11 Life Groups sessions based mainly on James
About 5 questions per session, use with a seasoning and add worship.
You can download the full series for spring 2012 as a PDF here.
Introduction
This term we will be looking at the book of James under the title of “One Life”. It’s a practical and challenging letter that looks at how the Christian life is lived out in the context of a world that pulls us in many different directions.
The letter deals with, the need to persevere under trials, anger, temptation, being double minded, boasting, slander and more. James invites us to live “One Life”, so that the reality of our walk with Jesus shows on the outside. Having “One Life” means our faith and actions match even when we are under pressure.
What is so amazing about the letter is it could have been written to us in 2012. The issues are the same. How often do you meet someone in one context and then in another they are completely different. There is the work face, the family face and then worst of all the church face. Let’s be honest with ourselves, it’s not just others, it’s you and me.
But we can make a choice about who we are. We can choose to stand in all that God has made us to be. Allowing the Holy Spirit to unify our living so that we live “One Life” that is fully connected to God and people. This is a choice not about a hit or miss goal but about character.
So who are you going to be in 2012? Will you be a divided person or will you resolve to follow Jesus in every area and have “One Life”.
Leaders notes
These notes will provide you with 5 questions as a starter for your group. They are not intended to be a bible study but just the beginning of the discussion. You and your life group need to add seasoning (additional bible passages, personal reflections etc) and worship (I have posted some Life Group worship ideas on the web for you).
This gives you a basic structure for the evening of WELCOME, WORSHIP, WORD and WITNESS. Make sure you take time to read the bible passage in the context of the session.
The leaders role is to listen to God and people and to appropriately help others to hear God and people.
15-Jan Begin here John 1:1-14
Welcome
What is your life dream?
Word
What do you hope to get out of this Life Group this term?
On Sunday Anna spoke on the mission of the church, what surprised you most?
Where is God calling you to “knock a hole in the darkness”?
Witness
As Jesus was sent by the Father into the world, so Jesus sends us. Pray that in the places God has sent you, you will live your faith to the full?
22-Jan Keeping Going James 1:1-4
Welcome
When life is tough are you grumpy or grateful? (Or ask are you an optimist or a pessimist?)
Word
When James talks about trials it is in the sense of a metal being tested to prove its genuineness. How do you usually come under trial in your Christian life?
How is it possible to consider trials a “pure joy” and why might it be helpful to do so? (you could reference Phil 4:4-8)
Where have you had a difficulty in the past but have persevered and have come through stronger and more alive?
Witness
Spend some time giving thanks for the things that you have learn on the way through trials of faith and take time to pray for those who are going through it now.
29-Jan Well connected Luke 10:25-37
Welcome
When was the last time someone had to care for you and what happened?
Word
On Sunday Nigel from Anode shared with us, what challenged you the most?
Who do you most associate yourself with in the story of the good Samaritan?
Who is your neighbour in 2012 and does it matter?
Witness
We live in a complex world with the NHS, Connections, charities and many more groups involved in “loving our neighbours”. How are we to love our neighbours in a complex world? Have a time of prayer for those in need and commit yourselves to loving your neighbours.
05-Feb Keep asking James 1:5-8
Welcome
When what the last time you went beyond yourself (over stretched) and what you where able to cope with and what defeated you?
Word
What is the difference between wisdom and knowledge and what is the context in which we should be asking for wisdom?
How does James describe what our praying should be like?
What is key about the response of God to those who ask?
Witness
What can you do to change the way you pray, especially when you are under trial? Begin to put that into practise by praying like that as a group.
12-Feb-12 Just me James 1:9-12
Welcome
What is more important to you and why; possessions, position, or people?
Word
James seems to be describing an upside down world (the humble are high and the rich fade). How do you understand this?
What is the significance of us being bothers and sisters in Christ? (James 1:9 uses brothers rather than believers in the Greek)
How do you respond the great levellers of verses 10&11 and to the reward of verse 12?
Witness
What practical things can you do to ensure that Christian family moves beyond status and has its sights set on Jesus?
19-Feb-12 Tempted? James 1:13-18
Welcome
Someone cuts you up in the car park at takes the last space. A little later as you walk past you notice someone scratching “that” car with a key. Do you celebrate to challenge them?
Word
How does James describe temptation and how does this relate to your experiences?
What is the clear result of sin in the passage?
What the common metaphor between temptation and God’s gifts and how might this help practically with dealing with temptation? (If people don’t get this then try: what are you allowing to grow in you and how?)
Witness
Where are tempted and what can you do about it this week? (time for people to be honest with each other, they will take the lead from you) Pray each other in this.
26-Feb Angry? James 1:19-21
Welcome
Are you better at listening or speaking?
Word
What are we suppose to be listening to? (see vs 22)
How can we develop quickness/swiftness in listening to God’s word?
Why do you think that anger is particularly highlighted as being the opposite of listening? (follow on question, have you ever experienced the Sunday morning rage?)
Witness
Practically how can we rid our selves of anger and other sins in our lives to make more space to listen to the word of God? (Good opportunity to practise accountability with each other, ask next week what you did about it)
04-Mar Lived Faith James 1:22-27
Welcome
What things in life do you believe to be true but don’t live out? (5 a day, keeping to the speed limit etc)
Word
How comfortable are you with the challenge of verse 22 (“do what is says”)?
James is tough on worthless religion. How would you describe and spot worthless religion today in your own life?
How can you feed off the word of God so that your faith comes to life?
Witness
Read 1 Sam 3:10 as a model for responding to God’s word. Then pick a passage of scripture that is challenging (James 1:22-27, Micah 6:8 or another appropriate passage), read it out and then pray that God would speak to each person. Have some quiet then ask what God has said to each person and ask what they plan to do about it?
11-Mar Love is… Ephesians 3:14-21
Welcome
What is the best thing that has happened to you so far this year?
Word
We have been looking at practical aspects of the Christian faith in the book of James. Our lived faith comes as a response to God’s love for us. How do you understand God’s love for you?
What does it mean that “Christ dwells in our hearts” verse17?
God’s love surpasses knowledge and we are to be filled with God to the measure of all the fullness of God. Where do you restrict the fullness and love of God in your life?
Witness
Three practical ideas for allowing God to fill you that you can practise every day this week….
- Pick one verse about the love of God and read it everyday this week. (Ps 139:13 as a suggestion)
- Pray by lying down on the floor and inviting the Holy Spirit to fill you up.
- Take a bowl of grapes to work and leave them on your desk, each time you eat a grape during the week, thank God that he loves you.
18-Mar Favouritism James 2:1-12
Welcome
What is the best welcome you have ever received outside of a church context?
Word
What is so wrong with favouritism?
What other passages can you think of in terms of Jesus’ approach to the poor?
What is it that the poor often have and the rich often lack (James 1:9-12)?
Witness
Where are we doing well in welcoming all people as a church and where are we falling short? What could we do about this? – Feedback to Mark please.
NB Witness section for final week may need prep this week. Read ahead and get planning.
25-Mar Even feet John 13:1-11
Welcome
What has been most helpful about this terms life group for you?
Word
As we approach Easter we have a striking picture of the King of Kings washing his disciples feet, what engages you most about the story?
How does the teaching in James echo the words of Jesus in this passage?
How can we follow Jesus example with one another today? (What does it mean to serve each other today?)
Witness
This will take a bit of planning… But why not end the term by serving each other in some way, you could wash each other’s feet, wash cars, clean a house, cook and share a meal together. Whatever you choose to do, leaders will need to lead on this and don’t forget to have a load of fun in the process.
