James – Faith That Works – Part 2

Open with prayer

Get To Know You (10 Minutes)

• Unexpected Joy! Share a time when an unexpected person, situation or circumstance brought you joy.

Observation & Discussion (30 Minutes)

James 1:1-4 – 1 James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, To the twelve tribes scattered among the nations: Greetings. 2 Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, 3 because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. 4 Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.

1, What are some natural reactions to trials? Why do you think people react in these ways?
2. Verse 2 – Consider it pure joy…. – this can be an extremely challenging verse since joy is not typically our first response to trials. How does God want us to respond to trials?
3. Verse – 3 …the testing of your faith (trials) produces perseverance. In the sermon, Scotty shared additional ways trials can stretch us such as; providing a spiritual inventory, humbling us, revealing what really matters, turning our eyes to eternal things and developing us for greater usefulness. What have you learned and how have you seen yourself grow from past trials?
4. How has this passage of scripture changed your perspective on trials?

Next Step (10 Minutes)

• Read verse 4. What are some practical ways you can apply this verse and allow your challenges to push you to Jesus?
• Is there someone in your life going through difficult times that you can pray for and encourage?

Prayer Requests (5 Minutes)

Pray with your group to close.

Challenge

Read the book of James (weekly). It’ll take 15 minutes to read the entire letter.