Harvest Bible Chapel Pittsburgh North Sermons - Harvest Bible Chapel Pittsburgh North

Introduction:

The Cross in Exodus (Exodus 12:1-13):

1. What is the prophecy of the messiah's suffering?
2. How did Jesus fulfill this prophecy on the cross?

   John 19:28-29 - After this, Jesus, knowing that all was now finished, said (to fulfill the Scripture), “I thirst.” A jar full of sour wine stood there, so they put a sponge full of the sour wine on a hyssop branch and held it to his mouth.

   Exodus 12:22 - Take a bunch of hyssop and dip it in the blood that is in the basin, and touch the lintel and the two doorposts with the blood that is in the basin.

3. What does this prophecy mean for us?

   Revelation 20:14 - Then Death and Hades were thrown into the lake of fire.

So What Happens to Me When I Die?

1. You Don't .

   John 11:25 - Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live.”

2. You go Immediately to heaven.

   Philippians 1:23 - My desire is to depart and be with Christ, for that is far better.

   2 Corinthians 5:8 - Yes, we are of good courage, and we would rather be away from the body and at home with the Lord.

3. You eventually get your Glorified Body .

   1 Corinthians 15:54-57 - When the perishable puts on the imperishable, and the mortal puts on immortality, then shall come to pass the saying that is written: “Death is swallowed up in victory.” “O death, where is your victory? O death, where is your sting?” The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.

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Small Group Discussion
Read Exodus 12:1–13, 1 Corinthians 15:54-57

1. What was your big take-away from this passage / message?
   

2. On a scale of 1-5, how scared are you of dying? 1 = can’t wait to go, 5 = I am terrified of death. Why do you rate yourself that way? How often do you think about your own death?
   

3. What does the Passover depict regarding Jesus Christ? What are some of the images of Passover in Egypt that are fulfilled in Jesus’ death on the cross?
   

4. Explain, specifically, from 1 Corinthians 15:54-57 how the death of Jesus defeated death for us.
   

5. What would you say to a friend who says to you, “I am afraid of dying!”

Breakout
Pray for one another.

Introduction:

The Cross in Genesis (Genesis 3:15):

1. What is the prophecy of the Messiah's suffering?

   John 8:44

2. How did Jesus fulfill this prophecy on the cross?

   Hebrews 2:14 - through death he (Jesus) might destroy the one who has the power of death, that is, the devil.

   Hebrews 2:15 - and deliver all those who through fear of death were subject to lifelong slavery.

3. What does this prophecy mean for us?

   Revelation 12:11 - And they have conquered him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony, for they loved not their lives even unto death.

How to Conquer Satan (Revelation 12:11):

1. Perceive how satan is conquered: By the Blood of the Lamb.
2. Personally receive Jesus Christ: Have a Testimony .

   1 John 5:4 - this is the victory that has overcome the world – our faith

3. Persevere to the end: All the way to Death .

   Romans 16:20 - The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet.

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Small Group Discussion
Read Genesis 3:15, Hebrews 2:14-15, and Revelation 12:11

1. What was your big take-away from this passage / message?
   

2. When it comes to Satan, do you lean more towards giving him zero thought (as if he’s NOT prowling around like a lion) or giving him too much thought (you are overly focused on him)? Explain why you lean that way.
   

3. Specifically, how did Jesus’ death on the cross defeat Satan?
   

4. What exactly does it mean to have a testimony (Revelation 12:11)? What are some elements of a testimony?

Breakout
Pray for one another.

Introduction:

The Fulfilled Promises of God... (Ruth 4):

1. Come at a Cost . (Ruth 4:1-12)

   Colossians 3:2 - Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on the earth.

   Colossians 3:16 - Let the Word of Christ dwell in you richly.

2. Exceed my Own Expectations . (Ruth 4:13-17b)

   Romans 8:28 - And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to His purpose.

3. Are bigger than Me . (Ruth 4:17c-22)

   Judges 21:25 - In those days there was no king in Israel. Everyone did what was right in his own eyes.

