Reality Check: My Way
James 4:1-12
Connect:
Share how you have seen God in the Highs and Lows of your week.
Discuss how resolutions made last week in “growing more like Jesus” worked themselves out – what God did in and through you (Phil. 2:13) Celebrate and thank God for those together and pray with those who experienced some “Lows” this week, for God’s encouragement for them.
Prayer:
Pray that God would lead your discussion time and bring fresh insight, conviction, and hope through your time together.
Review:
We are launching into a new series on the book of James and how we can be challenged to examine the authenticity of our faith! We have looked at navigating trials and temptations, turning faith into action( e.g. not playing favorites) and acting wisely. This week we are looking at choosing “who gets their way” in our lives!
The Grand Tour of the message: Thinking back on what you heard this Sunday…
o What did you learn about God?
o What did you learn about people?
o What did you learn about yourself?
o What do you want to commit to putting into practice?
Reflect:
Describe a time you REALLY wanted something, but God chose not to provide it. How did you deal with that?
Read James 4:1-2
o How do we ask with right motives? (1 John 5:14-15, Matthew 6:31-33, Romans 12:2)
Read James 4:5-6
o To whom does God give 'more grace'? (2 Corinthians 9:8-11 and 12:7-10, Proverbs 3:34, 1 Peter 5:5-7)
Read James 4:7
o How are we to resist the devil? (1 Peter 5:8-10, Ephesians 4:26 -27, and 6:10-16, Matthew 4:1-11)
Read James 4:8-10
o To what does godly grief lead? (2 Corinthians 7:8-10, Acts 2:36-39, Luke 3:8-14)
Read James 4:11-12
o What is the difference between judging and discerning sin? (Matthew 7:1-2, Romans 2:1-4, Ezekiel 34:20-22, Galatians 6:1-3)
o Why are we not able to judge our neighbor? (Psalm 98:9, Romans 14:4 and 13, 1 Samuel 16:7)
Respond:
Pastor Scott ended the message this week reminding us that “God never turns His back on those who turn their face toward Him.” Spend some time thanking God that He has promised never to leave or forsake us, and entrust to Him the things you are concerned about right now. “Cast your burdens on Him— He cares for you!”
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