04172016 - Leader Guide AWS
LIGHTHOUSE MINISTRY LEADER’S STUDY GUIDE SHOE LEATHER THEOLOGY: STUDY OF JAMES
Winning The War Within: Part 3 James 4:13-17
Core Beleif: God the Father
April 17, 2016
Week 13 of “Shoe Leather Theology: Study of James” This guide is designed to provide helpful hints in preparing and leading your Lighthouse discussion. If you need any assistance or further instruction on any part of this teaching lesson, don’t hesitate to contact Chris at [email protected]. Announcements:
Page 1
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Coming Dates This Spring: o April 2016 Spring Fireside Chats o 4/30/2016 Mother/Daughter Brunch o 5/03/2016 Awana Carnival o 5/11/2016 Family Internet Safety Workshop (6:30 pm) o 5/27/2016 Last Day of Lighthouses before Summer Break
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Spring Teaching Schedule: 1. 1/3/2016 Week 1: Introduction to James 2. 1/10/2016 Week 2: James 1:1-12 3. 1/17/2016 Week 3: James 1:13-18 4. 1/24/2016 Week 4: Spotlight: Job on Trials 5. 1/31/2016 Week 5: James 1:19-27 6. 2/7/2016 Week 6: James 2:1-13 7. 2/14/2016 Week 7: James 2:14-26 8. 2/21/2016 Week 8: Spotlight: Abraham on Faith 9. 2/28/2016 Week 9: James 3:1-12 10. 3/6/2016 Week 10: James 3:13-18 • 3/13/2016 Spring Break Week–No Lighthouse • 3/20/2016 Palm Sunday: 1 Corinthians 15 • 3/27/2016 Easter Sunday–No Lighthouse 11. 4/3/2016 Week 11: James 4:1-6 Lighthouse Ministry Discussion Guide – Spring 2016
This study guide is produced to coordinate with the weekly sermon series “Shoe Leather Theology” by First Family Church, Ankeny, IA. More resources on this series are available at www.ffclife.com. This work is licensed under Creative Commons Attribution-Non-Commercial-Share Alike 3.0 Unported license.
12. 4/10/2016 13. 4/17/2016 14. 4/24/2016 15. 5/1/2016 16. 5/8/2016 17. 5/15/2016 18. 5/22/2016
Week 12: James 4:7-12 Week 13: James 4:13-17 Week 14: James 5:1-6 Week 15: Spotlight: Jesus on Money Week 16: James 5:7-12 Week 17: Mother's Day–No Lighthouse Week 18: James 5:13-18
Overview of this Lesson This week we look at Part 3 of our miniseries, Winning the War Within. We’ve seen in our previous lessons how pride and arrogance lead to selfish desires, which sets the stage for conflict within our life. With this introduction, James attacks the root problem Christians face–unfaithfulness to God. He refers to this as our adulterous behavior. We try to hold hands with the world while pretending to be fully committed to the Lord. Knowing this is the tendency of us all, James provides cure for worldliness–we are to draw close to God and resist the devil. We are to repent of our unfaithfulness and begin living our life in minute-by-minute dependency on God. This week, James gives a very practical illustration of how our unfaithful heart infects everything about us. He uses a very common process we all follow, and that is the process of planning tomorrow. There is nothing wrong with planning, but, James points to the sin that planning exposes, which he identifies as boastful arrogance. Here’s the problem as James identifies it: Christians (remember, he is talking to Christians throughout Chapter 4) give token acknowledgement of God, but when it comes to living in moment-by-moment obedience to God and His Word, we are in reality practical atheists. Do our actions, our words, our plans, our goals, our desires, our motivation, our conversations, the way we spend our money, invest for the future, plan for retirement, outwardly display a complete acknowledgement and dependence on God? James would say No, our lives do not openly testify of God’s sovereignty over all things. How this is played out boils down to the difference between pride and humility. The godly Christian humbly waits upon the Lord, even when things do not make sense or when it appears we are going nowhere. The prideful person pushes ahead with his own plans and his own goals because he doesn’t want to “waste his life.” James concludes with a clear condemnation: “he who knows the right thing to do (this is God’s will) and fails to do it, for him it is sin.” That is a wasted life. It doesn’t matter how much “success” you see in the years ahead, if you have chosen your way instead of God’s way for your life, you are guilty of sin and are in fact living as a practical atheist. Memory Verse for This Week James 4:15 (ESV) “Instead you ought to say, ‘If the Lord wills, we will live and do this or that.’”
Page 2
Lighthouse Ministry Discussion Guide – Spring 2016
This study guide is produced to coordinate with the weekly sermon series “Shoe Leather Theology” by First Family Church, Ankeny, IA. More resources on this series are available at www.ffclife.com. This work is licensed under Creative Commons Attribution-Non-Commercial-Share Alike 3.0 Unported license.
