Real Faith: Obeys

Sermon & Small Group Resources

This is the third sermon in our term 3 series on the book of James. This sermon is “Real Faith: Obeys”. Preacher: Amy Norman. Bible Reading: James 1:19-27

DOWNLOAD the Small Group Questions, Going Deeper, and Sermon Transcript (PDF).

Next Steps this Week

BIBLE READING: James 1:19-27

My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires. Therefore, get rid of all moral filth and the evil that is so prevalent, and humbly accept the word planted in you, which can save you.

Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like someone who looks at his face in a mirror and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like. But whoever looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom and continues in it – not forgetting what they have heard but doing it – they will be blessed in what they do.

Those who consider themselves religious and yet do not keep a tight rein on their tongues deceive themselves, and their religion is worthless. Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.

SMALL GROUP QUESTIONS

Download in PDF format.

CONNECT: What habits or patterns can help you keep your mind on all that we have in Christ?

WARM-UP

1. As Christians, why is it so important that our lives line up with what we say we believe?

2. What do we do when we get it wrong? What helps you to keep on trying?

Read James 1:19-21

1. What is the ʻword of Godʼ that has been planted in us? How do we ʻhumblyʼ accept it?

2. According to James, what are the things that we should be ʻslowʼ at? Which do you find most difficult?

3. In what ways does our culture sometimes enable – or even reward – a reluctance to listen, quick speech, and a rapid escalation of anger?

4. What does James mean by “anger”? How is anger a problem that begins in the heart?

5. What damage does this type of anger do? What type of fruit does this type of anger inhibit?

Read James 1:22-25

1. Why does James claim that merely listening to the word is a form of self-deception? How does Jamesʼ illustration of the mirror highlight how foolish this really is? Why then do we struggle with it?

2. What is the perfect law that gives freedom? How should it help shape how we act?

3. Is there an area in your life in which you need to bring your action more closely in line with Godʼs word?

4. When Christians do things which are not in line with what they say they believe, or fail to act in accordance with the convictions they proclaim, how does this damage the proclamation of the Gospel?

Read James 1:26-27

1. Do you ever struggle to keep a reign on your tongue? Why is controlled speech important for Christians?

2. Why do you think James uses the example of caring for orphans and widows?

3. What helps you to be slow to anger and controlled in your speech? What hinders you?

APPLY: As you seek to humbly accept the word planted in you, choose one of the following areas to focus on: slow to anger; authentic action, or controlled speech. Pray for opportunity and wisdom to grow in this area this week.

PRAYER

Gracious Father, please help us to humbly accept the word that you have planted in us. Please especially help us to be slow to anger, authentic in action, and with controlled speech. In Jesusʼ Name, Amen.

GOING DEEPER

On Your Frontline This Week: How do people around you respond to frustration? How does following Jesus change your response?

Listen, Watch, and Read:

• Listen: “Genuine Faith is Actively Obedient to the Word” by Jen Wilkin

• Listen: “What is the secret of pleasing God?” by John Stott

• Listen: “More than listening” by Mike Paget

• Listen: “First Fruits or Rotten Fruit?” by Kevin Murdoch

SERIES Resources:

• Series Overview: Booklet (and Audiobook)

• Commentary: James: The Wisdom of the Brother of Jesus (by John Dickson)

• Course: Introduction to James

• Video: Bible Project Overview of James

Grow as Families

Each week St Bart’s Kids and CHARGE Youth provides resources for you to use at home. Join the livestream and then spend 30 minutes to work through these together.

Families: Read, Chat, Do, and Pray

High School: CHARGE Discussion Questions

Kids’ Talk: Watch the Kids’ Talk

eBook: Watch the eBook