Practice Faith
Chris Meade | James 1:19 - 27 | August 17, 2025
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:
1. Where did the Holy Spirit speak or challenge you through God’s Word? Were there any “ah-ah” moments?
2. GPS & Life Direction
o In what areas of your life do you feel like you are “on autopilot,” stuck in a rut, doing the same things without intentional direction? What might it look like to stop and “recalculate” with God’s Word as your GPS?
3. Quick to Listen
o When was the last time you truly felt listened to? What made it impactful? How can you practice being “quick to listen” in your family, friendships, or workplace this week?
4. Slow to Speak
o Think about a recent conversation where you were more interested in responding than understanding. What would it have looked like to be “slow to speak”? What practical step could help you pause before responding? ?
5. Slow to Anger
o How do you typically respond when you feel frustrated, defensive, or offended? Looking at the difference between righteous anger (God-centered) and unrighteous anger (self-centered) in this Going Deeper study, where do you see yourself needing to grow?
6. Receiving God’s Word
o James says to “humbly accept the word planted in you, which can save you.” What are some ways you resist God’s Word (defensiveness, excuses, cultural influence)? What would it look like to humbly receive it this week?
7. Living Out Your Identity
o James ends by connecting faith to action—controlling our tongue, caring for the vulnerable, and keeping from worldly pollution. Which of these areas challenges you most right now? What’s one specific step you can take to live out your identity in Christ this week?
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James 1:19 — "Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry" — is short, but it’s like a pocket-sized guide for avoiding unnecessary conflict and building healthier relationships. Here are some practical, real-life ways to apply it:
1. Quick to Listen
o Pause before responding - give someone a few extra seconds after they finish talking to ensure they’re done and to process what they said.
o Ask clarifying questions - “Do you mean…?” or “Can you tell me more about that?” instead of assuming you understood.
o Practice active listening - keep eye contact, nod, and reflect back their main point (“So you’re feeling…”) to show you heard them.
o Resist the urge to mentally prepare your reply while they’re talking - focus on their words instead of your counterpoints.
2. Slow to Speak
o Breathe and count to three in your head before saying anything in tense conversations.
o Avoid “reactive” texting or emailing - wait at least 30 minutes before replying to something upsetting. Or better yet, have ALL emotive conversations in person.
o Choose words that build, not break - ask yourself: “Will this help, heal, or hurt?” before speaking.
o Don’t interrupt - let people finish, even if you think you know what they’re going to say.
o Use fewer words when emotions run high - sometimes silence is the wisest answer.
3. Slow to Anger
o Identify your triggers - know the people, topics, or situations that easily frustrate you, and prepare coping strategies in advance.
o Give people the benefit of the doubt - assume their intention is not to harm you unless proven otherwise.
o Pray before reacting - even a quick, “Lord, give me patience” can change your tone.
o Physically step away - if you feel your anger building; sometimes distance is the best medicine.
Key Distinction of Righteous vs Unrighteous Anger
Righteous anger: Anger at what happened because it violates God’s will.
Unrighteous anger: Anger at who did it because it violates my will.
Quick Memory Tool — “ROOT” Check
R – Reason: Is it about God’s glory, not my pride?
O – Outburst: Am I staying self-controlled?
O – Outcome: Do I want restoration, not revenge?
T – Time: Am I willing to let go after resolution?
If you answer Yes to all four → likely righteous.
If you answer No to even one → proceed cautiously, pray, and slow down before acting.
Understanding the Heart of God for the Lost
Chris Meade | James 1:1-18 | August 10, 2025
What if every trial you face has a purpose beyond mere suffering? This past Sunday Chris dove deep into the first chapter of James, challenging us to ask, “Are you living out your faith in the Spirit or in the flesh?” Drawing from his own journey through burnout and healing, Chris highlights that our trials—be they physical, emotional, or spiritual—are opportunities for growth and maturity. James encourages us to transform our pain into perseverance, revealing that true wisdom isn’t about understanding why pain occurs, but rather how to respond to it with faith. James invites us to consider our personal trials and to seek divine wisdom in navigating them, emphasizing that God is not the source of our temptations or suffering but is, instead, a beacon of good amidst chaos. This message reminds us of the importance of shifting our perspective from fleshly reactions to spirit-led responses. As you reflect on your current challenges, Chris encourages you to embrace the Holy Spirit's guidance.
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:
1. Where did the Holy Spirit speak or challenge you through God’s Word? Were there any “ah-ah” moments?
2. Understanding Trials and Testing: Read James 1:2-4; Romans 5:3-5; 1 Peter 4:12-13
o Pastor Chris shared that the word for trial, peiramois, meaning: trial, or a test to prove fidelity, integrity, virtue, or constancy. Both James and Peter use the same descriptive term, meaning “many colored” or “all sorts”. The idea of that of the many kinds of mental, emotional, physical, and spiritual pain that we experience that come as an opportunity for us to show, or live out our trust in Jesus. Every trial is this opportunity.
3. Purpose of Pain:
o Can you share a personal experience where a trial tested your faith? How did you respond?
o What purpose does pain serve in our spiritual journey, as discussed in the sermon? How can recognizing the purpose of pain change our perspective on suffering?
4. Living in the Spirit vs. Living in the Flesh: Read Galatians 5:13-26
o What does it mean to live in the Spirit versus living in the flesh? How do you see these two choices in everyday life?
o How can you practically choose to respond in the Spirit during times of trial, testing, and pain that comes your way?
5. The Role of Wisdom: Read James 1:5-8
o From the message, what is the difference from pursuing knowledge and Godly wisdom?
o Why is it more important to seek wisdom from God when facing trials? How can we do this effectively?