Your Personal Grow-Pray-Study (GPS) Guide

Start with Context:

This week’s passage is the final section of the letter, focusing on the power of prayer, the role of faith in healing, and the importance of community in the life of believers. James also emphasizes the role of the community in lifting one another up, confessing sins, and seeking spiritual healing.

Read James 5:13-20 aloud.

James instructs us to pray in both suffering and joy. Why is it essential to bring both our struggles and celebrations to God in prayer? Can you remember when prayer was the first thing on your mind in struggle or celebration? What about when it was the last thing on your mind?

James discusses “the prayer of faith.” This prayer places 100% hope in Jesus as the source of life and healing. How does this kind of prayer differ from simply asking for things?

James writes in verse 16 about “confessing our sins to one another.” The Apology of the Augsburg Confession (XIIB 12) says, “Here, the reference is not to the confession made to a priest but is the reconciliation of brothers to each other. Confession should be mutual.” This doesn’t replace confession and absolution with penitent and pastor but refers to mutual consolation. Do you find it hard to admit fault to others? Who have you found to be trustworthy in consoling you and pointing you in the right direction?

James refers to the “prayer of a righteous man having great power.” Martin Luther writes: “God intends to test you to see whether you can hold on tight, and to teach you that your prayer is not displeasing to Him or unheard, simply because His answer is delayed and you are permitted to go on seeking and knocking.” How does that statement land with you?

As he ends, James says we are called to restore those wandering from the truth. What does this look like within our church or community? Discuss the balance between holding others

accountable and showing grace in love. How can we do this in a way that reflects Christ’s character?

Conclude by asking God for whatever you might need and the endurance to keep asking, even when it seems God is silent. 

Start with Context:

James 3:13-4:10 shifts from discussing controlling the tongue to distinguishing between heavenly wisdom and earthly wisdom. This passage offers practical insights into the destructive nature of selfish ambition and the necessity of humility in our relationship with God and others.

Read James 3:13-4:10 aloud.

James compares and contrasts earthly and heavenly wisdom. He says earthly wisdom is marked by envy, selfish ambition, and disorder (v. 14-16), but Godly wisdom is pure, peaceable, gentle, full of mercy, and results in a harvest of righteousness (v. 17-18). With this in mind, how can you tell if someone (including yourself) is operating out of earthly wisdom or godly wisdom? Can you think of an example of when you have operated out of each?

James points out that quarrels and fights come from desires that battle within (v. 1-2). These desires lead to envy, strife, and distance from God. Additionally, he says that seeking fulfillment in worldly pleasures puts us at odds with God (v. 4). This aligns with the warning that God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble (v. 6). How can you see this lesson at work in everyday conflicts? How does pride play a role in distancing us from God and others?

The passage ends with a powerful call to submit to God, resist the devil, and purify our hearts. Humility before God is key to receiving His grace and drawing closer to Him. What does it look like to submit to God practically in daily life? How can humility transform our relationships with others and with God?

Share where you would like to put this lesson into practice in your everyday life.

Conclude by asking God to help everyone seek His wisdom, embrace humility, and resist the pull of worldly desires. Pray for strength to apply these principles in daily life.

The Lutheran Study Bible App is now available on the Apple App Store and Google Play.

Start with context:

James 3:1-12 deals with the power of the tongue and the importance of controlling our speech. James warns about the dangers of unrestrained speech and highlights the inconsistency that can arise when our words are not aligned with our faith. He uses vivid imagery to illustrate the destructive potential of the tongue and the need for it to be governed by wisdom and grace. This passage follows his discussion on the need for wisdom and the appropriate conduct of believers.

Read James 3:1-12 aloud.

James begins by addressing teachers (those who have authority and instruct others on Christian doctrine and disciplines) specifically. Why do you think he starts there? Without being judgmental, who have been some people in authority who are poor examples regarding the use of words? Who are some good examples?

Reflect on the metaphors James uses, such as the bit in a horse's mouth and the rudder of a ship. How do these images help us understand the power of our words?

One of the most prolific lines in James 3 is found in verse 9: “With the tongue, we praise our Lord and Father, and with it, we curse human beings, who have been made in God’s likeness.” How does this inconsistency reflect our inner spiritual state?

