1. "God helps those who help themselves" is the very opposite message of the good news Jesus told. Why do you think the phrase is so popular? What are people trying to communicate when they use the phrase? How does our passage today from the book of James correct this statement?
2. How does James 4:4 cause you to understand the severity of your sin? In what ways does the marriage/adultery metaphor help you understand God's unconditional love for his people?
3. Mediate on the incredible truth in James 4:6. Why would this statement be important for you to hear today? In what specific way could you communicate this truth to someone else?
4. How does James 4:8-9 give clarity to what repentance really looks like? Use this understanding to write a prayer of repentance and share it with someone else.
Grace for the Humble
May 7, 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?