Understanding the Heart of God for the Lost
Chris Meade | James 1:1-18 | August 10, 2025
Is your faith out loud? James 2 challenges believers to move beyond a “profession of faith” into an “expression of faith.” Words alone—like telling someone in need, “be warm and well fed”—are empty without action. Faith that is not shown is lifeless. James points to Abraham and Rahab as examples of faith proven through action. We aren’t saved by works but saved for works—called into covenant relationship with Jesus that bears fruit, blesses others, and makes our faith visible. The call is to intentionally live out faith so that the difference Jesus makes is seen and experienced by us and those around us.
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:
1. Where did the Holy Spirit speak or challenge you through God’s Word? Were there any “ah-ah” moments?
2. Movie Night and Channel Hunt: Just like we have thousands of movies or chanels to choose from but usually only utilize one or two, what are some ways we treat our faith like “unused channels”—possessing it but not really using it?
o Think about the remote with 50 buttons but you only use three. What gifts, opportunities, or resources has God given you that you might be “leaving on the remote” unused?
o In your own life, where do you see a gap between what you say you believe and what you actually live out? (This might take some prayer, time, deep introspection—and a willingness to let someone you trust close to you to speak into it. Let the Holy Spirit speak to you as well.)
3. Faith That Shows– The book of James focuses more on faith EXPRESSED over faith CONFESSED. This cannot not just help us interpret James’ letter, but open us to some challenging instruction.
o If someone close to you (spouse, neighbor, coworker, friend) only observed your actions—not your words—where would they:
* clearly SEE and experience your faith in Jesus?
* not SEE and experience your faith in Jesus?
o Ask someone who is close to you and record what they say. How do feel/respond to what they shared?
4. Saved From / Saved For – Pastor Chris reminds us we weren’t just saved FROM something… but we are saved FOR something.
o How does this idea challenge/encourage your view of “salvation”?
o Which part of that “saved for” list (Spirit empowerment, community, fruit of the Spirit, mission, etc.) excites you most right now?
| SALVATION SAVES US FROM… | SALVATION SAVES US FOR… |
|---|---|
| From being lost in and a slave to sin God’s wrath Separation from God, spending eternity in hell A life in our own power A life with our own created purpose | Being a slave to righteousness A covenant relationship through Jesus Experiencing abundant, eternal life in communion with God A life empowered by the Holy Spirit, Experiencing the fruits of the Spirit Joining a community and family of faith Being ambassadors for God to expand His Kingdom Experience and SHOW the purpose and power of the Living God. |
5. Next Step – James’ call is to live faith intentionally.
o What is one small but concrete action step you can take this week to put your faith into practice? Where do you need to confess trust in God—and then EXPRESS that trust? What action will that trust lead to?
o Who in your life is “without clothes or daily food” (literally or figuratively)? How could you and your group move from words to practical action in meeting needs?
o Would you be willing to start praying for opportunities to intentionally share your faith in Jesus? Is there a particular person you feel the Lord is leading you to do this with?