   2 Samuel 7:16 - "And your house and your kingdom shall be made sure forever before me. Your throne shall be established forever."

   Luke 1:32-33 - "He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. And the Lord God will give to Him the throne of His father David, and He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of His kingdom there will no end."

   2 Corinthians 1:20 - For all the promises of God find their Yes in Him.

   Number 23:19 - "God is not man, that He should lie, or a son of man, that He should change His mind. Has He said, and will He not do it? Or has He spoken, and will He not fulfill it?""

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Small Group Discussion
Read Ruth 4:1-22

1. What was your big take-away from this passage / message?
   

2. Talk through all that Jesus had to sacrifice to fulfill His Father’s promises. How would your life be different if you meditated upon these truths multiple times a day?
   

3. What does the average American expect from life? What should the Christian expect from life?
   

4. How do you see yourself holding God to promises that He never made in His Word?
   

5. Why is it freeing to know that life isn’t about you and that you’re important but not THAT important?

Breakout
Share any frustrations or disappointments that you are experiencing in this current season of life.

Read Romans 8:28 and pray for each other in light of the truths found in this verse.

Introduction:

The Redemption of God... (Ruth 3):

1. Cannot be earned by my efforts but Only Received by Faith . (Ruth 3:1-5)

   Isaiah 64:6 - All of us have become like one who is unclean and all our righteous acts are like filthy rags.

2. Brings me guaranteed Rest and Protection . (Ruth 3:6-14)

   Philippians 1:6 - And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.

   Jude 24 - Now to Him who is able to keep you from stumbling and to present you blameless before the presence of His glory with great joy.

3. Reveals itself in my life in Tangible Ways . (Ruth 3:15-18)

   2 Corinthians 13:5 - Examine yourselves, to see if you are in the faith. Test yourselves. Or do you not realize this about yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you? – unless indeed you fail to meet the test!

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Small Group Discussion
Read Ruth 3:1-18

1. What was your big take-away from this passage / message?
   

2. What does it mean to be redeemed? How can we stay passionate about our redemption and not lose sight of how awesome it truly is?
   

3. How do you see the sin of pride showing up in your life right now? Why should we never view ourselves as better than unbelievers in our lives and in our culture?
   

4. Do you ever struggle with an assurance of your salvation? How can true believers fight against their doubts and lack of assurance?
   

5. If the Holy Spirit lives within you, what evidence will show up in your life? In other words, what are the marks of a changed life?

Breakout
Pray for one another.

Introduction:

The Rudeness Quiz:

The Kindness of God... (Ruth 2):

1. Puts me in the Right Place at the Right Time . (Ruth 2:1-7)
2. Transforms my Character . (Ruth 2:8-10)
   1. I should help those who cannot Repay Me . (Ruth 2:8-9)
   2. I should humble myself instead of Embracing Entitlement . (Ruth 2:10)
3. Rewards my Faithfulness . (Ruth 2:11-23)

   Psalm 23:6 - Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever.

   "He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain what he cannot lose." - Jim Elliot

   Psalm 63:3 - Because your loving-kindness is better than life, my lips shall praise you. Thus, I will bless you while I live; I will lift up my hands in Your name.

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Small Group Discussion
Read Ruth 2:1-23

1. What was your big take-away from this passage / message?
   

2. How has the Lord put you in the right place at the right time in the past?
   

3. Why do we often fail to thank and praise the Lord for the gifts of kindness that He has given us? Share what you are most thankful for right now.
   

4. How do you see yourself struggling with unkindness and entitlement? How can you fight against these trends in your life?
   

5. What rewards does the Lord give to His faithful and obedient servants?

Breakout
Pray for one another.

Introduction:

Providence: God's purposeful direction of Human history, every single human life, and every single thing that He has created .

The Hand of God... (Ruth 1):

1. Draws back His Wandering People . (Ruth 1:1-7)

   Judges 21:25 - In those days there was no king in Israel. Everyone did what was right in his own eyes.

   Revelation 2:4-5 - "But I have this against you, that you have abandoned the love you had at first. Remember therefore from where you have fallen; repent, and do the works you did at first."

