WEEK 5 // ‘Communal Prayer ’
Reflection & Discussion Questions
Watch: re-watch this week’s sermon by David Barber
Reflect:
This week David explored the theme of communal prayer in the final part of James’ letter. Believers pray. James spends some time on instructing the church when, how, and why they should pray. His primary concern for his readers is to pray in times of suffering. At the same time, he does not want his readers to pray merely when times are difficult. We should pray for wisdom when we are suffering, that we might endure. We should pray to God through “praises” when we are joyful (1Cor. 14.15). We should pray to God for healing when we are sick.
Reflect
Question 1: How does this quotation make you feel?
“The greatest thing anyone can do for God and man is pray. It is not the only thing; but it is the chief thing. The great people of earth today are the people who pray. I do not mean those who talk about prayer, nor those who say they believe in prayer; nor yet those who can explain about prayer; but I mean those people who take time to pray.” S.D. Gordon
Question 2: What does prayer mean to you?
Read: James 5: 12-20
Question 3: What stood out to you for the passage?
This could be a word, theme or image. – there is no right or wrong answer
Explanation: Oil, healing and illness.
Here, the oil seems to have symbolic significance. The disciples used oil in their healing ministry at least once (Mark 6.13), but the purpose is not explained. Though oil is traditionally a sign of God’s power to heal, James emphasizes the power of prayer. All healing has a spiritual dimension just as all illness is essentially a result of sin. In Jesus’ day, people over-spiritualized illnesses as we have seen some churches do in our day. More commonly, however, is modern day culture’s tendency to de-spiritualize illnesses completely. Our technological advancements and medical discoveries cause us to deny any connection between sin and illness. While God does heal through various means, all too often, we seek material solutions for spiritual problems.
Not all illnesses are the result of personal sin, but James urges us to consider the possibility. In Psalm 32, David speaks about the power of unconfessed sin; how it wastes away bones and drains us of strength. To avoid such sickness, James encourages us to confess our sins to one another. In doing so, we live out the gospel most beautifully; we confess our sins to one another without fear of rejection for the purposes of prayer. The prayer of a righteous man is the prayer of a man who does not doubt God’s ability to give healing or strength. Contrary to some popular heresies, God does not heal as a reward for faithfulness—as if he owes us healing for our faith. Earlier, James had warned us against faithless prayers (1.6), proving that the issue here is not that “strong” faith guarantees healing, but that doubting faith or “going through the motions” guarantees nothing.
Question 4: Why do you think that most elders in most churches do not follow the simple instructions of James with regard to sicknesses and anointing with oil? Is this type of prayer archaic and irrelevant for today or should the elders practice this?
Read Psalm 32.
David wrote this Psalm about his unconfessed sin with Bathsheba (2Samuel 11). We often assume unconfessed sin as having only to do with “that bad thing” we did that we never told anyone. While confession of such things to God and to others is healing, we also must consider any subtle sins such as bitterness. Bitterness is not just an innocent feeling, it is a sin not to forgive, and it will cause us to be spiritually weak and rotten from the inside out if not confessed.
Take some time to ask God to reveal your unconfessed sins, obvious and subtle, that you might be healed (Psalm 51).
Going Deeper
Take time to pray as a group. Below are some suggestions that can make prayer a bit less unpredictable and a bit more intentional.
- Prayer of Praise: Take a few minutes to pray the name of God by describing the character qualities of God. Do not thank God for these qualities, simply declare them: “God you are holy”; “God you are beautiful”; “God you are powerful”; “God you are forgiving”. You can also pray a Psalm out loud in praise of him. Some good Psalms to do this are: 8, 19, 29, 93, 95, 96, 104, 105, 113, 145, 150.
- Prayer of Confession: Spend some time confessing your sins to one another. As a family, you can ask forgiveness for words spoken or not, actions taken or not. The goal is to have the family recognize that, though we sin against each other, we in fact sin against God alone—it is his law we break. God already knows all things, past, present, and future. When we sin, we do not “lose” our salvation, but we do lose out on a joyful relationship with God. We confess each day that we are more sinful than we’ll ever admit, but more loved than we could ever imagine.
