We prepare for the difficulties that come our way by ridding our ears of bias and receiving God’s Word into our lives. When we do, we will delight in it and enjoy freedom through it.

KEY VERSES

James 1:19-25 (NASB)

19 You know this, my beloved brothers and sisters. Now everyone must be quick to hear, slow to speak, and slow to anger; 20 for a man’s anger does not bring about the righteousness of God. 21 Therefore, ridding yourselves of all filthiness and all that remains of wickedness, in humility receive the word implanted, which is able to save your souls. 22 But prove yourselves doers of the word, and not just hearers who deceive themselves. 23 For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man who looks at his natural face in a mirror; 24 for once he has looked at himself and gone away, he has immediately forgotten what kind of person he was. 25 But one who has looked intently at the perfect law, the law of freedom, and has continued in it, not having become a forgetful hearer but an active doer, this person will be blessed in what he does.

UNDERSTANDING

• Max Lucado referred to the difficulties we face as getting “thumped” in life. How do you typically handle the “thumps” in your life: with distractions (i.e. vacation, retail therapy, Netflix), try not to think about it, pray about it, try to fix it myself, lean on friends and family, or something else?

• What is a “thump” in your life that you were prepared to handle well? What is a “thump” in your life that you were not prepared to handle well? What made the difference?

• Before hearing Pastor Jeff’s message this week, how would you have counseled someone, like a high school graduate about to head off to college, on how to prepare for the “thumps” in life?

• What do we communicate to other people when we don’t listen well or talk too much? What happens when these negative traits enter into our relationship with God?

• What prevents you from hearing God’s Word? What are other noises that get in the way or impede your ability to hear?

• How does first hearing from God inform the way that you hear others?

• How does verse 21 oppose the human tendency James addressed in verse 19?

• How is the Word implanted in us? What does that actually mean in the life of a Christ-follower?

• Why are we to receive the Word with humility? Why did James include that descriptor?

• Why do we often “hear” and not “do” when it comes to Scripture? What does this say about our faith?

• How are you deceiving yourself if you hear the Word but don’t obey it?

• What did James mean by his mirror analogy? How do you do this when you only hear God’s word but don’t respond in obedience?

APPLICATION

• Pastor Jeff made the following three points of application: Determine to receive God’s Word into your life. Choose to delight in the Word. Enjoy your freedom through the Word. Of these three points of instruction, which do you seem to be struggling with the most right now? Why?

• How would determining to receive God’s Word in your life and delighting in it change the way you respond to the “thumps” in life that hit you this week?

• Are there any issues where you have been confronted by God’s Word but you have been resistant to listen and obey? What is the danger in continuing that way? How can this group help you going forward?

WANT TO DIVE DEEPER?

Joining a group is a great way to know people and strengthen your relationship with Jesus Christ. Take a look at available groups to get plugged in to and find the group that is right for you. 

GIVING

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