Reluctant Followers: Judge and Jury

When we judge inappropriately, we actually turn the spotlight away from others and places it full
force onto us. Every time we are wrongly critical, falsely condemning, legalistic and judgmental, we are saying, “My way is better than God’s way!” But God always has the last word. His judgment, unlike ours, is trustworthy and will always, in every situation, be utterly righteous.. 

Open: Have you either caused or been a victim of an attack of gossip, slander, or condescending remarks? How did you feel? What did it do to you or the other person? What did you learn?

Read: James 4; Leviticus 19:16-18; Matthew 7:1-5; 15:18-19; 1 Corinthians 6:2

Discuss:

1. In what ways do you see slander as a major problem in our world today? Is judgment good or bad? In what ways do we need to judge? In what ways do our judgments tend to go wrong? Where is the line between being biblically discerning versus being overly critical? If you confront someone in sin or error and he says, “You’re being judgmental,” how would you respond?

2. What caused James’ audience to slander? Why is slander such a struggle in our communities and churches today? Have you ever heard the phrase, “Judgment is easier than mercy”? What does this statement mean? Is it true?

3. James uses the law as proof that slander is wrong. How do both the Old Testament Law and the Law of Love demonstrate the faultiness of slander? What happens when we take the place of God as the judge?

4. How are these negative judgments and slander actually against yourself? What do false allegations, gossip, and slander do to the church? How is this attractive to other Christians or to non-Christians? What do these behaviors really do to the Kingdom of God?

5. What can you do to help prevent yourself from being judgmental, critical, comparing others to you or your ideas, gossiping, or crafting the well placed put-down. What steps would help? How can you go to someone privately with constructive criticism in love, and offer gentle, humble criticism and help that would uplift him or her? Pray that you would look at people through the eyes of God.

Pray: Pray that you would be careful to know when, where, and how to have healthy conversations about others.

Memorize/Meditate: Do not speak evil against one another, brothers. The one who speaks against a brother or judges his brother, speaks evil against the law and judges the law. James 4:11

Reluctant Followers: Outward Victory...Inward Loss

Conflict is inevitable. Most of the time conflicts center on people. But people aren’t the problem; they only reveal the problem. Actually, our conflicts have a deeper foe, God. Within most personal conflicts, we are actually trading the greater victory God has already accomplished for us for the small victories of selfish desires. - Pastor Dave

Open: Describe a time you experienced difficult conflict: How did you handle it? What was the conclusion?

Read: James 4:1-10; John 17:20-21; Romans 12

Discuss:

1. What have been some of the biggest conflicts in your life? Why? In what ways does our individualistic society cause conflict instead of helping get rid of conflict? In what ways do we have a tendency to blame others for every conflict? How is this seen in the Christian world? Is the following statement true, “Being a Christian actually opens us up to more conflict, because we don’t have a label that says, ‘This is our type of people.’ In essence, because Christianity doesn’t exclude people, it involves moments of conflict.” Explain:

2. What was creating conflict in James’ context? What does James describe as the initiator of conflict? Are desires, pleasures, and pursuits naturally wrong? How do they become harmful when it comes to our relationships? What types of desires does James describe?

3. What does it mean that God “yearns jealously” over us? How is this different than our jealousy? How should this be our greatest challenge and yet our greatest comfort?

4. How does grace help us to confront our areas of conflict? What does it mean to humble ourselves and receive grace? Describe how grace reminds us of the victory over the conflicts on earth:

5. Describe the process of humility through the commands of James 4:7-10: Which one stands out to you the most? How does this demonstrate victory through surrender? How does knowing that we have victory in Christ release us from having to win every earthly conflict?

 Pray: Pray that you would experience and submit to God’s grace in your relationships and community.

Memorize/Meditate: But he gives more grace. Therefore it says, “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.” James 4:6

Reluctant Followers: A Christian's Response to a Culture of Corruption

From the most prominent to the most downtrodden, corruption can be found in every corner of culture. How can we as Christians live effectively in a culture of corruption? Only by grounding our worldview on wisdom that is centered on God’s purpose and glory. -Pastor Dave

Open: Describe a time you needed wisdom: What was the outcome?

Read: James 3; Deuteronomy 4:6; Psalm 11:3; Proverbs 3:13-18; 4:5-8; Colossians 2:2-4

Discuss:

1. Describe some of the issues that the early church faced: Make a list of the issues facing the church in our day: How do you see a culture of corruption in our world today? What makes Christianity so difficult to live in our world today? How does this relate to the audience James is writing to?

2. Define Biblical wisdom: How is wisdom an anecdote to live godly in a culture of corruption? What are the differences between knowledge and wisdom?

