CPC Discussions: July 2019

Monday, July 8, 2019

“Keep It Real” James 1:26-27 Ryan Laughlin

Sermon Discussion Questions

1) Read back over James 1:22-26. As believers our deepest convictions should rest on the work, grace and love of Christ. Do our daily choices align with our deepest convictions? (Take time to quietly reflect on this)

2) When God looks at His people, what does He want to see us doing/behaving?

3) From the sermon outline: There were 3 ways that describe what it looks like to “live out the reality” of the gospel, to be doers of God’s Word and not just hearers. Discuss those three descriptions and what that can practically look like in our lives. Give some concrete examples of how you have seen that modeled in your life?
A) Living out reality with self-control
B) Living out reality with compassion
C) Living out reality with compromise

4) All of us have been stained by the world/sin. What do we do as believers when this is the case? Are we quick to run to our loving Father for forgiveness/repentance. What is our posture toward God and others when we aren’t living out reality well?

5) We only will live our reality well if we love Jesus and realize what He has done for us as His Church. Practicing truth and love or holiness and love must be held up together. Do you tend to favor one more than the other? What can you ask God to help you with this week in regards to that balance?

Seven Tips For Staying On Track

1. Read through the Bible together with other people.

2. There will be some passages that you may not find interesting and / or difficult to read. Remember 2 Timothy 3:16-17 as you read these passages: "All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be equipped for every good work." Ask yourself why God spoke this particular passage, and how it is profitable to you.

3. Do the whole reading for each day, but look for a "best thought" for each day - something you can ponder the rest of the day, a verse to memorize, something memorable.

4. As you come the Word each morning, ask God to open your eyes to the wonders found in his word.

5. Let your prayers for others flow out of what you read. Pray and read Scripture. After you read a passage, pray that passage for yourself and for others.

6. Some readings will be long and some short. Take advantage of shorter passages by reading them carefully, reflecting, asking questions, praying for answers, engage.

7. Look for ways you can practically live out what you're reading. James 1:22, "But prove yourselves doers of the word, and not merely hearers who delude themselves."

*The above is taken from Stephen Witmer, http://thegospelcoalition.org/blogs/tgc/2010/12/29/two-year-bible-reading-plan/