James Part 8: The Wisdom of Being Without

James Part 8: The Wisdom of Being Without

Read James 4:1-12

Watch “James 4:1-12” by Francis Chan on Rightnow Media.

Discuss

Lifted out of context, this passage reads (to me) much more like an evangelistic challenge than a message to Christians, but the more I think about it – it is an invitation to greater dependence on God.

• What are the greatest sources of frustration in your life at the moment?
• What might these tell you about your desires that are not being met?
• Do you think that we can achieve complete satisfaction during our life on earth? Why or why not?

Read Ezekiel 16:9-19 – this is an extended metaphor of how God provided for Israel, and how they responded.

• What happened to all of the gifts and provision that God lavished on the woman in the story? What does it say that she trusts in?

James seems to be saying that we are just as likely to stray away from God when we do get what we want as when we don’t.

• From your experience, is this the case?
• What is the challenge here in terms of our priorities?
• What might we need to challenge about the source(s) of our security?

James finishes this passage by encouraging us to humble ourselves before God and consider what we are celebrating.

What might you need to re-align with what God thinks in your life:

• what is success,
• what is worth celebrating,
• what is useful and helpful and what is a distraction in your life?

Conclude in prayer. Pray through Proverbs 30:7-9