Reflect on how words have impacted you in life (positively or negatively). With that in mind, how can you be more mindful of our speech in various settings (e.g., at home, at work, in church)?

How can we seek wisdom and grace in our speech? What practical steps can we take to improve communication and ensure it reflects our Christian identity?

Conclude with a prayer, asking for God’s help in controlling your tongue and using it to bless others. Pray for wisdom, grace in your speech, and growth in reflecting Christ’s love through your words.

Start with Context:

James is focused on practical Christian living and how faith is expressed through actions. James, the cousin of Jesus and a leader in the early church, wrote this epistle to address issues of faith and practice among believers. His letter emphasizes that genuine faith is evidenced by works, and he challenges Christians to live out their faith with integrity and sincerity.

Read James 2:1-10, and James 2:14-18 aloud.

James begins chapter 2 with a lesson on favoritism. Why is partiality a severe issue within the church? How does this reflect the values of the kingdom of God? Where have you been tempted to show favoritism (a very human thing!)?

Reflect on how James describes the treatment of the rich and poor. How does this teaching challenge or align with your own experiences and observations?

In James 2:14-18, James argues that faith without works is dead. What does James mean by this, and how does he use examples to support his point? Consider Martin Luther’s words: “We are saved by faith alone, but faith never comes alone…”

How does James’ teaching on faith and works challenge us? How does it encourage us?

Reflect on areas where you might struggle with balancing faith and works. How can you address these areas in your life?

Close with a prayer, asking for God's guidance and strength to overcome favoritism and to live out your faith with integrity and action. Pray for each other’s needs and for continued growth in living out the teachings of James.

Recommended reading: “The Screwtape Letters.” Recommended movie: “Nefarious.”

Start with Context:

Ephesians 6:10-20 is the final section of Paul's letter, where he shifts focus to the theme of spiritual warfare. Paul uses the metaphor of armor to describe the resources and strength believers have in their battle against the spiritual forces of evil. This passage is grounded in the earlier exhortations to live out the implications of being a new creation in Christ, highlighting the need for spiritual vigilance and reliance on God's power.

Read Ephesians 6:10-20 aloud.

Spiritual warfare is an abstract concept. It’s not so much seen as it is felt. This warfare manifests itself through temptations, doubts, and conflicts that challenge our faith and integrity. On an extreme level, spiritual warfare can manifest itself through hearing voices, seeing visions, haunting dreams, etc. As a group, discuss the concept of spiritual warfare. What do we learn from Ephesians about the nature of our struggle and the spiritual realm from these verses? Is there a time when you felt like you were in a spiritual battle or “under attack”?

Though spiritual warfare may be different than regular warfare, St. Paul still encourages armor, albeit a different armor than we might wear if we were actually fighting a battle. Talk about the individual components. Discuss how each piece of the armor (truth, righteousness, readiness, faith, salvation, and the Word of God) can be practically applied in your daily life. How have these protected and equipped you in the past?

How can understanding that our struggle is not against flesh and blood but against spiritual forces change our perspective on the challenges we face?

Reflect on which piece of the armor of God you feel most challenged to apply in your life. Why?

Identify specific ways to put on each piece of the armor of God. For example, how can you practice truth-telling and righteousness in your interactions?

Conclude with a prayer asking for God’s strength and protection as you seek to live out these principles. Pray for each other’s specific needs and challenges.

Start with Context:

The Apostle Paul wrote the letter to the Ephesians while imprisoned in Rome around AD 60-62. Ephesians emphasizes the church's unity as the body of Christ and provides practical instructions for living out the Christian faith. In Ephesians 5:22–33, Paul addresses the relationship between husbands and wives, using the relationship between Christ and the church as a model.

Read Ephesians 5:22-33 aloud.

“Wives, submit to your husbands.” It feels uncomfortable to say and read. Though this passage has been used to enforce a certain inequality among genders, that’s not what Paul intended. He’s not some misogynist pig who hates women. To understand what he’s saying, we need a bit of Greek. The Greek word for “submit” is hupotasso. The word implies a voluntary,  respectful yielding, not forced subjugation.

