The book of James concludes with some final warnings and some concluding thoughts on how to love others.
Talking Points:
- James warns against the hedonistic view of seeking pleasure above all else. James 4:1-3, 7-8
- James warns against the judgmental, critical types who elevate their perspective over God – who is the only perfect judge. James 4:11-12
- James warns the arrogant who act as though they have full command of the future. James 4:13-17
Discussion:
- Initial reactions to this topic? What jumped out at you?
- How would you describe our culture today. Identify some positive and negative things. How do you see the hedonistic view influencing your friends and family?
- Read James 4:1-3. What do you think James means about coming to God with the wrong motives? How have you demanded or expected things from God?
- Read James 4:7-8. What does it look like to come to God on his terms, not ours when it comes to prayer requests? Share a time you prayed for something and later realized that it was a blessing that God didn’t give it to you.
- Read James 4:11-12. How have you seen Christians violate God’s law by how they treat others inside and outside the Church? How does this passage challenge you?
- Read James 4:13-17. How have you violated this warning in your life? What have you learned when you’ve tried to control the future?
- Read James 5:16. How will you incorporate this verse into your life? What steps are you going to take to live an unfractured life moving forward?
- Is there a step you need to take based on today’s topic?
