Did you leave after hearing Sunday’s message and think, “Well, now what?” Each Sunday, we will provide a discussion guide for our church body designed to create a conversation about what we’re learning. We encourage you to prayerfully gather with your family, friends and community group and dive into how to apply Sunday’s teaching from God’s Word to your life.

To view the current message series, as well as our entire library of sermons, be sure to check out our media page.

1. James is going to answer the question, “How can I know I have a ‘saving faith’ instead of a ‘said faith’?” What is the answer to that question?
2. In Ephesians 5, Paul tells us that the Spirit should control believers and their speech. James teaches this same idea. In what ways does your speech fail to honor God? How can you practice self-control with regard to your mouth? What do these verses contribute to this teaching: Prov 21:23, Matt 12:33-37, and 1 Pet 3:10?
3. In James 2:1-12, believers are encouraged to love all men rather than showing partiality to those who can return the favor. This behavior echoes the way Christ lived and taught. How did Christ love the poor, rejected, and sick? How do you love the needy around you?
4. God wants us to be a father to the fatherless and to seek justice for widows. These ideas are taught in James as well as Isaiah 1:10-17 and Ps 68:5. What does this reveal about God’s character that He cares for this group of people?
5. In 1 Sam 16:7 we learn that God does not see as man sees. Man looks at appearance, but God looks at the heart. The gospel is not reserved for the pretty and popular. In fact, prettiness and popularity are often a stumbling block to true faith. How can you reflect God and value godliness over attractiveness in your relationships? Do you find yourself caring more for your godliness rather than your physical appearance? How can you focus on what is more important?
6. To whom much is given, much is expected. How are you using your abundance and gifts to serve the Kingdom? How can your community group hold each other accountable in this regard?

What was one truth that stood out to you from this week’s message? Leave a comment below and let us know.

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