Reality Check: Wait for it
James 5:7-12
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 the art of ‘waiting’…
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:
Talk about a time in your life where “faithfulness” meant simply enduring what was happening and continuing to look to God in hope— waiting for Him to do what only He can do.
Read James 5:7-8
o What enables us to 'establish our hearts' so that we can wait patiently for the Lord to answer our prayers? (1 John 5:14-15, Psalm 145:18-19, Isaiah 65:24, )
Read James 5:9
o Why does grumbling against each other displease the Lord? (Philippians 2:14-16, Exodus 16:2-8, 1 Corinthians 10:9-13, 1 Peter 4:8-90-
Read James 5:10-11
o What helped Job, and helps us, to steadfastly seek God's answer in the midst of suffering? (Job 1:20-22 and 2:9-10 & 19:25-27, Luke 18:1-8, 2 Corinthians 12:7-10,)
o How can God's family be more helpful to those who are suffering than Job's 'miserable comforters' !? (Job 16:1-5, 2 Corinthians 1:3-7, Romans 12:15, Isaiah 50:4,)
o How does focusing on the truth of God's compassion and mercy help us to endure patiently? (Psalm 103:2-14, Psalm 23, Ezekiel 34:11-16, Luke 15:1-7,)
Read James 5:12
o Why does Scripture say "above all.....do not swear.....so that we may not fall under condemnation?" (Exodus 20:7, Leviticus 19:12, Matthew 5:33-37)
o How is it a powerful witness of God 's character to become those known to speak the truth, letting our 'yes' be yes and our 'no' be no? (John 1:14,14:6 &16:13-14, Ephesians 4:15-16,)
Respond:
Gary ended the message this week with the reminder that we can look forward to Jesus’ return! Hope needs an anchor point, something that we are looking forward TO, and this is our firm hope! Spend some time this evening sharing about and praying into areas where we need endurance, and encourage each other in prayer as you remember that Jesus is coming back!
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