3. Define the term “worldview”: How is our worldview shaped by what we believe about origins and destiny? How does wisdom give life to our “worldview”?

4. Describe “worldly” wisdom: What does it mean that worldly wisdom is earthly, unspiritual, and demonic? How do you see worldly wisdom lived out today? How does jealousy and selfish ambition exude from worldly wisdom?

5. What does godly wisdom produce in our lives? Which of the characteristics listed in vs. 17 are the most difficult to live? How do these characteristics help us live differently in a culture of corruption? James ends this section with a parable (vs. 18). Describe the point of this parable: What are the areas of your life where you need godly wisdom?

Pray: Pray that your worldview would reflect God’s wisdom.

 Memorize/Meditate: Who is wise and understanding among you? By his good conduct let him show his works in the meekness of wisdom. James 3:13

 

Reluctant Followers: Big Mouth

The little instrument we call the tongue has enormous power. It has the ability to create and destroy; heal or crush; build up or tear down. Why? Because words are an indicator of our hearts; our faith. We have never spoken a word that has not first been ruled by our hearts. That’s why Christ goes after our hearts through our words. So, if we can change the declaration of our lips, we will change the direction of our hearts. -Pastor Dave

Open: Describe a time you said something you wish you could have taken back.

Read: James 3:1-2; Proverbs 12:18; 15:4; 18:21; Matthew 15:11,17-18; 12:36

Discuss:

1. In what ways would we be considered “talkish” people? How are our words a key indicator of our faith? You have heard it said, “Sticks and stones will break our bones, but words will never hurt me!” Is this a true statement? Why or why not? How have you seen words build up and tear down?

2. How do words reveal the heart? Why does James begin chapter 3 by talking to “teachers”? How is our accountability based upon our influence? In what ways do you struggle with your words?

3. James gives multiple illustrations for the power of the tongue. Which one stands out to you most? How can such a little member of the body have so much power? If the tongue is humanly untamable, how can it be controlled?

4. As you read James 3:9-12, how is the tongue remarkably conflicted? In what ways can we honor Christ with our tongues? Honor others? List some ways that our words can demonstrate our faith.

Pray: Pray that your words will reflect your faith in Christ and that Christ would change your heart in the areas where your words may need more grace.

Memorize/Meditate: “Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruits.” Proverbs 18:21 

Reluctant Followers: Faith Works

Faith never has more power than its object. Our faith has power only because it’s connected to Christ as its object. This means that our faith is not saving us; our faith is trusting in Christ who is saving us. As a result, genuine faith will result in visible action. Real faith will produce Christlike works. -Pastor Dave

Open: Describe a time you believed you should do something, but didn’t and regretted it.

Read: James 2; Galatians 2:16; Ephesians 2:8-10; Matthew 15:7-8; Genesis 22; Joshua 2 1.

Discuss:

1. Describe the religious background of the Jews in the first century: How did their view of the law affect their newfound faith in Christ? How did (and still does) the pressure to conform cause us to be reluctant in our faith? Have you seen Christians who profess belief in Christ but don’t live like Christ?

2. If you read James 2:14-26, it would seem that James is contradicting Paul concerning faith and works. How are they actually complimenting each other? How are they fighting two different angles of faith? The Reformer, Martin Luther, said “Faith alone saves, but the faith that saves is never alone.” Describe what this means.

3. James describes three different types of faith: dead, deficient, and demonstrated. What unique characteristics are found in each and what illustrations does James use to demonstrate how they are lived out? Is it true that the presence of good works doesn’t prove the presence of faith, but the absence of good works proves the absence of faith? Why or why not?

4. James equates faith that is mere head knowledge as demonic. In what ways have you noticed faith in the form of knowledge and not impact? Why is this dangerous for Christianity? Is knowledge important?

5. What are you doing right now that requires faith? What areas of your life require more action? Pray for the faith in you to produce the work of God through you.

Pray: Pray for the areas where your faith might be weak or reluctant and ask God to give you the strength to take action.

Memorize/Meditate: What good is it, my brothers, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can that faith save him? James 2:14

Reluctant Followers: The Test of Loyalty

Every circumstance of life that we face provides us with a decision. In fact, it requires a decision. Will I persevere? Will I move ahead in faith? Will I be obedient to God? Or will I allow temptation to suggest that the easy way out is disobedience and sin? We must constantly refocus our desires from the lure of temptation to the perfect character of God. -Pastor Dave

Open: Describe a time you faced intense temptation: Did you fall into sin or did you resist? Why or why not?

