INTRODUCTION
James led the first church in Jerusalem. The church was focused on Jesus. Jesus was James’ Savior, Lord, and half brother. It took James time to get to the point of Jesus being his Savior and Lord, but he was immediately his half brother. Jesus allows all of us time to consider what we are going to do with Him. The book of James (and really all the Bible) is such a valuable gift to us because it is written by real humans about a real God. This series is so honest, challenging, and potentially life-changing. James was honest and real in his journey and that makes his words to us so inviting. If you have not already, you will feel triggered and tweaked by this series. You then get to either lean in or relieve the pressure by pulling away. Lean in. I dare you! (Isn’t that what one brother would say to the other brother?) You’ve been dared. :-)
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
We are all a product of our influences. James was influenced by his half brother Jesus and by Proverbs. Take a moment to consider your main influence(s). They exist, but most of us are too busy to consider who/what our primary influences are. Name a couple of positive influences in your life. Can you identify and name a negative influence in your life?
God has a purpose in what the “testing of your faith” will produce, but we all have the freedom to choose. What are some results you have seen in your life as a result of the “testing of your faith?”
Doubt, self medication, fear, anxiety, and despair are all options in resonse to trials. Getting stronger is also an option. God said so. What can you do to develop your perseverance?
How can you depend upon others to help you with this?
Our tests have the opportunity to purify us. The hotter the heat gets the deeper the purification gets. It can be brutal, painful, and seem senseless. What are some good results you have seen from the tests you have endured?
We will certainly give God all the glory, but what is an area of your life that you more clearly reflect Jesus due to His work deep inside of your heart?
What does it mean to you to be “mature and complete and not lacking anything?”
What does the way you spend your time, energy, and resources reveal as your ultimate goal in life?
God wants us to grow in stability and security in Him. He does not want us to be like waves that sparkle and dance only to dissipate. What are some wave-like traits you have that He wants to mature you in?
Pastor Cory said, “True wisdom is choosing to believe God is good despite our circumstances.” We all have a point (or many) in our lives where God is inviting us to take a step away from who we are and toward who He is so we become more wise. Where is that rub in your life?
What role does wealth (or the desire for more wealth) play in your life?
You know your area(s) of temptation. Without going into any specifics what are ways you have set yourself up for success in those areas of potential struggle?
Our words. Ugh! The Bible says that our words come “out of the abundance of our heart.” What do your words reveal about needed areas of change in your heart?
Three things- quick to learn, slow to speak, and slow to become angry. Which these three is your biggest opportunity for growth? (A three-way tie?)
Patience and anger cannot coexist. What can you do to defiantly insert patience (and ultimately trust and dependance upon God) into moments that your anger feels like it is the only option?
This series is so good. The Bible is so wise and helpful. The way you have answered these questions has led to the possibility of amazing life change. The possibility. What do you need to do to take intentions and make them actions, to actually DO them and not just remain possibilities?
MOVING FORWARD
The proof is in the pudding. Or perhaps we should say the proof is in the silver. God is refining us and we are all reflecting Him, but the proof is in the silver. How accurately or clearly do we reflect Jesus in our lives? Obviously we all have plenty of room for growth, but there is such good news. God knows all of our flaws and He adores us. God knows all of our faults and He offers to help us. Others also see our faults (more than we wish they did- anyone married?). When we acknowledge out faults (most, not all) people actually respect us more and may even get inspired to deal with their own shortcomings. Let’s be honest about where we really are and let’s let the heat of our challenges make us more like Jesus!