2. Reaches out to grab Hold of the Lost . (Ruth 1:8-18)

   Romans 10:9 - If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.

3. Directs the bitterest of paths towards His Sweetest Blessings . (Ruth 1:19-22)

   Romans 8:18 - For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us.

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Small Group Discussion
Read Ruth 1:1-22

1. What was your big take-away from this passage / message?
   

2. What is providence? How do you see God’s providential hand at work in the first chapter of Ruth? How do you see His providential hand at work in this world and your life?
   

3. What is repentance and why is it so essential for living the Chrisian life? Why do many churches and professing Christians ignore the biblical call to repentance?
   

4. How have you seen the Lord direct a bitter path towards His sweet blessings in your own life?

Breakout
What is the Lord calling you to repent of right now? What steps need to be taken to turn away from your sin and turn towards true change?

Pray that every member of your breakout group will humble themselves and walk in repentance.

Introduction:

1 John 2:19 - They went out from us, but they were not of us; for if they had been of us, they would have continued with us. But they went out, that it might become plain that they all are not of us.

How to Rescue a Stray (James 5:19-20):

1. Learn how to Recognize a stray. (Jas 5:19a, 20a)

   Matthew 9:13 - For I came not to call the righteous, but sinners.

   Romans 5:8 - but God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us...

2. Remember what's at stake. (Jas 5:20b)

   Revelation 21:8 - But as for the cowardly, the faithless, the detestable, as for murderers, the sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars, their portion will be in the lake that burns with fire and sulfur, which is the second death.

3. Take Responsibility . (Jas 5:19b, 20a)

   2 Corinthians 5:18, 20 - All this is from God, who through Christ reconciled us to himself and gave us the ministry of reconciliation... Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, God making his appeal through us.

4. Encourage Repentance . (Jas 5:19b, 20)

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Small Group Discussion
Read James 5:19-20

1. What was your big take-away from this passage / message?
   

2. How do you know when someone is “wandering from the truth”? How do you know when to stop pursuing a stray?
   

3. What is the motivation behind rescuing a stray? How much does this motivation move you?
   

4. Why is repentance a necessary part of receiving Jesus? Can you receive Jesus without repenting? Why or why not?
   

5. Have you been going after a stray? Share your experience with the group (no names!).

Breakout
Who do you know who has “wandered away” from Harvest? Pray for them, and call / text them NOW.

Introduction:

How to See Prayer Answered (James 5:13-18):

1. Make prayer the Norm . (Jas 5:13)

   1 Thessalonians 5:17 - pray without ceasing…

2. Call for Help . (Jas 5:14-15)
3. Deal with Sin openly. (Jas 5:16)
4. Believe that prayer Works . (Jas 5:17-18)

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Small Group Discussion
Read James 5:13-18

1. What was your big take-away from this passage / message?
   

2. Why do you think most of our prayer requests are about physical needs, and relatively few are about spiritual needs?
   

3. Why does James instruct us to call on church leaders for prayer (Jas 5:14)? What do you think is the purpose of the oil?
   

4. How would you respond to someone who says “I tried praying - and it didn’t work.”?
   

5. What was the point of the Elijah illustration (Jas 5:17-18)? What does this teach us about answered prayer in our lives?

Breakout
Pray for one another.

Introduction:

If I'm Going to Tell the Truth: (James 5:12)

1. I must understand Truth is the highest priority .
2. I must stop Seaking Deceptively .

   Matthew 5:33-37

   Matthew 23:16-19

3. I must speak Honestly .
4. I must reckon with the Consequences for lying .

   Matthew 5:34-37

5. I must do What is true .

   Colossians 3:9 - Do not lie to one another, seeing that you have put off the old self with its practices.

   Ephesians 4:25 - Therefore, having put away falsehood, let each one of you speak the truth with his neighbor, for we are members one of another.

   Matthew 7:12 - So whatever you wish that others would do to you, do also to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets.

