Reluctant Followers: That's Why We Pray

In times of suffering and weakness, we don’t always run to prayer immediately. But when we do stop and pray, we make one of the most radical acts in the Christian faith. We are taking our suffering and struggles and placing them in the hands of the One we can’t see, hear, or feel, but we believe He will answer with great power. Prayer should be the first line of defense, not the last resort for every believer. - Pastor Dave

Open: Describe a time your prayers were answered: How did prayer help grow your faith?

Read: James 5:13-20; 1 Kings 17-19; Mark 14:26-72

Discuss:

1. Tradition says that James was given the name “Camel Knees” because of his emphasis on prayer. How do you see prayer emphasized throughout the book? Why would James end his letter with an emphasis on prayer? In what ways do you see a connection between prayer and suffering?

2. James begins this section with a few rhetorical questions. We all face times of suffering and cheerfulness. What is usually our first reaction to moments of suffering? Why does prayer tend to be a last resort? How does this demonstrate the frailty of our faith?

3. James calls us to praise God in good seasons. If we are being honest, we probably have more good days than bad days in our lives. What hinders us from spending time praising God for the good? Is joy a good advertisement for Christianity? Do you believe Christians reflect this reality? Why or why not?

4. The word “sick” is used 18 times in the New Testament, 14 of them reference spiritual weakness. How can physical suffering cause spiritual weakness (and vice versa)? Why is it important to gather other people to pray for us in those moments? Describe the process of Elders anointing someone with oil:

5. James uses the illustration of Elijah. Describe how Elijah’s example encourages prayer in our difficulty: James ends with an exhortation to rescue a wandering brother. What makes this difficult? Do you have concern for someone who may be wandering?

Pray: Pray that God would strengthen your faith through a lifestyle of praying and praising. Pray for a brother or sister who might be wandering from the truth.

Memorize/Meditate: Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working. James 5:16

Reluctant Followers: Finishing Well

The most important part of a story is the ending. No one reads a book to get to the middle. Without a strong ending, the value of our lives is cheapened and the potential of our influence is diminished. Whether this season is good or bad, we must patiently live with the end in view. God calls us to finish well.- Pastor Dave

Open: Describe a time that you had a difficult season of waiting: What made it so difficult? What was the outcome?

Read: James 5:1-12; Luke 18:18-30; Deuteronomy 24:14-15 1.

Discuss:

1. The gospel message isn’t Christ’s death and resurrection alone; it also includes the fact that He is coming again. How should this truth encourage our faith? Why do most Christians disconnect from Christ’s second coming? How should the coming of Christ aid us in times of suffering and difficulty?

2. What makes waiting so difficult? In what ways are Americans impatient? James addresses money and riches in a passage focused on Christ’s coming. How are money and possessions used in seasons of waiting? Why does James come down so hard on money and possessions? Is it wrong to have money and possessions? Explain.

3. In what ways do you see hoarding and self-indulgence in our culture today? In what ways do you see oppression as a form of security in our world today? Have you ever had moments where you “hoarded” or indulged in an unhealthy way? In what ways do we subtly oppress people through our possessions? How can “security” in possessions actually corrode and corrupt our faith?

4. How can waiting turn into irritable grumbling? In what ways have you grumbled in seasons of your spiritual journey? One author said, “We are a generation of grumblers.” Do you agree or disagree? Why?

5. James uses the example of farmers and prophets to describe our call to live patiently. How do farmers and prophets demonstrate waiting? How should our knowledge of Christ’s coming cause us to live patiently and expectantly? Pray that you would patiently endure difficulty.

Pray: Pray that your eyes would be on the glory of God’s plan and that your security would be set in Christ.

Memorize/Meditate: You also, be patient. Establish your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is at hand. Do not grumble against one another, brothers, so that you may not be judged; behold, the Judge is standing at the door. James 5:8-9

Reluctant Followers: Whose On First?

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 Partial Game

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