Small Group Discussion Guide
Series: James
Week 1
Discussion Questions
If you could instantly become good at one practical skill, what would you choose?
What is something you learned how to do by actually doing it instead of just reading or hearing about it?
This week we started a new series through the book of James. The main idea was that faith is not only something we know or believe. It should show up in the way we actually live. James is really practical. He challenges us to look honestly at our reactions, our habits, and the condition of our hearts. He reminds us that following Jesus should affect the way we listen, the way we speak, the way we handle anger, and the way we respond to what God shows us.
James tells us to be “quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry.” Which of those is hardest for you, and what usually makes it difficult?
Anger can be a red flag that something deeper is happening in our heart. Think about the times when your anger comes out. Is it usually connected to stress, fear, pride, disappointment, or something else underneath? What does that say about what’s happening in our heart?
Matt said that, “God’s Word isn’t a window we use to inspect everybody else’s life. It’s a mirror that we hold up to our own.” Why is it so much easier to notice what needs to change in someone else than to let God challenge something in us?
James says hearing God’s Word without doing anything about it is like looking in a mirror and then ignoring what you saw. What’s something God has shown you or asked you to do, thats been hard to actually act on?
Matt described God’s commands like a fence around a playground. The fence doesn’t ruin the fun, it shows where the danger is so there can be freedom inside it. What are some areas where God’s boundaries can feel restrictive at first, but actually lead to greater freedom? Why?
Our truth this week was, “Faith is designed to launch us out, not just linger inside.”
Can you think about someone whose faith shows up in the way they treat people, make decisions, or handle hard situations. What stands out to you about the way they live?
What do you think helps faith move from something we know to something we actually live?
Matt ended by asking what would happen if our small steps of faith became giant leaps for God’s kingdom. What is one small step you already know God is asking you to take (forgive someone, apologize, serve, get help, have a conversation, invite someone, give, or something else) and what would help you actually take that step this week?
