How To Use This Guide:
listen
Listen to the weekly sermon and read through the main passages(s)
reflect
Prayerfully answer the questions below
discuss
Meet with your group to discuss
respond
Apply the truth of God’s word to your life
How To Use This Guide:
listen
Listen to the weekly sermon and read through the main passages(s)
reflect
Prayerfully answer the questions below
discuss
Meet with your group to discuss
respond
Apply the truth of God’s word to your life
latest message
background
James was Jesus’s half-brother. Although he initially doubted Jesus as the Messiah, his encounter with the risen Jesus transformed his faith (John 7:5; 1 Corinthians 15:7). Later, James became a prominent leader in the church, writing this letter to encourage Christians to persevere and live that reflect the faith they profess.
Here, James presents trials as purposeful tools in God’s hand to mature believers. He encourages believers to seek wisdom from God, reminding us that prosperity cannot deliver us; only Christ can. The reality is that God is more comfortable with our suffering than we would like to believe. True faith trusts God during trials and develops into perseverance.
Here, James presents trials as purposeful tools in God’s hand to mature believers. He encourages believers to seek wisdom from God, reminding us that prosperity cannot deliver us; only Christ can. The reality is that God is more comfortable with our suffering than we would like to believe. True faith trusts God during trials and develops into perseverance.
open
1. Share a tough experience that ultimately proved to be a blessing in disguise.
reflect
2. Read James 1:1-8. Why does James encourage his readers to celebrate trials? How does his perspective differ from the common view of suffering?
3. Why is wisdom necessary when facing suffering? What does this passage emphasize about God that encourages us to ask for wisdom with expectation?
4. Read James 1:9-18. What’s the difference between testing and tempting? How do challenging circumstances and prosperity each test faith differently?
3. Why is wisdom necessary when facing suffering? What does this passage emphasize about God that encourages us to ask for wisdom with expectation?
4. Read James 1:9-18. What’s the difference between testing and tempting? How do challenging circumstances and prosperity each test faith differently?
apply
5. What are some of the tests and trials many people encounter today? How can a proper view of God help us when facing these challenges?
6. How does our response to trials affect our character? When have you seen God use a challenging situation to strengthen your faith?
7. What is one area of your life that you find it hard to trust God with? As you consider this passage, what steps would you like to take to grow in the character and faith that come from knowing God?
6. How does our response to trials affect our character? When have you seen God use a challenging situation to strengthen your faith?
7. What is one area of your life that you find it hard to trust God with? As you consider this passage, what steps would you like to take to grow in the character and faith that come from knowing God?
video
resources
We ask every Home Group participant to commit to the Four Essentials of a Healthy Group outlined in our Home Group Commitment. These essentials help ensure that every group stays healthy, welcoming, and spiritually meaningful for everyone involved. You can review those here.
If you have any questions or would like more information about Home Groups, please contact Doug Barnwell at dbarnwell@fellowshipjackson.com.
If you have any questions or would like more information about Home Groups, please contact Doug Barnwell at dbarnwell@fellowshipjackson.com.