LIFE GROUP OR PERSONAL STUDY | JAMES 3:13-4:10
Sunday, September 22, 2024
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.
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