Core Belief God the Father (Psalm 121:1–2): We believe God is personally involved in and cares about the daily lives of His children. Introduction 1. Looking back at your notes from this week’s sermon, was there anything that particularly caught your attention, challenged or confused you? 2. If you could travel to any place in the world and live for a year, all expenses paid, where would you go? 3. How do you react when your day doesn’t go as planned?
This Week’s Take Home Truth "To fight pride and embrace humility, I will refer to God’s will, defer to God’s will, and prefer God’s will." Read the Text (James 4:13-17) The closing verses of James 4 emphasize that the life of faith is one of daily dependence on the Lord. Although we know that no man can be sure of even another hour of life—let alone of days, months, and years—we still make our plans and arrangements as though we were sure of being here for years to come. It is not wrong to do this if we remember that all is in subjection to the divine will. Obviously we must look ahead and so seek to order our affairs that we can do what is right and necessary as the time goes by. But we are here warned against making such plans in independence of God. In Proverbs 27:1 we read, “Do not boast about tomorrow, for you do not know what a day may bring." And in James we are told, “yet you do not know what tomorrow will bring.” (4:14). It would seem hardly necessary to be reminded of this, and yet we forget it so readily. Our life is but as a breath. It is ours for a little time—at the most a few score years—then it vanishes away. We are the creatures of a day; yet we act as though we were going to be here forever! [Ironside] Read James 4:13-17. James 4:13–17 (ESV) 13
Come now, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we will go into such and such a town and spend a year there and trade and make a profit”— 14 yet you do not know what tomorrow will bring. What is your life? For you are a mist that appears for a little time and then Page 3
Lighthouse Ministry Discussion Guide – Spring 2016
This study guide is produced to coordinate with the weekly sermon series “Shoe Leather Theology” by First Family Church, Ankeny, IA. More resources on this series are available at www.ffclife.com. This work is licensed under Creative Commons Attribution-Non-Commercial-Share Alike 3.0 Unported license.
vanishes. 15 Instead you ought to say, “If the Lord wills, we will live and do this or that.” 16 As it is, you boast in your arrogance. All such boasting is evil. 17 So whoever knows the right thing to do and fails to do it, for him it is sin. Digging Deeper In this section, feel free to develop your own questions to help guide your group’s discussion. Below are some suggestions. 4. How would you describe an atheist? By strict definition, an atheist is the opposite of a theist, one who believes God exists beyond and in the world, and a pantheist, who believes God is the world, an atheist believes there is no God either beyond or in the world. There is only a universe or cosmos and nothing more.1 5. Based on what James describes, how do many so-called Christians live as a “practical atheist”? Many people say they believe in God, but, in reality, they are practical atheists. That is, in the way they make decisions and plan for the future, they live as if God didn’t exist. They take no account of God’s sustaining care or common grace; they act as if they are self-sufficient and in control; and they take credit for all the good they experience. Listening to these people speak, we would have no idea that God is a factor in their lives. How much better it is to actively recognize God’s right to order and direct our lives as he pleases. Self-reliance and independence rightfully belong to God alone. Why do believers and even churches so often want to take matters into their own hands? When do you tend to leave God out of the picture?2
1
Norman L. Geisler, Baker Encyclopedia of Christian Apologetics, Baker Reference Library (Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Books, 1999), 55. 2 Bruce B. Barton, David Veerman, and Neil S. Wilson, James, Life Application Bible Commentary (Wheaton, IL: Tyndale House Publishers, 1992), 112. Page 4
Lighthouse Ministry Discussion Guide – Spring 2016
This study guide is produced to coordinate with the weekly sermon series “Shoe Leather Theology” by First Family Church, Ankeny, IA. More resources on this series are available at www.ffclife.com. This work is licensed under Creative Commons Attribution-Non-Commercial-Share Alike 3.0 Unported license.
6. What are the symptoms of of pride and arrogance revealed by our talk of the future and our plans for the future? In verse 13, James identifies the symptoms of boastful arrogance that point to a man or woman who is simply playing games with God, giving Him a sideways nod on occasion, but living life according to our own terms. Chuck Swindoll puts these symptoms in more direct terms: 1. Set your own schedule.
