Categories: Preparing for Sunday

Back to School with James

Dear Friends,

Last week with James Chapter 3 we learned about taming the tongue.  In James chapter 4 we revisit the term double-minded that was introduced in chapter 1.

The term shows what happens to Christians and churches when they don’t live by faith and obedience but rather choose to live for selfish desires and for the things of this world.  James clearly illustrates how actions and attitudes can reveal our true motives.  As we study this chapter, consider your motives and what your action and attitude reveal about you.  Are they pure and Christlike or is there a more sobering reality of selfishness?

This Sunday we will explore how God wants to transform us from being double-minded to Christ-minded people.

See you Sunday!

Pastor Scott

STEPS TO PREPARE

PRAY FOR THE SERVICES AND FOR YOURSELF
AND ME AND THE OTHER TEACHERS.

PRAYERFULLY READ THE SCRIPTURES
AND CONSIDER THE DISCUSSION QUESTIONS.

MAKE PLANS TO ATTEND A PREACHING SERVICE AND A SMALL GROUP.

INVITE SOMEONE TO COME WITH YOU.

PREPARING FOR SUNDAY: SMALL GROUP QUESTIONS

SMALL GROUP QUESTIONS

Jame 4:1
James begins this chapter with a question. How would you answer it? He points us to our desires. Since we all have different desires, how should we handle them? What do you think he means when says “they battle within you”? What’s the battle really between? Who usually wins that battle?

James 4:2-3
Have you ever asked God for something and not received it? Do you think the motives behind some of your requests may have been the reason God did not grant your request? God created us for His purposes. Do you think people often treat Him as if He was created for ours? Someone read the first three of the 10 Commandments in Exodus 20. How does God expect us to respond to Him?

James 4:4
Does it surprise you that God considers a Christian who claims to be a follower of Jesus Christ yet lives for worldly things and pleasures as a spiritual adulterer? Read the story about Paul’s companion Demas: (2 Timothy 4:9-12). Consider Revelation 3:15-16. How would you advise a fellow Christian who may be drifting close to Demas’ situation?

James 4:5
God jealously longs for your faithfulness and love (Ex 20:5). Does God have any reason to be jealous of you or your attention? Is there anything you put before Him or trust more than Him?

 James 4:6-10
Our sinful pride and the devil will work to create an independent “spirit” in us that drives us from God and ultimately leads to sin, pain, suffering, and hurt in our lives and relationships. What is the Scriptural process James lays for avoiding those struggles?

James 4:13-16
How much of our life is our responsibility and God’s responsibility? Do we have ground to stand on for boasting?

 James 4:17
There are basically two categories of sin: sins of commission, things we do wrong. And, sins of omission, things we should do, but don’t. Which one do you struggle with more? What do you think the Lord wants you to do about?

How can we pray for you?

Scott Crossfield

Family Strengthening Pastor - Click Here for full profile