- Prayer of Provision: First, thank God for all that He has given. As we do this, we recognize that all we have, even the breath to say it, is a gift from God. Thanking God for our material things such as food, a warm home, even our toys, helps us to be content with what God has decided to bless us with. Most importantly we must also thank God for giving us forgiveness through Jesus. Secondly, ask God for your needs, according to His will. Ask for healing, for comfort, of for wisdom during whatever trial you find yourself in.
The questions for this study have been adapted from the devotional series Retro Faith by Mercy Fellowship Marysville, WA.
You can access all 15 devotionals from their series here: https://www.csmedia1.com/restorationroadchurch.com/james-study-guide.pdf.
WEEK 4 // ‘Communal Wisdom ’
Reflection & Discussion Questions
Watch: re-watch this week’s sermon by Rev Andy
Reflect:
This week Andy challenged us to reflect on the nature of wisdom and the wise person.
Wisdom and knowledge are not synonyms. Though many people aspire to obtain knowledge in our world today, few pursue wisdom. In reality, knowing the Royal Law intellectually is much different than actively applying it to our daily lives. As evidence of genuine faith, James charges the believer to act wisely.
Throughout his sermon, James contrasts what amounts to two different paths of life, one for the genuinely faithful and one for the faithless. Just as he pits living faith against dead faith, true religion against false, and trials against temptations, here James speaks about wisdom that comes from heaven, and wisdom that finds its source in hell. The books of Proverbs and Ecclesiastes best define the 16 characteristic of godly wisdom. True wisdom begins with the fear of the Lord (Prov. 1.7). True wisdom does not have its foundation in our natural knowledge, but in the mind of the Lord. True wisdom is more valuable than precious jewels and is supreme over all other virtues. True wisdom brings prosperity, long life, joy, contentment, profitability, power, and protection (Prov. 3.1ff).
Wisdom that is from heaven will manifest itself in peace, submission, and humility. On the other hand, people filled with wisdom that is from the earth will be governed by strife, envy, and pride. Demonic wisdom such as this is not irrational, random, or devoid of agenda. In fact, it is governed by selfishness and committed to serving personal interests. Here James addresses those who claim to be believers but are in fact frauds. Though they claim to be wise and though they have justifications for every sin they do or good thing they do not do, the truth is that they are making decisions in line with their sinful hearts.
James ends this section of Scripture by asking a question to prove a point. The solution to our problem is not a matter of choice. In reality, we cannot simply CHOOSE the way of wisdom. We are unable to choose the right path and follow it every time, not because of external temptations, but because of our internal brokenness. But we live with hearts waged in a civil war; a war that spills out of our hearts and into our communities creating disunity. James says that this happens, not because we didn’t choose wisely, but because we didn’t appeal to God’s wisdom in prayer. Even if we do pray, we often do so selfishly as if God is a vending machine in the sky. Jesus teaches us to ask for things in line with God’s name, kingdom, and will (Matt. 6.9-10). Prayer is more for us than it is for God. At times he will answer prayer by giving us the desires of our heart; other times he will give us new desires and a changed heart.
Question 1: Describe the difference between knowledge and wisdom. How has knowledge, even that of the Bible, become a false measurement of wisdom? How do you know if someone is wise?
In his sermon, Andy talked about the suburban drive for status as a way of asserting our wisdom. He mentioned things like manicured lawns, nice cars, private schools and overseas holidays.
Question 2: What other suburban status symbols would you add to this list? Do you think we have spiritual status symbols in the suburban church?
Question 3: In what way do you see yourselves driven by these status symbols? Do you think there are ways that pursuing these things can become at odds with the gospel message?
Read: James 3:13–4:3, 7–8a
Question 4: What stood out to you for the passage?
This could be a word, theme, or image. – there is no right or wrong answer
Group Discussion Questions:
Read Psalm 119. 97-112.
Question 1: Where do you get your wisdom—from above or from below? Think about how much philosophy you absorb from the culture around you. Where have you learned most of what you know about finances, parenting, sex, marriage, work, etc?