“Today or tomorrow …”
2. Select your own path.
“… we will go to such and such a city …”
3. Place your own limits.
“… and spend a year there …”
4. Arrange your own activities.
“… and engage in business …”
5. Predict your own outcome.
“… and make a profit …”
Now, notice that none of the activities James describes is negative in and of itself. There is nothing wrong with planning ahead, nothing evil or peculiar about setting a schedule, nothing abnormal about engaging in business, and nothing sinful about making a profit. In fact, James describes the everyday affairs of normal life. But that’s precisely his point. Because God is our sovereign Lord, His will must be considered in every aspect of our lives.3 7. Why did Christians often sign their letters with the initials “D.V.”, and how do we see this illustrated within the New Testament? At one time when Christians wrote of future plans in correspondence they used the letters D.V. They stand for the Latin words Deo volente, that is, "God willing." Paul recognized that any future plans he might have were subject to God's will. To the Ephesian believers he said, "I will return again unto you, if God will" (Acts 18:21). To the Corinthians he wrote, "I trust to tarry a while with you, if the Lord permit" (1
3
Charles R. Swindoll, Insights on James and 1 & 2 Peter, Swindoll’s New Testament Commentary (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2010), 98–99. Page 5
Lighthouse Ministry Discussion Guide – Spring 2016
This study guide is produced to coordinate with the weekly sermon series “Shoe Leather Theology” by First Family Church, Ankeny, IA. More resources on this series are available at www.ffclife.com. This work is licensed under Creative Commons Attribution-Non-Commercial-Share Alike 3.0 Unported license.
Corinthians 16:7). Some readers of James' epistle in their pride did not acknowledge any dependence on God.4 Acts 18:21 But on taking leave of them he said, “I will return to you if God wills,” and he set sail from Ephesus. 1 Corinthians 4:19 But I will come to you soon, if the Lord wills, and I will find out not the talk of these arrogant people but their power. 1 Corinthians 16:7 For I do not want to see you now just in passing. I hope to spend some time with you, if the Lord permits. 8. How would you plan differently if you have a spouse or business partner rather than thinking only for yourself? Clearly, if we have a business partner or spouse, we would include them in the details of our planning. We would value their input and need to make certain we are in agreement with our plans before moving forward. God is not just a partner in life, He is the owner of all that we have and possess! Just as we would never think of making detailed plans concerning our employer’s business, so it is with life. The following questions will help keep our life in line with God’s priorities: •
Purpose—Does our mission ultimately serve God and the people He created? Does it practice harmony with His creation?
•
Philosophy—Do our life’s practices and principles treat people with dignity? Are they ethical, caring, and compassionate? Are they examples of good stewardship of resources?
•
Plan—Do our daily activities and attitudes show clear evidence of the Christian life? Do we consult the Bible for constant input to our decisions?
4
Thoralf Gilbrant, ed., The Complete Biblical Library – Hebrews-Jude, (Springfield, IL: World Library Press, Inc., 1989), WORDsearch CROSS e-book, 239. Page 6
Lighthouse Ministry Discussion Guide – Spring 2016
This study guide is produced to coordinate with the weekly sermon series “Shoe Leather Theology” by First Family Church, Ankeny, IA. More resources on this series are available at www.ffclife.com. This work is licensed under Creative Commons Attribution-Non-Commercial-Share Alike 3.0 Unported license.
9. What are some ways we plan for the future while leaving God out of the conversation? Christians need to plan for the future, but they must do so with faith and submission to God's will rather than with presumption.—Faith is the opposite of presumption. Faith commits the present and the future to a loving Father; it never takes tomorrow for granted. Believers must have a healthy realization that life is fragile and brief.— Such a perspective reminds us that life is a gift and each day is to be used fully for God. Christ's followers must guard against a pride or an arrogance that produces a false certainty concerning health, prosperity, and even life itself.—The opposite of such unhealthy pride is a humility that submits one's way to God.5 •
When we describe retirement in selfish terms as our time to enjoy the fruits of our labors
•
When we see work and careers as ways we can make money in order to buy what we want
•
When we define money as a symbol of independence
•
When we imagine ourselves in control of major areas of life under the rationalization that God is not interested in such mundane matters
•
When we make practical decisions about education, job changes, moving, investments, and spending—all without prayer6
10. How can we talk about and plan for our future in a humble, godly manner? It is good to have goals, but goals can disappoint us if we leave God out of them. There is no point in making plans as though God does not exist because the future is in his hands. The beginning of good planning is to ask: “What would I like to be doing ten years from now?
5
Joel C. Gregory, James: Faith Works!, (Nashville, TN: Convention Press, 1986), WORDsearch CROSS e-book, 103. 6 Bruce B. Barton, David Veerman, and Neil S. Wilson, James, Life Application Bible Commentary (Wheaton, IL: Tyndale House Publishers, 1992), 112. Page 7
Lighthouse Ministry Discussion Guide – Spring 2016
This study guide is produced to coordinate with the weekly sermon series “Shoe Leather Theology” by First Family Church, Ankeny, IA. More resources on this series are available at www.ffclife.com. This work is licensed under Creative Commons Attribution-Non-Commercial-Share Alike 3.0 Unported license.
