Reaping Goodness By Relating Wisely To Others | James Pt6 | LifeGroup Study Guide

Jun 26, 2022 | by Mike Prah

LIFEGROUP DISCUSSION GUIDE

REAPING GOODNESS BY RELATING WISELY TO OTHERS
JAMES: PRACTICAL GRACE-FILLED LIVING Series - Pt 6 of 10
James 3:13-18 | Week of June 26, 2022 | Mike Prah

Reaping Goodness_Relating Wisely_print

SERMON OVERVIEW:

Every day we encounter many different kinds of people. Some are very delightful and inspiring. Others are very difficult. irritating, fascinating, and intimidating. The fact is, many of the problems we have in life are because of personality conflicts. When we don't get along with people life is miserable. It's essential that we learn how to get along with other people, so James gives some practical advice. In this study. We will discuss: How we relate wisely to other people and reap a harvest of goodness.

A. OPEN YOUR SESSION WITH PRAYER

B. ICE BREAKER: Take some time to share what is going on in your life, testimonies, and upcoming events. Recognize birthdays, anniversaries, or special occasions of your group members. Pick 1 item from the Icebreaker list to discuss to know each other better.

C. BIBLE DISCUSSION: PICK A FEW POINTS FROM EACH SECTION TO DISCUSS

SECTION 1: REVIEWING SERMON MESSAGE

(a). What fresh insight did you learn from the sermon? OR

(b). What Bible verse cited in the message stands out to you the most? Why?

SECTION 2: PERSONALIZING SERMON MESSAGE

(a). What did you hear that encouraged or reassured you?

(b). How did the message increase your love for God or Jesus Christ?

SECTION 3: ENCOURAGING APPLICATION OF THE SERMON

(a). If we diligently apply the message, what effect would it have on your personal lives and walk with Christ?

D: DIGGING DEEPER (TAKE TURNS READING THE SCRIPTURES AND THEN DISCUSS THE QUESTIONS)

"Who is wise and understanding among you? Let them show it by their good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom. 14 But if you harbor bitter envy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast about it or deny the truth. 15 Such "wisdom" does not come down from heaven but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic. 16 For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice. 17 But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. 18 "Those who are peacemakers will plant seeds of peace and reap a harvest of goodness." James 3:13-18 (NIV+LB)

WISDOM IS A LIFESTYLE

"Who is wise and understanding among you? Let them show it by their good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom " James 3:13 (NIV)

According to James 3:13, how do we know who is wise and understanding?

LACK OF WISDOM CAUSES PROBLEMS

"14 If you harbor bitter envy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast about it or deny the truth. 15 Such "wisdom" does not come down from heaven but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic. 16 For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice." James 3:14-16 (NIV)

According to verse 14, what characteristics mark the person who is not led by godly wisdom?
James states that where there is "have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice" verse 16. What are some outward demonstrations of envy and selfish ambitions?
James teaches that envy and jealousy are weapons of demons to cause problems. In what ways do these behaviors cause "disorder" and every evil practice" (Vs.15&16).

HOW TO RELATE WISELY TO OTHERS | James 3:17

"The wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere." James 3:17 (NIV)

According to James 3:17, what are the 7 characteristics of Godly wisdom that reaps a harvest of goodness?

1. IF I'M WISE, I WON'T COMPROMISE MY INTEGRITY. I WILL LIVE HONESTLY

"The wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure" James 3:17a (NIV)

Pastor Mike taught that "pure" means authentic, honest, integrity, and genuine. If we are honest, we will not lie, cheat, manipulate or be deceitful towards others. Relationships are built on trust and respect; if we don't have honesty, people will not trust and respect us. What does this teaching mean to you?

"Whoever lives honestly will live securely, but whoever lives dishonestly will be found out." Proverbs 10:9 (GN)

Why do you think those who live honestly are secure and not afraid to be found out?

2. IF I'M WISE, I WON'T PROVOKE YOUR ANGER. I WILL WORK AT MAINTAINING HARMONY

"Wisdom is ... peace-loving" James 3:17b (NIV)

"Any fool can start arguments, the honorable thing is to stay out of them." Proverbs 20:3 (GN)

Have you met someone who is constantly arguing, provoking anger, and looking for a fight? How does that behavior affect relationships?
Why do you think Proverbs 20:3 encourages us to "stay out of arguments"?

Pastor Mike taught that 3 Things that Start Arguments are: Comparing, Condemning & Contradicting.

Reflect on the verses below and share how an attitude of comparing, condemning & contradicting can provoke anger, destroy harmony in relationships and rob us of God's blessings?

"We do not dare … compare ourselves with some who commend themselves. When they … compare themselves they are not wise" 2 Corinthians 10:12 (NIV)

Jesus: "Do not judge others, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn others, or it will all come back against you. Forgive others, and you will be forgiven" Luke 6:37 (NLT)

"A person's wisdom yields patience; it is to one's glory to overlook an offense." Proverbs 19:11 (NIV)

"Make allowance for each other's faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you MUST forgive others" Colossians 3:13 (NLT)

3. IF I'M WISE, I WON'T MINIMIZE YOUR FEELINGS. I WILL BE CONSIDERATE

"Wisdom is ... considerate” (NIV) “gentle" (GN) "courteous" (LB) James 3:17b

"Believers shouldn't curse anyone or be quarrelsome, but they should be gentle and show courtesy to everyone" Titus 3:2 (GW)

What does this teaching mean to you?

"Kind words bring life, but cruel words crush your spirit." Proverbs 15:4 (GN)

Consider a time when you were blessed by the words of someone who mattered to you. Compare this with a time when another person's thoughtless words hurt you. How does this teaching encourage you to encourage others with your words?

"If you want to know what God wants you to do, ask Him, and He will gladly tell you, for He is always ready to give a bountiful supply of wisdom to all who ask Him; He will not resent it." James 1:5 (LB)

What does James 1:5 encourage us to pray for, and what will God give us in response?

"They will know God's secret, which is Christ Himself. Christ is the key that opens all the hidden treasures of God's wisdom and knowledge." Colossians 2:2b-3 (GN)

How did the verse increase your love for Jesus Christ and desire to walk closely with Him?

E. PRAYER TIME - PRAYER POINTS

Pray for each LifeGroup member to respond positively to this message and follow through in the application.
Ask for prayer requests and pray for the individual needs of your group.
Closing Prayer

THANKS FOR COMING! INVITE FRIENDS & COME BACK NEXT WEEK! PLEASE REACH OUT TO ANYONE WHO DID NOT MAKE IT TO YOUR MEETING. GOD BLESS YOU!