James
Faith Risks
March 19, 2023 • Stu Fuhlendorf • James 2:25–26
Faith Risks James 2:25-26 As an example of faith and a recipient of undeserved, scandalous grace, Rahab feared the sovereign God and risked everything for the spread of His glory. Questions to Consider: How does the free nature of God’s grace give us hope as we encounter people from all different walks of life? Explain why Rahab’s actions didn’t earn her favor with God. What does risking it all look like in your life? If justification is by faith alone, how do our works factor into the day of judgment? How does focusing on trusting on the basis of our justification free us and motivate us to do good works?
Faith Sacrafices
March 12, 2023 • Stu Fuhlendorf • James 2:20–24
Faith that saves for Christians always produces good works and is based on God’s saving work in Jesus Christ – solus Christus. Questions to Consider: How would you respond to someone who says the Bible is full of contradictions? What’s the difference between dead faith and living faith? What’s the danger of leaving the gospel out of a discussion on the works God requires? What is the basis of your salvation and why is it so crucial to know this truth? What passages in the Bible would you point to understand the kind of fruit God expects from His people?
Faith Acts
March 5, 2023 • Stu Fuhlendorf • James 2:14–19
Faith Acts James 2:14-19 True faith in the hearts of Christians is evident in the fruits of the spirit in our lives. Questions to Consider: How would you define Biblical faith to an unbeliever? If the most mature Christians are not sinless, how can we hope to meet James’s standard in this passage? Why is it so confusing for so many people to understand the difference between doing a "good work" as a means of salvation and doing a "good work" as evidence of salvation? How is mere intellectual assent to understanding who Jesus is similar to demonic faith? If God is the one who produces spiritual fruit in our lives through the Holy Spirit, what role do we play in pursuing greater maturity in the faith?
Faith Loves
February 26, 2023 • Stu Fuhlendorf • James 1:26—2:13
Faith Loves James 1:26-2:13 True relationship with Jesus must include controlled speech, sacrificial care for those in need, and clear separation from the world, all as a manifestation of faith expressing itself through love. Questions to Consider: Name some specific ways our Christian culture has twisted the message of New Testament Christianity. What is the difference between Christian “religion” and all other forms of religion? What are some ways you have shown favoritism – even unintentionally – to those in your circle of influence? How have you seen favoritism play out in churches? Why does showing mercy depend on receiving mercy, and how does the message of the Gospel fit into this understanding? List some ways James’s teaching mirrors the ministry and teaching of Jesus in the Gospels.
Faith Obeys
February 19, 2023 • James 1:19–25
Faith Obeys James 1:19-25 As Christians, we are to follow Christ by receiving God’s Word humbly, remembering it continuously, and obeying it wholeheartedly. Questions to Consider: What role should God’s Word play in our pursuit of Christlikeness? Explain this statement: “the Word that requires obedience empowers obedience.” Can you think of people you know who profess to follow Christ Jesus but show no evidence of being saved? How can you grow in this area? List some areas of your life where you’ve said you’re willing to obey but you’re not actively obeying. How is James’s call for obedience different from an attempt to earn a right standing before God? How would you define works-righteousness?
Faith Preservers
February 12, 2023 • Stu Fuhlendorf • James 1:1–18
February 12 starting 90week series on book of James Faith Perseveres James 1:1-18 God’s hand moves us into and out of trials, tribulations, and temptations. These are inevitable and He intends these situations to deepen our faith. Questions to Consider: How do unbelievers you know attempt to make it through life’s painful circumstances? How do you persevere through such times? If true faith perseveres to the end, how is this not a way of earning your salvation? Explain how believing in God’s sovereignty through our trials and tribulations as Christians are crucial to persevering faith. Since God is sovereign, does this mean that we are not at fault when we give in to sin? If someone slides away and has no interest in being a Christian due to a tribulation, what should we conclude about that person’s faith? How would you counsel that person?