<aside> đź’ˇ BIG IDEA: A life well lived is friendship with God.
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What’s the most embarrassing argument you’ve ever had with another person? Why were you arguing about it?
READ James 4:1-12
ASK: According to what James writes in verses 1-3, what is the underlying reason for conflict between Christians? How do these underlying issues that cause conflict affect a Christian’s prayer life?
Why does James refer to his readers as “adulterous people?” What does he mean by “friendship with the world?”
<aside> đź“Ś Note: In the Old Testament, God described idolatry among his people as being like adultery because they were being unfaithful to God had broken their covenant to worship and serve Him alone. (See Jeremiah 3:6-10; Hosea 1:2).
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According to verses 6-10, what does appropriate repentance look like in order to experience relationship with God? What is the comfort that James offers to those who humble themselves in repentance?
Recalling what James wrote earlier about the destructive dangers of the tongue (see James 3:1-12) and how Christians are accountable to ALL of God’s law (see James 2:8-13), how do Christians put themselves at risk when they criticize others?
<aside> ✝️ Gospel Connection: READ Psalm 51:14-19 and Luke 18:9-14. Why is humility and confession necessary to receive God’s grace through Jesus? How does humility make friendship with God possible?
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ASK: Think about the relationships in your life where you currently are experiencing or frequently experience conflict. What desires do you think are at the root of that conflict? Are your desires and motivations aligned with what God’s Word says you should desire?
In what ways are you trying to live in both friendship with the world while also claiming to love God? When you think about the areas of life you frequently face temptation to sin, would you honestly say that you are “resisting the devil” in how you respond? Why or why not?
What would it look like for you to humble yourself before God and admit your need for grace? How do you imagine God sees you when you confess your sin? How do verse 8-10 change the way you think about how God responds to you when you admit you need Jesus?
ASK: What would it look like for you to seek friendship with God this week? As you are seeking friendship with God how should this impact your relationships with other Christians—especially relationships where you often experience conflict?