   1 John 2:3-6 - And by this we know that we have come to know him, if we keep his commandments. Whoever says “I know him” but does not keep his commandments is a liar, and the truth is not in him, but whoever keeps his word, in him truly the love of God is perfected. By this we may know that we are in him: whoever says he abides in him ought to walk in the same way in which he walked.

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Small Group Discussion
Read James 5:12

1. What was your big take-away from this passage / message?
   

2. What are some reasons we may not take our responsibility to tell the truth seriously? How valid are those reasons?
   

3. What are some excuses people make to minimize the wrongfulness of lying?
   

4. What types of lies are you most prone to telling? For example, exaggeration, excuse making, stonewalling (“I’m fine”), etc.?
   

5. Does the connection between keeping the Lord’s commands and being truthful make it simpler or harder to tell the truth? (1 John 2:3-6; Matthew 7:12)

Breakout
Pray that the Lord will impress on our hearts the imperative to be truthful, and that as a congregation we will be committed to telling the truth in love..

Introduction:

Five Things to Say to Yourself When You Are Losing Your Patience with People: (James 5:1-11)

1. Lost people act like Lost People . (Jas 5:1-6)

   Matthew 6:21 - For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.

2. Things won't Always be as they are now. (Jas 5:7-8)

   Romans 8:18 - For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us.

3. Don't forfeit your Rewards . (Jas 5:9)

   2 John 8 - Watch yourselves, so that you may not lose what we have worked for, but may win a full reward.

4. Faithful people are patient. (Jas 5:10)
5. Patience is Good for me. (Jas 5:11)

   Job 1:22 - In all this Job did not sin or charge God with wrong.

   Job 42:5 - I had heard of you by the hearing of the ear, but now my eye sees you...

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Small Group Discussion
Read James 5:1-11

1. What was your big take-away from this passage / message?
   

2. Do you struggle to be patient with people? What kinds of things do people do that require extra patience (no names!)?
   

3. How is the Christian life like being a farmer, according to Jas 5:7?
   

4. Which of these 5 reminders from James on how to be patient with people is the most helpful to you? Why?
   

5. Which person from the Bible (besides Jesus Christ) do you find most inspiring to you in your walk with Christ? Why?
   

6. How is patience ultimately a benefit for the one who has to show patience (Jas 5:11)?

Breakout
Pray for one another to be patient with people.

Introduction:

Goal for 2024: I will - ___

How to Craft Your 5-Year Plan (James 4:13-17)

1. You need to know what you Don't Know . (Jas 4:13-14)
   1. You don't know what is going to Happen tomorrow. (Jas 4:14a)

      Proverbs 27:1 - Do not boast about tomorrow, for you do not know what a day may bring.

   2. You don't know if you will Have a tomorrow. (Jas 4:14b)
2. You need to stop the Self-Confidence . (Jas 4:15-16)

   Numbers 20:10-12 - Then Moses and Aaron gathered the assembly together before the rock, and he said to them, "Hear now, you rebels: shall we bring water for you out of this rock?" And Moses lifted up his hand and struck the rock with his staff twice, and water came out abundantly, and the congregation drank, and their livestock. And the LORD said to Moses and Aaron, "Because you did not believe in me, to uphold me as holy in the eyes of the people of Israel, therefore you shall not bring this assembly into the land that I have given them."

3. You need to do whatever God says - ASAP . (Jas 4:17)
4. You need to acknowledge God has the Final Say . (Jas 4:15)

   Acts 18:21 - I will return to you again if God wills.

   1 Corinthians 4:19 - I will come to you soon, if the Lord wills.

   1 Corinthians 16:5-7 - I will visit you after passing through Macedonia, for I intend to pass through Macedonia, and perhaps I will stay with you or even spend the winter, so that you may help me on my journey, wherever I go. For I do not want to see you now just in passing. I hope to spend some time with you, if the Lord permits.

   Philippians 1:20 - as it is my eager expectation and hope that I will not be at all ashamed, but that with full courage now as always Christ will be honored in my body, whether by life or by death.

