James 4

Transfiguration Sunday

In James 4, we see one of the strongest calls for repentance in the New Testament. James pulls back the curtain and reveals the deeper sources of conflict and motives. In this chapter we see defining characteristics of the life that Jesus lived and discover that his life is the one his followers are to emulate. We are invited to spiritual wholeness through the process of submission to God and resisting the evil one. A timely reminder as we prepare to enter the season of Lent.

Scripture passage: James 4

Week 6 of our James sermon series

Respond together:

• What are some patterns or values of the world that are easy to drift towards and adopt that are in conflict with allegiance to God? James invites us to take actions toward spiritual wholeness: submit to God, resist the devil, come near (return) to God, purify heart, repentance and humility.

• Which action(s) is the Spirit pressing you to focus or prioritize in this season? Scripture teaches that God’s kindness leads us to repentance.

• In the Hebrew Bible, to grieve, mourn and wail were an invitation to take our sin seriously and to turn away from it. Where is grieving and mourning appropriate in your story?

Our songs together:

• King of Kings - Hillsong

• Only a Holy God - CityAlight

• Come Thou Fount (I Will Sing) - Chris Tomlin

• Yet Not I But Through Christ In Me - CityAlight