James
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?
Orphans and Widows
March 12, 2017 • Russ Miller
1. Do you ever confuse knowledge of God’s word with obedience to God’s word? Where have you seen this to be true? 2. Of the three areas of pure religion highlighted in this passage, which one did you MOST need to be reminded of? Why? What is one action step that you could take over the next two weeks to walk in obedience? 3. Spend some time meditating on 1 Peter 1:13-25. The word "spotless" in describing Christ is the same word translated "unstained" from our passage in James. How does this passage in 1 Peter expound on the call to religious purity in James 1? How does a vision of Christ's work on our behalf compel us to action on behalf of others?
Mercy Triumphs Over Judgement
March 19, 2017 • Russ Miller
Table Discussion: 1. Are there areas in your life where you are obeying God's law in one way while using it as an excuse for ignoring God's commands in another area of life? 2. What challenges you about James' (and Jesus') teaching about the rich and poor? Who in your life is a faithful example of living out the commands in this passage? What is it about their life that is exemplary? 3. In what specific way(s) does the statement "mercy triumphs over judgement" strengthen you? How can this understanding fuel your actions towards others to be more merciful?
Faith That Works
March 26, 2017 • Russ Miller
1. What evidence is there that your faith is not merely “sentimental”? What evidence is there that your faith is not merely a mental ascent to truth? 2. “We are saved by faith alone but not by a faith that REMAINS alone.” This statement sums up the distinct way that James is discussing justification verses Paul in Romans 3-4. What other words could you use to communicate this concept? 3. In what ways do you find yourself drawn to the law – captivated by the ability to please others, yourself, or God by doing enough of the right actions? Read Psalm 27. What statements does David make that remind you that – like Abraham – he was a friend of God and that he trusted Him? How can this understanding of friendship with God propel us to rest in Christ’s righteousness rather than “work for it"? 4. In what ways are you specifically challenged by the example of caring for the needs of people around you instead of dismissing them? In what situations are you easily prone to be dismissive instead of giving? What practical step could you take in the next two weeks to both be more aware of needs around you and look to meet them?
The Tongue Of Those Who Teach
April 2, 2017 • Russ Miller
1. What teachers have most affected your life? What is it about their words were powerful? 2. Have you had a teacher who hurt you or spoke discouraging words to you? James 3:1-2 makes it clear that every teacher will be judged by their actions and that all of us stumble in many ways (we have all sinned and fall short of the glory of God - Rom. 3:23). How does your understanding of these 2 truths allow you to respond with grace and humility rather than bitterness and judgement? 3. For teachers or people who desire to be teachers: Read 1 Timothy 1:3-7. In what ways can you identify with the warnings of this passage? What does it practically look like for you to pursue the admonition found in 1:5?
The Power of Words
April 9, 2017 • Russ Miller
How do James' words here prompt and shape your reflection on what you have said to others in the last few days? What did you find most challenging about these verses? We often try to motivate ourselves with pride (ie. "You shouldn't gossip because no one wants to be the friend of someone who gossips"). How does James' reminder that those we are cursing are "made in the likeness of God" frame our sin? How does it call us to worship? Read Ephesians 5:15-21. What elements of this passage involve using words? What does it look like to practically walk out these commands? How could you do that this week?
Wisdom From Above
April 16, 2017 • Russ Miller
Where are you most tempted to be "wise in your own eyes"? What would it look like for you to apply the wisdom of Proverbs 12:15? Read Proverbs 2. What does it say about the actions that we are to take? What actions does it say God takes on our behalf? How can understanding his nature fuel our desire for wisdom? Review the list of attributes of Godly wisdom in James 3:17. Where have you seen these exhibited in the lives of wise people that you know? Where are they present in your life? Ask God to give you his wisdom (James 1:5)
Grace for the Humble
May 7, 2017 • Russ Miller
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.
Forgetting God
May 14, 2017 • Russ Miller
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.
Patience
May 28, 2017 • Russ Miller
1.) In what ways does Christ’s return to judge and make all things new change our view of suffering right now? In what ways is it difficult to keep this in view? How does this view change the way that we live right now? 2.) Consider some key verses from the story of Job: 1:21, 2:9-10, 16:19-21, 19:25-27. In what ways does his story challenge us? What aspects of Job’s life is James hoping his readers will imitate? 3.) Consider where you have grumbled against others. Read Psalm 103:8. In what ways has God been patient and compassionate to you? How does this understanding change the way you see the person you are frustrated with? 4.) In what ways can you apply 1 Thessalonians 5:14 this week?