One year from now? Tomorrow? How will I react if God steps in and rearranges my plans?” We can plan ahead, but we must hold on to our plans loosely. If we put God’s desires at the center of our planning, he will never disappoint us. 11. How can our goals and plans lead us to sin? James closed this section of his Epistle with the serious reminder, "Therefore to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin" (4:17). Sin is any lack of conformity to the will of God. When He makes known that will, our responsibility is to act accordingly. Otherwise we miss the mark and incur the divine displeasure. The more clearly God has revealed His mind and the better we understand it, the greater is our responsibility.7 Concluding Thoughts These questions are given to prompt both reflection and learning on a personal level, and should likely be completed individually and apart from your regular group time. 12. As you evaluate your life today (April 2016), do you see “If the Lord wills” guiding your thoughts and plans or not? 13. Are there areas of your life where you struggle because you are “wasting your life,” yet know that what you are doing is indeed God’s will? Are you depending on the Lord for results or tempted to take things into your own hands? 14. What decisions are on the horizon that I need to set before God and seek His will?
7
H. A. Ironside, H. A. Ironside Commentary – James, 1 & 2 Peter, (San Diego, CA: Horizon Press, 1947), WORDsearch CROSS e-book, 49-50. Page 8
Lighthouse Ministry Discussion Guide – Spring 2016
This study guide is produced to coordinate with the weekly sermon series “Shoe Leather Theology” by First Family Church, Ankeny, IA. More resources on this series are available at www.ffclife.com. This work is licensed under Creative Commons Attribution-Non-Commercial-Share Alike 3.0 Unported license.
Becoming A House of Prayer 40 Days of Prayer and Fasting April 6-May 15, 2016
The Narrow Way Jesus told the crowds to “enter through the narrow gate” (Matthew 7:13 NIV). Only a few find the path that leads to life, while most speed down the broad highway to destruction. They assume that one way to God is as good as the next, and the routes that won’t make them break a sweat are the best of all. But Jesus warns of false teachers and their deceptive promises. Rather than pointing out the correct way to God, they seek only to exploit you. Beware of their well-rehearsed performances, and look instead for leaders of proven character. Most of all, study and put into practice Jesus’ own words. They ground you in him so you can’t be shaken. As you pray Matthew 7, recommit yourself to Jesus your Rock. 8 Matthew 7:13–14 MSG “Don’t look for shortcuts to God. The market is flooded with surefire, easygoing formulas for a successful life that can be practiced in your spare time. Don’t fall for that stuff, even though crowds of people do. The way to life—to God!—is vigorous and requires total attention.” Shortcuts to you . . .
My quest for you deserves my total attention. I will . . .
Matthew 7:15–20 MSG “Be wary of false preachers who smile a lot, dripping with practiced sincerity. Chances are they are out to rip you off some way or other. Don’t be impressed with charisma; look for character. Who preachers are is the main thing, not what they say. A genuine leader will never exploit your emotions or your pocketbook. These diseased
8
Kevin Johnson, Pray the Scriptures: A 40-Day Prayer Experience (Grand Rapids, MI: Baker, 2013). Page 9
Lighthouse Ministry Discussion Guide – Spring 2016
This study guide is produced to coordinate with the weekly sermon series “Shoe Leather Theology” by First Family Church, Ankeny, IA. More resources on this series are available at www.ffclife.com. This work is licensed under Creative Commons Attribution-Non-Commercial-Share Alike 3.0 Unported license.
trees with their bad apples are going to be chopped down and burned.” False preachers . . .
Real spiritual leaders . . .
Matthew 7:24–25 MSG “These words I speak to you are not incidental additions to your life, homeowner improvements to your standard of living. They are foundational words, words to build a life on. If you work these words into your life, you are like a smart carpenter who built his house on solid rock. Rain poured down, the river flooded, a tornado hit—but nothing moved that house. It was fixed to the rock.” Your words are . . .
Building my life on you . . .
Matthew 7:26–27 MSG “But if you just use my words in Bible studies and don’t work them into your life, you are like a stupid carpenter who built his house on the sandy beach. When a storm rolled in and the waves came up, it collapsed like a house of cards.” I don’t always work your words into my life. Forgive me for . . . Warn me when I try to stand in life’s storms without you. I need . . .
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Lighthouse Ministry Discussion Guide – Spring 2016
This study guide is produced to coordinate with the weekly sermon series “Shoe Leather Theology” by First Family Church, Ankeny, IA. More resources on this series are available at www.ffclife.com. This work is licensed under Creative Commons Attribution-Non-Commercial-Share Alike 3.0 Unported license.
