For Sunday, August 23, 2009

Reading Selections and Questions for Sunday, August 23, 2009.

1) James 4:1-5
What fights and quarrels have you faced recently? How could confronting their source help solve or prevent the problems? Is your life characterized by friendship with the world or with God?
John 15:19
What challenges you in Jesus’ statements in this verse? What comforts you?

2) James 4:6-10
According to this passage, how are God’s ways different from the world’s ways? How is our acknowledgement of grace related to humility before God? What happens when we resist the devil? How thoroughly are you using this strategy to withstand temptation in your life? Which of the instructions of this passage are hardest for you? Which promise in this passage is most comforting to you right now?
1 Peter 5:6-11
Compare this passage to James 4:6-10. How are the two teachings the same? How are they different?

3) James 4:11-12
Why is slandering a brother the same as speaking against the law? How would following this instruction help with humbling ourselves?
Matthew 7:1-5
Picture the illustration in this passage in your mind. Or even draw it. Note the humor of the picture, coupled with the seriousness of the lesson. Whose specks are you focused on? What log is obscuring your vision?

4) James 4:13-17
What is your normal approach to making plans? Does this passage say not to plan? If we all followed this passage completely, how would our lives be different?
What good do you know you should do that you have been neglecting?
Luke 12:47-48
How does Jesus’ teaching in this passage change your priorities?