James 3:1-12

Grow:

• Watch this BibleProject video to recall the context for this passage in James.

• When you’re angry, frustrated, tired, or stressed what do your words reveal about what is happening inside of you? Journal your thoughts.

Share:

• What speech do you need to “put off” this week? (gossip, complaining, anger, sarcasm, boasting, criticism, thoughtless words). Who most needs to see this change in you?

• Has your tongue been a source of both blessing and cursing? Ask the Lord to reveal those you need to apologize to, encourage, forgive, or speak truth to today.

Connect:

• What tends to be more difficult for you: controlling what you say, how you say it, or when you say it? Why do you think that is?

• Our words reveal our hearts. Share what you need to invite Jesus to transform in your speech and in your heart. Then pray for one another.

• Explore James 3:13-18 together to prepare for next week’s sermon.

James 2:14-26

Grow:

• To explore further the difference between living and dead faith, check out this article.

• Which of these “faith fallacies” tempt you? Why? (Faith is merely mental agreement, Faith requires throwing reason of the window, Faith is primarily about getting to heaven someday).

Share:

• Where is Jesus currently inviting you to move from simply believing something about him to actually acting on that belief?

• Who has a need you’ve noticed but haven’t done anything about? What would it look like to move from words to action?

Connect:

• Abraham and Rahab both acted on faith, though the circumstances were very different. What do these examples teach us about what genuine faith looks like?

• How does the gospel guard us both from working to earn God’s acceptance and claiming faith but not allowing it to change our lives?

• Explore James 3:1-12 together to prepare for next week’s sermon.

James 2:1-13

Grow:

• The solution to favoritism is learning to love everyone. Learn more about Biblical love in this video.

• C.S. Lewis said, “There are no ordinary people.” How can seeing every person as an image-bearer of God help us guard against treating others as insignificant? Journal your thoughts.

Share:

• Who do you often look down on, overlook, or avoid? Why? What practical ways can you care for their well-being this week?

• If favoritism and faith don’t fit together, in what area of your life might God be asking you to repent and begin seeing people from His perspective?

Connect:

• The gospel reminds us we came to God spiritually impoverished with nothing to offer. How should this shape the way we treat others?

• If someone watched how you treated people this past week, what would they conclude about who you value? What would you like to be different going forward? Pray these desires for one another.

• Explore James 2:14-26 together to prepare for next week’s sermon.

James 1:19-27

Grow:

• Interested in learning more about the book of James? Check out this article.

• Which of these three (quick to listen, slow to speak, slow to become angry) is most challenging for you? Why do you think that is? Write out your reflections.

Share:

• What one practical step would help you to become a better listener, both towards God and others?

• If God’s word is like a mirror, what is it revealing that needs to change in your life? How can you act on that today?

Connect:

• Why is our speech such an important indicator of genuine faith? What does your speech indicate about your faith right now?

• What steps can we take together to notice, serve, or advocate for vulnerable or overlooked people in our community?

• Explore James 2:1-13 together to prepare for next week’s sermon.