September 29, 2012

Read:  James 4:1-3, Eph 4:1-6, Romans 12:18

Why is it important for every Christian to take personal responsibility for conflict management?

What happens when this doesn’t take place? What is the natural temptation? Give a personal example.

If unity is the mark of spiritual maturity, what is your spiritual condition? Take some time to pray about.

September 28, 2012

Read:  James 1:5-7, 4:2b-3, Mat 6:9-13, 1 Peter 3:7

Why does God want Christians to pray? What is the purpose? How can your motives impact your prayers?

How does this relate to conflict management? Give an example of an ineffective prayer.

How do you pray when in conflict with others? Why? How can you apply James 4:3 to your prayer time?

September 27, 2012

Read:  James 4:1-2a, Luke 9:46-48

Explain what the disciples were arguing about. How did Jesus respond? Why?

How does this relate to their spiritual immaturity, discontentment and unmet desires?

How does James 4:2a reflect this same truth? Why is this important for conflict management?

September 26, 2012

Read:  James 4:1-2a, Romans 7:7-25, 12:3

What does today’s reading reveal about every Christian’s internal battle? List three areas where you battle.

How have you seen these internal battles become external and impacting others? What was the result?

What specific sinful tendencies is God revealing to you as being problematic? What do you need to do?

September 25, 2012

Read:  James 4:1, Eph 4:1-16, Phil 4:1-3, 1 John 4:7-8

Why is Christian unity such an important issue to God? What is at stake when this isn’t happening?

How does self-examination and taking personal responsibility first help with conflict management?

Describe a conflict you are currently having with another Christian. How can you apply James 4:1?

September 24, 2012

Read:  James 4:1, 1 Cor 1:10-17, 1 Cor 3:1-3, 1 Cor 6:1-8, 2 Cor 12:20

Describe the spiritual condition of the Corinthian church and how the people were living out James 4:1.

In what way could their fighting have been viewed as godly? How have you seen this take place today?

What is the connection between an internal and external battle? Why is this truth important?

September 22, 2012

Read:  James 3:13-18, Proverbs 3:13-18

List the blessing found in Proverbs 3:13-18. List the challenges found in James 3:13-16.

Given these major differences, why do you think Christians are often tempted into worldly wisdom?

How have these last two weeks changed the way you view wisdom? (i.e. godly vs. ungodly)

September 21, 2012

Read:  James 3:17-18, Acts 15:1-21

Explain the problems confronting the Jerusalem church as more and more Gentiles became Christians.

How did James solve the problem? (Acts 15:13) In what way did he apply James 3:17-18?

In what area of your life do you need wisdom? How can you apply “care for others” & “biblical obedience”?

September 20, 2012

Read:  James 3:18, Psalm 85:10, Isaiah 32:17, Matthew 5:9

How did the Jews define “peace”? What do peace and righteousness have in common?

Why does James relate peace and righteousness to godly wisdom? What is the promise of reaping/sowing?

How does this encourage you? What will you do as a result of this promise?

September 19, 2012

Read:  James 3:17b, 1 John 3:16-18, Matthew 7:24-27

Explain the meaning of mercy. What does “full of mercy” imply when it comes to living it out?

Define “impartial” and “sincere”. In what way do these reflect biblical obedience?

Why does James relate obedience to godly wisdom? What steps will you take to apply this truth?

September 18, 2012

Read:  James 3:17a, Matthew 5:8-9, Philippians 2:3-4

What does “pure” mean? How does this relate to godly wisdom? How does this relate to godly behavior?

Explain the meaning of peace loving, considerate and submissive. What do they have in common?

How does this reflect godly wisdom? Give examples. How should this impact how you ask for wisdom?

September 17, 2012

Read:  James 3:17a, 1 Corinthians 2:1-16

Explain how Christians gain godly wisdom. Why do Christians have an advantage over non-Christians?

What are the implications of this advantage or disadvantage? (i.e. challenges by others)

Given that God will give you wisdom when you ask Him, take some time to ask Him now.

September 15, 2012

Read:  James 3:16, 1 Samuel 17:1-50

Why did David have peace in the midst of a scary situation? How does this relate to his source of wisdom?

How do you typically respond to problems and difficulties? How can prayer prevent chaos?