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Small Group Discussion
Read James 4:13-17

1. What was your big take-away from this passage / message?
   

2. Did you make a 2024 New Year’s Resolution? What are some resolutions you made in the past?
   

3. Is James saying it is wrong to make plans? Why or why not?
   

4. Explain why making plans apart from God is “arrogant” and “evil” (Jas 4:16). Why is this such a serious sin?
   

5. Is there anything you know God wants you to do, but you’ve been putting it off? What is keeping you from obeying God today?

Breakout
Pray for one another to make your 2024 plans in the way that acknowledges God in all things.

Introduction:

4 Things the Incarnation Teaches Us About Selflessness (Philippians 2:5-11):

1. Selflessness starts in the Mind . (Phil 2:6)
2. Selflessness is a matter of Identity . (Phil 2:7)
3. Selflessness shows up in Action . (Phil 2:8)
4. Selflessness leads to Glory . (Phil 2:9-11)

   Matthew 23:12 - Whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted.

   Luke 14:11 - For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.

   Luke 18:14 - For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but the one who humbles himself will be exalted.

   1 Peter 5:6 - Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you,

   James 4:10 - Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will exalt you.

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Small Group Discussion
Read Philippians 2:5-11

1. What was your big take-away from this passage / message?
   

2. Have you ever felt like some job at the church was “beneath you”? What does God becoming man teach you about how we view any job at the church?
   

3. Have you ever felt like you have served too much or given too much? What does the incarnation teach us about how far we should be willing to serve and give?

Breakout
Pray for one another.

Introduction:

A Savior: He Gives Forgiveness (Colossians 2:8-15):

In Christ...

1. I have been gifted with the Truth . (Col 2:8)

   Colossians 2:2-3 - To reach all the riches of full assurance of understanding and the knowledge of God’s mystery, which is Christ, in whom are hidden ALL the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.

2. I have been gifted with All That I Truly Need . (Col 2:9-10)
3. I have been gifted with New and Everlasting Life . (Col 2:11-12)
4. I have been gifted with Total Forgiven . (Col 2:13-14)
5. I have been gifted with Victory Over My Spiritual Enemies . (Col 2:15)

   1 Peter 5:8-9 - Be sober minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. Resist him, firm in your faith.

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Small Group Discussion
Read Colossians 2:8-15

1. What was your big take-away from this passage / message?
   

2. When it comes to this time of year, why is it so easy to slip into a state of forgetfulness regarding the true focus and meaning of Christmas?
   

3. What does it mean to be “in Christ” and “complete in Him”? What blessings and gifts do we receive in Him?
   

4. What specific errors and false teachings do we need to be on guard against right now? How can we prepare to stand against false teaching and “see to it that no one takes you captive”?
   

5. How does the forgiveness of Christ change how you view your sin? How should it fuel your fight against sin?

Breakout
Pray for one another.

Introduction:

How to Play Well With Others (James 4:1-12):

1. Stop being so Self-centered . (Jas 4:1-3)
2. Get Right with God. (Jas 4:4-10)

   4 Things I Must Do to Humble Myself:

   1. I must Submit to God. (Jas 4:7a-8a)
   2. I must Repent from my sin. (Jas 4:8b)
   3. I must Mourn over my sinfulness. (Jas 4:9)
   4. I must receive God's Grace . (Jas 4:10)
3. Stop Slandering . (Jas 4:11-12)

   3 Things You Also Say When You Slander:

   1. "I Hate that person." (Jas 4:11a)
   2. "God's word means Nothing to me." (Jas 4:11bc)

      Galatians 5:14 - For the whole law is fulfilled in one word: "You shall love your neighbor as yourself."

   3. "I should be God ." (Jas 4:12)

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Small Group Discussion
Read James 4:1-12

1. What was your big take-away from this passage / message?
   

2. Why do you think people would rather fight for what they want than ask God for it (Jas 4:2)?
   

3. In Jas 4:3, James says when we ask God for something with selfish motives, He will not answer. How can you tell if what you are asking for comes from a selfish motive or a God-glorifying motive? If you realize you are being selfish in what you are asking for, what should you do? How does this change how you pray?
   