Read Psalm 119.145-152
Question 2: Where are we supposed to obtain wisdom? Consider the last few months or even years of your life as a Christian. Do you feel wiser with regard to God’s truth than you did in the recent past? Why? What do your disciplines of prayer, reading Scripture, meditation, etc. say about your trust in God’s Wisdom?
Going Deeper: An activity for families
The average adult spends 3 1⁄2 minutes in conversation with their child each day. The average child spends over 360 minutes at school each day and over 1,680 minutes watching television each week. All the while they are absorbing the wisdom of the world that will shape their hearts and direct their actions.
As a family, commit to taking in some of God’s Wisdom for the next 31 DAYS by reading the Book of Proverbs daily. As there are 31 Proverbs, read the Proverb according to the current day of the month (Proverbs 1 = October 1st). Why might this be difficult for you or your family? How might this commitment impact your family?
The questions for this study have been adapted from the devotional series Retro Faith by Mercy Fellowship Marysville, WA.
WEEK 3 // ‘Faith and Deeds ’
Reflection & Discussion Questions
Watch: re-watch this week’s sermon by Rev Philip Gilham
- Reflect:
This week Philip explored how the teaching in James, while tricky, is deeply practical. He also explored how James’ teaching doesn’t contradict Paul’s theology but uses it as a base to instruct a deeper spiritual life. Philip affirmed Paul’s teaching that we are saved by grace alone; he then explored how such salvation and love from God should transform us to show this faith in action (or, as James puts it, works). Our works, however, are never the catalyst for our salvation — that is all through the work of Christ!
Question 1: At face value and with so many authors. It can seem like the bible contradicts itself at times. Can you think of any such examples?
Question 2: What do you make of such contradictions?
A great bonus resource on this is a great new book by Melbourne New Testament scholar Robyn Whitaker called Even the Devil Quotes Scripture. I (Pastor Kat) have personally really enjoyed this book. Robyn’s love of scripture and academic rigour shine through in a very accessible way!
- Read: James 2:14-26
Question 3: What stood out to you for the passage?
This could be a word, theme or image. – there is no right or wrong answer
This passage of Scripture represents the heart of James’ message. Reading verses 2.14-26 provides a set of lenses through which we can read his practical advice and not fall into legalism. James does his best to explain our connection with Christ and faith, in a way that will make sense to everyone. In doing so, he makes a distinction between faith affirmed by words and faith affirmed by actions, faith he describes as either dead or alive.
Group or Family Discussion Questions:
- Read Mark 4.13-20.
Question 4: What do you think James means when he says, “Faith without works is dead.”? How can a faith die? What is a faith that is alive?
Question 5: James intends to say that true faith is always a living faith, a faith that is active. What are some practical ways you can begin to live out your faith for yourself? In your family? In your neighborhood? In your community?
- Read 1Peter 3.13-17.
Question 6: What is the “hope” Peter writes about? What is the reason for the world asking for the “hope” that we have? How might they respond to our answer?
Going Deeper
The following question can be used as a group discussion or used for private reflection.
- Reflect:
Question 1: Do you feel you are serving God, doing things – works and deeds – that God has prepared for you and prepared you for, in order to make a difference for His Kingdom and Glory?
- Reflect:
In his sermon, Philip talked about how busy we can often be serving, he challenged us to question what we do and why. Philip shared that If we are doing things to earn our place in heaven – we better think again. We can’t earn our way to heaven – only faith and trust in what Jesus has earned for us. Other times we serve out of obligation; it’s a big SHOULD in our lives.
Question 2: Are there times you serve because you feel you SHOULD rather than because you feel God is giving and calling you to serve in that way?
Question 3: What do you think motivates that feeling of I should do this?
- Reflect:
Philip shared a quote “Sometimes we need to say no to the good to say yes to the best.”
Question 4: Are there places in your life where you need to say no to serving so that you can say yes to serving in the ways that would best glorify God?
The questions for this study have been adapted from the devotional series Retro Faith by Mercy Fellowship Marysville, WA.