What areas of your life do you need godly wisdom? What does God’s word say? How will you apply it?

September 14, 2012

Read:  James 3:16, Galatians 5:19-21, 1 Corinthians 5

Where does worldly wisdom ultimately lead if left unchecked? Why? What will it look like?

How did the Corinthian church demonstrate this truth? Explain the progression of ungodly wisdom.

How can monitoring chaos in your life help identify the fruit of ungodly wisdom? What is the solution?

September 13, 2012

Read:  James 3:14-15, 1 Corinthians 3, Jeremiah 9:23-24

What specifically was the problem in Corinth that Paul was addressing? How were they behaving worldly?

How should the Corinthian church have behaved if they were operating in godly wisdom?

In what way have you seen this same problem today? How can you help correct this problem?

September 12, 2012

Read:  James 3:13-15, Acts 5:17-40

How does Acts 5:17 demonstrate the truth of James 3:14-15? Who was operating in worldly wisdom?

Given that this entire group was supposed to be following God, what does this say about worldly wisdom?

How can you protect yourself from falling into the same trap? (i.e. the famous factor)

September 11, 2012

Read:  James 1:15, 3:13, 1 Corinthians 1:20-25, Colossians 2:1-3, Daniel 2:1-29

Explain the primary difference between worldly wisdom and godly wisdom and how it is achieved.

What can happen when these get confused? How did Daniel’s experience help clarify any confusion?

What has been your experience with godly wisdom? What will you do to correct or avoid this confusion?

September 10, 2012

Read:  James 3:13a, Proverbs 4:1-13, 3:19-22, 16:16

What does God’s word say about the importance of wisdom? List three key values.

What is the difference between wisdom and knowledge? How have you viewed this difference?

Why is this distinction important when it comes to Christian living? What is God teaching you?

September 8, 2012

Read:  James 3:6-12, John 8:42-44, Ephesians 4:25, Proverbs 12:22, 26:28

Why is lying the antithesis to being a Christian? How can Christians be deceived into the duplicity trap?

What does this teach about the importance of your words? (Hint: lying is the only way to live in duplicity)

What will you do to grow in truth, authenticity, and consistency in what you say?

September 7, 2012

Read:  James 3:9, Colossians 4:6, Hebrews 3:13, Psalm 35:28, Luke 6:28

Explain the truth of James 3:9 and how God is offended by our discussions about each other.

In what way does this elevate your perspective on gossip and criticism? How does this challenge you?

How will words of encouragement and grace prevent this problem? How will you start today?

September 6, 2012

Read:  James 3:9-12, Matthew 26:33-35, 69-75, Galatians 5:17

What is the primary truth being taught in James 3:9-12? How was Peter a living example?

How do you see this playing out in your life and Christianity in general? Give 2 examples.

How will you be more intentional about protecting yourself? Take time to pray about your commitment.

September 5, 2012

Read:  James 3:7-8, 2 Corinthians 5:17, Genesis 1:26-28, Acts 2:1-11

Explain what happens to a person when they become a Christian. (i.e. born again, transformation, etc.)

What is implied by James 3:7-8? How does Acts 2:11 relate and why do Christians have an advantage?

In what way do you struggle with a spiritually healthy mouth? How will you seek the Lord to help you?

September 4, 2012

Read:  James 1:19, 26; 3:5b-8, Matthew 5:33-37, Proverbs 10:19, 15:28

Describe the difference between taming the tongue and containing the tongue. Why is this important?

How easy is it for you to contain your mouth? Why? How can this impact spiritual health and protection?

Since we initially studied this truth (2 months ago), how have you grown? What new steps will you take?

September 3, 2012

Read:  James 3:5b-6, Proverbs 16:27, 26:20-21, Psalm 64:1-10

What is the common theme these biblical writers are trying to convey when it comes to our words?

Give two examples of when you’ve seen this take place. What was the result and were there any lasting affects?

Given that Satan will use your mouth for his purposes, what is God teaching you about risk and protection?

September 1, 2012

Read:  James 1:26, 3:3-5a, Psalm 96:2-3

Why is your speech so critical to your spiritual growth and direction?

In what way would worship apply the truth of James 3:3-5a? How does this change your view of worship?

Take some time to verbally express your heart to God through prayer. Also include some personal worship.