1. JAMES Push the Limits Live What You Believe Doing the Word James 1:22-25

2. What is the riskiest thing you have ever done to live out your Christian beliefs?

4. Obstacle 1 – Commitment 81% of self described Christians say that Christ is still important in their life today. 18% claim to be totally committed to investing in their own spiritual development. 22% claim to be completely dependent upon God.

5. Obstacle 2 – Repentance 64% of self described Christian’s state they have confessed their sins to God and asked forgiveness. 3% state they have been transformed to the point of surrendering control of their life to God, submitting to His will and devoting themselves to loving and serving God and others.

6. Obstacle 3 – Activity 39% have participated in a combination of religious activities in the past week (attending church, praying, reading the Bible). 10% have engaged in deeper faith expressions. Sharing their faith, fasting or serving others.

7. Obstacle 4 – Spiritual Community 21% believe that spiritual maturity requires a vital connection to a community of faith. 35% claim to have confessed their sins to another believer in the past 3 months. Source: Maximum Faith Project, Barna Research, between 2005-2010

9. Discussion Guide 1.Complete the following to outline the background of the Book of James. a. Date – Between A.D. 49-52 b. Author – James the half-brother of Jesus. Known as “James the Just” and later nicknamed “Camel Knees” because he constantly prayed on his knees. He was a leader of the church in Jerusalem. He was stoned to death in A.D. 62.

10. Discussion Guide 1.Complete the following to outline the background of the Book of James. c. Recipients – The scattered church, Christian Jews. d. Overall theme – Having a productive faith, “A belief that behaves.”

11. Discussion Guide 2.What is James’ charge in (James 1:22)? To live out the Word and not just hear the Word.

12. Discussion Guide 3.How does one “live out” the Word?

13. Discussion Guide 4.Which is more vital for spiritual growth hearing or doing the Word?

14. Discussion Guide 5.What is the point of the mirror illustration in (vs. 23-24)? Someone who looks in a mirror can forget what he/she really looks like. When you only hear the Word and don’t live it you can have the illusion of being a committed Christian.

15. Discussion Guide 6.In the past week, was there a chance for you to be a doer that you passed up? Why?

16. Discussion Guide 7.When you hear a seasoned Christian say “I don’t feel like I’m being fed at church anymore,” according to James how should you respond? Your next step of growth is not merely hearing the Word but living the Word. Serve others in Jesus name.

17. Discussion Guide 8.What is the promise in (v. 25)? If you live out your faith you will be blessed.

18. Discussion Guide 9.How can you live out your faith this week?

19. S urrender to God’s control and will for your life O bedience to God’s Word S ervice to others in Jesus name