Engaging God’s Word Open your Bible to James 4:13-5:12. We will read once all together, then ask someone who is willing to read this passage again to your group. Follow along in your own Bible. Discussion Questions: Session 8 - James 4:13 – 5:12 Read – James 4:13-17 Welcome! • What attitude about our plans is James targeting here? Reflect on your week with your group. Did you make space for God this week? Main Points This Session • James talks about “arrogant schemes”. How would you First, keep God in your plans. Second, don’t be so consumed define arrogance? with getting ahead that you hurt others. And finally, live patiently and faithfully, especially in light of Jesus’ return. Intro Question • Do you think it is arrogant to declare your plans without What did you want to be when you were growing up? Share first actually saying the words, “If the Lord wills”? with your group what you wanted to be when you were young and how you shared that desire with others? Did it come true? Have you ever boasted about something that never came about? Share with your group one that you boasted about that you never achieved. • What value do we get from reminding ourselves that our plans ultimately depend on God? • Does that change what we do, or how we do it? Read – James 5:1-6 • How would you describe the tone of this passage? • What analogy does James use in verse 7? • Who is James addressing in this section? • Have you ever planted a vegetable garden? How long does it seem to take from when you first plant the seeds to when you get to bring in the first ripe vegetable and cook it up? • What is he predicting for them? • How does this experience compare to waiting for • Why will this happen? Jesus’ return? • Do you think this is written to all “rich” people ever, to • James says in verse 11 that those who persevere rich people in that time and place, or just to the rich through suffering are “blessed.” What does he mean by people who were guilty of exploitation? that? (James 1:2–4.) • How do you feel about this idea of the blessedness of Read James 5:7-12 suffering? • James is talking a lot about patience (four times in four verses). According to verse 7, what did people need to be patient about? Your Group’s Outreach/Missions Project Daily Time with God Spend a few minutes each day reviewing and reflecting on our session, the verses from the book of James, and your group discussion. Make sure you take a few Prayer Time moments to be praying about your relationship with God, Think of this as a time for people to really share and receive prayer others (leaders, family, friends, those in your group) and for what is going on in their lives. spend a few moments just being silent and listening to God. Live It Out Day 1 – Read James 4:13-17and reflect on what you’ve Prayer: What plans do you have for your life, your family, your learned. How does this apply to you today? home, your business, your church? Talk with God about these, and then listen. What does He think about all this? If your plans involve others, get them in on the praying, too. Day 2 – Jeremiah 29:11–13; Luke 12:22–26 Seek counsel: As you consider plans for the future, find a Day 3 – Read James 5:1-6 and reflect on what you’ve wise Christian friend to consult with. Pray with them and ask their advice on determining the direction where God might be learned. How does this apply to you today? leading you. Day 4 – Proverbs 11:28; Jeremiah 22:13–17 Budget: Examine your household budget. How do your expenditures reflect your spiritual priorities? What might need to change? Talk with God honestly and humbly about the role Day 5 – Read James 5:7-12 and reflect on what you’ve of money and possessions in your life. learned. How does this apply to you today? Sit with the Suffering: It’s good to pray for those who are Day 6 – 2 Corinthians 4:7–10 suffering, and you should pray for them. But, sometimes they need someone just to be there with them, to comfort them and let them talk and hold their hand. You don’t have to have Day 7 – Romans 5:3–5 answers, especially to the question, “Why is this happening?” You can say, “I don’t know, but I’m here for you.” .