“Strife & Fights and Spiritual Conflicts”

James 4 Pt. 1

1. Into Our History

SUGGESTED ICEBREAKERS

• Tell the group about a time when you had a serious disagreement with another member of your family. What was the outcome?
• Tell the group about a time when you were frustrated by your ineffectiveness as a Christian.
• Tell the group about a time when you had a serious disagreement with another Christian. What the outcome?

2. Into The Bible

a. Read James 4:1-11

· Paul asks us where fights come from in the Body of Christ. What are some of sources he refers to?

· Paul also suggests Christians are sometimes frustrated by their lack of strength and effectiveness at living a successful Christian life. What are some of the reasons he gives as to why this may be true?

· Why do you think Paul calls ineffective Christians adulterers and adulteresses? Do you think he is specifically referring to sexual sin here?

· What do you think Paul meant in v. 5 when he said the “Spirit” in us yearns jealously? Do you think this is a reference to our spirit or to God’s Spirit?

· What kind of relationship does this passage suggest we cultivate with the world?

· What one word (found in v. 6) does this passage suggest as the primary answer to our disagreements with other Christians?

· What does Paul say is the sole source of strength to overcome spiritual weakness and ineffectiveness in our lives?

b. Read Matthew 18:15-20

· What steps does Christ give to Christians to work out their disagreements with one another?

· Why do you think these steps are not always followed by Christians?

· Can you relate a situation when you watched these steps followed in an effort to resolve a conflict between Christians? What was the outcome?

3. Into Our Lives

· When you look at the reasons Paul gives as to why fights occur in the Body of Christ, which of these reasons do you find present in your life?

· Look at what Paul suggests as causes for spiritual weakness and ineffectiveness in Christians. To which of these causes do you find yourself most susceptible?

· Look again at the suggestions Paul offers for overcoming weakness and ineffectiveness in our Christian lives. Which one of these will you commit to do faithfully over the next week?

· Is there someone from whom you are currently estranged? What steps do you plan to take in the next week to begin mending this relationship?