Winning The War Within: Part 3 James 4:13-17
Core Beleif: God the Father
April 17, 2016
Week 13 of “Shoe Leather Theology: Study of James” This guide is designed to provide helpful hints in preparing and leading your Lighthouse discussion. If you need any assistance or further instruction on any part of this teaching lesson, don’t hesitate to contact Chris at [email protected]. Announcements:
Page 1
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Coming Dates This Spring: o April 2016 Spring Fireside Chats o 4/30/2016 Mother/Daughter Brunch o 5/03/2016 Awana Carnival o 5/11/2016 Family Internet Safety Workshop (6:30 pm) o 5/27/2016 Last Day of Lighthouses before Summer Break
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Spring Teaching Schedule: 1. 1/3/2016 Week 1: Introduction to James 2. 1/10/2016 Week 2: James 1:1-12 3. 1/17/2016 Week 3: James 1:13-18 4. 1/24/2016 Week 4: Spotlight: Job on Trials 5. 1/31/2016 Week 5: James 1:19-27 6. 2/7/2016 Week 6: James 2:1-13 7. 2/14/2016 Week 7: James 2:14-26 8. 2/21/2016 Week 8: Spotlight: Abraham on Faith 9. 2/28/2016 Week 9: James 3:1-12 10. 3/6/2016 Week 10: James 3:13-18 • 3/13/2016 Spring Break Week–No Lighthouse • 3/20/2016 Palm Sunday: 1 Corinthians 15 • 3/27/2016 Easter Sunday–No Lighthouse 11. 4/3/2016 Week 11: James 4:1-6 Lighthouse Ministry Discussion Guide – Spring 2016
This study guide is produced to coordinate with the weekly sermon series “Shoe Leather Theology” by First Family Church, Ankeny, IA. More resources on this series are available at www.ffclife.com. This work is licensed under Creative Commons Attribution-Non-Commercial-Share Alike 3.0 Unported license.
12. 4/10/2016 13. 4/17/2016 14. 4/24/2016 15. 5/1/2016 16. 5/8/2016 17. 5/15/2016 18. 5/22/2016
Week 12: James 4:7-12 Week 13: James 4:13-17 Week 14: James 5:1-6 Week 15: Spotlight: Jesus on Money Week 16: James 5:7-12 Week 17: Mother's Day–No Lighthouse Week 18: James 5:13-18
Overview of this Lesson This week we look at Part 3 of our miniseries, Winning the War Within. We’ve seen in our previous lessons how pride and arrogance lead to selfish desires, which sets the stage for conflict within our life. With this introduction, James attacks the root problem Christians face–unfaithfulness to God. He refers to this as our adulterous behavior. We try to hold hands with the world while pretending to be fully committed to the Lord. Knowing this is the tendency of us all, James provides cure for worldliness–we are to draw close to God and resist the devil. We are to repent of our unfaithfulness and begin living our life in minute-by-minute dependency on God. This week, James gives a very practical illustration of how our unfaithful heart infects everything about us. He uses a very common process we all follow, and that is the process of planning tomorrow. There is nothing wrong with planning, but, James points to the sin that planning exposes, which he identifies as boastful arrogance. Here’s the problem as James identifies it: Christians (remember, he is talking to Christians throughout Chapter 4) give token acknowledgement of God, but when it comes to living in moment-by-moment obedience to God and His Word, we are in reality practical atheists. Do our actions, our words, our plans, our goals, our desires, our motivation, our conversations, the way we spend our money, invest for the future, plan for retirement, outwardly display a complete acknowledgement and dependence on God? James would say No, our lives do not openly testify of God’s sovereignty over all things. How this is played out boils down to the difference between pride and humility. The godly Christian humbly waits upon the Lord, even when things do not make sense or when it appears we are going nowhere. The prideful person pushes ahead with his own plans and his own goals because he doesn’t want to “waste his life.” James concludes with a clear condemnation: “he who knows the right thing to do (this is God’s will) and fails to do it, for him it is sin.” That is a wasted life. It doesn’t matter how much “success” you see in the years ahead, if you have chosen your way instead of God’s way for your life, you are guilty of sin and are in fact living as a practical atheist. Memory Verse for This Week James 4:15 (ESV) “Instead you ought to say, ‘If the Lord wills, we will live and do this or that.’”
Page 2
Lighthouse Ministry Discussion Guide – Spring 2016
This study guide is produced to coordinate with the weekly sermon series “Shoe Leather Theology” by First Family Church, Ankeny, IA. More resources on this series are available at www.ffclife.com. This work is licensed under Creative Commons Attribution-Non-Commercial-Share Alike 3.0 Unported license.
