LIFE GROUP STUDY GUIDE

29 OCTOBER REAL : WAIT PATIENTLY

This study guide should be used the week GETTING STARTED following the sermon it supplements. Discuss: On Sunday we finished our series in James. MAIN TEXT: James 5:7-18 James was writing to scattered persecuted believers 7 Be patient, then, brothers and sisters, until the across the Roman world and wanted to strengthen and Lord’s coming. See how the farmer waits for the encourage them to persevere in their – to grow up! land to yield its valuable crop, patiently waiting How have you been strengthened and encouraged to for the autumn and spring rains. 8 You too, be ‘grow up’ by this letter over the past 8 weeks? patient and stand firm, because the Lord’s coming is near. 9 Don’t grumble against one DIGGING DEEPER another, brothers and sisters, or you will be judged. The Judge is standing at the door! 1. Looking at verses 7-8, are you growing more or less patient with God or others in this world of instant 10 Brothers and sisters, as an example of gratification? How does Christ’s return motivate you to patience in the face of suffering, take the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord. 11 be patient? As you know, we count as blessed those who have persevered. You have heard of ’s 2. Looking at verse 9, how controlled is your tongue perseverance and have seen what the Lord when it comes to grumbling? Do you find yourself finally brought about. The Lord is full of swearing or grumbling rather than praying when things compassion and mercy. don’t go your way?

12 Above all, my brothers and sisters, do not 3. Guy listed a few characters who persevered when swear—not by heaven or by earth or by anything things got tough (Jeremiah, Daniel, Hosea, Job). Can else. All you need to say is a simple “Yes” or you think of other Biblical characters who faithfully “No.” Otherwise you will be condemned. persevered and had patience in the face of suffering? 13 Is anyone among you in trouble? Let them How does God’s word encourage you to be patient? pray. Is anyone happy? Let them sing songs of praise. 14 Is anyone among you sick? Let them 4. Look at as the ultimate example of patience in call the elders of the church to pray over them suffering: the wrath of God poured out on His Son, in and anoint them with oil in the name of the Lord. order to bring about our freedom and forgiveness. All 15 And the prayer offered in faith will make the our suffering is achieving a future weight of glory (see 2 sick person well; the Lord will raise them up. If Corinthians 4:17). How does this give you hope? they have sinned, they will be forgiven. 16 Therefore confess your sins to each other and 5. When in trouble, do you quickly turn to prayer and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and seek prayer from others (see verses 14-18)? When effective. encountering sickness do you follow through on the teaching of James? 17 was a human being, even as we are. He prayed earnestly that it would not rain, and it 6. What are you waiting for? What are you praying for? did not rain on the land for three and a half years. Are you longing and praying for revival and for those 18 Again he prayed, and the heavens gave rain, who don’t yet know Jesus to come to him? and the earth produced its crops. NEXT STEPS & PRAYER COMING UP

Alpha Course | 9 Oct-4 Dec Pray for those among you who are sick or suffering. Disciple Course | 8 Oct-19 Nov Anoint them with oil and pray your best powerful and Belonging Course | 5-19 Nov effective prayers! Prayer & Fasting | 15 Nov Carol Service | 10 Dec Pray for revival and for those who don’t yet know Jesus Family Celebration | 17 Dec to come to him.