Message Notes
Look Back
Who were you able to connect with by dedicating 10 minutes to listening to that person?
Look Up
Read James 2:14-18 and 1:27
- Based on these verses, what do you think the people James was writing to had been doing? How common is this today and why?
- What did James recommend as his personal solution? How easy is it for you to understand and apply his solution in your life? What makes it easy or difficult?
- How is James’ teaching on “faith” and “religion” different from how most people define these concepts? How does James’ perspective compare with what you have been taught?
Read 1 John 3:16-18
- How is this passage similar to, and different from James’ teaching? Why do you think John focuses on “love” rather than “faith”?
- Why do you think John uses such a dramatic illustration of what love is in verse 16? What is your initial reaction to this verse? How does verse 17 help you better understand John’s intent and apply his teaching?
- Based on these verses, what should be the motivation behind our “good deeds”? How does this compare with how most people are motivated to do good deeds?
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
In what way will you put your faith into action?
Notes
For centuries, people have debated over what “faith” and “love” really are, and what it looks like to express these in our daily lives. At the same time, what defines a sacrificial “good deed” has remained fairly consistent. James and John offer relatively simple solutions - focus on the needs of others and act out of love to help those that need help. Remember the love that Jesus showed us as we act to show love to others in their time of need.