Additionally, note how Paul in verse 21 encourages us to “submit to one another…” This submission is rooted in a relationship with Christ, reflecting the church's submission to Christ. As the head, the husband mirrors Christ’s headship over the church, emphasizing responsibility and care rather than dominance. How does this explanation change perhaps your understanding of submission? How does the concept of submission in this passage differ from societal views of submission?

Reflect on how Paul instructs husbands to love their wives, specifically in verse 25, where Paul writes, “Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her.” What does this reveal about Christ’s love for the church?

Paul uses the image of “one flesh,” quoting Genesis 2:24. There is a profound unity in marriage, which is why marriage should not be entered into lightly but reverently. How does this “one flesh” unity correspond to the relationship between Christ and the Church?

What role does sacrificial love play in marriages (and, to be more broad, other relationships)? What role does it play in the Church?

Close with a prayer, thanking God for His Word, asking for the strength to submit and unite with Christ and one another.

As of this week, Christ Lutheran Church & School will pause the weekly Grow-Pray-Study (GPS) Guides as we pray and consider where our resources will be directed over the coming months. A wonderful alternative is Portals Of Prayer. If you have questions, input, concerns, etc., please contact Pastor Travis.  Thanks! - Steve Holden

The scriptures for this week include Revelations 7:9-17, 1 John 3:1-3, and John 14:1-7.

A note to begin: Solus Christus orders the other solas, as Christ is the source and giver of salvation. We are saved by grace alone (sola gratia), from the Father through the work of Christ alone on the cross (Romans 5:21). Further, we receive this grace through faith alone (sola fide), but our faith is simply the receiving of Christ's give of grace. In other words, Christ's life and death are the means of our salvation from beginning to end. His work is sufficient insofar as we need nothing further for salvation. In addition, it is exclusive, as salvation cannot come from another. Christ's exclusive identity as god and his atoning work is the only way to salvation. This sola does not mean that God the Father and the Holy Spirit are not part of the salvation of believers, too. Christ's work on the cross is the atoning sacrifice, but this is not in exclusion of the work of the Father and Son. Throughout the Scriptures, the salvific work of God is discussed in trinitarian language.

Day 1 (Monday): As you read through the "note to begin," consider this question -- "Why does our culture often find exclusive religious claims offensive?"

Day 2 (Tuesday): Read John 14:1-7. In John 14, Jesus makes a bold claim. He says, "I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me." What do these words mean for our lives and the lives of those who desire more than this world offers?

Day 3 (Wednesday): Some people may find Jesus' statement in John 14:6 exclusive or narrow-minded. How can we understand and explain this exclusivity in a way that allows us to live a world with many other belief systems in an evangelistic rather than crusader-istic way?

Day 4 (Thursday): Consider this question -- "In what ways have you experienced the significance of Christ alone in your own faith journey or life experiences?"

Day 5 (Friday): Consider this question -- "How can the understanding of "Christ Alone" foster unity among Christians despite denominational differences or theological nuances?"

Day 6 (Saturday): Consider this question -- "How does the concept of "Christ Alone" align with the other solas we have talked about (grace alone, scripture alone, and faith alone)?"

Recent additional GO DEEPER reading opportunities available on Amazon Books (#ads):

• "Lutheranism 101 Baptism" by Charles Lehmann
• "The Air I Breathe: Worship as a Way of Life" by Louie Giglio

Watch this week's sermon or read the entire message & GPS here.

Scripture for this week includes Psalm 46:1-11, Ephesians 2:1-10, & Luke 7:36-50.

A note to begin: Salvation does not depend upon our activities (how could it be if we are dead before God's gift?); God gives it through grace alone - His unmerited gift. If salvation is not earned but bestowed by God, there are far-reaching implications for legalism. First, many people will try to earn grace through works and following God's laws. While we should undoubtedly follow God's commandments, this is an outworking of salvation (which the Church calls "sanctification"), not a prerequisite for it. Second, this has pushed some believers to a form of gatekeeping -- excluding others from faith because, according to one person's judgment, they do not "fit the part." But again, grace is a gift not predicated on anyone's actions or life; it is an unmerited gift of God. Thus, living legalistically or expecting that of those around us misses the wonder of grace.