Read: James 1:12-18; Matthew 4; 5:29-30; Romans 13:14; Colossians 3:5

Discuss:

1. If someone asked you, “What’s the most dangerous spiritual responsibility to neglect?” What do you think most people would say (Bible study, prayer, evangelism, worship, etc…)? How would they be correct/wrong? How is dealing with sin and temptation so important to our spiritual journey? In what ways does temptation come up in the midst of trials and seasons of suffering?

2. James uses the same word for trial (vs. 2), test (vs. 12), and temptation (vs. 13). What do you make of this? What makes each of these things different? How can a trial and a temptation be similar? How are they different? What role does our response play in their effect?

3. Where does temptation come from? Describe the process of temptations: Are desires wrong? What makes desires run out of control? How do they become sinful?

4. How can we defeat temptations? How does James refocus us on the character of God (vs. 17)? How does remembering that God is the giver of perfect gifts help us overcome temptations?

5. In your journey right now, what is your greatest temptation? What are some steps you need to take in order to overcome?

Pray: Pray that you would be aware of areas where you can be tempted and that you would have the strength to resist the temptations that are luring and enticing you.

Memorize/Meditate: Do not be deceived, my beloved brothers. Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change. James 1:16-17 O

Reluctant Followers: When the Going Gets Tough

In our trials, the weight of our circumstances can become louder and more powerful than our realization of God’s promises. That’s why we need the wisdom of God, without which we become unstable doubters who preoccupy ourselves with comparison. Simply stated, when the going gets tough, enduring believers seek wisdom. -Pastor Dave

Open: Describe a time you had to endure a difficult season: As you look back to this time, what were the things that got you through?

Read: James 1:1-12; Job 28:12-23; Psalm 119:105; Proverbs 11:14; 12:15; Colossians 2:2-3 1.

Discuss:

1. James uses sarcasm to make an important point. Verse 4 ends with a believer “lacking in nothing” to the beginning of verse 5, “If you lack wisdom.” Are both of these statements true? How can we “lack nothing” but need wisdom? Define wisdom: Describe times in your life you lacked wisdom.

2. How does God respond to our request for wisdom? What does this tell us about God’s character? List different ways we receive wisdom from God.

3. What role does faith play in receiving wisdom for trials? How does doubt make us unstable? Have you ever doubted in the midst of a difficult season? How did God increase your faith in order to overcome the doubts?

4. In what ways do we have a natural tendency to compare in our trials? Why does James use the illustration of riches as a picture of comparison? What predominate ways do you compare today? Why is comparison so dangerous?

5. In 1:12, James seems to consider “life” as a “test” in and of itself. Ultimately, passing the test leads us to a “Crown of Life.” What makes this so significance? How should this encourage us to endure the trials of life and cause our hope to increase?

Pray: Pray that you would endure the trials of life by receiving God’s gifts of wisdom, faith, and unshakable hope.

Memorize/Meditate: If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him. James 1:5

Reluctant Followers: Enjoy What? The Difficult Journey of Christianity

Many people want to follow Christ…but it’s not the easy journey we think it should be. Pressure to conform, difficult seasons, overwhelming circumstances, painful experiences, and staggering temptations can make our glorious journey with Christ downright messy. These moments can cause us to walk along the path, hesitantly…even reluctantly at times. But God uses these painful moments, these difficult seasons, to not only demonstrate His power, but to accomplish His purpose in our live. -Pastor Dave

Open: Describe a moment when you were reluctant in your Christian walk: What made you reluctant? What was the result?

 Read: James 1:1-4; Mark 3:20-21; Matthew 13:55-57; 1 Corinthians 15:3-7; 1 Peter 4:12-13

Discuss:

1. Give some examples of circumstances that cause Christians to be reluctant or hesitant in their faith: What do you find similar about each of these examples? How do trials and suffering cause many Christians to be reluctant in their walk with Christ?

2. Who is James? How does being the half-brother of Jesus give him a unique perspective to write the reluctant Jewish churches? In what ways did James experience hesitancy in his faith journey? How did he become the leader of the Jewish Church?

3. James is specifically writing to the Jewish Church. What were the circumstances facing the Jewish Church that led James to write this letter?

4. James begins this letter with an unnatural response to trials. He tells them to “count it all joy.” How do you respond to James’ exhortation? Does it seem fair? Possible? How do you normally respond to hard times?

5. Is James’ promise of steadfastness compelling to you? Does it seem worth it? Why or why not? If you made this the “goal of your life,” to grow in holiness even if it meant suffering, how would that change your life? What decisions would you make differently? How would you have to adjust your priorities?

Pray: Pray that in whatever difficult circumstance you might be facing or will face that you would have supernatural joy and trust in God’s sovereign plan.

Memorize/Meditate: Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing. James 1:2-4 O