Core Belief God the Father (Psalm 121:1–2): We believe God is personally involved in and cares about the daily lives of His children. Introduction 1. Looking back at your notes from this week’s sermon, was there anything that particularly caught your attention, challenged or confused you? 2. If you could travel to any place in the world and live for a year, all expenses paid, where would you go? 3. How do you react when your day doesn’t go as planned?
This Week’s Take Home Truth "To fight pride and embrace humility, I will refer to God’s will, defer to God’s will, and prefer God’s will." Read the Text (James 4:13-17) The closing verses of James 4 emphasize that the life of faith is one of daily dependence on the Lord. Although we know that no man can be sure of even another hour of life—let alone of days, months, and years—we still make our plans and arrangements as though we were sure of being here for years to come. It is not wrong to do this if we remember that all is in subjection to the divine will. Obviously we must look ahead and so seek to order our affairs that we can do what is right and necessary as the time goes by. But we are here warned against making such plans in independence of God. In Proverbs 27:1 we read, “Do not boast about tomorrow, for you do not know what a day may bring." And in James we are told, “yet you do not know what tomorrow will bring.” (4:14). It would seem hardly necessary to be reminded of this, and yet we forget it so readily. Our life is but as a breath. It is ours for a little time—at the most a few score years—then it vanishes away. We are the creatures of a day; yet we act as though we were going to be here forever! [Ironside] Read James 4:13-17. James 4:13–17 (ESV) 13
Come now, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we will go into such and such a town and spend a year there and trade and make a profit”— 14 yet you do not know what tomorrow will bring. What is your life? For you are a mist that appears for a little time and then Page 3
Lighthouse Ministry Discussion Guide – Spring 2016
This study guide is produced to coordinate with the weekly sermon series “Shoe Leather Theology” by First Family Church, Ankeny, IA. More resources on this series are available at www.ffclife.com. This work is licensed under Creative Commons Attribution-Non-Commercial-Share Alike 3.0 Unported license.
vanishes. 15 Instead you ought to say, “If the Lord wills, we will live and do this or that.” 16 As it is, you boast in your arrogance. All such boasting is evil. 17 So whoever knows the right thing to do and fails to do it, for him it is sin. Digging Deeper In this section, feel free to develop your own questions to help guide your group’s discussion. Below are some suggestions. 4. How would you describe an atheist? By strict definition, an atheist is the opposite of a theist, one who believes God exists beyond and in the world, and a pantheist, who believes God is the world, an atheist believes there is no God either beyond or in the world. There is only a universe or cosmos and nothing more.1 5. Based on what James describes, how do many so-called Christians live as a “practical atheist”? Many people say they believe in God, but, in reality, they are practical atheists. That is, in the way they make decisions and plan for the future, they live as if God didn’t exist. They take no account of God’s sustaining care or common grace; they act as if they are self-sufficient and in control; and they take credit for all the good they experience. Listening to these people speak, we would have no idea that God is a factor in their lives. How much better it is to actively recognize God’s right to order and direct our lives as he pleases. Self-reliance and independence rightfully belong to God alone. Why do believers and even churches so often want to take matters into their own hands? When do you tend to leave God out of the picture?2
1
Norman L. Geisler, Baker Encyclopedia of Christian Apologetics, Baker Reference Library (Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Books, 1999), 55. 2 Bruce B. Barton, David Veerman, and Neil S. Wilson, James, Life Application Bible Commentary (Wheaton, IL: Tyndale House Publishers, 1992), 112. Page 4
Lighthouse Ministry Discussion Guide – Spring 2016
This study guide is produced to coordinate with the weekly sermon series “Shoe Leather Theology” by First Family Church, Ankeny, IA. More resources on this series are available at www.ffclife.com. This work is licensed under Creative Commons Attribution-Non-Commercial-Share Alike 3.0 Unported license.
6. What are the symptoms of of pride and arrogance revealed by our talk of the future and our plans for the future? In verse 13, James identifies the symptoms of boastful arrogance that point to a man or woman who is simply playing games with God, giving Him a sideways nod on occasion, but living life according to our own terms. Chuck Swindoll puts these symptoms in more direct terms: 1. Set your own schedule.
