JAMES: “LISTENING TO THE CHALLENGES,” LESSON 5

THE CHALLENGE OF words and wisdom: JAMES 3:1-18

Part 5 of our series through the book of James. After listening to the sermon, take some time to reflect over the following questions:

WORDS

REFLECT:

• Who are the trustworthy teachers you know? 
• What are you listening to? 
• What does your speech say about you? 
• What “good words” are you giving your neighbours? 
• When have you words gotten you into trouble? 
• When have you experienced the spark of bad words causing a fire?

EXAMEN: 

• In quiet attention to God’s loving presence, reflect on the challenge of words. 
• In gratitude, when have you been strengthened by words? 
• How are you feeling about words? 
• What is something about words that you can talk to God about? 
• What is something about words you can look forward to? 
• Seek God’s guidance, help, and understanding. 
• Pray about your words.

EXERCISE: 

• Bring your Bible, a notebook and a pen to church.  
• Make notes on the sermon. 
• Intentionally say good words to the important people in your life.
• Make note of the effects of good words said to people.

WISDOM

REFLECT: 

• When have you encountered true wisdom? 
• When have you experienced bitterness? 
• When have you experienced strife? 
• Have you made peace with God? 
• In what circumstances is it hardest for you to be “wise”?

EXAMEN: 

• In quiet attention to God’s loving presence, reflect on the challenges of wisdom. 
• In gratitude, when have you been strengthened by wisdom? 
• How are you feeling about wisdom? 
• What is something about wisdom that you can talk to God about?
• What is something about wisdom you can look forward to? 
• Seek God’s guidance, help, and understanding. Pray for wisdom.

EXERCISE: 

• Consider the eight characteristics of wisdom (James 3:17): Purity, Peace​​, Gentleness​, Reason, Mercy​, Goodness, Impartiality​   
  

Sincerity 

• Think of an issue in your life where there is bitterness and strife.  
• Imagine Jesus addressing this issue with each of these characteristics of wisdom. 
• What differences does “wisdom” bring to that issue?  Repeat!

​ALL QUESTIONS FROM: Prette, Dr. James A.. Listening to the Challenges: A Devotional Commentary on the New Testament Letter of James. Kindle Edition. Used with permission.