Read James 1:22-25.

1. Think back to the first week of this series, when we found ourselves in the throne room of God. How did it make you feel to think about the magnificence and grandeur of God that day? Here we are 11 weeks later, is that feeling the same/as strong? If not, what does that tell us about ourselves?

2. Chan says regarding our faith lives that, “We often have ‘aha!’ moments but don’t act.” What does he mean by that? Has that ever happened to you?

3. James says that we deceive ourselves when we merely listen to the Word but don’t do what it says. How are we deceiving ourselves? How might we also be deceiving others?

4. In what ways were the religious leaders (Pharisees) guilty of such deception? (Hint: see Matthew 23:2-3)

5. Pastor Mick said that “good works are actually less about what we do, and more about who we are.” What did he mean by that? Do you agree? Why/why not?

6. Chan reminds us that we’ll all stand before God someday, and He’ll ask us, “What did you do with what I gave you?” Are you confident with what your answer will be? If not, what needs to change?

7. Chan says, “Trying harder doesn’t work for me.” Pastor Mick discussed this in terms of effort vs. giftedness, using an example from the movie “The Blind Side.” What does all of this mean to you? How might it impact the way you share your gifts?

8. The Commitment Card reminds us of our membership covenant to faithfully participate in the ministries of the church by our prayers, our presence, our gifts, our service and our witness. What does this mean to you? How are you doing with this covenant? What needs to change, if anything?

Prayer for the Week:
Almighty God, thank you for your Word and the gifts you have given each and every one of us. Help us to use these gifts to actually do what your Word says. Remind us that we are blessed to be a blessing to others. Help us to rely less on our own human strength and effort and instead share our gifts through the power of the Holy Spirit. Help us to truly be your good and faithful servants in every way. We pray all of this in the strong name of Jesus, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.