07-24-2022

07-24-2022
Trevor Johnston, Associate Pastor
Sermon Series: Word of God Speak
All In Weekend
Week 4: Wise Up
English PDF file for printing.

Read the theme verse for this series - Psalms 32:8 – "I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my loving eye on you.”

1. We are walking together through scripture, using our SOAP (Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer) journal process. If you’ve been following the reading plan along with us, share your experience with your group.

This week in our Word of God Speak reading plan, we read through the book of James, who was the half-brother of Jesus.

2. James’ book tells us that Christianity is about: What we believe, what we practice, and who we become. It’s about transformation. Talk about what transformation means. In what ways has transformation been true for you?

3. Please read together James 3:13-18 - Who is wise and understanding among you? Let them show it by their good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom. But if you harbor bitter envy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast about it or deny the truth. Such “wisdom” does not come down from heaven but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic. For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice. But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. Peacemakers who sow in peace reap a harvest of righteousness.

Circle the word “wisdom” every time you see it in this passage. What else do you notice in this passage?

4. Look again at James 3:13 - Who is wise and understanding among you? Let them show it by their good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom.

Talk about how wisdom is evidenced in a person’s life and provide examples of someone you know who is wise.

5. What’s the difference between “wisdom” and “knowledge”? Can a person have one without the other?

Pastor Trevor said that “Wisdom” is learning how to think like God. There are 3 levels in how to gain wisdom. In the beginning, we simply need to be open-minded toward God.

6. Re-read James 3:17 - But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere.

7. Now read James 1:5 - If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.

Why do you think it’s more effective to ask God for wisdom and not just ask God what to do?

Share an experience when you’ve asked God what to do, and/or an experience when you’ve asked God for wisdom about a situation.

8. The second level of gaining wisdom is to apply God’s word to the folly-prone areas of our lives. What do you think this means?

Review James 3:14-16: But if you harbor bitter envy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast about it or deny the truth. Such “wisdom” does not come down from heaven but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic. For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice.

9. If you are willing, share an area of your life that is “folly-prone” where you are ready to apply God’s word.

The 3rd level of gaining wisdom is to spend time with wise people. Review verse 18: Peacemakers who sow in peace reap a harvest of righteousness.

10. Read Proverbs 13:20 - Walk with the wise and become wise, for a companion of fools suffers harm.

Who are your friends? Who are you spending time with? Do they hold you accountable?

11. Consider what level you are ready to take on in order to gain wisdom: 1) Open your mind to God, 2) Apply God’s word to the folly-prone areas of your life, or 3) Spend time with wise people.

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