Text: James 5:12-17

Notes: emmauscf.org/sermons

1. Are you being patient in the midst of a fallen and broken world? Explain. Share.

2. None of us respond perfectly to the difficulty of suffering. Some of us fight back or lash out at others. Others of us complain or blame God or attempt to escape our pain through pleasurable distractions. Of these sinful responses, which are you most likely to fall into when you suffer? Try to describe your own typical pattern of responding to suffering. Share with your group.

3. Patience requires hope. Grow your hope by reading each of the following passages that describes what life will be like when our King returns. What do you learn about your future in each of these passages?

      • Isaiah 11:1-9

      • Isaiah 65:17-25

      • Revelation 21-22

4. How are you doing with your struggle of judging others (both believers and non believers)? Share.

5. How can you practically apply James 5:7-12 in this upcoming week? Share.

Text: James 5:1-6

Notes: Emmauscf.org/sermons

1. Why does James abruptly direct his focus toward the unrighteousness in James 5? Why is this important for Christians reading the text?

2. As Christians, how should we approach the unrighteous wealthy individuals that surround us in our society? What does scripture teach on this topic? Share.

3. How are you doing with your struggle with acquiring finances, yet not being controlled by them. Share.

4. What advice would you give a rich man (whose idol was his wealth) who came to you wanting to learn about God and come with you to church? Explain.

5. How are you (or how will you) (or how did you) teach(ing) your children a Godly concept of money and finances? Share with your group.

Text: James 4:13-17

Notes: emmauscf.org/sermons

1. What are three of the main points James wants his readers to understand thus far in his book? Discuss.

2. Are you approaching the future with humility? Or have you been planning future events with little to no regard for God’s will?

3. How would you respond if a brother or sister in Christ asked you the question, “what is God’s will for my life?”

4. Do you trust God with the future? Share with your group.

5. Has there been a time in your life that you became certain God was calling you to do something, so you did it? Explain.

Text: James 4:1-12

Notes: emmauscf.org/sermons

1. Are you currently growing closer to God? Or do you feel you are being distracted and pulled away from God? Share with your group.

2. In what areas of your life are you committing  spiritual adultery” with God? Share.

3. What advice would you give to a brother or sister in Christ who felt that they were falling away from God and did not know how to grow close to Him again.

4. Do you experience grief over your sins? Why or why not. How. Explain share.

5. When you commit sins, do you run to God in light of His promises and Love? Or do you run and hide in your shame? Share.

1. What connection should we recognize between Jesus and Moses in Matthew’s Gospel in general, and the Sermon on the Mount (Matt. 5-7) in particular?

2. What does Jesus do with the law of Moses in applying it to citizens of his kingdom?

3. What does Jesus mean in Matt. 5:21-22 when he says, “You have heard that it was said to those of old, ‘You shall not murder; and whoever murders will be liable to judgment.’ But I say to you that everyone who is angry with his brother will be liable to judgment; whoever insults his brother will be liable to the council; and whoever says, ‘You fool!’ will be liable to the hell of fire”?

4. Are you harboring hatred in your heart towards anyone? If so, what ought you to do?

5.  Has anyone offended you? If so, what is your obligation according to Matt. 5:23-24?

Text: James 3:13-4:3

Notes: emmauscf.org/sermons

1. What “wars” are currently raging around you? (Family, work, society) How does Christ want you to respond to these situations? Share.

2. How does the English definition of the word meek differ from the Greek definition? Which definition more closely applies to how you live? Share.

3. Compare and contrast heavenly wisdom with worldly wisdom. Give specific examples from our society. Give specific examples from scripture.

4. Is there an area of your life that tends to be more dominated by worldly wisdom than heavenly wisdom? Share.

5. What passions drive you? Do you passions overtake your godliness and submission to God? Share.

Text: James 3:1-12

Notes: emmauscf.org/sermons

1. How have you been doing in the “taming of your tongue”? Share.

2. Why does James state, “not many of you should become teachers” in beginning his teaching on the taming of the tongue? Explain this correlation.

3. Respond to this famous childhood statement in light of James 3. “Sticks and stones can break my bones, but words can never hurt me”.

4. Why are words both so powerful and dangerous? Share and support.

5. What practical applications can be applied from James 3 in daily learning to be careful and wise with your words? Explain and share.

Text: James 2:14-26

Notes: emmauscf.org/sermons

1. What are the differences between a living faith and a dead faith? Contrast the two and discuss.

2. According to the sermon, what are the three traditional aspects of a true faith? See sermon notes and discuss.

3. How do you combine faith with works in your Christian walk? (don’t worry, it’s not boasting if someone else asks you) Share personal experiences with your group.

4. Is your faith currently living and growing? Or has it been more on the dead side? Explain and share with your group.

5. How could you explain to a new believer the concept that works do not bring about salvation or a better standing before God, but that works should be a central part of ones faith? (Remember: many false religion err on this one topic)