You can access all 15 devotionals from their series here: https://www.csmedia1.com/restorationroadchurch.com/james-study-guide.pdf
WEEK 2 // ‘Partiality and Favouritism ’
Reflection & Discussion Questions
- Watch: re-watch this week’s sermon by Pastor Kat
- Reflect:
This week Kat challenged us to reflect on our own biases towards others, and the ways we may inwardly or outwardly judge people, especially on first impressions. Kat reminded us that when we deserve judgment, God responds by offering us His Mercy. In turn, we should be a people of mercy who offer up love, kindness and hospitality to those we might extensively want to judge.
Often, we think of judgment as a harsh and intentional choice. But in reality, we all hold preconceived ideas of who is in and out, who we are comfortable with and who we are not. Mercy is putting this aside to embrace all.
Question 1: What type of person do you feel most comfortable embracing and welcoming?
Question 2: Is there a type of person you’d struggle to embrace or welcome? – don’t judge yourself or others –be honest and hand that bias to God.
- Read: James 2:1-13
Question 2: What stood out to you for the passage?
This could be a word, theme or image. – there is no right or wrong answer
- Group Discussion Questions:
Read 1 Sam 16.1-7
Question 3: What is the difference between how men judge and God judges?
Read Luke 18.9-14.
Question 4: What is in the heart of one who shows favouritism? How does Paul’s attitude, as expressed in 1 Timothy 1.15, protect us from such pride?
Read Psalm 147.10-11.
Question 5: In whom or what does God take pleasure?
- Going Deeper
The following question can be used as a group discussion or used for private reflection.
- Reflect:
Question 1: Have you ever experienced or seen favouritism, prejudice, or racism? How did it make you feel?
Read Galatians 2.11-16.
- Reflect:
Question 2: What does Paul see Peter do at Antioch? What does Paul say is at the heart of his prejudice (v.14)?
Question 3: Christian living is a constant realignment process to bring our lives back “in step” with the gospel. How is the sin of racism or prejudice NOT in line with the gospel?
The questions for this study have been adapted from the devotional series Retro Faith by Mercy Fellowship Marysville, WA.
You can access all 15 devotionals from their series here: https://www.csmedia1.com/restorationroadchurch.com/james-study-guide.pdf
WEEK 1 // ‘Hearing and Doing’
Reflection & Discussion Questions
- Watch: re-watch this week’s sermon by Rev Carolyn Francis.
- Reflect: Carolyn is the lecturer of Church History and Identity at Whitley College; she spoke about how church history is just the stories of Christians, just like us navigating faith in the world. As such, our church (local and wider) will one day be talked about in history books.
Question 1: What stories of the church do you think will be told in Church history books under the heading 2023 – Remember, history records the highs and lows!
Question 2: What stories do you hope are told?
- Read: James: 1:17-27
Question 3: What stood out to you for the passage?
This could be a word, theme or image. – there is no right or wrong answer.
Group Discussion Questions:
Question 4: What does it mean to be religious? Can you be religious and not be a Christian?
- Read 1 John 5.2.
Question 5: How do you know you really love Jesus?
- Read Matthew 25.31-40.
What does Jesus teach here about our faith? How does it make you feel?
Going Deeper
The following question can be used as a group discussion or used for private reflection.
- Read 1Cor. 13.11-12.
Reflect:
- How long have you been a Christian? Which man that James describes are you most like, the one who passively or intently looks into the mirror? Why?
- How would you define religion? When James says that “True Religion” is helping the orphans and widows, what is he challenging his readers to do?
- Read 2 Cor. 13.5
Reflect:
Then take a few minutes to pray. Ask the Holy Spirit for a self-analysis, then honestly examine yourself.
- Is there a real change in your life? Do you come to church, act like a Christian, and even read your Bible and pray, but don’t really act on the truths you read and hear?
The questions for this study have been adapted from the devotional series Retro Faith by Mercy Fellowship Marysville, WA.
You can access all 15 devotionals from their series here:
https://www.csmedia1.com/restorationroadchurch.com/james-study-guide.pdf