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2/8/2026

Go Beyond Myself

Message Notes

Look Back

How is considering what generosity might cost you right now “testing” your trust in God’s ability to meet all of your needs?

Look Up

Read James 2:14-19

  1. In verse 14 what point was he trying to make?
  2. How do you currently define what faith is in your life?
  3. How does James challenge his readers in verse 18?
  4. How does James differentiate “faith” from “belief” in verse 19?

Read James 2:24 and 1 Thessalonians 1:4-9

  1. How does Paul describe their “faith” in comparison to James?
  2. How does Paul describe the relationship between “faith”, “love”, “hope” and “deeds” in verse 3?
  3. What impact did the attitude and actions of the Thessalonians have on the people around them?

Overall (Discovery Bible Study)

  • What do these scriptures say about God?
  • What do they say about people?
  • How will I apply this to my life?

Look Ahead

How do I take my faith from concept to action?

Notes

Faith can easily fade into apathy. In reality, we show our true convictions through our actions, not just our words. As followers of Jesus, our faith must be more than belief - our faith must be seen in deeds that are done out of love for others and the hope we have in Jesus Christ. While our personal faith grows through our actions, our actions help others grow in their faith. Faith IS rescuing and empowering. So you see, we are shown to be right with God by what we do, not by faith alone. James 2:24
Overview

The difference between intellectual belief and an active "saving" faith as described in James Chapter 2. Using the analogy of a football game, he emphasizes that faith requires personal investment and "sweat equity" rather than just passive observation from the sidelines. The message concludes with a powerful call to move beyond theory and into action, highlighted by a specific request for the community to join in prayer for a campus pastor facing a serious health battle.

series
beyond.
beyond.
2026
teacher
Robbie O'Brien
Date
February 8, 2026
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