Dig Deeper - Sunday 19th October
Sermon Reflection Questions - James - Genuine Faith: Listen Well
James 1:19-2:13
Dig Deeper notes from Sunday 19th October service:
Listening
How we listen matters. When we fail to listen to each other, we fail to be present, to show that we care. When we actively listen, the opposite is true, the more we listen to each other. Our brains are constantly processing information, whether actively or passively, so it’s no surprise that sometimes it can be difficult to listen well. We find it more difficult to listen when we have conversations that are difficult. James gives advice that we must be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to anger. Proverbs 17:27 describes a person with knowledge having wisdom and understanding. Proverbs 2:6 says wisdom and understanding come from God. King Solomon, the wisest man in the Bible asked for wisdom from God before he started to lead in 1 Kings 3:6-9.
We gain wisdom and understanding through listening. We listen by:
1. Studying the Bible with others
- Studying the Bible with others expands our understanding of the Bible as we get to hear what insights people have picked from their own perspective. It is also essential for encouragement, connection and prayer.
2. Studying the Bible on our own.
- Studying the Bible on our own deepens our relationship with God. It makes us more familiar with God’s voice. Regular time spent in the Bible is essential to listening to God.
Hearing and Doing v22-25
There is a huge difference in hearing and doing. James says that hearing without doing carries consequences, we end up being self-deceptive. Doing what the word says is obeying God’s word. Obedience is more than following the rules, it is meant to transform our lives and change us to be more like Jesus.
Favouritism
James is clear and straightforward as usual, show no favouritism! Favouritism should have no place in our churches and our friendship circles. Judging someone by their appearance using criteria we see in culture (influence, money, popularity, background, power) is wrongly judging someone’s worth to God. James says such behaviour judges with evil thoughts. God shows no favouritisms (Gal 3:28, 1 Tim 5:21, Rev 7:9 Mark 12:3) We have an obligation and mandate to love every person we encounter with the eyes of the father
Discussion & Application Questions:
1. What kind of listener of God’s word are you?
2. What situations can do you find the commands in James especially difficult?
3. In what ways can you get more wisdom and understanding.
4. Where has being obedient to God been difficult?
5. In what way are you in danger of showing favouritism?
Let’s pray:
Father, thank you that in you there is no favouritism, that each of us can come to you. Help us to be people that listen well, both amongst ourselves and with listening to you. For those that are finding it hard to hear from God would you draw close to them. Lord, we pray for wisdom and understanding in the area of listening. Help us to discern when the right is to speak in conversations, equip us with the right words for difficult conversations. Lord help us to reflect your heart to everyone w encounter and thank you that we can draw strength from you. Amen