In addition to the individual questions offered for each day, also consider some practical ways you can live out the truth of "By Grace Alone" in your daily lives and your interactions with others.

Day 1 (Monday): Grace is often defined as "Goodwill and favor shown to one who can plead no merit." Thus, grace is goodness given to someone who has not done anything to deserve or earn it. In your life, other than in your relationship with God, where have you been the recipient of grace?

Day 2 (Tuesday): Read Ephesians 2:1-10. Paul describes our state before God's grace in Ephesians 2:1-3. What does this passage reveal about our natural condition without God's intervention?

Day 3 (Wednesday): Reread Ephesians 2:1-10. When you think about your default reactions to situations or perhaps your first response to adversity or criticism, how have you seen Paul's words at work?

Day 4 (Thursday): In contrast, Ephesians 2:4-7 speaks of God's rich mercy and great love. How does your understanding that our salvation is not earned but freely given impact your relationship with God?

Day 5 (Friday): Ephesians 2:8-9 emphasizes that salvation is a gift from God and not something we can boast about. How can we guard against pride or a works-based mentality in our Christian walk?

Day 6 (Saturday): Paul mentions that we are "created in Christ Jesus for good works" (Ephesians 2:10). How do you understand the relationship between God's grace and the good works that we are called to do?

Recent additional GO DEEPER reading opportunities available on Amazon Books (#ads):

• "Lutheranism 101 Baptism" by Charles Lehmann
• "The Air I Breathe: Worship as a Way of Life" by Louie Giglio

Watch this week's sermon or read the entire message & GPS here.

This week's message and GPS passages are Psalm 62:1-2 & Psalm 62:5-8, Galatians 2:15-21, & John 3:14-21.

A NOTE TO BEGIN: If sola Scriptura is the authority for theological discussion and sola gratia is the give of salvific grace, sola fide is how we acquire salvation: we are saved by faith alone. This does not mean that faith in and of itself is the primary good. Instead, it is the object of faith that is good: Christ. Salvation is given as a gift through Christ and is accepted by faith, not works. This distinguished the Reforems from the Catholic and Orthodox churches, which argue that works were part of the process of salvation (of which faith is also central). The reformers say that works play no salvific role in justification. Unfortunately, faith and works are often considered opposites in theological conversation. But the Reformation was not a question of faith versus works but about faith's relationship to works. Martin Luther, for example, writes in his Romans commentary, "Oh, it is a living, busy, active, mighty thing, this faith; and it is impossible for it not do good work incessantly. It does not ask whether there are good works to do, but before the question arises, it has already done them and is always the doing of them. He who does not do these works is a faithless man. He gropes and looks about after faith and good works and knows neither." Good works are the result of true faith.

Day 1 (Monday): After reading the above Background, consider these questions: (1) Other than faith in God, has there been a point in your life? (2) What was that like?

Day 2 (Tuesday): After reading the above Background, consider these questions: (1) In your life, how have the themes of "faith" and "works been presented to you? (2) How has that molded the way you've viewed God?

Day 3 (Wednesday): Read Galatians 2:15-21. In this passage, Paul emphasizes that we are justified (saved) by faith in Christ, not by works of the law. Though no one, other than Jesus, has been able to follow the law perfectly - we tend to become legalistic people, relying on our works to save us somehow. How have you fallen into this trap?

Day 4 (Thursday): Read John 3:14-21. In John 3, Jesus speaks about believing in Him for eternal life. What does "believing" look like?

Day 5 (Friday): Read John 3:14-21. In John 3, Jesus speaks about believing in Him for eternal life. We know that belief changes the heart, but does it also change attitudes, behaviors, etc.?

Day 6 (Saturday): Read John 3:14-21. In John 3, Jesus speaks about believing in Him for eternal life. What is the relationship between faith and works?

Recent additional GO DEEPER reading opportunities available on Amazon Books (#ads):

• "Lutheranism 101 Baptism" by Charles Lehmann
• "The Air I Breathe: Worship as a Way of Life" by Louie Giglio

Watch this week's sermon or read the entire message & GPS here.