James 4:1-10

Grow:

• Explore how “desire” appears throughout scripture. What do these verses reveal about our “desires”?

• Reflect on a recent conflict or frustration. What did you want? How did unfulfilled desire contribute to your response?

Share:

• What would it look like for you to practically “draw near to God” this week rather than just trying harder to fix your circumstances?

• Where is God calling you to respond differently because of James’ teaching? What step do you need to take to align your desires with God?

Connect:

• How do our desires affect the way we treat God, our spouse, children, coworkers, friends, church family? What needs to change?

• James offers very practical ways to repent: submit to God. Resist the devil. Draw near to God. Cleanse your hands. Purify your hearts. Humble yourself. Where is God calling you to repent? Why?

• Read James 4:11-17 together to prepare for next week’s sermon.

James 3:13-18

Grow:

• For additional insight into wisdom, consider this article.

• When you think of wisdom, what kind of person comes to mind? What traits make someone wise? Journal your thoughts.

Share:

• Think about your family, marriage, friendships, work, finances, social media, etc. Where do you have the greatest opportunity to practice wisdom from above today?

• If God’s wisdom really is the way that leads to life and flourishing, what is one thing you need to stop doing, start doing, or surrender to God this week?

Connect:

• Why can false wisdom sometimes look like wisdom? What makes the world’s way of living so appealing?

• What is one situation you’re facing right now where you need to choose between the world’s wisdom and God’s wisdom? What will choosing God’s way require of you? Share then pray for these situations.

• Explore James 4:1-10 together to prepare for next week’s sermon.

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.