4. What does it mean to “humble yourself”? How do you know when you have done that? In what area of “humbling yourself” do you find the most difficult? Why? See Jas 4:7-10.
   

5. Why does James talk about slander here? How is slander destructive? What should you do if someone is slandering someone else to you?

Breakout
Pray for one another.

Introduction:

James 1:5 - If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him.

How to be Wise (James 3:13-18)

1. Understand what wisdom is. (Jas 3:13)
2. Know the difference between Me-first wisdom and Godly wisdom. (Jas 3:14-18)

   Three questions to ask yourself that will determine what kind of wisdom you live by:

   1. Where does my wisdom come from?
   2. Who is my wisdom meant to benefit?
   3. What is my wisdom producing?
3. Apply liberally.

   Proverbs 15:1 - A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.

   1 Corinthians 1:30 - ...you are in Christ Jesus, who became to us wisdom from God...

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Small Group Discussion
Read James 3:13-18

1. What was your big take-away from this passage / message?
   

2. How can you tell where your wisdom comes from - whether it’s demonic (Jas 3:15) or from above (Jas 3:17)?
   

3. In what area do you need God’s wisdom right now? How does this passage encourage you in both what to do and what NOT to do?
   

4. Have you ever held non-Christians to Biblical standards? (For example: telling your non-Christian coworker he shouldn’t swear because of what the Bible says about our speech.) Why doesn’t that work? How should you address them instead?

Breakout
Pray for one another to grow in godly wisdom.

Introduction:

James 1:26 - If anyone thinks he is religious and does not bridle his tongue but deceives his heart, this person’s religion is worthless.

How to Watch Your Mouth (James 3:1-12)

1. Recognize its Controlling Influence . (Jas 3:1-5a)
2. Refuse to underestimate its Destructive Power . (Jas 3:5b-9)
   1. It can spread Corruption Easily and Quickly . (Jas 3:5b-6)
   2. It can be a Weapon in the Hands of Satan . (Jas 3:6b)

      John 8:44 - "He was a murderer from the beginning, and does not stand in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks out of his own character, for he is a liar and the father of lies."

   3. It is impossible to Fully Tame . (Jas 3:7-8)
3. Resolve to only use it for Blessing . (Jas 3:9-12)

   Matthew 12:33-34 - "Either make the tree good and its fruit good, or make the tree bad and its fruit bad, for the tree is known by its fruit. You brood of vipers! How can you speak good when you are evil? For out of the abundance of the heart, the mouth speaks."

   Ephesians 4:29 - Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear.

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Small Group Discussion
Read James 3:1-12

1. What was your big take-away from this passage / message?
   

2. Why do our words carry so much weight for good or for bad? Why is underestimating the power of our words detrimental and destructive?
   

3. What is your biggest struggle/stumbling block with your speech? What is the heart issue behind that speech issue?
   

4. How can you resolve to use your mouth for blessing this upcoming week? Who is God calling you to bless in particular?

Breakout
Pray for one another and that you would resolve to use your mouth for blessing and not cursing.

Introduction:

Matthew 7:21 - Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven.

Romans 2:6-8 - He will render to each one according to his works: to those who by patience in well-doing seek for glory and honor and immortality, he will give eternal life; but for those who are self-seeking and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness, there will be wrath and fury.

How to Prove You Have Faith (James 2:14-26)

1. A faith that doesn't Move you to Serve = dead faith. (Jas 2:15-17)
2. A faith that is just about Agreeing to Doctrine = dead faith. (Jas 2:18-19)

   John 3:2 - This man (Nicodemus) came to Jesus by night and said to him, "Rabbi, we know that you are a teacher come from God, for no one can do these signs that you do unless God is with him."

3. A faith that Makes your Choices = living faith. (Jas 1:20-26)

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Small Group Discussion
Read James 2:14-26

1. What was your big take-away from this passage / message?
   

2. What exactly is James talking about when he speaks of “works”? Give specific examples of the kinds of works that flow from authentic faith.
   

