Key Question:

James 4:4

James 4:7

Submit means to be ___________________________________________.

James 4:13-15

Our _____________ have to do with how we use our ________________. 

We need to take time to ________________  and ________________  the Lord.

Our ______________ have to do with how we spend our______________. 

2 Corinthians 8:7 (NIV)  “But since you excel in everything–in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in complete earnestness and in the love we have kindled in you –see that you also excel in this grace of ______________.”   

________________  is not a ________________  issue; it’s a   ________________ issue.

Matthew 6:21

Practical Steps:

Start by __________________________________________________.

Commit to _________________________________________________.

Grow in __________________________________________________.

ARE YOU WILLING TO GIVE GOD CONTROL OVER THESE TWO AREAS OF YOUR LIFE?

Connection Group Questions

Read James 4:1-5:6

James 4:4  What do you think it means to have “friendship with the world”?  Why do you think James uses the term “adulterous” to describe people who practice friendship toward the world?

What ideas come to mind when you think of the word ‘submit’?  How does that differ from the idea of being “under God’s arrangement” and having our life oriented around Him?

Plans/Time:  How difficult or easy is it for you to give time to God?

What are the greatest obstacles you have to spending time “seeking” Him?

What are the greatest obstacles you have to spending time “serving” Him?

What are some things you could do to create time to seek and serve Him in a greater capacity? Do you believe it’s something he is calling you to do?

Priorities/Money

Do you agree that giving is more of a heart issue than a money issue?  Why or why not?

2 Corinthians 8:7 says we should excel in the grace of giving.  How important is that to you personally?

Is it difficult or easy for you to give your money to God?  What are your greatest obstacles to giving with greater generosity?

In the message this week some practical steps were given in regards to becoming more generous.  Is there a step that you plan to commit to? Why (or why not)?

Read James 5:1-3.  What does James point out about the relationship between worldly wealth and the passage of time?

Look up Matthew 7:19-24.  What similarities do you find between the to the words of Jesus and the words of James?

Based on the words of James and Jesus, what is the right relationship to have with wealth and possessions?   Why?

What one step can you take this week to better live in light what we’ve discovered this week?