“Today or tomorrow …”
2. Select your own path.
“… we will go to such and such a city …”
3. Place your own limits.
“… and spend a year there …”
4. Arrange your own activities.
“… and engage in business …”
5. Predict your own outcome.
“… and make a profit …”
Now, notice that none of the activities James describes is negative in and of itself. There is nothing wrong with planning ahead, nothing evil or peculiar about setting a schedule, nothing abnormal about engaging in business, and nothing sinful about making a profit. In fact, James describes the everyday affairs of normal life. But that’s precisely his point. Because God is our sovereign Lord, His will must be considered in every aspect of our lives.3 7. Why did Christians often sign their letters with the initials “D.V.”, and how do we see this illustrated within the New Testament? At one time when Christians wrote of future plans in correspondence they used the letters D.V. They stand for the Latin words Deo volente, that is, "God willing." Paul recognized that any future plans he might have were subject to God's will. To the Ephesian believers he said, "I will return again unto you, if God will" (Acts 18:21). To the Corinthians he wrote, "I trust to tarry a while with you, if the Lord permit" (1
3
Charles R. Swindoll, Insights on James and 1 & 2 Peter, Swindoll’s New Testament Commentary (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2010), 98–99. Page 5
Lighthouse Ministry Discussion Guide – Spring 2016
This study guide is produced to coordinate with the weekly sermon series “Shoe Leather Theology” by First Family Church, Ankeny, IA. More resources on this series are available at www.ffclife.com. This work is licensed under Creative Commons Attribution-Non-Commercial-Share Alike 3.0 Unported license.
Corinthians 16:7). Some readers of James' epistle in their pride did not acknowledge any dependence on God.4 Acts 18:21 But on taking leave of them he said, “I will return to you if God wills,” and he set sail from Ephesus. 1 Corinthians 4:19 But I will come to you soon, if the Lord wills, and I will find out not the talk of these arrogant people but their power. 1 Corinthians 16:7 For I do not want to see you now just in passing. I hope to spend some time with you, if the Lord permits. 8. How would you plan differently if you have a spouse or business partner rather than thinking only for yourself? Clearly, if we have a business partner or spouse, we would include them in the details of our planning. We would value their input and need to make certain we are in agreement with our plans before moving forward. God is not just a partner in life, He is the owner of all that we have and possess! Just as we would never think of making detailed plans concerning our employer’s business, so it is with life. The following questions will help keep our life in line with God’s priorities: •
Purpose—Does our mission ultimately serve God and the people He created? Does it practice harmony with His creation?
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Philosophy—Do our life’s practices and principles treat people with dignity? Are they ethical, caring, and compassionate? Are they examples of good stewardship of resources?
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Plan—Do our daily activities and attitudes show clear evidence of the Christian life? Do we consult the Bible for constant input to our decisions?
4
Thoralf Gilbrant, ed., The Complete Biblical Library – Hebrews-Jude, (Springfield, IL: World Library Press, Inc., 1989), WORDsearch CROSS e-book, 239. Page 6
Lighthouse Ministry Discussion Guide – Spring 2016
This study guide is produced to coordinate with the weekly sermon series “Shoe Leather Theology” by First Family Church, Ankeny, IA. More resources on this series are available at www.ffclife.com. This work is licensed under Creative Commons Attribution-Non-Commercial-Share Alike 3.0 Unported license.
9. What are some ways we plan for the future while leaving God out of the conversation? Christians need to plan for the future, but they must do so with faith and submission to God's will rather than with presumption.—Faith is the opposite of presumption. Faith commits the present and the future to a loving Father; it never takes tomorrow for granted. Believers must have a healthy realization that life is fragile and brief.— Such a perspective reminds us that life is a gift and each day is to be used fully for God. Christ's followers must guard against a pride or an arrogance that produces a false certainty concerning health, prosperity, and even life itself.—The opposite of such unhealthy pride is a humility that submits one's way to God.5 •
When we describe retirement in selfish terms as our time to enjoy the fruits of our labors
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When we see work and careers as ways we can make money in order to buy what we want
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When we define money as a symbol of independence
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When we imagine ourselves in control of major areas of life under the rationalization that God is not interested in such mundane matters
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When we make practical decisions about education, job changes, moving, investments, and spending—all without prayer6
10. How can we talk about and plan for our future in a humble, godly manner? It is good to have goals, but goals can disappoint us if we leave God out of them. There is no point in making plans as though God does not exist because the future is in his hands. The beginning of good planning is to ask: “What would I like to be doing ten years from now?
5
Joel C. Gregory, James: Faith Works!, (Nashville, TN: Convention Press, 1986), WORDsearch CROSS e-book, 103. 6 Bruce B. Barton, David Veerman, and Neil S. Wilson, James, Life Application Bible Commentary (Wheaton, IL: Tyndale House Publishers, 1992), 112. Page 7
Lighthouse Ministry Discussion Guide – Spring 2016
This study guide is produced to coordinate with the weekly sermon series “Shoe Leather Theology” by First Family Church, Ankeny, IA. More resources on this series are available at www.ffclife.com. This work is licensed under Creative Commons Attribution-Non-Commercial-Share Alike 3.0 Unported license.
