rely on for security and well being other than God? In what ways is relying on God more wise than trusting in those things? 2. Where do you lack wisdom? Where might you be most tempted to be "wise in your own eyes? Who has God put in your life to give you wisdom?" Follow the command of James 1:5 and ask for wisdom. 3. What trial are you currently experiencing? What would it look like for you to "count it all joy" in the midst of that trial? In what ways can you currently see God maturing you and strengthening your faith through this process? How does this knowledge encourage you?
Temptation and Sin
February 26, 2017 • Russ Miller
Follow-Up Questions 1. What is a recent excuse you have used to explain your sin? How does James 1:14 challenge your understanding of the root of that sin? How is your desire at the root of that failure? 2. Consider the following template that you can use to apply truth to your life and turn towards a greater affection: - What lie do I need to turn from? - What truth do I need to turn toward? - Who do I need to hear truth from? God is GREAT- so we do not have to be in control. (Psalm 27) God is GLORIOUS- so we do not have to fear others. (Psalm 31) God is GOOD- so we do not have to look elsewhere. (Psalm 84) God is GRACIOUS- so we do not have to prove ourselves. (Psalm 103)
Hearing and Doing
March 5, 2017 • Russ Miller
1. Why is it important in vs. 19 that James is addressing "beloved brothers (and sisters)"? What does verse 18 tell us about how the people he was writing to became Christians? Why is the new brith necessary to fulfill the command to be doers of the word? 2. What kind of mindset does it take to receive the word of God? How would being slow to hear, quick to speak, and quick to be angry hinder the word from taking root in someone's heart? Is there a way in which you hearing God's word has been hindered because you did not approach him with humility? 3. Consider these two questions and apply to your life right now. Discuss with another brother or sister in Christ: a.) What is God saying to you? b.) What are you going to do about it? 4. How did those two questions challenge you to put into practice the challenges found in today's passage? How can you continue to practice this discipline of hearing and doing?