3. Suppose you see a church member who doesn’t seem to show any works resulting from saving faith. How do you know if they are just an immature believer or not really a believer at all?
   

4. How would you approach such a person (from question 2) if they were in your Small Group?
   

5. James says Abraham was justified by works (James 2:21), but Paul says in Romans 4:2 “For if Abraham was justified by works, he has something to boast about, but not before God.” Do James and Paul contradict each other? How would you explain this?

Breakout
Pray for one another!

Introduction:

Deuteronomy 10:17 - For the LORD your God is God of gods and Lord of lords, the great, the mighty, and the awesome God, who is not partial and takes no bribe.

Acts 10:34-35 - So Peter opened his mouth and said: "Truly I understand that God shows no partiality, but in every nation anyone who fears him and does what is right is acceptable to him."

How to Love People Like God Loves People (James 2:1-13)

1. Don't Deny your faith: Christ followers are not Partial. (Jas 2:1-4)
2. Don't Disregard reality: rich /= Great, and poor /= Bad. (Jas 2:5-7)

   Psalm 68:10 - ...in your goodness, O God, you provided for the needy.

   Psalm 41:1 - Blessed is the one who considers the poor!

   Proverbs 17:5 - Whoever mocks the poor insults his Maker...

3. Don't Disobey God's Word: Partiality is a serious Sin. (Jas 1:22-27)

   Matthew 5:7 - Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy.

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Small Group Discussion
Read James 2:1-13

1. What was your big take-away from this passage / message?
   

2. What are ways that you tend to label people that you need to refrain from?
   

3. Why is partiality such a serious sin? How did James show us that it is (see James 2:9-11)?
   

4. Is James condemning all rich people (James 2:6-7)? Why or why not?
   

5. If we are saved by grace, and works do not save anyone, why are works the basis for judgment (James 2:12)? See also Revelation 22:12.

Breakout
Pray for one another, and HBC, to never show partiality.

Introduction:

How to Get the Most Out of Church (James 1:19-27)

1. Come ready to Hear God's Word. (Jas 1:19-21)
2. Leave ready to Apply God's Word. (Jas 1:22-27)

   Deuteronomy 6:24 - And the LORD commanded us to do all these statutes, to fear the LORD our God, for our good always, that he might preserve us alive, as we are this day.

   John 13:17 - If you know these things, blessed are you if you do them.

   Matthew 12:34 - For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks.

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Small Group Discussion
Read James 1:19-27

1. What was your big take-away from this passage / message?
   

2. Explain James’ mirror illustration in Jas 1:23-24.
   

3. Why is the tongue a good indicator on where your faith is (Jas 1:26)? See Matthew 12:34.
   

4. What do you personally need to do to better prepare yourself for church next Sunday?

Breakout
Pray for one another.

Introduction:

My Temptation: --------------------------------------------------

How to Beat Temptation: (James 1:13-18)

1. Blame the right person. (Jas 1:13-14)

   Genesis 3:12 - The man said, "The woman whom you gave to be with me, she gave me fruit of the tree, and I ate."

   Proverbs 19:3 - When a man’s folly brings his way to ruin, his heart rages against the LORD.

   Isaiah 63:17 - O LORD, why do you make us wander from your ways and harden our heart, so that we fear you not?

2. Say No early. (Jas 1:15-16)

   Romans 13:14 - But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to gratify its desires.

3. Focus on God's Gifts . (Jas 1:17)
4. Remind yourself of your Identity . (Jas 1:18)

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Small Group Discussion
Read James 1:13-18

1. What was your big take-away from this passage / message?
   

2. What excuses have you made - or heard - for giving into temptation? What does James say about who is responsible for our sin?
   

3. Why do you think people tend to blame God for their failures?
   

4. Are all desires bad (Jas 1:14)? How do you know what is a good desire and what is a sinful desire?
   

5. What gifts from God can you focus on when you are tempted to sin?

Breakout
Pray for one another - to resist temptation the way James lays out for us.