(dis)Placed: Finding the Wisdom Path
James 3:13-18
Richard Dahlstrom, Senior Pastor, www.spiritsoulbody.org
There are always two paths: The Earthly/Demonic and Wisdom from Above
- Earthly/ Unspirital/Demonic
- Wisdom from Above
- Roots Determine Fruits
- Earthly Roots: Jealousy and selfish ambition
- Heavenly Roots: Wisdom born from humility
- Choose Wisely
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Discussion Questions
Before questions, attempt to give the group a bit of a summary of the main points of the sermon and then choose a few questions that fit your group’s needs and style. We don’t intend for you to use all of these. Three to five questions may be a good number.
- Begin by reading James 3:13-18 aloud, taking turns reading the passages.
- Pray over the group before beginning discussion.
- Share a story of a time when you were lost and had to ask for directions.
- Have you ever had a relationship broken due to words that were spoken?
- How does one seek wisdom practically?
- Pastor Richard mentioned characteristics of wisdom found in James 3:17—peace loving, considerate, and submissive. Of those three, which do you find that you need to work on the most?
- One of the ways Pastor Richard mentioned to be considerate is to be a good listener. How do you know that someone is listening well to you? What are some ways in which you can be a better listener?
- James 3:16 tells us that one sign of unwise behavior is envy.
- Where do you think the instinct for human envy comes from?
- What circumstances and situations cause you to experience envy?
- This week, consider “fasting” from social media, television, or anywhere else that you see yourself growing in envy.
- Or consider who might be in a position to envy you and think of a way that you can serve that person (perhaps giving up your daily coffee and buying one for a neighbor experiencing homelessness instead).
- What is the evidence of speech seasoned with grace?
- Colossians 4:6 tell us that our speech should be full of grace. Can you think of a recent time when your speech has not been gracious?
- Pray that God will give you the grace to go to that person this week in humility and confess your ungracious speech.