Over the next eight weeks, we are going to be diving deeply into the book of James. The powerful message of James' letter to the church is as relevant today as when he originally wrote it. James is Mr. Straight Forward - he tells it like it is. Many of our problems in life stem from our own spiritual immaturity. However, our spiritual life doesn't end there. God wants us to grow up in Christ, not just grow old.

What I love about the book of James is its practicality: this is down to earth teaching and gold nuggets of wisdom, along with a call for believers to grow up in our relationship with God.

Our readings for this week: Matthew 7: 21-27; James 1: 19-27

Plan to join us this Sunday morning at 10:30 am or go to our FB page to link to Youtube live on Sunday mornings or anytime on our website redoakpresbyterianchurch.com

Questions to think about:

1. What role should God's Word play in our pursuit of Christlikeness?

2. Why do you think so many professing Christians struggle to find time for God's Word? Is it a problem of discipline or desire? Or both?

3. How does a heart bent on sin affect the way we receive God's Word? How have you seen this play out in your own life?

4. What kind of listener of God's Word are you? Can you think of recent examples in your own life where you have listened well to the Lord?

5. Why is it deceptive to hear God's Word and not obey it?

6. "Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry" (v. 20). In what situations do you find one (or more) of these commands especially difficult?

7. Can you think of people you know who profess to follow Christ but show no evidence of being saved? How might you approach them with wisdom and boldness?

8. List some areas of your life where you've said you're willing to obey, but you're not actively obeying. How will you move forward in these areas?