Practical Faith
Chris Meade | James 3:13-4:12 | September 14, 2025
James 4 reminds us that the root of many of our conflicts comes not from the desires warring within our own hearts. James challenges us to examine ourselves to choose: 1) to live by the Spirit rather than the flesh; 2) to pursue wisdom from heaven that produces peace, humility, and righteousness rather than the wisdom of the world leads to division, envy, and selfish ambition; 3) to fight against the fights in our lives by humbling ourselves, repenting, resisting the devil and drawing near to God; 4) pursue unity in the body of Christ and keep our focus on the mission of representing Jesus to a lost world.
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:
1. Where did the Holy Spirit speak or challenge you through God’s Word? Were there any “ah-ah” moments?
2. Read James 4:1-3; Romans 7:18-19; Galatians 5:16-17—The War Within. James says fights and quarrels come from the desires within us.
o Do you agree or disagree with James? Why? Dive deep.
o When you’re in conflict, how easy or difficult is it for you to first examine your own heart before blaming others?
o The message emphasized that peace, healing, and moving forward “starts with me.” What would it practically look like for you to take that first step in a current or recent conflict?
3. Read James 3:12-18; Galatians 5:19-26—Responding in the Spirit
o James contrasts “wisdom from the world” with “wisdom from heaven.” How do you see these two types of wisdom play out in your daily life—in your relationships, workplace, or church?
o The message declared: “WE GET TO CHOOSE!” How do you typically recognize whether you are responding in the flesh or in the Spirit when conflict arises? What helps you shift toward the Spirit?
4. Read James 4:4-12; Romand 12:2; John 15:19; 1 John 2:15 – REPENT, AND PURSUE GOD
o What does it mean to be a "friend of the world" and why is it considered enmity with God? How does this concept apply to modern day living?
o How does the marriage analogy help you understand being “adulterous” with God?
o Reflect on the call to submit to God and resist the devil in verses 7-10. How can this be achieved in your personal life?
o When have you seen division or fighting within the church hinder its mission? How might pursuing unity shift the focus back to making disciples and pointing people to Jesus?
| In the FLESH… | In the Spirit… |
|---|---|
| slander (defame someone’s character) gossip (sharing private matters about someone without their knowing, with people who can’t solve the issue), course joking, cursing vain or pointless discussions (speaking like an expert without expertise) being quarrelsome, divisive, grumbling and complaining, foolishness, to incite fear or anxiety. | words that are true and in line with God’s Word filled with wisdom gracious kind (in content and tone) builds other up fitting for the moment courageous bring hope and encouragement calming balm |
| Wisdom of the WORLD… | Wisdom from HEAVEN… |
|---|---|
| Driven by self: envy and selfish ambition Earthly, unspiritual, demonic Results in disorder and evil practices | Driven by humility Pure, builds into peace, considerate Submissive, full of mercy, good fruit Impartial, sincere Results in righteous living |
Understanding the Heart of God for the Lost
Chris Meade | James 1:19-27 | September 7, 2025
Is your faith out loud? James 3 reminds us that our words carry great power to direct our lives. James warns that teachers are held to higher expectations because influence brings greater responsibility and scrutiny. Our speech is both a mark of maturity and a window into our hearts—revealing whether we are living in the flesh or walking in the Spirit. Just as a bit guides a horse or a rudder steers a ship, our tongue sets the course of our lives and relationships. Because words can either spark encouragement or spread destruction, followers of Jesus are called to use their mouths for truth, grace, and life-giving encouragement, reflecting the heart of Christ in both what we say and how we live.
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:
1. Where did the Holy Spirit speak or challenge you through God’s Word? Were there any “ah-ah” moments?
2. Read James 3:1. Teachers face stricter judgment - not from God’s wrath, but from the expectations of teachers and the witness of their lives.
o How have you seen this lived out in healthy and unhealthy ways?
o How does this principle apply to all believers who represent Christ in their homes,workplaces, and communities?
3. Read James 3:2-6. “Keeper Eddies”: The sermon highlighted “eddies” of negativity,gossip, or complaining that can trap us and others.
o Where have you seen your words (positive or negative) have a greater impact than youexpected?
o Where/where are you most tempted to get pulled into the “keeper eddies” of negativity,complaining, gossip, etc.?
o What might it look like to “paddle out” eddies of negativity your context?
o Read 2 Timothy 2:23 What could boundaries look like to keep you away from thenegative/gossip eddies in the first place?
4. Read James 3:7-12; Matthew 15:18, Luke 6:45 – Our Words Reveal It’s Source. – Pastor Chris reminds us we weren’t just saved FROM something… but we are saved FOR something.
o How does our tongue/words show our heart and whether we are operating in the FLESH or in the SPIRIT? (see below)
o Looking back at this past week, what do your words reveal about your heart?
o What boundaries, accountability, “check-ins” can you put in place to stay in theSPIRIT and out of the FLESH?
| In the FLESH… | In the Spirit… |
|---|---|
| slander (defame someone’s character) gossip (sharing private matters about someone without their knowing, with people who can’t solve the issue), course joking, cursing vain or pointless discussions (speaking like an expert without expertise) being quarrelsome, divisive, grumbling and complaining, foolishness, to incite fear or anxiety. | words that are true and in line with God’s Word filled with wisdom gracious kind (in content and tone) builds other up fitting for the moment courageous bring hope and encouragement calming balm |