One year from now? Tomorrow? How will I react if God steps in and rearranges my plans?” We can plan ahead, but we must hold on to our plans loosely. If we put God’s desires at the center of our planning, he will never disappoint us. 11. How can our goals and plans lead us to sin? James closed this section of his Epistle with the serious reminder, "Therefore to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin" (4:17). Sin is any lack of conformity to the will of God. When He makes known that will, our responsibility is to act accordingly. Otherwise we miss the mark and incur the divine displeasure. The more clearly God has revealed His mind and the better we understand it, the greater is our responsibility.7 Concluding Thoughts These questions are given to prompt both reflection and learning on a personal level, and should likely be completed individually and apart from your regular group time. 12. As you evaluate your life today (April 2016), do you see “If the Lord wills” guiding your thoughts and plans or not? 13. Are there areas of your life where you struggle because you are “wasting your life,” yet know that what you are doing is indeed God’s will? Are you depending on the Lord for results or tempted to take things into your own hands? 14. What decisions are on the horizon that I need to set before God and seek His will?
7
H. A. Ironside, H. A. Ironside Commentary – James, 1 & 2 Peter, (San Diego, CA: Horizon Press, 1947), WORDsearch CROSS e-book, 49-50. Page 8
Lighthouse Ministry Discussion Guide – Spring 2016
This study guide is produced to coordinate with the weekly sermon series “Shoe Leather Theology” by First Family Church, Ankeny, IA. More resources on this series are available at www.ffclife.com. This work is licensed under Creative Commons Attribution-Non-Commercial-Share Alike 3.0 Unported license.
Becoming A House of Prayer 40 Days of Prayer and Fasting April 6-May 15, 2016
The Narrow Way Jesus told the crowds to “enter through the narrow gate” (Matthew 7:13 NIV). Only a few find the path that leads to life, while most speed down the broad highway to destruction. They assume that one way to God is as good as the next, and the routes that won’t make them break a sweat are the best of all. But Jesus warns of false teachers and their deceptive promises. Rather than pointing out the correct way to God, they seek only to exploit you. Beware of their well-rehearsed performances, and look instead for leaders of proven character. Most of all, study and put into practice Jesus’ own words. They ground you in him so you can’t be shaken. As you pray Matthew 7, recommit yourself to Jesus your Rock. 8 Matthew 7:13–14 MSG “Don’t look for shortcuts to God. The market is flooded with surefire, easygoing formulas for a successful life that can be practiced in your spare time. Don’t fall for that stuff, even though crowds of people do. The way to life—to God!—is vigorous and requires total attention.” Shortcuts to you . . .
My quest for you deserves my total attention. I will . . .
Matthew 7:15–20 MSG “Be wary of false preachers who smile a lot, dripping with practiced sincerity. Chances are they are out to rip you off some way or other. Don’t be impressed with charisma; look for character. Who preachers are is the main thing, not what they say. A genuine leader will never exploit your emotions or your pocketbook. These diseased
8
Kevin Johnson, Pray the Scriptures: A 40-Day Prayer Experience (Grand Rapids, MI: Baker, 2013). Page 9
Lighthouse Ministry Discussion Guide – Spring 2016
This study guide is produced to coordinate with the weekly sermon series “Shoe Leather Theology” by First Family Church, Ankeny, IA. More resources on this series are available at www.ffclife.com. This work is licensed under Creative Commons Attribution-Non-Commercial-Share Alike 3.0 Unported license.
trees with their bad apples are going to be chopped down and burned.” False preachers . . .
Real spiritual leaders . . .
Matthew 7:24–25 MSG “These words I speak to you are not incidental additions to your life, homeowner improvements to your standard of living. They are foundational words, words to build a life on. If you work these words into your life, you are like a smart carpenter who built his house on solid rock. Rain poured down, the river flooded, a tornado hit—but nothing moved that house. It was fixed to the rock.” Your words are . . .
Building my life on you . . .
Matthew 7:26–27 MSG “But if you just use my words in Bible studies and don’t work them into your life, you are like a stupid carpenter who built his house on the sandy beach. When a storm rolled in and the waves came up, it collapsed like a house of cards.” I don’t always work your words into my life. Forgive me for . . . Warn me when I try to stand in life’s storms without you. I need . . .
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Lighthouse Ministry Discussion Guide – Spring 2016
This study guide is produced to coordinate with the weekly sermon series “Shoe Leather Theology” by First Family Church, Ankeny, IA. More resources on this series are available at www.ffclife.com. This work is licensed under Creative Commons Attribution-Non-Commercial-Share Alike 3.0 Unported license.
