Sermon Discussion Guide
1.) Share with the group a time when someone had important last-minute instructions or things to tell you.
Read James 5:7-12
2.) As we near the end of James’ letter, James is taking the time to make sure that he’s including all the last-minute encouragements and lessons. As you read through this passage, what does James say that resonates most with you and why?
3.) What does patience look like to you? As you encounter situations in your life such as someone has wronged you? If your load feels incredibly heavy? When you’re not receiving the help that you need?
4.) Culture tells us many things that counteract what we see God teaching us through the Bible. When we are confronted about our beliefs what does courage mixed with love look like? What doesn’t it look like? If you feel comfortable, share a time when you were either able to show courage in a loving way or when you missed the mark.
Read Hebrews 11:35-38
5.) In the book of Job, we see a man who is tested and who has lost everything. His friends and even his wife tell him that he might as well turn away from God. As we encounter extraordinarily difficult situations in our lives, we have a choice; we can turn away from God or we can keep asking him the difficult questions. Where in your life have you struggled through difficult situations and what effect did those situations have on your relationship with God?
Going Deeper – The Last 10%
Read Job 19:25-27
1.) Job has a relentless focus on God even in times of unimaginable grief and loss. Take time in your group to talk about difficulties some group members might be experiencing. Pray for each other, asking God for the patience to journey through tough times and the ability to show courage and love as we go into this next week.
