SERIES TITLE
Authentic Faith Week 5
SERIES OVERVIEW
No other New Testament book is quite like James. Real, raw, sometimes radical, and always practical, James offers up some of the most unfiltered, straightforward, and memorable sound bites ever recorded in human history. More than anything, James helps us see what our faith looks like when it’s lived out authentically with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength. Join us this weekend as we begin our journey through these life-shaping truths.
SERMON TITLE
Conflict Resolution
Sermon Summary
As we continue in James, Gene looks at the role of self-centered desires in causing conflicts and emphasizes the importance of humility. He connects peacemaking to acknowledging weaknesses, seeking forgiveness, and drawing closer to God. Ultimately, he emphasizes that God honors those who humble themselves and seek reconciliation.
WARM UP
What’s the funniest or most embarrassing thing that has ever happened to you during a family gathering or holiday celebration?
DISCUSSion
- Read James 3: 18. How can you identify the difference between godly wisdom and worldly wisdom in your life
- Why does Pastor Appel emphasize the importance of humility in resolving conflicts?
How can you practice humility in your daily life to help resolve conflicts and maintain peace? - What does James 4:1 say about the source of our conflicts and quarrels?
Can you identify times when your own desires or expectations have contributed to conflict in your relationships? - What does it mean to draw closer to God in the context of conflict resolution?
Share some steps you could take to draw closer to God and how that might affect your approach to conflicts. - How can we cultivate a culture of humility in our families, workplaces, schools, and churches?
What are some specific actions you can take to promote humility and its benefits in your own environments? - Read James 4:1-10. What are some practical ways to resist falling into the desires that lead to conflict?
How can you work on resisting the harmful desires within you that contribute to conflicts and tension in your relationships?
wrap up | prayer
Begin with asking for any prayer requests from the group.
- Pray that God helps us to recognize and acknowledge our own self-centered desires that contribute to conflicts in our relationships.
- Pray that God grants us the humility to apologize, forgive, and seek reconciliation with those we have conflicts with.
- Pray that God helps us to draw close to Him, understand our true selves, and experience His grace and forgiveness throughout the coming week.
- Pray that God empowers us to actively cultivate a culture of humility in our families, workplaces, schools, and churches, for stronger relationships and a sense of belonging.